Iowa Barnstormers 2009: It's All About the Benjamins

[Grid Iron]

Dynasty Overview

The purpose of the Iowa City Barnstormers Dynasty is to tell a compelling and intriguing story using EA Sports Front Office Football (FOF2) as the backdrop. The stats are real, the story is not.

To catch up on the story so far, go to the following links:

Iowa Barnstormers Prologue
Iowa Barnstormers 2003: Thunder in the Sky
Iowa Barnstormers 2004: A New Threat
Iowa Barnstormers 2005: Compromised
Iowa Barnstormers 2006: Quality Control
Iowa Barnstormers 2007: The Unexpected Hitchhiker
Iowa Barnstormers 2008: On the Trail of a Killer

House Rules (Updated 3/12/04!)

I employ a fairly rigorous set of "house rules" (no real NFL players, no franchise tag, must maintain a 53-man roster, no renegotiating, can't make trade proposals except during the draft, trades must pass "fairness test", auto-sign rookies). During the 20-step free agent period, I may negotiate with any player who was on my team the previous season without restriction. As for free agents who did not play on my team the previous season, I may sign up to three of them during the 20-step process, but only one in the first 10 rounds. After the 20-step free agency period, I can only sign undrafted rookie free agents and players who were on my roster the previous season. All contracts signed outside of the 20-step process must be for exactly what the player asks, or for one year. Last, all multi-year deals must include a signing bonus equal to the highest year of the contract, unless I accept the player’s initial offer.

[Grid Iron]

Just a quick note to readers of the Iowa Barnstormers Dynasty:

Sorry about the long delay. I expect to get back to writing this weekend and next week!

Thanks for reading!

[fantastic flying froggies]

Thanks for the head-up, I was starting to have Barnstormers withdrawal...

[Grid Iron]

Close call!

Would-be presidential assassin shot, killed by FBI agent

January 1, 2009

Cambridge, MA (AP) – President-elect Gordon Smith survived an assassination attempt during a speaking engagement at MIT yesterday, said FBI Director Harold Ridge. "Acting on information obtained from a year-long investigation, we determined that someone would make an attempt on the life of President Smith," said Ridge. "Fortunately, our highly trained agents were able to prevent a tragedy."

According to Ridge, FBI Special Agent Tom Coleman killed the would-be assassin with four gunshots just as he was preparing to shoot at President Smith from a balcony in Kresge Auditorium. "Showing tremendous intelligence, agent Coleman ordered that the lights in the auditorium be shut down to put the killer in the dark," Ridge explained. "Using night-vision goggles, agent Coleman was then able to approach the suspect unseen and neutralize the threat."

Ridge declined to comment on the identity of the assassin as the FBI's investigation is continuing.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: January 1, 2009
Subject: An Unfortunate Turn of Events
From: [email protected]

The Firefly has been extinguished.

Initiate contingency protocol.

[Grid Iron]

Aikman Inducted into Hall

QB led Dallas to three Super Bowl victories

January 10, 2009

Canton, OH (AP) – Today, quarterback Troy Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The award was presented to him by fellow Hall of Famer and former teammate Emmitt Smith. “Troy is a very gifted athlete,” said Smith in front of the cheering crowd. “However, he is most deserving of this honor because of his tremendous integrity and character.”

“Thank you to all the fans,” said Aikman, who is an NFL commentator for Fox Sports. “My entire career has been a dream.” Aikman, the first overall pick in the 1989 draft out of UCLA, played all of his 16 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. In that span, he made playoffs 11 times and won three Super Bowls. He finished his career with 44,989 passing yards, 250 touchdowns and 174 interceptions. His best seasons came in 2001, when he threw for 3,969 yards, 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

[WussGawd]

Grid,

Your dynasties read so well I actually wanted to let a few seasons build up so I could spend a morning with them all at once. Great stuff!

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by WussGawd

Your dynasties read so well I actually wanted to let a few seasons build up so I could spend a morning with them all at once. Great stuff!

Thanks for the compliment, and I'm glad you enjoy it!

Back to the action. . .

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: January 10, 2009
Subject: Dr. Livingston Investigation
From: [email protected]

Two things I want to keep you posted on:

1. The body of Troy Davidson is currently in transit to FBI Forensics in DC for an autopsy.

2. The bank account receipt we found in Davidson's room belongs to a financial institution in Odesa, Ukraine. Do we have anyone over there that could help us to "discretely" obtain the account information? I want to know ASAP who paid this guy. . .

[Grid Iron]

Fans Catch Break

Barnstormers limit price increase to club, luxury seats

January 11, 2009

Iowa City, IA (Ticker) – Despite coming off a fourth consecutive playoff appearance and losing $16.6 million last season, the Barnstormers decided to leave most ticket prices the same for the 2009 season. “Our team should be doing better than just getting to the playoffs—we should be going deeper into the postseason,” said team owner Ben Cleveland. “We wanted to give something back to the fans, so we’re not going to increase most of our ticket prices this year."

Cleveland said that the only price hikes will be to club seats and luxury boxes, both of which will increase 5%. “We’re still below the average of our two closest competitors, Chicago and St. Louis,” Cleveland added.

[Grid Iron]

FBI forensics lab burns!

Body of would-be presidential assassin destroyed by fire

January 12, 2009

Washington, DC (AP) – FBI Director Harold Ridge announced today that a raging fire destroyed the agency's forensics lab in Washington DC last night. "I have been advised that the fire was accidental, and no evidence of arson was found," said Ridge. "Fortunately, no one was hurt."

