- Tim Pawlenty packed his bags quickly after his weak showing and dropped out of the presidential race. He's the first candidate whose prospects in a general election would be better than his chances to win the republican nomination. He won't be the last.
- Michelle Backmann is exceeding expectations. She is a terrific campaigner who can fire up a crowd and apparently is a charming retail politician. Her stance on the debt ceiling will kill her with anyone outside the Tea Party - we can't have someone sitting in the White House who will simply veto any attempt to raise the debt ceiling.
- After all the calculus is applied, the person who scored the biggest win in yesterday's contest may have been Mitt Romney. Romney, through no fault of his own, got rid of one contender (Pawlenty) who might have contested for the hearts and souls of the republican establishment. Rick Perry's entrance in the race means that for the next month or two Michelle Bachmann and Perry will be sniping at each other and driving up each others' negatives. This trangulation scenario is just about the only way that Romney can step around his basic hypocracy and unlikeability and force the republican party to accept him.
- Rick Perry arrived on the scene like an 800 pound gorilla with his evangelical boom box cranked to '11'. This guy has appeal to republicans on a number of levels - he's a low-tax, small government super-Christian with a nice job creation story to tell. He has not been vetted - and man, when the examination starts he's going to have some 'splainin' to do. How about a guy who does not believe the federal government has the right to an income tax? How about a president who has been repeatedly quoted as saying that Texas secession is a legitimate topic of conversation? The way that Perry gets elected is this:
- Knock out Michelle Bachmann early, and turn this into a two man race with Romney. This means that Perry has to win the Iowa caucuses - if Bachmann survives to New Hampshire, it's advantage Romney.
- Out-Romney Romney. Mitt Romney's stump speech is about his ability to create jobs. The fact that he spent his private sector career destroying jobs instead of creating them does not get discussed until the general. Perry does better in this area, as long as folks don't drill down on the numbers. Of the jobs created in the US last year, Texas created about 1/3 of them. About 40% of those jobs were minimum wage burger flipping / farm worker jobs that don't pay enough to support a family, but hey - a job is a job, right?
- Get to South Carolina, and let the Bible Christians take care of the rest. If the folks in South Carolina and the Bible-thumping South have one of their own to vote for, Mitt can fold up his funny underwear and head for home. The last time we were here, George Bush was conducting whisper campaigns about John McCain's wife and family with the help of the Christian Right. South Carolina is the big final exam for Romney. I'm waiting to see when he decides to travel down there to build some momentum for the meduim-term campaign.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Ames Straw Poll - August 2011
A few thoughts in the wake of yesterday's Ames Straw Poll:
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Commish Speaks - Super Bowl Edition
Hello league mates and Happy New Year to you and your families. After a very hectic but happy Christmas break in which I stayed clear of the computer for the week, it's time to get back into the swing of things and tie up some loose ends and ask our erstwhile banker Rich D. to cut the checks. What a playoff season..and that's an understatement. Congrats to the Northboro Steroids on a very dominant regular season, and a very fortunate playoff stretch..it's incredible to win two games by a total of three points! Here's my take on the Nelson Bowl and a wrap up of the money.
NORTHBORO 59
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS 57
I will think long and hard before complaining about a loss after the way this game ended. To me, the key play happenned Sunday afternoon around 7 PM in Oakland where the Colts were holding on to a 5 point lead over the pesky Raiders. On a third and long from the Raider 31 and a minute and a half left in the game, Peyton Manning runs a " waggle " which is a fancy term for naked bootleg. He fakes a hand off to the right and goes left with the ball..not known for his running, he is all alone chugging down the sidelines with no one within 5 yards of him. At the four yard line he SLIDES, thus keeping the clock moving and NOT going into the end zone!! He kneels down the next two plays and I shudder, " this is going to cost Garvey his first Super Bowl, I just know it ". I'm sure Peyton's logic was, just keep the clock moving and don't give the ball back to the Raiders, even though they would need two scores, but, the Colts would be kicking off to the dangerous Jacoby Ford. In real life, a smart, safe play, in fantasy, a killer. Being I love parity, ( I've always been a good sharer ), I have to admit I was pulling for Garv, but when this game went to Monday, oops Tuesday night and the lead was just 12, I thought tossup, and I thought of , " the slide ".
This game broke great for Bob as most people, myself included thought the Eagles would roll and McCoy would share the fantasy goodness in an easy vctory over the road weary Vikings. Well as we know, Joe Webb looked like Warren Moon in his prime and AP manned up and the Birds lost out on the 2nd seed, something that thrills me. With the Birds playing from behind, it meant that Vick was going to be very active with both his arm and legs. Finally about 10:30 this game was decided on the 10 yard QB draw by the talented and tainted QB who I'm sure led many a fantasy team to playoff money.
