Madden Franchise - Season 1 (2006)

[Dogphins]

OK guys and girls

This Madden Franchise of mine is quite a journeyman. It's been on 6 different websites now, including this one. A few have received great comments and follwing, while a few have given me nothing.

I hope that the Jabber will one of the ones which does have a following and that people make as many comments and ask as many questions as possible. TJ, I hope you and others lead the charge on the ones who support this Franchise. I know you and Reaper have seen the majority of this franchise already, but it's always good to go over stuff that you may have forgotten.

Here are the details of my Madden Franchise:

Game: Madden '07
Platform: PS 2
Quarter Length: 12 min
Skill Level: Pro
Teams: 8 (Arizona, New Orleans, Indianapolis, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Cincinnati and Chicago)

When any of my 8 teams would play each other, I would use each teams' offence, while the PS PC would control the defense. So, if Dallas played Miami, when Miami had the ball I would be controlling the Fins and the PS would control the Cowboys' defense and vise versa. Obviously I needed to use two controllers in these situations.

First starting the franchise (which began in October 2006!), I chose not to have a fantasy draft, opting to keep the current players with their current teams. I also skipped the pre-season and went straight into the regular season.

I didn't start writing this franchise on the original website until 5 weeks into the regular season. So here are the scores and news of all 8 teams up until part way through Week 5:

ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-0)

Week 1: Beat San Francisco 38-13
Week 2: Won at Seattle 19-14
Week 3: Beat St. Louis 40-37
Week 4: Won at Atlanta 42-28

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-1)

Week 1: Won at Cleveland 27-20
Week 2: Lost at Green Bay 19-24
Week 3: Beat Atlanta 33-17
Week 4: Won at Carolina 21-17

MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-1)

Week 1: Lost at Pittsburgh 20-30
Week 2: Beat Buffalo 41-10
Week 3: Beat Tennessee 39-21
Week 4: Won at Houston 62-7
Week 5: Won at New England 48-21

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (5-0)

Week 1: Won at N.Y. Giants 26-7
Week 2: Beat Houston 45-7
Week 3: Beat Jacksonville 48-27
Week 4: Won at N.Y. Jets 38-31
Week 5: Beat Tennessee 72-35

DALLAS COWBOYS (2-1)

Week 1: Lost at Jacksonville 17-51
Week 2: Beat Washington 24-20
Week 3: BYE
Week 4: Won at Tennessee 38-19

CHICAGO BEARS (5-0)

Week 1: Won at Green Bay 28-7
Week 2: Beat Detroit 27-21
Week 3: Won at Minnesota 24-7
Week 4: Beat Seattle 34-9
Week 5: Beat Buffalo 58-13

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (3-0)

Week 1: Won at Oakland 31-22
Week 2: Beat Tennessee 66-6
Week 3: BYE
Week 4: Won at Baltimore 34-7

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-2)

Week 1: Lost at Kansas City 24-33
Week 2: Beat Cleveland 20-17
Week 3: Lost at Pittsburgh 45-48
Week 4: Beat New England 34-27
Week 5: BYE

Just some signing/trades, etc so far:

* Arizona signed FA WR Charles Lee to a 2-year contract worth $3.04M, due to the "career ending" injury to WR Troy Walters, who was released.

* San Diego signed FA CB DeWayne Washington to a 1-year contract worth $2.50M, placed CB Quentin Jammer on IR after a season ending foot tracture injury.

* Miami signed FA DT Jason Fisk to a 1-year contract worth $3.70M, due to DT Vonnie Holiday having a serious injury and being out for at least 8 weeks.

* Dallas traded a 3rd round draft pick to Tampa Bay for FB Mike Alstott. Alstott straight away paid dividends by scoring 2 TD's in the game at Tennessee

* New Orleans signed FA ROLB Barrett Green to a 1-year contract, worth $1.40M, due to injuries to both their ROLB's Tommy Polley and Scott Fugita. That week's game, Green had 3 Int's

* New Orleans traded a 2nd round draft pick and WR Mike Hass to the Jets for a 4th round draft pick and MLB Eric Barton.

* San Diego traded a 2nd round draft pick and QB Charlie Whitehurst to Detroit for a 4th round draft pick and DT Shaun Cody.

* Dallas traded CB Aaron Glenn to Miami for DT Jeff Zgonina.

* Miami traded a 2nd round draft pick and WR Wes Welker to Carolina for a 5th round draft pick and DT Damione Lewis.



...plenty more to come....feedback welcome...

