Iowa Barnstormers 2004: A New Threat

[Grid Iron]

Dynasty Overview

The purpose of the Iowa City Barnstormers Dynasty is to tell a compelling and intriguing story using EA Sports Front Office Football (FOF2) as the backdrop. The stats are real, the story is not.

To catch up on the story so far, go to the following links:

Iowa Barnstormers Prologue
Iowa Barnstormers 2003: Thunder in the Sky

House Rules (Updated 3/12/04!)

I employ a fairly rigorous set of "house rules" (no real NFL players, no franchise tag, must maintain a 53-man roster, no renegotiating, can't make trade proposals except during the draft, trades must pass "fairness test", auto-sign rookies). During the 20-step free agent period, I may negotiate with any player who was on my team the previous season without restriction. As for free agents who did not play on my team the previous season, I may sign up to three of them during the 20-step process, but only one in the first 10 rounds. After the 20-step free agency period, I can only sign undrafted rookie free agents and players who were on my roster the previous season. All contracts signed outside of the 20-step process must be for exactly what the player asks, or for one year. Last, all multi-year deals must include a signing bonus equal to the highest year of the contract, unless I accept the player’s initial offer.

[Grid Iron]

10 FBI agents, Mars Rover saboteur, die in raid

Rover Opportunity successfully lands on Red Planet

January 1, 2004

Johnson Space Center, TX (Reuters) – FBI Director Hugh Wallace announced today that 10 FBI agents died yesterday during a raid near the Johnson Space Center. According to Wallace, agents entered the home of Maurice Brown at 7:30 a.m. on December 31, 2003, to find Brown slumped in his recliner with a single gunshot wound to the head. Tragically, agents were unaware that beneath Brown’s body was a live hand grenade.

When agents checked Brown for vital signs, his body was moved slightly, exploding the grenade. The explosion then set off approximately 10 pounds of C-4 plastic explosive hidden in Brown’s recliner, destroying the house and everyone in it. The sound of the blast could be heard over 12 miles away.

“These 10 men and women died heroically and serving their country,” said Wallace. “Their hard work and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Wallace explained that Maurice Brown, a veteran engineer for NASA, was found to have been responsible for altering the telemetry software on board the two Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. “His actions directly resulted in the destruction of Spirit, which cost approximately $400 million,” Wallace said. Wallace declined comment on Brown’s possible motive. “The investigation is continuing.”

At NASA, Director Alex Guerra announced that Mars Rover Opportunity made a successful landing on the Red Planet at precisely 11:59 p.m. EST last night. “Fortunately, we were able to come up with a work-around for the altered telemetry software and bring Opportunity down safely,” Guerra said. “She missed the landing site by about 120 miles, but it’s better than nothing.”

[Grid Iron]

Full Moon Rising

Warren Moon, Jerry Rice inducted into Hall of Fame

January 10, 2004

Canton, OH (AP) – NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue officially welcomed quarterback Warren Moon and wide receiver Jerry Rice into the Pro Football Hall of Fame today in Canton, Ohio. “I am delighted to welcome two of the greatest players of all time into this special place,” the commissioner said. “Not only did they play the game with incredible skill and ability, both are men of tremendous character.”

Quarterback Warren Moon, who played 16 seasons with Houston, Minnesota, Seattle and Kansas City, was selected by a unanimous vote. He finished his career second all-time behind Dan Marino with 52,866 passing yards and fourth all-time with 310 touchdown passes. The consummate professional, Moon retired on a high note in 1999 with the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for 3,769 yards, 20 TD and 10 INT. He made the playoffs eight times in his career, but never went to the Super Bowl.

Wide receiver Jerry Rice, selected to the Hall of Fame by a shocking 82%, played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Rice finished his career with the all-time record for receptions (1,171), receiving yards (17,900) and touchdown catches (165). Rice played in 23 playoff games and won three Super Bowls.

[Grid Iron]

Bush announces moon, Mars vision

President seeks $1 billion more in NASA funding

January 15, 2004

Washington, DC (Reuters) – Saying "the desire to explore and understand is part of our character," President Bush Wednesday unveiled an ambitious plan to return Americans to the moon by 2010 and use the mission as a steppingstone for future manned trips to Mars and beyond.

"We do not know where this journey will end, yet we know this -- human beings are headed into the cosmos," Bush said. "Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn into unknown lands and across the open sea. We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit."

The president unveiled what he billed as a "new course" for the nation's space program in a speech at NASA headquarters, shifting the long-term focus from the space shuttle and the international space station to the creation of a new manned space vehicle that will be flying with a crew in 10 years.

Bush proposed spending $12 billion over the next five years on the effort. About $1 billion of that will come from an increase in NASA's budget, while the other $11 billion would come from shifting funds from existing programs within NASA's current $86 billion budget. The overall NASA budget would stay at about 1 percent of the federal budget, according to White House figures.

Several legislators questioned Bush’s proposal, given NASA’s recent failures with the Mars Rover Spirit, which burned upon entry, and Opportunity, which missed its landing site by 120 miles. “Those failures were the result of sabotage, not any negligence on the part of NASA,” Bush said. “The fact that there are evil doers who will resort to violence to stop exploration of the cosmos has steeled my resolve to continue reaching for the heavens.”

