Another exciting one between the Titans and Ravens. To be honest, I wasn't sure who was going to win, our offense is too inconsistent.

Statistically, they (titans) had a better game. McNair played good and George managed to get some decent rushing yards. Dilfer didnt play too good, but atleast he didn't give up the big interception/TD return like last game. Del Shanko played like he always does, haha...

The matchup between George a Ray Lewis was awesome. Two of the best in football going at it. I think Ray won, especially with that interception/TD return at the end, where he stole it from George.

Oakland, here we come...

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

[This message has been edited by Black88GT (edited 01-07-2001).]

Black88GT, I am very happy for you and the rest of the fans in Baltimore who waited so long for a playoff-contending football team. But I can't stand the thought of Art Modell's team winning a Super Bowl.

More likely, the Ravens will lose a close one in Oakland. Modell, being a senile megalomanic, will choose a scapegoat player to blame for the loss and demand that Billick get rid of him, thus demoralizing the team and ensuring they fall just short of success for several years.

At least that's how he ran things in Cleveland.

GO RAIDERS

Hey, here's a scary thought. Ray Lewis at another super bowl! Hope he learned his lesson.

You guys in Cleveland crack me up sometimes. Modell wanted a new stadium, rightfully so considering he was playing in the worst field in football and the Indians got Jacobs field. What did you expect Modell to do? You guys picked him as a scapegoat, plain and simple. In addition, you guys not only got a football team guaranteed afterwards, BUT you got to keep your name AND you got a new stadium.

There is a forgotten story of the Baltimore Colts. 1983 Irsay SNUCK them out of town with no warnings, and we had no chance but to live with no team for 13 years. We didn't get to keep our name or an immediate new stadium. To add insult to injury, we were snubbed out of an Expansion team. The Colts had just as much if not more history/legacy as the Cleveland Browns. We had Unitas, we played in the "best game every played", and when it came down to it, we were crapped on by everyone in the NFL. Admittedly, one of the main reasons was Jack Kent Cooke of the Redskins, but thats another story...

IMHO, you guys should be THANKING modell for leaving.

We are lucky to have Billick. He turned this team around in 2 seasons. He should have been coach of the year. Then for Tennessee to cry about the trash talking that was going on was sad. Like Billick said, they did the same thing last year when they were underdogs going to Jacksonville. Titans are just sore losers, after everyone in the media inflated their heads all week (well all season for that matter) only for them to lose to the lowly Ravens....

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

[This message has been edited by Black88GT (edited 01-08-2001).]

Lots of good points there Black88GT but I disagree harshly on one point. Billick is a great coach. But coach of the year?!?! Five games without a touchdown? That's got somethin to do with coaching.

Go Bucs!! oops. guess i can't say that again till next year.

Chris Berman: "THEEERAAAAIIIDDES"

Well coach of the year because he turned this team around big time. Remember, he was the offensive coordinator for the super bowl champion Vikings before he became head coach, trust me he knows his offense. When your playing with a QB like Banks, there isn't much you can do. Luckily he smartened up and started Dilfer, not that much better but atleast better then Banks. Hopefully the rookie Retman we have will grow into a good QB, he is our only hope...

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

Jeff,

The Vikings have never won a Super Bowl. They haven't even been there since the 70's. Atlanta beat them in the NFC championship game 2 years ago. So much for coach of the year for Billick. GO RAIDERS.

I haven't forgotten the Colts, Jeff - that's why I'm happy for the fans of Baltimore. But my distaste for Modell goes back to 1988, when he started dismantling the Super Bowl contending Browns. Modell ordered the firing of Byner, wouldn't let Schottenheimer have total control of the offense and forced him out, then fumbled around with coaches Carson and Shofner until hiring Bill Belichick (who was hated by fans and players alike and will soon be fired by the Patriots), then allowed Belichick to screw over hometown hero Bernie Kosar...Browns fans hated Modell long before he moved the team to Baltimore.

You're right - Baltimore IS lucky to have Billick. But if the Ravens come up just short, will Modell be able to keep his hands off and let Billick keep his defense intact and improve his offense so they can win the big one? Or will he step in and start meddling, the way he did with Schottenheimer in 1988?

I realize I will be eating a lot of crow if the Ravens win it all this year. But I don't think it's in the cards.

LOL at the "Del Flecto" and "Del Shanko" pics.

Chad, I didn't know the situation in Cleveland. Ironicly enough, the same situation is going on here, except in baseball, with Peter Angelos, the owner of the Orioles. He is public enemy number 1 after he let Mussina go. Everyone wants him to sell the team.

But anyway back to football. Billick was the OC of the best offense in the league at that time, that was my point. OK so they didn't win the Super Bowl, but the Vikings were awesome that year in offense. It's OK Bengal, I would be mad to if I spent 3 grand a year to see a team painfully lose almost every game they play....