Ridge explained that an electrical short ignited a leaking oxygen tank in the lower levels. The fire quickly spread throughout the building, destroying the entire lab. Ironically, the short circuit occurred in the fire suppression system, which resulted in the failure of the sprinklers to douse the flames.

Among the remnants of the fire was the body of the would-be presidential assassin who attempted to take the life of President Gordon Smith at MIT last New Year's Eve. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to conduct an autopsy on the suspect, as it has been burned beyond recognition," Ridge said. "He was literally turned to ashes."

The FBI has refused to identify the suspect, stating that it would "compromise an ongoing investigation."

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: January 13, 2009
Subject: An Unfortunate Turn of Events
From: [email protected]

Well done. . . Very well done.

Nice and clean. . .

[Grid Iron]

Sorry, guys. I'm in trial for the week. The Dynasty should return next week.

[Vegas Vic]

Grid,

I just had to pop in and give this thread its much justified five-star rating.

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by Vegas Vic

Grid,

I just had to pop in and give this thread its much justified five-star rating.

Awesome! Thanks, dude!

I'm looking forward to getting started again next week!

[Grid Iron]

Roman Wedding!

Iowa QB signs $59.65 million deal

March 20, 2009

Iowa City, IA (Ticker) – Iowa Barnstormers GM Grid Iron announced today that the team has reached a deal with its starting quarterback Roman Roberts. Roberts, an unrestricted free agent, signed a four-year $59.65 million pact yesterday. “Our primary goal is, of course, to win a championship and re-signing Roman is the first step,” said Iron.

Despite coming off a season in which he started only eight games due to a broken jaw, Roberts landed the biggest contract in this year’s free agency period. The deal also included a $12.5 million bonus.

The first overall pick in the 2003 draft out of Temple, Roberts has averaged 2,847 passing yards and 289 rushing yards per season. He has also scored 117 touchdowns (100 pass, 17 rush) while throwing only 52 interceptions, and was named All-League Second Team in 2006 and 2007.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: March 22, 2009
Subject: Dr. Livingston Investigation
From: [email protected]

I spoke with a friend of mine over at CIA. He said he has an excellent contact in Odesa, Ukraine. Her cover name is Alexandra Romanov.

She should be able to obtain the transaction data from the account belonging to Troy Davidson from the bank there.

She will contact you shortly . . .

[Grid Iron]

Iowa cuts defensive end

Brock Darlington becomes cap casualty

April 5, 2009

New York, NY (Ticker) – To get under the NFL’s $133.4 million salary cap, the Iowa Barnstormers cut defensive end Brock Darlington today, GM Grid Iron announced. According to Iron, the move will save the team $7.33 million in cap space this year. “Brock is one of the premiere defensive ends in the game,” said Iron. “Unfortunately, we need the money to fill other roster spots.” Iron added that several other cuts are in store.

Darlington has been outstanding since signing with Iowa as a free agent in 2004. Drafted by Dallas in the second round out of Penn State in 2002, Brock had 51 sacks and six fumble recoveries in five seasons with the Barnstormers. Last year, he set a career-high with 13.0 sacks.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: April 15, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

Hello! A friend of mine said you were looking for some information about the wonderful financial institutions here in Odesa!

Please let me know how I can be of assistance!

[Grid Iron]

Big Mac Attack!

Barnstormers draft Texas wide receiver

April 26, 2009

New York, NY (Ticker) – With the 24th selection in the 2009 NFL draft, the Iowa Barnstormers chose Texas wide receiver Matthew McGregor. “Matthew is a big-play receiver with great speed and solid hands,” said GM Grid Iron. “He’s definitely All-League material.”

The 6’0”, 195 pound McGregor led Texas with 1,523 receiving yards last season and scored 15 touchdowns. He was named Second Team All-American and All-Big 12 Conference. “I’m very excited about playing for Iowa,” said McGregor, who was the sixth wide receiver selected in the draft. “I’m so confident in my abilities that if they give me a chance, I can win a starting spot this season.”

McGregor is expected to sign a four-year $15.7 million deal that includes a $5.5 million signing bonus.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: April 27, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

I received the information you provided. Let me give you some background information on the Bank of Odesa, which has the account you are interested in.

The bank was established in 1820, making it the oldest in Odesa and one of the oldest in Ukraine. In 1945, however, the Ukrainian Mafia took over the bank's ownership to launder money earned from illegal activities. The KGB often called upon the mafia to assist them with special "unauthorized" operations during the Cold War.

Today, it is still controlled by the mafia, which has grown significantly in power since the fall of the Soviet Union.

The mafia is rich and sophisticated, so it will be difficult to obtain the information you seek. I will report back to you in a few months when I learn more.

[Ragone]

Man, you think the russian spies could use something better then yahoo for email

[Vegas Vic]

Originally Posted by Grid Iron

The 6’0”, 195 pound McGregor led Texas with 1,523 receiving yards last season and scored 15 touchdowns. He was named Second All-American and All-Big 12 Conference.

You left out the part about him being the only player in history to be named Holiday Bowl MVP for four consecutive years.

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by Ragone

Man, you think the russian spies could use something better then yahoo for email

What do you expect? It's got the best spam guard on the net!

[Grid Iron]

2009 Season Preview

Season could be coach’s last

August 15, 2009

Iowa City, IA (ESPN) – Despite what head coach Travis O’Donnell says, the pressure is definitely on. Iowa’s NFL franchise has made the playoffs each of the last five seasons, but never made it to the AFC Championship. The team has one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, but has never won a division title. To top it off, the team finished with a perfect 4-0 exhibition season record, further raising the expectations of fans and management alike.