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: January 16, 2004
Subject: Bush's Moon, Mars Vision
From: [email protected]

This was totally unexpected. And worrisome.

Inform all of the members that we need to meet about this turn of events immediately.

[Grid Iron]

Barnstormers Sign Blue Chip Defensive End

Strong safety Bryce Cosell signs two-year deal

January 30, 2004

Iowa City, IA (Ticker) – Iowa GM Jack “Grid” Iron announced the biggest free agent signing in franchise history today as he brought former Cowboys defensive end Brock Darlington into the fold with a three-year $15.8 million contract that included a $2.47 million signing bonus. “Brock is one of the most athletic defensive ends in the game,” said Iron. “He’s big, strong, and very fast. We expect big things from him.”

Brock, a second round pick out of Penn State in 2000, played four seasons with Dallas, starting the last two. The 6’3”, 298 pound lineman played in 16 games last year and recorded 47 tackles (36 solo) with 9.5 sacks--both career highs. “I enjoyed my time with the Cowboys, but I've always been partial to the Big Ten,” Darlington joked at the team press conference. “Hopefully, we’ll win a lot of games.”

In other free agent news, Barnstormers free safey Bryce Cosell signed a two-year $2.19 million contract to stay with Iowa. Last season, Cosell played in 12 games, starting all of them, and made 75 tackles (55 solo), and was tied for the team lead with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: February 19, 2004
Subject: Intercepted E-mail
From: [email protected]

My man on the inside forwarded this to me. Thought you might be interested.

BTW, the full membership meeting is scheduled for April 30. Usual time and place.

-----Original Message-----

To: [email protected]
Date: February 18, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Project
From: [email protected]

Tim,

I made a huge breakthrough at the lab today and I think I can make it work.

Do you know what this could mean to space travel? We can completely eliminate muscle and joint degradation on long-distance flights. With NASA’s new Mars program gearing up in the next few years, this could be a gold mine.

It will probably take a couple years to perfect, but we've got a great starting point.

Stop by the lab tomorrow and I’ll get you up to speed.

-Greg

[Grid Iron]

Iowa Goes On Defensive

Barnstormers draft star free safety fourth overall

April 26, 2004

New York, NY (Ticker) – With the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, Iowa GM Grid Iron selected 6’0” 209-pound Washington free safety Gilbert Coady. Winner of the 2003 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in the country, Coady finished his senior season with 12 passes broken up and six interceptions. He returned three of his interceptions for touchdowns, the last of which proved to be the game-winning score in the Huskies’ 21-14 Rose Bowl victory over Michigan State.

“His talent was just too great to pass up,” said coach Travis O’Donnell after introducing Coady to reporters. “Gil is going to be the anchor of our secondary for many years to come.”

Coady is expected to sign a six-year $23.32 million contract tommorrow, according to Grid Iron. “It’s a done deal, we just need to work out a few of the details.” Coady’s contract includes a $14.1 million signing bonus.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to join the Barnstormers,” said Coady. “Ever since I played Pop Warner football back in Pittsburgh, I’ve dreamed of being an NFL player.”

[tucker342]

Awesome! Go Iowa!

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by tucker342

Awesome! Go Iowa!

Nothing like a good, old fashioned game of pigskin in the heartland of America on a cold, snowy December Sunday!

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: May 3, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Project at Cal Tech
From: [email protected]

The wire transfer is complete. All of the funds have been deposited into your account, as we agreed.

Gain as much intelligence as you can about this artificial gravity project.

You will report directly to me.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Almost missed the new thread, may I suggest a redirect in the old thread.

Glad the story continues, keep it coming...

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by fantastic flying froggies

Almost missed the new thread, may I suggest a redirect in the old thread.

Glad the story continues, keep it coming...

Done.

BTW, great idea. Thanks!

[Grid Iron]

2004 Season Preview

Question marks, high hopes abound for Barnstormers

August 15, 2004

Iowa City, IA (ESPN) – The Iowa Barnstormers’ 0-4 preseason didn’t exactly give fans a lot of reason to hope the 2004 season would be much different than 2003, when the team finished with a 5-11 record. The fact that season ticket sales dropped by 2,300 seats to 37,200 showed that the expansion team honeymoon was over, and reality had finally set in among the fans.

Nonetheless, team management remains postive about the upcoming year. “We’ve added a lot of talent, from top to bottom,” said GM Grid Iron. “(Quarterback) Roman Roberts has a year of experience under his belt and we have some talented young rookies on defense. I am confident that we'll see significant improvement.” Whether Iron's words are merely wishful thinking, a truly prophetic, remains to be seen.

The key to the Barnstormers offense will be how much quarterback Roman Roberts has improved from last season. The first overall pick in the 2003 draft finished his rookie campaign with 2,536 passing yards, 8 TD and 11 INT. “I know that the offense all starts with me,” Roberts said after the team’s 27-0 loss to Jacksonville in the exhibition finale, where he was just 7 for 25 for 71 yards, 0 TD and 2 INT. “I know in my heart that if I play up to abilities, this team can go a long way.”