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

You're right. Losing does make me mad. But one thing you can never call me is a fair weather fan. The Ratbirds will come back to their old ways sometime. I'll guarentee that you wouldn't support a losing team. You probably don't support them even when they are winning. GO RAIDERS

THEEEERRRRRRRAAIIDDES

I just love saying that.

A long piece of gold thread?

Bungle, I understand you must be pretty upset with me. Afterall, my team did crush your team when we faced them (haha, remember that throwing in the 4th Qtr. with a 35 point lead?) and then when you moved to the Titans for the post season, we beat them too.
Geesh, must be rough. NOW you moved on to THE RAAIIIIDDAAASS (that one was for RiceCooker). I think we will win. If we can find a way to beat the Titans, then we can beat THE RAAAAAIIIIDDAAAS. Rich Gannon can't scramble as good as McNair can, so that won't be a factor. There pass defense blows, and their running game can't be better then E. George's. However, there is always that inconsistent offense to think about. If they just had a decent QB, the Ravens would be a lock. However, I think they can pull it off, but I guess we'll see.

Yes your right, I don't support losing teams. If they get paid that much and they have good management, they should win. I am not supporting an overpaid bunch of lazy pathetic players. Call me what you will, but thats my belief. I supported the Ravens since last year. They actually got a good coach (got rid of Marchibroda) and some good draft picks. The season turned out 8-8 with some close games (I went to the home games). This year I knew we would be good.

one more time for Rice Cooker.. THE RAAAAIIIDDAAASS

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

I knew I was right. You are a fair weather fan. What that tells me is that you are probably 25 or younger and never played the game. Most Gen X guys, go with whoever is winning. They have no sense of loyalty or civic pride. Thats why you see Denver, St Louis hats and jerseys everywhere. It makes me sick. Be loyal. The Bengals will be back. I have seen good times and bad. But I know one thing. I WILL BE THERE NO MATTER WHAT. GO RAIDERS.

LMAO!! Thanks Jeff

I have been playing football every since I was 10. This was my last year however, I don't plan on playing in college.

Define "loyal". If loyal means throwing away 3 grand to see a team lose consistently, then I guess you got me beat there. When the Ravens get bad, I will still like them and will not buy a Rams jersey. I will watch the games on TV and hope for a miracle. Will I spend 50-100 bucks to go see them? Hell no.

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

[This message has been edited by Black88GT (edited 01-09-2001).]

Jeff,

I don't think that spending alot of money on a team makes you a loyal fan. There are alot of ferverent fans that can't afford to go to the games. I happen to be blessed with a great career that alows me that luxury. Guessing that your around 18, I can see where your coming from. When I was 18, I worked at a grocery store, lived at home and spent every penny on my 69 Mach1. I not only love the Bengals but I love the whole NFL experience. Tailgaiting before and after the game. Going on road trips to see different teams and stadiums ect. GO RAIDERS.

Bill

P.S. If you think running up the score on an opponent is funny, then you have a much class as Billick. Which is none.

Bengal, I must say you hit the nail on the head. I make dirt money, but what I do make, I spend on my Fiero. Most of the time I go to the Ravens games because my uncle has season tickets and his wife doesn't always want to go. I have only paid for the game once, and the tailgating beer was free.

I don't think Billick was running up the score. I just think he wanted to run some new plays or get some new guys experience. With the Ravens offense being so-so, we need all the experience we can get.

IMHO

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

OK. Now that my Bucs are out of it and the race for the Superbowl is down to four teams, here's my predictions:

Raiders over the Ravens. Why? because the Ravens look too much like the Bucs did in 1999 and the have Dilfer . All defense and NO offence. Unless their Special teams and Defense can score more points then their Offense, I don't think the Ravens can win. I think that the Raiders will shut down the Raven's running game and force Dilfer to throw picks. Still, I think the Ravens can keep it close if Dilfer throwns the ball less than 10 times.

Giants over Vikes. Why? because I HATE Randy Moss . Really, this one is a closer call then the AFC game. Lots of intangables. But I think the Giants are capable of scoring a lot of points agains the weak defence of the Vikes. Shut down the big play and the Vikes can't win. I think the Giants have a good enough defence to do it. Good offense + good defense = Giants win.

So... Giants and Raiders in Tampa!

But, what do I know : rolleyes: ,
Roy

I agree with your pics, Roy.

THEEEEEERRRRRAIIIIDDES are going to win because of attitude. Head coaching has a lot to do with it and Jon Gruden is one of the best - at coaching attitude. The Raiders will impose their will on the Ravens. (sorry Jeff)

The Giants will win in a close game because of home field advantage and the Vikings one sidedness - if that's a word. The Vikes have offense. The Giants have offense (not as god as the Vikes') & defense.

