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thoughts and observations |
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WEEK SIXTEEN REVIEW
Well, here we are. The last day of 2001, and with only one week to go in the NFL regular season. One thing is for sure, week sixteen was a doozy. The Steelers laid an egg, the Chargers lost another heart breaker, the Cowboys spanked the 49ers, the Raiders, Ravens and Jets are fading fast, the Bears keep winning and La Machine is starting to peak.
It's been an interesting season, to say the least. Who would have thought that the Bengals would be down 22-10 well into the fourth quarter against the Steelers and win the game? The Steelers may have the league's best run defense, but the pass defense could be in trouble. That entire performance was mind boggling. Kudos to QB Jon Kitna, who threw for over 400-yards in the win. Say what you want about Kitna, but he's going to have a game like that every four years, and there's nothing that can stop him. It's like clockwork.
It's been said a multitude of times, but it's true, only the Rams can stop the Rams. They look like they have a clear path. Providing they beat the Falcons next week (pretty much a done deal), it is interesting to note that the Rams could face the Bucs in the second round of the playoffs, but only if the Bucs survive a cold weather game in Philly in the Wild Card round. Other than that, I don't see the Rams struggling much on their way to the Super Bowl.
And how about those Browns? You have to give this team credit, they didn't give up after everyone wrote them off before the Titans game. This team should make great strides heading into next year. So should the Chiefs, who really seem to be getting it together. But let's not discuss next year. There's a lot of football to be played this year, and it's too long before next season.
Before we move ahead here, I wanted to note that last week will be the final week for my article. I will commence to writing monthly. There will still be plenty of content here on Skill Positions Dot Com, including plenty of draft information.
A look around...
1000 Yard Rushers
I think it's great that Emmitt Smith will likely get his record eleventh straight 1000-yard season, but I don't think it is a proper measuring stick anymore. Let's face it, 62.5 yards per game is not that difficult. The correct measuring stick is 1200 yards...period. It's the only thing I really recognize in a runner as a measuring stick for a season. 1000-yards was great when the schedule was 14 games. And yes, I know it doesn't all equal out by adding two more, but you have to find a medium, and 1200 is it. Think of it this way, there are already 13 1000-yard rushers. Four more have legitmate shots. That's an awful lot. The bar should be higher. Everyone has an opinion, and that is mine.
Patriotic
The Patriots have been so dynamic this season that even when they are on bye good things happen for them. They are now staring a first round bye right in the face, thanks to the Raiders. They play the Panthers this week, and all they have to do is win. Win a game against a team that has lost 14 straight. What's really interesting is that should they get the bye, which is almost a lock, they will have had two byes in three weeks. I don't see them losing concentration, so consider the fact they will be the most rested team in the playoffs, and you have a very dangerous team. Don't count them out of the Super Bowl.
The New Life of Riley
If you watched the Chargers-Seahawks game, you had to really feel for Bolts coach Mike Riley. Of course, by the time you read this, Riley's suffering will have ended. I still cannot help but think that if the Chargers would have put Drew Brees in there in place of Doug "Washed Up" Flutie, the Chargers would have won at least a couple more games. That's probably Riley's fault. Still, to lose a game off a kickoff return into field goal territory pretty much summed up the second half of the Chargers season. I don't know who the next coach will be there, but it will not be as painful of a venture.
Worst Team Update
It's not the Bills. They're not in the derby anymore after taking out the Jets in New York. Katy bar the door, they're on a roll! Now, it's only the Panthers and Lions. The Panthers draw the Patriots at home, no easy task. The Lions host the Cowboys, but I still don't like that either. My guess is they will both lose. They both suck, and they're both the worst teams in the league. I'm not sure if you put the two clubs together, how good they would be. Let's hope these two do smart things with their high draft picks, and don't stay down long. I don't think they will. I hope Johnny Morton doesn't tell me to kiss his ass if they beat the Cowboys now.
Joe Theisman
Why this guy is popular as an announcer is beyond me. He's opinionated, but he rarely dazzles me with his mindless banter. During the Saints-Redskins game, he belittles the refs for making a late hit call when Tony Banks is hit out of the endzone after a TD run. Theisman says Banks was still in bounds when hit. Hey genius, the play is over after Banks reaches the endzone. Five yards in the endzone and being hit running out of bounds is a penalty. Especially when he is already out of bounds. Get a clue.
Momentum Meter
Aside from the Patriots being super fresh and ready to play all comers, I still think the Steelers are the class of the AFC, and will face little challenge until they likely face the Patriots. No one in the AFC is peaking aside from the Pats, so this could be more open than anyone thinks. Especially if a team gets hot. Over in the NFC, the Bears, Packers and Niners could all make some noise, as could the Bucs. I still don't buy into anyone doing any damage to threaten St. Louis. The only team that could make it a game in the dome is the Bucs, but like I said, they will have to win in sub-freezing temperatures in Philly first, and that's something the club has never done.