“I thrive in pressure situations,” said O’Donnell, who joined the team in 2003 after coaching the Hawkeyes to a 21-17 Rose Bowl victory over UCLA. “We’ve got the players to win a championship, no doubt about it.”

One key to O’Donnell’s future may very well be quarterback Roman Roberts, who played only eight games last season due to injury and signed a lucrative $59.65 million deal in the offseason. The first overall pick in the 2003 draft out of Temple will need to stay healthy if the Barnstormers are going to make the playoffs, let alone a Super Bowl.

Helping Roberts on offense will be rookie wide receiver Matthew McGregor, the team’s first-round pick (24th overall) out of Texas. McGregor, who scored 15 touchdowns with the Longhorns last season, will start at split end opposite Jorge Ellison who was the 24th pick in the 2006 draft.

The defense will be challenged this year with the departure of defensive end Brock Darlington due to salary cap constraints. Nonetheless, middle linebacker Bob Robinson is just scratching the surface of his ability, recording 129 tackles (99 solo) last season along with 5.0 sacks.

Iowa’s schedule is truly daunting as the team will play only five games against teams that finished last season with a losing record. Fortunately, the AFC West is expected to be relatively weak as most of the teams lost significant players and none added any marquee free agents. Here is the complete Barnstormers schedule:

Week 1 New England Patriots
Week 2 Atlanta Falcons
Week 3 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Week 4 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Week 5 OPEN
Week 6 San Diego Chargers
Week 7 DENVER BRONCOS
Week 8 OAKLAND RAIDERS
Week 9 NEW JERSEY JETS
Week 10 Kansas City Chiefs
Week 11 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Week 12 BALTIMORE RAVENS
Week 13 San Francisco 49ers
Week 14 Seattle Seahawks
Week 15 Denver Broncos
Week 16 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Week 17 Oakland Raiders

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by Vegas Vic

You left out the part about him being the only player in history to be named Holiday Bowl MVP for four consecutive years.

He's a true winner, ain't he?

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: August 17, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

I just got hired by the Bank of Odesa. I'm just a teller, but I will have limited access to account information.

I will report back when I have found the account data you are looking for.

[fantastic flying froggies]

That is truly a tough schedule. That final 4 game stretch against all division rivals will be make or break time...

GO BARNSTORMERS !

[Ragone]

heh Tom colemans file should be flooding with netsky virus's and emails from nigerian princes now that he's been emailed by someone at yahoo

[Grid Iron]

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 18 Aug 2009

DEAR TOM,

I ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR EMAIL IN RESPECT OF YOUR INTEREST AND WILLINGNESS TO ASSIST US AND PLAY A FACILITATING ROLE IN THE EXECUTION OF THIS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TRANSACTION.

MY COLLEAGUES AND I ARE TOP LEVEL OFFICIALS AND WE HAVE USED OUR OFFICIAL POSITIONS TO OVER INVOICE BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS IN THE SUM US$25.5 MILLION.WE WOULD HAVE EFFECTED THIS TRANSFER OURSELVES, BUT OUR CIVIL SERVICE CODE OF ETHICS PREVENTS US FROM OPERATING FOREIGN ACCOUNTS.THIS EXPLAINS WHY WE HAVE TO COLLABORATE WITH A RELIABLE FOREIGN PARTNER IN THE EXECUTION OF THIS TRANSACTION.THESE FUNDS ARE NOT UNDER OUR DIRECT CONTROL, CONSEQUENTLY CERTAIN STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE FUFILLED BEFORE THE FUNDS CAN BE TRANSFERRED INTO THE DESIGNATED BANK ACCOUNT OF OUR FOREIGN FACILITATOR.

TO PROCEED I WOULD WANT YOU PROVIDE ME WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

THE NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBER OF THE COMPANY YOU WOULD PREFER TO USE FOR THIS TRANSACTION.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION WOULD BE USED TO PROCESS THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND OFFICIAL APPROVALS THAT WOULD FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF THE FUNDS INTO THE DESIGNATED BANK ACCOUNT OF A RELIABLE FOREIGN PARTNER.IT WOULD ALSO BE SLOTTED IN THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE (F.M.F) SCHEDULE OF TELEX TRANSFER PAYMENTS APPROVED FOR THE FOURTH FISCAL QUARTER OF THE YEAR 2009.

I WANT YOU TO CALL ME ON MY TEL NUMBER 234-1-7760658 IMMEDIATELY YOU RECEIVE MY EMAIL TO FACILITATE MORE DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

I WOULD BE EXPECTING YOUR CALL.

BEST REGARDS.

RAGONE.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 1-4

Week 1: Barnstormers (0-0) (-5) at Patriots (0-0) (-4)

Roman Roberts orchestrated a 63-yard scoring drive that ended in a six-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jorge Ellison with :35 on the clock to lift the Barnstormers over the Patriots, 34-31.

Week 2: Barnstormers (1-0) (-5) at Falcons (0-1)

Roman Roberts was 16 of 22 for 214 yards, 2 TD, and 0 INT as the Barnstormers cruised to a 44-16 victory over the Falcons.

Week 3: Barnstormers (2-0) (-8) vs. Saints (1-1)

New Orleans quarterback Glen Foley was 26 of 34 for 315 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions as the reigning NFC Champs beat the Barnstormers 34-28.

