I decided to throw the DH rankings into the first base entry. Only difference from the other positions is I rank 14 players instead of 30.
First Basemen
2004
1. Albert Pujols
15. Ben Broussard
30. Doug Mientkiewicz
2005
1. Derrek Lee
15. Ryan Howard
30. Phil Nevin
2006
1. Albert Pujols
15. Kevin Youkilis
30. Travis Lee
2007
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2. Carlos Pena, Devil Rays
3. Prince Fielder, Brewers
4. Mark Teixeira, Rangers/Braves
5. Ryan Howard, Phillies
6. Todd Helton, Rockies
7. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
8. Lance Berkman, Astros
9. Derrek Lee, Cubs
10. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
11. Dmitri Young, Nationals
12. James Loney, Dodgers
13. Justin Morneau, Twins
14. Matt Stairs, Blue Jays
15. Paul Konerko, White Sox
16. Casey Kotchman, Angels
17. Adam LaRoche, Pirates
18. Ryan Garko, Indians
19. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks
20. Scott Hatteberg, Reds
21. Carlos Delgado, Mets
22. Kevin Millar, Orioles
23. Dan Johnson, A's
24. Brad Wilkerson, Rangers
25. Mike Jacobs, Marlins
26. Sean Casey, Tigers
27. Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers
28. Ryan Klesko, Giants
29. Richie Sexson, Mariners
30. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays
Designated Hitters
Top DH 2004-2006
2004: Travis Hafner
2005: David Ortiz
2006: David Ortiz
2007
1. David Ortiz, Red Sox
2. Jim Thome, White Sox
3. Jack Cust, A's
4. Frank Thomas, Blue Jays
5. Travis Hafner, Indians
6. Gary Sheffield, Tigers
7. Jose Vidro, Mariners
8. Aubrey Huff, Orioles
9. Jonny Gomes, Devil Rays
10. Billy Butler, Royals
11. Jason Giambi, Yankees
12. Sammy Sosa, Rangers
13. Mike Piazza, A's
14. Mike Sweeney, Royals
What We Learned Last Night: The only team capable of beating USC in the Coliseum is Stanford. Hey they got the last two wins there.
Everything continues to be completely fucked up this year. We're now down to ten BCS conference undefeated teams and only three of them would anyone have expected to be at this point. Again I always give the benefit of the doubt to those teams so all of them are in my Top 10, even UConn. Also decided not to rank any two loss teams for this week, although that will go out the door next week. Sure you could argue Florida but they lost Auburn, who lost to Mississippi State and all three of those teams have two loses. I can't really justify ranking Mississippi State above Florida but how can you rank Florida above Auburn if they lost them at home?
The only one loss teams that I don't have ranked are Texas Tech and Texas A&M. Tech has played just about the weakest schedule of any BCS conference team to this point and lost to a bad Oklahoma State team. I did a double take when I noticed A&M was 5-1 as they've looked like complete shit against any team with a pulse but they pulled out close wins over Fresno State and Oklahoma State to keep their season from turning into a disaster. Those two happen to play each other next week so whoever wins I'll finally rank them.
But really none of this means anything, so don't bother reading it.
1. LSU
2. Ohio State
3. California
4. South Florida
5. Boston College
6. Missouri
7. Cincinnati
8. Arizona State
9. Kansas
10. Connecticut
11. South Carolina
12. Oregon
13. Oklahoma
14. West Virginia
15. Kentucky
16. USC
17. Illinois
18. Virginia Tech
19. Wisconsin
20. Florida State
21. Indiana
22. Hawaii
23. Boise State
24. Wyoming
25. Virginia
It's that time of year again where I tell you who were best and worst players by position in MLB for the past season, in case you already forgot what did happen this past season. Starting with position players I will rank the Top 30 players in plate appearances at each position, based on the player's primary position for the season. For the position players I take into account five statiscal categories: OPS+, VORP, Equivalent Average, Runs Created (ballpark adjusted per hardballtimes.com), and Win Shares. The rankings are based purely on what the player did during the 2007 season as past performance and potential future value are not taken into account.
This year for each position I'll repost who I had as the best, the most average, and the worst by position from 2004-2006.
Catchers
2004
1. Ivan Rodriguez
15. Gregg Zaun
30. Chad Moeller
2005
1. Victor Martinez
15. Mike Matheny
30. Chris Snyder
2006
1. Joe Mauer
15. A.J. Pierzynski
30. Jose Molina
2007
1. Victor Martinez, Indians
2. Jorge Posada, Yankees
3. Russell Martin, Dodgers
4. Joe Mauer, Twins
5. Josh Bard, Padres
6. Brian McCann, Braves
7. Jason Varitek, Red Sox
8. Kenji Johjima, Mariners
9. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
10. Bengie Molina, Giants
11. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
12. Gregg Zaun, Blue Jays
13. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers
14. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles
15. Yadier Molina, Cardinals
16. Ronny Paulino, Pirates
17. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
18. Paul Lo Duca, Mets
19. John Buck, Royals
20. Brian Schneider, Nationals
21. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Braves/Rangers
22. Johnny Estrada, Brewers
23. Miguel Olivo, Marlins
24. Yorvit Torrealba, Rockies
25. Gerald Laird, Rangers
26. Brad Aumsus, Astros
27. Jason Kendall, A's/Cubs
28. Dioner Navarrao, Devil Rays
29. David Ross, Reds
30. Michael Barrett, Cubs/Padres
Before I get to my awards picks, here's my quick rundown of what I want out of this postseason.
1. No Red Sox/Yankees ALCS. Do I need to explain?
2. No Rockies/D-Backs NLCS. Do I need to explain?
3. D-Backs don't win the World Series. We have one 90's expansion team with two world championships already, we don't need another.
4. Indians win the ALCS. Besides the Giants, there are no teams in baseball that I would rather see less in a World Series than the Red Sox, Yankees, and Angels. The second the Indians are eliminated is the second I tune out from the postseason.
My gut feeling is we get another Yankees/D-Backs World Series with the Yankees prevailing this time. Finally Yankees' fans many years of suffering will be over! On to the awards.
I should note that when I post my player rankings for the year there may be some differences from my awards but mainly because I throw this together pretty quick. Last year I had C.C. Sabathia as 3rd for A.L. Cy Young but by the time I did the rankings for starting pitchers I had Sabathia about 5th or 6th. Also I'm going to be lazy and not bother with typing out players stats. You know where to find them anyways.
N.L. MVP
This was a wide open race all year with no one ever seeming to take a real strangle hold on the spot as favorite. The media has narrowed it down to Matt Holliday, Jimmy Rollins, and Prince Fielder but my choice is David Wright as he was just a tad better across the board. Any writer's who held out until the last second to submit their ballots probably filled in Holliday's name at #1 today and his late season surge I think will make him a PAC (Pefectly Acceptable Choice) but it's a shame that Wright is unlikely to finish better than 4th and the Mets' collapse has completely overshadowed his amazing season. Fielder would be a pretty uninspiring choice and Rollins would be almost on the level of Justin Morneau winning the A.L. MVP last year.
1.
2. Matt Holliday, Rockies
3. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
4. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
5. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
6. Prince Fielder, Brewers
7. Chipper Jones, Braves
8. Chase Utley, Phillies
9. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
10. Ryan Howard, Phillies
N.L. Cy Young
This and A.L. MVP are by far the easiest choices. Hopefully no idiot writers will decide to penalize Jake Peavy for lack of clutchiness on the mound last night as he was far and away the best pitcher in the N.L. and should be the unanimous winner. 2nd place was also very easy but 3rd place proved very difficult to decide but finally went with John Smoltz over Aaron Harang, subject to change of course when I do the pitcher rankings.
1.
2. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
3. John Smoltz, Braves
N.L. Rookie of the Year
This will be my most questionable choice. ROY's I think can be very tough to choose because you are dealing with candidates who some played the whole season and others who were midseason call ups. Ryan Braun was an absolute force at the plate but he's also hacker (29 BB/112 SO) and a liabiltiy defensively. So I decided to go with Troy Tulowitzki, who was with the Rockies the whole season, giving them Gold Glover caliber defense at shortstop and by the end of the year had put up some strong offensive numbers.
1.
2. Ryan Braun, Brewers
3. Hunter Pence, Astros
A.L. MVP
Magglio Ordonez had a shockingly good rebound year and hung tough for a very long time in this race but by the end of the year he couldn't stick with A-Rod. All have to say about my ballot is, seriously what the fuck happened to Carlos Pena this year? Biggest fluke ever or best late bloomer ever?
1.
2. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
3. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
4. David Ortiz, Red Sox
5. Vladmir Guerrero, Angles
6. Carlos Pena, Devil Rays
7. Victor Martinez, Indians
8. Grady Sizemore, Indians
9. Jorge Posada, Yankees
10. Curtis Granderson, Tigers
A.L. Cy Young
Josh Beckett is going to win the writer's award. There was so much hand wringing and phony outrage by the baseball writer's last year about there being no 20 game winners in either league that anyone who won 20 games this season with an ERA under 4 is going to win the award. Not to say Beckett will be a bad choice, just the wrong choice.
1.
2. Josh Beckett, Red Sox
3. Johan Santana, Twins
A.L. Rookie of the Year
Toughest pick of them all. Jeremy Guthrie has no shot at all at the writer's award due to having only a 7-5 record but he's my pick here in pretty much a coin flip over Dustin Pedroia. Hell I couldn't even find a picture of 2007 baseball card for Guthrie.
1. Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3. Brian Bannister, Royals
Before I get to the football, this week I go on baseball overdrive with the Bored's 2007 MLB Awards and Bored's 2007 MLB Player Rankings. Both are great if you were in a coma since April which I wish I was instead of being subjected to the A's season.
I didn't end up having work yesterday after all so I was able to be lazy and gorge myself on college football all day after all but the Cal/Oregon game left such a bad taste in my mouth that I didn't feel like doing an unfunny Wrap Up entry. Cal is now a legit Top 3 team which means there is no God.
As for my Pointless Top 25, with so many top teams losing this weekend it is pretty much impossible not to give some 1 loss teams a decent ranking. But that being said I stil think the entire Top 10 should only be unbeaten teams, even though that is proving very difficult. Again don't even bother reading it.
1. LSU
2. USC
3. Fuck!
4. Ohio State
5. Kentucky
6. South Florida
7. Boston College
8. Wisconsin
9. Arizona State
10. Cincinnati
11. Oregon
12. South Carolina
13. Florida
14. Missouri
15. Georgia
16. Purdue
17. Oklahoma
18. Kansas
19. West Virginia
20. Kansas State
21. Illinois
22. Michigan State
23. Texas
24. Hawaii
25. Connecticut
For the two of you who liked the TSB entries I know I said I'd get around to finishing this month but doesn't look like that'll happen. I've been doing a ridiculous amount of overtime at work lately and my time on the board is spent working on my pick 'em contest. Also after next week I'll be working on my end of the season 2007 MLB Player Rankings for the blog so the TSB is just going to have to wait.
