First time to watch the rams. That Curt Warner is everything his 4500 yards and 40 touchdown passes says he should be.
From this point on, Dick Vermeil will be choked up and bleary eyed all the way to the Vince Lombardi presentation. When you consider what he did with an arena league quarterback, brought those players together etc. I'm impressed.
Haven't seen Titans or Colts play this year. Until I see them play, I have to go with Jags, but expect them to self destruct either now, or in the big one.
I don't think the Vikings will win (my favorite team BTW), nor the Dolphins, nor the Colts, and as far as I can judge, the Rams are up and coming. But so is Jacksonville, so it's ups for grabs. But I think the Rams will do it all.
sorry. Rams looked good, I don't think Tampa can stop them let alone score enough points. Tennessee looks good also having beat Jacksonville twice, but home field with everyone healthy will give them an edge. Jac/Tenn. should be the better game...
well, English Canadian anyway - are those nice Cleveland Brown people still in it - such nice uniforms - and that poor man who got attacked by the referee!!!!
More seriously - Titans over Bucs, Rams over Jaguars - Brunell or no Brunell, and Rams over Titans in the big show.
More importantly, for the first time in way too many years, Leafs for the Stanley cup!!!!!!
It seems clear it's the Rams, a good offensive line, a good back Marshall Faulk, Curt Warner, and all those speedy wide-outs.
But then, I can't ignore the superior blocking and tackling the Titans exhibited beating the Colts. And Steve McNair, Eddie George, look pretty potent.
I'm going back and forth. I should be counted out anyway for first picking the Vikings. At least here I get a second chance. I'm changing my pick from the Rams because of that big let-up at the end against Jeff George and Randy Moss.
I'm going with the Tennessee Titans for my pick.
I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. No shoes, no shirt, no service!
The Rams will likely wake up soon and remember that they are still only the Rams and they are still owned by Georgia.
Rams and Jags are the likely matchup and I think that is the matchup that will generate the most interest, especially if both teams manhandle their opponents this weekend. The Rams are favored by 13 1/2 and the Jags are favored by 7.
But I'll go against the odds and pick an all-Florida Superbowl of the Jags and Bucs. Realistically, I doubt the Bucs can score enough points to keep up with the Rams.
Regardless of who wins this weekend, there will be a first time appearance by at least one franchise and there will definitely be a first time winner. The Rams are the only team remaining that has been to a Superbowl and they lost to the Steelers.
So, will we soon be calling those Leafs, the Topeka Corn Pickers? The Canadian gov't withdrew their subsidy proposal today after significant tax payer dissent. It would be ashame to see some of those franchise heading south, but it may be the only financially viable solution. The relocation track record appears to be pretty successful for the most recent teams: Quebec to Colorado and Winnipeg to Phoenix.
I really have a hard time with the concept of the government bailing out hockey any way. The only team that would have met the conditions would have been the Senators anyway - and Rod Bryden is already in trouble with the Ontario government for trying to by pass a sales tax. He has threatened to sell the team and move south - well I guess that is his right, but how he can claim that he is being driven out of Canada by the tax situation when he stands to make $60mln (US) on any sale is beyond me. The real problem is the current CBA and the relative weakness of the C$ against the US$.
Best thing that can happen, and it pains me to say it, is a major lockout when the CBA expires in 2004 - may give the players a reality check.
Tampa 28 pts? Whaddaya nuts? TB will be lucky to get 10 pts. The Rams really showed me sumthin' last week by demolishing my beloved Vikings. I think Tennessee has Jacksonville's #, but I hope Jacksonville pulls it out because it will make for an interesting Superbowl. (interesting? superbowl? when have I heard this before) Rams 31 Bucs 9 Jags 28 Titans 21 Rams 35 Jags 24
still like the Rams 24-17 over Tennessee. Think they showed some toughness yesterday that they'll need. Should be an excellent game. My wife is a Tennessee fan and I follow the Rams, we have a interesting wager on the game...
You just give me a call when you want anymore predictions - Rams and Titans, you heard it here a week ago - when I finally got the losers the right way round.
Come on now swobig, the Rams barely beat a 14 1/2 point underdog. Next weeks game is toss up. The Rams will play better. Not to take anything away from the Tampa defense, but clearly the Rams were flat this week. The Titans were pumped. The question will be whether the Titans have a similar let down after a big win like the Rams did. The key to the game will be the Rams ability to stop the run and the Titans ability to stop the pass.
