04/25/24
January 08, 2006
NFL 2006 Pick-Em Playoffs SportsFilter Lounge Day 2: NY Giants vs. Carolina Panthers Game 1, 1PM EST: Pittsburg Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Game 2, 4:30 PM EST Thanks Hal for your Spread Sheet Prowess. Your a Great "Commish" Here's a SpoFite Lounge for Discussing Today's WIldCard Weekend Showdowns!
posted by skydivedad to football at 08:47 AM - 193 comments
Oh, A Special Kudo's to my Lovely Bride, Skydivemom who is a current leader for the Prestigious Costanza Trophy.
posted by skydivedad at 09:06 AM on January 08, 2006
NY 17 CAR 23 That's today's outcome... Read em' and weep fella's!! PIT 28 CIN 20
posted by hbzflow at 09:07 AM on January 08, 2006
I think hbz hit it right on. My only worry would be......which Bengals(or bungles as could be proven today) will show up? Either way, the Steelers are looking good lately.
posted by kcfan4life at 09:21 AM on January 08, 2006
I like the Giants, but i do think Carolina is to strong for them, I think they will take advantage of the secondary. NY 13 CAR 27 Pitt over the Bengals Pitt. 21 Bengals 14
posted by jlimm1959 at 09:24 AM on January 08, 2006
Someone should make every pick the opposite of skydivemom's and see how they do. Note I changed my pick from Bengals by 20 to Bengals by 10.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 09:36 AM on January 08, 2006
woo hoo I'm tied for first. Cool.
posted by ProSam at 10:19 AM on January 08, 2006
Ying Yang Mafia: I got your pick updates already entered. I will accept any pick updates, or even late contest entries like azdano (who entered picks for today only since he started late), provided they come in before the kickoff of the related game. This includes jlimm1959, who if you want to play you can go read the rules and put your formal 3-way picks for Day 2 here by 1pm EST today. Given the closeness of the scores, and the fact that it runs throughout the playoffs, you and azdano will have plenty of chance to catch up. Even if I don't catch it in time, I'll check the pick 'em thread after the last game this weekend to see if there were any other last minute changes that made it before that game's kick off. But uh, please don't abuse this too much; remember, if I hadn't made a last minute change from Washington by 7 to Washington by 3, I'd be tied for the lead right now! As discussed in that thread, I also think I'll be retroactively adjusting the score from a 1-1-2 pick point value to a 2-2-3; it turns out it really doesn't adjust the standings much at all.
posted by hincandenza at 10:43 AM on January 08, 2006
BENGALS WIN BY 10 30-20 NY BEATS PANTHERS BY 4 24-20
posted by ROCKINRUSSROBB at 11:31 AM on January 08, 2006
All Right I got a Huge Pot of Skydiver Chilli Brewing and replenished my Bass Pale Ale Supply. I got a platter of skydivemoms top notch Nochas an homemade Green Tomato Salsa with jack cheese. I still can't find the cheese-doodles. Any1 seem em? OK, Here's where I start making my move up the leaderboard. Giants get me off to a great start and cover my over! Carson my man gonna make me proud. Everything rides on Carson Palmer, Cincy can't win without throwing the football. I've got big jack on the line in my Fantasy Playoff League. I spent all my $ on Mr. Palmer.
posted by skydivedad at 11:35 AM on January 08, 2006
Nice skydivedad! Any jalapenos to go on those nachos?
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 11:45 AM on January 08, 2006
oh yea jalapenos and my super secret Hot Sauce
posted by skydivedad at 11:47 AM on January 08, 2006
No cheez doodles for skydivedad. Just take a look at last night's thread for why. And somehow I don't think the chili will help either. Go Gints!
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:47 AM on January 08, 2006
Top off with a super chill pint of Pale Ale!!
posted by skydivedad at 11:48 AM on January 08, 2006
Kewl Michael Irvin just gave the Steelers the KOD. He picked,em to win.
posted by skydivedad at 11:51 AM on January 08, 2006
Besides skydivemom has the Steelcity guys as well. Yippee!
posted by skydivedad at 11:53 AM on January 08, 2006
My wife just announced she's going to the store so it will be spicy-hot queso here in a few minutes. I do have to stay away from the beer though. Can't mix beer with the painkillers I'm taking leading up to elbow surgery on Wednesday. Have one for me! And, I'm agreeing with skydivemom and #88 on this one. In fact, I'm predicting the Steelers and Giants to meet in the big one.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 11:57 AM on January 08, 2006
Can't mix beer with the painkillers Dude, it's the playoffs. Anything goes.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 11:59 AM on January 08, 2006
BENGALS WIN BY 10 30-20 NY BEATS PANTHERS BY 4 24-20 You have it backwards. I stepped into the future and here's what happened: Panthers 34 - Giants 20 Steelers 23 - Bengals 17 Leaders: Delhomme 285 yards - 2 TDs - 0 INT S. Smith 137 yards - 2 TDs Barber 88 yards - 1 TD Burress 109 yards - 1 TD Palmer 242 yards - 1 TD - 1 INT Ward 107 yards - 1 TD Bettis 46 yards - 1 TD Parker 110 yards - 0 TD Reed 2-2 PAT 3-3 FG Long 48 yards Notable: Manning picked 3 times Palmer picked 2 times Barber 1 key fumble
posted by STLCardinalfan at 11:59 AM on January 08, 2006
TBH...good point but I have to pass. Hell, I'm not 20 anymore!
