This is likely my final post as sole owner of this blog. You've all been invited to join and contribute as you see fit.
As you sign up, make sure to use your "name" as your profile.
This is a happy and sad day for me, but I know that this page will become more of a destination because of this. And I was getting bored of writing into an echo chamber.
We are getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season... and we're getting a little more clarity with the playoff picture, but nothing is official thus far.
Kudos to you all, especially those of you truly fighting for your 2012 FF lives, because with 2 weeks left, nobody is officially dead...although Ned is truly on life support.
Let's breeze through the usual filler and get to the important stuff about where everyone stands with 2 weeks + tonight left.
The Vikings
BYE WEEK
Our next 3 games are Bears-Packers-Bears. We'll know a lot more about our currently 6-3 squad after that. Vegas odds have us sitting on .500 at that point.
The Gophers
I watched zero seconds of this game, so let's just cut to The White One.
Cracker's College Football Corner
1. I didn't see a second of the MN-Nebraska game and just glossed over the box score. I know you were there... Was there anything positive to take away? What was the biggest disappointment, among the many?
It was ugly. At 8/23 with two interceptions it was by far the worst game Philip Nelson has played. About the only positive thing from his performance was the both picks hit his WRs hands first and then were deflected in to the hands of the DBs rather than a direct bad throw to the DB. The combination of his poor performance and the poor performance of the defense, in particular the secondary, was the biggest disappointment. Taylor Martinez should not be throwing for 300 yards against any defense.
2. Scouting report on Sparty - If we have any chance to win, how would/could it happen?
The Spartans have an elite defense (#10 scoring defense in the country) with a horrible offense (#110 in scoring offense) which keeps them in every game but also keeps their opponent in every game. If we are fortunate enough to force some turnovers and get the ball in good field position we could pull it out.
3. I'm gonna link to AJ Barker's letter to Coach Kill... What the hell happened here? What does this mean for the Coach Kill/Football Team/Athletic Program going forward?
People can read it and form their own opinions. It is hard to know exactly what happened when you only read one side of the story and it clearly sounds like an adolescent that is acting out and struggling to control his emotions.
I think the general response from women would be sensitivity toward the young man that is injured while the general response from men, in particular those that have played football, is 'quit being such a pussy.' I don't think any guy is going to be shocked that a coach yelled at a player to try to throw dirt on the injury and get back out there to play football or that he tried to tear a player down and build him back up.
As for the impact on the program, I think it is just some unnecessary drama and unless something like accusations about Mike Leach come about nothing will really change.
4. Ugh... feel free to comment on the potential National Championship possibilities: Notre Dame-SEC Team or SEC Team-SEC Team.
I'm pissed because I was really looking forward to no SEC team in the BCSCG. All Notre Dame has to do to be in the BCSCG now is to beat a mediocre USC team at USC. Notre Dame is definitely the better team in my opinion but USC has the offensive fire power--particularly at QB/WR---to put up points on a Notre Dame defense that is better against the run than the pass. I remain hopeful that the Trojans can pull the upset but then we're left in a possible be careful what you wish for scenario.
Bama/Georgia play again so one team will be eliminated from contention. Florida still has to play FSU. I personally think FSU wins that game. If UF wins then we're at risk of another SEC/SEC game but after the ugliness that took place last year I think there will be a lot of voter support to put Oregon in that game rather than Florida but only time will tell.
Let's see what Lou Holtz thinks about Notre Dame being #1...
Team Names
If we were in Chapter Meeting, I'd be hissing JoJo right now for not changing his team name. HISSSSSSSSSS
***VOTE IN SIDEBAR***
BEST: this was a hard week for me because none of these things particularly annoy me. If I was applying for a bunch of jobs like Dallus, Cover Letters would probably win, but that's boring.
I guess I'll go with Unnecessary Meetings... I mean, who enjoys unnecessary meetings? In fact, Whitey could have just named his team Meetings, and it probably still would have got my vote.