[Serrated Shadow]

i'm shocked that the Bears were 4-0!

[Dogphins]

Originally Posted by Serrated Shadow

i'm shocked that the Bears were 4-0!

Well 3 of the 4 teams the Bears played were quite average, while Seattle had been competitive leading up to that game. Was a strong victory by Chicago that game.

[Dogphins]

OK, continuing on now.

So I realised that I didn't start writing the franchise til part way through Week 5 (originally I thought it was Week 4).

Some scores already in Week 5 that weren't recorded originally:

Indianapolis beat Tennessee in a record setting game, 72-35, while Miami had a great win at New England, 48-21. Chicago had a cruising victory over the hapless Bills 58-13 and the Cincinnati Bengals had a bye.

On to the remainder of Week 5:

SAINTS BUCCANEERS
Superdome

New Orleans went to 4-1 after beating a resilient Tampa Bay, 34-23

The Bucs were 5-0 up on the Saints before they got into gear leading 21-5 until Tampa scored their 1st TD, making it 21-12. Tampa kicked a field goal soon after but the Saints surged ahead again leading 31-15. Tampa Bay scored yet again and were successful with the 2-pt conversion, but it was too little too late. The Saints with the win.


CARDINALS CHIEFS
University Of Phoenix Stadium

Arizona won their 5th straight game beating Kansas City 51-32

Kurt Warner and Edgerrin James ran riot in this game, while WR Larry Fitzgerald had over 150 receiving yards and 2 TD's.
Kansas City took it right upto the Cards, at one stage they were dead level at 21-21 before Arizona stepped up a gear and blew the Chiefs away.


EAGLES COWBOYS
Lincoln Financial Field

The Cowboys came into Philadelphia a game behind the Eagles, but left winners, absolutely spanking Philly 61-7.

QB Drew Bledsoe took full advantage of the Brian Dawkins-less secondary, throwing for 351 yards and 3 TD's. TE Jason Witten had 7 receptions for over 120 yards and a touchdown, while ex-Eagle WR Terrell Owens had 100 receiving yards and 2 TD's. His touchdown celebrations were both times directed at the Eagles fans and they weren't impressed.

Both RB's, Marion Barber and Julius Jones rushed for over 100 yards. Barber scoring twice while Jones scored once. The other touchdown came from an interception return 3 plays into the game. McNabb was being rushed by two defenders and threw the ball up for grabs, and straight into the waiting hands of DE Marcus Spears, who ran it back 21 yards for the early score. McNabb was picked off 3 times and sacked 7 times. His interception count thus far totals 14


SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL


CHARGERS STEELERS
Qualcomm Stadium

It was a clash of the titans, with both teams pouring it on, especially on offence. After both teams went 3 and out on their opening drives, San Diego moved the ball downfield and scored a touchdown. On Pittsburgh's next possession, they too marched the ball downfield and tied the game up at 7-7. With the Chargers next possession, QB Philip Rivers threw a bad pass, straight into the Steeler secondary for the pick. Pittsburgh wasted no time and punched in a TD a few plays later to lead 14-7.

Halfway through the 2nd quarter and Charger RB LaDanian Tomlinson broke out for a huge run and scored to tie things up again at 14 all. After a Pittsburgh punt, San Diego scored yet again to lead 21-14. Just before halftime, however, a broken pass coverage, allowed a 60 yard + touchdown pass to Pittsburgh, and the scores were all tied up once again.

At halftime: San Diego 21, Pittsburgh 21

The Steelers came out with authority in the 3rd quarter and soon took the lead yet again with another long drive and touchdown run, Pittsburgh up 28-21. San Diego's next drive was all Rivers, as he completed every pass in that drive, and threw another touchdown pass to tie it up again at 28-28.

The Chargers seemed to have no answer on defense, as they couldnt stop Roethlisberger and Parker from moving the ball downfield, as WR Hines Ward caught his 3rd TD pass, the Steelers on top, 35-28. San Diego's next drive was probably their most important as they couldnt let the Steelers get too far in front. And Rivers again, was exceptional. He led the Chargers downfield and tied the scores up again at 35-35.

Into the 4th quarter and Pittsburgh were still able to move the ball with some easy. But, the Chargers dug deep and stopped Pittsburgh in the red-zone and the Steelers had to settle for a field goal, to lead 38-35.

With just 6 minutes remaining on the clock, it was now or never for San Diego. And they put it in the hands of Tomlinson to get them there. Taking as much time as they could, and being able to move the ball downfield, Tomlinson punched it in for his 2nd touchdown and a 42-38 lead with under 2 minutes remaining.