Reid was actively criticised for not running the ball enough that night..funny many of the sport talk show calls the next day came from people complaining from Levvittown. Three other thoughts: kudos to Garv who almost pulled this out WITHOUT his top back. You would have thought MJD home to Skins would have been a great draw. Instead, Garv was forced to use Marshon Lynch at Tampa where the Hawks got drilled. Second point, kickers played a huge roll in this game as Bob wisely stayed clear of Bironas at KC and used Rackers in the high altitude of Denver..plus the Bronco D is awful. Garv had a huge playoff run with my lookalike Janikowski, ( I do kick lefty ). Sebastian had 15 against me Week 15 and was huge again in the Nelson Bowl. While Bob did catch some breaks in the playoffs there is no denying he had the best and most consistent team all year. He correctly points out that waivers, starting with Vick were tremendously helpful in his season. Outstanding depth. It also didn't hurt he made the best draft pick of the year with Foster in Round 4. In both leagues I play in, Foster led teams won the Super Bowl. Think about it..an undrafted free agent might be the top pick in fantasy drafts all over the country next year.
This game was a classic and the emails back and forth at the end of the night from Bob and Garv were top notch sportsmanship. That's why this league is so great. Congrats to both of you.
Believe it or not, we DID have a Nelson Bowl go into bench points. Year Two, John and I played an awful game. It ended a 22-22 tie. Remember scoring was different then, with bonus at 75 yards for RB's and WR's, so scoring was lower. On a Monday night game, my receiver Keith Jackson of the Dolphins caught a 50 yard TD pass from Dan Marino against the Bills giving me an apparent win..I was going nuts. Well I continued two minutes later going nuts, but for a much different reason. The play was called back for a hold. I was livid!! This is before computers, so I pulled out both of our rosters as the fourth quarter hit and saw I had a two point lead on bench if we stayed tied. John had Kenneth Davis, Thurman Thomas backup on his bench, and I was still holding out for some Keith Jackson magic. Well the Dolphins had the lead big so Jackson sat and so did Thomas. Davis catches a garbage time long gain on a swing pass putting John ahead on bench and giving him the trophy. Some things never change..weird shit always happens when I play John.
Keep in mind we need to watch the whole situation with the potential of the expanded season. If that happens and the NFL starts play a week earlier, we may have to adjust when we draft. But for now, enjoy the real football and THANKS TO ALL FOR A GREAT SEASON. CONGRATS AGAIN TO BOB AND GARV AS THE TWO BEST TEAMS GAVE US A TERRIFIC NELSON BOWL.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
COMMISH
NORTHBORO 59
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS 57
I will think long and hard before complaining about a loss after the way this game ended. To me, the key play happenned Sunday afternoon around 7 PM in Oakland where the Colts were holding on to a 5 point lead over the pesky Raiders. On a third and long from the Raider 31 and a minute and a half left in the game, Peyton Manning runs a " waggle " which is a fancy term for naked bootleg. He fakes a hand off to the right and goes left with the ball..not known for his running, he is all alone chugging down the sidelines with no one within 5 yards of him. At the four yard line he SLIDES, thus keeping the clock moving and NOT going into the end zone!! He kneels down the next two plays and I shudder, " this is going to cost Garvey his first Super Bowl, I just know it ". I'm sure Peyton's logic was, just keep the clock moving and don't give the ball back to the Raiders, even though they would need two scores, but, the Colts would be kicking off to the dangerous Jacoby Ford. In real life, a smart, safe play, in fantasy, a killer. Being I love parity, ( I've always been a good sharer ), I have to admit I was pulling for Garv, but when this game went to Monday, oops Tuesday night and the lead was just 12, I thought tossup, and I thought of , " the slide ".
This game broke great for Bob as most people, myself included thought the Eagles would roll and McCoy would share the fantasy goodness in an easy vctory over the road weary Vikings. Well as we know, Joe Webb looked like Warren Moon in his prime and AP manned up and the Birds lost out on the 2nd seed, something that thrills me. With the Birds playing from behind, it meant that Vick was going to be very active with both his arm and legs. Finally about 10:30 this game was decided on the 10 yard QB draw by the talented and tainted QB who I'm sure led many a fantasy team to playoff money.
Reid was actively criticised for not running the ball enough that night..funny many of the sport talk show calls the next day came from people complaining from Levvittown. Three other thoughts: kudos to Garv who almost pulled this out WITHOUT his top back. You would have thought MJD home to Skins would have been a great draw. Instead, Garv was forced to use Marshon Lynch at Tampa where the Hawks got drilled. Second point, kickers played a huge roll in this game as Bob wisely stayed clear of Bironas at KC and used Rackers in the high altitude of Denver..plus the Bronco D is awful. Garv had a huge playoff run with my lookalike Janikowski, ( I do kick lefty ). Sebastian had 15 against me Week 15 and was huge again in the Nelson Bowl. While Bob did catch some breaks in the playoffs there is no denying he had the best and most consistent team all year. He correctly points out that waivers, starting with Vick were tremendously helpful in his season. Outstanding depth. It also didn't hurt he made the best draft pick of the year with Foster in Round 4. In both leagues I play in, Foster led teams won the Super Bowl. Think about it..an undrafted free agent might be the top pick in fantasy drafts all over the country next year.
This game was a classic and the emails back and forth at the end of the night from Bob and Garv were top notch sportsmanship. That's why this league is so great. Congrats to both of you.