WORST: I had a very difficult decision on this, until Kenny shows up late and goes with Updating Team Names... And suddenly, my vote became crystal clear.
As someone who writes a weekly blog that averages between 2,000 and 3,000 words, not to mention...
Coordinating/managing the whole goddamn league
Balancing 10 busy people's calendars to schedule the draft
Recording all weekly scores for bonus payouts and statistical info for other blog posts
Weekly Gameday Threads allowing everyone to chat during game viewings (where was everyone yesterday??)
Generally, doing everything I can to keep each and every league member engaged and interested in the league no matter if they are in 1st or Last Place
...it annoys me to hear someone say it's their pet peeve to update their team name time per week because they can't access it from a mobile device. Three things:
Given everything I just wrote, eat my ass.
You work sitting at a computer for 50 hours a week. It takes less than a minute to change your team name. See Point #1.
You absolutely CAN update your team name using a mobile device - I just did. Per the transitive property, you are full of shit.
/rant over
Team Name Topic
This week's topic was inspired by a facebook post from our olf MNF pal, and very proud ND Irish, Christoff.
What "corporate-speak" phrase would you like to permanently eliminate from the English language? I could list off dozens here, but I don't want to steal anyone's thunder.
Most everyone on this has worked in some sort of setting that either was corporate, or reflected corporate culture. Yes, we all know some of you work for the government (and that's why you voted Democrat), but I'm sure they still use bullshit phrases and terms in your offices too. Which ones just piss you off to no end?
There should be no shortage of options this week. And since it is a short week, let's all try to have these updated before Thanksgiving... deal?
The Games
Very abbreviated updates today. Forgive me if this is your pet peeve.
Jerks (78) vs. Coconuts (148)
Juan destroyed me by 70. The only starting player on his team to not score a TD was Seabass. If not for my massacre of Gow earlier in the year, Juan would easily have the inside track to biggest blowout.
Five picks for my supposedly-MVP candidate QB. Figure it the fuck out, Matty Ice.
Juan still trails me by a game in 2nd place, but has taken over the Total Points tiebreaker. My butthole just puckered up a little...
What a trainwreck. These 2 teams combined still trail Coconuts by 40 points.
Crapswell leads by 13 with Forte, V Davis, and SF D going tonight. Kenny has Chicago D is will probably lose an important game between two 5-5 teams.
JoJo (100) vs. Crabs (78)
Very good day for JoJo despite keeping Andre Johnson's 33+ points on his bench.
JoJo still has Gore going while Crabs is done, so these teams will be tied at 6-5 after tonight.
Whitebread (66) vs. Titwarmer (74)
What has happened to Whitey's team...? Manning was his only starter to score a TD yesterday. And starting him over RG3 cost him 12 points.
I just want to point out that Ned is going to win this week and the biggest reason why was because he spent all of $1 on Marcel Reece 2 weeks ago, and he net almost 200 total yards yesterday. This is why everyone should always keep fighting...because you never know.
Ned will win and for now, meaning until tonight is over, keep is very slim dream alive of making the playoffs.
Whitey now joins Ned on life support.
Gow (82) vs. Dallus (68)
Danario Alexander got 2 TD's yesterday, one which shouldn't have counted, and that is about the only positive news about Gow's team.
Dallus fared even worse yesterday, but still has a chance with Marshall going tonight. Very important playoff match, as you will see below...
Projected Standings
The only match in doubt is Gow-Dallus, and for these projections, I'm assuming Gow hangs on tonight.
As always, point totals include yesterday's games.
Team
Record
Points
1st
Jerks
8-3
1143
2nd
Coconuts
7-4
1154
3rd
JoJo
6-5
1078
4th
Crabs
6-5
1027
5th
Crapswell
6-5
1008
6th
Gow
6-5
995
7th
K Hana
5-6
998
8th
Dallus
4-7
1032
9th
Whitebread
4-7
949
10th
Titwarmer
3-8
968
So... 4 teams at 6-5. If these are the standings tomorrow, it means there is a clear group of teams with an inside track to the playoffs, and 3 other teams with a very difficult final 2 weeks.
