Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | September 13, 2009 | Week 2
@
New York Jets (0-1, Away)
Cleveland Browns (0-1, Home)
Offensive Starters
L. Rambis
QB
A. Luck
M. Sweetney
RB
J. Brown
T. Owens
WR1
J. Gordon
G. Tate
WR2
B. Edwards
S. Hill
WR3
D. Bess
S. Jolly
TE
A. Crumpler
D. Ferguson
LT
J. Thomas
D. Harvey
LG
E. Steinbach
N. Mangold
C
A. Mack
C. Rachal
RG
L. Bentley
A. Howard
RT
M. Schwartz
Defensive Starters
Q. Coples
LE
A. Rubin
S. Richardson
RE
D. Bryant
M. Wilkerson
DT
P. Taylor
R. Bryant
DT/MLB
D. Jackson
V. Gholston
LOLB
B. Mingo
A. Thomas
MLB
P. Krueger
D. Harris
ROLB
J. Sheard
D. Revis
CB
J. Haden
A. Verner
CB
T. Footman
D. Landry
FS
R. Spradlin
K. Rhodes
SS
T. Jackson
Game Notes
Cleveland finished with the 2nd worst record in the league last year. Mike Holmgren’s crew was disappointing despite having loads of talent on offense. Andrew Luck takes snaps under center. He is the new prototype at QB. He has elite intangibles, a strong arm, pinpoint accuracy and the speed to scramble for first downs when needed. Cleveland has a HOFer at RB in Jim Brown. Brown is the strongest back in the league who rarely is brought down by one player. At WR the Browns have 2 pro bowler caliber players. Josh Gordon led the league in receptions last year. He is a physical freak with elite hands. Edwards is a vertical threat with his jumping and spectacular catch ability. The offensive line is led by Joe Thomas an all pro LT.
The Browns have the weakest D in the game. They gave up the 2nd most points per game last year and haven’t made significant moves to improve it. The Dline has 3 run stuffers in Rubin, Bryant, and Taylor. While all are powerful they lack the moves to get to the QB on 3rd down. At LB Cleveland has great pass rushers in Mingo, Kruger, and Sheard. Joe Haden is the best player on the defense at corner with top tier man coverage skills. The Browns have 2 rookies starting in their secondary, Trent Footman an unsigned rookie and 1st round pick Ryan Spradlin. Cleveland had initially traded out of the first round giving us the #2 pick, but moved back to the #7 slot to grab the USC FS. Spradlin has great speed and hands with the potential to phenomenal in zone coverage.
Cleveland lost their first game of the season 21-3 against the Chiefs. Andrew Luck looked awful throwing 5 picks. This is very winnable game. It will be a tough pill to swallow if we lose back to back against last year’s 2nd and 3rd worst teams. We should be able to exploit them in the passing game. Their linebackers are terrible in coverage and they have 2 rooks in the secondary.
Jets win the toss
We drove down to the CLE 8 but Cleveland’s pass rush got to us on 1st and 3rd down. Sweetney fumbled on 2nd but we recovered. Folk makes 31 yard FG.
Mingo crushed Rambis and forced a fumble, CLE recovers at NYJ 48.
After forcing the Browns to a 3 and out first play Sweetney fumbles for a second time. Recovered by CLE at NYJ 19.
Jim Brown can’t get any space he’s been hit behind the line in all 5 attempts thus far. On the fifth Harris ran clean past the right tackle and forced a fumble. Recovered by Jets at own 15.
Pressure forces a terrible throw from Rambis on 3rd and 3. Rookie CB Footman makes a great play and returns the ball to NYJ 11.
Verner steps in front of Edwards on attempt in the endzone. 4 turnovers total and theres still 13:04 left in 2nd quarter. Sloppy game, Jets ball at own 2.
Sweetney runs backwards on an HB slam, safety.
Brown finally isn’t hit in backfield, goes untouched 16 yards for a TD.
After a 3 and out Luck looked great in 2 minute drill, Jim Brown side stepped a blitzing defender, bowled over Verner on his way to a 23 yard TD.
Sweetney takes pitch right 61 yards to CLE 8. 4th and goal from the 1, I decide to go for it. We’re down 13 and Cleveland receives in 2nd half. Sweetney runs off right tackle and into the endzone.
Harris forces 2nd fumble, this time Thomas runs it all the way back 46 yards for a td.
Luck is a pest, he’s scrambled 6 times for 55 yards so far.
Josh Gordon TD called back on holding, Brown’s drive stalls, Cundiff hits 29 yard field goal.
