The Imitation Ring Quest: An FOF2k7 Historical Dynasty
 

Inspired by Izulde, I've decided to document my attempts to get Donovan McNabb a ring. I need to mess around with gameplans as I prepare for MP with 6.3 and I thought this would be fun to document even if not many read it. As usual, it will be a fairly bare bones dynasty as I've never had much interest in adding a ton of graphics. My basic ground rules are that I won't tank, I won't try to rip off the computer with trades, but I may overpay for a high draft pick, and that I will always offer a player at least as many years as he wants. I'm starting in 1999 just after the Eagles have drafted McNabb.

Here is a look at the roster just after McNabb's first preseason performance which was up and down:


Here is a look at the opening roster just after McNabb's first pre-season:

Looking over that roster, I'm hoping we don't do too well this year, but I'll put forth my best effort. My goals for the 1st offseason will be to draft a stud young WR for McNabb, to add a quality 2nd corner, and to get a better right tackle.

At the end of pre-season, McNabb lost his best weapon to an injury as Charles Johnson suffered a shoulder injury that will keep him out for 4 weeks.


Using a ball control offense and a solid defense, we win our first game against Carolina 17-13. Eric Bieniemy had the play of the day, a 29 yard TD run with 1 minute left in the 3rd that gave us the lead which our defense held throughout the 4th quarter. I'm trying to run a Philly style defense with high blitzing numbers. In the first game, we only had 1 sack from Mamula, but Dawkins pressured the QB 3 times. Key injuries in the 1st week were to Tra Thomas and CB Troy Vincent. McNabb was 12 of 20 for 114 yards and a TD.

In week 2, Ricky Williams runs wild on us and the Saints beat us 20-14. For some reason, we threw it much more than I planned going into the game. McNabb finished 21 of 42 for 215 yards and a TD. Not bad considering the lack of weapons around him. The lack of a single sack is concerning. I forgot to mention injuries are at 200. Dawkins got hurt this game and will miss a week or 2.

In week 3, Grbac and Tony Gonzalez tore our patchwork defense apart. Jumping to an early 14-0 lead, they forced us to pass early. It didn't work well and McNabb ended up 22 of 41 for 161 yards with his first pick of the year.

During the bye week, we get Vincent, Charles Johnson, and Tra Thomas back.

During week 5, Tampa Bay jumps to an early 14-0 lead behind a TD pass from Dilfer and a 80 yard run by Warrick Dunn. 2 FG's put it out of reach, but McNabb has 2 2nd half TD throws. He finished 27 of 49 for 280 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's. Eric had a nice game running the ball and we'll rely on him more these next few weeks.

We are now 1-3.

In week 6, we get the early lead behind a 16 yard TD run by Eric, but Oakland shuts down our offense most of the day. We lose 9-7 as Oakland advances to 6-0. McNabb finished 11 of 21 for 82 yards. OLB William Thomas got his first sack and first interception of the year. He also had 3 QB hurries. Starting CB Al Harris suffered a leg injury that will keep him out 4-6 weeks. Dawkins is now set to return to the lineup.

In week 7, McNabb has his worst game and it costs us as we lose 12-2. McNabb was 21 of 34 for 160 yards with 3 picks. Starting MLB James Darling and HB Duce Staley were hurt in the game and will have to sit for at least a week or two.

In week 8, our defense shines against the hapless Giants. We beat them 26-9 behind a 104 yards from Eric. McNabb with one of his better games of the year, 20 of 29 for 178 yards with 2 TD's and 1 INT. We lose starting TE Jason Dunn and WR Charles Johnson to injuries that will cost each of them a few weeks.

In week 9, we contain Emmitt Smith but Chris Warren runs rough shod over us. The Cowboys advance to 7-1 while we drop to 2-6 as they beat us 34-21. McNabb with the first 300 yard game of his career. He completed 21 of 34 for 1 TD and 2 INT's.

Our defense is failing to get pressure consistently on opponents.

In week 10, our defense dominates San Diego Erik Kramer. Eric with 170 yards rushing but we fail to score a single offensive TD in a 19-10 win. McNabb was 16 of 27 for 145 yards.

In week 11, we continue to ruin our draft position with a 28-15 win over Chicago. Eric with 1 receiving and 2 rushing TD's. McNabb was 15 of 20 for 200 yards with 2 TD's 0 INT's. Dawkins was hurt in the game and will miss another 2-3 weeks. Al Harris and Charles Johnson will return to the lineup next week.

In week 12, Trent Green dissects our defense and Washington shuts down our offense as they beat us 28-13. McNabb was 18 of 34 for 173 yards and 1 INT.

In week 13, Duce Staley has his first big game with over 100 yards, but Atlanta beats us 23-20 thanks to 2 TD's by Jamaal Anderson. McNabb was 16 of 22 for 191 yards and a TD.

We are now 4-8.

In week 14, McNabb has his first successful 2 minute drill to lead a comeback against the Giants. The game ends with a 38 yard strike to WR Troy Smith. We win the game 24-20. We had 2 defensive TD's earlier in the game. McNabb finished 17 of 26 for 175 yards with 1 TD 2 INT's. Dawkins will be back for our final few games..

Next week, we up set San Francisco as our defense keeps Young scrambling all day long. We win the game 10-3. Troy Vincent with a key late pick to seal the win. William Thomas with a good defensive game. McNabb was hurt late in the game and will miss the rest of the year with a sore knee. He finished 15 of 28 for 144 yards and 1 TD.

In week 16, Doug Pederson has a duel with Denver's Bubby Brister. Denver wins the game on a last second 40 yard FG by Elam. We lose 37-35. Pederson with 153 yards and 3 TD's. Eric with 75 yards rushing.

Our final game is against Dallas and Chris Warren has almost 200 yards rushing against us. We lose 17-6 as Jason Garrett managed the game well.

A look at the final standings:

Our stat leaders:

McNabb, 252 of 425 for 2514 yards with 12 TD's, 12 INT's. QB Rtg of 73.8. He was sacked 29 times for 174 yards.

Eric had 255 carries for 1144 yards and 6 TD's.

Eric led the team with 49 receptions.

Torrance Small led in yardage with 543 yards on 46 catches.

SS Tim Hauck led the team with 124 tackles. DE Hugh Douglas led with 7 sacks, 17 hurries, and 13 knockdowns. Vincent had 7 interceptions and a 84% PD.




I decide to extend the following players:

FB Kevin Turner, DT Steve Martin (who was expensive at about 4 M/year), and OLB William Thomas. The rest of the team I'm going to let go or at least wait for one reason or another.





In the Wild Card Round:

Tampa beats Dallas 7-0, Miami beats Oakland 23-20, Cincinnati beats the Jets 27-23, and SF beats the Rams 21-17.

In the Divisional Round:

The Titans beat the Bengals 37-3, The Pats beat Miami 31-3, GB beats SF 25-3, and Tampa beats the Redskins 16-13.

In the Conference Finals:

GB beats TB 14-13 and Tennessee beats NE 23-21.


In the Super Bowl, Steve McNair and the Titans beat Favre and the Packers 30-17. McNair with 1 rushing TD, 225 yards passing and 3 passing TD's win the MVP.

As expected, C Jeff Dellenbach retires. No other notable retirements from our team.

We don't feel anyone is deserving of the Franchise tag.

Oh yeah, one other house rule is that I will only renegotiate guys in the last year of their contract.

At the beginning of FA, I renegotiate Torrance Small to an affordable 3 year deal. He'll be an ideal #4 WR one day for us. Charles Johnson wants a bit longer and more expensive contract which makes me balk a bit, but he is an ideal #3 if he can stay healthy. I give him 12 million over 5 years. We extend young C Bubba Miller for 3 more years at just under a million per year. Ditto for MLB James Darling. I decide not to extend DE Mike Mamula, he'll play out this year and then probably be let go.


Most Notable FA's whom I'm interested in:

P Matt Turk is only a 6th year player and our scout has him rated 84/84. I'll pursue him.

CB Terrance Shaw would be the perfect compliment to Vincent. I offer him 22 million over 4 years.

I'm tempted to go after WR Joey Galloway, but I really want to go young at WR and get a great FL in the draft.

RT Jon Runyan would fit in perfectly with our OL. I offer him 20 million over 5 years.


Week 3 of FA:

Runyan turns down my offer and signs with Tennessee for almost identical money to what I offered.

Shaw gets a bigger offer from Indy. I match and raise it slightly.

I'm Turk's highest bidder.

Week 4: We get Turk for just under 4.2 million over 3 years.

It takes until week 9, but CB Terrance Shaw takes our deal of 29 million over 4 years. Indy was offering just a bit less.

In week 10, we sign a bunch of our restricted FA's and RB Eric Bieniemy to a 1 year deal. We also sign veteran Warren Moon to mentor McNabb.


We have the 8th pick in the 1st round, but unfortunately the WR's are completely underwhelming:

Plaxico Burress is the best option of the group, but he is slower than I'd like and he doesn't have great hands. Peter Warrick has the best speed, but our scouts think he is overrated. Jerry Porter might be tempting - he has a nice combination of speed, agility, and strength. Then again, none of them feel like a 1st round pick to me. I might go after some very tempting defensive targets or possibly one of the stud HB's who are available.


With the 1st pick in the draft, the Houston Texans take QB Tom Brady. I think he went way too early, but maybe he'll boom like real life ;)

Baltimore trades up to get the 2nd pick and takes DT Darwin Walker. Their are 4 defensive players I would have taken ahead of him, including 2 DL.

With the 3rd pick, the Chargers take RB Thomas Jones. He was my top target if he was still there at 8.

With the 4th pick, the Giants take QB Chris Redman. He looks like a bust to me.

With the 5th pick, the Saints take RB Shaun Alexander, the other guy I would have taken.

Detroit takes RB Mike Anderson with the 6th pick.

With the 7th pick, Carolina takes QB Marc Bulger.


For my pick, none of the HB's are worth taking and I think this is too high for the quality of any of the WR's. I consider RT Chris Samuels, but DE Shaun Ellis was the top DL on my board and I think he is too good to pass up. Others I considered here: MLB Urlacher (but I don't need a MLB), OLB Keith Bulluck (ditto that OLB isn't really a need.)