Roberts will have a new target at wide receiver this year in rookie Roderick Reynolds. The 5’10” 189 pound Reynolds was signed as a rookie free agent after the amateur draft. A four-year starter at Towson University, Reynolds beat the odds and won the starting split end job, opposite fourth-year wide receiver Allen Baxter.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are about as many unanswered questions as there is potential. Coach Travis O’Donnell will start three rookies on defense. First-round pick (fourth overall) Gilbert Coady will be at free safety. Donny Grier, the team’s second round pick out of Monmouth College, will start at the strong-side linebacker position. Chris Lodish, drafted in the seventh round out of Akron, will be the team’s weak-side linebacker.

Special teams looks to be greatly improved with the addition of highly-touted rookie kicker Jim Lane (third round out of UCLA) and accomplished punter Junior Levine (fourth round out of Virginia Tech). “Our punting game was a trouble spot for us last year, and I can see Junior becoming one of the best in the game,” Grid Iron said. “I think we could have one of the best special teams units in the league within a few years.”

The Barnstormers schedule looks to be favorable this year. Only two of Iowa’s opponents, Pittsburgh and Denver, finished the season with a winning record last year.

Division rival Kansas City, however, looks vastly improved. The Chiefs were active in free agency, luring defensive tackle Trevor Pryce away from the Broncos with a four-year $21.98 million contract. In addition, Kansas City traded their second-round draft pick to Washington for an All-Pro quality center in Kennedy Delgado.

Here is the complete Barnstormers schedule:

Week 1 Kansas City Chiefs
Week 2 Denver Broncos
Week 3 OAKLAND RAIDERS
Week 4 BUFFALO BILLS
Week 5 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Week 6 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Week 7 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Week 8 Oakland Raiders
Week 9 OPEN
Week 10 DENVER BRONCOS
Week 11 San Diego Chargers
Week 12 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Week 13 Baltimore Ravens
Week 14 Arizona Cardinals
Week 15 Seattle Seahawks
Week 16 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Week 17 New York Giants

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: August 17, 2004
Subject: Cal Tech Artificial Gravity Program
From: [email protected]

This is gonna be tough.

The AG Program is so top secret, they keep everything on a local area network with no Internet access. So, I won't be able to hack into it from the outside.

On top of that, the facility is very secure, so I can't just walk in and check it out.

Consequently, I'm going to need a very good infiltration plan.

I'm working on one right now. I will update you shortly.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 1-4

Week 1: Barnstormers (0-0) at Chiefs (0-0) (-7)

Iowa tied the game on a 41-yard touchdown pass from QB Roman Roberts to WR Shannon Neill with :58 on the clock, but the Barnstormers couldn’t stop the Chiefs in overtime, losing by a score of 30-24. Iowa’s rookie free safety Gilbert Coady, the fourth overall pick in the draft, recorded the first interception of his career.

Week 2: Barnstormers (0-1) at Broncos (0-1) (-12)

Iowa rolled up 287 rushing yards and controlled the clock for 37:08, as the Barnstormers destroyed the reigning Super Bowl Champion Broncos 37-16 in the biggest victory in franchise history. Starting running back Bobby Roby rushed for 161 yards, while backup Friendship Lofton had 111 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Rookie free safety Gilbert Coady had his second interception of the season.

Week 3: Barnstormers (1-1) (-1) vs. Raiders (0-2)

Iowa rookie Jim Lane missed the potential 45-yard game-winning field goal with :11 left in regulation, and Oakland’s Ryan Longwell nailed his kick from 55 yards away in overtime as the Barnstormers fell to the Raiders 13-10. Iowa free safety Gilbert Coady recorded his third interception in three games.

Week 4: Barnstormers (1-2) vs. Bills (1-1) (-1)

Iowa running back Bobby Roby ran for 101 yards, including a 27-yard game-winning touchdown run with 1:32 on the clock, as the Barnstormers pulled out a 14-10 victory over the Bills.

1/4 Season Review

At 2-2, the Barnstormers are tied for first with Seattle (2-2) and San Diego (2-2). The team’s success is due to outstanding play on both sides of the ball. On offense, Iowa leads the NFL with 194.5 rushing yards per game. On defense, rookie free safety Gilbert Coady, the fourth overall pick in the draft out of Washington, is living up to the hype. In four starts, he has recorded 12 tackles (8 solo), three interceptions, and two passes broken up.

Here are the complete AFC West standings:

AFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Seattle                 2   2   0   .500  82    114   1-0-0   2-0-0     
San Diego               2   2   0   .500  73    97    2-0-0   2-1-0     
Iowa City               2   2   0   .500  85    69    1-2-0   2-2-0     
Kansas City             1   2   0   .333  54    79    1-1-0   1-1-0     
Oakland                 1   3   0   .250  61    72    1-1-0   1-3-0     
Denver                  1   3   0   .250  82    112   0-2-0   0-2-0 

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: September 15, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Program
From: [email protected]

I can't tell you how happy I am with the success we've had. It looks like we should be able to start testing by this time next year.

Thanks for your understanding about my leave of absence. I wish I hadn't committed to teaching a class at the University of Peru this semester.