After a 3 and out Cleveland drove to our 20, Rhodes jumped on slant pattern for the INT.
Rambis hit 3 passes of 18+ on solid drive. Folk makes 38 yard field goal to go up by 1.
Luck completes 5 straight passes for 65 yards for NYJ 21. Brown rushed 3 straight times scores on 11 yard TD. Cleveland runs counter play for 2 PT conversion, Brown bowled over a blitzing David Harris.
2nd game in a row Luke Rambis will have the ball trailing with less than 3 minutes to play.
2:37, 1st and 10 from own 20.
Sweetney 14 yard run, 2:32
Rambis completes 20 yard pass to Jolley over the middle off play action, 2:24.
Jolly drops pass, 2:03
Sweetney dropes pass, 1:58
Rambis to Snelling for 4 yards, 4th and 6 at CLE 43. Timeout NYJ. 1:51.
D. Bryant jumps offside, 4th and 1.
Sweetney sweeps right for 16. 1:45
Pass hits Owens in facemask. 1:28
Pass incomplete to Owens on wheel route. 1:22
Rambis to Sweetney flat left, tackled in bounds only gains 3. 1:17
4th and 7, Rambis to Owens for 17 to CLE 6, NYJ calls final timeout at :58.
Sweetney pitch right 6 yard TD! All tied at 27.
Luck throws right to Gordon on comeback route, but Revis breaks to the ball first with no one in front of him he dances into the endzone! … The score didn’t show immediately, I knew something was wrong. Wilkerson is called for holding.
Jets takeover back at CLE 41 with 29 seconds remaining.
Rambis incomplete to Owens, then sacked at CLE 46. I have just enough time to call a hailmary, complete to Hill but nowhere near endzone. Overtime
Jets win the toss
Both teams trade off 7 play drives to near midfield.
NYJ starts drive at NYJ 19, Sweetney ran for 25 yards on 3 attempts. Rambis completed 4 passes including a 3rd and 13 from CLE 46.
N. Folk makes 40 yards field goal to win the game!
What an exciting game! Rambis came through when it mattered, although he’s yet to throw for a TD. Sweetney looked awesome after fumbling earlier twice and Owens was the only option to throw to when it counted. The line looked awful. Rookie Guard Dusty Harvey will be benched in favor of last year’s start Pinkston. Howard at RT could lose his job if his struggles continue. On Defense Adalius Thomas and David Harris were all over the place, both could be pro bowlers.
There have been a few too many fumbles early on and I may have to adjust the sliders. Linebackers are getting to the ball carrier untouched in the backfield too often so I may have to lower Defensive awareness.
The first two games of the season could have gone either way and I’m pretty happy with the general “difficulty” in the game. Next week will be another good lithmus test facing Tampa Bay with Gruden, Kiffin, and a solid roster.
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | September 20, 2009 | Week 3
@
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2, Away)
New York Jets (1-1, Home)
Offensive Starters
S. Young
QB
L. Rambis
D. Martin
RB
M. Sweetney
V. Jackson
WR1
T. Owens
K. Johnson
WR2
M. Floyd
J. Galloway
WR3
S. Hill
K. Winslow
TE
S. Jolly
D. Penn
LT
D. Ferguson
C. Nicks
LG
J. Pinkston
J. Zuttah
C
N. Mangold
D. Joseph
RG
C. Rachal
G. Carimi
RT
A. Howard
Defensive Starters
S. Rice
LE
Q. Coples
G. Adams
RE
S. Richardson
W. Sapp
DT
M. Wilkerson
G. McCoy
DT/MLB
R. Bryant
L. David
LOLB
V. Gholston
H. Nickerson
MLB
A. Thomas
D. Brooks
ROLB
D. Harris
R. Barber
CB
D. Revis
A. Talib
CB
A. Verner
M. Barron
FS
D. Landry
J. Lynch
SS
K. Rhodes
Game Notes
Tampa finished last season 7-9 which frankly was a bit of a disappointment considering the talent on the team and coaching staff. They've started the season 0-2 with losses to the Eagles and Dolphins.
On offense the Bucs are led by QB Steve Young. The BYU product is one of the most athletic QBs in the game. He is smart and very accurate. Luck burned us scrambling last week and we’ll face a similar problem this week. Tampa selected Kendrick House with the #11 pick in the first round. He remained healthy throughout the preseason, but tore his quadriceps in week 1. It really is a shame the game gives him such a poor injury rating as he could be an elite back. Doug Martin will replace him. Martin averaged only 2.7 yards per carry as started last season. FB Mike Alstott could be in the mix for carries as well. At WR Tampa has 3 great options: Vincent Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, and Joey Galloway. Kellen Winslow gives the Bucs an athletic TE with good hands who is a real threat in the red zone. Tampa has a solid line with 2 great guards in Carl Nicks and Davin Joseph.