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:00 PM on January 08, 2006
I gotta say, Kenny Mayne's kids are better interviewers and more engaging on-air personalities than anyone else on that pre-game show. Seriously. Chris Mortenson, Ron Jaworski and the Mayne kids would be plenty. (Maybe Tom Jackson can stay too. Maybe.) Boomer, Irvin, Steve & Ditka can spend the rest of the day hoovering up the snack table and talking about their greatest years, all of which are behind them.
posted by chicobangs at 12:03 PM on January 08, 2006
Steelers+Giants in the Big Dance. Must be those pain killers or heat stroke possibly Texan.
posted by skydivedad at 12:04 PM on January 08, 2006
My zero should have an advantage over adzeno's because I played the first two games. Look out castanza here I come!
posted by skydivemom at 12:08 PM on January 08, 2006
at least this guys are slightly better than Madden drooling over hisself last night
posted by skydivedad at 12:08 PM on January 08, 2006
What! no early score, both teams punt 1st series. That 43.5 over looking ........ aw it's way early
posted by skydivedad at 12:18 PM on January 08, 2006
Giants Stadium is so loud, I can barely hear Aikman and Buck. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:21 PM on January 08, 2006
skydivemom: of course, in the case of a tie you'd win for having played more contests. And our picks only match up in one place, the Carolina win; we disagree on everything else, so I'm rooting for you to have a "perfect" weekend. But this early low score may mean you win at least your UNDER pick in this game. Then again, the Jax/NE game looked to be a low-scoring affair, and ended up maybe 4 inches from being an OVER on the day. So... lots of game left! Of course, if you do go 0-12 on your picks, then next week everyone will wait until you make your predictions... and then go the other way. :)
posted by hincandenza at 12:31 PM on January 08, 2006
skydivedad is totally opposite ALL skydivemom pics this day!
posted by skydivedad at 12:32 PM on January 08, 2006
Don't. Take. The Over.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:35 PM on January 08, 2006
skydivedad is apparently Rickey Henderson! skydivedad is also drunk on bass ale and nachos that he might even think this is the Superbowl already! :)
posted by hincandenza at 12:36 PM on January 08, 2006
Don't. Take. The Over. And where were you when I was taking. The. Over. Second quarter touchdown fest, on the way. Barring that, second half touchdown fest. I hope.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:41 PM on January 08, 2006
Yea I got the over and Tiki w 3 TD,s in my Fantasy League also got Smith as my reciever w 2 TD's. Where's the Beef mmm, offense
posted by skydivedad at 12:43 PM on January 08, 2006
And where were you when I was taking. The. Over. Taking it myself, probably, but on some other contest. This is the only one of this weekend's contests in which I went with the under. Of course, I also went with the Gints, so... Never mind. The Sisterhood of the Bicycle Pants will rule you all anyway!
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:45 PM on January 08, 2006
Touchdown, Panthers! The Cajun Cannon to Steve Smith!
posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:46 PM on January 08, 2006
Tiki's turn next!
posted by skydivedad at 12:47 PM on January 08, 2006
The Sisterhood of the Bicycle Pants will rule you all anyway! posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:45 PM CST on January 8 Hate to beg - but can I please, please, please, please join. My life in incomplete without being part of an internet click! Tiki's turn next! posted by skydivedad at 12:47 PM CST on January 8 Not going to happen - I have him on my fantasy team. I SUCK!
posted by skydivemom at 12:53 PM on January 08, 2006
What's the over/under on when Shockey or Plax throws a major-league hissy fit?
posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:57 PM on January 08, 2006
TBH That happens 3rd qtr, Plax, 4th Shockey
posted by skydivedad at 01:03 PM on January 08, 2006
The Giants better start doing something or I could end up with 2 points today.
posted by skydivemom at 01:04 PM on January 08, 2006
What Crappy G,man D! yuck 5 straight givem on 3rd down!
posted by skydivedad at 01:06 PM on January 08, 2006
Five straight third-down conversions by the Panthers. Coughlin looks like he's about to blow a gasket.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:06 PM on January 08, 2006
Hate to beg - but can I please, please, please, please join. My life in incomplete without being part of an internet click! I thought, uh, a certain someone who shall remain nameless had already decided that you were part of my Click. Along with a lot of the brothers, too. Perhaps we'll have to call it the Siblinghood instead. Five straight third-down conversions by the Panthers. Coughlin looks like he's about to blow a gasket. Yeah, but ooh, Delhomme sacked, there is yet hope.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:12 PM on January 08, 2006
there is yet hope. Well, there was until that turnover on the punt. Should be 10-0 Carolina at the half, at least.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:15 PM on January 08, 2006
there is yet hope. I'm not gonna say things like that any more.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:16 PM on January 08, 2006
OH YEAH - I belong - my life is complete.
posted by skydivemom at 01:17 PM on January 08, 2006
This is a poopy game.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:19 PM on January 08, 2006
The over is toast
posted by skydivedad at 01:24 PM on January 08, 2006
The over is toast Captain Oeuver resembles that remark. 