Yes, I said 3 teams. Because if these are your standings tomorrow, Ned would be officially eliminated. With 6 teams at 6+ wins, he would not mathematically be able to make the playoffs with 2 weeks to go.
So if you prefer the drama... you are rooting for Brandon Marshall and Dallus tonight. If Marshall scores 14+ points, Dallus/Gow/Kenny would all be at 5-6... and Ned would still have life.
If you've read most of the Monday Updates going back to when I started writing them, you know where my rooting interest lies: I love the chaos. Go Marshall. Go Dallus. Go crazy, folks. Go crazy.
Next Week
Here's a preview at the all important slate of games for Week 12:
Jerks vs. JoJo
Crapswell vs. Coconuts
Whitebread vs. Crabs
Gow vs. Ned
Dallus vs. Kenny
I just realized that even if Dallus wins tonight, either he or Kenny will get to 6 wins next week. Which means.... sorry Ned.
Tonight
Springsteen concert last Monday. Short week with a lot of shit to get done at home before Thanksgiving.
Sorry... wish I could be there, but it's a no go for me. Hopefully next week.
SF-CHI. Two teams that play crazy good defense and run the ball... and now BOTH backup Qb's will be starting. Oh goodie... I'm predicting a record shortest 1st Quarter tonight. Drink fast, boys. This game has potential to be shittier than the PIT-BAL circle jerk last night.
And enjoy the short week and the holiday, everyone. Whatever your plans may be, travel safe and eat heartily.
We are halfway through the regular season. This gives me a sadz.
Although, I use the 13.1 as a metaphor, the FF Regular Season is really much more of a sprint, rather than a marathon*.
Many of you are going to declare yourself out of it at this point, which is foolish. There will likely be at least one sub-.500 team to make the playoffs...there is every year. 6-7 can still get you that final spot, and no one this week will have more than 6 losses (and that will only be Ned).
The trading deadline in November 9th, not that you need to wait until then. Trading has certainly picked up in the last couple weeks, I would hope/expect that trend to continue. There is no time to waste here. There are deals out there that can benefit both parties trading - do some research, start some conversations, and don't wait to ultimately regret not pulling the trigger.
FAAB Budgets are finally starting to drop down and people are being more aggressive. You all should be. With 6 weeks left, there is certainly time to turn things around, but hoping/praying that your players play better isn't the best recipe for success. There are good players available every week, and there are high upside guys waiting to be stashed. BE AGGRESSIVE.
The time for waiting has passed. We are over the peak and heading downhill towards the finish line now. It's up to you to keep your team competitive and your playoff hopes alive.
As a competitor in this league, I want my team to do well and everyone else to be bad. But as your commissioner, I want everyone to be competitive, aggressive, and realize that even the smallest of chances is worth fighting for.
Six weeks to go, boys... the time is now.
* I actually went with the marathon connection because our own Ike Crabs ran his 1st marathon yesterday, and no matter the finishing time, that is an achievement worth recognizing. For those of us that knew and still know Crabs, this was no small feat. Congrats to him, and pour one out for his nipples/toenails.
The Vikings
How do you all feel about this game?
The Good: our defense played really physical and is showing more ability to make splashy plays, which is something we've lacked, even when we were a good team. And AP looked ridiculously good yesterday, and thank God he did...
The Bad: ...because Ponder was fucking awful. This is the 3rd straight bad game for him, which is concerning. He's thrown 2 picks in each of those games, and the weird thing is that they aren't even happening on hard throws. Also, despite the pick-6 and 6 sacks, I didn't think our defense looked particularly good yesterday. Skelton was converting 3rd downs with ease, as long as he didn't get pressured.
I don't know... I like that we didn't play well and still managed a win, but at 5-2, I'd like to feel more confident about my team than I do.