So we're down to 23 undefeated teams in I-A/FBS/Whatever football so obviously my "only rank unbeaten teams" goes out the window. But that being said, I still say give credit to all the unbeatens at this point so I'm including them all in my Top 25. Who cares UConn hasn't played anyone and will end up 6-6, what's the harm in giving them a No Prize this early in the season?
1. LSU
2. USC
3. Oklahoma
4. Florida
5. West Virginia
6. Boston College
7. Ohio State
8. Kentucky
9. California
10. Oregon
11. Texas
12. Wisconsin
13. Clemson
14. Rutgers
15. South Florida
16. Arizona State
17. Cincinnati
18. Missouri
19. Kansas
20. Purdue
21. Michigan State
22. South Carolina
23. Georgia
24. Hawaii
25. Connecticut
iggymcfly and Carnvial have them so I might as well too. I'm actually doing this in lieu of my pointless College Football Wrap-up as I missed all of the mid-day games yesterday and next Saturday I have to work and possibly the Saturday after that as well so it might be a while before I do another Wrap up entry. I did want to do a Worst Top 25 poll but then I realized that would take more time than doing a generic Top 25 so I opted for the lazy route.
One thing to get out of the way before this quickly thrown together poll I do have one crackpot theory about early season polls. I rarely see a point during the first month of the season of ranking a team that has already lost a game. With the current college football postseason structure, the regular season is supposedly a "playoff" unto itself where if a team loses they are eliminated. This of course is not true since one loss teams have and will win national championships but you get the idea. Teams that lose this early in the season are very likley to lose again and I personally don't see any team that has lost a game already this season that is going to run the table, although I won't keep anyone from making the argument for one. So that said for now I'm only going to rank teams that are undefeated but after next week we will be almost month into the season and at that point I may change that, if I actually do another one.
Also I'm really for the most part only taking into account what has happened so far this season, which is how the polls are supposed to work but don't. Yes Boston College is ranked too high but they've won three conference games and none of them were really in any doubt late in the game so I say give credit where credit is due at this point. I put this together in about ten minutes so don't even bother looking at it.
1. LSU
2. USC
3. Oklahoma
4. Florida
5. West Virginia
6. Boston College
7. Ohio State
8. South Carolina
9. California
10. Oregon
11. Texas
12. Penn State
13. Wisconsin
14. Rutgers
15. Kentucky
16. Auburn Alabama
17. South Florida
18. Clemson
19. Arizona State
20. Cincinnati
21. Missouri
22. Hawaii
23. Texas A&M
24. Kansas
25. Purdue
My Week 2 Useless Comments on Games I Watched for More than Two Seconds
Texas Tech 49, SMU 9. Given this result and their struggle to beat North Texas maybe the Ponies won't break their post-Death Penalty bowl drought after all.
Clemson 24, Florida State 18. When will the Bobby Bowden Retirement Tour begin already?
Louisville 58, Middle Tennessee State 42. If you give up 42 points at home to a Sun Belt team you're probably not Top 10 material.
Cincinnati 34, Oregon State 3. Thank God I forgot to mention last week that Yvenson Bernard was my super sleeper Heisman candidate.
Rutgers 41, Navy 24. I had no idea Ray Rice's mom was retarded.
West Virignia 48, Marshall 23. HEY REMEMBER 37 YEARS AGO THE WHOLE MARSHALL TEAM DIED IN A PLANE CRASH AND THEY MADE A DISNEY MOVIE ABOUT IT STARING MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY AND IT'S NOW ON DVD. WAIT IS THERE A GAME GOING ON?
Nebraska 20, Wake Forest 17. For anyone who thinks USC might be running into a buzzsaw next week in Lincoln always remember Bill Callahan is their head coach.
Oklahoma 51, Miami 13. Nothing good can ever come from the Sooners being dominate again.
California 34, Colorado State 28. My insanely biased, bold prediction: Cal will only be the 5th best team in the Pac-10 by the end of the year.
Boston College 37, N.C. State 17. Now why exactly did Tom O'Brien leave BC again? Anyone?
Texas A&M 47, Fresno State 45. Game of the day. The Coaches' Poll inexplicably moved A&M up five spots for this win so I'll just assume Dennis Franchione gives great head.
Washington 24, Boise State 10. This wasn't an upset, Boise just isn't that good.
Oregon 39, Michigan 7. The scary thing for Michigan fans' is that Oregon probably will only end up going like 8-4 this year. And yes we can officially all start redoing our "Greatest Upsets Ever" list as the Appalachian State game suddenly doesn't seem like that big of a deal.
South Carolina 16, Georgia 12. And who says SEC Football is boring? Zzzzzzzz.
Penn State 31, Notre Dame 10. Jimmy Clausen getting his ass kicked in front of his family is fine entertainment.
East Carolina 34, North Carolina 31. Seriously CSTV needs to have their top scoreline and their bottom line take up less of the screen. It's like trying to watch a game in letterbox format except without the widescreen enhancement.
UCLA 27, BYU 17. I'm not quite sold on UCLA being a near Top 10 team.
Texas 34, TCU 13. Yup there ain't going to be a Boise State story this year. Sorry I don't buy into the "Look how shitty their schedule is!" argument for Hawaii especially after almost losing to Louisiana Tech.
South Florida 26, Auburn 23. For the second straight year it looks the Big East will be better than the ACC yet they'll be stuck with by far the worst bowl tie ins of any BCS conference.
LSU 48, Virginia Tech 7. THANK YOU GOD! Now just need LSU to lose because LSU playing for the national title in New Orleans will still get way too many pants full in Bristol, CT.
Wisconsin 20, UNLV 13. I'll say it right now, even if they go undefeated the Big Ten champ should not be in the BCS Championship Game.
Arizona State 33, Colorado 14. Never underestimate Dennis Erickson's ability at the college level. His teams have zero discipline but they simply don't give a fuck and they will kill you if given the opportunity.
Bored's Poll
1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. USC
4. Everyone else
For the two of you who care, I'll try to get around to finish my Tecmo Super Bowl sim at some point this month.
Last year I did weekly entries wrapping up the previous day of college football until I ran out of bad jokes which was about three weeks into the season. But never the less I'm going to give it a shot again this year making short and completely un-insightful observations about every game from the weekend that I watched for more than two seconds. My favorite thing about college football is the sheer number of games at one time you can flip through. This year for the first time I now have CollegeSportsTV thus giving me even more football goodness.
Tulsa 35, Louisana-Monroe 17. This was how the college football season kicked off. Not exactly USC/Virginia Tech from 2004, eh? The only thing I noticed about this game was whoever the announcer was for ESPN his voice sounded like he was calling the game on radio yet there were no audio difficulties. Very bizarre.
LSU 45, Mississippi State 0. Bulldogs scored as many points as there will be black coaches in the SEC after this year. Poor Sylvester Croom.
Oregon State 24, Utah 7. Welcome back Utah quarterback Brian Johnson from a torn ACL and goodbye now to a separated shoulder. What was crazy he stayed in for one play after injurying his shoulder and threw a pass. Now that's a real man.
Washington 42, Syracuse 12. I'm hoping this is a sign that the Pac-10 is even more loaded than people thought but its probably more a sign that Syracuse is complete dogshit.
Virginia Tech 17, East Carolina 7. ESPN exploiting tragedy for ratings? Never saw it coming. Does it make me a heartless prick to say that I'm really hoping LSU blows them out next week? Seriously the collective boner that network will get if the Hokies make a serious run at that national title would crush us all.
Michigan State 55, UAB 18. UAB is going to make a major run at being the worst non-Sun Belt team in the country this season. This game was the real downside of the Big Ten Network as in past years the Michigan game would have been on GamePlan and they could have switched to it the second half.
Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32. Okay I didn't see this game since I like 90% of the country don't have the Big Ten Network, not that I really want it as their game line up is awful although I certainly would have wanted it for this one. But forget Michigan for a second, how big of a disspointment would it be if App State doesn't three peat as I-AA/FCS/whatever the fuck we're calling it now this year?
Colorado 31, Colorado State 28. For a game that was tight and went to overtime I was Bored out of my mind for some reason.
Wyoming 23, Virginia 3. This game was so bad I don't remember a damn thing about it.
Georgia Tech 33, Notre Dame 3. Eh, this would have been a lot more fun if it had been Brady Quinn being murdered by the Yellow Jacket defense.
Wisconsin 42, Washington State 21. Would Paul Maguire drop dead already? He makes every game he calls completely unwatchable, amazingly even with the mute on. Brad Nessler and Bob Griese really pissed someone off at ESABCPN to get stuck with him for a second straight year.
Boston College 38, Wake Forest 28. Shame this game was going at the same time as the awesome Missouri/Illinois game or I would have watched more of it. Wake winning the ACC last year reminded me of Stanford winning the Pac-10 in 1999 and like it was for the Cardinal, last year will likely end up being a fluke for the Deacons.
Missouri 40, Illinois 34. Seriously this was the best game of the weekend and I think was the only one who watched the majority of it. Bad sign from Mizzou though to give up 400+ yards of offense to one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, even after knocking out their starting quarterback. Not that winning the Big XII North requires one to be any good.
UCLA 45, Stanford 17. You know things are bad for your program when this is considered progress. I do like that Jim Harbaugh does seem certifiably insane.
BYU 20, Arizona 7. Fomer Bills tackle and athiest Glenn Parker was the analyst for this one so being in the Mormon capital of the world must have been fun. Holy crap I just looked up his Wiki entry and he was born in the same town as me! I'm honored. And he's going to hell.
TCU 27, Baylor 0. My first ever I-A CSTV game and it was this. I watched for three seconds.
Georgia 35, Oklahoma State 14. God damn CFN for convincing me that Oklahoma State was actually going to be a serious threat this year.
Oklahoma 79, North Texas 10. Got to love Fox Sports Net as they always feel the nation needs to see crap like this.
Auburn 23, Kansas State 13. I'll pretty much steal from EDSBS on this one and say that Auburn is the master of playing like shit for three quarters and then pulling a win out of their ass in the 4th.
California 45, Tennessee 31. Must. Kill. EVERYONE. Seriously fuck you Tennessee as now I got to put up with Cal in the national title picture until USC beats them again. Volunteers? Volunteer to suck my dick.
UTEP 10, New Mexico 6. Oof this was ugly and I think a legit upset as UTEP didn't look like shit coming into this year.
USC 38, Idaho 10. I like USC and all but hell if I was going to sit through much of this. Did see Vidal Hazleton make a sick, one-handed touchdown catch though.