Believe it or not, we DID have a Nelson Bowl go into bench points. Year Two, John and I played an awful game. It ended a 22-22 tie. Remember scoring was different then, with bonus at 75 yards for RB's and WR's, so scoring was lower. On a Monday night game, my receiver Keith Jackson of the Dolphins caught a 50 yard TD pass from Dan Marino against the Bills giving me an apparent win..I was going nuts. Well I continued two minutes later going nuts, but for a much different reason. The play was called back for a hold. I was livid!! This is before computers, so I pulled out both of our rosters as the fourth quarter hit and saw I had a two point lead on bench if we stayed tied. John had Kenneth Davis, Thurman Thomas backup on his bench, and I was still holding out for some Keith Jackson magic. Well the Dolphins had the lead big so Jackson sat and so did Thomas. Davis catches a garbage time long gain on a swing pass putting John ahead on bench and giving him the trophy. Some things never change..weird shit always happens when I play John.
Keep in mind we need to watch the whole situation with the potential of the expanded season. If that happens and the NFL starts play a week earlier, we may have to adjust when we draft. But for now, enjoy the real football and THANKS TO ALL FOR A GREAT SEASON. CONGRATS AGAIN TO BOB AND GARV AS THE TWO BEST TEAMS GAVE US A TERRIFIC NELSON BOWL.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
COMMISH
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 - A few Thoughts
A few days removed from the gut-wrenching finale to the Nelson Bowl, here's a few tidbits I thought of while basking in the glow:
Hope everyone has a great New Year's, and we'll see you all next year.
- The playoffs were two of the closest games I played in the last four years. The fact that we won both of them against two terrific teams by a total of 3 points is just amazing.
- Having Maurice Jones Drew go out with a knee just before a scrumptious matchup against hideous Washington was the break of a lifetime.
- How close was that Super Bowl? If the 10 yard TD run by Vick with 10 minutes left was a 10 yard TD pass instead, we would all be congratulating Mr. Garvey on a fine Super Bowl victory. (The 10 yard run kicked Mikey V over the 60 yard mark, so that was a 7-point play.)
- I played 12 of my 18 players in the playoffs. Six of those guys (Vick, Hillis, Lloyd, Jackson, Rackers, Kaeding) were picked up on waivers during the season.
- The move I didn’t make – inserting Mike Williams against Seattle in place of Reggie Wayne, who was matched up against Nnamdi, almost cost me the title. It was the last move Bri and I discussed before we set our lineup. We decided to go with the veteran and try and steal a TD from Peyton – nice thought, but it didn’t work.
- The MVP of the 2010 Nelson League playoffs is Sebastian Janikowski, who almost killed me and Mike in consecutive weeks. Playing Rackers at altitude in Denver took the edge off – that was the best decision I made in week 16.
- Having Vick’s game slide out to a snow-free Tuesday was another lucky break.
- Next year will not be like this year. We finished the season 13-3, led the League in points, and won our fourth Nelson Bowl title. I may play in this league another 20 years before I have another season like this.
Hope everyone has a great New Year's, and we'll see you all next year.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Commish Speaks - Week 15
Hello all and an early Christmas wish of good happiness and health for all my league mates and families. Well guys, I have been watching football for over 30 years and doing this fantasy stuff for 18 plus, and when I look back at last week's column, about the only thing I got right was my pending loss to the Gangsters. Every other observation or comment was totally off..if I were writing a column for a paper or website, I'd have been fired and kicked to the curb sharing a spot on the corner with the Salvation Army dude.
Speaking of the Salvation Army, last week Morgan and I went shopping at our local Walmart and of course at the outside front of the store is the guy ringing the bell and having the money pot etc. Well, this Salvation Army guy was a bit different. He had the bell in one hand and a cigarette in the other. My observant daughter asked, "Dad, should he be smoking?" I gave her the wise life lesson and no, no he shouldn't, smoking is bad for your health. I just found it funny seeing Salvation Santa with a Camel dangling from his lips.
The Steroid/Satelite contest defied logic..I actually hung in there thru the one o'clock games, trailing by just 5, but Janikowski put me out of my misery with 15 points to give Rich the cushion he needed for an easy Monday night watch. Sunday night in Georgia and Massachusetts was a much different story.
It was the night before playoffs and all thru the house....wait that's another tall tale.
Let's recap Week 15.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS 60
GEORGIA SATELLITES 59
How can you figure...Bob up 50 with all 3 RB's left to play...John with some tough matchups on paper. Even our much maligned handicapper had the 'Roids scoring over 100 after the Thursday explosion. I knew this game was getting closer as the 1's left Bob with just 9 points from the RB's and - unbelievably - Reggie Wayne doing nothing while the Colts are scoring 34 on the Jags.
I was keeping track of 3 games, mine here, mine down in South Jersey, and Jordan/Nelson. Yes, I was in fantasy heaven. Especially when my 3 Cowboys, Kitna, F. Jones and their defense was scoring points left and right for my team down south. I actually had my best week of the year down there..good timing. I knew John was getting help with Brees having to throw, which he did, but Ray Rice popping in 23 versus the Saints - a total shock. I'm sure Bob was wondering where the hell was Willis Magahee? Going into Sunday night, the lead was just 8. John had Jennings left..could Flynn get him the ball? Late first half he did, and found him for a 1 yard score. After 3 quarters, the lead was now 1. Jennings now had 26 yards and the score for 7 points. Bob had the tiebreak, as both guys lamented the bench points left on the cutting room floor. Jennings needed 34 more yards to get to three points and 61. Flynn faltered with the clock late and the Pats and Bob held on. This game had me on pins and needles and I was just a spectator, something I had in common with Duane Bowe and Pierre Thomas..more on that later. This game reminds or teaches, depending on your experience level or degree of stubborness..there are very few givens in fantasy football.
