Are you ready for some football?

[randychase]

Chargers gonna go all the way baby!

Ok, probably not..but right now they are undefeated!

[Ryan Marston]

Yeah well the Houstan Texans are only one game out of first for the pre-season. They could ga all the way this year. Hey, anything can happen, look at the Patriots last year. Whodathunkit? Actually this year I am routing for The packers!!!

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

The homer in me says, "Broncos all the way!"

The realist in me understands that we've got some serious questions. Will we get the Griese of 2000 (good) or the Griese of 2001 (bad)? Will Davis, Gary, Smith, McCaffery and our o-line stay healthy? Will our defense be any better after a year with Rhodes?

If Griese doesn't mature we're done by mid-season. If we get the Griese of 2000 back and can keep the majority of our players healthy we should make a run. The reports from training camp this year are pretty good for a change. They're not just a long form injury report like they were last year. <G>

Best of luck to all, except of course the Raiders (hey, I am a Bronco fan after all).

Ben

[randychase]

The Raiders walked out of the meeting in protest because they are still pissed about the non-fumble call in the play offs.

GET OVER IT ALREADY!

sheesh

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Randy,

Just think how this bodes for the AFC west. The Faders are still focused on last year while the rest of the division is focused on this year. The worst part (for them) is their latest yes-man, er... head-coach actually APPROVED of what they did.

The closest Al Davis will ever get to another Lombardi is to become "Official Trophy Cleaner" for the Broncos. <G>

Ben

[randychase]

Hmm.. according to news reports, Terrell may be out for some time. That would have to hurt the Broncos.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Terrell has been hurting the Broncos for the last two years. His on again off again problematic injuries have kept any one back from getting all the reps in practice. As much as I love what the guy has done for the Broncos and as much of a class act the guy is, I wish he'd just stand down. His career, as good as it was, is over. If he hangs on he'll just be hurting his team and himself.

Ben

[randychase]

Reminds me of the Chargers and Fouts in his last 3 years. Dude, it's over. Time to move on.

But Terrell is/was just so special an athlete. But you are probably right. At some point, minor nagging injuries all add up and age catches up with you.

Playing sports now as an "old man" I am much more aware of how the human body (for most of us) deals with sports injuries and age. Sucks to get old in that regard! :)

Small Broncos note. I was at a Blondie concert last night and someone threw a cap on stage. Deborah Harry walked over and picked it up and wore it for one song. It was a Bronco's cap. :)

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

But Terrell is/was just so special an athlete. But you are probably right. At some point, minor nagging injuries all add up and age catches up with you.

The problem isn't the minor nagging injuries, it's the degenerative condition in his knee. No cartilage, bone to bone, cortizone and lubricant shots, etc... It's been reported that he's considering retirement if the knees don't improve so we'll see.

Ben

[randychase]

Originally posted by Kalatel-PC-Dude


It's been reported that he's considering retirement if the knees don't improve so we'll see.

Ben


Looks like you are right. He announced retirement. Too bad, but maybe he will be in the Hall of Fame?

Looks like we have a QB controversy in San Diego.

[Mark Larson]

Looks like we have a QB controversy in San Diego. [/B][/QUOTE]

like in you don't have a good one? snicker snicker

sorry, I couln't resist

somewhat related:

I visited Polaris motorcycles last spring, they have a motorcycle you can buy that is painted in Viking purple and gold (or as I like to say, yellow) I pointed out to one of the Polaris people that is was real unfortunate timing since when they probably made the decision the Vikings were one of the favorites to win the SuperBore but by the time the motorcycle was available the Vikings were so bad even the Detoilet Lions beat them. The guy nodded in argreemnet and said "at least we didn't make the mistake of putting number 84 on it, then people would think it only runs part of the time"

!!!!!!!!!!!!

Randy Moss, number 84, the Super Freak

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Looks like you are right. He announced retirement. Too bad, but maybe he will be in the Hall of Fame?

Tonight on Monday Night Football Terrell is going to take one last walk down the players entrance. Tuesday he'll be placed on IR for the remainder of the season (allowing hime to pick up almost half his pay). His actuall retirement announcement isn't expected until after June 1 of next year for cap reasons. He's also said that he may try "Micro-fracture surgery" in the interim which may give him the ability to rehabilitate the knee and be able to play again ala Garrison Hearst. Personally, I'm viewing tonight as a fond farewell to a player who has meant much to the organization.