The season ends with plenty of drama. The best game of the week was the Oilers/Giants with the Oilers prevailing 30-24 in overtime and to go along with the Steelers getting crushed by the Browns, the Oilers win the AFC Central. Steelers though ended up beating out the Browns for the final playoffs spot by tiebreak, or at least that's what the game says as I'm not sure it properly does tiebreaks. In the AFC West, the Raiders beat the Chiefs while the Chargers lost to the Broncos thus handing the division to the Raiders. Over in the NFC, the Eagles could have taken the East with the Giants dropping their third straight but the Eagles lost to the Redskins and those two will now meet again in the Wild Card round. For the final spot in playoffs the Rams took care of business by slaughtering the Seahawks but the Bears couldn't beat the red hot 49ers so the Rams clinched the final playoff spot.
Here are the playoff match-ups:
Week 17 Scores
Phoenix 26, New Orleans 14
PHX: 5-11, NO: 7-9
-Ricky Proehl: 99 yards receiving
Tampa Bay 24, Indianapolis 21
TB: 7-9, IND: 6-10
-Gary Anderson: 197 total yards
L.A. Rams 44, Seattle 17
RAM: 9-7, SEA: 6-10
-Henry Ellard: 5 rec, 172 yards
Cincinnati 31, New England 14
CIN: 6-10, NE: 4-12
-Tim McGee: 4 rec, 100 yards
Miami 16, N.Y. Jets 7
MIA: 11-5, NYJ: 3-13
-Mark Clayton: 6 rec, 152 yards
Houston 30, N.Y. Giants 24 OT
HOU: 10-6, NYG: 11-5
-Warren Moon: 230 yards passing
Denver 27, San Diego 21
DEN: 8-8, SD: 10-6
-Bobby Humphrey: 104 yards rushing
Buffalo 33, Detroit 20
BUF: 13-3, DET: 4-12
-Thurman Thomas: 194 yards rushing
Minnesota 29, Green Bay 27
MIN: 13-3, GB: 5-11
-Wade Wilson: 219 yards passing
Cleveland 41, Pittsburgh 14
CLE: 9-7, PIT: 9-7
-Eric Metcalf: 4 rec, 148 yards
San Francisco 21, Chicago 10
SF: 13-3, CHI: 8-8
-Joe Montana: 177 yards passing
Dallas 26, Atlanta 10
DAL: 6-10, ATL: 2-14
-Jay Novacek: 5 rec, 138 yards
L.A. Raiders 35, Kansas City 24
RAI: 11-5, KC: 8-8
-Jay Schroeder: 253 yards passing
Washington 28, Philadelphia 17
WAS: 10-6, PHI: 10-6
-Earnest Byner: 136 yard rushing
NFL Team Leaders
Total Offense
1. Buffalo 5298
2. San Francisco 5163
3. Houston 4961
Passing Offense
1. Houston 3959
2. San Francisco 3810
3. L.A. Rams 3716
Rushing Offense
1. L.A. Raiders 2420
2. Kansas City 2180
3. Buffalo 2162
Team Defense
1. Pittsburgh 3669
2. Buffalo 3959
3. Chicago 4015
Passing Defense
1. Pittsburgh 2219
2. Cleveland 2537
3. Buffalo 2565
Rushing Defense
1. Green Bay 1299
2. New Orleans 1321
3. San Francisco 1322
AFC Individual Leaders
Passing Leaders
Rating: Dan Marino, 168.7
Comp %: Warren Moon, 67.6
Attempts: Bernie Kosar, 269
Comp: Moon, 153
Yards: Moon, 3959
Yards/Att: Moon, 17.5
TD: Marino, 40
Lst Int %: Marino, 5.3
Receiving Leaders
Receptions: Anthony Miller, 53
Yards: Stephone Paige, 1228
Yards/Rct: Mark Jackson, 33.4
TD: Miller, 15
Rushing Leaders
Yards: Thurman Thomas, 1733
Attempts: Marion Butts, 172
Yards/Att: Bo Jackson, 11.9
TD: Butts; Thomas, 15
Scoring Leaders
Points: Thurman Thomas, 132
TD: Thomas, 22
Extra Pts: Scott Norwood, 58
FG: Jeff Jaeger, 17
Punting Leaders
Average: Rohn Stark, 51.0
Punts: Joe Prokop, 27
Interception Leaders
INT: Kevin Ross; Erik McMillan, 10
Yards: McMillan, 127
TD: Many with 1
Sack Leader: Derrick Thomas; Simon Fletcher, 18
Punt Return Leaders
Average: Reggie Langhorne, 10.6
Yards: Langhorne, 159
Returns: Tony Martin, 22
TD: None
Kick Return Leaders
Average: Tim Brown, 21.1
Yards: Terrance Mathis, 1542
Returns: Mathis, 84
TD: None
NFC Individual Leaders
Passing Leaders
Rating: Phil Simms, 186.7
Comp %: Randall Cunnigham, 73.0
Attempts: Don Majkowski, 243
Comp: Joe Montana, 150
Yards: Montana, 3810
Yards/Att: Cunnigham; Simms, 17.5
TD: Montana, 41
Lst Int %: Wade Wilson, 3.7
Receiving Leaders
Receptions: Jerry Rice, 75
Yards: Rice, 1955
Yards/Rct: Mark Ingram, 29.0
TD: Rice, 21
Rushing Leaders
Yards: Neal Anderson, 1508
Attempts: Anderson, 177
Yards/Att: Barry Sanders, 10.2
TD: Tom Rathman, 16
Scoring Leaders
Points: Keith Byars, 138
TD: Byars, 23
Extra Pts: Mike Cofer, 58
FG: Morten Andersen; Steve Christie, 16
Punting Leaders
Average: Rich Camarillo, 48.9
Punts: Mike Saxson, 25
Interception Leaders
INT: Mark Carrier, 9
Yards: Wes Hopkins, 154
TD: Many with 1
Sack Leader: Lawrence Taylor, 21
Punt Return Leaders
Average: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Yards: Leo Lewis, 246
Returns: Lewis, 22
TD: None
Kick Return Leaders
Average: David Meggett, 20.9
Yards: Meggett, 1381
Returns: Charles Wilson, 78
TD: None
We're down to the wire and a lot of movement still going on. Big story this week was the Browns scoring 24 points in the 4th quarter to come from behind to beat the Oilers 30-21. The Steelers won their game to once again move into a tie for 1st. I was slightly less lazy this time around, figuring out some of the easier tiebreaks, and the Steelers control their own destiny for the division as if they beat the Browns in Week 17 they'll end up with a better division record than the Oilers. In the AFC West, both Chargers and Raiders won to remain dead locked on top the division but the Chargers control their own destiny by virtue of having a better conference record than the Raiders. In the NFC, the Giants lost to the Redskins and the Eagles won so after looking at the tiebreaks as it turns out the Giants really haven't won the division yet. If the Eagles win next week and the Giants lose, the Eagles win the divsion by having a better divisional record. In the race for the last wild card spot in the conference, the Bears control their own destiny as they would end up with a better conference record than the Rams if they win next week although they will have to beat the 49ers to do so. As for a potential three-way ties in both conference for the final wild card spots, you can forget me trying to figure them out.
AFC
1. Bills 12-3
2. Chargers 10-5
3. Steelers 9-6
4t. Dolphins 10-5
4t. Raiders 10-5
6. Oilers 9-6
Still Alive: Browns 8-7, Chiefs 8-7
NFC
1. Vikings 12-3
2. 49ers 12-3
3. Giants 11-4
4. Eagles 10-5
5. Redskins 9-6
6. Bears 8-7
Still Alive: Rams 8-7, Saints 7-8
Week 16 Scores
Phoenix 28, Denver 20
PHX: 4-11, DEN: 7-8
-Timm Rosenbach: 312 yards passing
L.A. Raiders 24, New Orleans 21
RAI: 10-5, NO: 7-8
-Bo Jackson: 111 yards rushing
New England 28, N.Y. Jets 24
NE: 4-11, NYJ: 3-12
-Steve Grogan: 243 yards passing
Indianapolis 21, Buffalo 17
IND: 6-9, BUF: 12-3
-Jessie Hester: 4 rec, 153 yards
Cleveland 30, Houston 21
CLE: 8-7, HOU: 9-6
-Eric Metcalf: 96 yards receiving
Browns 24 point 4th quarter
Washington 24, N.Y. Giants 23
WAS: 9-6, NYG: 11-4
-Art Monk: 5 rec, 94 yards
San Francisco 28, Kansas City 17
SF: 12-3, KC: 8-7
-Jerry Rice: 7 rec, 162 yards
Philadelphia 34, Dallas 7
PHI: 10-5, DAL: 5-10
-Randall Cunnigham: 238 yards passing
Seattle 16, Atlanta 14
SEA: 6-9, ATL: 2-13
-Dave Krieg: 165 yards passing
Chicago 27, Tampa Bay 17
CHI: 8-7, TB: 6-9
-Neal Anderson: 98 yards rushing
Detroit 42, Green Bay 14
DET: 4-11, GB: 5-10
-Richard Johnson: 5 rec, 126 yards
Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 13
PIT: 9-6, CIN: 5-10
-Warren Williams: 85 yards rushing
San Diego 31, Miami 21
SD: 10-5, MIA: 10-5
Minnesota 34, L.A. Rams 14
MIN: 12-3, RAM: 8-7
-Hassan Jones: 8 rec, 232 yards
Leaders thru Week 16
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 191.1
2. Randall Cunningham, 178.5
3. Dan Marino, 177.2
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 3729
2. Joe Montana, 3633
3. Jim Everett, 3405
Touchdowns
1. Montana, 40
2. Marino, 38
3. Everett, 35
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 73
2. Andre Rison, 51
3. Anthony Miller, 50
Yards
1. Rice, 1891
2. Rison, 1343
3. Henry Ellard, 1308
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 20
2. Miller, 14
3t. Many tied with 13
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 1539
2. Neal Anderson, 1434
3. Bo Jackson, 1348
Touchdowns
1. Tom Rathman, 15
2t. Anderson, 14
2t. Johnny Johnson, 14
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Kevin Ross, 10
2t. Mark Carrier, 9
2t. Erik McMillan, 9
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 21
2. Reggie White, 20
3t. Many tied with 18
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 17
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 51.0
Punt Return Avg: Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Tim Brown, 21.8
It seemed liked a forgone conclusion the Raiders would take the AFC West but not anymore. They lost to the Chargers this week for their third straight loss and the Bolts have now moved into a tie for 1st at 9-5. Oilers beat Steelers 21-9 in order to reclaim sole posession of 1st place in the AFC Central. The Bills have clinched the AFC East but again the game won't recognize it yet since the Dolphins can tie for 1st still but the Bills swept the season series. The Giants lost to the Eagles but the Redskins suffered a shocking defeat to the craptastic Cardinals, so the Giants may or may not have clinched the division but I'm too lazy to go through tiebreak scenerios beyond head-to-head which the Giants/Eagles split. The game did officialy recognize the 49ers division title win after their ninth straight victory this week. The Vikings were stunned by the Bucs, who still have a very slim chance at the playoffs, which now gives us a three-way tie atop the NFC. The 49ers would be the odd team out in a three-way tie as they lost to both the Giants and Vikings.