I leave next week, but I'll be back January 1. You can always reach me by e-mail.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 5-8

Week 5: Barnstormers (2-2) (E) vs. Chargers (2-2)

Iowa’s running back tandem of Bobby Roby and Friendship Lofton combined for 253 rushing yards, and rookie free safety Gilbert Coady had his fourth interception in four games, as the Barnstormers shut out the Chargers 27-0. The win lifted Iowa into sole possession of first place, a half-game ahead of Seattle (2-2) and Kansas City (2-2).

Week 6: Barnstormers (3-2) vs. Steelers (4-1) (-1)

Iowa’s backup QB Leo Hiatt completed just one of his six pass attempts and threw an interception after Roman Roberts left with a bruised ribcage, as the Barnstormers lost to the Steelers 14-10.

Week 7: Barnstormers (3-3) (-3) vs. Seahawks (3-2)

Running back Friendship Lofton put Iowa ahead on a 20-yard touchdown run with :49 left in the game and defensive end Eugene Weaver returned a Seattle fumble 14 yards for a touchdown with just seven ticks on the clock as the Barnstormers rallied past the Seahawks to claim sole possession of first place in the AFC West, 29-17.

Week 8: Barnstormers (4-3) at Raiders (3-4) (E)

The Raiders ran for 361 yards and Rich Gannon threw five touchdowns as Oakland crushed Iowa by the score of 55-29.

2/4 Season Review

At 4-4, the Barnstormers are just one victory away from passing last season’s win total, due in large part to a greatly improved pass defense. The team leads the league with 14 interceptions. On the year, rookie free safety Gilbert Coady has 44 tackles (34 solo), four interceptions, and three passes broken up.

Second-year quarterback Roman Roberts has shown tremendous improvement, despite being hobbled by a bruised ribcage. In eight starts, the former first-round pick has thrown for 1,360 yards, scored 11 touchdowns (10 pass, 1 rush), and thrown only five interceptions.

Here are the complete AFC West standings:

AFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Seattle                 4   3   0   .571  178   183   3-1-0   4-1-0     
Oakland                 4   4   0   .500  189   146   4-1-0   4-3-0     
Iowa City               4   4   0   .500  177   155   3-3-0   4-4-0     
Kansas City             3   4   0   .429  140   173   2-2-0   3-2-0     
San Diego               2   6   0   .250  139   242   2-3-0   2-5-0     
Denver                  1   6   0   .143  133   193   0-4-0   0-5-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: October 5, 2004
Subject: Cal Tech Artificial Gravity Program
From: [email protected]

Good things come to those who wait.

I'm going to Peru.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 9-13

Week 9: Bye


Week 10: Barnstormers (4-4) (-5) vs. Broncos (2-6)

Denver QB Fernando Sharber was 24 of 33 for 243 yards, 3 TD and 0 INT, as the Broncos annihilated the Barnstormers 51-7.

Week 11: Barnstormers (4-5) (-2) at Chargers (2-7)

San Diego WR Trent Stubblefield was tackled one yard short of the goal line by Iowa SS Wade Renfro as time expired, giving the Barnstormers a 17-10 victory over the Chargers.

Week 12: Barnstormers (5-5) vs. Eagles (6-4) (-6)

Playing on a sprained ankle, Iowa QB Roman Roberts was just 8 of 29 for 161 yards, 0 TD and 2 INT, as the Eagles soared to a 23-13 victory over the Barnstormers.

Week 13: Barnstormers (5-6) at Ravens (6-5) (-8)

A healthy Roman Roberts threw two touchdowns and rookie FS Gilbert Coady added two interceptions, as Iowa posted a 27-16 victory over Baltimore.

3/4 Season Review

At 6-6, the Barnstormers are within striking distance of the playoffs. The final four weeks of the season, however, will not be easy as the team plays three road games, including the season finale.

The team’s success thus far can be traced to inspired performances by four players. Despite struggling with injuries, quarterback Roman Roberts has thrown for 1,908 yards, 12 TD and 7 INT. The team’s running back tandem of Bobby Roby and Friendship Lofton has accounted for 1,530 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns (10 rush, 2 rec). Last, rookie free safety Gilbert Coady leads the AFC with 7 interceptions.

Here are the complete AFC West standings:

AFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Oakland                 7   5   0   .583  287   202   6-2-0   6-4-0     
Seattle                 7   5   0   .583  261   271   4-2-0   6-3-0     
Iowa City               6   6   0   .500  241   255   4-4-0   6-5-0     
Denver                  5   7   0   .417  282   265   3-4-0   4-5-0     
Kansas City             5   7   0   .417  241   297   3-4-0   4-5-0     
San Diego               2   10  0   .167  195   375   2-6-0   2-8-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: November 1, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Program
From: [email protected]

The additional funds you requested have been deposited into your account.

Good luck.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 14-17

Week 14 : Barnstormers (6-6) at Cardinals (8-4) (-9)

Iowa wide receiver Allen Baxter caught eight passes for 146 yards and a touchdown, and kicker Jim Lane nailed the game-winning field goal from 21 yards away with :29 on the clock as the Barnstormers stunned the heavily-favored Cardinals 27-24.