The rest of the top 10:

Atlanta takes Bulluck 9th.

KC takes DT Cornelius Griffin 10th.

Other notable 1st round picks:

Porter went 1st of the WR's, to Cleveland at 11. Burress went 15th to Seattle. Urlacher went 21st to Indy.

With the 39th pick, we have a few tempting options: RB Ron Dayne, WR Darrell Jackson, and S Greg Wesley. We decide to take a chance on Darrell Jackson who had the 2nd best 40 out of all receivers at the draft.

I'm not thrilled with any of the options in the 3rd round and this draft is quickly running out of quality players. I take a flier on RT Damion McIntosh.


In the 2nd FA stage, I lose: DE Greg Jefferson, G Lonnie Palelei, and I lose out on the bidding for WR Qadry Ismail.

We add RB Glyn Milburn who will be a dangerous returner and S Eric Turner who will give us a nice duo of safeties. He is a 10th year vet who is rated 56/56. We signed him for 3 years, 6.7 million.


Here is a look at our roster after training camp in 2000. Note that my 6th and 7th round picks didn't even get signed:

Going to go through this season faster:

Week 1: Washington has added Thurman Thomas and he runs wild on us for a buck 50. We lose 20-17.

Week 2: Corey Dillon with a big day against us, but we beat the Bengals 14-7. McNabb with the game winning TD in the 4th quarter.

Week 3: McNabb goes 21 of 27 for 222 yards and a TD as we beat Seattle 27-10. 2 of our starting linemen including Tra Thomas go down with injuries.

Week 4: McNabb with a costly pick. We lose to Atlanta 19-13.

Week 5: Glyn with his first 100 yard game as we beat the Saints 33-23. McNabb with 2 TD's.

Week 6: Rick Mirer with a comeback TD in the 4th to lead Carolina past us, 13-10.

Week 7: Charles Johnson with 101 yards receiving as McNabb drives us for a last second FG to win 19-17 over TB.

Week 8: Tra Thomas is back for this game. We shut Chris Redman down most of the game and beat the Giants 24-20. McNabb threw and ran for a TD. Costly win as Torrance Small, Troy Vincent, and William Smith all got hurt.

Week 9: Our ball control offense kept the ball away from Washington and McNabb threw 3 TD's as we upset them 35-7! We are now 6-3. I wasn't expecting us to get results this soon.

Week 10: Dallas brings us back to earth as Emmitt Smith runs for 125 and 2 TD's against us in a 30-6 loss. We lose our starting C for the rest of the year.

Week 12: Duce and Glyn combine for over 200 yards rushing. McNabb with 4 passing TD's as we beat Cleveland 34-10. We forced 3 picks by Doug Flutie. Charles Johnson suffered a torn triceps and is done for the year. FB Kevin Turner is also done for the year, or at least the regular season with a shoulder injury.

Week 13: McNabb with a last minute rushing TD to beat Minnesota 20-17. Vincent was hurt in the game.

Week 14: McNabb with a rushing TD with 6 minutes left to give us the 20-19 win over Baltimore.

Week 15: Our defense shuts down the Giants in a 14-7 win. Duce Staley with 102 yards on 12 carries and a TD.

Week 16: Vincent is back, but Pittsburgh beats us 17-14 as Kordell Stewart runs it in with 33 seconds left for the game winning TD.

Week 17: We face Dallas for the division title...

and we beat them 31-10!! McNabb threw TD's to 4 different receivers. He also went over 300 yards for only the 2nd time in his career. He was 24 of 40 for 304 yards with 4 TD's and 1 INT. We picked off Troy Aikman 3 times, including 2 by Dawkins.

We get a 1st round bye!

The NFC Seeds: 1) GB 14-2, 2) Philly 11-5, 3) New Orleans 11-5, 4) Arizona 9-6-1, 5) Dallas 11-5, 6) Atlanta 10-6

The AFC Seeds: 1) SD 12-4, 2) Indy 12-4, 3) Miami 12-4, 4) Pittsburgh 9-7, 5) New England 11-5, 6) KC 10-6.

In the Wild Card Round:

Atlanta beats New Orleans 14-10, Dallas beats Arizona 23-16, Miami beats KC 20-6, and Pittsburgh beats NE 22-16.

In the Divisional Round:

We beat Dallas 20-16! With 3 minutes left, McNabb hit Darrell Jackson for a 51 yard TD. He also had a 74 yard TD with him earlier in the game. McNabb was 20 of 33 for 322 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's. We held Smith to 16 carries for 31 yards. CB Terrance Shaw was hurt in the game and is done for the year.

GB beat Atlanta 43-19, Indy beat Miami 23-20, and SD beat Pittsburgh 13-10.


In the Conference Finals:

We upset GB 24-7!! McNabb hit Darrell Jackson for a 71 yard TD!! McNabb was 21 of 28 for 282 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's. We picked off Favre twice before knocking him out of the game at halftime. Shaun Ellis had 3.5 sacks in the game! Our defensive line terrorized them.

SD beat Indy 21-14 to advance to face us in the Super Bowl. They have a talented team led by Thomas Jones who is clearly rookie of the year. Can we beat them?

I had a long post summarizing the game, but I just accidentally hit a button to lose it. A brief less suspenseful summary is that we put together one of the most dominant defensive performances I've ever had. Something that would have been impossible (for me at least) in previous versions. I've never had so much fun playing around with defensive gameplans in this version of the game. We win the game 16-0. Granted, their QB was bad (rated 36 overall), but I would never have pulled this off even in that case in the old version..

Craig Whelihan's final stats: 16 of 40 for 144 yards (and that was with a late 45 yard bomb) with 0 TD's 2 INT's and 6 sacks (3 by Ellis and 3 by Douglas.) We also held Thomas Jones to 16 carries for 66 yards.

Our key stats:

Staley with 19 carries for 44 yards. Glyn with 12 carries for 42 yards and a TD. McNabb with 5 carries for 19 yards. McNabb was 18 of 28 for 252 yards and an INT. Darrell Jackson was the leading receiver by yardage with 4 catches for 75 yards. Dawkins had both picks for us. McNabb gets his first ring much sooner than I thought he would... now I need to get him some WR's and help him get the stats for the HOF.

A summary of the team's stats. Clearly we just got hot at the right time and were fortunate to face a weak opponent in the SB:

You still did better than I did, winning in McNabb's 2nd season. :)

We were very lucky to go against a bad QB in the SB. I'm wondering I can repeat now :)

Off Season Key Losses:

S Tim Hauck (retirement), QB Warren Moon (retirement), DE Mike Malula (FA to Atlanta.)


FA Additions:

HB Richard Huntley (FA - should be our #1 back), WR Eddie Kennison (#3 or 4 WR and great punt returner which was the primary reason we signed him), CB Tory James (provides depth and kick off return ability), DT John Jurkovic (depth - may start at RDT.)


Draft Thoughts:

There is a player who I desperately want, WR Steve Smith, but I'm trying to figure out how far up I need to trade to get him. I decide to try to trade up to get Chicago's #1 pick. They are negotiating very tough..

I end up trading my 1(32), 2(32), 1st next year, 2nd next year, and 1st in 2003 for the #1 overall pick. With that selection, I take Steve Smith. Hopefully, he and McNabb will go to the HOF together.


The rest of the top 10 in the draft:

2. The Texans pass on several potential offensive stars to take a very good looking linebacker in Kendrell Bell.

3. The Panthers take the top RB, LT.

4. Cleveland takes my top defensive prospect, CB Fred Smoot.

5. Arizona takes the 3rd RB on my board, Deuce McAllister.

6. Oakland takes T.J. Houshamandazah who I thought was greatly overrated.

7. Jacksonville reaches with RB Lamont Jordan.

8. The Jets take the other prospect I liked, T Leonard Davis.

9. Buffalo takes RB Dominic Rhodes.

10. Seattle takes CB Ken Lucas.

Other notable picks:

13. Minnesota takes QB Drew Brees who I graded as the top QB in this class.

19. TB takes Chad Johnson.

20. Pittsburgh takes DT Shaun Rogers.

22. Detroit reaches for QB Chris Weinke.

27. Dallas gets a good DT in Casey Hampton.

30. GB takes DE Richard Seymour.

31. SD takes Reggie Wayne who would have been my target if I didn't trade the farm for Steve Smith ;)

3(32) We are tempted by QB Michael Vick, but we take RB Correll Buckhalter who should be a good power back for us.

4(32) We take QB Mike Vick as a development project and backup option to McNabb.

The rest of our picks are not notable.

After training camp, the roster is really starting to take shape. We definitely have a few pieces to add, but the passing attack should start to shape up this year..

We had a successful pre-season as Smith had 5 TD catches and no one important was hurt for more than a week or two.

In week 1 of the regular season, Kerry Collins and the Giants embarass us 31-7. They held Smith to 4 catches for 57 yards. Kennison was our leading receiver with 6 catches for 85 yards. McNabb finished 27 of 46 for 266 yards with 1 TD 1 INT. Tiki Barber ran it 35 times for 152 yards against us. Kennison was hurt in the game and will be out a few weeks.

Week 2: Steve Walsh and the Broncos beat us 24-8. Terrell Davis ran it 34 times for 133 yards against us. Smith had 4 catches for 82 yards to lead the team. McNabb was 18 of 30 for 191 yards with 1 TD 2 INT's. Tra Thomas was hurt and will miss 3-4 weeks. Troy Vincent suffered a leg injury that will keep him out 6 weeks.

Week 3: Steve scores his first TD, on a kickoff return of 105 yards. We win 30-24 as Huntley had a 77 yard TD run. McNabb threw for just 145 yards and 1 TD with 1 INT.

Week 4: Back in the starting lineup, Charles Johnson with 5 catches for 118 yards and a TD. McNabb was 20 of 29 for 259 yards and 1 TD. Smith was held to 1 catch for 15 yards before he was hurt.. fortunately, it was nothing serious, he'll be fine to play next week. We win the game 25-3.