If Terrell Davis doesn't go to the HOF, then Sayers should be removed! Davis did more than Sayers in a shorter period!

Ben

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

"at least we didn't make the mistake of putting number 84 on it, then people would think it only runs part of the time"

Randy Moss is a cancer on the Vikings team. His work ethic sucks and is starting to rub off on the younger players. I always like to see the Vikings do well (my fav NFC team) but they need to loose Moss. I just can't root for the punk to do well.

Ben

[randychase]

Did you catch the SD-Rams game? Interesting how much the SD team manhandled the Rams. Sure, it's preseason, but SD was looking pretty good.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

I didn't see the game, but I did hear about it. It's a but frustrating that no-one is concerned that Warner is playing like crap but Griese is living under a microscope!

Ben

[Ryan Marston]

So... How 'bout those RAMS!!!!! Even the Lions have a better record than them. So much for the super bowl this year for St. Louis. I guess we'll all have to watch the Patriots roll over everyone again. Maybe Denver can do it..... Nahhhhhh

[randychase]

Well, here is San Diego now 4-0 having beaten the Super Bowl Champions New England.

Wow...

The next question is can we stay on top after playing the AFC West rivals. Every team in this division is very good.

San Diego
Raiders
Denver
Kansas City

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

C'mon Ryan. Haven't you been listening to the "experts" talking? The Rams and the Steelers are still the class of the league. LMAO! I love the bandwagon jumping "experts" and their "insightful" analasys.

Raiders
Broncos
Eagles
'Niners
Patriots

These are the teams that have a decent shot. If my Broncos lose this weekend I'd have to pull 'em from the list.

Ben

[Tom]

Look out Denver, the undefeated San Diego Chargers are coming to your town this Sunday.

What in the $*^&@# happened to Denver last Monday night against Baltimore? Looks like an easy game coming up for the Chargers. But we'll see. Good luck Denver (you'll need it), Junior Say OW is gonna put the hurt on #14 Brian Griese.

Looks like a good game to watch.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Tom,

I hope the Chargers are as overconfident as your post sounds. <G> Don't expect the Broncos to roll over for this one. We made the mistake of looking past a winless team. We certainly won't look past an undefeated one.

Ben

[Tom]

Well Ben, looks like you were correct. Denver was ready for the Chargers. Now both teams have 4 - 1 records.

It was a good game and Denver played well. We'll see how the rest of the season plays out.

Denver scored more points in one game against the Chargers than all other teams combined so far this year. Took me by surprise. I bet you were happy. Denver packed their stadium. I don't think there was an empty seat in the house.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Tom,

I didn't get to see this one. :-( It wasn't televised locally and I couldn't make it to the sports bar in Salem where I usually go for the games that don't make it to TV. I was glad to hear the favorable reports from all my fellow Bronco fans (and not a few Charger fans) on orangemane.com. San Diego's got a pretty good team and it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see them in the playoffs in for the next several years, if not this year. Of course the only guarenteed way to get into the playoffs now is to win your division (only two wildcards in each conference now). It was really refreshing to have Charger fans on the message boards this last week. They, like yourself, were very classy fans and those who chose to talk a little "smak" before the game were also gracious enough to eat some crow afterward. :) Good luck the rest of the way, except of course when we come to San Diego. :)

BTW - Packed houses are the norm in Denver. Unless Green Bay or Washington still holds it, Denver has the longest current consecutive sell-out streak and no-shows are rarely over 1,000.

Ben

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

To the San Diego Chargers. With a win at home against Kansas City they moved into first place in teh AFC West with the The Rams dealing an embarrasing loss to the Raiders and the Dolphins beating the Broncos on a last second field goal.

ARRGHHHH! We're in third place at 4-2!

Ben

[Tom]

The Chargers are looking good right now. Chargers are going to play Oakland at Oakland next and that will be the defining moment. But after that it's easy street. They take a week off and get some rest and come back home to play the last place NY Jets (1-4) and then go and play the last place RAMS (1-5).