Here's their remaining games:
Home games appear with Vikings on the right side
What say you, gents? This team has a very difficult back half of the schedule. If I set the O/U at 9.5 wins, what side are you taking? In other words, does this team make the playoffs? They would need to win 5 of the games listed...
The Gophers
I fucking hate Wisconsin.
Cracker's College Football Corner
1. The decision to start Philip Nelson...your thoughts?
It seemed like an odd choice until I heard Shortell had some injury issues which prevented him from practicing most of the week and Gray has continued to be hobbled with injuries. I would have preferred to keep the redshirt on Nelson and get four full years out of him as a starter--if he beats out Shortell next year--rather than 3.5 years. I think that type of move would make us a better team down the road and I prefer to build for the future.
2. So how do you think he played in his first start at QB?
I thought he looked good for the most part and certainly played well for a true freshman in his first start. He made a few mistakes in the running game by keeping the ball a few times on the read option when the DE didn't bite on the running back. He also had some mistakes throwing the ball that mostly revolved around timing with receivers (who are mostly new to him) and trying to fit the ball in to zones at the right time. I'm sure they will work hard to clean up some of those mistakes this week.
Our biggest problem on offense is our continued struggles along the O-line but that largely reflects the lack of recruiting OL in Brewster's 2008 & 2009 recruiting class (only one OL from those two classes is on the roster) which has left us with only one upperclassman on the OL. I'm looking forward to next year when we are starting a senior, three juniors and a redshirt sophomore along the OL and they're all in their third year in this offensive system.
3. You wanna weigh in on this North Carolina mess?
Much ado about nothing; talk radio and newspapers need to sell advertising so they like to create controversy. Don't get me wrong, I'd much prefer to go to Chapel Hill and play UNC (largely because I want to make that road trip) but it isn't really a big deal. My only issue is that we paid a lot of money to get out of playing a mediocre ACC team that is about to get hit with NCAA sanctions and bowl bans which will likely result in many of their current roster transferring. I would rather see that money reinvested in the athletic department.
My guess is that we would have lost at UNC and won at home and now we'll likely win both of those games against an inferior opponent. People are complaining now but if the loss at UNC is the difference between this team making a bowl or not making on people won't be complaining.
4. Who are your teams in the B1G Championship and who wins?
I'll go out on a limb and say that Penn State, behind the dives of Matt McGloin, beats Ohio State this week and that propels them to a Leaders Division Championship (with OSU finishing second).
However, with both of those teams currently under suspension, Wisconsin will represent the LeadersDumpster Fire Division in Indianapolis. Michigan will represent the Legends Division and after beating the Badgers they will represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.
Closed circuit to Cracker: this is the best I could do...
Team Names
I had to adjust some of your team names, as we don't want ourselves to be searchable on the interwebs. I already received a stern talking-to from Crapswell this week for posting a picture of him on Facebook. I'm not 100% certain what the rules are and aren't for who I can and can't post pictures of anymore, and I find there to be flaws within these supposed "rules"... But the last thing I want to do is get anyone in trouble or worse. So I obliged, and will continue to do so if and when I screw up again.
But it was a pretty sweet picture of him looking awfully grumpy.
Who had the Best Team Name in Week 7?
***VOTE IN SIDEBAR***
I really enjoyed this week. Lots of fangs coming out, and while we usually spend this particular category topic ripping on those that we no longer keep in touch with, it was kinda fun pointing our guns at each other this week.
I thought long and hard about choosing one of the politically motivated team names. Having sat through that seemingly endless political debate at MNF, the smack talk from each was impressively condescending, yet accurate.
But sometime late in the week came Crabs' Nose Breathing, and I just cracked up. Truth be told, I actually have never noticed this particular trait before, despite rooming with Crabs for a couple years. But the thought that Crapswell has known him for nearly over 12 years, yet never mentioned this particular pet peave about Crabs until now... I mean that's just fantastic.