Week 5: McNabb with a TD with 4 minutes left to give us a 24-20 win over Detroit. McNabb completed 23 of 31 passes for 291 yards and 3 TD's. Smith was constantly double teamed and only had 3 catches for 29 yards.

Week 6: We have a huge matchup with 5-0 GB who smacks us down 35-10. Without Vincent, this defense doesn't work nearly as well. Favre threw for 320 yards and 4 TD's. McNabb with 3 picks didn't help. FB Kevin Turner broke his clavicle and will miss 6-8 weeks.

Week 7: Lawrence Phillips with a last minute rushing TD to lead Washington to a 24-21 win over us. McNabb was 23 of 40 for 263 yards with 3 TD's, but Steve Smith was held to 2 catches for 32 yards.

Week 8 is the bye.

Week 9: Steve Smith finally catches a TD, and another, and another... all in the 1st quarter! We jump to a 21-0 lead against the 1-7 Bears and finisht them off 38-19. McNabb with his first 5 TD game. He finished 27 of 43 for 319 yards. Smith finished with 11 catches for 142 yards and 3 TD's.

We are 4-4 and Smith is ready to have a breakout 2nd half of the season..

Week 10: The Giant's Tiki Barber runs for 140 and we lose 20-14. McNabb was 26 of 40 for 299 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's.

Week 11: McNabb leads a perfect 2 minute drive that ends in a 10 yard TD pass to Steve Smith to give us the 29-26 win over Dallas. McNabb was 24 of 34 for 287 yards with 4 TD's. Steve finished with 6 catches for 112 yards and a TD.

Week 12: I tried an experimental defense - we held Grbac to 45 yards passing and got 3 INT's as we shut out KC 26-0. McNabb finished with 16 of 23 passing for 200 yards with 2 TD's 1 INT. Smith had 3 catches for 63 yards and a TD. Huntley was hurt in the game which will Buckhalter his first start as an Eagle.

Week 13: Jake Plummer does well against our new defense, but we completely shut down their run game. Buckhalter with 25 carries for 68 yards. Duce Staley with 18 carries for 50 yards as we won the game 29-14. McNabb with 3 more TD's in this game. Smith suffered a minor ribcage injury that he will play through.

Week 14: Smith is blowing up in practice, but is inconsistent in actual games. We get shut out by 4-9 Oakland, 7-0. :( McNabb was 18 of 51 for 188 yards. Smith was targeted 13 times, but only had 3 catches for 50 yards. McNabb was hurried 23 times! I need to improve the offensive line soon. Ah, Tra Thomas was hurt early in the game and their DE tortured our backup LT. Still, they brough pressure from every where. Besides Tra Thomas, Dawkins and Hugh Douglas were hurt. They will all miss most of the rest of the year.

Week 15: Huntley is back, but Buckhalter was the star of the night. He had 13 carries for 136 yards and a TD. He also had a receiving TD as we beat Dallas 34-10. Smith was shut down completely today.

Week 16: Steve with a TD late in the 4th quarter to beat the Chargers 16-13. McNabb was 36 of 56 for 313 yards with 1 TD 1 INT. Smith had 6 catches for 79 yards.

Week 17: We need to beat Washington to win the East..

Steve comes up with a huge game, 9 catches for 141 yards and we win the game 17-3. A look at the final standings:

Good news: Dawkins is back for the Playoffs. Bad news is we lose starting MLB James Darling to an injury.

In the Wild Card, our defense completely shuts down Arizona and we win 31-3. Steve Smith with 2 catches for 39 yards and a TD. McNabb was 19 of 24 for 188 yards and 2 TD's.


In other games, Baltimore beat Jacksonville 27-13; TB beat Minnesota 34-31; Tennessee beat Denver 24-17.


In the divisional round, we win a defensive struggle against GB 9-6! Akers hit the final 47 yard FG as time expired. McNabb with only 119 yards passing, Smith had 71 of them. Buckhalter with 19 carries for 102 yards. We lose starting MLB Trotter and are down to our 3rd MLB..

In the other games, Indy beat Baltimore 38-12, St. Louis beat TB 30-6, and New England beat Tennessee 20-14.


In the Conference Final against the Rams, we are down 20-19 going late into the 4th quarter. With 5 minutes to go, we are driving down the field... and Steve Smith catches a 14 yard pass for a TD! Our defense holds late and we win the game 26-20 to go to the Super Bowl! We held Warner to 150 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT's. Vincent did a great job on Holt and our team held Faulk to 52 yards on 17 carries. Dawkins had both picks.

We'll face the Patriots who crushed the Colts 44-10...

Hugh Douglas is back for the game.

Their first drive, Bledsoe has a few key 3rd down passes to get to midfield before we stop them. Steve Smith shows some nerves and fumbles the punt return after returning it 16 yards, but he manages to gather the bounce.

We go 3 and out as LB Chris Slade defended the 3rd down pass.

Bledsoe completes another two key 3rd down passes before finding Reggie Swinton for a 15 yard TD on the deep out to give them a 7-0 lead.

McNabb scrambles for a 1st on 3rd and 5, but we fail to get past midfield. A great punt from Turk pins them on their 3 as the quarter ends.

Robert Edwards is getting some tough yardage, and Bledsoe is making key throws, but we finally stop them at our 41. They punt it into the endzone.

After an incomplete pass, Huntley runs it around left tackle on 2nd and 10 and takes it 80 yards for a TD!

Bledsoe responds by coming out firing. A quick 35 yard strike to Terry Glenn gets them to midfield. Bledsoe tries to go deep to Glenn again, but this time Troy picks it off at our 14.

With just 3 minutes left, McNabb comes out throwing.. on the first play he pump fakes to Smith who is running deep down the right sideline and then throws it deep down the left sideline to Brian Finneran who catches the 53 yard bomb! A few plays later Buckhalter runs it in from the 1 to give us a 14-7 lead with 2 minutes left in the half.

New England's Desmond Howard shatters his arm on the ensuing kick return. Bledsoe moves it well against our defense but time runs out as they are still on our 40.

We lead 14-7 at the half.

We get the ball to start the 2nd half and drive almost to midfield before stalling when they defend a pass attempt towards Smith on 3rd and 5.

We force a 3 and out and get great field position thanks to a nice punt return by Smith. McNabb tries to go deep to Smith on the first play and it is picked off by Bruschi who did a great job getting back and covering the deep middle of the field.

Robert Edwards was huge on the following drive including a 11 yard run on 3rd and 3 as well as a 12 yard catch on 3rd and 8. The drive ends with a Bledsoe strike to Shawn Jefferson for a 9 yard TD. We are tied at 14 with 3 minutes left in the 3rd.

They force a 3 and out when a 3rd and 10 to Smith only gets 9 yards. A great punt by Turk starts them on their 12.

Robert Edwards keeps gashing us between the tackles for little gains until he runs off tackle for a 48 yard TD. We are down 21-14 early in the 4th.

Smith with a good kickoff return starts us on our 35. At midfield, McNabb tries a quick slant to Smith but Bruschi picks him off again!

We immediately force them into a 3rd and 16, but Bledsoe hits Terry Glenn for a 47 yard gain. A few plays later, he hits Glenn for a 5 yard TD.

That will seal it as we get into a 4th and 5 which ends up being a yard short and we turn the ball over on downs. That leads to a short FG.

We drive down the field inside their 20 before time expires. We lose to the Patriots 31-14.

Smith had a very respectable year, but Dominic Rhodes won offensive rookie of the year. A look at our team summary:

Key losses in 2002:

None although one backup DT retired.

Key Additions:

LG Jamie Nails (FA), TE Chad Lewis (FA).


Draft Thoughts: Even though Buckhalter looks ready to take over, I'd love to get Brian Westbrook. If he lasts into the 2nd round, I may trade up for him..

1. Houston takes stud DE Dwight Freeney.
2. Chicago takes the 3rd best QB in my mind, Patrick Ramsey.
3. Carolina takes DT John Henderson - way too high IMO.
4. Chicago takes ILB Larry Foote, a solid pick based on his combines.
5. Atlanta takes RB T.J. Duckett - another solid pick.
6. Cincinnatti takes MLB Napoleon Harris.
7. Cleveland takes HB Clinton Portis
8. Cleveland trades up to get S Ed Reed, a homerun pick based on his combines.
9. New Orleans takes CB Phillip Buchanon, a solid pick.
10. TB takes DE Charles Grant, a very good pick.
11. SD takes WR Deion Branch, the best receiver available, but nothing special.
12. Washington takes HB DeShaun Foster, a bit high for him.
13. Seattle takes QB David Carr, my highest rated QB in this draft.
14. Pittsburgh takes T Tom Ashworth, he looks like a bust to me.
15. The Giants take S Chris Hope.
16. Buffalo takes DE Raheem Brock.
17. Miami takes RB Ladell Betts.
18. Dallas takes RB Damien Anderson.
19. Detroit takes DE Julius Peppers.
20. SF takes OLB Kevin Bentley.
21. Denver takes CB Travis Fisher.
22. Arizona takes CB Andre Lott.
23. The Jets take OLB Akin Ayodele.
24. Minnesota takes RB Maurice Morris.
25. Jacksonville takes WR Antonio Bryant.
26. Pittsburgh takes S Will Demps.
27. Tennessee takes T Bryant McKinnie.
28. GB takes RB Lamar Gordon.
29. Indy takes CB Erwin Swiney.
30. St. Louis takes OLB Donnie Spragan.
31. Chicago takes TE Jerramy Stevens, I would have taken Shockey ahead of him.
32. NE takes DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu.

Notable 2nd round picks:

38. The Bengals take CB Lito Sheppard who I had my eye on.
39. KC takes T Matt Light.
50. Detroit takes WR Donte' Stallworth.
52. The Jets take DT Albert Haynesworth.

At 58, I decide I cannot wait any longer for Westbrook. I try offering Tennessee the rest of my picks this year (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th) but they aren't buying. I give them a 2nd next year for the 2.26 pick which I use to take Westbrook.