Tampa runs a cover 2 defense and has the perfect personnel to do so. Simeon Rice, Gaines Adams, Gerald McCoy and Warren Sapp can pressure the QB without having to blitz. Lavonte David and Mr. Derrick Brooks are good tacklers and excellent in zone coverage. Hardy Nickerson has great instincts on the inside with enough speed to cover from sideline to sideline. Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib are physical corners who are great in run support with elite pressing and zone coverage skills. Mark Barron and John Lynch give the Bucs 2 safeties who are sure tacklers, can lay the wood, and are adequate in coverage.
Jets win the toss
Drive stalled at TB 30. Sweetney fumbled again, luckily we recovered. N. Folk makes 46 yard field goal.
Talib picks Rambis on corner route.
Hester sets us up with good field possession after a 18 yard punt return. Rambis completes 3 pass, Hillis brings it in from 1 yard out.
Young hits Stocker on a playaction pass for a 16 yard TD.
Martin slips past 3 defenders, 5 attempts to tackle him, and brings it to the house with a 23 yard run.
1st and 10 from TB 15, play action pass and Jolly is wide open running a post pattern. Rambis doesn’t get the ball high enough and Derrick Brooks leaps high into the air for the INT.
Martin takes handoff right finds no room runs around left tackle spins past Harris, bowls over Verner, and breaks arm tackle of Landry for a 28 yard touchdown.
Drive to TB 17 after a 16 yard by Sweetney and completions from Rambis for 45 yards. Sweetney stuffed at the line, Rambis sacked, incomplete pass, missed field goal from 43.
Tampa drives down the field in efficient fashion until Young attempts a hook route over the middle on 3rd and 7 from NYJ 16, Adalius Thomas was waiting in the hook zone, interception.
Sweep right, Jolly demolishes the OLB, Owens keeps Barber in check, and Snelling holds off Lynch just long enough for Maceo Sweetney to find daylight for a 93 yard touchdown.
Young attempts an in route right, Kerry Rhodes steps in front for the pick.
Hill has a key drop on 3rd and 6 from TB 23. Folk makes 39 yard field goal.
Defining moment comes up which is ridiculous, 9:55 left down by one in 4th quarter is not the time for an onside kick.
Teams trade 3 and out, Tampa gets a couple of first downs but then fails on 3rd and 6 conversion.
Jets ball 4:10 remaining down 1.
With 2:40 left on 3rd and 20 from our own 28 Rambis hit Floyd in stride on a streak pattern. Floyd broke 1 tackle and took it the rest of the way for a 72 yard touchdown, the first of Rambis’ carreer.
Sweetney takes pitch in for 2 points.
Young picks up a key first on a 4 yard scramble with 1:45 remaining.
Keyshawn drops a corner route that would have picked up nearly 30.
Young another 3rd down pickup on curl to Johnson.
Crossing route to Jackson for 18, 1:00 remains at NYJ 41
Keyshawn redeems himself with jumping grab on fade route for 34 yards.
Young attempts to scramble and is brought down. :27 left, ball on NYJ 11.
Incomplete attempt to corner of end zone
Young finds Galloway on Dig route for an 18 yard score with :19 remaining.
Rambis hits Hill on a 31 yard bomb 8 seconds left at Tampa 48.
Incomplete pass to Hill, 4 seconds left
Rambis to Floyd on a fade, Floyd makes the catch and has no one in front of him … but is caught from behind at the 8 yard line as time expires.
Tampa wins the toss and elects to kick!
On 3rd and 12 Rambis drills pass to Owens for 22 yards.
Rambis to Sweetney on HB wheel for 21 yards to TB 37.
Rambis to Sweetney for 13 on a swing route to TB 24.
Sweetney 2 runs for 10 yards ball at TB 13.
Folk nails 30 yard FG for the WIN!
I only remember one game ever with the old overtime rules where a team elected to kick. It was the Lions against the Bears with Marty Morninweg as their head coach … he was fired soon after.
This was a lucky win. 2 of our TDs came on plays of more than 70 yards and Young threw 2 key INTs inside our territory. It was the 3rd consecutive game that came down to the final minutes and we’ve been winning side of a coin flip twice.
