ALPHA Conference Standaings after week 14

Team

Win

Lose

Tie

Pts For

Pts Against

Pct

Streak

Tigers

9

4

1

471

416

0.679

W2

B52'S

7

7

0

404

385

0.500

W2

Nightmare

6

7

1

365

389

0.464

L1

Tomcats

6

7

1

379

354

0.464

L2

Gophers

5

8

1

408

469

0.393

T1

Sharks

4

9

1

422

512

0.321

T2

 

THE STAT ZONE

QB's

Attempts

Complitions

Yards

TD's

Percentage

BANKS

271

148

1533

9

54.61%

HARBAUGH

203

123

1316

8

60.59%

LEAF

227

114

1375

8

50.22%

TESTAVERDE

459

256

2897

19

55.77%

RB'S

Carries

Yards

TD's

Ave/Per Carry

Catches

Yards

TD's

Ave/Per Catch

JAMES

291

1318

10

4.53

47

432

4

9.19

BARBER

157

826

4

5.26

56

571

2

10.20

MARTIN

265

1094

8

4.13

51

342

2

6.71

EDWARDS

0

0

0

0

15

121

2

8.07

WR's

Receptions

Yards

TD's

Ave/Per Recep

Carries

Yards

TD's

DWIGHT

26

406

4

15.62

0

0

0

DAWKINS

51

593

3

11.63

JOHNSON

49

590

0

12.04

BURRESS

23

283

0

12.30

MARTIN

6

120

0

20.00

TAYLOR

25

253

3

10.12

McDANIEL

35

559

3

15.97

COLES

7

87

0

17.00

TE's

Receptions

Yards

TD's

Av/Per Recep

WILLIAMS

9

91

3

10.11

SHARPE

57

720

5

12.63

 

 

 

    1st Draft of a new Millennium

Not the most auspicious group of players to mark a new millennium, but the area I was interested in drafting from seemed to be fairly strong in depth. There was a good turnout from the head coaches, with only two of the twelve not present to make their selections. Once the official business of rule change discussions and announcements were complete it was time to get down to the nitty gritty of making our selections. The warriors had the first draft choice, but when this choice was offered up in return for a starting QB I felt compelled to offer last years 'Mare starter Elvis Grbac in an effort to pick up the two players that I desperately wanted. To my surprise my offer was accepted and I immediately hit back with the selection of the two top wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Travis Taylor. Next time round I made up for losing Grbac by picking up Tony banks the QB for Baltimore. My third round choice was a gamble when I picked up the man with an attitude problem Lauvernes Coles, the reason behind this selection was the space left by Keyshawn Johnson at wide receiver for the Jets. If things don't work out, at least it's one less player I have to worry about cutting. In the fourth round I picked up another player with problems kicker Sebastian Janikowski. Although another gamble, if it comes off and he sorts out his personal problems and doesn't get deported, this could be the answer to my problems in the kicking department which I consider it to be one of the 'Mares weak areas. I left the draft with a very positive feeling about the coming season and would also like to take this opportunity to thank commissioner Steve Holland for all his hard work in making this a most professional and well organised event.

 

Coaches season 2000 aspirations

Last season was a strange one from my point of view, and taught me a lot about the game of fantasy football. The unpredictability of player performances cost the 'Mares dearly as in the first half of the season we struggled to score a victory. However, a slight recovery in the back seven restored some respectability and provided me with the unexpected prospect of second choice overall in the draft. The established players failed to catch light and performances were plagued by inconsistency. The team's rookies however restored confidence in the future, with Edgerin James collecting NFL rookie of the year honours and despite Cleveland's poor showing Kevin Johnson put together some impressive numbers.

 

My aims remain simple for this season, the goal of six victories has to be the first bench mark to achieve as we have failed to make an impression in Alpha conference since I took over the coaching role two years ago. I also hope that some of my younger players can establish themselves as consistent starters for their respective teams and with this hopefully better scores will be a natural progression. I intend to have a more open mind on player selection. I believe a couple of victories could have been scored had I been able to get over my blinkered attitude toward Curtis Martin and put in Terry Kirby, who consistently scored all season for luckless Cleveland. My rebuilding program still has one more season to run, but I truly expect a marked improvement in the team's performance this year and will be very disappointed if we don't elevate from bottom place this year.