And by the way, I'm sure now I won't be able to NOT hear the nose breathing. This is sort of the "glass shattering" moment from How I Met Your Mother when they all start calling each other out for their flaws, like Lily's loud chewing (I looked for the clip but couldn't find it). Thanks a lot, Andy.
Who had the Worst Team Name in Week 7?
***VOTE IN SIDEBAR***
Sometimes I think Kenny is trying to win this each week. We've done this category for years now... the format is pretty simple: "Someone's Something." That's it. You can be as clever as you want, but that's how possessive nouns work. Psve/Agrsve Songs is not only weirdly abbreviated, but doesn't assign ownership to anyone, unless it's all of us. And if that's the case, where's the fun in that?
Great, we were all nerds back then and talked shit about other frats... I'm sure none of them ever said a bad thing about us.
BTW, I have no idea what this Tin Foil story is...had Kenny not showed up with his performance, this would have got my vote. I expect a story in the comments.
Team Name Topic
Before I get to this week's topic, one small request to you all: please update your team names before the weekend. It's more fun to see what people come up with throughout the week, rather than what they scramble to produce on Sunday morning. Thank you.
One more announcement: I need ideas. Running extremely low. Next week is going to be Favorite Cereal, if I don't get new ideas...
Ok, fairly simple here: BOTT I-Week Memory. This can be from your own I-Week, or just one you were a member for. It can be good, bad, funny, embarrassing, whatever - it just needs to come from I-Week (which could be at any point throughout the week).
Mine is pretty easy: Arrested at First Run. Let's see you top that, assholes.
Now called "Brick Street", this place almost got me killed...by my Dad
The Games
Moving through these quickly, as I have meeting most of today.
NooShoo vs. Coconuts
Having Juan at my house yesterday, I got to feel his angst up close and personal. It was truly incredible to see how many times he could yell about the Houston D.
BTW, if you would have seen him, you would have never known his team was even in his match, let alone have a chance to win. He truly loves to bitch.
Gow had all his players playing at Noon, which gave him a substantial lead of about 30 (it was 40 at one point).
Gronk, Ridley got Juan back very close; AJ Green's lone catch (which happened to be a TD) sealed the deal.
Juan wins a very important match of 4-2 teams 99-96.
JoJo vs. Whitebread
Brees: #WhoaCrazyCrazy 1st half. Big time performance for JoJo.
MJD: #Injured. Uh oh. 6 yards for Marcus.
Pierre Thomas: actually picked up and started for this match. Surprisingly not horrible.
Jonathan Dwyer: Ditto. Also... fat.
JoJo: Good.
Cracker: Bad.
Calvin: still to play for JoJo, who's already won and is now padding his lead of 98-73.
Jerks vs. Ned
These are the texts I received from Ned yesterday that basically sum up our match
"Fucking Cobb!!"
"Fucking Foster!!"
"You've got to be shitting me... BGE does all the work and this chump scores?"
I win 113-98.
Crabs vs. Kenny
Adrian Peterson looked great yesterday. So did Percy Harvin. Crabs had both.
He also had Victor Cruz who got about 14 of his 19 points on one play very late. And this concludes the segment of "Players Crabs played that were good".
Kenny had another Vikings: Kyle Rudolph. If anyone of you happen to spot Rudolph, please inform the authorities. He seems to have gone missing...
Brady, Sproles, Heath Freaking Miller, and Mason Crosby gave Kenny a sporting chance at least...
Crabs leads 104-68, but Kenny has Michael Bush and Chicago D.
Seems like every week, Crabs narrowly edges out a win when his opponent has multiple guys going on MNF. One of these weeks, Crabs is going to get caught...
Crapswell vs. Dallus
The crappiest match is also the best closest.
Andy had Rodgers and Doug Martin. Dallus had the rejuvenated Chris Johnson and Marshawn Lynch. I don't really care to mention anyone else.