Rambis looked pretty bad in the first half but was great in the 4th quarter and OT. I’d like to see the completion percentage inch towards 60% though. Sweetney had a monster game including a 93 yard run for a TD, a key 2 PT conversion, and closed off the win gaining 44 yards on final 4 plays.
I was a little disappointed in Bucs D, their pass rush especially. Young looked brilliant in some points but forced a few passes into coverage that really made no sense. I set him up as the top tendency for scrambling, but he only took off 3 times.
I am pretty sure lefty QBs are at a disadvantage in the game. The CPU rarely (if ever) flips PA pass calls and the action is then to the weak side for the southpaw QB. The QB has to make an extra pivot allowing more time for pressure increasing the likelihood of an errant pass. This is similar to the running game being backward because the CPU defense doesn’t flip their players to have a strong side or a weak side on D. This means running left you are matched up against a small OLB and a FS for support.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets
Sep 20, 2009
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
OT
SCORE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)
0
14
7
7
0
28
New York Jets (1-1)
3
7
7
11
3
31
Team Stats Comparison
TAM
NYJ
Total Offense
409
568
Rushing Yards
66
204
Passing Yards
343
364
First Downs
17
20
Punt Return Yards
36
65
Kick Return Yards
82
165
Total Yards
527
798
Turnovers
2
2
3rd Down Converstion
6-13
6-13
4th Down Conversion
0-0
0-0
2-Point Conversion
0-0
1-1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
2/0
1/1
Penalties
1-5
2-15
Posession Time
31:10
36:05
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
TAM
NYJ
10:16
(NYJ) N. Folk, 46 yard field goal
0
3
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
TAM
NYJ
11:55
(NYJ) P. Hillis, 1 yard run
0
10
8:01
(TAM) L. Stocker, 16 yard pass from S. Younh
7
10
3:17
(TAM) D. Martin, 23 yard run
14
10
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
TAM
NYJ
9:34
(TAM) D. Martin, 28 yard run
21
10
:19
(TAM) M. Sweetney, 93 yard run
21
17
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
TAM
NYJ
9:55
(NYJ) N. Folk, 39 yard field goal
21
20
2:35
(NYJ) M. Floyd, 72 yard pass from L. Rambis, Sweetney 2 PT run
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | September 27, 2009
@
New York Jets (2-1, Away)
Carolina Panthers (2-1, Home)
Offensive Starters
L. Rambis
QB
C. Newton
M. Sweetney
RB
D. Williams
T. Owens
WR1
S. Smith
M. Floyd
WR2
J. Jones
S. Hill
WR3
J. Cotchery
S. Jolly
TE
G. Olsen
D. Ferguson
LT
J. Gross
J. Pinkston
LG
T. Wharton
N. Mangold
C
R. Kalil
C. Rachal
RG
G. Williams
A. Howard
RT
J. Otah
Defensive Starters
Q. Coples
LE
C. Johnson
S. Richardson
RE
G. Hardy
M. Wilkerson
DT
S. Lotulelei
R. Bryant
DT/MLB
D. Edwards
V. Gholston
LOLB
T. Davis
A. Thomas
MLB
L. Kuechly
D. Harris
ROLB
J. Beason
D. Revis
CB
T. Brown
A. Verner
CB
Z. Bowman
D. Landry
FS
C. Godfrey
K. Rhodes
SS
R. Lester
Game Notes
Carolina finished 5-11 last year and dumped their GM and HC. The Panthers brought in Danny Crossman to be their head coach and despite no previous experience he has the team play well at 2-1 early on in the Season. In Week 1 Carolina upset New England, Week 2 they lost in overtime to Green Bay and last week they upended Dallas on the road.
The Panthers are led by Cam Newton on offense. The Auburn product is a physical specimen measuring in at 6’5” 235. Newton has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and is arguably the most feared scrambler in the game. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart share time in backfield although Williams has been carrying the heavier load. Steve Smith is Newton’s go to guy. Smith possess excellent instincts and has great hands which make up for his lack of size. The offensive line is bookended by two pro bowl talents in Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah.
Carolina has a strong physical defense led by their front 7. Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy are versatile, powerful ends and Star Lotuelei is starting to live up to his name sake. The Panthers have one of the top linebacking units in the league. Beason and Davis are excellent tacklers who are great in coverage. Kuechly won the defensive player of the year last year at MLB. Carolina’s weakness on D is their secondary, only 1 player is rated above 86.
Jets won the toss
Bad way to start a game, Rambis missed on a comeback route and Zach Bowman turned it into 6 points.