Week 15: Barnstormers (7-6) at Seahawks (8-5) (-5)

Iowa DT Riddick Malone returned a Jon Kitna fumble 49 yards for a touchdown and Seattle K Bryan Baxter missed the potential game-tying field goal from 37 yards away with :06 on the clock, as the Barnstormers survived the Seahawks 17-14.

The victory lifted Iowa into a three-way tie for first with Oakland (8-6) and Seattle (8-6). Although the Barnstormers have the tie-break advantage over the Seahawks after beating them twice this season, the Raiders have the same advantage over Iowa.

Week 16: Barnstormers (8-6) (-2) vs. Chiefs (6-8)

Trailing 16-13, Iowa’s backup quarterback Leo Hiatt orchestrated an 11-play, 79-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Donny Roques with 5:57 left in the game, lifting the Barnstormers a 20-16 victory over the Chiefs. The Barnstormers can clinch a playoff berth next week with a win over New York or a Cleveland loss to Jacksonville.

Starting quarterback Roman Roberts suffered a dislocated shoulder and will miss the rest of the season.

Week 17: Barnstormers (9-6) at Giants (6-9) (E)

Backup quarterback Leo Hiatt was simply awful in relief of injured starter Roman Roberts, completing just 6 of 28 for 91 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT, as the Giants crushed the Barnstormers 31-3.

Nonetheless, the Barnstormers clinched the first playoff berth in franchise history thanks to Jacksonville’s 33-7 victory over Cleveland!

4/4 Season Review

The Barnstormers finished the season with a 9-7 record and came within one victory of winning the division. The team now hits the road to play the wild-card Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) in the first round of the playoffs.

Here are the final AFC West standings:

AFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Oakland                 9   7   0   .563  380   261   7-3-0   8-5-0     
Iowa City               9   7   0   .563  308   340   6-4-0   8-5-0     
Seattle                 9   7   0   .563  348   349   6-4-0   8-5-0     
Kansas City             7   9   0   .438  310   382   4-6-0   6-7-0     
Denver                  7   9   0   .438  349   337   4-6-0   5-7-0     
San Diego               3   13  0   .188  259   459   3-7-0   3-9-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: December 1, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Program
From: [email protected]

Everything is ready to go.

I will notify you when I have completed infiltration.

[illinifan999]

NOOOO don't got teach a class you moron!!!!!

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by illinifan999

NOOOO don't go teach a class you moron!!!!!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to
Surviving a Grid Iron Dynasty

Rule #1

Never, ever, travel alone in South America.

[tucker342]

lol!

[Grid Iron]

The 2004 season finale is coming up Tuesday a.m. Stay tuned!

[duckman]

Great stuff, Grid Iron. You can really keep an audience with just some simple writing. Nothing fancy. Good luck in the playoffs!

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by duckman

Great stuff, Grid Iron. You can really keep an audience with just some simple writing. Nothing fancy. Good luck in the playoffs!

Thanks, duckman! Glad you enjoy it!


Now on with the dynasty. . .

[Grid Iron]

Grounded!

Jaguars feast on Barnstormers in 37-0 playoff victory

	Barnstormers (9-8)	0
	Jaguars (12-5)	37

December 7, 2004

Jacksonville, FLA (Ticker) – Jacksonville kicker Mike Hollis nailed five field goals and linebacker Bryce Paup returned an Iowa interception 42 yards for a touchdown as the Jaguars destroyed the Barnstormers 37-0 in the AFC wild card round.

“Jacksonville is a great team, no doubt about,” said a disappointed coach Travis O’Donnell at the post game press conference. “We got outplayed in every facet of the game, and the better team won.”

Despite missing their starting quarterback Roman Roberts due to a dislocated shoulder, the Barnstormers were in high spirits at the close of the first quarter after holding the Jags to just two field goals and a 6-0 lead. In the second quarter, however, the flood gates opened, as Jacksonville added 25 points to take a 31-0 lead at the half, which ended any hope of a comeback.

“I’m extremely disappointed,” said Roberts, who watched the entire game from the sideline. “We all worked so hard this season to get here, and then to just get blown away like this. I think all of us have a lot to work on before next season.”

Box Score: Iowa City Barnstormers at Jacksonville Jaguars.  
  
Attendance: 73,000 (73,000), No-Shows: 0.  
  
Weather: 60 degrees, fair.  
  
1Q: 06:45 JAX - Mike Hollis 38 field goal.  
1Q: 03:08 JAX - Mike Hollis 39 field goal.  
2Q: 13:29 JAX - Perry Welch 5 pass from Mark Brunell.  
2Q: 13:29 JAX - Mark Brunell pass to Tom Sachs for conversion  
2Q: 08:21 JAX - Bryce Paup 42 interception return.  
2Q: 08:21 JAX - Mike Hollis extra point.  
2Q: 06:57 JAX - Fred Taylor 1 run.  
2Q: 06:57 JAX - Mike Hollis extra point.  
2Q: 00:13 JAX - Mike Hollis 20 field goal.  
3Q: 07:00 JAX - Mike Hollis 18 field goal.  
4Q: 08:18 JAX - Mike Hollis 24 field goal.  
  