Andy still has Matt Forte and Bob Gould.
Dallus still has Brandon Marshall and Jason Hanson.
Andy enters with the narrow lead of 69-68, but this is anyone's game. The loser will fall to 2-5, so this is a crucial match for those fighting for a Top-6 spot.
Tonight
I will not be in attendance tonight. Made it happen last week, but not tonight.
No game time decision.
No Questionable designation.
I. AM. NOT. COMING.
Nor is Juan Coconuts, who is a single dad this evening. Pray for him.
We had kids. We got engaged. We moved states. We changed jobs. We did a lot of shit since football ended.
But now it's back. And for at least the next 13 weeks, we have something vested. We have our own teams. Not just the suckass teams from MN. We - you, me, even Ike Crabs - have our very own teams. We control our destiny.
Anyone can win. And as of today, although not much longer, everyone is still undefeated.
Thank God (Fantasy) Football is back.
Welcome home, Gentlemen.
The Vikings
I intentionally didn't draft any Vikings on my roster this year because I didn't want to have to watch them. You got that? I, a fan of the Vikings, wanted less reasons to have to watch my favorite team this year. That's how much I think of this team.
I did watch some of this game because of the MJD/Jennings shitfest I got myself into, and I'm not sure what to think. The first half, the Vikes looked awful. They didn't give up a ton of points, but they couldn't get off the field on 3rd down and Jacksonville isn't exactly a tough test, especially in the Dome.
The second half got better. AP actually looks like he's all the way back, which is insane. The only thing left to see is if he still has his speed on breakaway runs, but he sure seemed to be just as quick.
I don't know what to make of Ponder... The dude looks really good sometimes. And other times he looks like a QB from Florida State. Rudolph is a HUGE target for him. I'm excited to see how he grows this year.
Anyway, it seems like they played a lot better when they decided to involve Percy (SHOCKER!), but they still gave up that deep TD with 20 seconds left. Everyone's all giddy today about Blair Walsh and the big comeback, but they shouldn't have let it get to that point.
We'll see... color me skeptical, if you couldn't already tell.
On Second Thought...
What's wrong with me? We just fucking won. 1-0 baby! Suck on that, Pack fans. I don't see you apologizing when you luck out game after game... The tides are changing. Here come the Purple!
The Gophers
Screw it. Welcome to Winnersville. We don't get very many weekends like this. The Gophers are 2-0 and curb-stomped the dickheads (or whatever their mascot is) from New Hampshire. We are ROLLING.
Bucky takes it on the chin from Oregon State. WOOO! And then they immediately fire their offensive line coach. God, Bielema is such a fucking asshole. Fire everyone, doucher. I'm sure no accountability falls on your smug ass. I hate Wisconsin so much. How I wish they could lose every weekend...
And then the Cyclones, despite playing like shit, beat Iowa in Kinnick. This was a glorious weekend indeed.
It's actually the first time since Oct 2008 when the Vikings/Gophers won and Bucky/Packers lost all in the same weekend. That's actually sad, when you sit and think about... SO DON'T SIT AND THINK ABOUT IT.
WE'RE COMIN'! WE'RE COMIN'!
Team Names
Did you all get the texts from Drew this weekend, or was it just me? Either way, Drew was apparently on campus this weekend and shot some photos along of the BOTT members and/or pledges painting the house, and also of the "Hey Man, Rush BETA" banner (which is a whole other conversation).
When I saw the pictures, my initial reaction was "Jesus, the house looks like shit." And that leads us to this week's Team Name Topic: "Favorite" Thing About the BOTT House. This should be about the physical structure and or workings of the house, not those that live or once lived in it. And the favorite is in quotes because you should really be mocking the house, not saying shit like "the history" or "art deco styling/decor".
There your pledges. You picked 'em.
Side Note: I REALLY need ideas for Team Names this year. If you all fail to provide them, you're going to be getting shit like "What is your favorite cereal" so think long and hard about some ideas and send them to me.