Other notable picks:

The Giants take Shockey with the 82nd pick. I was going to grab him if he lasted a bit longer.

At 94, the Rams take QB Joey Harrington.

A look at our roster now. Things of note: Vick is developing some, Steve Smith has become a monster, and Brian Westbrook had a nice training camp boost from his initial rating:

Westbrook with a 74 yard run for a TD in the 3rd preseason game ensures that he will get be in the rotation this year.

At the end of preseason, I make the difficult decision to cut Duce Staley. Huntley, Buckhalter, and Westbrook should get the job done, although Buckhalter has a banged up hamstring early.


In week 1, Brian Westbrook rewards my faith with a 89 yard TD run. He and Huntley combine for 270 yards - Huntley with 17 carries for 138 yards and 1 TD, Westbrook with 15 carries for 132 yards and 2 TD's. That led us to a 31-16 win over Dallas, but McNabb was knocked out early. Vick ended up completing 12 of 20 for 134 yards with 1 TD 2 INT's. Steve was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 84 yards.

McNabb will be out 2-3 weeks with the painful groin injury.

In week 2, Vick and Smith hook up for a 38 yard TD that provides the 13-10 win over Brunell and Jacksonville. Westbrook suffers a foot injury in the game that will keep him out a few weeks.

In week 3, TB shuts down Vick and our rushing attack. We lose 23-10.

Week 4 is a much needed bye. McNabb gets back to 100%.

In week 5, McNabb finds Huntley for a 2 yard TD to give us the winning TD. We beat Seattle 23-21.

Week 6: McNabb with the worst game of the year allows Arizona to beat us 20-17. Westbrook had our only offensive TD on a 8 yard TD run.

Week 7: After a great start, McNabb is knocked out of the game, but Vick rallies us to a 19-17 win over Washington on a 3 yard TD pass to Westbrook.

Bad news! McNabb is done for the regular season with a hamstring injury :(

Week 8: Vick is electric with a TD run and 2 long passes to Kennison and Smith, but the Giants beat us 31-28 behind a very efficient performance from Chris Redman. Smith with 5 catches for 125 yards and a TD. Westbrook suffers a broken clavicle in the game. :(

Week 9: Kurt Warner and the Rams beat us 27-3.

Week 10: Not even the 1-7 49ers can pull us out of our offensive woes. We lose 29-6. SF got 5 FG's from Wade Richey.

Week 11: Dallas beats us 31-6. This new defense isn't doing well this year.

Week 12: Tennessee beats us 24-17. Buckhalter finally returned from his injury and had a nice day with 97 yards and a TD.

Week 13: Vick is the leading rusher thanks to a 52 yard TD run, but he throws 3 picks in a 20-17 loss to GB.

Week 14: We beat the hapless Texans 30-0 as Vick throws 3 TD's and 2 INT's.

Week 15: The Redskins beat us 27-13 as Vick fumbles it twice. I can't decide if this defense I've designed is just bad or the offense is just causing them to be on the field too much. Regardless, I'll test it in other venues and try something new here next year.

Week 16: The Colts beat us 21-19 despite two Vick runs for TD's.

Week 17: We end the season 6-10 after we beat the Giants 27-9 thanks to two defensive TD's.

An end of the year summary:

The 2002 Final Standings:


Now, I regret not having next year's 1st round pick. Oh well, Steve Smith was worth it. I just need McNabb to learn more formations. I'm going to stick with the defensive gameplan 1 more year and see if a better offense can make it work.


In the Conference Finals:

New England beats Tennessee 31-28 and New Orleans beats GB 24-13.


In the Super Bowl:

New England wins another SB 21-17 over New Orleans. Bledsoe with 3 TD's wins MVP.

Key offseason losses:

OLB William Thomas (retirement), S Eric Turner (FA to Atlanta), TE Johnny McWilliams (FA - St. Louis), TE Jason Dunn (Baltimore - FA.)

Key gains:

CB Dexter McCleon (FA), WR Joe Juervicius (FA), WR Jerome Pathon (FA.)


Some of the 1st round:

1. Minnesota - CB Rashean Mathis - I would have gone with Terrance Newman over him.
2. Houston - Byron Leftwich - He had the best combines of any QB.
3. San Diego - CB Terrance Newman
4. Dallas - RB Willis McGahee - best combine of any HB this year.
5. Chicago - RB Larry Johnson - looks overrated to me.
6. Buffalo - QB Seneca Wallace - way too early for him, I would have taken Carson Palmer over him.
7. SF - DT Kevin Williams - looks like the best DT in the draft.
8. I trade my 1st next year, my 3rd, 4th, 5th this year, and my 4th next year to trade back to my old position with Chicago. I do this to get McNabb another great weapon, TE Antonio Gates who had off the chart combines.

9. TB - WR Nate Burleson - best WR in the draft but nothing special.
10. Carolina - CB Rod Hood - Overrated.
11. KC - OLB Cato June - My most wanted defensive player.
12. Jacksonville - WR Andre Johnson - Had a nice combine, but not great.
13. Atlanta - CB Charles Tillman
14. Denver - QB Carson Palmer
15. Arizona - ILB Nick Barnett

Other notable 1st round picks:

19. Jets - OLB Lance Briggs
23. Minnesota - S Mike Doss
24. Miami - T Mike Doss
27. Indy - DE Jerome McDougle
31. New Orleans - QB Chris Simms

Notable 2nd round picks:

40. Atlanta - S Ken Hamlin
41. Carolina - QB Rex Grossman
48. Cincinnati - WR Anquan Boldin
54. Minnesota - OLB Terrell Suggs


A look at the 2003 post-camp roster. I hope Gates blows up like I'm expecting him to do:

I lost two long posts on the 2003 season. I'm just going to summarize it briefly and post the summary screen. It was an injury filled mess in which Gates didn't show much of an impact and didn't have a TD until week 8. Smith had his best year as a pro and had a few games where he broke 150 yards. McNabb was among those hurt, but he wasn't doing that great before he went down because his O-Line was bad/injured most of the year and he was constantly getting chased even when I went to more short passes:

2003 Post Season:

Despite losing Brett Favre to injury, the Packers beat the Jets 27-6 in the Super Bowl behind a great effort from Matt Hasselbeck who I think will end up being the starter next year.


2003-04 Offseason:

Key Losses: CB Troy Vincent (retirement), WR Jerome Pathis (FA to Indy), our two depth DT's (FA), as well as some depth in the secondary.

Key additions: Top FA Torry Holt signs a 5 year 52 million dollar deal with us. This is a gamble as he has been hurt a fair bit the last 2 years, but he has been great when he has been on the field. If he can stay healthy, our offense should become explosive..

Draft: D'oh! I forgot to use the 2004 draft. Oh well, I only had 2 more draft files as I don't see a 2006 draft file out there and didn't want to switch back to "real" players once I switched to fictional for a year. I guess I'll use the 2005 file next year as long as I remember to do so and use the 2007 file after all.


My Draft Thoughts:

2.14 None of the guards are quite good enough to go here yet. I build for the future and take the best safety on the board who looks like a futre starter down the road. S Alex Darkins from Wisconsin.

3.14 - The guard I wanted all along is available. He's fast on his feet and has good size at 6'3 320. I take G Trent Booker from Nevada. He should provide depth and be a potential starter down the road.

4.14 - DT Edwin Stegeman should have the size and agility to be a solid backup.

The rest of the draft are long shots.

A look at the 2004 roster after the preseason. Our offense lit it up in the first 2 games of the preseason, but Steve Smith went down for 2-4 weeks in game 3 of the preseason:

Week 1: McNabb is 25 of 31 for 344 yards and 2 TD's. Holt with 4 catches for 119 yards and a TD as we beat the Giants 34-24. Buckhalter with 147 on 20 carries. We lose our top CB for the next 4 weeks during the game.

Week 2: Corey Dillon and the Bengals played keep away. Holt had a long TD for us, but was shut down the rest of the day as we lose 21-17. We are so banged up in the secondary that LB's are helping out at safety.

Week 3: Terrell Owens had a huge game with 15 catches and 144 yards, but we beat SF 27-21. Charles Johnson showed he still has some game left with 7 catches for 121 yards. McNabb was 21 of 25 for 307 yards with 2 TD's.

Week 4: We get Dawkins and Smith back this week and then beat Minnesota 27-6. They doubled Smith a lot, but Holt had 7 catches for 152 yards and 2 TD's.

Week 5: McNabb with 2 bad picks and it costs us as we lose 27-20 to Detroit.

Week 6: McNabb is constantly chased by GB's defense and goes 10 of 30 in a 31-6 loss to GB. Hasselbeck with a near perfect game against our defense.

Week 7: McNabb bounces back with 4 TD's, 2 to Holt. We beat Washington 31-28. Two big injuries and I have 10 guys out. I've noticed that in SP it seems like the human controlled team gets hit with much more in the way of injuries than computer teams (maybe just my imagination, can't remember if it was always this way, but I drop the injury setting down just a bit to 150.)

Week 9: McNabb with a breakout game! He leads us to a 52-15 rout of Chicago with a career high 6 TD's. He completed 23 of 30 for 346 yards. Gates with 5 catches for 140 yards and 2 TD's. Holt with 6 catches for 61 yards and 2 TD's. We are now 5-3.

Week 10: Dawkins with a huge game including an interception returned for a TD. We beat the Giants 27-3. McNabb was 19 of 24 for 188 yards and a TD.

Week 11: Our defense batters Aikman in a 21-0 victory over Dallas. Holt with 5 catches for 92 yards and a TD.

Week 12: McNabb with a career high 374 yards against Cleveland as we win 30-20. We're using more screens and Buckhalter had 7 catches for 82 yards and a TD.

Week 13: McNabb is 25 of 30 for 333 yards with 4 TD's and 1 INT in a 31-17 win over Atlanta. Holt and Smith each had just under 100 yards and 1 TD.

Week 14: Akers hits a last second team to beat a very good Baltimore squad, 23-20. Despite playing a tough defense, McNabb had 294 yards and 2 TD's. Holt with 105 yards. Gates with 95 yards. Douglas was hurt and may miss the rest of the season, or might be back in time for the Super Bowl.