Titans 34 Rams 31
Obviously, the replay official was from St. Louis or better yet, the Rams organization. Did anyone see any conclusive evidence to overturn the call made on the field in the last minute of a game that would have made it third and 10, rather than third and 23? The way I saw it, the ball was caught, tucked into his chest, both knees hit with the ball under control, so the play is dead at that point. Even after that, the next thing to hit was his elbow. Any potential of the ball hitting the ground (which I don't think anyone can say they saw conclusively on any replay) was clearly after the play was dead. Just my opinion.
I know that was aimed at me - I don't see a prediction for the Superbowl there - you certainly said Rams and Titans would get there (see, we can agree on SOMETHING!!!).
For the record, I still think the Rams, though by less than I orginally thought. Not convinced the Rams are good value for the 7-8 point favorites that they seem to be.
You're right(did I type that?). I didn't predict a winner. I really like both teams and wish both could win it. Maybe they'll play for a couple of days and eventually call it a draw.
The Rams have a coach I've always respected and several players of local interest to me. Dre' Bly is an ex-Tarheel(my former school). Holt is a local boy who went to NC State(I forgive him). Proehl went to Wake Forest(my dad's school & Proehl's sister is a news anchor in my town). Also, you gotta love the QB story.
The Titans have McNair(tough player) and Eddie George(a real class act) and the FREAK(similar to me in regards to athletic ability!!).
If I have to predict a winner, I'd have to say the Rams. If their normal offense shows up, I don't see how the Titans can score enough points to beat 'em. If the Ram offense of yesterday arrives, the Titans will pull it out. It will make for an interesting game. Take care
Hate to toot my horn, but I'm 8-2 in the playoffs - probably just dumb luck, but was about 70% in the regular season. You have a point about that catch - I thought he caught it! But the next play the Rams had a sack and they should have called intentional grounding or at least he was in the grass. So it about evened out. Think your score is a little high though. Both teams have pretty good defenses, so I'd be suprised if they get in the 30s. Rams 24 Titans 17...
I haven't been officially picking in the playoffs. I've only been picking teams I'd like to win. However, I did participate in a pool for the regular season (just for fun, of course). I won two of the 17 weeks and was within one game of the lead several weeks. I really only had two bad weeks. Still, if you got 70%, you killed me. That is pretty incredible in such an unpredictable year like this. I went 156-92 for 62.9%.
Just a couple of thoughts about the Rams awesome offense. They played two playoff teams during the regular season (Detroit and the Titans). Both games were close, but the Rams lost them both. On the next tier down, they played two games against Carolina and one against the Giants. To their credit, they won those games pretty convincingly. Their other opponents this season were Cleveland, Cincy, Philly, Chicago and two games each against the Saints, San Fran and Atlanta. Tampa Bay's offense might look good against that schedule. The win against Minnesota was their most impressive win of the season.
A moment of silence for Derrick Thomas. He's paralyzed from the waist down from the car accident he was in yesterday. It was his car and he was driving. He lost control in icy conditions and did a rollover. Neither he, nor the guy who died, were wearing seat belts. Both were ejected from the car. The other passenger was wearing a seat belt and was treated and released yesterday. They were on their way to the airport to catch a plane to St. Louis to watch the Rams/Titans game. One minute, he was enjoying the offseason. The next minute, he's facing the likelihood that he will never walk again.
I'm glad he's alive. Very sorry for the people in that other KC accident with the truck carrying hydrochloric acid. Have to slow down. Too much speed for the conditions is what the state patrol said.
Sticking with the Titans. But Anthony Dorsett taking the place of that lost (broken ankle) safety Robertson is a big time mis-match.
Don't speak for "english canada" buddy! It's so like some from the "CENTER OF THE WORLD" to think that way. Let me tell you something, pal. Canada is more then Ontario!!!
As far as canadian hockey teams, all I can say is I'll help them move! I pay enough tax & I'll be damned if more of my money is going to go to some sports team!
As far as the leafs, I'll cheer for a fence post before I'll ever cheer for team from the most arrogant city in the world!