And by the way, I already have dibs on Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
The Games
Remember, we have new names, gents. If you need a refresher:
Rod Jerks
Juan Coconuts
William Fredricks (aka JoJo)
Ned Titwarmer
Rick Dick Dallas (changed to Dick, which sounds some much better)
Ike Crabs
Kenny Hana
Andy Crapswell
Marcus Whitebread
NooShoo Gow
JoJo vs. Ned
Brees and Calvin were two of Fred's biggest prizes coming out of the draft. And despite what actually look like good days (22 and 11 pts, respectively), you didn't hear much about either. We were likely spoiled last year with both and the bar is set incredibly high for each.
Way back last Wednesday, DeMarco Murray looked every bit the stud many forecasted him to be. The most concerning thing about him was his propensity to run into his own teammates...
I played Miles Austin in my dad's league and he did nothing at all except for one drive in the 2nd half, where he caught like 4 balls and a TD and saved his fantasy owners. For some reason, it really annoyed me.
If Brees had an off day compared to last season, Matt Stafford looked like a completely different player, and not in a good way. His late TD pass to Kevin Smith, actually was HUGE for Ned who had both players and kept him in his matchup.
Jets D was on fire yesterday and carried Ned through some other ho-hum performances (Steven Jackson, Roddy White).
In the end, it came down to DeAngelo Williams (Ned) vs. Frank Gore (JoJo) in the afternoon games, and Ned even had a bit of a lead. I did not forecast Gore finding his U of Miami form while D-Will gained NEGATIVE one yards rushing. The late TD by Gore was the final dagger. JoJo wins 108-103 and Ned is your leader for the first Loser Bonus.
Rod vs. Andy
If I drafted today, knowing what I know now, Vick would be on somebody else's team. Four INTs against the crappy Browns. And he could have easily had another, plus a fumble. And he only ran for 32 yards...that's like Ponder's rushing numbers. WTF. Figure it out, jackass.
If I drafted again today, I would pay double what I did for Julio Jone. Me likey...
Arian Foster - worth the price. Could have had 4 TD's but didn't get into the end zone on 2 separate goal line situations. Please stay healthy.
Donald Brown - felt dirty playing him. Felt even dirtier when he scored a TD.
Having had Rodgers for part of last season, including when he carried me in the Championship Round, I was terrified to see him against me. Feel like I dodged a bullet having him only score 23 against me.
Wherefore art thou, Greg Jennings?
Ditto, Wes Welker.
Matt Forte - I watched a lot of this game. Forte looks like a beast, he's really effing good and healthy. But they are deliberately pulling him at the goal line. Michael Bush is going to Jew him all year and I'm glad I didn't land Forte because the whole thing would probably give me a brain aneurysm.
Enough about this game. Demaryius Thomas wins it for me in the night game, 116-102. I'm currently in line for the Points Bonus, Andy narrowly misses the Loser Bonus.
Marcus vs. Dick
Historically, Dick has proven to be Marcus' Kryptonite, although last year he was nobody's Kryptonite. I actually really liked Dick's draft, but he did not have a good start, and Marcus appears to have fully exercised his demons.
Let's start with the good... Brandon Marshall looks back in his prime with Cutler throwing to him. Such a beast when he has a decent QB.
Ok, now the bad: Cam Newton - one bad game or sophomore slump? Your thoughts in the comments.
Trent Richardson - no matter how good he was in college, he's a Brown now.
Chris Johnson - oy. Not good.
Marshawn Lynch - actually he was ok.
For Marcus, this day was all about his QB's. Early on, it looked like he may have made the wrong QB selection with RG3 making a strong statement early and often. But Matt Ryan looks to finally be the QB he's been touted as. The Falcons offense looked so damn good. The question now becomes: Does Marcus trade one for more talent/depth or hang onto them just to keep them off everyone else's team?
Larry Fitz is just being wasted in AZ.