Pittsburgh's next drive would be their last, as Roethlisberger made a crucial error. While being faced with 3 pass rushers, Big Ben threw the ball off-balance, up for grabs and straight into a sea of Charger defenders for the pick. San Diego secured the win with a last second field goal, for a gutsy 45-38 victory and still undefeated, with a 4-0 record.


...stay tuned for Week 6...

Booo San Diego.

[Dogphins]

...So, into Week 6:


COWBOYS TEXANS
Texas Stadium

After a slow 1st half, Dallas were behind at home against state rival Houston. At halftime, down 17-13. But it was all Cowboys in the 2nd half as Dallas piled on 24 unanswered points for the comfortable 37-17 win, improving their record to 4-1.

Stats:

Drew Bledsoe (QB): 215 passing yards, 2 TD
Marion Barber (RB): 129 rushing yards
Julius Jones (RB): 74 rushing yards, 2 TD's


SAINTS EAGLES
Superdome

New Orleans hosted Philadelphia, and for the 2nd straight week, the Eagles got burned in the secondary. Saints beating Philly 46-21. Much like the Cowboys last week, New Orleans took full advantage of the Brian Dawkins-less secondary.

And to make matters worse for Philadelphia, they lost two key injuries during the game, to add their already growing list of injuries. LB Dhani Jones went down with an ankle injury and will be out for the rest of the season. And QB Donovan McNabb tore his ACL and is also gone for the season.

Stats:

Drew Brees (QB): 347 passing yards, 4 TD's
Deuce McAllister (RB): 105 rushing yards
Reggie Bush (RB): 107 rushing yards, TD
Joe Horn (WR): 206 receiving yards, TD


BUCCANEERS BENGALS
Raymond James Stadium

Cincinnati went down to Florida to take on the Buccaneers in a downright stupidly offensive crazy game, the Bengals crushing the Bucs, 65-38.

After the game, coach Lewis ripped into the Bengals defense, for continualy allowing teams to score on them, saying one day a better team than the Bucs will take them to the cleaners. He promised a tough time on the track at practice this week.

Stats:

Carson Palmer (QB): 355 passing yards, 3 TD's, rushing TD
Rudi Johnson (RB): 197 rushing yards, 4 TD's
Chad Johnson (WR): 204 receiving yards, 2 TD's


JETS DOLPHINS
Giants Stadium

After 2 great road victories at Houston and New England, the Dolphins traveled to Giants Stadium for a showdown against bitter rivals, the N.Y. Jets. In pouring rain and slick conditions, both teams showed their hatred for one another, with many big hits and forced fumbles throughout the game.

One highlight of a big hit was when Jets RB, Curtis Martin moving to his right, was met solidly by Dolphins LB Zack Thomas. Thomas hit Martin so hard that Martin's helmet was knocked right off and it took a while for Martin to get up off the soaked field.

But the day belonged to Miami QB Daunte Culpepper and RB, Ronnie Brown. Miami getting past the Jets, 42-28.

Stats:

Daunte Culpepper (QB): 221 passing yards, 4 TD's
Ronnie Brown (RB): 282 rushing yards, 2 TD's


49ERS CHARGERS
Monster Park

The undefeated Chargers visited the up-start 49ers in the late afternoon game, and tought San Francisco a huge lesson. San Diego put on a defensive and special teams spectacular, as the Chargers blew away the '9ers, 72-3.
One week after Bears CB, Charles Tillman broke the record for most interceptions in a game, it was broken again by newly aquired vetern CB, DeWayne Washington, who intercepted Alex Smith 5 times, and returned 2 of them for touchdowns (56 & 45 yards).

Washington speaking after the game, saying it was easily his best game of his 12 year career:

"It's not everyday someone breaks a record, so to have 5 picks in one game and to return 2 of 'em is something I'll always remember". "I feel bad for (Charles) Tillman, who broke the old record last week...it must be hard to know you only held the record for 7 days...". "I just want to thank the Chargers organisation for giving me a 2nd chance in football. They took a punt in recruiting me from free agency...about 6 weeks ago I was almost out of football and considering retirement".

Washington shares the lead with the most picks in the NFL so far, with 7.