AFC
1. Bills 12-2
2t. Raiders/Chargers 9-5
2t. Oilers 9-5
4. Dolphins 10-4
5. Raiders/Chargers 9-5
6t. Chiefs/Steelers 8-6
Still Alive: Browns 7-7, Broncos 7-7
NFC
1t. Giants 11-3
1t. Vikings 11-3
1t. 49ers 11-3
4. Eagles 9-5
5t. Redskins 8-6
5t. Rams 8-6
Still Alive: Bears 7-7, Saints 7-7, Buccaneers 6-8
Week 15 Scores
Detroit 24, N.Y. Jets 17
DET: 3-11, NYJ: 3-11
-Robert Clark: 4 rec, 113 yards
Philadelphia 28, N.Y. Giants 24
PHI: 9-5, NYG: 11-3
-Keith Byars: 7 rec, 132 yards
Indianapolis 21, New England 14
IND: 5-9, NE: 3-11
-Albert Bentley: 92 yards rushing
San Francisco 31, Seattle 21
SF: 11-3, SEA: 5-9
-Joe Montana: 240 yards passing
Denver 21, Cleveland 17
DEN: 7-7, CLE: 7-7
-Mark Jackson: 57 yards receiving
New Orleans 20, Dallas 17 OT
NO: 7-7, DAL: 5-9
-Craig Heyward: 82 yards receiving
San Diego 20, Kansas City 14
SD: 9-5, KC: 8-6
-Bill Joe Tolliver: 154 yards passing
Buffalo 24, L.A. Raiders 21
BUF: 12-2, RAI: 9-5
-Thurman Thomas: 154 yards rushing
Phoenix 27, Washington 24
PHX: 3-11, WAS: 8-6
-Johnny Johnson: 110 yards rushing
Chicago 33, Green Bay 24
CHI: 7-7, GB: 5-9
-Ron Morris: 4 rec, 118 yards
Houston 21, Pittsburgh 9
HOU: 9-5, PIT: 8-6
-Ernest Givens: 4 rec, 108 yards
Miami 38, Cincinnati 14
MIA: 10-4, CIN: 5-9
-Mark Clayton: 6 rec, 158 yards
Tampa Bay 28, Minnesota 27
TB: 6-8, MIN: 11-3
-Vinny Testaverde: 266 yards passing
L.A. Rams 17, Atlanta 14
RAM: 8-6, ATL: 2-12
-Cleveland Gary: 82 yards rushing, leaves injured
Leaders thru Week 15
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 197.1
2. Dan Marino, 182.5
3. Randall Cunningham, 177.2
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 3593
2. Joe Montana, 3389
3. Jim Everett, 3228
Touchdowns
1t. Montana, 36
1t. Marino, 36
3. Moon, 34
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 66
2. Andre Rison, 49
3. Anthony Miller, 47
Yards
1. Rice, 1729
2. Rison, 1258
3. Henry Ellard, 1254
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 19
2t. Miller, 13
2t. James Lofton, 13
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 1430
2. Neal Anderson, 1336
3. Bo Jackson, 1237
Touchdowns
1. Tom Rathman, 15
2t. Many tied with 13
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Kevin Ross, 10
2t. Many tied with 8
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 20
2t. Derrick Thomas, 18
2t. Reggie White, 18
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger; Morten Andersen, 16
Punting Avg: Mike Horan, 50.9
Punt Return Avg: Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Tim Brown, 21.2
49ers edged the Saints for the eighth straight win to wrap up the NFC West, although I don't think the game takes into account tiebreaks until the end of the season as it doesn't recognize it yet. Best the Rams can do is tie the 49ers for 1st but the Niners swept the season series. The Giants have almost wrapped up the NFC East as they now have a three game lead on the Redskins and Eagles but they still play the Redskins one more time and the Skins won their first meeting. In the AFC both the Raiders and Dolphins lost but both still hold the leads on the AFC West and the top wild card spot respectively. Oilers and Steelers both win this week to remain tied atop the AFC Central.
Week 14 Scores
Green Bay 17, Atlanta 3
GB: 5-8, ATL: 2-11
-Don Majkowski: 187 yards passing
Buffalo 31, N.Y. Jets 20
BUF: 11-2, NYJ: 3-10
-Thurman Thomas: 194 total yards
N.Y. Giants 24, Cincinnati 21
NYG: 11-2, CIN: 5-8
-Mark Bavaro: 5 rec, 106 yards
Denver 31, New England 14
DEN: 6-7, NE: 3-10
-Bobby Humphrey: 196 yards rushing
Chicago 28, Detroit 21
CHI: 6-7, DET: 2-11
-Neal Anderson: 146 yards rushing
Houston 31, Philadelphia 28 OT
HOU: 8-5, PHI: 8-5
-Warren Moon: 355 yards passing
Pittsburgh 24, Dallas 10
PIT: 8-5, DAL: 5-8
-Bubby Brister: 222 yards passing
San Diego 31, L.A. Raiders 28 OT
SD: 8-5, RAI: 9-4
-Marion Butts: 125 yards rushing
San Francisco 21, New Orleans 20
SF: 10-3, NO: 6-7
-Jerry Rice: 4 rec, 112 yards
Cleveland 31, Indianapolis 10
CLE: 7-6, IND: 4-9
-Reggie Langhorne: 6 rec, 179 yards
L.A. Rams 31, Washington 21
RAM: 7-6, WAS: 8-5
-Henry Ellard: 6 rec, 219 yards
Kansas City 24, Seattle 17
KC: 8-5, SEA: 5-8
-Christian Okoye: 94 yards rushing
Tampa Bay 20, Miami 17
TB: 5-8, MIA: 9-4
-Gary Anderson: 69 yards rushing
Bye Weeks: Minnesota (11-2), Phoenix (2-11)
Leaders thru Week 14
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 196.2
2. Dan Marino, 177.86
3. Randall Cunningham, 174.5
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 3373
2. Joe Montana, 3149
3. Jim Everett, 3068
Touchdowns
1. Montana, 33
2t. Many tied with 31
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 63
2t. Andre Rison, 45
2t. Anthony Miller, 45
Yards
1. Rice, 1636
2. Henry Ellard, 1183
3. Rison, 1158
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 18
2. Miller, 13
3. James Lofton, 12
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 1276
2. Neal Anderson, 1247
3. Bo Jackson, 1161
Touchdowns
1. Tom Rathman, 15
2. Anderson, 13
3t. Many tied with 12
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Kevin Ross, 10
2t. Many tied with 8
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 20
2. Derrick Thomas, 17
3. Reggie White, 16
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 16
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 50.8
Punt Return Avg: Ellard, 12.9
Kick Return Avg: Tim Brown, 20.6
It's been over a month since my last MVP Watch and to my surprise not much has changed, although I do have a new #1 in each league. Chase Utley hasn't played since breaking his hand on July 26th so he lost the #1 spot by default but he's still hanging on in the Top 5 for the moment. David Wright has been red hot since the break and has made the biggest jump. To no surprise at Albert Pujols is making a serious MVP run yet again. What is amazing about the current N.L. MVP race is that the two best players in the N.L. right now play for a team that is nine games under .500, that being of Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera of the Marlins. Neither has any shot at winning the real award but they are a cut above the competition at the moment.
And finally...Eric Byrnes still leads in the N.L. in Win Shares! I continue to be baffled by this unless he really has become a great defensive outfielder rather than the "one great diving play, misplay the next five" outfielder he was with the A's but I find this hard to believe. Win Shares is the only reason I'm bothering to keep him in the Top 10.
10. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks
.301/.367/.494, 82 RC, 117 OPS+, .289 EQA, 35.6 VORP, 24.7 Win Shares
9. Barry Bonds, Giants
.280/.495/.589, 79 RC, 183 OPS+, .367 EQA, 51.3 VORP, 18.2 Win Shares
8. Matt Holliday, Rockies
.338/.399/.581, 88 RC, 146 OPS+, .314 EQA, 50.9 VORP, 19.9 Win Shares
7. Prince Fielder, Brewers
.284/.380/.609, 89 RC, 154 OPS+, .319 EQA, 49.7 VORP, 20.9 Win Shares
6. Jose Reyes, Mets
.304/.377/.453, 92 RC, 121 OPS+, .295 EQA, 48.2 VOPR, 22.6 Win Shares
5. Chase Utley, Phillies
.336/.414/.581, 84 RC, 154 OPS+, .327 EQA, 55.0 VORP, 21.0 Win Shares
4. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
.317/.419/.550, 89 RC, 154 OPS+, .327 EQA, 49.9 VORP, 24.0 Win Shares
3. David Wright, Mets
.310/.398/.521, 95 RC, 144 OPS+, .319 EQA, 51.6 VORP, 23.6 Win Shares
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
.343/.395/.578, 102 RC, 157 OPS+, .325 EQA, 71.1 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares
1. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
.334/.414/.616, 106 RC, 171 OPS+, .340 EQA, 65.5 VORP, 24.4 Win Shares
In the A.L. it has gone to sort of being a four player race to a definitive two player race. Magglio Ordonez still hasn't fallen off a cliff which makes me think we're close to someone starting a steroid rumor about him. Speaking of steroid rumors, A-Rod grabs the top spot this time around but it is pretty much a toss up at this point. Ichiro Suzuki and Vladimir Guerrero hung tough through the first half and are still solidily in Top 5 but they have fallen off the Maggs/A-Rod pace. The rest of the Top 10 is a mess and you could jumble it several different ways without getting an argument out of me.
10. David Ortiz, Red Sox
.311/.424/.543, 86 RC, 152 OPS+, .315 EQA, 49.6 VORP, 17.2 Win Shares
9. Jorge Posada, Yankees
.334/.416/.531, 75 RC, 154 OPS+, .316 EQA, 52.6 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares
8. Curtis Granderson, Tigers
.293/.351/.543, 84 RC, 134 OPS+, .295 EQA, 43.5 VORP, 19.7 Win Shares
7. Grady Sizemore, Indians
.278/.382/.465, 93 RC, 126 OPS+, .291 EQA, 39.1 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares
6. Brian Roberts, Orioles
.313/.397/.461, 89 RC, 128 OPS+, .302 EQA, 48.6 VORP, 20.7 Win Shares
5. Victor Martinez, Indians
.301/.374/.505, 81 RC, 133 OPS+, .295 EQA, 42.2 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares
4. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
.319/.404/.531, 95 RC, 151 OPS+, .311 EQA, 46.0 VORP, 24.3 Win Shares
3. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
.347/.396/.431, 99 RC, 125 OPS+, .299 EQA, 49.6 VORP, 25.8 Win Shares
2. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
.356/.430/.595, 114 RC, 169 OPS+, .337 EQA, 65.3 VORP, 26.8 Win Shares
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
.305/.412/.630, 117 RC, 177 OPS+, .334 EQA, 68.0 VORP, 26.1 Win Shares
The Vikings continue their surprise run to the top of the NFL standings and wrap up the NFC Central division title by eviscerating the Lions 42-14. The NFC playoff picture is pretty clear with the Vikings, Giants, and 49ers leading the divisions and the Eagles and Redskins as wild cards with the only final playoff spot up for grabs between the Rams, Saints, Bears, and Cowboys. Over in the AFC it is a little more muddy. The Raiders still have a nice cushion in the AFC West even after being stunned by the Bengals this week who were without Boomer Esiason. Bills sort of avenged their shocking defeat at the hands of the Patriots in Week 10 by eeking out a three point win. In the AFC Central the Oilers looked to be close to running away with the division a couple of weeks ago but divisional losses later and they find themselves tied with the Steelers at 7-5. The Dolphins are a near lock for a wild card while the Chiefs, Chargers, and Browns are fighting for the final two spots along with the whoever doesn't win the AFC Central.