Week 4: Barnstormers (2-1) vs Chiefs (1-2)

Defensive end Stephen Bonham recorded 4.0 sacks and running back Friendship Lofton scored on an 84-yard run as the Barnstormers beat the Chiefs 24-7.

1/4 Season Review

At 3-1, the Barnstormers are in first place and have the highest scoring offense in the league, averaging 32.5 points per game. Wide receiver Jorge Ellison leads the league with 26 catches and 416 yards receiving.

AFC West           W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Iowa City          3   1   0   .750  130   88    1-0-0   2-0-0     
Denver             3   1   0   .750  87    83    2-1-0   3-1-0     
Seattle            2   1   0   .667  62    71    2-0-0   2-0-0     
Oakland            1   3   0   .250  60    82    1-1-0   1-1-0     
Kansas City        1   3   0   .250  73    85    0-2-0   1-3-0     
San Diego          1   3   0   .250  51    63    0-2-0   0-3-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: September 15, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

Bad news. The account you are looking for is contained in a high-security database. My access level won't let me see the information.

However, I think I have a plan. . .

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 5-9

Week 5: Bye

The team’s bye week came along at the right time, allowing several players to recover from nagging injuries.

Week 6: Barnstormers (3-1) (-3) at Chargers (1-4)

San Diego outscored Iowa 9-0 in the fourth quarter to post a 28-22 victory.

Week 7: Barnstormers (3-2) (-7) vs. Broncos (4-2)

Denver running back Antoine Kolodzik rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 30-10 victory over the Barnstormers.

Week 8: Barnstormers (3-3) (-9) vs. Raiders (2-4)

Iowa running back Friendship Lofton rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown as the Barnstormers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 20-10 victory over the Raiders.

Week 9: Barnstormers (4-3) (-9) vs. Jets (1-6)

Iowa QB Roman Roberts connected with fourth-string wide receiver Louie Benson for a 57-yard touchdown pass with :33 on the clock, lifting the Barnstormers to a 34-31 victory over the Jets.

2/4 Season Review

At 5-3, the Barnstormers are just one game out of first place behind the Denver Broncos (6-2). Unfortunately, the team’s top wide receiver Jorge Ellison suffered a hip pointer in Week 9 and will miss the rest of the season. He will finish the year with 41 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns in eight games.

AFC West           W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Denver             6   2   0   .750  196   147   5-1-0   6-2-0     
Iowa City          5   3   0   .625  216   187   2-2-0   4-2-0     
San Diego          4   5   0   .444  145   174   2-3-0   3-4-0     
Oakland            3   5   0   .375  120   164   2-2-0   3-3-0     
Kansas City        3   5   0   .375  161   173   1-4-0   2-5-0     
Seattle            3   5   0   .375  138   183   2-2-0   3-3-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: October 9, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

Great news! A man who maintains the computer database has a crush on me, thanks to my expert flirtation.

Hopefully, I can extract information from him as to how the high-security accounts can be accessed.

I will keep you posted.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: October 9, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

I think I'm a little jealous! :o

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: October 9, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

Tom, you know you're the only one for me.

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 10-13

Week 10: Barnstormers (5-3) at Chiefs (3-5) (-3)

Iowa kicker Jim Lane missed the game-tying field goal from 41 yards out with :46 on the clock as the Chiefs rallied late to edge the Barnstormers 20-17.

Week 11: Barnstormers (5-4) (-5) at Seahawks (4-5)

Iowa quarterback Roman Roberts scored four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) and didn’t throw an interception as the Barnstormers beat the Seahawks 38-24.

Week 12: Barnstormers (6-4) (E) vs. Ravens (5-5)

Missing both starting safeties due to injury, Iowa’s secondary was ripped for 366 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions as the Ravens destroyed the Barnstormers 34-21.

Week 13: Barnstormers (6-5) at 49ers (7-4) (-8)

Quarterback Roman Roberts completed only 9 of 22 for 86 yards, 0 TD and 0 INT, as the 49ers beat the Barnstormers 27-12.

3/4 Season Review

The Barnstormers went 1-3, dropping them into a tie for second at 6-6 with the Raiders and Chargers. Although the team’s playoff prospects look grim, anything can happen as the team’s final four games are against division rivals. Iowa plays road games at Seattle and Denver, takes on San Diego at home, and then finishes the regular season at Oakland.

Both of Iowa’s starting safeties were injured in Week 11 and will miss the remainder of the regular season. Free safety Gilbert Coady suffered shoulder tendonitis, while strong safety Bubba Boyer has a sprained neck.

AFC West           W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Denver             7   5   0   .583  242   244   5-3-0   7-4-0     
Kansas City        7   5   0   .583  245   239   4-4-0   5-5-0     
Oakland            6   6   0   .500  206   224   4-3-0   5-4-0     
San Diego          6   6   0   .500  220   219   4-4-0   5-5-0     
Iowa City          6   6   0   .500  304   292   3-3-0   5-4-0     
Seattle            4   8   0   .333  216   278   2-5-0   3-6-0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: November 2, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

This was so easy. I flirted with the MIS guy a few times, invited him out for a drink, and he couldn't stop telling me about the great security system at the bank.

According to him, all the data for the bank's "top secret" accounts is contained on a server in the lower vault. He said the computer is protected by a very sophisticated security system, designed by CIG Technology in Kiev.

He doesn't have the passwords, but if CIG still has the software code on its computers, I might be able to bypass the security measures. I'm going to Kiev to check it out. . .