Week 15: The offense continues to click. McNabb is 24 of 30 for 240 yards and 2 TD's. Holt with 6 catches for 79 yards and a TD.

Week 16: Pittsburgh upsets us 24-17. Holt was 80% of our offense tonight with 8 catches for 104 yards.

Week 17: Buckhalter scores both TD's and the 2 point conversion in a 21-14 win over the Redskins to end the year.


Obviously, this was our most successful year offensively. #1 in points is a good achievement, of course I think this is due to the talent we have at the skill positions as much as the game plan:

We get a 1st round bye.

In the Divisional Round, we beat Seattle 20-9 with 2 TD's by Gates. He caught 4 passes for 52 yards.

In the Conference Final, we face a high powered GB offense...


And we beat them 34-28! McNabb with a 66 yard TD run to start the game. Steve Smith with a 104 yard kickoff return for a TD. Buckhalter and the rush game were shut down, but McNabb was 21 of 25 for 305 yards and a TD. Gates with 6 catches for 125 yards. Buckhalter with 4 catches for 77 yards and a TD, a 41 yard play off a screen.

We'll be playing Miami which beat Baltimore 22-16 in the AFC conference final.

Douglas is back for the Super Bowl!


Damon Huard and Travis Henry help them drive inside our 20 on their first possession before Huard throws a pick in the endzone for a touchback.

McNabb hit Smith for 29 yards to start the drive and then led us inside the 10 before we were stopped on 3rd and goal from the 4. Akers with the short FG to give us the 3-0 lead.

Travis Henry fumbles on his 1st carry of the next drive and we have great field position as the 1st quarter ends.

A 31 yard strike to Holt gives us the ball on the 1 yard line. Next play, McNabb fakes the handoff to Buckhalter, rolls out, and hits the FB Martin for a 1 yard TD! 10-0 lead. Oh no, McNabb was drilled on the roll out and he is down.. he gets up a minute later but he has to be helped off the field. It doesn't look like he'll be back tonight.


Miami drives to about midfield before Dexter McLeon picks off Huard. Unfortunately, we go 3 and out as Vick overthrows Smith on 3rd down.

Huard hits a few intermediate passes to drive down the field, but we stop them just inside the 10. Mare hits a 27 yard FG to make it 10-3.

The 1st play of our drive, Sam Madison picks off Vick's long pass and returns it to our 40.

Huard finds rookie Leslie Garrett for a 40 yard gain to get inside our 4, but our defense holds firm the next 3 plays. They kick the short FG to make it 10-6 late in the half.

With 1:12 left in the half, Vick hits Smith for a 22 yard gain across the middle on 3rd and 7, but the safety pops Smith and he fumbles it. Miami with the ball at midfield with a minute left.

Huard hits Taylor Jacobs for 15 yards. He hits Becht, the TE for 13 yards. Miami misses their next 3 passes, but Mare hits another FG before the half expires. We lead 10-9.


The first play of the 2nd half, Vick throws a quick slant that is picked off by Patrick Surtain.

We only allow Miami to get 3 yards on 3 plays, but Mare hits the 51 yard FG to give them the 12-10 lead.

After we go 3 and out, Miami drives down the field for another FG. They lead 15-10 late in the 3rd.

Vick finally gets us moving with a 12 yard pass to Smith, then a 14 yard pass to Gates, then a 13 yard pass to Holt. Then, he throws a pick to Sam Madison on their 19. It was intended for Smith and he was double covered.

We force a 3 and out, but Smith fumbles the punt and Miami's Pat Horner recovers the ball at our 27.

We don't give more than 3 yards and Mare misses the 41 yard FG as it slices wide right. We are still alive!

We go 3 and out as Vick overthrows Gates on 3rd and 4.

The defense holds, but Vick goes 3 and out again midway through the 4th.

Miami eats up a few minutes, but punts back to us with 4 minutes left in the game..

Vick with a 13 yard pass to Holt to get us to our 41. Vick throws into double coverage towards Smith and it is knocked away. Vick rolls to his left and scrambles for 4 yards. On 3rd and 6, Vick overthrows Gates. We have to go for it with 2:36 left... Vick throws to Buckhalter on a little wheel route and he gets 10 yards.

We are on their 45. Vick rolls to his left, and throws it Holt who catches it for a 21 yard gain. Vick scrambles to his left and runs for 4 yards. 2 minute warning..

Vick drops back and throws a dart to Smith who was double covered, but he squeezed it in there for a 10 yard gain.

Vick drops back, sees that Smith is double covered, looks for Buckhalter underneath and throws it behind him.. it is picked off by MLB Stephen Cooper.

We force a 3 and out. Using our timeouts to preserve time during those plays so we have 57 seconds left. We are at our 34.

Vick throws a bullet to Gates for a 32 yard gain! That eats up time as we rush to the line. Vick throws a quick out to Holt but it is wide. 24 seconds left.

Vick pump fakes.. throws the deep ball to Smith and it is knocked away by Madison.

3rd and 10.. Vick overthrows Gates on the deep post route.

4th and 10, Vick throws it on a deep out to Holt and it is knocked away by Surtain.

Miami beats us 15-10.. I wonder how badly McNabb is hurt.

McNabb is ok, just a pulled calf muscle. Too bad that he couldn't have played through it. He won Offensive Player of the Year and was 1st team All-Pro QB this year. Holt was 1st team at WR.

No big name retirements from our team: WR Charles Johnson and OLB Mike Caldwell, as well as our head of scouting. However, we may lose some big names to FA..

Oh shit. McNabb wants break the bank money to renew beyond this year. I'm not giving him his requested 5 year 135 million dollar deal. Hopefully, he'll reconsider those terms soon..

Key FA Losses: DE Hugh Douglas to the Jets for 11 million over 2 years, S Damon Moore to the Falcons for 16 million over 4 years, DT Kelly Gregg to the Texans for 16.35 million over 4 years, G Jermaine Mayberry to Buffalo for 4 million over 2 years.

Key FA Additions: DT Bryant Young for 1 year at 930k, CB Ty Law for 2.5 million over 2 years, WR Rod Gardner for 830k over 1 year, and CB Mike McKenzie 16 million over 4 years.

Using the 2005 draft file, I see some big names that I'd like to get but I won't be trading up this year unless it is just a few slots.

1. The Giants blow it by taking QB Stefan Lefors from Louisville.
2. New Orleans drafts the best QB in my opinion, Aaron Rodgers.
3. SD takes QB Alex Smith who looks good in this draft.
4. Washington blows it with QB Adrian McPherson from FSU. Looks like a bust waiting to happen.
5. Buffalo takes ILB Channing Crowder who was in my top 5 as far as combine warriors.
6. Minnesota continues the run on QB's with David Greene from Georgia. I think he is a 2nd round type pick at best.
7. KC finally shows sense and takes the best player in the draft, CB Carlos Rogers.
8. Detroit reaches for the 3rd best corner in my opinion and takes Darrent Williams.
9. Jacksonville takes the best RB, Ronnie Brown.
10. Cleveland takes the 2nd best player in the draft, DT Shaun Cody from USC.
11. Houston reaches for another Trojan player and takes LB Lofa Tatupu.
12. Carolina takes the 2nd best corner, Domonique Foxworth from Maryland.
13. Chicago reaches for CB Travis Daniels.
14. Dallas with a smart selection, DeMarcus Ware.
15. St Louis takes a big WR in Brandon Jones.
16. Denver gets a good back in Cadillac Williams.
17. Atlanta gets what I think is the best WR in the draft, Roscoe Parrish.
18. SF takes CB Ellis Hobbs.
19. Indy takes S James Sanders.
20. The Bengals take a player I was targeting, G Claude Terrell who was my top ranked G.
21. TB takes deep threat receiver Chris Henry.
22. Oakland takes a very good linebacker in Kirk Morrison.
23. Seattle takes RB Brandon Jacobs.
24. Pittsburgh takes CB Renaldo Hill.
25. The Jets take a good looking CB in Stanford Routt.
26. NE takes a TE that wasn't in my top 3 TE's, Zachary Hilton.
27. Tennessee takes T Adam Snyder from Oregon.
28. Arizona takes MLB Lance Mitchell.
29. GB takes T Jamaal Brown.
30. Baltimore takes my top target, G Dan Buenning. He looks like a real nasty blocker.

With no worthy guards, I go for the best player at a position which will need a starter soon. I take OLB Derrick Johnson from Texas.

32. Miami takes RB Vernand Morency.


Other notable picks:

34. New Orleans takes WR Reggie Brown.
42. Minnesota takes RB J.J. Arrington.
45. Dallas takes CB Antrel Rolle.
48. Atlanta takes WR Matt Jones.
51. The Bengals take DE Justin Tuck.
56. The Jets take RB Frank Gore.
59. Tennessee takes Shawne Merriman.
61. SD takes my target G Logan Mankins.

62. We take DT Mike Patterson from USC, fits a need and keeps with history, and is a Trojan. I love it. :)

67. SD takes WR Mike Williams from USC.
77. St. Louis takes CB Pacman Jones.
78. Houston takes Braylon Edwards.

95. We take G Evan Mathis from Alabama, I'm not thrilled, but I need to add one prospect at the position.

4th round - We need a 3rd back as Huntley has completely lost it. Cedric Benson looks bad, but I'll take a flier on him here.

The rest of my picks look weak.

Week 1: Westbrook with 3 TD's (2 rushing, 1 receiving) in a 31-3 win over Dallas who looks like they will struggle now that Aikman has retired and they are starting Jim Miller.

Week 2: Carson Palmer with a last second TD pass to Cadillac Williams to lead the Broncos over us 26-25. Holt with 6 catches for 112 yards in the loss.

Week 3: McNabb with a 5 TD performance (4 passing, 1 running) as we beat TB 38-9. Smith with 6 catches for 115 yards and 2 TD's. We lose our starting RT, Keith, in the game due to a hamstring injury.

Week 5: Smith with a 85 yard TD kickoff return and a TD reception in a 33-6 win over the Seahawks.