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS 50
DANGEROUS MINDS 34
I still am amazed that I played Week 15 with no Quarterback. Every time I checked the score and saw that 0 next to top spot on the score sheet I got pissed. The real injustice is that down in my other league, where I am a slight underdog in the Super Bowl there, my opponent's QB is a healthy Aaron Rogers. It's going to be tough watching him surgically carve up the Giant D while ringing in points for my opposition. Factors that hurt me here..my kicker who I raved about last week missed 4 FG's...all from over 40 yards...a killer. Then, the bane of my existence, the running back position. Donald Brown who has done NOTHING since week 2, has a career game..and with Ivory out, I thought I'd get more out of Thomas..nope, and of course Michael Bush vultures 2 scores and 13 points while on my bench. Even with out the QB, this was winnable with help. For the Gangsters who truly have had a great season, Peyton was steady but not great with 12, But Janikowski was the big gun, as MJD was held to 3 and neither Bradshaw or Mccoy did much either.
2010 NELSON BOWL
GARVEY #2 VS NORTHBORO #1
The early line is Bob by 21. I think it's going to be closer, which is probably the kiss of death for Rich. Already Team Jordan has Vick, McFadden and Lloyd in the lineup. All three on paper have very good matchups. A key for Rich is going to be Drew. He needs to have a monster game home versus the Skins and that could happen. I will be very surprised if MJD is under 10 points that Garvey has a chance. McCoy also needs big and he too has a favorable draw home to Minnesota.
I like points in this one, and while I'd love to see Garvey join McCaffrey as a first time winner, the head says Jordan has more depth, especially if Foster is healthy.
FINAL NORTHBORO 82 GANGSTERS 70
AGAIN - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL LEAGUE MATES AND FAMILY
MIKE, LINDA, AND THE GIRLS
Speaking of the Salvation Army, last week Morgan and I went shopping at our local Walmart and of course at the outside front of the store is the guy ringing the bell and having the money pot etc. Well, this Salvation Army guy was a bit different. He had the bell in one hand and a cigarette in the other. My observant daughter asked, "Dad, should he be smoking?" I gave her the wise life lesson and no, no he shouldn't, smoking is bad for your health. I just found it funny seeing Salvation Santa with a Camel dangling from his lips.
The Steroid/Satelite contest defied logic..I actually hung in there thru the one o'clock games, trailing by just 5, but Janikowski put me out of my misery with 15 points to give Rich the cushion he needed for an easy Monday night watch. Sunday night in Georgia and Massachusetts was a much different story.
It was the night before playoffs and all thru the house....wait that's another tall tale.
Let's recap Week 15.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS 60
GEORGIA SATELLITES 59
How can you figure...Bob up 50 with all 3 RB's left to play...John with some tough matchups on paper. Even our much maligned handicapper had the 'Roids scoring over 100 after the Thursday explosion. I knew this game was getting closer as the 1's left Bob with just 9 points from the RB's and - unbelievably - Reggie Wayne doing nothing while the Colts are scoring 34 on the Jags.
I was keeping track of 3 games, mine here, mine down in South Jersey, and Jordan/Nelson. Yes, I was in fantasy heaven. Especially when my 3 Cowboys, Kitna, F. Jones and their defense was scoring points left and right for my team down south. I actually had my best week of the year down there..good timing. I knew John was getting help with Brees having to throw, which he did, but Ray Rice popping in 23 versus the Saints - a total shock. I'm sure Bob was wondering where the hell was Willis Magahee? Going into Sunday night, the lead was just 8. John had Jennings left..could Flynn get him the ball? Late first half he did, and found him for a 1 yard score. After 3 quarters, the lead was now 1. Jennings now had 26 yards and the score for 7 points. Bob had the tiebreak, as both guys lamented the bench points left on the cutting room floor. Jennings needed 34 more yards to get to three points and 61. Flynn faltered with the clock late and the Pats and Bob held on. This game had me on pins and needles and I was just a spectator, something I had in common with Duane Bowe and Pierre Thomas..more on that later. This game reminds or teaches, depending on your experience level or degree of stubborness..there are very few givens in fantasy football.
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS 50
DANGEROUS MINDS 34
I still am amazed that I played Week 15 with no Quarterback. Every time I checked the score and saw that 0 next to top spot on the score sheet I got pissed. The real injustice is that down in my other league, where I am a slight underdog in the Super Bowl there, my opponent's QB is a healthy Aaron Rogers. It's going to be tough watching him surgically carve up the Giant D while ringing in points for my opposition. Factors that hurt me here..my kicker who I raved about last week missed 4 FG's...all from over 40 yards...a killer. Then, the bane of my existence, the running back position. Donald Brown who has done NOTHING since week 2, has a career game..and with Ivory out, I thought I'd get more out of Thomas..nope, and of course Michael Bush vultures 2 scores and 13 points while on my bench. Even with out the QB, this was winnable with help. For the Gangsters who truly have had a great season, Peyton was steady but not great with 12, But Janikowski was the big gun, as MJD was held to 3 and neither Bradshaw or Mccoy did much either.