Game MVP: JAX 95 Bryce Paup  
  
Iowa City         0      0      0      0      -      0  
Jacksonville      6      25     3      3      -      37  
  
Team Statistics          IAC           JAX  
  
First Downs              11            24  
  
Rushes                   22            42  
Rushing Yards            67            113  
Yards Per Carry          3.0           2.6  
  
Pass Attempts            24            30  
Completions              12            20  
Passing Yards            134           230  
Yards Per Attempt        5.5           7.6  
Sacked                   6             0  
Yards Lost               38            0  
Net Passing Yards        96            230  
  
Interceptions            4             0  
Fumbles/Lost             2/2           1/0  
  
Total Plays              52            72  
Total Yards              163           343  
Yards Per Play           3.1           4.7  
  
3rd Down Plays           2/10          4/13  
  
Penalties                7             3  
Penalty Yards            35            15  
  
Time Of Possession       24:55         35:05  
  
Iowa City Barnstormers Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
39 Roby                  10     34     3.4    12     0  
40 Lofton                5      16     3.2    12     0  
22 George                3      15     5.0    9      0  
32 Burton                2      2      1.0    2      0  
2 Hiatt                  2      0      0.0    1      0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
2 Hiatt                  18     8      83     4.6    26     0      3  
8 Lyle                   5      3      38     7.6    18     0      1  
3 Fuller                 1      1      13     13.0   13     0      0  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
83 Neill                 4      38     9.5    14     0  
82 Baxter                3      33     11.0   19     0  
32 Burton                2      12     6.0    6      0  
87 Morris                1      7      7.0    7      0  
80 Roques                1      18     18.0   18     0  
89 Reynolds              1      26     26.0   26     0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD
86 Ross                  2      15     7.5    0  
88 Eamigh                1      5      5.0    0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
39 Roby                  2      39     19.5   0  
88 Eamigh                2      51     25.5   0  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20  
15 Levine                7      339    48.4   55     2  
  
Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
59 Grier                 7      2      0.0    0      0      0  
46 Coady                 7      1      0.0    0      0      0  
98 Darlington            6      2      0.0    0      0      0  
58 Lodish                6      2      0.0    0      0      0  
27 Renfro                5      2      0.0    0      0      0  
52 Willow                5      0      0.0    0      0      0  
56 Garrett               5      0      0.0    0      0      0  
96 Allen                 3      1      0.0    0      0      0  
31 Mathews               3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
97 Koontz                3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
45 Kotter                2      2      0.0    0      0      0  
41 Fuller                2      1      0.0    0      0      0  
51 Page                  2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
89 Reynolds              2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
92 Kley                  1      2      0.0    0      0      0  
90 Weaver                1      1      0.0    0      0      0  
50 Hansen                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
32 Burton                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
83 Neill                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
77 Underhill             1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
94 Ashmore               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
95 Malone                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
62 Sanborn               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
25 McKnight              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
61 Bradford              0      0      0      0      3  
62 Sanborn               0      0      0      0      1  
63 Mott                  0      0      0      2      1  
65 Kamieniecki           0      0      0      2      1  
77 Underhill             0      0      0      1      0  
22 George                1      0      0      0      0  
88 Eamigh                1      0      0      0      0  
  
Jacksonville Jaguars Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
28 Taylor                18     66     3.6    17     1  
25 Avery                 9      19     2.1    10     0  
39 Feenstra              6      14     2.3    13     0  
8 Brunell                5      16     3.2    5      0  
31 Shelton               2      0      0.0    0      0  
10 Martin                1      -1     -1.0   -1     0  
22 Banks                 1      -1     -1.0   -1     0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
8 Brunell                24     15     180    7.5    31     1      0  
10 Martin                4      4      41     10.2   16     0      0  
12 Quinn                 2      1      9      4.5    9      0      0  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
85 Sachs                 5      74     14.8   31     0  
39 Feenstra              5      48     9.6    15     0  
82 Smith                 4      39     9.7    16     0  
86 Welch                 3      41     13.6   18     1  
84 Barlow                2      19     9.5    10     0  
81 Fontenot              1      9      9.0    9      0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
84 Barlow                3      50     16.6   0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20
15 Masso                 5      213    42.6   49     2  
  
Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
1 Hollis                 5      5      39     2      2  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
40 Strzelczyk            6      0      0.0    1      15     0  
44 Sinclair              5      2      0.0    0      0      0  
52 Bowden                4      2      0.5    0      0      0  
95 Paup                  4      0      0.0    1      42     1  
90 Brackens              3      3      1.5    0      0      0  
33 Rivers                3      0      0.0    1      44     0  
21 Beasley               3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
91 Kalu                  2      1      0.5    0      0      0  
39 Feenstra              2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
94 Wooden                1      0      2.0    0      0      0  
58 Schwartz              1      2      1.0    0      0      0  
49 Jobb                  1      1      0.0    0      0      0  
84 Barlow                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
96 Walker                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
57 Auterman              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
86 Welch                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
50 Stratton              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
92 Parrish               0      0      0.5    0      0      0  
27 Figures               0      0      0.0    1      2      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
50 Stratton              0      1      0      2      0  
72 Searcy                0      0      0      2      0  
76 Tylski                0      0      0      2      0  
75 Brzezinski            0      0      0      2      0  
71 Boselli               0      0      0      1      0  
90 Brackens              0      1      0      0      0  
27 Figures               0      1      0      0      0  
28 Taylor                1      0      0      0      0  
81 Fontenot              0      0      0      1      0

[fantastic flying froggies]

Originally Posted by Grid Iron

Better luck next year...