Week 13 Scores
New Orleans 23, Atlanta 9
NO: 6-6, ATL: 2-10
-Falcons: 12 yards rushing
Pittsburgh 28, Houston 20
PIT: 7-5, HOU: 7-5
-Louis Lipps: 6 rec, 111 yards
N.Y. Giants 30, Tampa Bay 27 OT
NYG: 10-2, TB: 4-8
-Ottis Anderson: 108 yards rushing
San Diego 31, N.Y. Jets 0
SD: 7-5, JET: 3-9
-Marion Butts: 178 yards rushing
Cincinnati 14, L.A. Raiders 9
CIN: 5-7, RAI: 9-3
-James Brooks: 106 yards rushing
Philadelphia 28, Phoenix 10
PHI: 8-4, PHX: 2-11
-Randall Cunnigham: 246 yards passing
Denver 38, Seattle 28
DEN: 5-7, SEA: 5-7
-Mark Jackson: 5 rec, 136 yards
Green Bay 28, Indianapolis 27
GB: 4-8, IND: 4-8
-Ed West: 5 rec, 120 yards
Washington 23, Cowboys 7
WAS: 8-4, DAL: 5-7
-Ernest Byner: 111 yards rushing
Buffalo 27, New England 24
BUF: 10-2, NE: 3-9
-Thurman Thomas: 199 yards rushing
Miami 20, Chicago 14
MIA: 9-3, CHI: 5-7
-Sammie Smith: 77 yards rushing
Minnesota 42, Detroit 14
MIN: 11-2, DET: 2-10
-Wade Wilson: 183 yards passing
Kansas City 30, Cleveland 10
KC: 7-5, CLE: 6-6
-Barry Word: 137 total yards
San Francisco 35, L.A. Rams 34
SF: 9-3, RAM: 6-6
-Jerry Rice: 6 rec, 169 yards
Leaders thru Week 13
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 201.8
2. Dan Marino, 177.8
3. Randall Cunningham, 174.9
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 3018
2. Joe Montana, 2910
3. Jim Everett, 2783
Touchdowns
1. Montana, 31
2t. Marino, 29
2t. Everett, 29
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 59
2. Andre Rison, 41
3. Anthony Miller, 40
Yards
1. Rice, 1524
2. Sterling Sharpe, 1044
3. Rison, 1022
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 17
2. Miller, 12
3. James Lofton, 11
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 1143
2. Neal Anderson, 1101
3. Christian Okoye, 1029
Touchdowns
1. Tom Rathman, 14
2t. Many tied with 12
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Kevin Ross, 9
2t. Many tied with 8
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 18
2t. Bruce Smith, 15
2t. Derrick Thomas, 15
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 16
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 51.3
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.2
Kick Return Avg: David Meggett, 20.6
This seems to be turning into a weekly Bills update but something interesting happens to them every week. This week in their showdown with the Dolphins for first place in the AFC East, Jim Kelly was knocked out of the game in first half. Lucky for them they have one of the few decent back up quarterbacks on the game in Frank Reich and he led two 4th quarter touchdown drives for the 24-21 win. Bills sweep the season series giving them essentially a two game lead on the Dolphins now. In other quarterback injury news, the Bengals lost to the Eagles and lost Boomer Esiason to injury dimming their already very slim playoff hopes. The Browns season seemed to be spiraling out of control after three straight losses including two huge blow outs but this week they knocked off the divison leading Oilers to pull back within in a game of first palce. Last week the Bears appeared to be on the verge of turning their season around after their win against the Vikings but they shit the bed against the Colts this week and now the Vikings can clinch the division next week.
Week 12 Scores
San Francisco 21, Phoenix 10
SF: 8-3, PHX: 2-10
-Tom Rathman: 100 yards rushing
San Diego 24, New Orleans 20
SD: 6-5, NO: 5-6
-Billy Joe Tolliver: 179 yards passing
Indianapolis 28, Chicago 17
IND: 4-7, CHI: 5-6
-Albert Bentley: 77 yards rushing
Philadelphia 35, Cincinnati 21
PHI: 7-4, CIN: 4-7
-Boomer Esiason: leaves injured
Cleveland 24, Houston 21
CLE: 6-5, HOU: 7-4
-Bernie Kosar: 264 yards passing
Tampa Bay 24, Atlanta 9
TB: 4-7, ATL: 2-9
-Chris Miller: 31% comp pct, 3 int
Kansas City 30, Denver 6
KC: 6-5, DEN: 4-7
-Christian Okoye: 106 yards rushing
Buffalo 24, Miami 21
BUF: 9-2, MIA: 8-3
-Jim Kelly: leaves injured
L.A. Raiders 17, Seattle 14
RAI: 9-2, SEA: 5-6
-Bo Jackson: 85 yards rushing
Pittsburgh 17, Washington 7
PIT: 6-5, WAS: 7-4
-Bubby Brister: 202 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 33, Dallas 28
GIA: 9-2, DAL: 5-6
-David Meggett: 112 yards rushing
L.A. Rams 31, Detroit 21
RAM: 6-5, DET: 2-9
-Jim Everett: 259 yards passing
Minnesota 37, Green Bay 14
MIN: 10-2, GB: 3-8
-Steve Jordan: 4 rec, 105 yards
N.Y. Jets 34, New England 14
JET: 3-8, NE: 3-8
-Al Toon: 5 rec, 137 yards
Leaders thru Week 12
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 201.0
2. Dan Marino, 175.2
3. Randall Cunningham, 167.5
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 2770
2. Montana, 2684
3. Jim Everett, 2536
Touchdowns
1t. Marino, 27
1t. Montana, 27
3. Moon, 26
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 53
2t. Many tied with 36
Yards
1. Rice, 1355
2. Sterling Sharpe, 989
3. Eric Martin, 970
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 14
2t. Many tied with 10
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Neal Anderson, 1056
2. Christian Okoye, 962
3. Johnny Johnson, 945
Touchdowns
1. Tom Rathman, 13
2. Johnson, 12
3. Many tied with 11
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Joey Browner, 8
2t. Many tied with 7
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 17
2. Bruce Smith, 15
3t. Many tied with 14
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 13
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 51.3
Punt Return Avg: Jeff Query, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: David Meggett, 20.5
After the Bills shocking loss to the Patriots last week I suppose anything is possible but I certaintly didn't think the Bills would lay another egg against the 2-7 Packers but that it is indeed what happened. With the Bills' second straight loss, the Dolphins have now moved into to tie for first place in the AFC East. Once you get past the two AFC East powers, Raiders, and Oilers, the rest of the conference is a mess with five teams at 5-5 going for the last two wild card spots. The Vikings had their six game winning streak snapped in an overtime loss to the Bears who try to keep their very slim division title hopes alive.
Week 11 Scores
Chicago 20, Minnesota 17 OT
CHI: 5-5, MIN: 9-2
-Neal Anderson: 92 yards rushing
N.Y. Jets 28, Indianapolis 27
NYJ: 2-8, IND: 3-7
-Mark Boyer: 5 rec, 132 yards
Green Bay 27, Buffalo 17
GB: 3-7, BUF: 8-2
-Sterling Sharpe: 5 rec, 149 yards
Cincinnati 20, Pittsburgh 17
CIN: 4-6, PIT: 5-5
-James Brooks: 80 yards rushing
N.Y. Giants 31, Phoenix 17
NYG: 8-2, PHX: 2-9
-Phil Simms: 187 yards passing
Philadelphia 45, Cleveland 7
PHI: 6-4, CLE: 5-5
-Browns Offense: 9 yards rushing
L.A. Raiders 30, Denver 24
RAI: 8-2, DEN: 4-6
-Marcus Allen: 86 yards rushing
Kansas City 21, LA. Rams 13
KC: 5-5, RAM: 5-5
-Christian Okoye: 81 yards rushing
Miami 24, New England 10
MIA: 8-2, NE: 3-7
-Tony Paige: 164 total yards
Washington 24, Atlanta 20
WAS: 7-3, ATL: 2-8
-Mark Rypien: 197 yards passing
San Diego 31, Seattle 28 OT
SD: 5-5, SEA: 5-5
-Marion Butts: 118 yards rushing
Tampa Bay 28, Detroit 10
TB: 3-7, DET: 2-8
-Bruce Hill: 4 rec, 108 yards
San Francisco 35, New Orleans 24
SF: 7-3, NO: 5-5
-Jerry Rice: 6 rec, 136 yards
Houston 21, Dallas 10
HOU: 7-3, DAL: 5-5
-Ernest Givens: 6 rec, 133 yards
Leaders thru Week 11
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 205.6
2. Dan Marino, 185.2
3. Joe Montana, 168.6
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 2568
2. Montana, 2498
3. Marino, 2315
Touchdowns
1t. Marino, 26
1t. Montana, 26
3. Moon, 24
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 49
2. Anthony Miller, 35
3. Henry Ellard, 33
Yards
1. Rice, 1256
2. Ellard, 875
3. Sterling Sharpe, 868
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 13
2. Ernest Givens, 10
3t. Many tied with 9
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Neal Anderson, 938
2. Johnny Johnson, 894
3. Thurman Thomas, 861
Touchdowns
1. Johnson, 12
2t. Many tied with 11
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Joey Browner, 7
1t. Kevin Ross, 7
1t. Erik McMillan, 7
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 17
2. Bruce Smith, 15
3. Simon Fletcher, 14
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 12
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 51.4
Punt Return Avg: Jeff Query, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Danny Peebles, 20.2
A while back I mentioned that during some post-Christmas giftcard shopping I made an impulse buy purchasing a DVD box set titled College Football's Greatest Games: University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Collector's Edition. Even though I'm not a Notre Dame fan I purchased the set due to it being the only one if it's kind out there for college football and it was released by A&E Home Video who did the World Series box sets that I've done write ups for. Now since the set is geared torwards Notre Dame fans it does contain some games that are far from "great" but are important in Notre Dame history. Here's the game list:
1966 vs. Michigan State - "Game of the Century" (2nd Half only)
1977 vs. USC - "Thee Green Jersey Game"
1978 vs. Texas - Cotton Bowl
1979 vs. Houston - Cotton Bowl
1988 vs. Miami - "Catholics vs. Convicts"
1989 vs. West Virginia - Fiesta Bowl
1992 vs. Penn State - "The Snow Bowl"
1993 vs. Florida State
The USC, Texas, and West Virginia games are not good games. The USC game is just there for it being the first game the Irish wore green jerseys and the Texas and West Virginia wins wrapped up their last two national championships. The other five games are all true classics. I don't know if I'll do a write up for them all but the one game I definately wanted to watch was the infamous "Catholics vs. Convicts" game.