2010 NELSON BOWL
GARVEY #2 VS NORTHBORO #1
The early line is Bob by 21. I think it's going to be closer, which is probably the kiss of death for Rich. Already Team Jordan has Vick, McFadden and Lloyd in the lineup. All three on paper have very good matchups. A key for Rich is going to be Drew. He needs to have a monster game home versus the Skins and that could happen. I will be very surprised if MJD is under 10 points that Garvey has a chance. McCoy also needs big and he too has a favorable draw home to Minnesota.
I like points in this one, and while I'd love to see Garvey join McCaffrey as a first time winner, the head says Jordan has more depth, especially if Foster is healthy.
FINAL NORTHBORO 82 GANGSTERS 70
AGAIN - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL LEAGUE MATES AND FAMILY
MIKE, LINDA, AND THE GIRLS
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Commish Speaks - Week 14
HELLO ALL, first some news and notes from around the league: The playoffs are set and here are the matchups:
GEORGIA SATELITES ( 4 ) AT NORTHBORO STEROIDS ( 1 )
DANGEROUS ( NOT SO LAST WEEK OR PROBABLY THIS WEEK ) MINDS 3 AT GARVEY'S GANGSTERS ( 2 ).
I get the 3rd spot and the short trip across the river to play Garv as I win the point tiebreak versus John. With travel being an issue these days for teams, the Satelites stayed in Massachusetts for their road rematch versus the top seeded Steroids.
As part of our prize money here are some early returns for our banker Rich D.
First place and total points for the season, no surprise NORTHBORO 80 bucks each for those awards..and so the Jordanian windfall begins.
TOP SCORER BY POSITION; QB Rogers, Dangerous Minds: 245 for the concussed one with Brady and Vick close behind..both with 242. $ 20 bucks for Mike
RB Foster Northboro 258 points is our overall winner..not bad for a fourth round pick. A.P. was a far distant 213. A down year for our running backs..unless you played for Bob.
WR Bowe...Dangerous Minds..despite being a spectator the last two weeks he garnered 168 pts..B. Lloyd at 166 and my Calvin Johnson hit for 162..my payday will probably come to an end this weekend, so I'll gladly take the 20.
K a runaway for Akers, Camels...Tony gets lunch money here for a week...oh wait..he spends his lunch at Clark's Tavern every day so, maybe lunch money for a day. Since becoming Athletic Director several years ago, Tony has become a much better golfer and drinker.
On to our recap:
I'm sure my paltry 15 point effort sent huge laugh waves throughout the country, with more than likely the biggest guffaw coming from the south. Here's how I broke down the debacle:
PHITIN CAMELS (6-8) 71
DANGEROUS MINDS (8-6) 15
For Tony, I'm sure this is how he envisioned Shaub to play..21 points and 3 scores. D-Jax, with the d standing for dick was tremendous, and Akers has found the fountain of youth. Here's my breakdown:
ROGERS 1 - Going to Detroit. I'm thinking at least 280 and 3 scores, BUT NO!! he gets concussed and spends the second half with a baseball cap on his bruised head.
FORTE 2 - His team gets pounded at home in the blizzard like conditions of the Windy City so the running game is all but abandoned. He catches a nice swing pass and busts his ass sliding in the snow to the one..and in comes Chester Taylor to vulture the TD...ouch...
IVORY 2 - This guy has been a beast for me the last 3 weeks and against the Rams home, I'm thinking how about 80 and a touch...he starts off hot with 47 yards on 7 carries..on his way to a hamstring pull..that wasn't the only thing pulled this weekend.
CHOICE 0 - Early first qtr he has 2 shots inside the five and I'm thinking what a smart waiver pick big guy..3 hours later the highlight reel shows us him getting an autograph from the former owner of Bad Newz Kennels...I honestly laughed for 10 minutes before I went up to bed...and did the gloves really go to the nephew?
CALVIN JOHNSON 2 - With 3rd string Drew Stanton running the show and Rod Woodson inside the Megatron jock, my stud WR catches one ball for 44 yards....watching the Lion/Pack GAME WAS A REAL TREAT
BOWE 0 - Brody Croyle proved once again he is best suited as a backup QB....in the f---ing UFL...1 catch for 3 yards...a great finish to a wonderful season.
NICKS 4 - Welcome back!! A silver lining arrives..9 targets, 7 catches for 98 yards...hoefully good weather Sunday in Jersey and an added bonus if Samuels is still out.
CUNDIFF 4 - All extra points..Carpenter was kicking in a monsoon up here. Carpy gets the call home to Buffalo week 15.
There you have it..a week for the ages!!
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS (10-4) 74
ROCKY BROOK OILERS 6-8 45
4 players in double figures as Garv wanted that home game. MJD is going for his 7th 100 yard game next week..against the 29 ranked Colt D, he should get it. Tom had great days from Brady and CJ2K ( finally ) but little else.