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by fantastic flying froggies

Better luck next year...

Talk about an butt-kicking. Oh well. That's what happens when your top QB is on the bench with an injury.

[Grid Iron]

Falcons Win Super Bowl XXXIX

Altanta rallies to win first NFL Championship

	Jaguars (14-6)	14
	Falcons (15-4)	17

December 27, 2004

Atlanta, GA (Ticker) – Atlanta quarterback Chris Chandler connected with wide receiver Tim Dwight for a 47-yard touchdown pass with :20 on the clock as the Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars by a final of 17-14. Falcons defensive end Patrick Kearney was named game MVP after recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles, both of which ended Jacksonville drives deep in Atlanta territory.

“This is the most incredible feeling in the world,” said Dwight, who caught the ball on a slant 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, found a seam, and then scampered 37 more yards for the game-winning score. “When I got behind the corner right off the line and the safety hesitated, I knew I could make something happen.”

[Grid Iron]

Barnstormer Wins Award for Defense

Confident Coady named Defensive Rookie of the Year

December 28, 2004

Iowa City, IA (ESPN) – Barnstormers owner Ben Cleveland announced today that Iowa City free safety Gilbert Coady was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. “We’re all very proud of the fantastic job Gil did for us,” Cleveland said. “In just one year, we went from 5-11 to a playoff contender, and Gil was a big reason for that success.”

Coady, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Washington, was among the best defensive backs in the league. With his imposing size (6’0”, 209 pounds), lightning speed, and outstanding cover skills, Coady recorded 98 tackles (74 solo), seven interceptions (T-2nd AFC, T-4th NFL), and five passes broken up.

“I put myself on the map this year, there’s no doubt about that,” Coady said at the team press conference. “I don’t think there’s a quarterback in the league who wants to throw the ball my direction.” “You see,” Coady explained, “they know that if they do, I’m gonna put the ‘yoink!’ on ‘em!”

[illinifan999]

I really think that the pictures with the stories (Even though they are ND) add so much more to the dynasty than before. Great job Grid!

[tucker342]

Great season! Making the playoffs in only the teams second year is pretty damn impressive

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by illinifan999

Even though they are ND

Dude, thanks for ruining it for everyone.

Seriously, though, thanks for the compliment. I agree that the photos make the dynasty more interesting. I thought about using Madden screen captures, but ultimately decided that would be too time consuming.

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by tucker342

Great season! Making the playoffs in only the teams second year is pretty damn impressive

I was surprised also. It took several years to make the playoffs in my Nebraska Blizzards Dynasty. I think the biggest factor is how awful the other teams are. Our competition simply hasn't been that strong.

We'll see if they can repeat that performance next season. . .

[Grid Iron]

Peyton Manning Wins League MVP Award

Indy QB also named All-League First Team

December 29, 2004

Indianapolis, IN (Reuters) – Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning won his second NFL MVP trophy today after finishing the year with 4,585 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. “I’m honored to get this award, but everyone on my team deserves it.” Manning said of his teammates, who missed the playoffs despite a 9-7 record. “I’d gladly give up 10 MVP awards for one Super Bowl ring.”

[Grid Iron]

2004 Report Card

December 30, 2004

Here is a run down of how the Barnstormers performed in the 2004 season:

QUARTERBACKS: C+

Second year QB Roman Roberts steadily improved, but missed one regular season game and the playoffs with a dislocated shoulder. In 15 starts, Roberts threw for 2,433 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 74.3 rating.

RUNNING BACKS: B+

Iowa’s running back tandem of Friendship Lofton and Bobby Roby improved big time. Combined, the two second-year tailbacks ran for 1,887 yards and scored 13 touchdowns (11 rush, 2 rec), pacing the league’s fourth-best running attack (137.1 yds/game). Moreover, the duo finished the year with a 5.39 rushing average--a huge improvement over their 3.46 average in 2003.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B-

The offensive line was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In pass protection the line was simply awful, allowing 48 sacks on the year (3rd most in league). In the running game, however, the group was excellent. Center Antonio Pasante, a third year player out of Florida State, ranked second in the league with 38 key run blocks. Guard Spencer Mott, a backup for Indianapolis last season, had 32 key run blocks and was third in the NFL with a 43.2 blocking percentage among linemen with more than 70 run block opportunities.