Not only did Washington return a couple of picks for touchdowns, but two other San Diego defenders got in on the act. LB Donnie Edwards returned a pick 31 yards for the TD, and also CB Drayton Florence returned an interception and a kick-off for touchdowns. He scored first with the kick run back, scampering 94 yards to pay-dirt, at the start of the 3rd quarter. Then in the 4th, picking off Smith and returning it 22 yards to the end zone. In all, 4 of the 7 interceptions were returned for TD's. And that's not all, another record was broken in this game, with the San Diego defense getting 12 sacks on the young SF QB, Alex Smith.

Offensive Stats:

LaDanian Tomlinson (RB): 131 rushing yards, 2 TD's
Philip Rivers (QB): 186 passing yards, TD

All eyes will be on Monday Night Football when the rampaging 5-0 Chicago Bears come into Arizona, to face the 5-0 Cardinals. One of these teams will be handed their 1st loss....who will it be??


MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

CARDINALS BEARS
University Of Phoenix Stadium


BEARS LOSE IN A THRILLER!

The Arizona Cardinals are 6-0 after almost blowing a 34 point lead against Chicago, but managed to hold on to win by 3 points, 55-52.

The Cards came out firing on defense, taking the Bears by suprise. Arizona's first possession ended in a Rackers FG, then with Chicago's first possession ended in an interception. Arizona couldnt get it in for 6, so they had to settle for another FG.

The following Bears possession ended in a fumble by RB Thomas Jones, scouped up by the Cards. This time, Arizona did score a touchdown and quickly led 13-0. Warner to the recently aquired Free Agent FB, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala for 4 yards.

Chicago QB Rex Grossman was then picked off for the 2nd time and again Arizona made them pay, with another TD. RB Edgerrin James punching it in from 4 yards out. So, Chicago's first 3 drives ended in 3 turnovers and the Cardinals were up 20-0, still in the first quarter.

Chicago finally were able to move the ball, but only in the air. Jones really struggled for yards as the Cards D pounced on him as soon as he got the ball. Grossman finally hit his strides and threw a 49 yard TD strike to WR Bernard Berrian to cut the deficit to 20-7.

But with Ariona's very next possession, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner threw a bomb to WR Larry Fitzgerald, 63 yards for the score and a 27-7 quarter time lead.
Chicago's strong defense were shellshocked by the aggressive Arizona offence, who didnt let up their attack in the second quarter.

Warner passed to WR Anquan Boldin for a 28 yard touchdown and then later in the quarter, Warner ran in a TD himself from 1 yard out to rout the Bears 41-7. Chicago managed a small drive in the last minute of the half, but it stalled and they had to settle for a Gould FG.

At Halftime: Arizona 41, Chicago 10

Whatever Coach Smith said to his players in the locker room at halftime must have had an effect, because in the third quarter, the Bears began their enormous up-hill battle comeback.
First, a 9 yard TD from Grossman to TE Desmond Clark and then a beautiful play-action pass straight to a wide open Berrian for the 78 yard score. The Bears were coming and had reduced the lead by another 14 points. Cards still on top, 41-24.

Early in the fourth quarter and Arizona responded with a 3 yard TD run by Fuamatu-Ma'afala, his 2nd touchdown of the day and he's only been a Cardinal for less than a week. But the Bears new found confidence led to another scoring drive, ending with a Grossman pass to WR Mark Bradley, for 42 yards. Arizona still leading 48-31.

Noticing Chicago's emegence, Arizona did not just sit back and run the ball, they went for the jugular. Warner threw his 4th TD pass of the game, with a 78 yard scorcher to Fitzgerald, his 2nd of the game. It looked like it was all over, the comeback had been stopped, with 6 minutes to go and a 55-31 lead.

But the Bears never gave in, and with their next possession they moved the ball downfield and RB Cedric Benson punched in the touchdown from 2 yards away. Benson had replaced Jones as RB, after Jones had only gained 22 yards from 10 rushes.
With Arizona's next possession, mistakes started to creep into their game, as Warner was intercepted for the first time in the game. The Bears looked to score again with their next possession. But with a risky Grossman pass to Berrian on double coverage, Safety Robert Griffith picked off the pass and Grossman's 3rd for the day. But, as Griffith tried to evade tacklers, Bernard Berrian stripped the ball from Griffith and it was picked up by Desmond Clark who stubbled into the endzone for a 4 yard fumble return. The Bears now had the momentum, but still trailed 55-45.

Now the call came to Arizona to run the ball and keep the clock running, as Chicago only had 1 timeout left. Edgerrin James came back into the lineup, after being given a rest when the Cardinals were way in front. James was able to move the ball but a holding penalty set them back 10 yards. Arizona were able to get the first down without having to pass, forcing the Bears to use their final timeout.
On a 2nd and 11 play, Arizona again were penalized, this time for Clipping. Even worse was that James had a big 18 yard run on the play. Arizona couldnt get the first down on 3rd down and had to punt the ball away with around 2 minutes to go.