[Grid Iron]

NFL Weeks 14-17

Week 14: Barnstormers (6-6) at Seahawks (4-8) (-4)

Friendship Lofton rushed 10 times for 113 yards and the Barnstormers over came two Roman Roberts interceptions as Iowa beat Seattle 20-14.

The victory put Iowa in a five-way tie for first at 7-6 with Denver, Kansas City, Oakland and San Diego.

Week 15: Barnstormers (7-6) at Broncos (7-6) (-1)

Iowa tight end Freddie Morris caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Roman Roberts with 1:04 left in regulation as the Barnstormers edged the Broncos 23-21.

The victory, coupled with losses by Kansas City and San Diego, put Iowa in a tie for first with Oakland.

Week 16: Barnstormers (8-6) (-2) vs. Chargers (7-7)

San Diego outscored Iowa 28-3 in the second half enroute to a 35-24 victory over the Barnstormers.

The loss dropped Iowa into a 3-way tie for second place with Denver and San Diego. Oakland leads the division with a 9-6 record.

Week 17: Barnstormers (8-7) at Raiders (9-6) (-3)

Roman Roberts scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 8:34 left in the game as the Barnstormers edged the Raiders 21-17.

4/4 Season Review

Incredibly, the Barnstormers won the AFC West and earned a first-round bye with a meager 9-7 record! Is a Super Bowl in Iowa’s future? Only time will tell. . .

Here are the final regular season standings (playoff teams in bold):

AFC East                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Indianapolis            9   7   0   .563  341   296   5-3-0   6-6-0     
New England             9   7   0   .563  393   284   4-4-0   7-5-0     
Miami                   8   8   0   .500  313   292   4-4-0   6-6-0     
Buffalo                 8   8   0   .500  369   344   4-4-0   5-7-0     
New Jersey              6   10  0   .375  315   382   3-5-0   3-9-0     
   
AFC Central             W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Cincinnati              11  5   0   .688  336   303   8-2-0   9-3-0     
Baltimore               10  6   0   .625  345   259   5-5-0   8-5-0     
Pittsburgh              9   7   0   .563  302   283   5-5-0   6-6-0     
Jacksonville            8   8   0   .500  271   283   4-6-0   7-6-0     
Tennessee               8   8   0   .500  321   294   4-6-0   6-7-0     
Cleveland               7   9   0   .438  261   301   4-5-0   5-8-0     
   
AFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Iowa City               9   7   0   .563  392   379   6-4-0   8-5-0     
Oakland                 9   7   0   .563  287   302   6-4-0   7-5-0     
Denver                  8   8   0   .500  316   337   6-4-0   8-5-0     
San Diego               8   8   0   .500  312   306   5-5-0   6-6-0     
Kansas City             8   8   0   .500  331   329   5-5-0   6-7-0     
Seattle                 4   12  0   .250  268   382   2-8-0   3-10-0    
   
NFC East                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Washington              10  6   0   .625  284   225   7-1-0   9-3-0     
New York                9   7   0   .563  288   320   3-5-0   7-5-0     
Arizona                 8   8   0   .500  369   315   4-4-0   6-6-0     
Philadelphia            6   10  0   .375  293   338   4-4-0   4-8-0     
Dallas                  5   11  0   .313  166   331   2-6-0   4-8-0     
   
NFC Central             W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
Chicago                 10  6   0   .625  312   319   7-1-0   8-4-0     
Detroit                 7   9   0   .438  314   291   3-5-0   5-7-0     
Tampa Bay               6   10  0   .375  302   331   4-4-0   4-8-0     
Green Bay               6   10  0   .375  334   330   3-5-0   6-6-0     
Minnesota               6   10  0   .375  296   361   3-5-0   5-7-0     
   
NFC West                W   L   T   Pct   PF    PA    Div     Conf  
St. Louis               12  4   0   .750  389   240   7-1-0   9-3-0     
San Francisco           9   7   0   .563  308   271   4-4-0   7-5-0     
Carolina                9   7   0   .563  379   376   3-5-0   5-7-0     
Atlanta                 8   8   0   .500  352   372   3-5-0   6-6-0     
New Orleans             6   10  0   .375  271   354   3-5-0   5-7-0

[fantastic flying froggies]

Wow ! What a weird season !
I thought you were gonna cruise to a 12-4 season after that 3-1 start.
Then, I thought you were not gonna make the playoffs at all when you were 6-6...

That first round bye can make a whole lot of difference in the playoffs...

Could this finally be the year ?
(keeps fingers crossed)

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by fantastic flying froggies

Wow ! What a weird season !
I thought you were gonna cruise to a 12-4 season after that 3-1 start.
Then, I thought you were not gonna make the playoffs at all when you were 6-6...

I felt the same way. It's truly amazing that a 9-7 record not only wins the division, but clinches a first round bye!

I'm crossing my fingers too. . .

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: December 2, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

CIG Technology has extremely tight security. It's not going to be easy getting in there to steal the encryption code for the bank's security system.

However, I have a friend that works in Kiev who gave me a very unorthodox idea that just might work. . .

[Grid Iron]

Sky’s the Limit!

Barnstormers advance to first AFC Championship game

	Colts (9-8)	13
	Barnstormers (10-7)	29

December 14, 2009

Iowa City, IA (Ticker) – Iowa’s rookie wide receiver Matthew McGregor caught nine passes for 178 yards and the defense allowed only one yard rushing as the Barnstormers cruised to a 29-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

“This is very exciting,” said kicker Jim Lane, who made all five of his field goals, including a 55-yarder and two 49-yarders. “These guys always seems to reach deep down for something extra and pull out the victory when it matters most.”