MIDWEST MARAUDERS (4-10) 47
NORTHERN SPIES (3-11) 28
And the Stephen Cup goes to....well the injury infested Spies who lost Grant, Romo, Matthews just to name a few. How many fantasy teams went down in flames with the poor production from Larry Fitzgerald,...( no fault of his own ). for Hugh, Andre Johnson gave as gutty a performance as I've ever seen Monday night.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS (11-3) 63
GEORGIA SATELLITES (8-6) 56
This game and playoff positioning went down to the wire with the crazy Monday night finish with Houston and the Ravens. Ray Rice and Arian Foster head to head. The killer for John was the Magahee ( he owed me one ) vulture in the first qtr. Mendenhall disappoints with just 3 against Cincy at home.
I'LL DO A BIT DEEPER DIGGING FOR THE PLAYOFFS PROBABLY ON SATURDAY. ONE INITIAL QUESTION??? WHO DO THE STEROIDS START AT QB? RIVERS OR VICK..GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE...
COMMISH
GEORGIA SATELITES ( 4 ) AT NORTHBORO STEROIDS ( 1 )
DANGEROUS ( NOT SO LAST WEEK OR PROBABLY THIS WEEK ) MINDS 3 AT GARVEY'S GANGSTERS ( 2 ).
I get the 3rd spot and the short trip across the river to play Garv as I win the point tiebreak versus John. With travel being an issue these days for teams, the Satelites stayed in Massachusetts for their road rematch versus the top seeded Steroids.
As part of our prize money here are some early returns for our banker Rich D.
First place and total points for the season, no surprise NORTHBORO 80 bucks each for those awards..and so the Jordanian windfall begins.
TOP SCORER BY POSITION; QB Rogers, Dangerous Minds: 245 for the concussed one with Brady and Vick close behind..both with 242. $ 20 bucks for Mike
RB Foster Northboro 258 points is our overall winner..not bad for a fourth round pick. A.P. was a far distant 213. A down year for our running backs..unless you played for Bob.
WR Bowe...Dangerous Minds..despite being a spectator the last two weeks he garnered 168 pts..B. Lloyd at 166 and my Calvin Johnson hit for 162..my payday will probably come to an end this weekend, so I'll gladly take the 20.
K a runaway for Akers, Camels...Tony gets lunch money here for a week...oh wait..he spends his lunch at Clark's Tavern every day so, maybe lunch money for a day. Since becoming Athletic Director several years ago, Tony has become a much better golfer and drinker.
On to our recap:
I'm sure my paltry 15 point effort sent huge laugh waves throughout the country, with more than likely the biggest guffaw coming from the south. Here's how I broke down the debacle:
PHITIN CAMELS (6-8) 71
DANGEROUS MINDS (8-6) 15
For Tony, I'm sure this is how he envisioned Shaub to play..21 points and 3 scores. D-Jax, with the d standing for dick was tremendous, and Akers has found the fountain of youth. Here's my breakdown:
ROGERS 1 - Going to Detroit. I'm thinking at least 280 and 3 scores, BUT NO!! he gets concussed and spends the second half with a baseball cap on his bruised head.
FORTE 2 - His team gets pounded at home in the blizzard like conditions of the Windy City so the running game is all but abandoned. He catches a nice swing pass and busts his ass sliding in the snow to the one..and in comes Chester Taylor to vulture the TD...ouch...
IVORY 2 - This guy has been a beast for me the last 3 weeks and against the Rams home, I'm thinking how about 80 and a touch...he starts off hot with 47 yards on 7 carries..on his way to a hamstring pull..that wasn't the only thing pulled this weekend.
CHOICE 0 - Early first qtr he has 2 shots inside the five and I'm thinking what a smart waiver pick big guy..3 hours later the highlight reel shows us him getting an autograph from the former owner of Bad Newz Kennels...I honestly laughed for 10 minutes before I went up to bed...and did the gloves really go to the nephew?
CALVIN JOHNSON 2 - With 3rd string Drew Stanton running the show and Rod Woodson inside the Megatron jock, my stud WR catches one ball for 44 yards....watching the Lion/Pack GAME WAS A REAL TREAT
BOWE 0 - Brody Croyle proved once again he is best suited as a backup QB....in the f---ing UFL...1 catch for 3 yards...a great finish to a wonderful season.
NICKS 4 - Welcome back!! A silver lining arrives..9 targets, 7 catches for 98 yards...hoefully good weather Sunday in Jersey and an added bonus if Samuels is still out.
CUNDIFF 4 - All extra points..Carpenter was kicking in a monsoon up here. Carpy gets the call home to Buffalo week 15.
There you have it..a week for the ages!!
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS (10-4) 74
ROCKY BROOK OILERS 6-8 45
4 players in double figures as Garv wanted that home game. MJD is going for his 7th 100 yard game next week..against the 29 ranked Colt D, he should get it. Tom had great days from Brady and CJ2K ( finally ) but little else.