 

Nightmare 39 V 13 Gophers

The Mares 100% record over the Gophers in regular season match ups continued with an impressive display in the season opener. I cannot deny that this was a most satisfactory start to the campaign, but it did clearly highlight the lack of consistency in fire power this team has in the wide receiver position. This endorses my decision to draft heavily in this area, using 3 of my 4 picks to acquire receivers. Mind you, after this weekends display, who need receivers when you have two flying backs in Curtis Martin and Edgerrin James. Their combined numbers of 30-110-1 and 28-124-1 on the ground and 6-34-1 and 6-40-1 in the air respectively, was extremely impressive. Even newly acquired backup Tiki Barber had 2 TD's in the Giants opener. The rest of the points came in the form of one toss from a now fully reciovered Vinny Testaverde. 6 points from the consistent if not spectacular peg of Jason Hanson and 6 from the teams of Detroit. I think the lack of scoring in the wideout position tells me there is some way to go yet before the Mares are true contenders, but two of our rookies had a steady if not impressive start and I believe that the future is in good hands.

Nightmare 54 V 46 Sharks

As far as victories go there won't be many more satisfying than this as far as this coach is concerned. It's all very well being able to beat a good side when they have an off day, but out scoring them in what can only be described as a shoot out is what really counts. As a coach this tells me that my team is becoming a more competitive outfit and with a couple of strengthening acquisitions this team could well be a trophy contender. These are the kind of games you have to win in order to win championships. These kind of victories are the difference between playoff births and also rans. But let's not get carried away, there is a long way to go. But in previous seasons the Mares were losing games like these and I was lot in what I call the "Annie Syndrome", always tomorrow. Performance of the week without a doubt goes to rookie sensation, Travis Taylor. His two scores and stats of 4-80 made impressive reading. Equally outstanding once again was "The Edge", posting numbers that are almost expected of him these days. This week 18-91-1 on the ground and 6-36-1 in the air. Roland Williams stepped up and collected a TD this week, despite only catching the one pass for 4 yards. Another exceptional performance came from Jason Hanson's boot. He collected 5 field goals, amassing 15 valuable points for the Mares cause.

 

Nightmare 16 v 24 Warriors

A not entirely unexpected result if the truth be known. I never had any doubt that the Mares have little depth outside the starting line up. After two weeks of What can only be described as a scoring frenzy, this week was bordering on pathetic by comparison. I made what I considered to be calculated changes to the starting nine, but as it turned out this made little difference, as the entire squads total didn't match the Warriors modest total. The only up side that can be taken from this inept display is the continued consistency of our backs. Curtis Martin, last years nearly man is finally getting the job done and Tiki Barber, a last minute replacement for the out of favour Terry Kirby has been outstanding and an excellent addition to the back field. Posting stats of 29-84-1 and 17-86-1 rushing and 4-44-0 and 6-58-0 receiving respectively, both players deserve performance of the week honours. The rest of the points came from the boot of Jason Hanson. In an ever constant search for depth I have made another entry into the free agency market, staking a claim on a couple of players which may turn out useful as the season goes on.

 

Nightmare 27 V 44 B52s

Four weeks into the 2000 season and all square at 2-2. I have to admit this result was more than a little disappointing as I really believed we had a good chance of winning. 27 points isn't a bad total, but if I had chosen Cuirtis Martin and Seb Janikowski, things could have been very different. It's no good harping on about what might have been, I am still encouraged by the teams progress. Despite two losses on the trot, everything still points to a successful future. We're currently averaging 34 points per game, which is a team high during my reign as coach and if we keep it up, you've got to expect to win a few more games than last season. Player of the week honours go to Travis Taylor, he only scored 1 touchdown, but taking into consideration that he is a rookie he's making quite an impact. The rest of the points came in the form of, 2 throws from Tony Banks, 1 touchdown from "The Edge" , in what for him turned out to be a fairly modest day at the office. Shannon Sharpe chipped in with another six points and the rest came from the toe of Jason Hanson. The only question that remains going into week five is "Do cats have Nightmares?"