Incredibly, the game wasn’t nearly as close as the final score. Iowa jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first on an 18-yard touchdown run by Friendship Lofton. Just over five minutes later, Roman Roberts connected with McGregor for a 62-yard touchdown pass to put the home team up 14-0. Lane nailed three field goals in the second quarter, and Iowa had built a 23-0 lead by halftime. Indy would claw back with six points in the third and seven in the fourth, but the Iowa defense was simply too much for them on this day.

“I think this team was ready to take it to the next level,” said coach Tim O’Donnell, whose team had made the playoffs for the previous five years and never made it to the AFC Championship. “I think we’re going to prove that we’re one of the best teams in the league.”

Box Score: Indianapolis Colts at Iowa City Barnstormers.  
  
Attendance: 60,000 (66,700), No-Shows: 500.  
    
Weather: 23 degrees, snow.  
  
1Q: 11:15 IAC - Friendship Lofton 18 run.  
1Q: 11:15 IAC - Jim Lane extra point.  
1Q: 06:20 IAC - Matthew McGregor 62 pass from Roman Roberts.  
1Q: 06:20 IAC - Jim Lane extra point.  
2Q: 07:13 IAC - Jim Lane 55 field goal.  
2Q: 01:56 IAC - Jim Lane 30 field goal.  
2Q: 00:00 IAC - Jim Lane 49 field goal.  
3Q: 11:54 IND - Anthony Parker 55 interception return.  
3Q: 11:54 IND - Clay Sweeney run for conversion failed.  
4Q: 14:55 IAC - Jim Lane 49 field goal.  
4Q: 14:29 IND - E.G. Green 75 pass from Peyton Manning.  
4Q: 14:29 IND - Emmitt Clark extra point.  
4Q: 01:54 IAC - Jim Lane 37 field goal.  
  
Game MVP: IAC 84 Matthew McGregor  
  
Indianapolis      0      0      6      7      -      13  
Iowa City         14     9      0      6      -      29  
  
Team Statistics          IND           IAC  
  
First Downs              10            22  
  
Rushes                   13            36  
Rushing Yards            1             131  
Yards Per Carry          0.0           3.6  
  
Pass Attempts            36            39  
Completions              12            23  
Passing Yards            226           342  
Yards Per Attempt        6.2           8.7  
Sacked                   6             0  
Yards Lost               37            0  
Net Passing Yards        189           342  
  
Interceptions            2             1  
Fumbles/Lost             4/1           0/0  
  
Total Plays              55            75  
Total Yards              190           473  
Yards Per Play           3.4           6.3  
  
3rd Down Plays           3/14          5/16  
  
Penalties                6             21  
Penalty Yards            40            162  
  
Time Of Possession       22:45         37:15  
  
Indianapolis Colts Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
32 Sweeney               10     -1     -0.1   8      0  
84 Green                 2      1      0.5    4      0  
39 Shepherd              1      1      1.0    1      0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
18 Manning               36     12     226    6.2    75     1      2  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
89 Owens                 5      97     19.4   32     0  
85 Halama                3      26     8.6    13     0  
84 Green                 2      88     44.0   75     1  
81 Tucker                2      15     7.5    8      0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
83 Gibson                4      17     4.2    0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
83 Gibson                4      100    25.0   0
20 Stargell              1      26     26.0   0  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20  
17 Smith                 9      396    44.0   50     2  
  
Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
1 Clark                  0      0      0      1      1  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
53 Connell               17     4      0.0    0      0      0  
54 Bayne                 7      2      0.0    0      0      0  
43 Klinghagen            7      1      0.0    0      0      0  
59 Kennicott             6      4      0.0    0      0      0  
48 Parker                6      2      0.0    1      55     1  
44 Rice                  4      2      0.0    0      0      0  
90 Neill                 3      1      0.0    0      0      0  
35 Bishop                3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
92 Bauer                 2      1      0.0    0      0      0  
89 Owens                 2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
97 Peter                 2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
94 Wayne                 1      1      0.0    0      0      0  
25 Williams              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
39 Shepherd              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
55 Connors               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
72 Stevenson             1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
61 Gunn                  1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
95 Hoard                 0      1      0.0    0      0      0  
24 Tate                  0      1      0.0    0      0      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
61 Gunn                  0      1      0      0      1  
72 Stevenson             0      0      0      0      1  
55 Connors               0      0      0      0      1  
63 Hastings              0      0      0      1      3  
18 Manning               3      2      0      0      0  
32 Sweeney               1      0      0      0      0  
  
Iowa City Barnstormers Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
22 Lofton                15     62     4.1    21     1  
40 Springer              9      12     1.3    8      0  
37 Pochman               7      17     2.4    8      0  
7 Roberts                5      40     8.0    12     0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
7 Roberts                39     23     342    8.7    62     1      1  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
84 McGregor              9      178    19.7   62     1  
87 Morris                4      52     13.0   29     0  
88 Ellison               4      47     11.7   14     0  
40 Springer              4      44     11.0   19     0  
80 Berkhofer             2      21     10.5   13     0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
89 Syms                  3      21     7.0    0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
31 Hudson                1      29     29.0   0  
89 Syms                  1      27     27.0   0  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20  
15 Levine                7      310    44.2   54     2  
  
Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
16 Lane                  5      5      55     2      2  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
59 Grier                 7      0      0.0    1      0      0  
29 Boyer                 5      1      0.0    0      0      0  
42 Shepherd              4      0      0.5    0      0      0  
21 Coady                 2      0      0.0    0      0      0  
97 Clancy                1      1      1.0    0      0      0  
50 Bonham                1      0      0.5    0      0      0  
60 Adams                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
57 Loudon                1      0      0.0    0      0      0
70 Morton                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
71 Duffy                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
96 Elliott               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
88 Ellison               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
55 Robinson              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
45 Michels               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
99 Sonntag               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
46 Bironas               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
37 Pochman               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
89 Syms                  1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
58 Holliday              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
94 Brown                 0      1      3.5    0      0      0  
47 Legge                 0      0      0.5    0      0      0  
20 Bartoszewicz          0      0      0.0    1      0      0  
92 Wynn                  0      1      0.0    0      0      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
60 Adams                 0      0      0      6      0  
76 Woody                 0      0      0      2      0  
70 Morton                0      0      0      1      0  
55 Robinson              0      1      0      0      0

[fantastic flying froggies]

Indy total rushing yards : 1.

That has got to be a new playoff record !!!! Wow !

(I just checked my current league, and the team playoff game record is 26 yds)

(ps : technically, their YPC should be 0.1, and not 0.0... )

[fantastic flying froggies]

Oh, and Grid, TWENTY ONE PENALTIES ??? WTF ???

[Grid Iron]

Originally Posted by fantastic flying froggies

Oh, and Grid, TWENTY ONE PENALTIES ??? WTF ???

That's definitely annoying. It doesn't surprise me, however, since Iowa is third in the league in penalty yards. Ugh.

[Grid Iron]

Ukrainian Tech Firm Burns!

Cause of fire still unknown, possibly arson

December 15, 2009

Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – The offices of CIG Technology in Kiev we consumed by a raging fire last night, Fire Department Chief Igor Imski announced at a press conference. "We have extinguished the blaze and our investigators are examining the remains for the cause," Imski said. Imski explained that the fire began at approximately 1:20 a.m. and spread quickly throughout the facility. Because the building's fire suppression system failed to work, Imski stated that he is considering the possibility that the fire was set intentionally.

Shares of CIG Technology, one of the world's leading manufacturers of computer security software, were down $3.15 on the NASDAQ in early trading.

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: December 17, 2009
Subject: Greetings from Odesa!
From: [email protected]

My friend in the Kiev fire department brought me a "souvenir" yesterday from the remains of CIG Technology's burned out offices. Lucky for me, he's an arson investigator in charged of collecting evidence.

I've checked the hard drive of my "souvenir" and it has the encryption data I'll need to get into the bank's high security server.

However, I can't undertake an operation like this alone, and I've got virtually no tactical support here.

[Grid Iron]

Super Bowl Bound!

Barnstormers win AFC Championship with 9-7 nailbiter

	Ravens (12-7)	7
	Barnstormers (11-7)	9

December 21, 2009

Iowa City, IA (Ticker) – On a snowy day with temperatures in the mid 20s, the Iowa defense allowed just 165 total yards and kicker Jim Lane nailed the game-winning field goal in blizzard-like conditions from 41 yards out with :22 on the clock as the Barnstormers clinched their first AFC Championship with a 9-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

“We finally did it,” said head coach Travis O’Donnell, who many believed would be fired at the end of the season if the team didn’t make the Super Bowl. “I had faith in my boys, and they did one helluva job.”

Trailing 7-6 with 5:19 on the clock and pinned at their own 13-yard line, the Barnstormers began what will be remembered as one of the greatest game-winning drives in franchise history. It all started when Friendship Lofton ran for 20 yards on two carries. Two plays later, a Baltimore defensive holding penalty on third-and-10 gave the Barnstormers new life and a first down at the Iowa 38.

On third-and-four, Roberts completed an eight-yard pass to Jorge Ellison, and then hit Ellison again for a 12-yard completion to put Iowa just inside Lane’s field goal range at the Baltimore 36. After a six-yard run by Roberts and a nine-yard dash by Lofton, the Barnstormers were in control at the Ravens’ 21. Iowa would get to the Baltimore 14, but a five-yard loss on a run and a false start put the team back at the 24. That didn’t faze Jim Lane, however, whose kick cleared the crossbar with a foot to spare.

“I thrive on pressure situations,” said Lane, who is 8-for-8 in two playoff games. “Any time, any where—if the team can get me inside the 40, we have a great chance to win.”

Next week, Iowa will host the wild-card San Francisco 49ers (12-7), who defeated the Washington Redskins by a score of 16-10 in the NFC Championship.

Box Score: Baltimore Ravens at Iowa City Barnstormers.  
  
Attendance: 60,000 (66,700), No-Shows: 0.  
 
Weather: 26 degrees, snow.  
  
1Q: 00:36 IAC - Jim Lane 39 field goal.  
2Q: 10:48 IAC - Jim Lane 39 field goal.  
2Q: 04:55 BAL - Pat Johnson 5 pass from Alan Talley.  
2Q: 04:55 BAL - Trent Garner extra point.  
4Q: 00:22 IAC - Jim Lane 41 field goal.  
  