Rambis throws another pick on the next drive, Bowman again, errant pass.
Rhodes jumps on in pattern for INT. Carolina was driving and given how poorly the offense looks early on 14 points could be too much to overcome.
Drive stalls at CAR 13. Folk makes 30 yard field goal.
A. Thomas is hurt and out for the game. Very next play Williams takes handoff left for 69 yard.
After 2 completions for first downs, Sweetney takes outside handoff right 36 yards for a TD.
Rambis throws his 3rd pick in first half, I stick with him despite the defining moment prompt.
Folk makes 44 yard attempt.
Newton is a pest in 2 minute drill rushing for 29 yards off scrambles. Serna makes 39 yard field goal.
With 13 seconds left in 2nd quarter Rambis throws fade to Floyd in endzone, Floyd drops it, his 3rd of the game and it lands in the high of Panthers FS Robert Lester. Floyd is moved to #4 for remainder of game.
Serna makes 33 yard field goal.
Hillis takes dive as a FB, breaks 2 tackles and 60 yards later ties the game.
Antwan Barnes hits Newton on blitz up the middle, ball goes flying into the air and lands into the hands of Kerry Rhodes for his second interception of the game.
Folk has 47 yard attempt hit the post
Newton scrambled up the middle for a gain of 15 to NYJ 13, but ball was jarred lose by Antwan Barnes, NYJ recovers.
Charles Johnson comes up with huge sack on 3rd and 6th from CAR 14 after Hill dropped a pass on 2nd that would have been a touchdown. We settle for a field goal, Panthers receive down 3 with 1:57 left.
Landry tries to jump a streak pattern to Steve Smith … he missed terribly. Smith runs untouched into the endzone for a 74 yard TD.
4th game in a row it comes down to the final minutes. Rambis with the ball at NYJ 20 with 1:21 remains.
Owens drops pass on 4th and 10, no heroics this week. Carolina takes over at NYJ 20.
Ugly game for Luke Rambis as he threw 4 INTS and only completed 40% of his passes. Both passing games struggled but some key drops really hurt us. Hill and Floyd dropped TD passes in the redzone. Sweetney dominated again and if this continues I’ll have to adjust sliders to tone running game down.
Rambis has been pretty bad through the first quarter of the season with 1 touchdown to 10 interceptions. I was worried that his arm wouldn’t be strong enough, but his accuracy has been disappointing thus far.
It is hard to get a read on this team. We could easily be undefeated or winless. Honestly, we’ve been outplayed in each game, but had some timely turnovers.
Thomas is going to miss 2 weeks. He is the key to our defense and we are lucky he won’t be out any longer.
Marino throws 5th pick of the game, this time Kerry Rhodes. I’ll bump the sliders for INTs down again.
Rambis is hit during attempt to Owens on drag route causing an awful under throw. The ball was so under thrown Surtain miss timed the INT attempt and the ball landed in Owens hand with no one is way. 57 yard TD.
Marino throws his 6th pick of the game with 1:00 remaining. Landry this time.
I’ve been really disappointed in Marino. In the 4 games we’ve played him he has thrown for 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions averaging about 267 yards per game. He has a 100 rating in THP, THA, and AWR … maybe a new head coach at the end of the season can turn him around.
Rambis looked solid only making 1 mistake and got his completion percentage up to 62.
A nice win overall. We have a bye week and then face Atlanta, hopefully this means Adalius Thomas will only have to miss one game.
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | October 18, 2009 | Week 7
@
New York Jets (3-2, Away)
Atlanta Falcons (4-1, Home)
Offensive Starters
L. Rambis
QB
M. Ryan
M. Sweetney
RB
S. Jackson
T. Owens
WR1
R. White
M. Floyd
WR2
J. Jones
S. Hill
WR3
H. Douglas
S. Jolly
TE
A.Hernandez
D. Ferguson
LT
P. Fox
J. Pinkston
LG
J. Trueblood
N. Mangold
C
J. Blalock
C. Rachal
RG
T. Weiner
A. Howard
RT
S. Baker
Defensive Starters
Q. Coples
LE
P. Kerney
S. Richardson
RE
J. Abraham
M. Wilkerson
DT
S. Paea
R. Bryant
DT/MLB
R. Pickett
V. Gholston
LOLB
K. Brooking
A. Thomas
MLB
J. Tuggle
D. Harris
ROLB
M. Boley
D. Revis
CB
R. Buchanan
A. Verner
CB
M. Trufant
D. Landry
FS
E. Robinson
K. Rhodes
SS
W. Moore
Game Notes
Atlanta finished last season 9-7 losing out on a tie-breaker for their division and a wild card spot. This year they have started 4-1 with wins over DAL, MIN, NO, and CAR with a loss to NO. Weird scheduling note they played the Saints on back to back weeks (4-5).