RECEIVERS: C

For the most part, the Barnstormers receiving corps was average at best in 2004. Fourth-year wide receiver Allen Baxter, selected by Philadelphia in the 2001 draft out of Pittsburgh, led the team with 49 catches and 767 yards receiving. He scored just four touchdowns. Rookie free agent wide receiver Roderick Reynolds, who won a starting job after an outstanding exhibition season, missed five games due to a hip pointer and never found a rhythm, catching just 22 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown. Second-year tight end Freddie Morris was a pleasant surprise, catching 42 passes for 455 yards and 6 touchdowns, all career highs.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B-

The defensive line was decent, totaling 31 sacks on the year. Defensive end Brock Darlington, who signed with the Barnstormers in the offseason after four years in Dallas, did exactly what he was brought in to do—pressure the quarterback. On the year, Brock recorded a career-high 10.5 sacks and had 50 tackles (31 solo).

LINEBACKERS: C-

Iowa’s run defense improved slightly from last year, going from third worst in 2003 to sixth worst in 2004. Rookie Chris Lodish, the team’s seventh round pick out of Akron, ranked 11th in the NFL with 135 tackles (104 solo). Donny Grier, the team’s second round pick, struggled with injuries and finished the season with just 54 tackles (43 solo).

SECONDARY: A-

The Barnstormers secondary was one of the best in the NFL. While the team allowed a very mediocre 232.1 passing yards per game, the Iowa secondary racked up 21 interceptions on the year, good for fourth in the league. Free safety Gilbert Coady led the unit with seven interceptions and won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Second year cornerback Heath Fuller, the team’s fifth round pick out of Virginia in 2003, had 62 tackles (52 solo) and six interceptions.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-

The team’s two rookie kickers had excellent seasons. Although third-round draft pick Jim Lane made only 23 of 30 field goal attempts, his longest on the year was from 58 yards away and three of his misses were from 50 yards or more. He also made 13 consecutive kicks over the team’s final 7 games. Except for a 35-yard kick that was blocked, Lane never missed from inside the 45. Fourth-round draft pick Junior Levine dramatically improved the team’s punting game with a 40.5 yard average and dropping 39 of his 108 punts inside the 20 (36%).

The Barnstormers also had two excellent return men in 2004. Wide receiver George Ross ranked fourth in the NFL with an 8.1 yard average among those players with 30 or more punt returns, while receiver Omar Eamigh led the league with a 23.9 kick return average among those with more than 36 chances.

COACHING: B+

Coach Travis O’Donnell had an excellent season, taking the Barnstormers to the playoffs in just his second year. The team went 5-2 over the final seven weeks and won a franchise record four straight in Weeks 13-16. On the downside, the team was fourth in the league with 138 penalties and fifth in the league with 928 penalty yards.

[Grid Iron]

Transcript of Personal Log

Professor Tim Livingston, Cal Tech University

December 31, 2004

2:30 p.m. EST

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

LIVINGSTON: This is the personal log of Professor Tim Livingston, Mechanical Engineering Department, Cal Tech University. . . .

[Sound of Livingston sipping beverage]

LIVINGSTON: The date is December 31, 2004, and the time is 2:31 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

[Sound of Livingston typing on computer keyboard]

LIVINGSTON: I’ll be heading back to California in three days. Most of my belongings are being shipped back tomorrow.

[Sound of Livingston sipping beverage]

LIVINGSTON: I’ve had a great time here in Peru at the University, but I’m looking forward to getting back to work on the Artificial Gravity Project. I’m sure Dr. Markus, however, is doing a fine job in my absence.

[Sound of front door opening]

LIVINGSTON: Hello?

[Sound of front door closing]

LIVINGSTON: Helloooooo. . .

[Sound of footsteps approaching]

LIVINGSTON: Who’s ther--

UNKNOWN: Dr. Livingston, I presume.

LIVINGSTON: My God. . . It can’t be . . .

UNKNOWN: No, doctor, I am no God.

LIVINGSTON: Who. . . Who are you . . .

UNKNOWN: Don’t you recognize me?

LIVINGSTON: Why, yes. . . You’re . . . You’re . . .

UNKNOWN: You.

LIVINGSTON: How? How did you do that?

UNKNOWN: (laughing) A lot of painful surgery, doctor. A lot of painful surgery.

LIVINGSTON: (voice trembling) But, why? Why?

UNKNOWN: You have something I want, doctor.

[Sound of single gunshot using silencer]

[Sound of Dr. Livingston falling to ground]

LIVINGSTON: Ahhh! My knee! Ahhhh!

[Sound of single gunshot using silencer]

LIVINGSTON : Damnit! Arrrrrrgh! I. . . I can’t walk. . . I’m . . . Look, I’m just a teacher. . . You can take my money, please just let me live!

UNKNOWN: I don’t want your money, doc. I’ve got plenty of that.

LIVINGSTON: Then what? Ooooh. . . It hurts so much . . . What is it that you want?

UNKNOWN: Your identity.

[Sound of single gunshot using silencer]

[Sound of heavy thud on floor]

[End of Recording]

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: December 31, 2004
Subject: Artificial Gravity Project
From: [email protected]

Can't wait to get back to work on the project.

See you in a few days.

-Tim

[Grid Iron]

This ends the 2004 Season of the Iowa City Barnstormers Dynasty.

Stay tuned for the 2005 season, coming up sometime between now and this weekend. . .

[Grid Iron]

The 2005 season begins here.