Nightmare 8 v 15 Tomcats

Not much that can be said about this one except that it was just one of those Nightmare games. (No pun intended!) I was forced to pick players that I didn't really fancy in the NFL match ups, due to losing so many players in the bye week. It's enevitable that if you put all your eggs in one basket, sooner or later you're going to come up with nothing and that's about all we got here. There was certainly no warrant for a performance of the week award, clearly no one performed, I'm not sure as yet if anyone actually turned up! The points came from two players, two from Edgerrin James and six from the man who has forgotten where the goal posts are, having missed three field goals in four games Jason Hanson. I feel that when I revert back to my preferred starting line up this week and maybe giving Seb Janikowski a run out, things will be a whole lot better. One thing is for certain about the season so far and that is I named my franchise so well.

 

Nightmare 14 v 14 Villagers

This is my first ever draw as a head coach and I have to say that we were lucky to get it. When your teams pull it out of the bag for you, you must be in a bad shape. It didn't help with Vinny being pulled part way through with a trapped nerve in his shoulder, but the rest simply isn't worth mentioning. The scary thing is Seb Janikowski missed two field goals, just one of those would have won this one for us. One of those weeks or the shape of things to come? I somehow feel our early season promise was a spot premature and these last three performances are more on par with  the Nightmare of old. Still I changed the team logo and that looks very nice.

 

Nightmare 26 v 25 Tigers

Was it the changing of the team logo that brought me my first victory of the Tigers or a stroke of luck? Well I did my best to hand it Steve on a plate by not choosing Curtis Martin the week he decides to go and score 3 TD's against his old team mates a New England. Thankfully Edgerrin "Don't worry I'll do it on my own" James was arounf to save the day, by also scoring 3 TD's and this coupled with Seb Janikowski's eight points were enough to clinch the victory, after all it's the win tht matters not the margin, right? Do I really need to tell you who gets the player of the week award. I'm still very worried about the fact that for about three weeks not one of my Wide outs have produced a TD. I do have a number of young players and I guess i's enevitable as they find their way in th big league. I'd be a fool and a liar if I said that this victory above all the others I've had (believe my I've had so few I can remember them all!) is the best, The Tigers are the bench mark that I am trying to model my team on and this victory means maybe, just maybe were heading in the right direction.

 

Nightmare 41 v 52 Gophers

Full credit to the Gophers in notching up their first regular season victory over the Mares since I took charge three seasons ago. We scored well and against many other opponents would probably have struck up a well earned result, but alas it wasn't to be. Heavy scoring from two players ensured a strong showing. Cvinny Testaverde went mad, throwing 5 Touchdowns to grab a massive 15 points. While Edgerrin James takes a share of performance of the week with another impressive set of numbers. 20 carries for 124 yards for 1 touchdown, and 2 catches for five yards and one touchdown. Curtis Martin also had a productive day at the office but failed to score against Miami. Tim Dwight finally broke a Wide receiver three week drought, with one touchdown and the rest of the points were kicked by Jason Hanson in the Thursday night match up. Position wise we're still in good shape if a bit of a long shot for a wild card spot and the lack of points from my wideouts is still a cause for concern.

Nightmare 16 V 28 Warriors

Another disappointing result and the beginning of the end effectively of another promised filled season. As in previous years it is the wide receiver position that has hurt us the most. Although I never really expected anything from my team until next year, the season started with such promise, I thought we might be in with a chance of a wild card slot. The reasons for this are simple, I drafted youngsters and due to injury (Tim Dwight Tony Martin) and appalling form (Kevin Johnson, Sean Dawkins), I have been forced to use rookies that have little chance of making an impact so soon. Edgerrin James all but sealed up the franchise MVP for a the second year in succession, with another hundred yard game, resulting in one touchdown. The rest of the points came from two throws from Vinny T and a mere 4 points from Jason Hanson. An encouraging performance from L Coles for the Jets, catching 5 passes for a hundred plus yards, impressive numbers for a rookie taken fairly low in the draft.