Atlanta runs a version of the Colts offense infusing more power running. Matt Ryan is the face of the franchise at QB. He has great size, intangibles, and is very accurate. He and Rambis are actually very similar in Arm profile and size. The Falcons have a powerful do it all back in Stephen Jackson. The Oregon State Alumni is one of the strongest running backs in the game, has decent agility, but great hands out of the backfield. Ryan has two top tier options at WR in Roddy White and Julio Jones. White is the consistent route runner with the ability to ignore the footsteps and make the tough grab over the middle while Jones uses his size, speed, and jumping ability to be an elite vertical threat. Atlanta had a below average line last year and bolstered it in the draft selecting left tackle Patrick Fox out of North Carolina with 20th overall pick. Fox is polished lineman who may have already reached his peak, but provides a consistent presence on the blind side.
Atlanta has a solid unspectacular defense. John Abraham and Patrick Kerney are excellent rushers on the edges mixing power and finesse. Brooking, Tuggle and Boley are great against the pass, but can struggle covering slot receivers and running backs out of the backfield. Ray Buchanan and Marcus Trufant are excellent in man coverage and Eugene Robinson is a smart free safety with good hands.
This is an excellent measuring stick game. We’ve had enough time to learn playbook and I have a better idea of what Rambis and Sweetney can and can’t do. It is also the first time all season we are facing a team that had a winning record last year.
Sweetney scores the 4 yard TD, but the Jolly Green Giant had 3 big catches for 33 yards on the drive. Jolly has been lost in the shuffle a little big while we’ve incorporated a lot of new faces. Maybe he’s finally making some progress.
Ryan to Jones for 21 yard touchdown, Ryan was 3-3 for 69 yards on the drive.
Folk makes 36 yard field goal after Hill drops 2 straight passes.
Ryan throws pass directly to Thomas, opposing QBs have really struggled throwing to the middle of the field against us.
Rambis underthrows Jolly on crossing route, Eugene Robinson steps in front and 44 yards later scores.
Devin Hester Magic, 102 yard touchdown.
Dawson misses 43 yard attempt with less than 10 seconds left.
Steven Jackson was a wrecking ball running for 55 yards on 7 carries, scores on 6 yard touchdown.
Rambis hits Hill on post pattern and Hill finally hangs on for 11 yard TD.
Atlanta’s offense is tough to contain especially when Matt Ryan is upright. Jackson caps off drive with 2 yard TD.
Sweetney pitch left for 53 yard touchdown. Block was fantastic.
Ryan has just been too good. Ryan hits Douglas on seam route.
For a 6’4” QB Rambis sure throws a lot of low passes. He doesn’t get enough height on a drag pattern to TO, Jessie Tuggle clinches the game returning the INT 84 yards for a TD.
We were outplayed overall so it isn’t that disappointing of a loss. Rambis has thrown as many interceptions returned for touchdowns as actual offensive touchdowns through 5 games in the season. On the bright side the team is improving and every game has been close.
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | October 25, 2009
@
New York Jets (3-3, Away)
Buffalo Bills (5-1, Home)
Offensive Starters
L. Rambis
QB
J. Kelly
M. Sweetney
RB
T. Thomas
T. Owens
WR1
A. Reed
M. Floyd
WR2
S. Johnson
S. Hill
WR3
C. Spiller
S. Jolly
TE
S. Chandler
D. Ferguson
LT
L. Jones
J. Pinkston
LG
R. Brown
N. Mangold
C
E. Wood
C. Rachal
RG
K. Urbik
A. Howard
RT
M. Williams
Defensive Starters
Q. Coples
LE
A. Schobel
S. Richardson
RE
B. Smith
M. Wilkerson
DT
M. Dareus
R. Bryant
DT/MLB
A. Branch
V. Gholston
LOLB
M. Lawson
A. Thomas
MLB
C. Bennett
D. Harris
ROLB
B. Paup
D. Revis
CB
S. Gilmore
A. Verner
CB
L. McKelvin
D. Landry
FS
J. Byrd
K. Rhodes
SS
D. Whitner
Game Notes
I cut Schaub after seeing the terrible numbers Conroy is putting in Houston. I never realized Conroy’s learning rating was so low. I regret making the move now, but at least they’ll get an extra pick. I don’t think Houston would have been a playoff team even with Schaub all season.