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:36 PM on January 08, 2006
Yeah, I shouldn't have listened to my friend rob who told me the bucs would win- it made me change what would have been a 3-point pick of "7" to "3". However, I was wise to listen to him for the Skins/Bucs game when he said "always go under in the first round; the teams score less points in the playoffs". So far, looks like we'll have an all-under weekend, although I'm resisting changing my "over" pick on the bengals/steelers game simply because I still think the no-huddle offense will lead to high point totals.
posted by hincandenza at 01:42 PM on January 08, 2006
Is the entire NFL devoid of offense? In the playoffs. Excuse me while I hurl myself off a tall bridge.
posted by skydivedad at 01:43 PM on January 08, 2006
Don't let him fool ya - he jumps off of bridges all the time. It is called base jumping. skydivedad is just worried cause the mom may actually have more points than him soon!
posted by skydivemom at 01:48 PM on January 08, 2006
Yeah, no shit SDD... these teams suck at football! :) I just did some test runs of different outcomes, and it's very likely I'll be 3 or more points back by the end of this game alone. Even if it's CAR, under, by 3 (a decent possibility- if the giants can score a TD more than the panthers this half)... that was about the most common spread picked in this game, so I'll still be solidly middle of the pack. Granted, with about 50 players, the odds were someone was going to have a very very good weekend. I'm curious, skydivecouple... do you guys actually skydive, or is that just a nom de spofi?
posted by hincandenza at 01:54 PM on January 08, 2006
Touchdown, Panthers! At ths point, Carolina might cover the over themselves. Nice play, Eli.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:55 PM on January 08, 2006
Oh great. Nice fucking pass, Manning. Jeez- and with that play, it's quickly 17-0 with 22 minutes left... which means both my spread AND the Over pick probably won't happen. And skydivemom will quickly fall behind in the Costanza trophy. I'm rooting for you, sdm, but you're gonna need some bad (good?) luck in the second game today to regain your "lead".
posted by hincandenza at 01:56 PM on January 08, 2006
I will just have to go back to winning the whole thing outright. After all I am just 4 points behind right now and on my way to 2.
posted by skydivemom at 02:00 PM on January 08, 2006
Yup Hal I sure do. I'd post some pics if I knew how. skydivemom hasn't in awhile she is having knee trouble. I have 2047 skydives under my belt. 56 base jumps and about 190 pirate aircraft right seat time. I've jumped from 23 differeant typse of aircraft including hot air balloons and gliders! Life is Skydiving
posted by skydivedad at 02:00 PM on January 08, 2006
Both of our children have jumps invitro!
posted by skydivedad at 02:02 PM on January 08, 2006
Oh great. Nice fucking pass, Manning. Again.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:02 PM on January 08, 2006
Eli is a chokin....
posted by rolandeblunt at 02:02 PM on January 08, 2006
WTG MANNING...HA HA HA HA LOSER
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:04 PM on January 08, 2006
WTF IS HE THINKING
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Well, I guess I should root for Carolina at this point- they might make it 24-0 in about 90 seconds, the way things are going... The line's still at 44, so even if the Jaguars can get a TD out of this interception, we are still 3 TDs from an "Over"- and I'll be surprised is the Midgets will be getting anything.
skydivedad: I have 2047 skydives under my belt.You guys fucking rule!!! I've always wanted to skydive, even though I'm normally scared of heights, but I didn't have the money when I was younger, and now that I have the money I'm probably too fat to do it. :(
posted by hincandenza at 02:05 PM on January 08, 2006
looks like I'm gonna take the lead..... in the run for the Costanza Trophy...
posted by skydivedad at 02:05 PM on January 08, 2006
Nahh you can do it Hal. Its awsome u'd love it
posted by skydivedad at 02:06 PM on January 08, 2006
Giants are some weak ass punks. Where's the damm tackling
posted by skydivedad at 02:07 PM on January 08, 2006
as depressing as the game is for a Giants fan, i don't think there were many of us who entertained the thought of them even making the playoffs this year.
posted by goddam at 02:07 PM on January 08, 2006
Not only is he kickin' the Giants' ass, I think DeShaun Foster is also sealing Stephen Davis' fate as a Carolina Panther.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:09 PM on January 08, 2006
YEAH AND ELI MAKING THE PRO BOWL BECAUSE OF THE FAME OF HIS BROTHER HA HA HA SORRY GIANTS ELI IS SORRY......
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:09 PM on January 08, 2006
Life is Skydiving Not anymore for me. Life is now pain killers and steroids. It is all to blame on the damn football career. I got sacked too many times this season. Oh wait that was Brett Favre. Ok I apologize now for the trolling I just called, couldn't help myself.
posted by skydivemom at 02:10 PM on January 08, 2006
AND THE TACKLEING WHAT A JOKE I LIKE THE WAY AIKMAN WAS TALKING ABOUT AT HALF TIME THEY PLAYED LT HIGHLIGHTS AND NOW THE GIANT FANS HAVE TO WITNESS THESE BULLSHIT MISSED TACKLES
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:11 PM on January 08, 2006
I'm maybe coming to Seatle next summer, my brother lives there. I'll take you and do your 1st skydive video Free of charge, the video that is. Jump around $200 for ground school and the skydive. I normally charge $60 for a video
posted by skydivedad at 02:11 PM on January 08, 2006
Gaints runnin out of time...generally the team that scores at the end the half and the beginning of the second 80% wins.. add turnovers game over...the fat lady is warming up early...Panthers Vs Bears and the weather...
posted by rolandeblunt at 02:11 PM on January 08, 2006
OK where's the cheese-doodles, the Tums and I need another cold one!
posted by skydivedad at 02:13 PM on January 08, 2006
I'm never taking an over again. Also, it's clique.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 02:13 PM on January 08, 2006
HMMMMMM SHOULD OF BEEN A CALL
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:13 PM on January 08, 2006
looks like I'm gonna take the lead..... in the run for the Costanza Trophy... posted by skydivedad at 2:05 PM CST on January 8 He just tries to beat me at everything! All I want to know is did the Giants remember they had a game to play today?