Chicago quickly in their 2 minute drill, moved the ball downfield, keeping the Cardinal defenders on their heels. Then Grossman threw his 5th TD pass, to WR Muhsin Muhammad, for 69 yards. The extra point was good and the Bears were just 3 points adrift with just over a minute remaining.

An onside kick was the only option, but Gould's kick took a high bounce and straight into the arms of a Cardinal. Arizona were able to run the ball twice before being able to kneel down and escape with a 3 point victory, 55-52.

It was bitter-sweet in the Cardinals locker room after the game. Celebration as they won the game and were still undefeated, but concerned that they almost gave up a 34 point lead. The same feelings were expresses by Head Coach Dennis Green in the post-game press conference...

"Our players showed both lapse and grit tonight". "It was a tale of two halves, I commended the guys for our great start and lead in the first half...but they relaxed in the 2nd half and let them back in it". "I'm just glad that the lead was just enough or else the result could have been a lot different"...

When quized by ESPN NFL analyst, Ed Werder, asking what are the reasons for Arizona's improved performance this season after a dismal 5-11 record in 2005, Green replied...

"There's a new belief around the organisation...new confidence". "We had a great training camp and there were some good signs during pre-season". "Until Obafemi (Ayanbadejo) went down we had no injuries". "Losing (Troy) Walters in the pre-season was a setback, but our first offensive and defensive units are healthy". "Charles Lee has done well replacing Walters, returning kicks, and Fuamatu-Ma'afala has made an imediate impact".

He ended by saying "Everything is just clicking right now".

Stats: Arizona:

Kurt Warner (QB): 221 passing yards, 4 TD's, rushing TD, Int
Edgerrin James (RB): 218 rushing yards, TD
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (FB): 49 total yards, 2 TD's
Larry Fitzgerald (WR): 147 receiving yards, 2 TD's

Stats: Chicago:

Rex Grossman (QB): 446 passing yards, 5 TD's, 3 Int's
Cedric Benson (RB): 39 rushing yards, TD
Muhsin Muhammad (WR): 172 receiving yards, TD
Bernard Berrian (WR): 136 receiving yards, 2 TD's
Desmond Clark (TE): 88 receiving yards, TD, fumble return TD


STANDINGS FOR WEEK 6 (My teams in BOLD)

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh (3-2)
Cincinnati (3-2)
Baltimore (3-3)
Cleveland (0-5)

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis (5-0)
Jacksonville (2-3)
Houston (1-4)
Tennessee (0-6)

AFC EAST

Miami (5-1)
Buffalo (3-3)
New England (2-3)
N.Y. Jets (2-4)

AFC WEST

San Diego (5-0)
Denver (3-2)
Kansas City (3-2)
Oakland (2-3)

NFC NORTH

Chicago (5-1)
Green Bay (3-2)
Minnesota (1-4)
Detroit (0-6)

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans (5-1)
Carolina (4-2)
Atlanta (2-3)
Tampa Bay (2-3)

NFC EAST

Dallas (4-1)
Washington (4-2)
Philadelphia (3-3)
N.Y. Giants (0-5)

NFC WEST

Arizona (6-0)
St. Louis (3-3)
Seattle (2-3)
San Francisco (1-5)


Now, it is the start of Week 7

First game:

BENGALS PANTHERS
Paul Brown Stadium

The public spray Head Coach Marvin Lewis gave his defensive players after the game last week, for allowing an average of 32.5 ppg, and a tough week of the track has totally paid off and was exactly what Lewis would have hoped for.

Cincinnati's defense held the 4-2 Panthers to just 7 points in the 37-7 thumping. The Bengals D held the Panther offence to just 191 yards of total offence, while pilling on 460 yards themselves. Carolina also had no red zone attempts.
Carolina QB Jake Delhomme was pressured all day and his final numbers were: 6 completions from 24 attempts for 107 passing yards, a TD and 2 interceptions, the second one returned for a touchdown by CB Torry James.

Stats:

Carson Palmer (QB): 12/22, 159 yards, TD, Int
Rudi Johnson (RB): 204 rushing yards, TD, reception TD
C. Perry (RB): 66 rushing yards, TD
Torry James (CB): 40 yard interception return TD

The Bengals defense also held Panthers WR Steve Smith to just one catch for 1 yard and WR Keyshawn Johnson to no catches.