A couple of notes about the players I re-signed last week: S. Hill, M. Floyd, and Q. Coples. These are typically the type of players I let walk, but there is going to be a dearth of talent in Free Agency and I have no first round pick. The salaries are so low that I could move cut them if I find a starting level replacement.
Buffalo crushed us last year winning 40-3 and 47-14. The Bills earned a wild card spot, won in the first round against the Ravens but lost to Indianapolis in round 2. They have started the season 5-1 with wins against CIN, NO, MIA, TB, and NE its only loss coming to TEN.
The Bills’ starting 22 is exactly the same as it was last year. They traded out of the first 2 rounds in the draft. The reason they are better this year is Thurman Thomas has been inserted into the starting lineup. Thomas is a beast using the Eagles playbook. He has great hands and is an elusive runner. If Buffalo can improve their WR core Jim Kelly is going to be a giant pain in the *** down the line and they are already a tough matchup.
Buffalo’s defense is excellent at applying pressure. They had 13 sacks in our two matchups last year, what surprises me is they get pressure despite Bruce Smith struggling to produce sacks. Bryce Paup and Manny Lawson are excellent blitzers at OLB.
Bills win the toss
Buffalo’s drive stalls but they pin us at 1 with punt.
Sweetney becomes invisible on HB draw, at least to Donte Whitner who fails to see the HB sprinting past him for a 37 yard TD. 99 yard drive, we looked great. Rambis seems to be “getting it”.
14 play 80 yard drive our offense is relentless. Hillis brings it in from 2 yards out.
Sweetney is tackled at the 1 with 12 seconds left and I am out of timeouts. It really looked like he got in, but no challenge. Folk makes 18 yard attempt.
17 point lead and the ball to begin 2nd half can’t get much better.
It could only last for so long, Rambis had been 15/20, but then made a mistake, Gilmore returns the mistake 44 yards for a TD.
2 plays later Rambis throws another pick at NYJ 14 yard line.
Buffalo can’t punch it it. Hopkins makes 21 yard field goal.
4th and inches from our own 27 and I want the first down. I feel like another score could lock up the game, we are stopped and I can feel the tide turning.
2 plays, Kelly to Reed for an 18 yard TD.
3 and out, Kelly magic … Throws fade to Andre Reed. 3rd quarter is a nightmare.
3rd quarter ends with another 3 and out. Went from up 17 to down 7 glad it is over.
4th and 2 from the BUF 28 I got for it as a FG is 50/50. Sweetney makes stretch to get the first down y inches.
Rambis to Owens for a 26 yard TD with 5:02 remaining the game is tied.
Teams traded off poor drives, Revis picks Kelly on curl route. Jets ball at own 48 with 2:13 remaining all tied.
Rambis picks up Sweetney fumble, his 2nd recovered by own team, and pushes it forward 5 yards. That was close.
I try to keep the ball out of Rambis’ hands and pound the ball with Sweetney and Hills.
Sweetney breaks through the line and has a clear path to the endzone. He runs sideways down at the 1. Either this was brilliant purposeful running as we can down the ball run the clock out and kick a field goal or a case of fast back disease.
Folk makes 19 yard field goal as time expires.
Time of possession, we dominated it holding the ball 25 more minutes than the opponent.
I wasn’t expecting this. We were great stopping them on 3rd down including 4 stops of less than 3 yards.
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | November 1, 2009 | Week 9
@
New England Patriots (2-6, Away)
New York Jets (4-3, Home)
Offensive Starters
T. Brady
QB
L. Rambis
S. Ridley
RB
M. Sweetney
W. Welker
WR1
T. Owens
D. Driver
WR2
M. Floyd
T. Brown
WR3
S. Hill
R. Gronkowski
TE
S. Jolly
M. Light
LT
D. Ferguson
L. Mankins
LG
J. Pinkston
M. Birk
C
N. Mangold
S. Vollmer
RG
C. Rachal
N. Solder
RT
A. Howard
Defensive Starters
R. Seymour
LE
Q. Coples
T. Warren
RE
S. Richardson
V. Wilfork
DT
M. Wilkerson
T. Bruschi
DT/MLB
R. Bryant
M. Vrabel
LOLB
V. Gholston
J. Mayo
MLB
A. Thomas
J. Peterson
ROLB
D. Harris
A. Samuel
CB
D. Revis
E. Hobbs
CB
A. Verner
B. Church
FS
D. Landry
L. Milloy
SS
K. Rhodes
Game Notes
New England has virtually the same team as last year. Despite roster continuity the Patriots have struggled. They’ve lost to CAR, TEN, MIA, OAK, MIA, BUF, and IND with their two wins coming against BAL and MIA.