On a side note I did purchase both the 1977 and 1987 World Series box sets but don't know when I'll get around to doing write ups for them.
October 15, 1988 - #1 Miami (4-0) at #4 Notre Dame (5-0)
-Miami carried a 36 game regular season winning streak into this game and a 16 game winning streak overall with their last loss coming in the infamous 1987 Fiesta Bowl to Penn State. Quarterback Steve "Better Than Troy Aikman" Walsh had yet to lose as a starter.
-This game took place the same day as Game 1 of the World Series that year between the A's and Dodgers or as I call it the "Worst Day in Sports History."
-The opening package by CBS is fantastic as they play it up as a battle of old school, Notre Dame, vs. new school, Miami. To this day I think the opening montage to CBS' college football coverage in the late 80's and early 90's was the best in sports. Brent Musberger and Pat Haden have the call.
Miami Offense
QB: Steve Walsh
RB: Cleveland Gary, Leonard Conley
WR: Randall Hill, Dale Dawkins
TE: Rob Chudzinski
C: Bobby Garcia
G: Mike Sullivan, Barry Panfil
T: Darrin Bruce, John O’Neill
Notre Dame Defense
NG: Chris Zorich
DT: George Williams, Jeff Alm
DE: Arnold Ale, Frank Stams
LB: Wes Pritchett, Mike Stonebreaker
CB: Todd Lyght, Stan Smagala
S: George Streeter, Pat Terrell
Notre Dame Offense
QB: Tony Rice
RB: Anthony Johnson, Mark Green
WR: Steve Alaniz, Ricky Watters
TE: Derek Brown
C: Mike Heldt
G: Mike Brennan, Joe Allen
T: Andy Heck, Dean Brown
Miami Defense
DT: Russell Maryland, Shane Curry
DE: Greg Mark, Bill Hawkins
MLB: Bernard Clark
OLB: Randy Shannon, Rod Carter
CB: Donald Ellis, Kenny Berry
S: Bobby Harden, Bubba McDowell
-Loooove looking at the old score updates as the game is going on. Wyoming ranked #14!?
FIRST QUARTER
-Frank Stams forces Walsh to fumble on the opening possession and Notre Dame recovers near midfield, although I’m not so sure it was a fumble. Stams hits Walsh’s shoulder as he cocks to throw but the ball doesn’t come loose until Walsh starts moving his arm forward and looks like it should have been ruled an in complete pass. Irish don’t take advantage though and go three and out.
-Ironically enough on Miami’s second possession, Stams hits Walsh again with the ball coming loose before Walsh’s arm goes forward and this time it’s called an incomplete pass. Pat Haden agrees with both calls for what that’s worth.
-Miami’s new head coach for 2007, Randy Shannon is a starting linebacker for the Hurricanes here.
-Rocket Ismail is just a freshman at this time and isn’t a starter but makes his presence known early with a 22 yard reception on Notre Dame’s second possession to convert the first of four 3rd down conversions on the drive. Tony Rice scores the first touchdown of the game on an option keeper from seven yards out.
-Musberger calls Walsh one of the best 3rd down college quarterbacks ever seen. Of course that very next play he throws an easy pick to D’Juan Francisco for Miami’s second turnover in their first three possessions. Very next play after Walsh’s interception, Russell Maryland forces Rice to fumble to turn the ball back over to Miami.
SECOND QUARTER
-Miami ties the game on a Walsh eight yard touchdown pass to Andre Brown.
-Rice hits Ismail on a 62 yard bomb down to the Miami 25. Ismail juggles the catch and stumbles to the ground or otherwise he would have taken it the distance as he beat Bubba McDowell who misjudged the ball and jumped too early trying to pick it off. Drive concludes with nine yard touchdown pass dump off to fullback Braxston Banks on a 3rd down to put Notre Dame back up 14-7.
-Miami quickly advances past midfield on their next possession but Frank Stams continues to be a beast in this game as he tips a Walsh pass that is picked off by Pat Terell who takes it 60 yards for the touchdown. The Irish were looking like they could potentially blow out Miami at this point in the game.
-With the departure of Michael Irvin and Brian Blades, Hurricanes were really lacking at wide receiver here as Walsh’s most effective target is Cleveland Gary out of the backfield. That being said Miami moves the ball almost exclusively through the air in this one as they couldn’t get anything on the ground against the Notre Dame defense.
-On the score updates during the game, Vanderbilt beat #20 Florida 24-6 and it notes that Florida hasn’t won at Vandy since 1966. That trend has just kind of changed the last couple of decades.
-On 4th and 4 on the Notre Dame 23, Miami goes for it and Walsh hits Leonard Conley in the flat with no Irish defenders around him and takes it the distance to get Miami back in the game.
-Notre Dame plays it conservative near the end of the half and goes three and out. Miami gets good field possession but Walsh nearly throws another pick six on the first play of the drive as his intended receiver doesn’t look for the ball coming and Todd Lyght almost picks it off with no one in front of him to prevent him from taking it the distance. Miami moves quickly from there ending with Walsh hitting a wide open Gary from 15 yards out with 21 seconds left in the half to tie it up, 21-21. Gary already had seven catches for 88 yards.
THIRD QUARTER
-On the opening possession, Rice throws a wounded duck that is picked off by McDowell. Miami proceeds to give the ball right back on a Conley fumble on their first play of the half.
-Notre Dame moves into field goal range on the next possession but McDowell blocks the field goal attempt by Billy Hackett. It was a 43 yard attempt into the wind so probably would have been a miss as it is.
-Miami can’t move the ball on their next possession and Jimmy Johnson gambles with a fake punt, with the direct snap to the upback but Notre Dame stuffs it and gets the ball on the Miami 46. On the very next play Rice hits Ricky Watters for a 44 yards gain and Pat Eilers runs it in for the score from there to put the Irish back up 28-21.
-Notre Dame’s short ranger kicker Reggie Ho jumps up and down like an idiot after every successful extra point. Musberger mentioned earlier in the game that he’s missed a few so guess wasn’t always a guarantee it’d go through for him, thus the reason to celebrate.
-Miami drives to the Notre Dame 25 but Walsh throws his third interception of the game as lineman Jeff Alm makes a leaping interception on a dump off attempt to one of the backs.
-Notre Dame marches to Miami 11 before their next drive stalls and they settle for a Ho field goal to extend the lead to 31-21.
FOURTH QUARTER
-Miami had come back from 30-14 deficit with five and a half minutes to go against Michigan earlier in the year in Ann Arbor to win 31-30.
-Miami moves quickly to down inside the Notre Dame 10 but the Irish hold and force Miami into a Carlos Huerta field goal to trim the lead to 31-24.
-Near disaster on the ensuing kick off as Ismail has a brain fart and badly misplays the kick but falls on it back at their own 11. Notre Dame then later in the drive almost has another huge misplay on a 3rd and short as Rice makes a bad pitch to Watters that he can’t handle, the ball gets kick around all the way back to the 24 before the Irish recover to avoid giving the Hurricanes great field position.
-Now we reach the big controversy about this game. With about seven minutes to go Miami goes for it on a 4th and 7 from the Notre Dame 11 and converts on Gary’s 11th reception of the game but as he tries to dive for the goal line he supposedly fumbles and the Irish recover at the 1. Looking at the replay it looks fairly clear that A) his knees hit the ground, B) the ball had broken the plane of the endzone before it came loose, and C) the ground caused the fumble. The only thing I’m unsure of is if his knee hit before he crossed the plane but at the very least should have been First and Goal at the 1. Pat Haden completely agrees with the officials yet again and Musberger doesn’t protest. Jimmy Johnson to say the least is not pleased.
-You can’t stop Frank Stam, you can only hope to contain him. On Miami’s next possession he forces another Walsh fumble, this one legit, and the Irish recover on their 28 with 3:30 to go. It was Walsh’s fifth turnover of the game, seventh turnover overall by the Hurricanes. Walsh would throw for 424 yards in this game but obviously gets completely overshadowed by the turnovers.
-They go back to the controversial Gary “fumble” and Haden says he was bobbling the ball before he it the ground which again the replay doesn’t show any of what he supposedly sees. Even though Haden played at USC, Miami was the most hated team in college football at the time so I got the impression watching this game Haden really wanted to see Miami lose.
-Shannon sacks Rice on 3rd and long, forcing a fumble, and Miami recovers on the Notre Dame 15 with 2:14 to go. Great, entertaining game but god damn has it been sloppy.
-Hurricanes immediately face another 4th and 7 from the Notre Dame 11. This time there is no controversy as Walsh hits Brown for the touchdown to make it 31-30 with 45 seconds left in the game. Since we’re still several years away from overtime in college football Miami decides to go for two. Walsh tries to hit Conley in the corner of the endzone but it is deflected away by Terrell. Miami probably would have kept their #1 ranking if they settle for the tie, especially since they were on the road, but it would have been quite the pussy move at the same time to do so.
-Notre Dame recovers the onside kick and runs out the clock to hand Miami their first regular season loss in over three years. The Irish ran the able from there on their way to their last national championship to date.
Do you believe in miracles?
After blazing to an 8-0 start without breaking a sweat the Bills were stunned by the worst team in TSB in Week 10. I don't know what's more shocking, the Patriots beating the Bills or the Patriots now already having three wins. In other surprising news, I had accidently been listing the Vikings as having two losses but after looking at the standings on the game they had only one and now with the Bills' loss, the Vikings of all teams now have the best record in the league at 9-1 and could clinch the NFC Central by Week 12. After a slow start the 49ers have moved into sole posession of first place in the NFC West after the Rams have dropped back-to-back overtime losses in the division. The Packers and Jets met in a battle of one win teams with the Pack prevailing 38-17 and sending the Jets to the bottom of the league at 1-8.