Game MVP: IAC 50 Stephen Bonham  
  
Baltimore         0      7      0      0      -      7  
Iowa City         3      3      0      3      -      9  
  
Team Statistics          BAL           IAC  
  
First Downs              15            15  
  
Rushes                   29            32  
Rushing Yards            72            125  
Yards Per Carry          2.4           3.9  
  
Pass Attempts            26            28  
Completions              11            15  
Passing Yards            119           131  
Yards Per Attempt        4.5           4.6  
Sacked                   4             6  
Yards Lost               26            44  
Net Passing Yards        93            87  
  
Interceptions            0             0  
Fumbles/Lost             1/0           0/0  
  
Total Plays              59            66  
Total Yards              165           212  
Yards Per Play           2.7           3.2  
  
3rd Down Plays           3/14          5/16  
  
Penalties                6             16  
Penalty Yards            46            143  
  
Time Of Possession       26:41         33:19  
  
Baltimore Ravens Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
41 Ikuma                 18     46     2.5    13     0  
45 Shannon               7      11     1.5    9      0  
12 Talley                3      12     4.0    6      0  
85 Johnson               1      3      3.0    3      0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
12 Talley                26     11     119    4.5    23     1      0  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
80 Temmer                3      31     10.3   13     0  
81 Jones                 2      29     14.5   15     0  
89 Grant                 2      39     19.5   23     0  
85 Johnson               1      5      5.0    5      1  
41 Ikuma                 1      3      3.0    3      0  
45 Shannon               1      4      4.0    4      0  
82 Irving                1      8      8.0    8      0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
44 Bailey                3      30     10.0   0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
41 Ikuma                 1      18     18.0   0  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20  
18 Everett               10     380    38.0   45     2  

Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
11 Garner                0      0      0      1      1  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
58 Boulware              10     3      1.0    0      0      0  
94 Lyon                  6      2      1.0    0      0      0  
50 Saleh                 6      2      0.0    0      0      0  
44 Bailey                6      1      0.0    0      0      0  
51 Colson                6      0      0.0    0      0      0  
97 Leverson              4      0      1.5    0      0      0  
30 Lassner               3      2      0.0    0      0      0  
96 Bruce                 2      0      1.5    0      0      0  
46 Milloy                2      3      0.0    0      0      0  
75 Ogden                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
89 Grant                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
82 Irving                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
54 Gunn                  1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
42 Branch                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
49 Mallon                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
95 Sanderson             0      0      0.5    0      0      0  
21 Paul                  0      0      0.5    0      0      0  
20 Ameche                0      2      0.0    0      0      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
63 Tyler                 0      0      0      1      1  
52 Castroll              0      0      0      3      0  
68 Davidson              0      0      0      0      1  
64 Kuberski              0      0      0      1      1  
75 Ogden                 0      1      0      3      1  
12 Talley                1      0      0      0      0  
  
Iowa City Barnstormers Individual Statistics  
  
Rushing                  Att    Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
22 Lofton                10     41     4.1    13     0  
40 Springer              10     29     2.9    8      0  
7 Roberts                7      43     6.1    7      0  
37 Pochman               3      -2     -0.6   2      0  
85 Randle                1      6      6.0    6      0  
84 McGregor              1      8      8.0    8      0  
  
Passing                  Att    Comp   Yards  Yd/Att Long   TD     Int  
7 Roberts                28     15     131    4.6    15     0      0  
  
Receiving                Catch  Yards  Avg    Long   TD  
88 Ellison               4      33     8.2    12     0  
84 McGregor              4      34     8.5    13     0  
87 Morris                3      24     8.0    9      0  
22 Lofton                2      18     9.0    10     0  
40 Springer              2      22     11.0   15     0  
  
Punt Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
89 Syms                  2      23     11.5   0  
  
Kick Returns             Att    Yards  Avg    TD  
31 Hudson                1      18     18.0   0  
89 Syms                  1      16     16.0   0  
  
Punting                  Punts  Yards  Avg    Long   In20  
15 Levine                8      337    42.1   50     2  
  
Kicking                  FG     FGA    Long   PAT    Att  
16 Lane                  3      3      41     0      0  
  
Defense                  Tackle Assist Sack   Int    IntYds IntTD  
93 Manderscheid          7      1      0.0    0      0      0  
55 Robinson              6      4      1.0    0      0      0  
21 Coady                 5      1      0.0    0      0      0  
30 Murphy                4      2      0.0    0      0      0  
52 Nord                  3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
42 Shepherd              3      0      0.0    0      0      0  
50 Bonham                2      1      3.0    0      0      0  
97 Clancy                2      4      0.0    0      0      0  
94 Brown                 2      1      0.0    0      0      0  
20 Bartoszewicz          2      1      0.0    0      0      0  
53 Elias                 1      1      0.0    0      0      0  
92 Wynn                  1      1      0.0    0      0      0
87 Morris                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
47 Legge                 1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
57 Loudon                1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
46 Bironas               1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
84 McGregor              1      0      0.0    0      0      0  
59 Grier                 0      1      0.0    0      0      0  
  
Miscellaneous            Fumb   Recov  MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd  
70 Morton                0      0      0      0      4  
57 Loudon                0      0      0      4      2  
71 Duffy                 0      0      0      3      0  
60 Adams                 0      0      0      2      0  
61 Penn                  0      0      0      1      0  
40 Springer              0      0      0      1      0

[Grid Iron]

To: [email protected]
Date: December 22, 2009
Subject: Operation Show Me the Money
From: [email protected]

We're going to conduct the operation on New Year's Eve.

We need you to get into the secure server, download the account data, transmit the data to us, and get out without being noticed.

Sounds easy, right? I'm coing out along with a full team of support personnel. CIA, FBI and even U.S. Military.

See you in a few days.