The Super Bowl is in San Diego this year and having San Diego playing in it would be an awesome thing. But there's still a lot of games to play. We'll see.

[randychase]

Wow, two great games to watch on TV. I was kinda out of it with a migraine, so I laid around watching both games ("sorry honey, I can't clean the garage now... I don't feel good").

What is amazing about the Chargers is that they gave away the ball so many times and had the punt blocked and still managed to win, on the strength of the defense keeping them in the game.

Kudos to Drew Brees also in the 4th quarter drives. He stepped up like a veteran QB.

One more thought about this game... Priest Holmes is a stud of an athlete. That guy is incredible in just about any aspect. I feel the same way about our guy Tim Dwight in regards to blazing speed.

The Denver/Miami game was also epic. Fun to watch. Who would have thought that much time left on the clock would be a problem?

[randychase]

As always when the season progresses, teams will get defined by their injuries. For San Diego, we have some key injuries, specially to Junior Seau, Rodney Harrision, and to the Center and Tight End position.

Can Junior get better? Will others continue to step it up? Can we get well enough for next week against the Raiders?

Playing in Oakland will be difficult. Oakland will be like Denver was a week ago, wanting to make up for a bad loss. They will come out trying to prove they are the team in this division, not the Chargers. It truly may be the defining moment for San Diego if they can come away with a win.

Beating your division rivals at home (50% of the games) and winning the rest of the conference games may be enough to make the playoffs. Should be I think? If so, we are on the way to doing that so far. But a win in Oakland means we are 2-1 in division play.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

I know I'm certainly not looking forward to our rematch in San Diego. I think if we can get through the next two games (@ KC and @ New England) we'll be ok.

Junior is gonna be a question mark for you guys every season from now until he retires. The guy is awesome, but his injuries are starting to become problematic for the Chargers. Iactualy wouldn't mind seeing the Chargers in the Superbowl, if my boys can't do it. If you do get to the Superbowl, you'll be the first team to ever play one on your home field.

Go beat the Raiders!

Ben

[randychase]

I agree about Junior. We have all seen this towards the end of their careers. Heck, even playing the soccer and volleyball I did, I was getting much more easily injured, and they took a lot longer to heal, and were re-injured easily. Those NFL guys take a pounding, specially a linebacker like Junior.


No matter what Ben, we will agree on one major point. BEAT THE RAIDERS. :)

[randychase]

And beat them we did.

6-1!

:)

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Now if KC can just eek one out next week we'll have the division race all to ourselves. :D

Ben

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Ok. With the Raider and KC sitting at only four wins each and the Broncos and Chargers sitting at six each things are gonna get ugly. Go Jets. :D

I wouldn't be a Bronco fan if I didn't want them in first place. :D

Ben

[Tom]

Unfortunatly for the Jets that the chargers offense is a better then the Jets defense (especially in San Diego with a full house). Watch the Chargers run past the Jets defense and put over 300 running yards on the board. And then there's the passing yards, yawn. :O)

It's too bad that Denver has the week off, and I hope their ready for the 4 & 3 Oakland next week. Oakland needs a win.

But we'll see. You never know in football (due to injuries).

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

I know, I know. The Chargers are gonna kill the Jets! A guy can dream of first place can't he? :D

Ben

[Tom]

Wow! The Chargers lost 44 - 13 to the Jets!!!

Is there a good recipe for Crow? If I have to eat it, it might as well be good.
(Speaking of recipes, I just posted some good Thanksgiving recipes in the pcbstandards.com Cook Book. mmmmmmmm)

Actually this Charger loss is good for the entire NFL. It makes everything that much more competitive. And it puts Denver in the first place position (even though both teams are tied at 6-2) because the Chargers lost to them earlier this year.

Well Ben, some dreams do come true. Stop dreaming now OK....

[randychase]

Ouch! Chargers played poorly in every way. Penalties. Special teams. Tackling. Passing. Blah...

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Sorry Tom. I can't stop dreaming yet. Superbowl Sunday coincides with my 34th birthday this year. Wouldn't that be an awesome birthday party?

I really expected the Chargers to unload on the Jets. Even when the Jets were up 21-0 I figured the game was FAR from over. I guess that's why they play 'em.

Ben

[Ryan Marston]

St. Louis is gunna kick some Charged up butt on Sunday. Be afraid!!!

[randychase]

They sure are on a roll.

This will be the time of year that the Chargers either step up, or fold like last year.

We will have Rodney Harrison back. It will be interesting to see how they respond to getting whupped by the Jets.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

What a heart-breaker for the Chargers yesterday! That's one you guys certainly should've won. Tonight we get to finish off the Raiders. A loss tonight by the Raiders removes them from the division race and most likely from the playoff race. It's a game we should win, but I'm not forgetting Baltimore either.

Ben

[Ryan Marston]

I have a funny feeling that Oakland may just take this one. They really need a win, and I think more teams are beginining to learn the secrets of playing at mile High.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

The Raiders backs are against the wall and it's a divisional rivalry, but the Raiders are also a team reeling from injuries on defense and showing their age on offense. The Broncos are coming off a BYE week, are playing at home, have not lost to the Raiders at home since Shanahan took over and can take sole posession of first-place. There may not be a bigger game (for everyone but the hapless Chiefs) in the AFC west this season.
BTW - There's no secret to winning at Mile High. Just Bring your "A" game... and lots of oxygen. :D

Final score: Broncos-27 - Raiders-24

Ben

[Tom]

The Raiders backs are against the wall
You can say that again!

34 - 10 Oakland Victory. The Raiders played a perfect game in Mile High. Broke 3 records.

San Diego 6 - 3

Denver 6 - 3

We've got a playoff in our division. It's not over yet.

[Ryan Marston]

What were ya saying Ben?

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Well, the Raiders brought their "A" game... and lots of oxygen. :( Broncos brought their "C" or maybe even "D" "E" or "F" game. Rhodes defense looked average at best and once again we moved the ball fairly well but collapsed in the red-zone.

The way this division has played so far, 9-7 may win it.

Oh well. Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs have still got a view of the horses butts. :D

I would NOT want to be in the Broncos team meeting this morning. You can bet Shanahan is shredding some Bronco butts!

Ben

[randychase]

One thing is obvious. We have 4 good teams in the AFC West, and the Chargers have no pass rush.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

No one in the Charger camp is talking smak! This is gonna be an interesting rivalry for the next few years. That Tomlinson kid just might be the real thing. <G> Congrats on making our run D look like a high school team. Sheesh, just when you think things can't get any worse...

Ben

[Tom]

Ben,

Don't be surprised that the Chargers fans are talking Smak. They didn't beat the Broncos, the Broncos beat themselves.

I watched most of the game and it was sloppy on both sides. Take Tomlinson out of the game and the Chargers would have lost. I'm not big on "One man Super Heroes" because they come and go. I'm more of a team player and like to see the entire team work together to win games. I like multiple weapons in case one gets hurt.

San Diego is waiting until after the Raider game next week before we toot our horns. If San Diego can beat Oakland again, then we know we're on our way to the playoffs. Oakland is a very tough team and they are coming on strong. Needless to say, the Charger / Oakland game is a defining moment (and it's sold out).

Denver is not out of the running yet.

[randychase]

Originally posted by Kalatel-PC-Dude
No one in the Charger camp is talking smak!

Because I never know which Charger's team is going to show up, and having suffered through 3 really bad games this year, I am not talking much smack.

Also, it's obvious the team has some problems stopping the run, defending the pass, and in our kicking game. We were a little lucky and Denver was a little unlucky.

Still, we are a good team. Maybe not Super Bowl, but in the hunt. Ladamian is a stud and had a great day. Brees looked like a veteran. The second string receivers stepped up and played well.

And the more we can get Tim Dwight involved, the better.

Now we need the Jets to beat the Raiders tonight. Otherwise it's the second week in a row that two tied for first place teams in the AFC West will meet. I would rather the Raiders be a game down. :)

Kudos to the Broncos without their QB and Shannon Sharpe. I can't say enough about how great McCaffrey is.

[randychase]

What a division, even Kansas City is still in this thing based on the ability of Priest Holmes.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Denver is not out of the running yet.

If you're talking about team talent, I'll agree. If you're talking about our offensive coordinators ability to come up with a good gameplan, I strongly disagree. We pass on 3rd and three and run on 3rd and twenty. We've been doing it all year. Until Kubiak pulls his head out, we'll keep doing it. He keeps going away from our strengths trying to create "mismatches" that only exist in his head. Oh well. I guess we can always hope he takes a head coaching job with some Texas college. :)

Ben

[Tom]

I was really hoping that the NY Jets would beat the Raiders last night, but the Raiders are on a streak and unfortunately they are bringing that streak to San Diego on Sunday. The winner of that game takes first place and the momentum. I will be in a state of shock if San Diego beats the Raiders (but then again I will be happy:-)

My brother (who is the most knowledgeable person I know in football) told me 4 weeks ago that the Super Bowl will be Raiders & Eagles. I couldn't believe it then, but it looks like it could happen.

I'm all for the Chargers, but I have to agree with Randy in that you never know which Chargers are going to show up. Example: The last place (at the time) NY Jets come to San Diego and kicked their butts 44 - 13. That's the reality.

Denver should not have any trouble with the Jets or Kansas City in the next two weeks, but we'll see.

Denver doesn't have to worry about San Diego, but they should be concerned about the Raiders. It's Denver at Oakland on Dec 22 and I'll be tuned into that one.

Needless to say it is an interesting season and the Super Bowl is in San Diego. No home team has ever played in the Super Bowl and I wonder if that's plain economics or coincidence. If San Diego were to play in the Super Bowl, it would be a mega multi-million $$ loss for the city of San Diego economy. So it's in the Chargers best interest (for their home town businesses - not the fans) not to play the big game.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Tom,

Why would the Chargers being in the Superbowl be such a big economic hit on the San Diego area? There are only (I think) 1500 tickets available to each teams fan base so all the contest winners, corporate execs, Make A Wish kids, etc... will still be there.

Ben

[Tom]

Ben,

Thanks for setting me straight. I was under the impression that most of the 70,000 tickets go to the highest bidder and of course San Diego Fans would pay top dollar for those tickets because they have zero travel and housing expenses. San Diego is a tourist spot and has many hotels that would go unused if the Chargers were in the Super Bowl.

But, if only 1,500 tickets go to San Diego residents then it would be only a minor financial impact if the Chargers made the Super Bowl.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Tom,

I don't remember the exact number, but 1500 is in the ballpark. The Superbowl is such a big event that every corporate entity wants tickets. The NFL (of course) wanted to make certain that they get the most possible benifit from it. The average football fan can't even afford tickets to a Superbowl (nosebleed seat "value" packages usually start around $500.00 each), let alone travel expenses. That's always been my beef with pro sports. Not the players making a majority of the available money, they're the ones risking their bodies and sometimes even their lives. I just don't understand pricing the average fan out of the games. Then again, as long as dummies like me keep paying top dollar ($15-$20 for a t-shirt?) they'll keep charging it! :)

Ben

[randychase]

This weekend's Charger vs Raider game is going to be HUGE. EPIC.

If we can win, we should be in the playoffs. If not, we will have a struggle to win on the road.

Can the Chargers win two very hard games in a row? Can they beat Oakland twice?

I have my doubts, but you never know which Chargers team is going to show up. The very good one, or they very bad one.

[Tom]

I hope that the Chargers fans don't beat up too many Oakland fans this weekend. We'll have the Hell's Angels down here if they do.

There are several Denver fans that are suing San Diego and Qualcomm Stadium after being beat up after Last weeks Charger / Denver game. They're asking for witnesses to come forward but so far no show.

This is not representative of San Diego. The people who did this are maverick thug outcasts who were drunk.

Needless to say, the security for this Sunday’s game has doubled.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

As a Bronco fan this weeks chargers game is tough. We play the Raiders again, so I should be pulling for the Raiders to win so we can ontrol our own destiny. On the other hand, I'd rather catch the stomach flu than watch the Raiders play another Superbowl! :) Could your guys arrange a tie? :D

Ben

[Cadcrusher]

Not a chance...... Chargers all the way.

[randychase]

Raiders and Chargers
This Sunday, Qualcomm Stadium. 1:00pm PST.

It's going to be EPIC. The battle of the 1st place AFC west teams.

The funny thing is the stuff happening here in preparation for it.

1. Many additional police patrolling the area and at the stadium.
2. Increased private security guards.
3. 50% more holding tanks.
4. Cut off all alcohol sales at halftime.
5. All spectators will be frisked on entering the stadium.

It will be great. If the good Chargers show up. Not that Charger team that tanked against Miami, Jets, and the 1st Denver game. The team that beat San Francisco, Denver (last week), and the 1st meeting with the Raiders. The lucky team with a great running back.

They have some key injuries and areas that they are hurting. Kick offs have been a problem. They released their kicker Wade Richey this week and signed a new guy. A bit late in the season to do that, but I hope he catches on quickly. Then again, he is just a kicker.

The loss last week of Defensive Tackle Jamal Williams to that cheap shot from Denver will hurt. It is not certain if the receiving corp will be healthy enough. Curtis Conway is hurt, and he was the go-to guy early on this season. If Tim Dwight can be used more, that would be a good thing. He is incredible.

Our QB is doing a good job, and he has flashes of brilliance. But he is new at this, and learning and has made some mistakes. To his credit, the mistakes have been pretty few. But if they stop LT and the running game, and force the QB to throw a lot, we will be in trouble.

On the other side, Gannon is having a career year. Setting all kinds of records. Jerry Rice is awesome.

This could be a great game of playoff proportions. Or a stinker.

Another great game will be December 22 when the Raiders play the Broncos....or maybe even the KC game on Dec 28th.

The AFC West is a real shoot out this season.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Well,

Two things were proven yesterday. The Raiders are top dog in the AFC West (at least for now) and the Denver Broncos are done playing football for the season. Maybe we can still help out the Chargers in two weeks and play spoiler against the Raiders. Then again, we'll probably play prevent defense an telelgraph offense against them, just like we've been doing for the last six weeks. Our game plans have become so predictable it's not even funny.

Ben

[randychase]

The Raiders sure looked like the complete package. We actually could probably play well enough to match up against them, but we can't continue to throw interceptions (why not play Flutie?) and the offensive line could not match up with the speed of the Raider defense.

When they take away the short game, we have to test them long, and that is not something Brees can do at this point. We don't play catch up well.

Also, our kick off game still is not good with our brand new kicker. The loss of run stopper Jamal Williams (to that Bronco cheap shot) is huge and other teams will now run up the middle on us. Notice how we all of a sudden can't stop the run on the goal line. Curtis Conway is still injured.

And unfortunately, it was just a bad game to watch.

There were some positives though. We saw some great plays by some new receivers. If we tweak a few things, the Chargers could really improve next year when LT, Brees, and those receivers get another year under their belts.

There are still 3 games left and the Chargers may have the easiest schedule of the AFC West.


9-4 Raiders will play the Broncos, Dolpins, and KC.

8-5 Chargers play Buffalo, Seattle, and KC.

7-6 Denver plays KC, Raiders, Arizona.

7-6 KC plays Raiders, Chargers, and Denver. Ouch.

It's still the Wild, Wild, West in the AFC.

Chargers could easily take 2 out of the 3 and end 10-6. 4 good teams in the AFC West.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Randy,

We all know it was a cheap shot. We all wish he would get fined, suspended or both. Ok?

Ben

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

In the AFC West.

A week ago, the Broncos were reeling from a tough loss to New York, playoff hopes all but gone. Now, if we beat the Raiders, we'll win the division (I know, we'll still have one game left, but it's Arizona in Denver, less than a BYE week). Whodathunkit!

Big thanks to Miami and Buffalo! :D

Ben

[Tom]

I told you that Denver is not out of the picture yet.

The Chargers historically fall apart near the end of the season. They even took their uninjured starting quarterback Drew Brees out of the game yesterday and plugged Doug Flutie. The Chargers only chance for a playoff berth is if they win all remaining games and Denver lose every game (including the Raider game ;-) but that would just put the Chargers right back in a game with the Raiders for the wildcard. I personally think Denver has a better chance for a wildcard playoff.

The NFC is totally a different story. Philadelphia, Green Bay and San Francisco have already clinched their division titles and no team in the AFC has done so.

My brother (since the beginning of the season) is still betting on a Raider / Philly Super Bowl, but we'll see.

[randychase]

The most interesting Super Bowl would be Tampa Bay and Gruden against his old team, The Raiders. That would be something.

Sort of the clash of the pirate teams.

Chargers.. what can I say? At least the Buffalo game was entertaining. I liked seeing Flutie play. Maybe if Flutie was in a few minutes more, we would have had a chance. But the main problem seemed to be poor tackling and defensive mistakes at the end of the game.

Of course, the defense DID hold a very good offense to hardly any gains or points, so they then have to count on the offense to make some points.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

My brother (since the beginning of the season) is still betting on a Raider / Philly Super Bowl, but we'll see.

The most interesting Super Bowl would be Tampa Bay and Gruden against his old team, The Raiders.

I still want to see a Bronco/Buccaneer Superbowl, just to see the look on Al Davis' face when the two best coaches he EVER had meet up for the championship and his Raiders are sitting home again!:D

I'm still not convinced the Broncos will make the playoffs. Our coaches did their level best to throw the game away yesterday in the second half. Yesterdays game plan will NOT beat the Raiders in Oakland next week.

Ben

[randychase]

Chargers may have gotten a break for next week's game against the Chiefs if Priest Holmes is hurting.

No matter what happens, the AFC West has been a fun division this year (like many years). The wild card hunt should be very intense.

Denver plays Oakland and San Diego plays Kansas City.

Next week..the following scenario is possible,

San Diego 9-6 (div record 4-2)
Oakland 9-6 (div record 2-3)
Denver 9-6 (div record 4-2)
Kansas City 7-8

A 3 way tie for 1st place, with the nod going to San Diego and Denver based on the division records. If the season ended then, we would have split head to head. Not sure what the next tie breaker is.

If that happens, the last week in the season looms very large.

San Diego plays Seattle at home. A very winnable game.
Oakland plays Kansas City at home.
Denver plays Arizona at home.

Each of the 3 teams could very well win that last game and all end up 10-6.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

I have to say, I'll be on the KC bandwagon for the next two weeks. :D

I believe the tiebreakers are as follows:
Head-to-head
Divisional record
Record vs. AFC (non-divisional)
Record vs. NFC

After that it breaks down into a bunch of stats that to my knowlede has only been used once, and that was to determine draft position.

If the NFL uses non-divisional AFC records (as I believe) before NFC records, San Diego wins a tiebreaker with Denver with a 3-3 record against our 2-4. If they use NFC record first, Denver wins a tiebreaker with a 4-0 (I know, we still have to play Arizona, but come on!) record to San Diegos 3-1.

I'll have to do some research on the tie-breakers to see for certain which way they run.

Ben

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Here's the official rules for tiebreakers:

Two Teams

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, if applicable.
5. Best net points in division games.
6. Best net points in all games.
7. Strength of schedule.
8. Best net touchdowns in all games.
9. Coin toss.


Three or More Teams

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
5. Best net points in division games.
6. Best net points in all games.
7. Strength of schedule.
8. Best net touchdowns in all games.
9. Coin toss.

San Diego holds the tiebreakers over Denver and (I think) Oakland with conference record (grrrrrrr). That means Denver (or Oakland) has to be ahead of San Diego with overall record to win the division. That definately puts me on the KC bandwagon this week. :D

Ben

[randychase]

There is a section in our local paper on the tie breaking scenario.

Basically, if all teams end 10-6, then Denver wins the division and San Diego is the wild card most likely.

This is going to be fun. It does look like Kansas City has some major injuries this week.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Those tiebreakers came from NFL.com and you guys have a better conference record. But, who am I to argue with the sports writers in San Diego. They probably know nore about tiebreakers than I. :D

Ben

[randychase]

If the Chargers win both of their games they will be 10-6. Currently, the Raiders are 9-5 and Denver is tied with San Diego at 8-6.

If the Raiders and Broncos both go 1-1 over the next two games, the Chargers will win the AFC West because they would have a better record than Oakland in the division. San Diego would be 4-2 in division play and Oakland would be 3-3.

(This scenario leaves Chargers fans in a bit of quandary as to who to cheer for over the next two weeks. First and foremost, the Chargers need to win both of their games. Then, Chargers fans want the Raiders to defeat the Broncos this week, but lose to the Chiefs the following week. Imagine that; Chargers fans cheering for the Raiders one week and the Chiefs the next. Yikes.)

Oakland controls its own destiny. If the Raiders win both of their games, they will win the AFC West.

Denver would win the AFC West if it wins both of its remaining games. The Broncos would be 10-6 4-2 in the division while Oakland would be 3-3 in AFC West play at best. The Broncos would also own the third tiebreaker over the Chargers because they would have a better record against common opponents.

The Chargers aren’t assured of being in the playoffs if they end up 10-6, but it would give them a much better chance in the Wild Card race. But they do know 9-7 is probably not going to be good enough to get into the playoffs.

In a statistical oddity, every team in the AFC West could end the regular-season 9-7. San Diego (8-6) could do it by losing in Kansas City and then defeating Seattle (now in the NFC West) in the season finale. Kansas City (7-7) could do it by defeating the Chargers and Raiders over the next two weeks. Oakland (9-5) could end up 9-7 by losing both of its next two games to Denver and Kansas City. Denver (8-6) could do it by defeating the Raiders and then losing in the season finale to Arizona.

If every AFC West team ended up 9-7, Denver would win the division on the strength of its division record. Denver would be 4-2 in AFC West play, while San Diego and Kansas City would be 3-3. Oakland would be 2-4.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Well, damn. Now that the Broncos are out, I'll have to root for me second favorite team: Whoever Plays The Raiders Next. This week it's the Jets, so... GO JETS!

Ben

[Tom]

Well it looks like Tennesse will have to turn it up a notch next weekend.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Yep. Now the Titans are my second favorite team. :D

Ben

[randychase]

As much as I like to see the Raider's lose. The idea of Gruden and Tampa Bay playing Oakland in the SuperBowl is going to be a good show with a lot of hype.

[Tom]

What? I thought the Eagles are playing the Raiders in the Super Bowl. That's what I said about 6 - 7 weeks ago. See my post on the top of page 6 in this thread dated 12-03-2002. What's strange is that my brother told me that back in October. OK it might not happen and I'm not a gambling person, but Tampa has to beat Philadelphia IN Philadelphia and that's going to be tough, but you never know with this football season.

[Tom]

Well, the football season is over.......

Tampa Bay kicked the Raiders all over Qualcomm stadium. What a fantastic defense.

Also, there were only 18 arrests made at the stadium which was a record breaker. At a normal Chargers game the average is 50 arrests.

The party went on until 3:00am. All that's left is a mountian of trash to clean up.

See you next year here when you're "Ready for Some Football".

This thread is closing soon. Any last remarks? Maybe looking forward stuff like "The Chargers are going to rule next year!" (I really don't think so, but it sounds good).

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

This just in...

During a small ceremony to award game balls following the Superbowl, a representative of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered one game ball to Rich Gannon of the Oakland Raiders. When asked why he delivered a game ball to an opposing player the team representative responded "Opposing player? Hell, Gannon scored more points for us than Johnson!"

Ben

[Tom]

That is too funny, but true.

[Carl Schattke]

Tampa Bay win superbowl XXXVII

What a shock to all the Raider fans and the rest of the world.

For years this team couldn't get out of it's own way.

If Tampa Bay can win a Superbowl who knows what can happen next.

Every year for the last four years we have had a brand new team winning the superbowl. I wonder who will win in 2004.

My guess is TB will be back with that suffucating defense.
Five picks off a QB that threw than one a game all year.
Shocking. Gannon threw more TD's to Tampa Bay than he did to his own receivers.

Congrats to Gruden. To bad MeShawn gets a superbowl ring.
I'm happy for some of the other Bucs.

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

This thread is closing soon. Any last remarks? Maybe looking forward stuff like "The Chargers are going to rule next year!" (I really don't think so, but it sounds good).

Tom,

Don't close it down just yet. Football season is just getting started! Are you ready for some Arena Football?

Ben

[Tom]

I highly recommend that we start a new "Arena Football" Thread. This thread was specifically for the 2002 NFL season. But, Randy Chase webmaster has the final say. I just recommend.