Here in Denver, we paid the stadium tax for the baseball Rockies, the new Broncos football stadium, and let the Avalanche (former Quebec Nordiques) out of their lease at one arena so they could get more from the Pepsi Center.
I wish we would apply some Canadian logic, and stop using public money to support private teams.
I was all for bringing back IR. I thought it worked good before, but the version of it we have this year has me pining to get rid of it again.
In the first Monday night game of the year, Rod Smith was pushed out of bounds after a sideline catch. It was ruled he didn't have both feet in bounds because the IR was not allowed to rule on whether he was pushed. I knew if you could have something so obvious, and still get it wrong, you don't need the system.
And yesterday, yet again, it was the Tampa Bay Bucs Bert Emanuel that got cheated by IR. On 2nd and 23, the umpire ruled a crucial, completed catch on the field, but IR officials reviewed the play since it was inside the final two minutes, reversing the decision even though the replay showed a catch.
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of pass interference too. Let them play the game, and let the refs call it on the field.
Hey afs93- check your facts before you shoot your mouth.
Firstly, I am not speaking for English Canada, as most people on here know I am an English Canadian - that is originally English, now Canadian - so don't accuse me of something that I didn't say - what are you a Tindra lover (tee hee).
Secondly, as I pointed out, I agree with you on the hockey issue.
You don't like the Leafs, your choice. I do not come from Toronto, I do not live in Toronto. The Leafs are my closest NHL team.
why not just let the refs in the replay booths make all the calls instead of just the ones under 2 minutes. It takes too much time. I also think they should have replays like time outs. Call one when you want and have 2 or 3 per half. So many missed calls on stuff that's not reviewable.
I also like how college ball does their overtimes. Both teams get a equal chance. They play to a equal tie and they should get a equal chance, but that's another story. Some day they'll pull their heads out...
Agree Swobig about the college overtime. But games are taking longer again with these reviews. And they are still making bad calls, so I wish they would drop it, and just live with what they call on the field.
One thing I'm sure we agree on...I am just devastated for Derrick Thomas, his loved ones, and all the unfortunate victims of that terrible ice storm tragedy in KC. Get well soon Derrick.
Here's some advice - engage brain before opening mouth. This is for superbowl picks - you cocked up big time in your character assassination of me in your first post. I put you straign so you try another tack.
SHUT THE STUFF UP!!!
No one wants to hear it, if you want to abuse me, e-mail me, don't make anyone else put up with your ridiculous diatribe.
For the record - never voted Liberal, can't help where I was born - I think judgements based on that is called racism, my truck suits my needs - I am happy and that is all that matters.
What were the two words after Tindra - tee hee I believe.
Which province is it that does surgical removal of the sense of humour?
If you can't tell that my post was light hearted you have a very serious problem - just go back and read the first paragraph.
Most everyone on here knows my background, I make no secret of it. You are correct that I titled my post (#10) The canadian view - though not in the capitals that you used, I then qualified it immediately - even if you did seriously misinterpret that qualification.
Why don't you more usefully spend your time learning to lighten up instead of attacking me and creating multiple user names on here. Like I said, if you want to attack me e-mail me, for your own sake stop making such a fool of yourself in this public forum.
I heard the same thing quadrunner. It sounds like there is a reasonable chance he will walk again, although it will be a lengthy and tough road back and, of course, there are no guarantees. After what I've read, I expect to see him walking again.
I'm not sure if you are slow or just stupid? I apologized to you!
Just to make sure that the is no misunderstand, please read the following! I APOLOGIZE IF ANYTHING I SAID TO YOU WAS REGUARDED BY YOURSELF TO BE OFFENSIVE!
AFS
Quadrunner500,
Sorry but Mr.Jordon thought for some reason that I owned a Tundra. I would never buy a Toyota Tundra or a Dodge Dakota. I ordered a Chevy Silverado!!!
Comments
Go Rams!!
From this point on, Dick Vermeil will be choked up and bleary eyed all the way to the Vince Lombardi presentation. When you consider what he did with an arena league quarterback, brought those players together etc. I'm impressed.
Haven't seen Titans or Colts play this year. Until I see them play, I have to go with Jags, but expect them to self destruct either now, or in the big one.
Roger.
More seriously - Titans over Bucs, Rams over Jaguars - Brunell or no Brunell, and Rams over Titans in the big show.