Week 10 Scores
New Orleans 24, L.A. Rams 21 OT
NO: 5-4, RAM: 5-4
-Steve Walsh: 241 yards passing
Miami 31, Indianapolis 14
MIA: 7-2, IND: 3-6
-Tony Paige: 4 rec, 103 yards
N.Y. Giants 27, Philadelphia 22
NYG: 7-2, PHI: 5-4
-Phil Simms: 200 yards passing
Green Bay 38, N.Y. Jets 17
GB: 2-7, NYJ: 1-8
-Ed West: 5 rec, 148 yards
Minnesota 28, Tampa Bay 21
MIN: 9-1, TB: 2-7
-Wade Wilson: 166 yards passing
Denver 20, Pittsburgh 10
DEN: 4-5, PIT: 5-4
-Bobby Humphrey: 103 yards rushing
New England 30, Buffalo 28
NE: 3-6, BUF: 8-1
-Steve Grogan: 222 yards passing
Cincinnati 21, Cleveland 13
CIN: 3-6, CLE: 5-4
-Rodney Holman: 71 yards receiving
Washington 27, Houston 24 OT
WAS: 6-3, HOU: 6-3
-Art Monk: 5 rec, 140 yards
Chicago 30, Detroit 6
CHI: 4-5, DET: 2-7
-Brad Muster: 86 yards rushing
Dallas 21, Phoenix 14
DAL: 5-4, PHX: 2-8
-Emmitt Smith: 93 yards rushing
San Francisco 24, Atlanta 17
SF: 6-3, ATL: 2-7
-Joe Montana: 310 yards passing
Bye Weeks: Kansas City (4-5), L.A. Raiders (7-2), San Diego (4-5), Seattle (5-4)
Leaders thru Week 10
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 205.2
2. Dan Marino, 189.6
3. Joe Montana, 177.5
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 2363
2. Montana, 2249
3. Marino, 2136
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 25
2. Montana, 24
3t. Many tied with 21
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 43
2. Anthony Miller, 32
3t. Many tied with 31
Yards
1. Rice, 1120
2. Ellard, 791
3. Mark Duper, 767
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 11
2. Ernest Givens, 9
3t. Many tied with 8
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Johnny Johnson, 849
2. Neal Anderson, 846
3. Thurman Thomas, 810
Touchdowns
1. Johnson, 12
2t. Many tied with 10
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Joey Browner, 7
1t. Kevin Ross, 7
1t. Erik McMillan, 7
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 16
2t. Many tied with 13
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Gary Anderson, 10
Punting Avg: Rohn Stark, 51.7
Punt Return Avg: Jeff Query, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Danny Peebles, 20.1
Warren Moon is the star of the week as he scorched the Bengals for 450 yards passing, which is pretty damn high for a simmed game on Tecmo, and helped the Oilers take sole possesion of first place in the AFC Central. The Browns lost their share of the lead after getting murdered by the league's best defense, the Steelers 41-0. In the NFC Central, the Vikings avoided an embarrasing loss to the Cardinals and in the process took an almost insurmountable four game lead as the Bears continue to struggle dropping one to the Saints this week 14-10.
Week 9 Scores
Atlanta 30, L.A. Rams 27 OT
ATL: 2-6, RAM: 5-3
-Mike Rozier: 115 yards rushing
Houston 44, Cincinnati 24
HOU: 6-2, CIN: 2-6
-Warren Moon: 450 yards passing
Seattle 24, San Diego 14
SEA: 5-4, SD: 4-5
-Dave Krieg: 195 yards passing
Minnesota 21, Phoenix 20
MIN: 7-2, PHX: 2-7
-Wade Wilson: 147 yards passing
New Orleans 14, Chicago 10
NO: 4-4, CHI: 3-5
-Dalton Hilliard: 97 yards rushing
Washington 21, N.Y. Giants 14
WAS: 5-3, NYG: 6-2
-Ricky Sanders: 6 rec, 122 yards
San Francisco 27, Philadelphia 9
SF: 5-3, PHI: 5-3
-Joe Montana: 201 yards passing
Dallas 24, Detroit 21
DAL: 4-4, DET: 2-6
-Emmitt Smith: 99 yards rushing
Kansas City 27, L.A. Raiders 10
KC: 4-5, RAI: 7-2
-Stephone Paige: 5 rec, 171 yards
Tampa Bay 14, Green Bay 9
TB: 2-6, GB: 1-7
-Bucs Defense: 4 interceptions
Pittsburgh 41, Cleveland 0
PIT: 5-3, CLE: 5-3
-Browns Offense: 77 total yards
New England 16, Denver 14
NE: 2-6, DEN: 3-5
-Steve Grogan: 162 yards passing
Bye Weeks: Buffalo (8-0), Indianapolis (3-5), Miami (6-2), N.Y. Jets (1-7)
Leaders thru Week 9
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Dan Marino, 197.5
2. Phil Sims, 194.4
3. Jim Kelly, 176.9
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 2109
2. Marino, 1954
3. Joe Montana, 1939
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 23
2. Montana, 21
3. Jim Everett, 20
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 37
2. Anthony Miller, 32
3. Henry Ellard, 30
Yards
1. Rice, 977
2. Ellard, 761
3. Miller, 713
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 10
2t. Many tied with 8
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Johnny Johnson, 777
2. Christian Okoye, 775
3. Neal Anderson, 766
Touchdowns
1. Johnson, 11
2t. Anderson, 10
2t. Marcus Allen, 10
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Joey Browner, 7
1t. Kevin Ross, 7
3t. Many tied with 6
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 14
2t. Bruce Smith, 13
2t. Simon Fletcher, 13
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Many tied with 9
Punting Avg: Sean Landetta, 51.0
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Danny Peebles, 20.6
And then there was one. The Raiders suffered their first loss of the season in the Battle of Los Angeles to the Rams 35-31. Rams now improve to a surprising 5-2 and maintain their one game lead on the 49ers in the NFC West. The Bills hit the halfway point and their bye week undefeated as they cruised to another win over the Bengals. The Vikings blew out the Patriots 37-10 and continue their large lead the NFC Central.
Week 8 Scores
Buffalo 31, Cincinnati 14
BUF: 8-0, CIN: 2-5
-Thurman Thomas: 127 yards rushing
Indianapolis 28, N.Y. Jets 21
IND: 3-5, NYJ: 1-7
-Jeff George: 254 yards passing
Minnesota 37, New England 10
MIN: 6-2, NE: 1-6
-Anthony Carter: 6 rec, 158 yards
New Orleans 27, Tampa Bay 0
NO: 3-4, TB: 1-6
-Buccaneers: 78 yards of offense
Houston 35, Miami 14
HOU: 5-2, MIA: 6-2
-Warren Moon: 291 yards passing
Pittsburgh 14, Seattle 10
PIT: 4-3, SEA: 4-4
-Dave Krieg: 36% comp pct, 86 yards
Kansas City 31, Denver 20
KC: 3-5, DEN: 3-4
-Stephone Paige: 6 rec, 170 yards
L.A. Rams 35, L.A. Raiders 31
RAM: 5-2, RAI: 7-1
-Jim Everett: 309 yards passing
Phoenix 31, Atlanta 24
PHX: 2-6, ATL: 1-6
-Timm Rosenbach: 266 yards passing
San Francisco 28, Detroit 3
SF: 4-3, DET: 2-5
-Joe Montana: 252 yards passing
Cleveland 23, San Diego 20
CLE: 5-2, SD: 4-4
-Eric Metcalf: 5 rec, 115 yards
Chicago 28, Green Bay 17
CHI: 3-4, GB: 1-6
-Neal Anderson: 122 yards rushing
Bye Weeks: Dallas (3-4), N.Y. Giants (6-1), Philadelphia (5-2), Washington (4-3)
Leaders thru Week 8
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 210.6
2. Dan Marino, 197.5
3. Jim Kelly, 176.9
Yards
1. Marino, 1954
2. Kelly, 1771
3. Joe Montana, 1738
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 23
2t. Jim Everett, 18
2t. Kelly, 18
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 33
2. Anthony Miller, 27
3. Many tied with 26
Yards
1. Rice, 881
2. Duper, 709
3. James Lofton, 635
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 9
2t. Henry Ellard, 8
2t. James Lofton, 8
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 697
2. Neal Anderson, 685
3. Christian Okoye, 657
Touchdowns
1. Marcus Allen, 10
2. Neal Anderson, 9
3t. Many tied with 8
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Joey Browner, 7
2t. Many with 6
Sacks
1t. Lawrence Taylor, 13
1t. Bruce Smith, 13
3t. Many tied with 12
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 9
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 51.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Tim Brown; Danny Peebles, 19.2
Nearing the midway point of the season and the Bills and Raiders still can't be beat. Bills had a lackluster effort against the lowly Colts but still prevailed 31-23 while the Raiders beat the Seahawks 24-14 to now take a commanding three game lead in the AFC West. Even with their dominance the Bills aren't running away with their division as the Dolphins are right on their heels, improving to 6-1 after a 27-24 win over the Chiefs. Earnest Byner returned to action for the Redskins and nearly returned to the top of the league's leading rushers but it wasn't enough to beat Byner's former team the Browns as they downed the Skins 17-16.
Week 7 Scores
San Francisco 31, Atlanta 14
SF: 3-3, ATL: 1-5
-Joe Montana: 232 yards passing
L.A. Rams 24, San Diego 6
RAM: 4-2, SD: 4-3
-Willie Anderson: 6 rec, 178 yards
L.A. Raiders 24, Seattle 14
RAI: 7-0, SEA: 4-3
-Marcus Allen: 85 yards rushing
Minnesota 20, Phoenix 14
MIN: 5-2, PHX: 1-6
-Herschel Walker: 116 yards rushing
Philadelphia 28, New Orleans 14
PHI: 5-2, NO: 2-4
-Randall Cunningham: 225 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 21, Pittsburgh 6
NYG: 6-1, PIT: 3-3
-Giants: Win despite only 165 yards of offense
Miami 27, Kansas City 24
MIA: 6-1, KC: 2-5
-Mark Clayton: 6 rec, 153 yards
Cleveland 17, Washington 16
CLE: 4-2, WAS: 4-3
-Reggie Langhorne: 3 rec, 92 yards
Cincinnati 21, Dallas 14
CIN: 2-4, DAL: 3-4
-Troy Aikman: 35% comp pct, 2 int
Houston 30, N.Y. Jets 24 OT
HOU: 4-2, NYJ: 1-6
-Warren Moon: 270 yards passing
Buffalo 31, Indianapolis 23
BUF: 7-0, IND: 2-5
-Thurman Thomas: 109 yards rushing
Bye Weeks: Chicago (2-4), Denver (3-3), Detroit (2-4), Green Bay (1-5), New England (1-5), Tampa Bay (1-5)
Leaders thru Week 7
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 210.6
2. Dan Marino, 201.6
3. Jim Kelly, 171.5
Yards
1. Marino, 1727
2. Kelly, 1600
3. Joe Montana, 1486
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 21
2t. Simms, 16
2t. Kelly, 16
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 29
2t. Anthony Miller, 24
2t. Mark Duper, 24
Yards
1. Rice, 790
2. Duper, 657
3. Jay Novacek, 584
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 8
2t. Henry Ellard, 7
2t. James Lofton, 7
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Christian Okoye, 574
2. Earnest Byner, 572
3. Thurman Thomas, 570
Touchdowns
1. Marcus Allen, 10
2t. Many with 7
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Eddie Anderson, 6
2t. Many with 5
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 13
2. Chris Doleman, 11
3t. Many with 10
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 9
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 51.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Chris Warren, 20.2
For the first time in a while I actually felt like writing a real blog entry and doing one of my favorite, but time consuming, series of entries the "Where'd The Go?" series. This time around I picked a Brewers team since they are finally relevant again. While the Brewers do have the Cubs breathing down their necks in their attempt to break the franchise's 25 year postseason drought, they at least do appear to finally be on their way to their first winning season in 15 years so I will look back at that team.