Nightmare 39 V 33 Sharks

I really wanted this fourth victory of the season for a couple of reasons. Firstly to match last years win column, which I use as a benchmark for improvement each season. Secondly, for some form of signal that we are heading in the right direction. I think the team has tremendous potential and it's down to a patch of bad luck, which has ruined what was potentially quite a promising season. Of course it's not all over yet, but there are some tough games ahead and I can't realistically expect, with the lack of consistency I am experiencing to win too many of the remaining fixtures. This week Edgerrin James all but engraved his name on the franchise MVP award for the second year in succession. He has been outstanding and clearly the best player so far that I have drafted. He scored two touchdowns for Indianapolis in what turned out to be a difficult loss to Chicago. Curtis Martin, who is also having a very productive season in what is in fact a fairly mediocre Jets team, added a further six points to the tally. In the same game Vinny T contributed three points, with one touchdown throw. Finally, Sean Dawkins broke his duck and scored his first touchdown of the season. Last of the points came from 1998 franchise MVP Shannon Sharpe, he caught two touchdowns to confirm his status as one of the best Tight Ends in the NFL.

Nightmare 23 V 27 B52's

This could have been so different if I'd have known that Sean Dawkins played for Seattle. I thought he was injured, normally he's a regular starter and his score would have given me my fifth victory of the year and equal my record from my first season in charge. This is where having the ability to change my line up at the last minute puts me at a disadvantage. This time however it will probably cost me a wildcard spot. I have a particularly difficult finish to my schedule with both the Tomcats and the Tigers waiting to rack the points up. Points were scored by Vinny Testaverde 3, Curtis Martin continued with an impressive season adding a further 6 points. The Edge continued to lead all backs in the league with another 6 and eight points were contributed by Jason Hanson.

 

Nightmare 13 V 12 Villagers

I can thank Nightmare franchise MVP of two seasons ago Shannon Sharpe for this victory. His touchdown clinched the victory that gives the mares the best record since I became coach 5-6-1. I wonder how important that half game will be come the end of the season. A game and a half improvement on last season and half a game improvement on season one this was a satisfying achievement despite the low score line. This was clearly a defensive encounter with points having to ground out. After last weeks defeat this victory was very pleasing. Next up the Cats and the last real chance of making a bid for the playoffs.

 

Nightmare 35 V 29 Tomcats

I think I would have to say that this will go down as victory of the season as far as I'm concerned. Not only does it give me for one week only a winning season at 6-6-1, it also gives me an outside chance of a playoff birth. We don't beat the Cats very often, so I took a lot of pride in this victory. I was also pleased at the number of players that managed to get on the score sheet. All too often it's been left to the "Superbacks" to do all the scoring. New QB Trent Dilfer has made a big impression at Baltimore, his two TD's provided six points to add to the Mares tally. I was also pleased that my tactical change paid off, as I fancied Tiki Barber at Running back over Curtis Martin. Another six points for the Mares. Sean Dawkins is finally making his presence felt in Seattle, with his 3rd touchdown of the year. Seb Janikowski's 11 points really boosted the mares total and the six point contribution by the lions defence iced the cake.

 

Nightmare 14 V 29 Tigers

No surprises here. It wasn't helped by the fact that I failed to notice that two of my players were on a bye week. It made little or no difference as my replacements would only have added a further six points to my rather sad total. Two players provided all the points in this one. Curtis Martin, runner up in the Mares franchise MVP race scored six. While Sebastian Janikowski accumulated a further eight points. A cruel finish to the season in many ways, as I think I narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. I'm not bothered to be perfectly honest, as I never expected to achieve it anyway. I'm happy with the 6-7-1 record we got. It's half a game better than expected, but more importantly proves that the team is bang on course to reach the goals which I have set.

 

**NIGHTMARE PLAYOFF DREAMS SHATTERED AFTER CARPET BOMBING**

 

NIGHTMARE 43 v 49 B52's

Just getting this far was a proud moment for this headcoach and I was certain that we had the arsenal to maybe make it to the conference final, but alas it wasn't to be. Despite two touchdowns from the back in favour Sean Dawkins at Seattle, two touchdown passes from Trent Dilfer for Baltimore and a healthy seven points from the toe of Sebastian Janikowski for Oakland. However, performance of the week not surprisingly goes to Nightmare M.V.P and top scorer for the season, Edgerrin James. His tree touchdowns in the Monday night game left the Mares so close to playoff glory, sadly it wasn't enough and the Mares must spend the off season licking their wounds and itching for another shot at the title.

   

 

Andy Roberts

Headcoach Newbury Nightmare