More importantly, for the first time in way too many years, Leafs for the Stanley cup!!!!!!
Go Leafs, Go
Titans over Jags
Rams over Bucs
Rams over Titans
There, that makes more sense.
But then, I can't ignore the superior blocking and tackling the Titans exhibited beating the Colts. And Steve McNair, Eddie George, look pretty potent.
I'm going back and forth. I should be counted out anyway for first picking the Vikings. At least here I get a second chance. I'm changing my pick from the Rams because of that big let-up at the end against Jeff George and Randy Moss.
I'm going with the Tennessee Titans for my pick.
I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. No shoes, no shirt, no service!
We are talking about next year, right?
The Rams will likely wake up soon and remember that they are still only the Rams and they are still owned by Georgia.
Rams and Jags are the likely matchup and I think that is the matchup that will generate the most interest, especially if both teams manhandle their opponents this weekend. The Rams are favored by 13 1/2 and the Jags are favored by 7.
But I'll go against the odds and pick an all-Florida Superbowl of the Jags and Bucs. Realistically, I doubt the Bucs can score enough points to keep up with the Rams.
Regardless of who wins this weekend, there will be a first time appearance by at least one franchise and there will definitely be a first time winner. The Rams are the only team remaining that has been to a Superbowl and they lost to the Steelers.
Here are my picks gentlemen.
NFC CC
St. Louis 31 Tampa Bay 28
AFC CC
Jacksonville 38 Tennesee 21
Super Bowl
Jacksonville 35 St. Louis 31
I really have a hard time with the concept of the government bailing out hockey any way. The only team that would have met the conditions would have been the Senators anyway - and Rod Bryden is already in trouble with the Ontario government for trying to by pass a sales tax. He has threatened to sell the team and move south - well I guess that is his right, but how he can claim that he is being driven out of Canada by the tax situation when he stands to make $60mln (US) on any sale is beyond me. The real problem is the current CBA and the relative weakness of the C$ against the US$.
Best thing that can happen, and it pains me to say it, is a major lockout when the CBA expires in 2004 - may give the players a reality check.
Titans 17
Bucs 24
Rams 20
Rams 30
Bucks 10
Titans 24
Jags 23
Super Bowl
Rams 24
Titans 17
Today's the day we see. Been 6-2 so far in the playoffs, but probably lose both these games. Can't wait...
Titans 34
Rams 31
Obviously, the replay official was from St. Louis or better yet, the Rams organization. Did anyone see any conclusive evidence to overturn the call made on the field in the last minute of a game that would have made it third and 10, rather than third and 23? The way I saw it, the ball was caught, tucked into his chest, both knees hit with the ball under control, so the play is dead at that point. Even after that, the next thing to hit was his elbow. Any potential of the ball hitting the ground (which I don't think anyone can say they saw conclusively on any replay) was clearly after the play was dead. Just my opinion.
For the record, I still think the Rams, though by less than I orginally thought. Not convinced the Rams are good value for the 7-8 point favorites that they seem to be.
The Rams have a coach I've always respected and several players of local interest to me. Dre' Bly is an ex-Tarheel(my former school). Holt is a local boy who went to NC State(I forgive him). Proehl went to Wake Forest(my dad's school & Proehl's sister is a news anchor in my town). Also, you gotta love the QB story.
The Titans have McNair(tough player) and Eddie George(a real class act) and the FREAK(similar to me in regards to athletic ability!!).
If I have to predict a winner, I'd have to say the Rams. If their normal offense shows up, I don't see how the Titans can score enough points to beat 'em. If the Ram offense of yesterday arrives, the Titans will pull it out. It will make for an interesting game.
Take care
Just a couple of thoughts about the Rams awesome offense. They played two playoff teams during the regular season (Detroit and the Titans). Both games were close, but the Rams lost them both. On the next tier down, they played two games against Carolina and one against the Giants. To their credit, they won those games pretty convincingly. Their other opponents this season were Cleveland, Cincy, Philly, Chicago and two games each against the Saints, San Fran and Atlanta. Tampa Bay's offense might look good against that schedule. The win against Minnesota was their most impressive win of the season.