After the game Coach Lewis went round to every defesive player and shook their hand and gave them a slap on the back, saying "How good does it feel?". Two game balls were given out, one to Rudi Johnson and one to the entire Bengals defense.

In the post-game press conference, Lewis stated that this was the start of an improved Bengals defense and to expect the same every week.

Cincinnati are now leading the AFC North with a 4-2 record, after the Steelers lost their 3rd straight game and now have a 3-3 record.


Next game:

CHIEFS CHARGERS
Arrowhead Stadium

The Chargers had their toughest game since beating Pittsburgh. The Chiefs are always hard to beat at home and San Diego's Defense had problems containing both QB Trent Green and RB Larry Johnson. But in the end, San Diego pushed away from Kansas City in a high scoring 62-42 win.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers had a good and bad day. He threw for 283 yards, 4 TD's but 3 interceptions, 2 of them returned for touchdowns.
RB LaDanian Tomlinson rushed for 164 yards and 2 TD's, while the best receiver was Keenan McCardell with 131 receiving yards and a TD.
San Diego also returned an interception for a TD, rookie Antonio Cromartie had his first pick of his career and also his first touchdown, returning it 53 yards.

San Diego are still undefeated, with a 6-0 record

Week 7 continued without any upsets, but there was a major record broken...i'll come to that soon.


DOLPHINS PACKERS
Dolphins Stadium

Down in South Florida, the Packers were playing at Dolphins Stadium, and were no match for Miami. The Dolphins beating Green Bay 33-3.


RAIDERS CARDINALS
McAfee Coliseum

Arizona had a trip to Oakland to face the Raiders. The undefeated Cards were tested at times by Oakland, but ran out 48-27 winners to remain undefeated.


COLTS REDSKINS
RCA Dome

In what was dubbed the game of the week, the 'Skins at Colts game turned out to be a total blowout. Indianapolis thumping Washington 78-14. The Redskins not scoring until under the final 5 minutes of the game.

2 records were broken in this game, total yards of offense by the Colts and most points scored by an NFL team. The Colts offense piled on 853 yards of total offence, while Manning had a career best game, throwing for a team record 599 yards and 6 touchdowns, 2 each to Harrison, Wayne and Stokley. All 3 receivers finished with well over 100 yards, the best receiver being Stokley, finishing with 197 receiving yards.

RB Joseph Addai also rushed for over 200 yards and 2 TD's in this lob-sided match up. And Kicker, Adam Vinatieri booted 5 FG's


MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

COWBOYS GIANTS
Texas Stadium

And on MNF, the winless Giants traveled to Dallas and the 4-1 Cowboys. Things only got worse for NY as they were crushed 61-10. Already without RB Tiki Barber, who was injured in pre-season and is out for the season, the Giants also lost their backup RB to injury during the game. Brandon Jacobs will be out for at least 4 weeks.

----------------------------

Obviously at this stage, beginning to see blowouts in games, I knew that the skill level being at "Pro" was getting a little too easy. However I believe in not changing anything once in the middle of it, so I decided to leave the skill level where it was and will raise it to "All-Pro" at the end of the season.

So do expect a few more blowouts for the remainder of the season, unfortunately.

[Dogphins]

On to week 8...

BEARS 49ERS
Soldier Field

First up, San Francisco went to Chicago trying for their 2nd win of the season, but came up with nothing, with the Bears returning to the winners list, beating the '9ers 38-7.

Last week during the Bears bye week, they aquired TE Ben Troupe from the Titans in a trade, giving up a 3rd round pick.

The 49er offence were stuffed all day, accumilating just 148 yards of total offence. QB Alex Smith threw 3 picks and was sacked 5 times...all of them by DE Adewale Ogunleye, who now has 10 sacks for the season. Ogunleye also had 9 tackles for the game.

Bears QB, Rex Grossman struggled for accuracy in the swirly winds during the game, but did finish with decent numbers. He threw for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns.
On the ground was where the most damage was done with both RB's, Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson rushing for over 100 yards. Jones had 108 rushing yards and a TD while Benson rushed for 117 yards and a TD.
TE Desmond Clark was dangerous in the red zone, catching 2 TD passes, finishing with just 31 receiving yards. WR Muhsin Muhammad had 56 receiving yards and a TD.

Newly aquired TE, Ben Troupe, was used a few times during the game. He was thrown to 4 times; 2 sailed wide of the mark, he dropped 1 and caught another. Troupe will need some time to get used to the new offence as some of his pass routes were a bit off-timed.