Week 6: Is it weak opponents or do I finally have a great gameplan? We beat the Cardinals 30-3. McNabb with 1 TD run and 2 TD passes.

Week 7: We beat the Redskins 31-0. This defense is rolling. Buckhalter with 106 yards, his first good game in weeks. Smith with 3 catches for 85 yards. McKenzie and Holt were among the players hurt in the game. Holt will play through it.

Week 8: Our run game is completely shut down, but McNabb throws for 308 yards and 4 TD's including 2 to Smith who had 97 yards on 5 catches. We beat the Giants 37-10.

Week 9: Warner gets 315 yards against us, but we get 3 interceptions off him to beat the Rams 24-10. Holt with 4 catches for 91 yards against his old team. We lose DT Mike Patterson for at least 4 weeks.

We are 7-1 at the midway mark and playing great on both sides.

Week 10: We shut down T.O and the 49ers 31-10. Smith with a punt return for a TD and 5 catches for 62 yards and a TD.

Week 11: Buckhalter with 27 carries for 116 yards and 2 TD's as well as a receiving TD. We beat Dallas 34-18. Cedric Benson had his season ended today and we lost our starting LG for the regular season.

Week 12: Buckhalter with 2 rushing TD's as we beat the Chiefs 33-7.

Week 13: Matt Hasselbeck and the Packers bring me back down to earth about this defensive gameplan as they destroy it and us 41-20. Of course, part of that had to do with McNabb going down and Vick turning it over 3 times in the 2nd half. Ellis was also hurt in the game. Both will miss 2-4 weeks.

Week 14: We go to a run heavy offense, but Vick still throws 3 picks and we lose to the Raiders, 27-10.

Week 15: We get over 200 yards rushing between Buckhalter and Westbrook, yet Vick throws 4 picks! Still, we beat the Redskins 28-26 as our defense came up big many times.

Week 16: We push McNabb back a week early and cross our fingers, and he throws for 317 yards and 3 TD's as we beat the Chargers 38-14. We held Brees to 240 yards and picked him off twice. Smith with 4 catches for 106 yards and 2 TD's. McNabb is back to 100% healthy.

Week 17: Buckhalter with 2 TD runs as we beat the Giants 30-21 to secure the #1 seed in the playoffs. Tra Thomas hurt his shoulder and may be done for the year.. huge loss.


The offense isn't the explosive passing offense I wanted (nor the one that I will try out next year), but it is highly successful:

In the divisional round, we shut down Jake Plummer and the Cardinals 30-14. McNabb with 274 yards and 3 TD's. Holt and Smith both approached 100 yards.

In the Conference Final, our defense does a great job against Matt and GB. We hold him to 205 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT's as we beat them 45-14. McNabb with 4 TD's (all to different receivers.) Buckhalter with 2 rushing TD's.

We are playing a 12-7 Cleveland team that has gotten hot and won 3 games at the right time. They beat the Jets 20-0 to advance. They are led by Trent Dilfer, Clinton Portis, and Jerry Porter who give them a nice trio on offense. The defense is well balanced and is led by Ed Reed.

We get the ball first and start off with 4 consecutive runs, before McNabb fakes the handoff and throws it deep to Gates for a 31 yard gain. A 24 yard pass on the following play to Gates sets us up on their 2. Then, we get too cute and McNabb fakes the handoff, rolls out, and gets drilled. He fumbles it but somehow recovers it as well. We fail to move it on the next 2 plays thanks to good defense from Reed and settle for a short FG. 3-0 lead.

We exchange short drive throughout the rest of the 1st quarter with neither side moving it. 3-0 at the end of the 1st.

Mostly using Portis, they manage to get in range for a long FG early in the 2nd and Richie Cunningham hits the 50 yard FG. Tied at 3.

McNabb converts a 3rd and 15 with a pass to Smith, and a 3rd and 12 with a pass to Gates to get us inside their redzone, but we get shut down at that point as Reed is all over the place. We settle for a short FG to make it 6-3.

Defenses dominate the rest of the half. We go into halftime up 6-3.

After our defense forces a 3 and out, our offense finally gets it moving including a 27 yard pass to Gardner on 3rd and 20. However, they stop us at midfield and we punt it into the redzone.

On the 1st carry of the drive, Portis is drilled by Darling McKenzie picks it up and runs it a few yards to their 16. McNabb with a quick out to Smith for 6 yards. Westbrook with a 3 yard run. Buckhalter with a 6 yard run to the 1. McNabb fakes the handoff to Buckhalter, and throws a quick strike to Rod Gardner for the TD! 13-3.

We stop them at midfield, but a good punt pins us inside our 5. Defenses force 3 and outs the rest of the quarter.

At the beginning of the 4th, Buckhalter fumbles the ball on our 1st carry of the drive and Reed recovers it. They are on our 24.

First play is a PA pass for a 24 yard TD to Karl Williams, but a holding call brings it back! They fail to pick up a 1st and settle for the FG. 13-6.

McNabb leads a 80 yard drive that features a 28 yard pass to Holt and a 23 yard TD to Holt. 20-6 lead.

With 5 minutes left, our defense stops them on 4th and 2 at the 48. We run it 6 times consecutively to eat up clock and then kick the FG which is the last score of the game.

McNabb has his 2nd ring! We win the game 23-6. We held Portis to 36 yards on 10 carries and Dilfer to 184 yards on 22 of 36 passing. McNabb was 18 of 26 for 219 yards and 2 TD's.

We have zero retirements this year.

The big news is that after he was franchised by us, Donovan McNabb signed a new 4 year 80 million dollar deal with 30 million up front.

Key Losses: CB Terrance Shaw (FA to SD), T Tra Thomas (FA to Detroit.)


1st round of the draft notable picks:

1. Washington passes on a few QB's I liked better to take QB Charlie Whitehurst.
2. TB takes my highest rated QB, Matt Leinart.
3. The Giants take QB Jay Cutler.
4. Jacksonville takes Haloti Ngata.
5. Seattle takes RB Leon Washington
6. Minnesota takes QB Darrell Hackney
7. Oakland takes a guy I would have traded up for if he had lasted past the top 10, T D'Brickashaw Ferguson
8. Carolina takes LB Ahmad Brooks.
9. Dallas reaches for QB Brett Basanez
10. Tenn takes LB Chad Greenway.
11. Chicago takes my top RB Andre Hall
12. Detroit takes QB Omar Jacobs
13. The Bengals take T Joe Toledo
14. The Rams take RB DonTrell Moore
15. KC takes QB Ingle Martin
16. Houston takes WR Jonathan Orr
17. Buffalo takes S Anthony Smith
18. Baltimore takes RB DeAngelo Williams (who I was considering trading up for)
19. New Orleans takes LB Ernie Sims.
20. Arizona takes S Donte Whitner
21. SD takes RB Joseph Addai
22. Miami takes RB Reggie Bush
23. Indy takes RB Jerrious Norwood
24. NE takes LB Freddie Roach
25. SF takes WR Marques Colston
26. NJ takes LB Clint Ingram
27. Denver takes WR Santonio Holmes (who I came very close to trading up for.)
28. Atlanta takes LB Jimmy Cottrell
29. GB takes DT Kyle Williams
30. Pittsburgh takes DT Dusty Dvoracek
31. Cleveland takes CB Kelly Jennings
32. I really wanted to get a starting LT, but there are none available here that are good selections. So, I take the best player on my board, S Ko Simpson to replace Dawkins who is showing signs of aging.

Notable 2nd round picks:

37. Minnesota takes A.J. Hawk
44. The Bengals takes DE Mario Williams
56. SF takes RB Laurence Maroney

My staff really likes T Terrance Pennington, so I take him over my first choice T Winston Justice.

Justice goes 2 picks later to TB.

In the 3rd round, we take RB Maurice Jones-Drew who our staff loved.

In the 4th round, we take G Kevin Boothe.

In the 5th round, we take QB D.J. Shockley as a developmental project.


Late FA Additions: CB Quentin Jammer, WR Ronald Curry, DE Osi Umeniyora (who is a below average pass rusher in this universe), DT Julio Ligeski.

A quick look at all of my draft picks before Training Camp:

1. Ko Simpson (moved to FS) 38/72
2. T Terrance Pennington (moved to LT) 17/64
3. RB Maurice Jones-Drew 26/30
4. LG Kevin Boothe 22/46
5. QB D.J. Shockley 17/31
6. RB Mike Imoh (one of the fastest backs in the draft) 27/30
7. C Chris Chester 17/52

A look at my post-training camp roster:

1st week: Westbrook beats out both of the new backs to be the primary backup HB. We beat Washington 38-34 as Buckhalter runs it in from the 3 with 1:02 to go. An average QB just torched our defense. Not a good start.

2nd week: Akers with a last second FG for a 23-20 win over Jacksonville.

Week 3: Smith with 7 catches for 136 yards and a TD in a 24-22 win over SF.

Week 4: We've opened up the offense this year and McNabb throws for a career high 415 yards, but he also throws 2 picks, 1 of which is returned for a TD. Danny Kannell and the Falcons beat us 41-28. Smith with 9 catches for 148 yards this week.

Week 5: We face the unbeaten Saints with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. We beat them 30-17 as Buckhalter runs it 26 times for 172 yards and 2 TD's.

Week 6: Behind another strong game from Correll, we beat the Panthers 34-3. McNabb was 14 of 19 for 266 yards and 3 TD's while Buckhalter had 124 yards and a TD.

Week 7: We make things rough for Leinart as he throws 2 picks and we beat TB 23-10. Gates had a 77 yard TD for our only receiving TD today.

Week 8: Westbrook with a last minute 20 yard TD run to help us beat the Giants 21-14.

Week 9: We do much better against Washington this week as we beat them 38-21. Buckhalter with exactly 100 yards and McNabb with a career high 4 TD's as he completed 23 of 31 for 373 yards with 4 TD's and 1 INT.

We are looking good at 8-1.

Week 10: McNabb with another 4 TD performance as we beat the Cowboys 38-10.