Lackluster day for the rest of Marcus' team... McCoy is really good but Reid seemed to prefer Vick throwing picks to McCoy getting 6 yards/carry.
Jermichael Finley is a clown. I hate him.
Marcus still has DHB going tonight and it doesn't matter. He's up 94-83 and will win.
Crabs vs. Juan
I was emailing Crabs last week about how much depth he has on his team and, though it's a very good problem to have, how it can be frustrating to constantly be struggling with who to start because you have so many good players. And lo and behold, Crabs benches his best WR, despite starting 3 of them. Maclin outscored Cruz, Harvin, and Brown and was the only one to catch a TD.
He did, however, make the right call benching Hillis. Oof, I didn't see that coming...
I have Romo in my dad's league and he looked good last Wednesday. I hate having to root for Crabs' players...
Stevan Ridley - quite the impression. Pretty sure Crabs will keep him starting for a while.
Juan's starting RB's net him 4.7 pts. Combined.
In related news, Juan historically has not done well in this league. Just kidding Juan...
Tough break for Fred Jackson (unless you own Spiller - WOOOOOO!).
I've owned Shonn Greene the past 2 season is different leagues. He never scored 15.4 pts for me, as he did yesterday. I would wages that it's his season high.
#Gronk
I love David Akers. He's the best.
Ok, so here's the story on this one: Crabs currently leads by 32pts (88-56) with McFadden going in the late game tonight. Meanwhile Juan counters with Rivers, AJ Green, and Ravens D. While the odds probably favor Crabs, this one is very much in doubt.
NooShoo vs. Kenny
Here's the summary of this matchup: "What's Worse? Drafting Jake Locker as your starting QB, or only drafting backup RB's?"
The answer is still TBD, but seriously Gow's strategy to completely avoid QB at the draft and invest heavily at TE was a curious one, and Locker did not make him look smart yesterday. And now he's hurt. Enjoy Russell Wilson, Shoo.
Gow did get great performances from 3 of the 4 players that played yesterday or last Wednesday: Graham, Bradshaw, and Texans D, so he is set up well for tonight.
Tom Brady really had a ho-hum day for Kenny with only 17 points. That's only 2 more than Vick... It will be interesting to see if Ridley continues to take points away from the passing game, as an effective runner. NE hasn't had that since Corey Dillon. Only 236 passing yards...
Reggie Bush actually had a good day. I continue to be amazed that he's somehow relevant now, and wasn't when he played on the Saints...
Mike Wallace and Jacob Tamme both helped Kenny in the nightcap with a TD each.
Toby Gerhart was not good. The aforementioned Michael Bush or Darren Sproles would have been better.
So Kenny is all done and currently leads by 23 points. NooShoo still has Ray Rice, Torrey Smith, Antonio Gates and SeaBass. The odds are strongly in Gow's favor here... Still, I'll be rooting against him at Sally's because it's just more fun that way. And I'm playing Ray Rice in my dad's league.
Tonight
TWO games tonight, gents. Cincinnati at Baltimore (6pm) and San Diego at Oakland (9:15pm). Have you heard who is doing the play-by-play for the late game?
How many times are we going to have to hear "THE RAAAAAAYYYYDEEEEHHHHHS"?
By the way, a google image search of Berman also provides this picture of some incredibly disturbing swamp ass:
This first week is always fun because the game is so early that most of the people there A) Don't understand the free beer concept, and B) Get scared when Marcus starts randomly yelling "CHALLENGE!"
I am attending tonight, although I don't know how frequently I will be able to... As those with kids already have figured out, the whole "I'm gonna go to the bar and watch football with my friends while you stay home and put the kid(s) to bed - I've been doing this for years!" argument doesn't usually hold up very well with the wives. The lesson as always: Women ruin everything.
What time are we all getting there? I would say 5pm, if it's possible, but I'm not even sure if I can get there that early. I will be attempting to sneak out, that you can be assured of. We absolutely need Table 1 - this is without question.
