Bottom 8 Online Franchise Week 5 - TCrouch's Blog

TCrouch's Blog

Bottom 8 Online Franchise Week 5

Posted on August 28, 2009 at 11:41 AM.

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Last Week's Games:

Game of the Week:

(4-0) Bills (Dookie) 25
(1-3) Dolphins (CPU) 22
The Bills were supposed to steamroll the Dolphins in this one, but couldn't get the Miami offense off the field (20 first downs and 37:45 TOP). Championship-caliber teams survive the adversity, and that's exactly what these Bills did in scoring the game winning TD with less than 3 minutes left.

The Rest:

(3-1) Lions (TCrouch) 48
(1-3) Bears (CPU) 31
The Lions rushing defense had big problems stopping Matt Forte (22 carries for 130 yards and 1 TD) in this one. However, Lions HB Maurice Morris responded well to his first start of the season, carring 21 times for 121 yards and 2 TD's himself. Calvin Johnson had his second straight huge game, with 9 more grabs for 182 yards and 3 TD's.

(2-2) Buccaneers (CPU) 24
(1-3) Redskins (mgoblue) 27
The Redskins needed to come out of week 4 with a win. Coach mgoblue had a good chance of losing this locker room if Washington started the season 0-4. Thankfully, they responded with a 467-yard, 36:35 TOP, 23-first down game that got them by the Bucs and into the win column. And there was much rejoicing.

(2-2) Bengals (CPU) 19
(3-1) Browns (TJ) 37
In a game that could have given the Bengals a share of the division lead, they responded with a lazy effort that saw Cleveland workhorse Jamal Lewis carry the ball 35 times for 212 yards and 1 score. Not to be outdone by the defense, the Cincy offense proved just as inept, posting 33 total rushing yards.

(3-1) NY Giants (CPU) 28
(0-4) Chiefs (Rustedwalleye) 26
The Chiefs can't buy a break. After several tough losses where they faded down the home stretch, they reverse field completely and have a great 4th quarter, outscoring the Giants 13-7 (on a failed 2-pt conversion) in the final stanza. They also dominated the 1st quarter 14-0. Unfortunately the G-Men took it to them in the middle periods to the tune of 28-7. One of these days the Chiefs will put together a complete game.

(2-2) Titans (CPU) 10
(4-0) Jaguars (Altimus) 55
This was supposed to be a slugfest. Instead it was a track meet. The problem for the Titans is that they apparently fielded a Special Olympics team in this one. They rushed for only 44 yards, a paltry figure when compared to the Jags' 186 in the contest. Just to ensure that they were universally dismal , the Titans also threw 3 interceptions and lost a fumble.

(1-3) Jets (CPU) 42
(3-1) Saints (Steve) 56
Apparently the Big Easy is allergic to defense. Steve continues to give up yardage and points by the truckload, yet comes away with his third win of the year. This was a nice comeback after the blasting that his Saints took on the road in Buffalo last week. This is obviously a "dome team". They'll have to earn home field if they want to make some noise in the playoffs.

(3-1) Rams (Longhorn) 39
(2-2) Niners (CPU) 29
Gone are the days of The Greatest Show on Turf. Here are the days of Jammin' Steven Jackson. Jackson continued his dominance on the league, this time carrying 29 times for 165 yards and 3 scores. Bulger continues to flounder, having been replaced by Kyle Boller in almost every game this season. But when Jackson is in the backfield, Jim Everett could come out of retirement and probably pass this team to victory.

Human Rankings:

#1 (LW #1) (4-0) Bills - Dookie
Dookie had a scare against the Dolphins, but managed to come away with the win. That's what quality teams do.

#2 (LW #2) (4-0) Jaguars - Altimus
Another week, another 4+ turnovers for the Jags defense, who lead the NFL in takeaways this season.

#3 (LW #3) (3-1) Browns - TJ
TJ found his rushing attack in week 4. When Jamal Lewis can get to running downhill like he did against the Bengals, Cleveland is tough to stop.

#4 (LW #4) (3-1) Rams - Longhorn
Steven Jackson has been a stud through the first quarter of the season. Barring injury, he will carry the Rams' ineffective passing game on his back right into the playoffs.

#5 (LW #5) (3-1) Saints - Steve
Had a nice bounce-back game against the Jets. The Saints still can't force any stops on D, but as long as their offense keeps it up, they'll fight their way to the playoffs. 3-1 is a good start for this club.

#6 (LW #6) (3-1) Lions - TCrouch
They found their running game this week, to the tune of over 120 yards. Calvin Johnson is getting on a roll, with 18 catches for over 500 yards and 7 TD's in his past two games.

#7 (LW #7) (1-3) Redskins - mgoblue
The 'Skins got into the win column in week 4. That could catapult them to success in the second quarter of the season. Going to Carolina this week will be a huge game.

#8 (LW #8) (0-4) Chiefs - Rustedwalleye
The lone winless team in this group. They're getting closer, but have yet to put together a complete game. It won't get any easier this week against the Cowboys.

This Week's Games and Predictions

(3-1) Browns (TJ) @ (4-0) Bills (Dookie)
I'm extremely excited to see how this one turns out. The Bills can hurt you on the ground and through the air. The Browns can beat you on the ground and in special teams with Cribbs. Both teams have quality coaching, and it's tough to handicap this one. I'll go out on a limb and say that Dookie will overpower the Browns in the end. Prediction: Bills 37, Browns 21.

(2-2) Steelers (CPU) @ (3-1) Lions (TCrouch)
The Steelers are loaded on both sides of the ball, and the Lions will have a tough time keeping up. The Lions can score with almost anybody, but the Steelers defense isn't just anybody. There will be a lot of turnovers in this game. Prediction: Steelers 38, Lions 31.

(3-1) Vikings (CPU) @ (3-1) Rams (Longhorn)
The Rams will need to control the clock in this game. The Vikings have an All-World tailback of their own in Adrian Peterson, who can take over a game and break tackles by the dozen. I have a feeling that the Rams are in for a tough one here. The big variable is Brett Favre--whether he'll throw pinpoint TD throws, or force plays and throw 3 interceptions. Prediction: Vikings 28, Rams 17.

(2-2) Cowboys (CPU) @ (0-4) Chiefs (Rustedwalleye)
The Chiefs have come up with new and creative ways of losing games this season, but put forth a better effort last week in a 2-point loss to the Giants. It won't be any easier against the Cowboys, but I think the Chiefs are due for a win. Prediction: Chiefs 35, Cowboys 31.

(1-3) Redskins (mgoblue) @ (0-3) Panthers (CPU)
The fact that the Panthers are winless is amazing. That's a powerful team. Playing at home, with their backs against the wall, will be a dangerous opponent. I think they'll come out firing and won't let up for 4 quarters. Bad news for 'Skins fans. Prediction: Panthers 37, Redskins 13.

(4-0) Jaguars (Altimus) @ (2-2) Seahawks (CPU)
The Jags have proven that they can run the football and force turnovers--neither of which Seattle is any good at. This one will be ugly. Julius Jones and TJ Duckett won't be able to run, and that will force Matt Hasselbeck into bad decisions. Another 4 or 5 turnover day for a Jags opponent. Prediction: Jags 48, Seahawks 21.