MIDWEST MARAUDERS (4-10) 47
NORTHERN SPIES (3-11) 28
And the Stephen Cup goes to....well the injury infested Spies who lost Grant, Romo, Matthews just to name a few. How many fantasy teams went down in flames with the poor production from Larry Fitzgerald,...( no fault of his own ). for Hugh, Andre Johnson gave as gutty a performance as I've ever seen Monday night.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS (11-3) 63
GEORGIA SATELLITES (8-6) 56
This game and playoff positioning went down to the wire with the crazy Monday night finish with Houston and the Ravens. Ray Rice and Arian Foster head to head. The killer for John was the Magahee ( he owed me one ) vulture in the first qtr. Mendenhall disappoints with just 3 against Cincy at home.
I'LL DO A BIT DEEPER DIGGING FOR THE PLAYOFFS PROBABLY ON SATURDAY. ONE INITIAL QUESTION??? WHO DO THE STEROIDS START AT QB? RIVERS OR VICK..GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE...
COMMISH
Commish Speaks - Week 13
Hello league mates...very under the weather this week with a nasty cold, perhaps it was a 5 day celebration of redemption after winning Rice Bowl II. Just a reminder that rosters are frozen after this week, so for the playoff contenders this week..namely tonight is your last shot at a move before week 15. As the old time Met announcer Bob Murphy used to say, " lets get to the happy recap" after a rare Met win.
Normally I cover my game last after a win, but NOT THIS WEEK.
DANGEROUS MINDS (8-5) 61
GEORGIA SATELITES (8-5) 48
John was so cocky after kicking my ass Week 6 that he played our game with just 7 guys...actually the webmaster caught a tough break with Percey Harvin being a game time migrain scratch. Fore the Commish, finally my patience or stupidity, you pick is rewarded as an unlikely Saint RB Chris Ivory scored his 5th TD in the last 3 games. 61 points with 2 zeros is not bad. One of those zeros is Donald " Bad news " Brown who will languish on my bench forever. I knew John had some tough matchups this week as both top RB's went head to head in the Steeler/Raven bloodbath.
Anyway, the real story here is for the time being, the Commish vaults into 3rd place, thus avoiding temporarily the Jordan juggernaut.
ROCKY BROOK OILERS (6-7) 48
NORTHERN SPIES 3-10 29
This game was actually tied going into Monday night, but a red hot Brady was the difference as Sanchez realized he wasn't facing the Browns or Bengals on the big Mondayu night stage. This game was probably bittersweet for Team DesLauriers as i'm sure they enjoyed the shallacking of the Ryan Jets, but at the fantasy expense. LeGarret Blount continues to impress..very good waiver pick by the cagey Crossen.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS (10--3) 84
PHITN' CAMELS (5-8) 65
Tony gets huge day from AP..on a bad ankle no less, but remember it's the Bills. The big enigma Shaub hit for 14, and again 65 is not a bad total, unless your playing Bob. Vick, like him or not hit for 22, Foster, had 17, and Reggie Wayne who's had oodles of yards but not many TD's had a huge day against the overmatched Cowboy secondary.
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS (9-4) 77
MIDWESTERN MARAUDERS (3-10) 5-8
The big news here is that with the win, the Gangster clinch no worse than 3rd place, meaning no first round trip to Massachusets. Fortunately for the Mob Boss, we don't subtact for int's because the golden boy has thrown more than his share this year, yet he still had a lusty 15 points. Garv's NFC combo platter of Brdshaw and McCoy had 34 a piece to chip in. For Hughie, Ced Benson had a surprisingly strong day, ( 14 ) against the Saints, but for some reason, the defending champs, just could'nt get it together this year.
GEORGIA VERSUS NORTHBORO
John is actually off to a good start here as Bob only got 9 from Wayne and Baronis combined. The SATS, unlike last week, have some very friendly matchups starting with the Steelers home to reeling Cincy and Ray Rice won't be facing James Harrison, but whoever the defensively challenged Texans trot out there this week. Look for lot's of points here as both could hit into the 80's, which is an off week for the "Roids.
The Maruaders-Spies matchups will be seen in local markets only, meaning about 7 % of the country will be viewing.
The only real playoff drama here is who finishes 3rd and 4th. If the Commish wins, he gets at least 3rd, but could move to second and a home game if Garv loses to Oilers. Mike owns the tiebreak with both John and Garv due to points as they split during the regular season. Garv swept John, if the happen to go head to head. John will be rooting for those Phitn's from South Jersey as his only hope for a trip to Levittown and not Mass. is for the Commish to lose. I think the " book " has my game correct..Tony has some good matchups and our game should be very tight. John of course needs to win for my game to have any meaning.
Hope all of you and families are well this holiday season.
Commish
Normally I cover my game last after a win, but NOT THIS WEEK.
DANGEROUS MINDS (8-5) 61
GEORGIA SATELITES (8-5) 48
John was so cocky after kicking my ass Week 6 that he played our game with just 7 guys...actually the webmaster caught a tough break with Percey Harvin being a game time migrain scratch. Fore the Commish, finally my patience or stupidity, you pick is rewarded as an unlikely Saint RB Chris Ivory scored his 5th TD in the last 3 games. 61 points with 2 zeros is not bad. One of those zeros is Donald " Bad news " Brown who will languish on my bench forever. I knew John had some tough matchups this week as both top RB's went head to head in the Steeler/Raven bloodbath.