A moment of silence for Derrick Thomas. He's paralyzed from the waist down from the car accident he was in yesterday. It was his car and he was driving. He lost control in icy conditions and did a rollover. Neither he, nor the guy who died, were wearing seat belts. Both were ejected from the car. The other passenger was wearing a seat belt and was treated and released yesterday. They were on their way to the airport to catch a plane to St. Louis to watch the Rams/Titans game. One minute, he was enjoying the offseason. The next minute, he's facing the likelihood that he will never walk again.
Sticking with the Titans. But Anthony Dorsett taking the place of that lost (broken ankle) safety Robertson is a big time mis-match.
Don't speak for "english canada" buddy! It's so like some from the "CENTER OF THE WORLD" to think that way. Let me tell you something, pal. Canada is more then Ontario!!!
As far as canadian hockey teams, all I can say is I'll help them move! I pay enough tax & I'll be damned if more of my money is going to go to some sports team!
As far as the leafs, I'll cheer for a fence post before I'll ever cheer for team from the most arrogant city in the world!
Super Bowl, GO TITANS!!! BIG TIME!!!
I wish we would apply some Canadian logic, and stop using public money to support private teams.
In the first Monday night game of the year, Rod Smith was pushed out of bounds after a sideline catch. It was ruled he didn't have both feet in bounds because the IR was not allowed to rule on whether he was pushed. I knew if you could have something so obvious, and still get it wrong, you don't need the system.
And yesterday, yet again, it was the Tampa Bay Bucs Bert Emanuel that got cheated by IR. On 2nd and 23, the umpire ruled a crucial, completed catch on the field, but IR officials reviewed the play since it was inside the final two minutes, reversing the decision even though the replay showed a catch.
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of pass interference too. Let them play the game, and let the refs call it on the field.
Firstly, I am not speaking for English Canada, as most people on here know I am an English Canadian - that is originally English, now Canadian - so don't accuse me of something that I didn't say - what are you a Tindra lover (tee hee).
Secondly, as I pointed out, I agree with you on the hockey issue.
You don't like the Leafs, your choice. I do not come from Toronto, I do not live in Toronto. The Leafs are my closest NHL team.
I also like how college ball does their overtimes. Both teams get a equal chance. They play to a equal tie and they should get a equal chance, but that's another story. Some day they'll pull their heads out...
One thing I'm sure we agree on...I am just devastated for Derrick Thomas, his loved ones, and all the unfortunate victims of that terrible ice storm tragedy in KC. Get well soon Derrick.
Bronco fans for #58 !
As far as you being a former limey, well that speaks for itself!
Thanks to all you idiots in Ontario, the rest of Canada is stuck with the federal liberals!!!
British Columbia & Alberta would be better off joining the United States!
Here's some advice - engage brain before opening mouth. This is for superbowl picks - you cocked up big time in your character assassination of me in your first post. I put you straign so you try another tack.
SHUT THE STUFF UP!!!
No one wants to hear it, if you want to abuse me, e-mail me, don't make anyone else put up with your ridiculous diatribe.
For the record - never voted Liberal, can't help where I was born - I think judgements based on that is called racism, my truck suits my needs - I am happy and that is all that matters.
Rams by 3
As far as character assassination (if I came across to strong) I apologize to you!
I would also like to remind you that you were the one who knocked me as a "Tindra owner".
GO Titans GO !!!
Go Titans !
Go Derrick #58
What were the two words after Tindra - tee hee I believe.
Which province is it that does surgical removal of the sense of humour?
If you can't tell that my post was light hearted you have a very serious problem - just go back and read the first paragraph.
Most everyone on here knows my background, I make no secret of it. You are correct that I titled my post (#10) The canadian view - though not in the capitals that you used, I then qualified it immediately - even if you did seriously misinterpret that qualification.
Why don't you more usefully spend your time learning to lighten up instead of attacking me and creating multiple user names on here. Like I said, if you want to attack me e-mail me, for your own sake stop making such a fool of yourself in this public forum.
Prayers offer the most hope, now.
I'm not sure if you are slow or just stupid? I apologized to you!
Just to make sure that the is no misunderstand, please read the following! I APOLOGIZE IF ANYTHING I SAID TO YOU WAS REGUARDED BY YOURSELF TO BE OFFENSIVE!
AFS
Quadrunner500,
Sorry but Mr.Jordon thought for some reason that I owned a Tundra. I would never buy a Toyota Tundra or a Dodge Dakota. I ordered a Chevy Silverado!!!