Fantasy Note
For most fantasy leagues, this is the last week and title game. For those of you still playing, good luck. Don't forget that some teams will rest starters. If the Patriots win their early game, it could have ramifications on the late Raiders game. The Steelers have home field locked up, and could rest some players, but will not likely force the issue. The Bears play early and need to win. The Rams play late, and if the Bears win, they will keep up the heat. Otherwise, they may get some work to back ups. Philly and Tampa play in the evening, and may not have much to improve their positioning, so look for a lackluster performance. If the Ravens are in by Monday night, there could be some dropoff, but they want to make a statement. Green Bay can still win the division, and the 49ers can still lose a home field game, so they should be playing hard. Seattle and the Jets both need a win and help. The Dolphins also are playing for position. Overall, there is a lot to play for, but scenarios change with late game times, so be careful. This is the first year that there really is no guaranteed rest, but it can still happen. Go get 'em.
MIKE LIKES
Week Seventeen (Bye: San Diego):
Green Bay (-3) at New York Giants
The Giants will not go down easily, and the Packers have been up and down enough this year that they could struggle. I suspect this game will come down to Brett Favre's arm, because I don't believe Ahman Green will have it easy. It should be close.
Pick: Bart's former Starrs
Denver at Indianapolis (-3)
There may not be so much scoring as you would think at first glance. The Broncos defense will need to be on its toes to avoid letting this one get away. The Colts will likely finish the season with a little pride.
Pick: The Indianapolis sub-.500s
Arizona at Washington (No Line)
Two teams battling to finish 8-8. Something's got to give. The way I see it, it will be cold in D.C., and the Cards are a warm weather team. Enough to throw things off for the Cards.
Pick: Picture Riggins
Cincinnati at Tennessee (-6)
Those Bengals will lay down for nobody! The Titans lost to the Browns. Which way will it go? I think we all know.
Pick: The three stars
Dallas at Detroit (No Line)
Can the once proud Lions beat the once proud Cowboys? Can the Lions score another point? This we will all find out on the next episode of "The Futility Bowl".
Pick: The one stars
New England (-6) at Carolina
The Panthers will try to play, but the score will probably be 14-0 before the National Anthem is over.
Pick: The Cinderell-fellas
San Francisco at New Orleans (No Line)
You would think the Saints would play this for pride. These two won't be in the division anymore after this, so there's something there. Hmmm...considering the way the Niners played last week it should be a good one. Can't trust the Saints though.
Pick: The non-holy team
Jacksonville at Chicago (-6)
The Bears should go thump, thump, thump, but for some reason I think the Jags will come and play. The Bears have had their hands full often this season, and they will again. Don't be suprised by an upset.
Pick: Da Bears narrowly...but if Ditka came and played it would be 107-3
Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-7)
Don't believe for a minute the Browns will go quietly into that goodnight. The Browns have been ballhawks in the secondary, and if Kordell Stewart throws poorly again, this could spell trouble. The Steelers will not overlook them, so there really is no reason they should lose, but the Browns will be game.
Pick: Terrible Towels
Atlanta at St. Louis (No Line)
The Rams are starting to peak, in my opinion, and Michael Vick will not look so good against this defense if Chandler doesn't play. Good night, Irene.
Pick: Ergo Zoom
Buffalo at Miami (-7)
I'm a little surprised by this spread. The Bills are running well behind Shawn Bryson, who could start again. They will run on the Dolphins, and play pretty good pass defense against a beat up receiving corps. I smell an upset.
Pick: The deep snow team
New York Jets at Oakland (-5)
If both teams play like they have been, this will be a poor game. If they play well, it should be a barnburner. While the Jets have had their share of problems, I really don't like the way the Raiders have looked. The Jets need this for morale alone.
Pick: The team traveling 3000 miles
Kansas City at Seattle (-4)
The Chiefs are playing good football. The Seahawks have a QB on a win streak. Dilfer will likely play, and it could mean the difference in this one. The Chiefs will make it close, and won the first one.
Pick: Holmgren, change those uniforms, please
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (-3)
This should be a beauty. The two teams will also square off the following week in the wild card round, but in Philly. This one I believe will go to the warm weather team, but the Eagles play them well.
Pick: Waive that Jolly Roger
Minnesota at Baltimore (No Line)
Ugh! I can't believe this is our final Monday night game. Maybe Culpepper or Bouman can play and make it a game. The Ravens will still likely walk away with it.
Pick: I also still cannot believe Elvis Grbac made a "Beautiful People" list. And that was three years ago.
Moving on...
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THINGS I KNOW:
David Boston has the biggest pipes I've ever seen on a receiver.
The only real upset that can happen now is the Rams losing.
Speaking of Rams, defensive coordinator Lovie Smith deserves more awards than any head coach.
Any one of the Bears, Packers and 49ers can beat the other.
The Cardinals are not too happy about leaving the NFC East, mostly because they now have to play the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers twice a year, which is much harder than where they are at now. They would have had a chance to win the East next year.
THINGS I CAN PREDICT:
The MVP will come down between Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner. It should be co-MVP.
This offseason, many coaches that should be fired, won't be...and vice versa.
Doug Flutie is washed up (no prediction there), will be released this spring, and not taken seriously for another starting role again.
The Chargers will be a .500 or better team next year, without Flutie.
The Bucs will feel good about themselves after the home game against the Eagles, but it will be a different story the following week.
Mike owns and publishes SkillPositions.Com, along with a big, expensive, and talented staff. Don't use this work without permission in writing. Mike has been known as the world's only living heart donor. He also thinks morals are paintings on walls, and scruples are money in Russia.
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