Anyway, the real story here is for the time being, the Commish vaults into 3rd place, thus avoiding temporarily the Jordan juggernaut.
ROCKY BROOK OILERS (6-7) 48
NORTHERN SPIES 3-10 29
This game was actually tied going into Monday night, but a red hot Brady was the difference as Sanchez realized he wasn't facing the Browns or Bengals on the big Mondayu night stage. This game was probably bittersweet for Team DesLauriers as i'm sure they enjoyed the shallacking of the Ryan Jets, but at the fantasy expense. LeGarret Blount continues to impress..very good waiver pick by the cagey Crossen.
NORTHBORO STEROIDS (10--3) 84
PHITN' CAMELS (5-8) 65
Tony gets huge day from AP..on a bad ankle no less, but remember it's the Bills. The big enigma Shaub hit for 14, and again 65 is not a bad total, unless your playing Bob. Vick, like him or not hit for 22, Foster, had 17, and Reggie Wayne who's had oodles of yards but not many TD's had a huge day against the overmatched Cowboy secondary.
GARVEY'S GANGSTERS (9-4) 77
MIDWESTERN MARAUDERS (3-10) 5-8
The big news here is that with the win, the Gangster clinch no worse than 3rd place, meaning no first round trip to Massachusets. Fortunately for the Mob Boss, we don't subtact for int's because the golden boy has thrown more than his share this year, yet he still had a lusty 15 points. Garv's NFC combo platter of Brdshaw and McCoy had 34 a piece to chip in. For Hughie, Ced Benson had a surprisingly strong day, ( 14 ) against the Saints, but for some reason, the defending champs, just could'nt get it together this year.
GEORGIA VERSUS NORTHBORO
John is actually off to a good start here as Bob only got 9 from Wayne and Baronis combined. The SATS, unlike last week, have some very friendly matchups starting with the Steelers home to reeling Cincy and Ray Rice won't be facing James Harrison, but whoever the defensively challenged Texans trot out there this week. Look for lot's of points here as both could hit into the 80's, which is an off week for the "Roids.
The Maruaders-Spies matchups will be seen in local markets only, meaning about 7 % of the country will be viewing.
The only real playoff drama here is who finishes 3rd and 4th. If the Commish wins, he gets at least 3rd, but could move to second and a home game if Garv loses to Oilers. Mike owns the tiebreak with both John and Garv due to points as they split during the regular season. Garv swept John, if the happen to go head to head. John will be rooting for those Phitn's from South Jersey as his only hope for a trip to Levittown and not Mass. is for the Commish to lose. I think the " book " has my game correct..Tony has some good matchups and our game should be very tight. John of course needs to win for my game to have any meaning.
Hope all of you and families are well this holiday season.
Commish
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Jordan's 2010 Power Rankings - Week 14
Quick Hitters for week 14.
With the regular season coming to a close, I would like to thank everyone for reading and chipping in with pithy feedback on the column. It’s been a great year for the Steroids, and we wish everyone good luck in the playoffs.
- The most important event that happened this week was Mike picking up Tashard Choice on waivers. Choice is matched up against Washington and Arizona in the playoff matchups. Mike has completely rebuilt his running game through waivers in the last month. Chris Ivory has been an absolute stud in New Orleans.
- John has his running backs matched up against Cincinnati, Houston and Arizona – it would be difficult to hand-pick three softer defenses. Thanks to some excellent coverage on Reggie Wayne by Blair White, I was held to 9 points between two guys on Thursday. Tennessee is awful, and I’ve played Rod Bironas for the last time this year.
- Rich Garvey’s chances ride on two games in week 15 – The Eagles at the Giants, and Indianapolis at Jacksonville. Five of Rich’s starters could be playing in those two games.
- It will be interesting to see what effect the Matt Cassel appendicitis attack has on Duane Bowe. Brody Coyle is not the QB that Cassell is, and KC is likely to go run heavy until Matt gets back. Bowe might be the best receiver in football this year – he’s been a monster.
- Lost in Peyton Manning’s horrific streak of late is the fact that he’s still racking up spectacular fantasy numbers. He’s scored 23, 13, 15 and 14 the last four weeks. Manning has matchups against Jacksonville and Oakland in the playoffs.
- Northboro has a serious decision to make on which quarterback to play in the playoffs. Michael Vick is matched up against the Giants in New York and Minnesota at home in chilly Philly. Phillip Rivers will be playing San Francisco at home, but travels to Cincinnati on Super Bowl week.
- Tom is playing for pride, but he ran into some tough luck with the weather in Chicago today. They’re looking at snow, wind, and general winter hideousness. Brady is 9-0 in these conditions, but this is a new Patriots offense – we’ll see how they respond. I’ll be sitting in Richard Deslauriers’ basement for this game.
- Rich Deslauriers and Hugh McCaffery are playing to avoid last place this year. These two beleaguered outfits enter this week with matching 3-10 records, and have had exactly zero luck between them this year. At half time of the 1:00 games, the defending champion has taken a commanding 3-1 lead. We’ll see if Rich can rally.
With the regular season coming to a close, I would like to thank everyone for reading and chipping in with pithy feedback on the column. It’s been a great year for the Steroids, and we wish everyone good luck in the playoffs.
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