I’ve never seen a Patriots team in year 2 have this bad of a record. They are struggling on offense. My guess is the lack of downfield threats and a so so running game aren’t allowing Brady to thrive.
Pats win the toss
Branch takes kickoff all the way to NYJ 43.
First play of drive Brady to Welker on play action pass for 40 yards, but Jets D stands tall on goal line. Gostkowski makes 23 yard field goal.
Pats drive to NYJ 6 put can’t push the ball in, Gostkowski is 2-2.
Ridley breaks off an arm tackle, stiff arms a safety and shows decent speed in 50 yard touchdown.
Church steps in front of Post pattern to slot, returned to the NYJ 20. No idea how NE is only 2-6, its going to be a long game.
Luckily our D has been great in the redzone, Pats drive stalls again. Gostkowski hits 3rd field goal of the first quarter.
1st quarter Rambis 1/7, Sweetney 4 attempts for 7 yards it feels like last year.
Rambis finds Stephen Hill in right flat, Hill runs past all defenders and scores a 63 yard TD.
HEATH EVANS … took a swing pass 67 yards. Yuk
Pearson fumbles kickoff return, NE recovers at NYJ 24.
We stuff Pats again on goaline. Gostkowski good again.
Hester fumbles the kickoff, Rob Gronkowski picks up the fumble and returns it 24 yards for a TD, ridiculous.
Folk misses 40 yard attempts with 4 seconds left in 2nd quarter.
Barry Church picks off his second pass.
Ridley catches flat pass from Brady and brings it in from 32 yards out.
TO fumbles at 13 yard line, Hobbs returns all the way for a TD.
I pull Rambis, Sweetney, and TO no need for them to get injured in pointless quarter.
Pats pull starters
I jump to supersim
That was a reality check. The team is improving but we aren’t ready for the big time.
Re: Path to the Hall of Fame: Guts, Glory and Gangrene
Matchup Preview | November 8, 2009 | Week 10
@
San Diego Chargers (0-8, Away)
New York Jets (4-4, Home)
Offensive Starters
P. Rivers
QB
L. Rambis
L. Tomlinson
RB
M. Sweetney
S. Rice
WR1
T. Owens
K. Allen
WR2
M. Floyd
R. Streater
WR3
S. Hill
A. Gates
TE
S. Jolly
M. Mcneill
LT
D. Ferguson
K. Dielman
LG
J. Pinkston
N. Hardwick
C
N. Mangold
M. Goff
RG
C. Rachal
D. Fluker
RT
A. Howard
Defensive Starters
L. Castillo
LE
Q. Coples
A. Dalembert
RE
S. Richardson
J. Williams
DT
M. Wilkerson
M. Te’o
DT/MLB
R. Bryant
S. Phillips
LOLB
V. Gholston
J. Seau
MLB
A. Thomas
D. Brooks
ROLB
S. Merriman
A. Cromartie
CB
D. Revis
Q. Jammer
CB
A. Verner
E. Weddle
FS
D. Landry
R. Harrison
SS
K. Rhodes
Game Notes
Last year San Diego finished 5-11, with one of their victories coming against us in Week 3. They were active in the draft, selecting Andre Dalembert with the #4 overall pick and trading up to #17 to select Thomas Dwyer. I loved the Dalembert selection but the Dwyer picker surprised me. The Chargers are 0-8 this year, but this is deceiving as they lost their first 5 games by 14 total points. SD has lost to: OAK, DEN, KC, DAL, CLE, JAC, and CIN.
San Diego’s offense is struggling and I am not really sure why. Tomlinson is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry and Gates is only gaining 26 yards per game. Sidney Rice and Keenan Allen are great athletic targets on the outside. I assume McCoy will lose his job and maybe a new playbook can turn this team around. It will have to as they do not own a first round pick this year.
I played the game once already and won 35-28 it froze when heading back to the main screen.
I then played another game and won more convincingly 31-9, it froze again in the same spot.
I’ll have to supersim, very frustrating as this hasn’t been a problem yet.
The passing game is so much more powerful in super sim as Rambis had the his best game yet despite not having TO to throw to. The overall score pretty split the difference in the two games I played, but I’d rather have the extra skill points.
Because I supersimmed I am not going to do a box score.