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: McNair with a last second TD to lead Tennessee over us 27-20. Holt with 140 yards and a TD for us.

Week 13: Our secondary is banged up a bit, but Quentin Jammer steps up with a pick 6 to seal the win 20-17 over GB. Holt was hurt in the game and may miss the rest of the year.

Week 14: McNabb with 303 yards and 3 TD's vs the Texans in a 38-3 win. Smith also had a kickoff return for a TD.

Week 15: Holt returns from his hamstring injury much faster than expected. We show a balanced offense as we beat the winless Giants 29-7.

Week 16: Our defense does a very respectable job against Peyton Manning and the Colts as we beat them 37-19. Holt with 2 TD's and 7 catches for 175 yards. Buckhalter is hurt and may miss the playoffs.

Week 17: Westbrook with 72 yards and McNabb with a career high 5 passing TD's and almost 400 yards passing as we beat the Cowboys 35-20. Smith with 5 catches for 147 yards and 2 TD's.

McNabb set a career mark in several categories this season: Yardage (4,371), TD's (38), most INT's (15), YPC (15.78.) He obviously enjoyed the opening up of the offense, which I pushed even a bit further the last half of the year.

In the divisional round, the Saints upset us 24-21 as Westbrook accounted for all 3 TD's. Holt had 7 catches for 103 yards, but he couldn't find the endzone late and he fumbled it on the 1 yard line where the Saints recovered it and ran out time.

The Colts beat the Saints in the Super Bowl 33-24. Peyton is the MVP despite only throwing 1 TD. He was 24 of 32 for 294 yards. Norwood punched it in two times.

Offseason key losses:

P Matt Turk (taking a nice signing bonus then retiring), CB Ty Law (retirement), WR Joe Jurevicius (Cap related cut), G Omar Smith (cap related cut), MLB Trotter (salary cap and ability decline), QB Vick (salary cap), HB Westbrook (FA to KC), WR Rod Gardner (FA to Cin.)

Key additions via FA: None in FA-1 due to cap issues.

1st round of the draft:

1. Giants - RB Adrian Peterson - Best player in the draft.
2. Buffalo - QB JaMarcus Russell - Looks like a bust to me in this universe as well.
3. Oakland - MLB H.B. Blades - I thought he would be a good pick for me at 30. This seems way too high.
4. TB - QB Brady Quinn - Didn't look worthy of being taken this high.
5. Chicago - QB Josh Swoger - Very overrated.
6. Carolina - S LaRon Landry - Looked like a very good safety.
7. New England - OLB Lawrence Timmons - Solid looking linebacker.
8. KC - DT Amobi Okoye - best lineman in the draft.
9. Cleveland - OLB Paul Posluszny - overrated.
10. Jacksonville - OLB Rufus Alexander.
11. Tenn - CB Leon Hall - Very good looking corner.
12. Denver - DT Brandon Mebane.
13. SD - DE Gaines Adams.
14. Washington - WR Calvin Johnson - Nothing spectacular in this universe, but the best WR in the draft.
15. SF - G Ben Grubbs - I was hoping he'd last to my pick.
16. Bengals - ILB Patrick Willis - I was considering trading up for him.
17. Jets - DE Jamaal Anderson.
18. Seattle - DT Alan Branch
19. SD - ILB Korey Hall
20. Houston - WR David Clowney - fastest time in the 40 in the draft.
21. S Aaron Rouse - solid prospect.
22. Pitt- RB Kenny Irons - looks like a bust.
23. Arizona - TE Zach Miller - best looking TE in the draft.
24. Baltimore - DE Jarvis Moss - looks like a pass rushing specialist.
25. Dallas - G Uche Nwaneri
26. Detroit - RB Dwayne Wright
27. GB - HB Robert Hubbard.
28. Atlanta - G Justin Blalock - he was another one of my targets.
29. St. Louis - S Eric Weddle.


30. I'm tempted to take Ted Ginn, Jr who is the 2nd fastest WR in the draft and has great agility, but I go for a position of need. I take CB Daymeion Hughes who has the best 40 of any corner left as well as the best position drill.

31. New Orleans - ILB Tim Shaw
32. Indy - RB Alvin Banks


37. Carolina - WR Sydney Rice (another player I was tempted to take in the 1st round.)
41. Jacksonville - Ginn
56. Arizona - T Joe Thomas (another player who I was tempted to take in the 1st.)
60. Atlanta - T Levi Brown (also a guy I almost took in the 1st.)

2nd round - Tough choice but I take T Tony Ugoh. Not really thrilled with any of my options.

3rd - G Jermon Bushrod - has a chance to start at LG.

4th - P Daniel Sepulveda.

5th round - QB Troy Smith


A look at all our of rookies pre-TC:

1. Daymeion Hughes 28/51 - I'm hoping/expecting he'll have a big training camp boost.
2. RT Tony Ugoh - 30/50
3. G Jermon Bushrod - 12/39 - needs a big training camp to meet my expectations.
4. P Sepulveda - 51/65
5. QB Smith - 10/26
6. CB Ramzee Robinson - 18/49 - I doubt he'll hold those bars.
7. DT Marcus Robinson - 19/35

Undrafted FA Signees:

CB John Talley 21/36, OLB Dallas Sartz (17/31), MLB Marvin Mitchell (21/29), DE Nolan Burchette (19/36), WR Robert Meachem (24/44.)


A look at the roster post camp:

Week 1: Buckhalter is showing signs of slowing down, but McNabb did a great job of airing it out. He has 386 yards and 3 TD's to lead us to a 35-20 win over the Giants. Smith and Holt each had 151 yards receiving. Steve had 2 TD's as well. We lost starting C Bubba Miller for most of the season in this game.

Week 2: Akers with a FG in OT to beat Buffalo 27-24. McNabb with 3 more TD's and 347 yards. Smith with 136 yards receiving. Gates with 2 TD's.

Week 3: McNabb was held to only 185 yards, but he had 3 TD's (and 2 INT's) in a 41-17 win over Atlanta. Imoh had his first TD of his career this game on a 6 yard reception. S Ko Simpson had 3 picks this game!

Week 4: McNabb was under 50% for the first time in a long time against a tough Minnesota defense, but Akers hit 4 FG's as we won 19-10. Buckhalter had his first 100 yard game of the year.

Week 5: McNabb threw a TD on each of our first 4 possessions as we beat Detroit 40-17. Holt with 2 TD receptions and Smith with 1.

Week 6: We are in the game of the week as we clash with undefeated GB. We are beat 31-19 as Hasselbeck throws 3 TD's. They completely shut down our running game.

Week 7: We are stifled on 6 drives, but still beat Washington 25-0 thanks to 6 FG's and a TD.

Week 8: Dallas Sartz with a 86 yard fumble return for a TD early in the game that leads to a lead that we never relinquish. We beat Chicago 27-14. Gates with 3 catches for 102 yards and a TD (82 yard reception.)

Week 9: Hughes has his first pick 6 and Quentin Jammer has 1 later in the game as we beat the Giants 31-3. McNabb is held to 122 yards as we went conservative after getting the big lead early.

Week 11: A McNabb interception costs us against Dallas as they get a last second TD to win 34-31. McNabb with 315 yards, 3 TD's, and 2 INT's.

Week 12: McNabb with 356 yards in a 30-13 win over Miami. Smith had 116 yards and a TD.

Week 13: Akers with an OT FG to beat the Rams 20-17.

Week 14: The Jets defense shuts us down. Hughes had another pick 6 for us, but McNabb threw 1 of his own as we lose 41-14. McNabb was held to 14 of 40 passing, but he didn't have 1 bad throw, they just defended us very well.

Week 15: Imoh with his first big play of his career, a 67 yard TD run in the 4th quarter to give us a 26-20 win over Dallas.

Week 16: New England with 6 FG's to beat us 26-20.

Week 17: Holt with a 95 yard TD reception as we beat Washington 23-0.

We finish 12-4. Arizona finished 14-2 and GB finished 12-4. They get the 2 byes.

A look at our summary:

Wild Card Round:

Torry Holt with 2 late TD receptions to lead us past Minnesota 28-20. He finished with 7 catches for 105 yards and 2 TD's.

Divisional Round:

McNabb was great and had over 360 yards and 3 TD's (with 1 INT) as he led us in a 26-14 win over GB.


NFC Championship:

McNabb with a 4 quarter TD pass to Holt to lead us in a 27-21 win over Arizona! Holt with 4 catches for 95 yards and 2 TD's. Smith with 3 catches for 85 yards and a TD.

We'll be playing the Brock Huard led NY Jets in the Super Bowl. He is a very pedestrian QB. The strength of their team is HB Frank Gore, a very good offensive line, and a well balanced defense (but with no standout stars.)

The Jets get the ball first. They run Gore into our line and get 0 yards on their first 2 plays. Huard overthrows his man on 3rd down and they go 3 and out.

They force a 3 and out as McNabb misses Smith on 3rd down.

The defenses continue to lead as we force another 3 and out. Then, we drive down the field, but McNabb is picked off in the endzone.

The Jets score first on the ensuing drive as Gore had a 22 yard run and then a PA pass from Huard to Ike Hilliard leads to a 26 yard TD.

Smith sets us up for a quick answer with a kickoff return to the 50. A 10 yard run by Imoh is followed by 3 quick passes including 10 yard strike to Holt. We are tied at 7, midway through the 2nd.

We force a 3 and out and then strike with a deep bomb to Steve Smith for a 47 yard gain. Our next 3 plays are for no gain and we settle for a midrange FG. 10-7 lead.

Huard to Keyshawn Johnson for a 48 yard gain on the 1st play of their drive and then he finds Johnson again for a 12 yard TD. 14-10 with 5 minutes left in the half.

On the first play, we run one of our famous screen plays and Martin, the FB, takes it 54 yards to get us inside FG range. The defense stops us the next 3 plays and we kick the FG to make it 14-13.


At halftime, we are down 14-13, but we get the ball to start the 2nd half.


We would have gone 3 and out, but a personal foul keeps the drive alive. Next play is a 28 yard run by Imoh. McNabb connects on a few more passes to get us inside their 30, but we are stopped there. Akers with a 46 yard FG to give us a 16-14 lead.

