Three of the Week!! (OK, two stars and a loser)
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Ricky Williams : Ricky is quickly justifying his selection by the Saints (who gave up all their draft picks for him that year), and raising questions that Ditka's firing was premature. He is continuing a stellar season by rushing for 156 yards on 29 carries with 4 catches for 47 yards plus 3 touchdowns (36 pts). His performance on the field ensured an easy victory and new league season high for the Cunning Linguists. If Williams can keep on a roll than Joe might be able to keep pace with Tom's scoring machine.
Jerremy's Defenses: It's not fair to pick on a team when it's down but no other player let his team down more this week than Jerremy's defenses. The Broncos were stunned by a pathetic Bengals team and not only managed to lose but only score FIVE points in the process (two sacks and a fumble). This against a Bengals team that gave up 25pts to the Steeler's the previous week (four sacks, two interceptions, a fumble, a safety, and a shutout). The Ram's are in even worse straits than Denver. They are finally proving that their defense is AS bad as it seemed. Getting blown-out by the Chiefs, and heading into this week without their starting Quarterback and their main running back injured must seem like a nightmare (except to the 49er's). How long can Jer survive with these defenses??
Kris Brown: This former Cornhusker is quietly beginning a successful career in the NFL. He is 14-16 on field goals, and is perfect on extra point attempts. This past week he made five of five field goals to help lead the Steeler's over the Cleveland Browns. With the Pittsburgh offense starting to show signs of life, and their noted troubles scoring touchdowns, Kris could be a major sleeper pickup for a team in need of a steady kicker. In two seasons he has maintained a 90% accuracy rate which continues into this week. How long can owners avoid having their own Steeler!!!
Once again, The Game of the Week features a crucial division match-up. This time between the Cunning Linguists (7-1) and the Ball Bags (5-3). Joe needs a victory to keep pace with Tom (and the playoff bye) while a victory by Dave will bring him closer to the division leaders and help his wild card chances.
The projected starting lineup's are:
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Ball Bags
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Cunning Linguists
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Testaverde
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Beurlein
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Davis
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Williams
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Lewis
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Garner
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D. Alexander
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Chrebet
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Muhammad
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Owens
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S. Alexander
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Sharpe
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Del Greco
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Vanderjagt
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Mia D
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KC D
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Quarterbacks: JOE
Despite Vinny's heroics Monday night (and his huge day) the jury is still out on Testaverde. He looked cold and lost during the first three quarters of play than heated up in the fourth. How many times can he go to the well before it runs dry?? Beurlein, however, is coming out of a dry spell and appears to be back on track. Against a bad Falcons defense he should have a good day while Testaverde faces a stingy Buffalo defense.
Running Backs: JOE
Without a doubt, Joe will dominate this match-up. Ricky Williams is going against a sub-par Arizona defense that will still be reeling from losing their coach. Look for him to continue his campaign to reach the Stars and put his flashlight days behind him. The great part for Joe is Williams will have the harder day of his two backs. Charlie Garner is having a tremendous year (perhaps ending Hearst's stay in San Francisco next season) and to top it off is playing the pathetic Rams defense this week. A team with a HUGE question mark beside their offense. A poor showing by Trent Green and an injured Faulk could mean a LONG day for the Rams defense and a HAPPY day for the 49er's offense. The Ball Bags have underutilized Stephen Davis and a good young running back in Jamal Lewis who happens to be on a horrible offense. The result is consistently low point totals for these two without much hope of a big day.
Wide-Outs: DAVE
Dave has the advantage here. Alexander is putting together a great season for the Chiefs, and will continue this week against the Seahawks. Seattle's secondary is among the worst in pass protection giving up a loft 65%+ completion rate to their opponents. Muhammad is matched up against a Falcon's defense known to give up big pass plays, and Beurlein appears ready to catch fire at any moment. Joe will offset some of this advantage with the fact that Owens is going against the Rams. He should be able to follow the footsteps of those before him and put up big numbers on St. Louis. Joe's problems begin with his number two spot. Chrebet or Moss?? Chrebet is coming off a stellar day while Moss goes up against a stingy Buccaneer's defense looking for some respect. Chrebet is facing the Bill's who have a good defense, so the choice is a tough one. Joe will need to go with his heart on this one but either choice shouldn't produce too many points this week.
Tightend: JOE
Sharpe is Sharpe, but is Sharpe sharp with Dilfer at Quarterback? That's an important question facing the Cunning Linguists this week. It's all academic because Brad Johnson has discovered Albert Connell which will drastically reduce Stephen Alexander's role in the Redskins offense. Don't look for a lot of points from either of these two this week.
Kickers: DAVE
Yeah, yeah, Vanderjagt is on a high scoring Colts offense, and Del Greco is on a low scoring Titans team. Look for Del Greco to have a big day as the Titans take to the air because of George's injury. Steve puts the air back in McN"air", and Al gets more field goal attempts than normal. On the flip side, Colts put the Lions away on the ground, and Vanderjagt only gets 4-5 points extra points.
Defense: DAVE
Joe's seeming dislike for the Chiefs high scoring defense leads him to again sit them on the bench. Dave meanwhile smartens up and plays the Miami defense against Favre who is quickly becoming known for his three interception days. Look for Miami to put up big points this week!
OVERALL: Joe has the superior team on paper. He leads in all the major areas, and has potential to win every area.
Prediction (I am 2 - 2): Dave, why? Dave has been having some bad luck (injuries galore) and it's finally turning. Joe's high flying team hits a wall and lets him down (as always) in the crunch.
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