The 1992 Milwaukee Brewers have always stuck in my mind only because that season they were the only team during the regular season to have a winning record against the A's as County Stadium was always house of horrors for Oakland for whatever reason. The Brewers won 92 games that year under first year manager Phil Garner, finishing four games behind the eventual World Champion Blue Jays in the East. That on the surface would make it sound like a close race but in reality the Brewers were never a serious factor and it was 20-7 September when the Blue Jays were comfortably ahead already that propelled them up the standings. Between June 6th and September 18th the Brewers spent just one day in 2nd place in the East before finally overtaking the Orioles for good on September 19th. This team would have almost the last remnants of the 1982 Harvey's Wallbangers as it would be both Paul Molitor and Jim Gatner's last year with the team and Robin Yount would retire after the following season.
C: B.J. Surhoff (.252/.314/.321, 1.9 VORP, 16.2 Win Shares) - This was Surhoff's final season as a regular catcher as he would only play 33 more games behind the plate, the last coming in 1995 which was also his last year with the club. Signed as a free agent with Baltimore where he'd be a remarkably consistent if not great hitter. They traded him in a deadline deal to the Braves in 2000 but he'd return to the Orioles in 2003 playing his final three years there.
1B: Franklin Stubbs (.229/.297/.368, -2.8 VORP, 6.8 Win Shares) - Stubbs was a former big time prospect for the Dodgers who never lived up to the hype and was toast by age 30. He was actually even worse in '91 (.213/.282/.359) but the Brewers were stuck with him after signing him to a two year contract after his one good season in 1990 while in Houston. Played one more year in the Majors with Detroit. His #1 similarity score is Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson so maybe he has a future as a god awful announcer.
2B: Scott Fletcher (.275/.335/.360, 12.5 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares) - A slick fielding second baseman, this was Fletcher's only year in Milwuakee. Signed as a free agent with the Red Sox where he spent two years and then had his final year in 1995 with Detroit. His main claim to fame is he was a part of the Harold Baines/Sammy Sosa trade in 1989.
3B: Kevin Seitzer (.270/.337/.367, 11.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares) - Seitzer had an odd career as his best season's where his rookie year (1987) and his next to last year (1996). Could hit for average, draw a walk, and played a decent third base but never really stood out partly because he had almost no power. Signed with the A's following this year, which I now just remembered, where he struggled. They gave up on him quickly by releasing him in July and went right back to Milwaukee where he started hitting again. Traded to the Indians during his shockingly good age 34 year in '96 in a waiver deadline deal for Jeromy Burnitz and would retire after the following season.
SS: Pat Listach (.290/.352/.349, 36.4 VORP, 20.7 Win Shares) - One of the great mystery Rookie of the Year winners who people years from now, and maybe even today, who look back at old award winners and will ask "Who the hell was Pat Listach?" He beat out Kenny Lofton for the award despite Lofton having the better season and well it would be understatement to say Listach didn't do much of anything else after 1992. Brewers traded him to the Yankees in late 1996 as part of a Graeme Lloyd/Bob Wickman swap but he never played for them. Played one season in Houston before being out of the Majors.
LF: Greg Vaughn (.228/.313/.409, 5.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares) - Vaughn was the only legit power threat in the '92 Brewers line up as he led the team with 23 homeruns, Paul Molitor being the only player on the team with more than 10. His breakout year would be the followings season but he was wildly inconsistent for most of his career. Traded in a deadline deal to the Padres in 1996 where he'd have his best year in 1998 when he hit 50 homeruns and finished 4th in the MVP voting. He was then traded after that season to the Reds where he spent one year there, played three seasons in Tampa Bay, and one partial season in Colorado in 2003 before retiring.
CF: Robin Yount (.264/.325/.390, 14.4 VORP, 20.1 Win Shares) - As already mentioned this was Yount's next to last season and he was still a decent enough player but had clearly declined quite a bit since his second MVP season of 1989. Probably could have hung on a couple of more years past 1993 as a back up but decided to retire at age 37. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
RF: Darryl Hamilton (.298/.356/.400, 27.0 VORP, 18.0 Win Shares) - Dante Bichette actually played more games in right field than any other Brewer but was more of a platoon player as Hamilton saw more action playing all three outfield positions. Adequate hitter, good glove centerfielder, Hamilton spent seven years in Milwaukee. Signed as a free agent with Texas after 1995 where he spent just one season and then signed with the Giants. They traded him a deadline deal ('92 Brewers: Deadline Deal Kings) in 1998 to the Rockies for Ellis Burks which ended being a really stupid trade for Colorado. He'd be traded in yet another deadline deal in 1999 to Mets where he accoding to his Wiki entry he didn't get along with Bobby Valentine and put a "hex" on the Mets after being released in 2001. Now works in the Commissioner's Office shining Bud Selig's shoes or something.
DH: Paul Molitor (.320/.398/.461, 58.7, 28.4 Win Shares) - Still an excellent hitter at age 35, I placed him 4th in my 1992 A.L. MVP Redo. After 15 years in Milwaukee he departed thru free agency to Toronto in 1993 where he had even a better season and placed 2nd in the MVP voting that year. He would have one of the great postseason performances of all-time leading the Blue Jays two a second straight World Championship and winning the World Series MVP. Signed with his hometown Twins after 1995 to finish out his career, retiring after 1998. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Starting Rotation
Bill Wegman (120 ERA+, 48.2 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares) - Wegman pitched 261 2/3 innings in 1992 which I'm guessing didn't do wonders for his arm as he didn't pitch that many combined the next two seasons. Couldn't find much of anything on him but I assume he had problems previously as he made only 13 starts in 1989 and 1990. Out of the Majors after 1995.
Jaime Navarro (115 ERA+, 45.7 VORP, 15.4 Win Shares) - Very erratic, innings eater this was one of Navarro's best years. After a poor year in 1994 he was picked up by the Cubs where he put together a couple of decent seasons. This led the White Sox to sign him to a four year deal after 1996 which ended up being a disaster as he posted ERA's of 5.79, 6.36, and 6.09 the next three seasons. They got the Brewers to take him them off their hands in 2000 but in five starts he had an ERA of 12.74 before they released him. Picked up by the Rockies and was sent to Triple-A but they released him a month later then the Indians gave him a shot but obviously he hadn't had anything left. Bounced around the minors thru 2003.
Chris Bosio (106 ERA+, 34.4 VORP, 13.1 Win Shares) - This was Bosio's last year in Milwaukee. For some reason I remember not liking him and I have no idea why. Anyways he would sign a big money, four-year deal with the Mariners after this season. While he'd be decent the first couple of seasons he was plauged with injuries most of his stay in Seattle and once the contract was up after 1996 so was his career.
Ricky Bones (84 ERA+, 5.6 VORP, 4.1 Win Shares) - Was acquired shortly before the season from the Padres in the Gary Sheffield trade. Played on seven teams in 11 years, Milwaukee was the only place that Bones had an extended stay. Had one good season as a starter in 1994 but by 1996 he was so bad that he was a PTBNL in the before mentioned trade with the Yankees that had Pat Listach thrown in. Pitched just seven innnings down the stretch for the Yankeess giving up 11 runs. Bounced around from Cincinnati, Kansas City (decent year as a short reliever in '98), Baltimore, and finally Florida.
Closer: Doug Henry (95 ERA+, 2.5 VORP, 5.7 Win Shares) - Brewers had a great bullpen in '92 but for whatever reason stuck with Henry as their closer. A late bloomer, Henry made his MLB debut at age 27 the year before and the following season would be his last as a closer. Spent the rest of his career as your typical journeyman, middle reliever as he'd be good one year and bad the next. Traded to the Mets after 1994, went to the Giants in 1997, then to the Astros, back to the Giants, and finally finishing out his career in 2001 with the Royals.
Without Bo Jackson the Raiders still remained undefeated after beating the surprisingly mediocre 49ers 21-14. The Bills also are still unscathed as they slaughtered the Bears 38-7. The Cardinals, Bucs, and Falcons all picked up their first wins of the season and now every team in the league has at least one win. The big performance of the week came from Mark Duper who scorched the Jets secondary for 217 yards receiving in the Dolphins' 31-21 win.
Week 5 Scores
L.A. Raiders 21, San Francisco 14
RAI: 5-0, SF: 2-3
-Marcus Allen: 88 yards rushing
Seattle 30, Indianapolis 14
SEA: 3-2, IND: 2-3
John L Williams: 236 total yards
Miami 31, N.Y. Jets 21
MIA: 4-1, NYJ: 1-4
-Mark Duper: 6 rec, 217 yards
Phoenix 28, New England 10
PHX: 1-4, NE: 1-4
-Johnny Johnson: 210 total yards
Denver 17, Minnesota 14 OT
DEN: 3-2, MIN: 3-2
-John Elway: 196 yards passing
San Diego 28, Kansas City 7
SD: 4-1, KC: 2-3
-Marion Butts: 137 yards rushing
Atlanta 28, New Orleans 27
ATL: 1-4, NO: 2-3
-Chris Miller: 237 yards passing
Washington 21, Philadelphia 14
WAS: 3-2, PHI: 3-2
-Art Monk: 5 rec, 143 yards
Buffalo 38, Chicago 7
BUF: 5-0, CHI: 2-3
-Jim Kelly: 285 yards passing
Tampa Bay 20, Detroit 17
TB: 1-4, DET: 2-3
-Vinny Testaverde: 216 yards passing
L.A. Rams 24, Green Bay 16
RAM: 3-2, GB: 1-4
Jim Everett: 179 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 24, Dallas 16
NYG: 4-1, DAL: 2-3
-Phil Simms: 210 yards passing
Bye Weeks: Cincinnati (1-3), Cleveland (2-2), Houston (2-2), Pittsburgh (2-2)
Leaders thru Week 5
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Dan Marino, 219.1
2. Phil Simms, 205.6
3. Steve Walsh, 165.4
Yards
1. Marino, 1262
2. Joe Montana, 1254
3. Walsh, 1154
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 18
2t. Many with 12
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 26
2. Mark Duper, 19
3t. Many with 18
Yards
1. Rice, 680
2. Duper, 546
3. Art Monk, 480
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 7
2t. Many with 6
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Earnest Byner, 449
2. Thurman Thomas, 399
3. Bobby Humphrey, 392
Touchdowns
1t. Dalton Hilliard, 6
1t. Marcus Allen, 6
3t. Many with 5
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Many with 4
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 13
2. Simon Fletcher, 8
3t. Many with 7
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 7
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 53.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard; Johnny Bailey, 13.0
Kick Return Avg: Chris Warren, 23.0