posted by skydivemom at 02:14 PM on January 08, 2006
Yeah, we get it BigDog- you're not a Giants fan. That shouldn't affect whether the Caps Lock key on your keyboard is still functioning properly.
posted by hincandenza at 02:15 PM on January 08, 2006
WELL LOOKS LIKE THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE BETWEEN SEATTLE AND CAROLINA
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:15 PM on January 08, 2006
Dr John Don't feel too bad, I took nothing but the over all weekend. Like I said I need another cold one!
posted by skydivedad at 02:15 PM on January 08, 2006
Sorry about the caps didn't know you looked at it as yelling
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:17 PM on January 08, 2006
YEAH AND ELI MAKING THE PRO BOWL BECAUSE OF THE FAME OF HIS BROTHER Hey, look. NFC's gotta send somebody, why not Eli?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:17 PM on January 08, 2006
as depressing as the game is for a Giants fan, i don't think there were many of us who entertained the thought of them even making the playoffs this year. At least you're watching your team. I didn't think my Rams would make it either. What time does their game come on?
posted by STLCardinalfan at 02:18 PM on January 08, 2006
You know this wouldn't bother me so bad if I didn't have Shockey and Barber in my fantasy. I paid good money for them and they are giving me crap.
posted by skydivemom at 02:18 PM on January 08, 2006
Wow that sounded really bad.
posted by skydivemom at 02:18 PM on January 08, 2006
look at this game that's why his whole season has been like this
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:19 PM on January 08, 2006
ha ha ha 3 picks
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:19 PM on January 08, 2006
and now the boos start
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:20 PM on January 08, 2006
Wow- yet ANOTHER great pass by Manning. Questionable loss of yardage there on the interception, though.
posted by hincandenza at 02:20 PM on January 08, 2006
Also, it's clique. No. It's click.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:22 PM on January 08, 2006
I knew I didn't buy enough Bass. All I can say is there should be some offense in the next game. Please, Please....
posted by skydivedad at 02:22 PM on January 08, 2006
Also, it's clique. Maybe in your world, earthling.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:22 PM on January 08, 2006
lol 3 pass attempts of 10 or more yards this half and all of them picked off
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:23 PM on January 08, 2006
Eli just got Peperred...this O is weak...wow 1st DWN and they goin 4 downs from now on ...over now finished the turn over was it....the nail in the NYD coffin... Mara turning over in his grave...LT gonna kick Eli ass ... who the NYG think they are JAQS or TB LOSERS...all them ... i pray that the NFL doen't expand PO these teams should be fishing..
posted by rolandeblunt at 02:24 PM on January 08, 2006
The fans in San Diego are gloating right about now. Eli looks like he's playin' high school football. Someone in the filter said somethin' bout defense. Soooooooo true.
posted by babooze808 at 02:24 PM on January 08, 2006
AT least I,m making tons of points with Smith in my F. L.
posted by skydivedad at 02:24 PM on January 08, 2006
Where's Dandy Don when you need him? "Turn out the lights, the party's over..."
posted by STLCardinalfan at 02:25 PM on January 08, 2006
I wonder how the PIT/CIN game's gonna be...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:26 PM on January 08, 2006
Welllllllll... I think I'll go ahead and pencil in Carolina and Under for the chart. :) We'll wait and see what the final spread is, but no one had picked higher than 14. Thatweirdguy2, yerfatma, and zac4667 would be tied with 11 each, several more at 10 the last two with an outside shot to nail the spread if the Giants can put 10 on the board between now and the final whistle. Skydivemom and dad at 4 and 2 respectively (those spread picks of "5" may not have been the best move, not that I'm criticizing... ).
posted by hincandenza at 02:26 PM on January 08, 2006
Giants D has surrendered
posted by STLCardinalfan at 02:26 PM on January 08, 2006
Everybody who's played ball before knows what it's like to be on the bad end of one of these deals: fourth quarter, seven minutes or so still to go, you're still on the field, they're STILL kickin' your ass, and it just can't end fast enough. Nice season, Giants fans. At least your team made the playoffs. MIne didn't.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:28 PM on January 08, 2006
Hang on a sec, Hal, I think I'm also bringing up the rear with 4 points under the old scoring system. Or did it change already?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:29 PM on January 08, 2006
why is noone gaurding smith????
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:29 PM on January 08, 2006
oooo look, there's a show on about dinosaurs.
posted by goddam at 02:30 PM on January 08, 2006
No team should take a ZERO in this league. That's a sure sign of somethin' going terribly wrong. Heads are gonna roll after this one.
posted by babooze808 at 02:30 PM on January 08, 2006
panthers should rest their starters now and let them get ready for chi next weekend
posted by BigDogintheCity at 02:31 PM on January 08, 2006
Giants may actually finish the game with less than a hundred yards total offense. What's that smell?
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:33 PM on January 08, 2006
LOL, Carolina trying to go over all by themselves.
posted by babooze808 at 02:36 PM on January 08, 2006
Giants suck
posted by skydivedad at 02:36 PM on January 08, 2006
Dammit- field goal with inches to go? Go for it, you pussies!!! Nothing to lose... that'll cinch the under for sure, along with two minutes for that drive- there was until this moment a very outside chance of two quick TDs. Sheesh.... LBB: you have 7 under the new system, already implemented. Under the old system you'd have 4, but skydivemom would have 2 and dad have only 1, so you'd still be behind in the Costanza Trophy.
The_Black_Hand Giants may actually finish the game with less than a hundred yards total offense.I know the skins had only like 120 in a win yesterday, which was a record I believe for a winning team in the playoffs. But I haven't seen a FOX graphic yet on the worst yardage, period. This might be in contention...
posted by hincandenza at 02:37 PM on January 08, 2006
Allright I,m breaking out the Wild Turkey
posted by skydivedad at 02:42 PM on January 08, 2006
Cats pitch a shut out.... congrats to Fox and his Panthers..... next stop Chicago
posted by rolandeblunt at 02:43 PM on January 08, 2006
Carolina 3 Chicago 0
posted by STLCardinalfan at 02:43 PM on January 08, 2006
Less than two hundred yards total, ZERO points, five turnovers. . . on your own turf!!! Tom is history, the press conference will be on Monday, and Mariucci will become a Giant.
posted by babooze808 at 02:44 PM on January 08, 2006
TBH, LBB, I stand corrected. I've been on the very periphery of the RZA saga and as usual have no idea what's going on.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 02:44 PM on January 08, 2006
Wow... that was brutal. I wish I had access to skydivedad's liquor cabinet!
posted by hincandenza at 02:45 PM on January 08, 2006
Ok - Heading to the kitchen for more snacks for second game. Any requests?
posted by skydivemom at 02:47 PM on January 08, 2006
Aspirin
posted by babooze808 at 02:48 PM on January 08, 2006
Tom Coughlins a joke of a coach. They need to fire his sorry ass for this crap. Home Game Playoffs.
posted by skydivedad at 02:48 PM on January 08, 2006
AIkman is so full of s--t he makes me sick.
posted by skydivedad at 02:49 PM on January 08, 2006
Yea mom How bout a piece of that cherry- cheese pie and some ice for me cocktail
posted by skydivedad at 02:50 PM on January 08, 2006
Oh cheese-doodle please....
posted by skydivedad at 02:51 PM on January 08, 2006
Should I root for the Bengals just so that Pats meet up with Indy next week? Cause Pats aren't gonna make it past Denver.
posted by babooze808 at 02:56 PM on January 08, 2006
No cheese doodles for skydivedad until after the Pro Bowl! He's been cut off! babooze, you just keep talkin' da smack...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Updated rankings can be found on the Leaderboard, which is on my profile page. 30 minutes till the final game of the weekend, Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati. Good luck, everyone!
posted by hincandenza at 03:05 PM on January 08, 2006
At least I'm still in the first column...barely...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:06 PM on January 08, 2006
babooze, you just keep talkin' da smack... It's not smack. . . Mike Shanahan's got some good stuff goin on up the Mile High City. They've been really quiet about it. They line 'em up an' knock 'em down. Very effective organization right now. And I'm not even a Broncos fan! Just got a helluva lotta respect for what they doin' IN Denver. That's the key - IN DENVER. (I used smack and high in the same paragraph - I may have a problem)
posted by babooze808 at 03:10 PM on January 08, 2006
leaderboard oh leaderboard what shame. I am left speechless, not only am I leading for the Costanza Trophy skydivemom has doubled my pts. total. I need a drink!
posted by skydivedad at 03:10 PM on January 08, 2006
It's not smack. . . Mike Shanahan's got some good stuff goin on up the Mile High City. I know he does, but think about it. Think about the past few years of playoffs. Caroline had some good stuff going on, St. Louis had some good stuff going on, Pittsburgh had some good stuff going on, Indianapolis had some really good stuff going on...most of those teams were favored over the Pats, and they got handled. And what the Pats had then that made those wins possible, they have now, too. Heck, after last night, I'd say they have it in spades. Now, here's the q of the hour: do you think there's any chance it's gonna be the Bengals in Denver next weekend?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:33 PM on January 08, 2006
By the way Denver and Seattle were the only teams to go perfect (8-0) at home.
posted by babooze808 at 03:34 PM on January 08, 2006
it's gonna be the Bengals in Denver Great Point lbb. Considering I've got Cincy/over as the Constanza pts leader I say the odds aren't in their favor for a trip to the Mile High City. Although skydivemom and myself are members of the Mile High Club! :)
posted by skydivedad at 03:39 PM on January 08, 2006
offense, offense, offense. need offense
posted by skydivedad at 03:41 PM on January 08, 2006
If Cincy wins they go to Denver next week, no? Or did I get that totally wrong?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:43 PM on January 08, 2006
You got it right. They'll go to Denver and get creamed. Whoever goes to Denver gets creamed.
posted by babooze808 at 03:46 PM on January 08, 2006
Have you ever been to Denver in January? That football feels like a freakin coconut!!!
posted by babooze808 at 03:47 PM on January 08, 2006
Yea!! Offense Finally
posted by skydivedad at 03:48 PM on January 08, 2006
crap Palmer hurt. Oh man not Kitna
posted by skydivedad at 03:49 PM on January 08, 2006
Ohhh noooooo!!! That's only the second play!!!
posted by babooze808 at 03:49 PM on January 08, 2006
I can't be this snake bit. Cheap shot by Pitt DLine man.
posted by skydivedad at 03:50 PM on January 08, 2006
There goes my Fantasy League $ carted off the field.
posted by skydivedad at 03:52 PM on January 08, 2006
Maybe its just me....but has this been the most boreing Wildcard weekend in years?
posted by Folkways at 03:58 PM on January 08, 2006
Depressing is a better description. Boring and depressing
posted by skydivedad at 03:59 PM on January 08, 2006
I was wondering how my Pittsburgh pick might hold up, so I switched on the tee vee to see Carson Palmer being carted off the field. Follow up with the Bengals players getting violent and consequently penalized on the field, and I may be able to climb out of my seven-point hole.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 04:04 PM on January 08, 2006
That's heresy!!! Football is NEVER boring!!! Forgive them father for they know not . . .
posted by babooze808 at 04:05 PM on January 08, 2006
He didn't slide!!! He's got BALLS!!! Looks good on this drive.
posted by babooze808 at 04:12 PM on January 08, 2006
More offense, exxxxcellent.......
posted by skydivedad at 04:15 PM on January 08, 2006
Yeah, I love when the QB doesn't slide- made a difference there! Not the smartest play, though, being the backup QB. However, as backup QB's go, Kitna's a pretty good second choice. I like my over pick today- these no-huddle offenses can really lead to shoot-outs, which is what I was hoping for- but I'm starting to regret that Pittsburgh pick. Cowher and the Steelers in the playoffs? At Cincy, which was undefeated at home this year? What was I *thinking*? Ah well- it's not over by a long shot. Although I might go 0-fer in this game, because with the backup QB, and with flags likely to start flying if the players keep roughing each other up, the game could turn conservative very quickly. :(
posted by hincandenza at 04:20 PM on January 08, 2006
Carson my man gonna make me proud. Everything rides on Carson Palmer, Cincy can't win without throwing the football. I've got big jack on the line in my Fantasy Playoff League. I spent all my $ on Mr. Palmer. Yeesh. Mayday.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 04:21 PM on January 08, 2006
Weedy McSmokey Feeling a little drinkie, tanks fer yur serpert
posted by skydivedad at 04:35 PM on January 08, 2006
Dang, Kitna is looking fantastic today... poised, in control... this will be a real barn burner! If I had one stone cold lock this weekend, it was for this game to be a high-scoring one (again, the no-huddle offenses, Bengals giving up an average of 31 over the last 7 games of the season, etc). Looks like I'm assured of at least 2 points from this game...
posted by hincandenza at 04:35 PM on January 08, 2006
I,ve got the over with ya Hal. Gotta get some pts. here but Palmer was gonna rock at home! Sure blew up my Fantasy Team
posted by skydivedad at 04:37 PM on January 08, 2006
Off hand I'd say these teams don't like each other
posted by skydivedad at 04:38 PM on January 08, 2006
Hard decision to put Palmer back in if he's ready in the third. Kitna's looking spectacular. That 15-play drive took a lot outta the Steelers' D.
posted by babooze808 at 04:47 PM on January 08, 2006
skydivemom jumping up and down like a crazed women. She picked Steelers and Got Big Ben in her fantasy league. TD Steelers .... great more pts.
posted by skydivedad at 04:55 PM on January 08, 2006
4 drives 4 TD's I like offense!
posted by skydivedad at 04:56 PM on January 08, 2006
Good 'ole benny's looking good!
posted by skydivemom at 05:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Palmer's out for the game, no idea about the playoffs if the Bengals advance. The over looks like a lock- we are just two total TDs away. Was hoping for the Steelers to get that FG- then the Pit/Over/10 line would seem that much more achievable. 10-pt spread seems to be the most popular pick among spofites for this game, including by several of the leading spofites so far. Man- I think I'm coming down with something, I feel really sick. Gonna try to get some lunch down, then hope I can make it to the game's end and update the leaderboard... (
posted by hincandenza at 05:11 PM on January 08, 2006
Palmer update: it's an ACL. Back for training camp next year if he's lucky.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 05:33 PM on January 08, 2006
Momentum swing = ten-point swing.
posted by babooze808 at 05:45 PM on January 08, 2006
Man-I think I'm coming down with something, Cincy down by 10 damm.....
posted by skydivedad at 05:58 PM on January 08, 2006
brings home the over though
posted by skydivedad at 05:59 PM on January 08, 2006
Bam! That was an amazing play. Guess Cincy doesn't have much of a chance now but I'm still gunning for those 10 points.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:02 PM on January 08, 2006
What I love is that almost every single person, but one, ahead of me had picked Cincinnati, and a few picked the under. I'm gonna make up some ground on this game!!!
posted by hincandenza at 06:03 PM on January 08, 2006
Coming back after a trip to the Inn (and a couple of Steel Rail Pale Ales): Have you ever been to Denver in January? That football feels like a freakin coconut!!! I've been to Boulder (which is north of Denver) in January lots of times. It's significantly warmer than anywhere in New England. Just a data point, there...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 06:03 PM on January 08, 2006
HHHMMMM A Steel Rail Pale Ale Can we be friends?
posted by skydivedad at 06:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Krap, I took the under on this one. And a three-point spread. This game sucks!
posted by lil_brown_bat at 06:06 PM on January 08, 2006
Well, the REAL Kitna came outta the locker room in the 2nd half. Looks like it's gonna be the Pats visiting Denver. I'm not gonna say the Pats are a bad team - they're the defending champs two years running - I'm just giving Denver the respect.
posted by babooze808 at 06:09 PM on January 08, 2006
I am currently in a 12 way tie for 9th place. Wahoo!
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:17 PM on January 08, 2006
Fuck- guys, I'm just WAY too sick at this point. I have to turn off the game and get to bed, just in too much pain. And I don't mean psychic pain from watching football, I mean actual, flu-like pain, throbbing head, nausea... :( ... I'll update the full leaderboard later tonight. As it stands, so long as Pittsburgh holds on, and not including anyone hitting the spread, chris2y has 14 points, thatweirdguy2 and zac4667 each have 13, and then an 8-way tie for twelfth at 12 points, including yours truly.
posted by hincandenza at 06:23 PM on January 08, 2006
My crazed husband is running around the house in his underwear looking for cheez doodles and wild turkey! I have hidden both along with the car keys.
posted by skydivemom at 06:23 PM on January 08, 2006
Page 2 headline this week: PATS GET NO RESPECT from babooze808, anyway
posted by DrJohnEvans at 06:27 PM on January 08, 2006
Well, so much for that.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 06:42 PM on January 08, 2006
Oh com' on, I'm givin' the Pats ALL the props! The run gotta end sometime, right? My prediction is that it ends in Denver, that's all. I'm not takin' nuthin' away from the champs. You guys comfortable with the hatin'? You go on and be what ya gotta be. New England's not just a good football team, they're a GREAT team. But time marches on . .
posted by babooze808 at 06:44 PM on January 08, 2006
I got the over, I got the spread, jus missed the winner - took Bengals (oh well)
posted by babooze808 at 06:46 PM on January 08, 2006
I got the over, I got the spread, jus missed the winner - took Bengals (oh well) I got all four team winners in my pool. I lost all four O/Us. Over/Unders should be outlawed! Beans and franks this week!
posted by STLCardinalfan at 07:03 PM on January 08, 2006
Mike Shanahan's got some good stuff goin on up the Mile High City. They've been really quiet about it. They line 'em up an' knock 'em down. Very effective organization right now. And I'm not even a Broncos fan! Just got a helluva lotta respect for what they doin' IN Denver. That's the key - IN DENVER. You got it right. They'll go to Denver and get creamed. Whoever goes to Denver gets creamed. Have you ever been to Denver in January? That football feels like a freakin coconut!!! I'm not gonna say the Pats are a bad team - they're the defending champs two years running - I'm just giving Denver the respect. Dude, there's no hatin' going on here, just wonderin' whether or not you're going to give us an actual argument in favour of the Broncos. Here is your reasoning as to why the Broncos over the Patriots is a lock:
- Mike Shanahan has "some good stuff"
- Denver has a perfect record at home
- Footballs feel like coconuts
posted by DrJohnEvans at 07:08 PM on January 08, 2006
Hey, You guys have been great. I really enjoyed watching football with ya this weekend. Thanks 2 1 and all, even though I think I am the current Costanza Leader and I can't handle humiliation, I'm drinkie enough to not care. I'll sober up enough to make it to work in the AM and plot my pick'em pics. No 1 thing however, I'm a Bears Homer, thats one pic there, I'll give fair warnings on the other games. Now if I can just find my car keys ......
posted by skydivedad at 07:11 PM on January 08, 2006
gotta some up with some tangible arguments Denver's got the one of the best legs in the league with Elam. Plummer's havin' one of his best seaons ever with an offense that's designed for a QB to "manage" and not gamble. Running tandem is solid enough to have almost both backs in the thousand yard club. Defense line stops the run pretty well. Mike Shanahan's a damn good coach in his own right. Home field advantage throws in the emotional edge. Want more?
posted by babooze808 at 07:16 PM on January 08, 2006
Denver vs New England Quarterbacks = Big edge - NE Running Backs = Push Receivers = Push Coaching = Edge - NE Kicking = Push Defense = Push Home field = Big edge - DEN Experience = Edge - NE Winner - The team that has 36 Super Bowl rings. The end
posted by STLCardinalfan at 07:18 PM on January 08, 2006
Forget the keys and GO TO BED!
posted by skydivemom at 07:19 PM on January 08, 2006
Anyone see Marvin Lewis' postgame comments? When asked about Palmer's injury he said, and this is not an exact quote: Our guy didn't roll around and cry like their quarterback did. Apparently he was referring to Big Ben's injury earlier in the season. Ouch.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 07:21 PM on January 08, 2006
Running Backs = Push Kicking = Push No way. Check your stat sheet again. Elam is tied for the NFL record with a 60 yarder. Got ten kicks from outside the 40, including a 50 yarder. . . the guy has distance - Mile High adds another 5-10 yards. Denver's runningback tandem is good for almost 2000 yards. Corey Dillion and ANYBODY else (lets take Patrick Pass) is good for LESS THAN 1000 yards. Now, they're going into a house that only allows 85 rush yards so the pass is gonna be the key where Brady definitely has an edge over Plummer. By the way doesn't Shanahan own a few rings himself? That may make the coaching edge a push also. Um, Dr. John, LLB, you guys getting all of this "empty rhetoric"?
posted by babooze808 at 07:37 PM on January 08, 2006
I'm trying to leave that game where Denver beat New England out of the argument. However, in the conference: Denver 10-2 New England 7-5 Not trying to take anything away from the champs, but time marches on . . .
posted by babooze808 at 07:45 PM on January 08, 2006
Denver's got the one of the best legs in the league with Elam. Comparison of FG, Long, and PAT: Elam: 24/32 (.750), 51, 43/44 (.977) Vinatieri: 20/25 (.800), 49, 40/41 (.976) That's pretty even. And considering what happened in last week's Patriots game, the kicking battle may not even end up being a factor. Plummer's havin' one of his best seaons ever with an offense that's designed for a QB to "manage" and not gamble. Comparison of yards per game, TDs, and QB rating: Plummer: 210.4, 18, 90.2 Brady: 256.9, 26, 92.3 Running tandem is solid enough to have almost both backs in the thousand yard club. Corey Dillon (733 yards in only 12 games) matches up well with either of them, but I guess there are two of them and only one of him. So okay, Denver's deeper at running back than New England. Defense line stops the run pretty well. Broncos allowed an average of 85.2 rush yards per game, good for second overall. Their opponents this year had an average rank of 15.6 in rushing yards per game. So they were pretty good on average against the middle of the pack. It's worth pointing out that New England was 24th or so, but gets bumped up to the middle of the pack if you add in Dillon's yards per game for the games he missed (crude, I know, grum, sorry). So, okay, if stats hold up, the Patriots should only manage 85 or so yards against Denver, which is only about thirty yards' difference from the 118 they got against the Jaguars. Might make a difference. Mike Shanahan's a damn good coach in his own right. Maybe. But he hasn't won 10 straight playoff games. Home field advantage throws in the emotional edge. Works both ways. First game in two weeks, the pressure from the fans to perform well can be just as much of a detriment as encouragement. I wouldn't put too much stock in it. Um, Dr. John, LLB, you guys getting all of this "empty rhetoric"? Yep, just putting together this reply. I'm trying to leave that game where Denver beat New England out of the argument. However, in the conference: Denver 10-2, New England 7-5 Denver also hasn't played a playoff team since October. New England has played two in the past four weeks, winning both games by a combined score of 56-3. Not trying to take anything away from the champs, but time marches on . . . Not a valid argument in any way. Brady's still young and talented, and Belichick isn't getting any dumber. At some point the Patriots are going to have to lose in the playoffs, but the evidence is not overwhelmingly convincing that that'll happen next week. Denver may have a rushing edge, but New England certainly has a passing edge. New England may very well lose. Denver seems to have a pretty good team this year. But so do the Patriots, and this game is not a lock either way like you're making it out to be.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 08:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Also, if I were an actual Patriots fan, I'd follow up "Denver seems to have a pretty good team this year" with "and so did Pittsburgh and Indy last year". :)
posted by DrJohnEvans at 08:06 PM on January 08, 2006
Um, Dr. John, LLB, you guys getting all of this "empty rhetoric"? Who's LLB? Keep on stone-cold-lockin'...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:09 PM on January 08, 2006
Who's LLB? laviscious_lil_bat?
posted by tron7 at 11:03 PM on January 08, 2006
best "L" word I could think of
posted by tron7 at 11:04 PM on January 08, 2006
Sorry about the typo LBB, nice retort, my good Dr. Can't wait till the players take the field.
posted by babooze808 at 11:09 PM on January 08, 2006
My flu has broken- thanks for the well-wishing, sports fans, grumble grumble- and I'll be posting the leaderboard shortly for anyone who's still up.
posted by hincandenza at 02:01 AM on January 09, 2006
Steelers would have never won if Carson didn't get hurt so don't get too excited all you Steeler fans. They are toast next week
posted by guybones at 09:55 AM on January 09, 2006
No way. Check your stat sheet again. Even if I conceded a slight edge to Denver for running backs, the kickers are both veterans and both good and both kicking in the thin, mile-high air. And back to running backs. Anderson/Bell/Dayne vs Dillon/Faulk? That's a tough one.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 11:00 AM on January 09, 2006
Well, another way of looking at it is, New England played this weekend and Denver didn't. So let's take a look at New England's strengths and weaknesses in that game, as predicted in advance, and how they did with 'em. The two big weaknesses that everyone thought the Jags would be able to exploit were the Pats' secondary, and the offensive line. The Pats' secondary, to be sure, ain't what it used to be, and it was thought that Byron Leftwich could cut it to ribbons. Somehow it didn't work out that way. Interesting statistic: the Pats had 189 passing yards, the Jags had 205 yards...but they couldn't get it in the end zone. Somehow the pass defense worked well enough -- and note, there was an adjustment made there, with Troy Brown switching sides to prop up the D. And as I expected, getting Asante Samuel back made a big difference, not just on the interception but on many other plays as well. (footnote to that: in the later part of the game, the Pats' defensive line had a lot to do with the erosion of the Jags' passing game. The more pressure the defense can put on the quarterback, the less you have to lean on the secondary.) The other big pregame-anticipated weakness was the Pats' offensive line vs. the Jags' defensive line. The thought was that the relative rookie-ness of the Pat's o-line wouldn't provide enough protection for Brady to make the plays, and in fact, Brady had to do a lot of dancing around early in the game and sacked or hurry-upped quite a few times. But the Pats' offensive line seem to learn quickly, and the throw-short-run-long game worked very well. So what about the Broncos? Home field is pretty big, but not, I think, any more than anywhere else. The weather will be mild compared to what the Pats are used to, and 5000 feet of elevation isn't going to make enough difference where trained athletes are concerned (but don't be surprised if the Pats head west early to acclimate for a few days). The Broncos' defense against the run is good, against the pass is poor, which is probably connected with the fact that they're 32nd in the NFL in sacks. This could be a big-offense game, but with Bruschi back on the line, I'm thinking that Plummer will have less time than Brady to find the receivers. Bottom line: I put my faith in the boys from Foxboro. But, damn, do they have to start the game at 8 pm? Saturday night? I have to get up at 5:30 Saturday morning, dammit!
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:48 AM on January 09, 2006
When a person looks at the stat sheet then gets a feeling and . . . ah, feelings aren't facts. I concede the argument. I can't wait till the players take the field. Denver's gonna put on a good show.
posted by babooze808 at 02:30 AM on January 10, 2006
Hal Thanks for the fast update on the standings. Here's a link to the way-kewl spreadsheet you've put together showing the current leaderboard. 9 SpoFites are in the early lead with myself and rcade giving you guys a handicap before we allow our prognosticating genius to be shown in public. As you say Hal, anyone can still win it all!