Defenses control the rest of the 3rd quarter.

Early in the 4th, the Jets put together a 55 yard drive that ends in a FG to give them back the lead 17-16.

McNabb throws deep on the 1st play of the drive, but it is picked off. Fortunately, we don't allow a single yard and they punt it in into the endzone. 11 minutes left.

The Jets pound the ball with Frank Gore and then unleash a great pair of PA passes to Javon Walker. A 14 yard TD pass to Walker ends the drive. We are down 24-16.

We start on our 33. McNabb scrambles for 10 to start the drive. Imoh is stuffed. Imoh gets 5 yards on an off tackle play. McNabb to Smith for 16 yards. We are on their 36 with 2:30 to go. DE Kenny Mixon chases McNabb and he misses Smith. McNabb throws for Meachem and he drops it. McNabb scrambles for 6 yards. On 4th and 4 with 2 minutes to go, we go for it...

McNabb looks left.. he looks right.. he throws a midrange pass across the middle to Smith.. he is decked by Josh Bullocks.. and drops the ball. We turn it over on downs.

They run Gore 3 times.. we force a punt with 1:14 left..it's into the endzone.

It takes us 45 seconds to cross midfield. 22 seconds left, McNabb passes it to Smith on the 33. They tackle him inbounds! Donovan runs up and spikes it. One last chance for the endzone..

McNabb throws it deep towards Smith.. he is double covered.. Bullocks knocks it down. We lose the Super Bowl 24-16.

Lost a long post due to a mishit of a key.

A summary of our draft pre and post camp:

1 RB Jonathan Stewart 33/50, 36/53. Looks like a long term answer at HB. Will battle MJD to be the starter.

2 FB Owen Schmitt 41/71, 43/65. Training camp hit is disappointing but still will be the clear starter at FB.

3. S Kenny Phillips 22/46 (not a position of need, but had very good combines) 26/47. Not the huge jump I was expecting. If he develops quickly, I could trade one of my starters, but not likely to happen now.

4. TE Dustin Keller 21/43, 25/44. Should be a decent enough #2 TE.

5. TE Kellen Davis 23/47, 26/44. Good enough to stick on the roster.

6. DT Nick Hayden 20/38, 23/38. Showed enough in TC to stick on the roster.

7. WR Dorien Bryant 15/23, 16/24. Looking like a work out warrior without the skills to back it up. Likely gone in pre-season.


Biggest additions (lots of changes this offseason, but these are just a few of them): WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, T Marcus McNiel, G Jumbo Stokes, ILB Bradie James, WR Braylon Edwards.

A look at the roster post training camp:


Oh yeah, I hope I don't regret passing on DeSean Jackson, but his combines weren't impressive in this universe..

Lost another long post, gotta stop hitting whatever key is causing that. Here is the summary of our year which was very successful. Stewart with a very good year as a rookie and he really helped this offense get to the next level, but McNabb had a season for the ages..

In the divisional round, Donovan throws for 333 yards and 6 TD's as we beat the Giants 42-13. Smith with 8 catches for 132 yards and 2 TD's.

In the NFC Championship, Stewart with 2 rushing TD's and McNabb with 2 passing TD's as we beat Tampa Bay 28-14.

Donovan is going to another Super Bowl...

We'll be playing a talented Patriot team. They are still led by Drew Bledsoe who is ancient but still talented. Ricky Williams is a solid veteran running back. They have 3 talented WR's including rookie Devin Thomas, Deion Branch, and Donte' Stallworth. The offensive line is solid all around and their defense doesn't have any weaknesses either. A very well balanced team..

We get the ball first. Stewart with 2 runs for a 1st. McNabb to Braylon for another 1st. Then our offense stalls. Sepulveda's punt is blocked giving NE great field position..

We stuff a 1st down run, defend the 2nd and 3rd down passes and they go for a 40 yard FG which Taylor Mehlhaff slices wide left.

We go 3 and out as Smith drops a 3rd down pass. Bledsoe to Thomas 3 times to get them inside our 5 where Bledsoe finds RB Stevie Hicks for a short TD pass. We are down 7-0.

Stewart with a 30 yard pass, but he gets stuffed on his next run and they defend the 2nd and 3rd down pass.

The 2nd quarter is controlled by the defenses, until Donovan leads a great drive that ends with a 23 yard strike to Smith for a TD. Tied at 7 with 2 minutes left.

Bledsoe responds with a perfect 2 minute drill. A 16 yard pass to Hicks, a 25 yard pass to Branch, a 18 yard pass to Branch, a 14 yard pass to Stallworth, and then a 4 yard TD pass to Ricky Williams. We are down 14-7 with 20 seconds left in the half.

Early in the 3rd quarter, we have a good drive ended by an interception to Samari Rolle at their 18.

They capitalize with a 8 play, 82 yard drive that featured a 12 yard run by Ricky on 3rd and 5 and a 6 yard TD run... wait, holding is called! Our defense holds them to a FG. We are down 17-7.

Donovan with a huge drive that features a 39 yard strike to Gates, a 15 yard pass to Holt, and another 15 yard pass to Holt for a TD! Down 17-14 early in the 4th.

Daymeion Hughes comes up with a huge interception in the endzone to end their next drive. We get the ball back with 9 minutes.

Stewart with a 18 yard run. Stewart with a 12 yard run. We get to their 42 but then our offense stalls. We punt it with 5:33 left.

Our defense holds and we get the ball back with 2:15 on our 30. Can Donovan lead us to the win?

Donovan fakes left, looks right, everyone is covered, he finds Gates breaking from his man over the middle.. he throws and completes it for 12 yards. Good tackle by Travis Williams. 2 minute warning.

Holding on the next play negates a 14 yard pass to Smith. 1st and 20, we come out with 5 wide.. Donovan drops back, rolls away from pressure, he sees Braylon streaking down the middle of the field, he throws it.. a beautiful arc.. completes it for a 47 yard gain! We are on their 21!

Donovan drops back, throws the slant towards Smith.. it is broken up by S Damien Robinson. Lucky that wasn't picked off.

2nd and 10.. Donovan with a quick throw to Holt on the slant. Again they break it up, this time is their other S, Marlon McCree.

3rd and 10.. Donovan pump fakes, throws it deep to Holt.. it is broken up by McCree.

Akers lines up for the 38 yard FG.. the holder bobbles the snap.. puts it down.. but that messes up Akers timing and he slices it wide right!

Disaster has struck!

Ricky runs it in the line twice. We use our timeouts. Ricky runs it again.. and Brian Dawkins drills him.. he fumbles.. Dawkins recovers!!! We have it on their 27 with 44 seconds left.

McNabb throws another slant.. this time Holt catches it for a 13 yard gain. 30 seconds and we are on the 14. McNabb drops back.. looks to Holt, he is covered, looks to Smith.. he is covered.. he throws a little check down to Owen who gets 4 yards but fails to get out of bounds! Donovan spikes it but only 7 seconds left. Our coach decides to send Akers out for the short FG..

Akers' kick is good! We are tied at 17.


New England takes a knee. We are going to OT.


New England wins the toss. They start at their 30 after the kickoff return by Devin Thomas.

After we are called for being offside, Bledsoe completes a pass for a 1st to their FB, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala. They are now on their 40.

Ricky runs for 1 yard. Bledsoe throws a quick out which Stallworth turns into a 11 yard gain.

1st and 10 on our 48: Ricky runs for 3. Next play, he runs for 3.. but is hit and fumbles it! Their FB falls on it.

3rd and 4 on our 42: They run a screen and our guys bite on it.. Ricky turns it into a 33 yard gain!

1st and goal from the 9: Ricky runs for 2. Next play, Ricky runs around the left end, gets a great block from Bryant McKinnie.. he's untouched as he gets into the endzone. Donovan falls short again..

Offseason News:

We have a new OC and DC as our old ones retired.

McNabb is in the last year of his contract. He wants 110 million over 4 years. I'm going to let him play this year out and then we'll figure it out.


Key Losses: DE Shaun Ellis (Cap casualty), S Bryan Scott (FA to Miami), DE Robert Mathis (FA to Rams), SLB Danny Middleton (FA to New Orleans.)

I'm now using strictly game generated draft classes for all future years.

An overview of my draft:

1. Tackle is not a position of need any longer, but by far the best player available at 1.31 is a RT. He looks like a potential stud at the position and there are no players worthy of this pick at any of my positions of need (DL, LB, CB.) Actually, at the last second, I change my mind and decide to take a corner who runs a 4.37 and has some other nice combines as well. The tackle goes to Chicago 5 picks later.

2(31) - I take a flier on a DE who appears to have big bars and has decent combines. I only have 1 DE on my roster right now, so he is a sure thing to start.

3(31) - Since I only have 1 DE on the roster, I take another one with my 3rd round pick, a guy who has a very solid 40.

4(31) - I take the best DT left, a guy with a sub 4.9 40 and excellent agility, but his strength is subpar.

5th and 6th round picks aren't interesting, but I take a flier on a CB who runs a 4.30 flat with the 7(31) pick. His bars look like crap, but his other combines aren't bad.

A look at our rookies pre and post TC:

1. CB Gene Rasmussen 16/45, 21/53 - I think I'm going to be very glad that I took this corner. My staff thinks he is very raw but could become a true lockdown corner with 100 M2M coverage.

2. DE Leonard Rainville 20/47, 22/42 - Disappointing post camp.
3. DE Terrance Kinney 18/52, 21/49 - Ditto.
4. DT Butch Donovan 18/55, 22/52 - Going to get some PT.
5. OLB Steve Gordon 24/48, 27/42 - no surprise. I didn't expect him to hold his bars.
6. DE Emmitt Hodges 15/46, 16/41.
7. CB Frank Conley 5/20, 8/25 - Very intriguing prospect.

Undrafted:

S Bennie Hudson 24/33, 26/33
WLB Buddy Ackerman 14/44, 16/40.
T Rich Ciaccio 22/41, 26/39.

A look at the entire roster: