1999 Super Bowl

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It all comes down to this game.  The undefeated Titans will face off versus the New York Jets.  Strangely enough, both owners have been in this league a very long time, but have never faced off before.  That will come to a change, and who will start off the series on a good note.  Can Tennessee break the curse?  We have never had a "perfect" season in CTL.  Can discdolo break his curse?  Many, many deep playoff runs, but no championships.  Something has to give.  Looking to break down the two teams, the Titans have the better overall team on paper.  Vegas has them as early 6.5 point favorites in the betting books.  McNair trumps Aikman's passing numbers so plus 1 for the Titans.  C-Mart wins the battle of RBs, so plus 1 for the Jets.  Receiving will go with the Titans as the better overall unit, plus 2 for the Titans.  OL/DL....who cares, push.  LB definitely goes to the Jets, led by All Pro Barry Minter.  Plus 2 for the Jets.  Secondary is what the Titans hang their hat on.  By far the bigger advantage and probably the reason for the point spread.  Plus 3 for the Titans.  Special teams, all be it a slight edge, Tennessee still gets that one.  Overall summary 4-2 Titans.  But who cares who has the better team or better units, the game still must be played.  If Aikman isn't forced to throw it a lot, and Martin controls the clock and game, the Jets should be in for an upset.  If McNair can manage the game and not turn it over, the Titans will be hard to beat.  This one will no doubt come down to the 4th quarter, WHERE a pivotal turnover on downs does the Jets in, and the Titans make them pay and score the game winning touchdown with around a minute to go.

Titans win 21-17.

Round 2 of the Playoffs

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The conference championship pits the New York Jets and the New England Patriots. These two bitter rivals have squared off numerous times over the years. Discdolo mans his jets, and TSBGOD his patriots. TSBGOD holds the edge in career games 7 wins to 5. Also the Pats coach hold a 1-0 margin in the playoffs. Both games this season were determined by a field goal. New England won game 1 24-21 in the opening week of the season, and the Jets repaid the favor in week 9 with a defensive 9-6 struggle. Jets LB Barry Minter had a crazy number of 30 tackles in the games combined. 19 in the Jets win, a huge CTL record that might stand for awhile. Both games Jets QB, Troy Aikman, threw an interception. For New York to win, I believe Aikman must play a very sound game and hand the ball off to recently franchise tagged RB Curtis Martin. In the week 1 loss, Martin carried the ball 3 times for 2 yards. He is the leader on this team and the Jets will not be playing for the Lombardi trophy if he only nets 2 whopping yards in this game. His counterpart on the other side line, Stephen Davis had 43 total carries in both ball games. The 2nd game only netting an average of 2.9 yards per carry on 24 carries. LB Ed McDaniel had 4 sacks on the season series and is licking his chops to chase down a slow and aging Aikman. When asked about the game, rookie of the year and Defensive player of the year, CB Mike McKenzie said, "We are going into their place, punching them in the mouth, and leaving with the conference trophy. You beddddaaa believe dat." Big words, but I suppose the swagger that New England possesses trickles down FROM management. All season long the owner has proclaimed on the message boards that, he can't wait to play the Titans in the Super Bowl. Slap in the face to some? Or just confidence? Discdolo will have a chance to prove him wrong. My take on the game, I see Stephen Davis getting hurt in the 2nd quarter FROM a crushing hit FROM Minter. After that, Blake to Harrison prayers will be thrown, to the tune of 100 yard bombs. Some will connect, some will not. New York manages to pick Blake off in the 2nd half and open up a 2 score ball game, and hold on to advance to the Super Bowl.
Jets win 28 - 21.

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So here we are the Godzilla Conference championship. The Tennessee Titans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Titans still wanting to keep that "dream season" alive, and the Bucs who would love to play the spoiler and knock off the undefeated. Fulcher has really gained steam since he beat Opus in the WTFR title game a few months ago, if you do not know about it, ask him he will tell you I'm sure. Not to say he was a bad player before, but he definitely has hit his stride as most of us do. It usually takes a good year or so before you reach "peak" level I'd say in online tecmo, and he really has leading his squad to a 10-3 mark on the year. Looking over his roster it's pretty average. Apparently, his playing isn't average. Tampa Bay was able to knock off the division champs in the final seconds in the divisional playoffs last week with a JJ TD to end the game. Chicago will be licking their wounds all off season. One reason for Tampa's great success is the stellar QB play. Brian Griese had a 28:4 TD:INT Ratio. Unheard of, especially for a 50 pc qb. The 3 Tampa losses this season, equals the 4 picks FROM Griese. Simple math, Griese does not throw an interception, Tampa Bay wins. So you better believe the Titans will be looking to snag at least one pass FROM the Michigan graduate. Tennessee QB Steve McNair, almost has the same TD:INT Ratio. His falls short at 6.8 FROM throwing 27 TDs to 4 INTs. Both quarterbacks are very sound with the football and do not make many mistakes. McNair's wheels could cause trouble for the slow front 7 of the Bucs. Key to victory is what I have talked about over and over. Whichever QB makes the first(and likely only) mistake will cost his team a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. So who takes it?
Titans advance 28 - 10.

Round 1 of the Playoffs

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The New York football Jets play host to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the CTL playoffs. This will the game I really want to watch. Both teams got the best of the other in the regular season as they split the season series. New York won the week 5 battle, 26-21. The Vikes got revenge in week 13, winning a slugfest 10-7 game. In that 2nd game, the Jets amassed 221 rushing yards on the ground, but the Vikings stingy defense stepped up and stopped them FROM penetrating that pay dirt. From looking at the box score, I guess the lone TD came defensively for the green. Jets RB Curtis Martin went down in the game and could have been the reason why New York lost. If Martin averages 29 yards a carry again, Minnesota is toast. Going for over 200 yards on only 7 carries is sick, and definitely cause for concern if you are a Viking fan. Minnesota on the flipside was stymied, only going for 29 yards on 11 carries. Vikings QB Jeff Garcia did throw for 160 more yards than his counterpart and was the biggest difference maker. Like I said earlier, a really tough game to call, and the early Vegas numbers have the Jets as a 2.5 pt favorite. I'll be a betting man and take the Jets and give up the points.
Jets win 24-17.

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The Bengals and Patriots square off in the jungle. Ahake and TSBGOD definitely do not like each other. Definitely this game is more than just a tecmo game. More than a playoff game. These 2 squads did face each other in the regular season with the Patriots coming out on top 56-21 in that game. The 9-4 Bengals will more than likely play a lot better game and I can guarantee no blowout here. Patriots RB, Stephen Davis, found the endzone 5 times on 14 carries for 113 yards. He was a bulldozer in that game, and I expect much of the same to be in ORDER here. The key face off will between Bengals QB Kurt Warner/WR Tim Brown vs. Defensive MVP and Rookie of the Year Patriots, CB Mike McKenzie. Warner did throw for 267 yards and 3 scores in the first game, but most of that probably was in mop up duty. Warner was also picked off one time. Kurt Warner does enough and plays smart ball and leads his team to the conference championship.
Bengals win 28-21.

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The 11-2 Bears welcome to Bucs FROM Tampa to come play at Soldier field for this first round playoff game. These 2 teams fought tooth and nail all season, with Chicago coming out ahead in the division, but not in the regular season battle between the 2. The 2 teams split the season series. Chicago won the week 2 game, 13-7. Tampa took the week 10 game and won 13-10. So both games were very close. Nothing really sticks out. This is a coin flip really. Both owners are very skillful, and the teams are evenly matched. Let's just breakdown the two squads to find a winner. At the QB spot, the nod goes to the duo of Tim Couch and Drew Bledsoe over Brian Griese. Advantage....Da Bears. Tampa's Staley gets the nod for ground control. With only 1 elite pass catcher, Chicago loses the Receiving battle as well. In the trenches for both OL and DL its a push as both have very good big men. LB spot is clearly one sided and Kevin Greene of the Bears takes it for his boys. Even though the Bucs have a more well rounded secondary, the 2 high INT Cbs of Chicago, Madison and Ambrose, I will go with them. On paper, Chicago takes the game. On the 8 bit video game? I'll say Madison gets a crucial 2nd half pick, and RB Curtis Enis grinds the clock out for the bears with his 44 MS to win an ugly defensive ball game.
Bears win 20-10.

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Peterson and myself. We go way back. I'm sure he would absolutely LOVE to knock me out of the playoffs and be the first to put a notch in the L column of the Titans this season. To quote Stone Cold Steve Austin...."Eh eh." Not today sir. The Titans swept the season series FROM the boys. 35-17 and 31-14 were the scores in those games. Dallas could not find a way to stop the Titans FROM moving the ball at will. If Dallas can control the tempo and keep "Air" McNair on the sidelines that will be the best bet for an upset here. RB Marshall Faulk will have to play a huge game, and QB Mark Brunell must make 0 mistakes. I know Peterson will be amped up to knock me off, and like I tell him he's got the team to do it for sure. If Dallas can jump out early and take the lead and force the Titans to play catch up, Tennessee might be in trouble. The game however, will come down to the turnover battle, one in which I believe Dallas does end up losing.
Titans move on 24-14.

Week 13 Game of the Week

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What a showdown to end the season. The 10-0 Titans vs the 9-3 Patriots. This clash pits the two winningest franchise and coaches in league history. Oddly enough the schedule makers have only had them face off once before in 9 seasons. The 2nd should be a battle. Who knows, it could also be a superbowl preview. Although TSBGOD has been saying that for years, and I end up screwing that up usually. Onto this season and this game. New England has a scary offense with the CTL triplets. QB Jeff Blake leads the league in passer rating. RB Stephen Davis leads the league in rushing. WR Marvin Harrison leads the league in receptions. The defense is no joke either, rookie of the year(its a shoe in) CB Mike McKenzie has 14 picks on the year and no one is remotely close to catching him. 4 All Pro players for sure. While New England has a very good offense, the unit they will be facing on the 8 bit field, the Titans have a very stout defense. The Titan defense is allowing opponents a dismal 125 yards a game. And the 268 point differential is amazing. The point difference is more than any team has scored in the league this season, except these same Patriots. Its the battle of Offense vs. Defense. Who will slip up. Defense wins championships, and that's why I'm going to pick the Titans here. Not saying anything about championships, do not want to piss off the tecmo gods.
Titans 20-17.

Week 12 Game of the Week

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What a barnburner this game should be. Both teams are sitting in perfect playoff position. New York has an edge as a loss doesn't mean they are done. Dallas on the other hand, means they better start praying for the chips to fall their way. Dallas enters at 8-4. In past seasons, 8 wins was good enough for the playoffs. This season, with a revamped historic division, Dallas might need that 9th W. The Jets are 7-2 and are a half game ahead of the Patriots. After a slow 2-2 start, they have reeled off 5 straight wins and are looking hot at the right time of season. RB Curtis Martin has been amazing thus far. Ranking 2nd currently in rushing with 970 rushing yards, all pro honors could be in his future. What about a championship ring though? That's what discdolo really wants. A great player who is well rounded, and doesn't get frustrated a lot, dolo has finally gotten the respect he deserves. I've always known he was a tough out, but now everyone else is recognizing the same thing. My boy Peterson isn't quite there, but he has improved. Combine that with probably the best all around team in the league, and even the sun can shine on a dog's ass. Not this week, as the Jets take care of business and all but secure a playoff spot.
Jets 24-10.

Week 11 Game of the Week

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This is essentially a playoff game in week 11.  Both teams just a game out of first place, can afford to fall 2 back of the division leading Chicago Bears. In Week 3, the Tampa 2 took care of business.  Giant QB Brad Johnson was picked off twice by the Buc D. While his counterpart on the other sideline, Brian Griese had a field day. Griese's stat line reads:8 of 11 passing for 249 yards and 3 TDs, to go with 2 carries and 10 yards. Tampa Bay took the soul FROM New York and did whatever they wanted to offensively. The meadowlands crowd was not very happy with coach Eifer. Boos rained down in the middle of the third quarter. To New York's defense, their #1 running back, Olandis Gary, did go down early with an ankle sprain. Gary is healthy for the rematch and looks to prove why New York is still a top dog in this division. Gary will go over the century mark and earn all week honors against the divisional foe. With the Giants win, a season split with the Bucs at least helps in terms of tiebreakers as it will cancel each other out. Who knows maybe round 3 in the playoffs?
Giants 31-14.

Week 10 Game of the Week

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Is there a changing of the guard in the Historic Division. A division primarily dominated by the Giants and Bears over the past few seasons, has a new face up high in the division. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs sit at 4-2 on the season, and Rico has had his squad play well and maybe even flew under the radar. Rico is definitely a player I feel that does not get credit for his skill level and often goes overlooked. He did recently win the WTF Retro title over Opus, and if you didn't know about it, he sure would tell ya :) The number one reason for the Bucs rise to the top would have to be because of the QB play FROM Brian Griese. Griese has tossed 11 touches to only 3 picks. Nice tecmo ratio. Chicago comes in at 3-1 and currently is leading the division by percentage points. Da Bears have a 77-38 point differential on the season and is an easy way to see how Chicago has been cruising. Chicago usually rotates with the hot hand of Qbs Tim Couch and Drew Bledsoe. The better conditioned player gets more playing time and whoever the QB is, their main target is WR Jimmy Smith. With only 6 catches on the season, Smith has mad the most of it with 239 yards receiving, scoring 4 times. The key to this, is can the "Tampa 2" stop the deep pass to Jimmy Smith. The way I see it playing out, the focus will be too heavily on Jimmy Smith and shutting him down, that Bears RB Curtis Enis will gouge the Bucs front 7 for 8 yards a carry, eventually finding pay dirt twice. Griese will be in a bind and be picked off twice by CB Sam Madison in the 2nd half trying to mount a comeback.
Bears 24-7.

Week 9 Game of the Week

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These 2 squads have had some brutal battles in the past, including one that sent one packing last season to the fishing hole. Their week 1 game was a doozy as well. It took 5 quarters to figure out who would be the victor. In the end, the Steelers booted the game winning field goal in overtime to open the season up 1-0 with the 20-17 win over the Vikings. Now Pittsburgh has to travel on the road to see if they can steal another one FROM the defending conference champions. Pittsburgh enters the game sitting at 3-4. This is a must win. 5 losses in this division is pretty much well done on the menu. Minnesota on the other hand is 3-2. Not too much better, but at least on the right side of the middle line. The Vikes have found it a tough time now that they have a bull's-eye on their back. Being the defending conference champions, definitely brings out the opposition's best efforts. Statistically Minnesota got thumped in week 1. 107-31 was the rushing difference. Pittsburgh also played the control the clock game and had a first down difference of 12-4. If Minnesota wants to win this game, they must find a better way to defend Steelers QB Doug Flutie. Flutie was picked off twice, but his mobility hurt the Vikes. 89 rushing yards for a QB is insane, even if the QB was named QB Eagles. This week, I see Minnesota being able to LIMIT Flutie to at least half that, and still be able to control Charlie Garner. Minnesota QB Jeff Garcia will lead his troops to a grind out win that comes down to another clutch ending.
Vikings 24-17.

Week 8 Game of the Week

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This critical week 8 showdown pits two teams that probably are shooting for wild card births in this season's playoffs. Maybe the odd man out loses this game. Both teams have underperformed in terms of their record. New Orleans comes in at 2-3 and the New York Jets come in at 1-2. Both teams I thought would be fighting for their divisional crown, but have gotten off to a slow start. We are only half way through our 1999 season, so plenty of time to jump back into this playoff fight. The key for each team is who can get their running game going first and be most effective. Curtis Martin is the lead dog for the Jets and Dorsey Levens for the Saints. Both are formidable, but Martin's 56 MS gives him the edge and the reason I see him busting a few long runs and probably finding the end zone at least twice. Martin is also very effective in the passing game. He did lead the league in receptions last year out of the backfield. New York is able to steal a road victory in a good fight.
Jets 27-14.

Week 7 Game of the Week

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New York enters our week 7 game at 3-3. Pittsburgh at 3-1. Both teams are still in the playoff chase, and I'm really anticipating a great game. A must see I'm guessing. When I first started online play, Eifer used to kill me with a scrambling QB. Could not stop him with a mobile gun slinger. This season he has a pure pocket passer in Brad Johnson. Bigflu on the other hand has Doug Flutie. We all know what made Flutie great. His cereal and his mobility. 31MS is quite impressive and hard to stop. Just ask Adobery. Flutie ran the ball 15 times for 89 yards. That's insane, that amount of yards and attempts really. This game I see the same. Flutie will bait the Giants all game long and take his 7 yard scrambles and exit to the sideline. In the fourth while employing this tactic, he catches Eifer "in between" covering a guy and trying to stop the run. Flutie will hit a streaking WR Antonio Freeman to put Pitt up 2 scores and clinched a very well played victory. Flutie gets the game ball and then has some Flutie Flakes after.
Steelers 28-14.

Week 6 Game of the Week

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This game probably gives a good idea of who will be in the playoffs come seasons end and who won't be. Two very evenly matched owners go onto the 8 bit grid iron to show their manhood. San Diego and baxterbear travel to Irving Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys and Peterson. We all know who I'm rooting for :) After getting stomped in week 1, Dallas came back and impressed with a nice 21 zip blitzing of divisional foe Philadelphia. San Diego is coming off a tough loss to New York WHERE QB Brett Favre was LIMITed to 0 passing yards on the day. Dallas CB Donnie Abraham has been studying game film in hopes of duplicated that output once again. Oh yeah, Donnie Abraham is scary good. He picked off Donovan McNabb 4 times in Dallas last game. Favre I'm sure will make more sound choices, one of which is handing the ball off to the league's leading rushing RB Eddie George. George has 453 yards on 42 carries. SICK!!! 265 coming in that goose egg game of Favre's against a sound opponent in Eifer. Expect another heavy dose of the bulldozer as the Chargers steamroll the Cowboys in front of their home fans.
Chargers 24-10.

Week 5 Game of the Week

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At the time we go to press both teams currently are undefeated. New England with 2 wins, and the Bengals with 4. This is possibly a conference championship showdown here. Both clubs look to have a strangle hold lock on their division and probably will not let up. Bengal QB Kurt Warner has looked amazing early on for Ahake and the Bengals, but TSBGOD plays a very sound defense WHERE you must throw to beat him. Warner better eyeball Pats corner Mike McKenzie at every snap. McKenzie and his 69 INT ability will just be waiting for an errant throw. McKenzie should be lined opposite Tim Brown to take away the Bengals best deep threat. These two teams are very evenly matched. Both teams have good QBs. One is a pocket passer, and one is a scrambler. The big difference maker in this game is the difference in running games FROM the backfield. The Patriots have RB Stephen Davis and his lethal 56 MS, and his counterpart Bengals RB Errict Rhett only has 38. That is a massive deficit. It will be a chess match that I think TSBGOD wins in the end. Davis goes for over 100 yards and finds the end zone 3 times.
Patriots 28-14.

Week 4 Game of the Week

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The 2-1 Saints host the 3-0 Bengals in the Superdome in this week 4 game. The Bengals have cruised past their competition on the arm of QB Kurt Warner. Warner is averaging 225 yards passing a game and has 10 TD tosses to only 2 picks so far. Warner is the early season candidate for season MVP. His go to guy WR Tim Brown has 374 yards and 4 TDs on 9 catches. The Saints do have the speed and hands to stay with this deadly duo. Three DBs with 63 MS, and the other one has sticky fingers with a 63 INT rating. Expect Warner to simmer down and come back to earthly numbers in this game. I believe odell will play smart and eat some yards and clock up with RB Dorsey Levens. Keeping Warner on the sidelines will be a very good idea. Only problem with that is, superstar LB Chad Brown. He's a freak of nature and already has 13 tackles and 6 sacks. Those totals are for 2 games, he was silent in his week 1 game against the Rams. My suggestion is to run right at Brown and maybe some extra OL help can knock him off. Who knows, as of right now it looks like both MVP awards are going to be residing in the 513 area code. On to my pick. I picked the Bengals to be around .500 for the season and the Saints to get the division title, I'm changing it up mid season. Hake has been impressive so far and I'll go with the Bengals.
Bengals 24-17.

Week 3 Game of the Week

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This is a crucial game even though each team has only played one so far.  Both teams enter this showdown having already tasted defeat in their only game this season. New England once again is cruising to start the season and might run away with the division. For the loser of this game to fall 2 back already, it would take a big time screw up for them to catch the Patriots for the divisional crown. Not saying that a wild card is a bad thing, but definitely these divisional games early on, are ones you want to win. New York most definitely must improve on the 2 total yards rushing they had in their week 1 debacle versus those Patriots. Pittsburgh played tough, and by the look at the stats was evenly matched with conference foe New Orleans. Jet RB Curtis Martin, has a massive game to bump his average up FROM the pitiful output earlier in the season, and goes for over 100 on the ground and 2 scores. Steelers QB Doug Flutie tosses a critical INT right before the half and that will be enough for New York.
Jets win 21-10.

Week 2 Game of the Week

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Minnesota dethroned the Patriots last year on way to winning the division title and advancing to the Super Bowl.  This season, the Patriots are out for revenge. New England comes back and definitely has reloaded FROM a season ago. 2 new faces that will definitely play a factor into who wins this crucial week 2 battle are QB Jeff Blake and RB Stephen Davis. Last season New England was LIMITed in rushing yards, but these 2 combined should come close to 150 every game. Jeff Blake vs Viking S Rod Woodson is the match up I'm the most interested to see. Can Woodson force an errant Blake pass that he can JJ and snag? Or will Blake keep his cool, and take the short QB scramble with forced out of the pocket? Woodson owes part of his NFL Hall of Fame career to Jeff Blake, as I'm sure he tormented Blake while with the Steelers in his glory days. Blake is too much for the Vikings average front 7 to handle and New England wins this one decisively.
Patriots win 31-17.

Week 1 Game of the Week

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Peterson and I have played millions of tecmo games over the years. We probably played a total of 10 preseason games, but we all know preseason means absolutely nothing. Its quite possible the Titans have one of the best teams, but its even more possible for me to say that the most complete team in the league are the Dallas Cowboys(quit need a barfbag). Breaking down the game, it will come to how effective the newly sluggish running game for the Titans can do. 44 ms is far FROM the standard 63 ms of season's past. James Stewart will have to provide some chain moving runs to keep the Titans moving the ball and that Dallas offense on the sidelines. Dallas is in the same boat, if they don't get pass happy, which they do often for whatever reason, they stand a good chance. Not asking Brunell to do too much, when you have a monster named Faulk behind you. Both defenses are legit top defenses and points are a premium in this game. The veteran leadership FROM Titan captain QB Steve McNair leads his boys to an opening week victory over division/conference/personal rival Peterson and the Boys.
Titans win 21-10.