Chicago are now 6-1


BENGALS FALCONS
Paul Brown Stadium

The Falcons came to Cincinnati and the 4-2 Bengals, expecting a tough fight. It was more of a whimper as Cincinnati beat Atlanta 43-14. For the second week, the Bengals D kept their opposition to a low score and yardage.

QB Carson Palmer threw for 214 yards and 2 TD's, while RB Rudi Johnson had yet another huge game. He finished with 207 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.

WR Chad Johnson had a quiet game, but that didnt stop Palmer from throwing to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. T.J finished with 73 receiving yards and 2 TD's.

Kicker Shayne Graham booted 5 FG's for the game.

As for the Bengals D, they picked off QB Michael Vick 4 times and sacked him twice.


PACKERS CARDINALS
Lambeau Field

The undefeated Cardinals were on the road again this week, this time at rainy Green Bay. Arizona started slow, and found themselves behind 7-3 in the first quarter. But then, the Cards put their foot down and clobbered the Packers, riding out 54-10 winners.

Arizona's defense held the Pack offense to just 147 yards, and intercepted Brett Favre 3 times. SS Adrian Wilson put a huge hit on Green Bay RB Ahman Green, forcing the fumble. Wilson also layed 4 tackles and had 0 catches allowed.

QB Kurt Warner played very well in the wet conditions, completing 21 of his 27 passes, for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns. RB Edgerrin James rushed for 113 yards and also had 20 receiving yards and a TD.
FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala finished with 81 total yards and a touchdown, while WR Larry Fitzgerald had 89 receiving yards and a TD.

Both the #2 and #3 running backs scored touchdowns, after James went off with a minor injury. Coach Green keeping James out as they had sown up the game and wanted to use the reserves. Shipp had 35 rushing yards and a touchdown, and J.J. Arrington had 43 rushing yards and a touchdown.

CB, David Macklin had two picks on the day, while LB Orlando Huff had the other. Kicker Neil Rackers kicked 4 FG's, the longest being 56 yards.

The only 2 bright sparks on defense for the Packers, was LB Nick Barnett, who had 18 tackles in the game; and FS Nick Collins, who returned a fumble 42 yards for Green Bay's only touchdown. The fumble was forced by LB Ben Taylor, who put a massive lick on Fuamatu-Ma'afala.

Arizona are now 8-0 and looking unstoppable...


SAINTS RAVENS
Superdome


The tough Baltimore Ravens flew into New Orleans the face the Saints, in what people thought would be a close game, but the Saints had other plans, dismantling Baltimore 55-14.

The Ravens had no answer for New Orleans arial attack, getting burnt time and time again. Baltimore were able to reasonably hold the Saints running game, giving rookie RB Reggie Bush his poorest game of the season. The Deuce was able to fair a little better.

Stats:

Drew Brees (QB): 17/21, 369 yards, 5 touchdowns, rushing TD
Deuce McAllister (RB): 60 rushing yards, TD
Bethel Johnson (WR): 177 receiving yards, 2 TD's
Joe Horn (WR): 64 receiving yards, 2 TD's
Donte Stallworth (WR): 60 receiving yards, TD

The Saints defense hounded the Baltimore offense all day, picking off Steve McNair 3 times and forced 2 fumbles (both on Jamal Lewis) and recovering one of them.

It was easily Bethel Johnson's best game of his career, the 4th string wideout was rarely covered by the Ravens secondary. Putting double teams on Horn and at times on Devery Henderson, leaving Johnson wide open on most ocassions.


CHARGERS RAMS
Qualcomm Stadium

CHARGERS BREAK RAMS, COLTS RECORD

San Diego now holds the record for most points scored by a team, when they destroyed the hapless Rams 80-10. The original record was set by Indianapolis just a few weeks before, scoring 78 points on the Redskins.

Chargers QB, Philip Rivers was on fire in the first half, completing 14/14 passes before the sequence finally broke early in the 2nd half. But the game was pretty much over at haltime, with the score 49-0, and Rivers was soon taken off for the rest of the game during the 3rd quarter.

Rivers final stats were: 18/24, 264 yards, 4 TD's, int

RB LaDanian Tomlinson was also on fire, scoring 4 touchdowns, all of them in the first half, and he too was rested in the 2nd half.

Tomlinson's final stats were: 213 rushing yards, 4 TD's. He has 19 touchdowns so far this season.

Resting Tomlinson gave back up RB, Darren Sproles some time on the field, and he performed well, rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown.
WR Vincent Jackson faired best out of the receivers, finishing with 101 receiving yards and 2 TD's. Keenan McCardell also had a good game, finishing with 75 receiving yards and 2 scores.
Antonio Gates had 88 receiving yards, while Eric Parker had 61 receiving yards.

Back up QB, newly signed free-agent Chad Hutchinson played most of the 2nd half and put up some decent numbers: 6/8, 139 yards, TD.

On defense, CB DeWayne Washington had yet another good game, bobbing up for 2 interceptions and almost his 3rd touchdown of the season. Washington ran his 2nd pick back 46 yards and was brought down from behind by Torry Holt, just 4 yards shy of the end zone. Washington now has 9 picks on the season, 2 ahead of Chicago's Charles Tillman.

Donnie Edwards and Antonio Cromartie were the other two defenders who picked off Rams QB Gus Frerotte. Marc Bulger had been injured since week 4 but expects to return by next week.

On talking bout the record, Tomlinson told reporters that it was good to get the record, but thats about it. It isnt their main concern...obviously their main concern is making the playoffs and the Super Bowl...


BRONCOS COLTS
Invesco Field at Mile High

In another game dubbed "game of the week", the Indianapolis Colts went to Denver to face the stern Broncos, who had 4 wins going into the game.

It was business as usual for the Colts, who ran away with the victory, handing the B-Men a 37-10 rout.

It was all Peyton Manning in this game, who threw for 292 yards and 4 touchdowns. RB Joseph Addai rushed for 107 yards while WR Marvin Harrison was the best receiver finishing with 95 receiving yards and 2 TD's. Stokley had another good game, finishing with 93 receiving yards, but no touchdowns.

The Colts defense held the Broncos to 144 yards of total offence.

After the game, Coach Dungy told reporter that he was happy to get the win, but was disappointed with the two turnovers on special teams which led to Denver's two scores (FG & TD).

"We'll need to work on a few areas with the special teams group" said Dungy. "Two turnovers on special teams is two too many".

The two turnovers in question were a fumble on a kick return and a muffed punt after calling for a fair catch.

With that win at Denver, the Colts are now 7-0 and already 4 games ahead of their nearest AFC South rival (Houston and Jacksonville, with a 3-4 record).


SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

PANTHERS COWBOYS
Bank of America Stadium

The Cowboys rode into "The Bank" to face the Panthers on Sunday Night Football, in what turned out to be a close game...till halftime (21-14), but then Dallas went up a gear and took the win 42-21.

The night belonged to RB Julius Jones, who had 4 touchdowns and single-handedly beat the Panthers in the 2nd half. Jones had 3 rushing TD's and a receiving TD.

After a punt by both teams, Dallas had their 2nd possession. On the 50 yard line, Bledsoe fed the ball to Barber, who punched through 2 Carolina defenders in the backfield, evaded a 3rd and then stiff armed a 4th as he scampered 50 yards for a touchdown. It was truely one of the best plays of the season.
Later in the 1st quarter, Carolina went 3 and out and punter the ball away. WR Patrick Crayton, who is the punt returner, tried to evade a defender, but fumbled. Drew Carter picked the ball up and ran untouched 30 yards for a fumble return TD.

Dallas went back on top early in the 2nd quarter, with Jones' first of 3 touchdowns, this one from 7 yards out. Dallas leading 14-7.
But the Panthers came right back with RB DeShaun Foster breaking tackles as he rumbled 40 yards for the tying score.
But Dallas went ahead again with a Bledsoe strike to WR Terry Glenn late in the 2nd quarter. At halftime, Dallas led Carolina 21-14.

The Cowboys put their foot down in the 3rd quarter, scoring 14 points to 0 to blow the lead out to 35-14. Jones scoring his 2nd rushing TD and accepting the pass from Bledsoe for another touchdown.
Steve Smith broke out in the 4th quarter and scored a TD to bring the score back to 35-21, but Jones again scored his 4th touchdown for the game to break any Panther comeback, the 'Boys too good, 42-21.

Stats:

Drew Bledsoe (QB): 14/20, 178 yards, 2 TD's, int
Julius Jones (RB): 174 rushing yards, 3 TD's, receiving TD
Marion Barber (RB): 146 rushing yards, TD
Terry Glenn (WR): 48 receiving yards, TD


...More to come....please keep the comments/questions coming...

[Brian Gumble]

You still hate the Eagles.