On an unrelated note, Michael Vick has now declared himself eligible for the NFL draft. The San Diego Chargers have just hired former Redskin coach Norv Turner as Offensive Coordinator. The players love their coach Mike Riley, even after a 1-15 season. The Chargers have first pick in the draft and are in desperate need of a quarterback. The Chargers also have some salary cap room. Corey Dillon, is available and has gained a lot more respect throughout the league this year as one of the best rushers.
Now, I'm not saying all this is going to happen, but I do think that the Chargers will be the turnaround/surprise team of next year or the year after if they play their cards right.
Junior Seau deserves it.

Remember, the Raiders pass defense is ranked like 18th or 19th or something like that. Dilfer might even have a good game against that. The Ravens defense has carried them all season, and I don't see how its going to stop now. The weak link before the last game of the year was Special Teams, now all of the sudden the special teams are playing great, couldn't have picked a better time.

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

This weekend should be interesting. My heart wants the Raiders and the Vikings in the Bowl. My head says Ravens & Giants. Jeff, you are correct in stating that the Ravens special teams are coming on at the right time. When your offense is suspect, you need defense and ST to win. I have seen alot of the great defenses play,The Steel Curtain, the Vikings Purple Gang, the 85 Bears,the Giants with Lawrence Taylor, the current Bucs. I am choking as I say this, but the Ravens D has to be the best, with the Steel Curtain right there also. Defense wins championships and this might be Baltimore's year. I hope not. GO RAIDERS.

Bill
86GT 3800 II S/C

Well I guess all thats left to be said about this weekend is, "we'll see"...

About Vick, I think he is being foolish for leaving early. For one, he is almost a lock for the Heisman next year as long as he stays healthy, and while it might not be a big deal to him now, its always a nice award to add to your collection. Secondly, I don't think he can cut it in the NFL. His playing style is like that of Kordell Stewart, with the running/throwing doing it all type offense. However, when he gets to the NFL where you have linebackers like Ray Lewis and Junior Seau, that will end real fast. I don't think he has the experience for the NFL either. He didn't play all of last season because of that ankle injury. Oh well, it will be interesting to see how he does in San Diego (my prediction) where they already took one "questionable" QB out of the draft and look where that got them.

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

Couldn't agree with you more on that one.

When he said he was going to stay, he was going to work on being a better pocket passer. And I thought, Wow this kid really is smart and knows what he's doing. His passing is great, but not by NFL standards. I only hope his learning curve is as good as his escapability.
Remember, he did take the Hokies to the sugar bowl as a freshman.

quote Originally posted by mrfixit58: OK. Now that my Bucs are out of it and the race for the Superbowl is down to four Ravens look too much like the Bucs did in teams, here's my predictions: Raiders over the Ravens. Why? because the 1999 and the have Dilfer . All defense and NO offence. Unless their Special teams and Defense can score more points then their Offense, I don't think the Ravens can win. I think that the Raiders will shut down the Raven's running game and force Dilfer to throw picks. Still, I think the Ravens can keep it close if Dilfer throwns the ball less than 10 times. Giants over Vikes. Why? because I HATE Randy Moss . Really, this one is a closer call then the AFC game. Lots of intangables. But I think the Giants are capable of scoring a lot of points agains the weak defence of the Vikes. Shut down the big play and the Vikes can't win. I think the Giants have a good enough defence to do it. Good offense + good defense = Giants win. So... Giants and Raiders in Tampa! But, what do I know , Roy

Come on guys, just because your team is out of it doesn't mean you can't come back!!

We have to reach atleast 300 posts here. Not sure what the record is, but that should smash it.

I was watching Inside the NFL again on HBO. Marino kills me. Last week, he said "whoever wins this game is going to the Super Bowl", becuase he was sooo sure that the Titans were going to win. Now he says "is it ok if I take back would I said last week" what an idiot. He couldn't take a team to the Super Bowl and he sure can't pick the teams going (ok I know that was a low blow) Then all the other guys agreed with him last week, and now they all turned and said that Oakland would wih. Geesh!

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

I still cant believe that Buccaneer performance in Philly.

Jeff,

Congratulations to you and the city of Baltimore for the Ravens reaching the Super Bowl. I see no way for the Giants to beat you. Enjoy the next 2 weeks. You will know everything you ever wanted to know about both teams. See, I am a good sport after all, but do me a favor. PLEASE NO RAVENS PICS. J/K

Bill
86GT 3800 II S/C

Bill, thanks for being a good sport, it means a lot. Who knows, maybe in 3-4 years of rebuilding the Bengals will have a playoff/Super Bowl team.

I am so happy the Ravens are going to the Big game. Everyone and their brother picked against Baltimore EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF GAME. Well it feels good to say the least. Can't wait to have one helluva Super Bowl party!!!

<searching for pics, lol>

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD

WOW! What a boring weekend of football. First the Vikes forget to show up, then the Ravens put everyone to sleep with their blanket defense and anemic offense.

The Vikes fans were screaming "No Mas (Moss)" by the second quarter. Only 60 yards of passing from the dynamic duo? Could any team have been less prepared to play. At least the Vikes performance made the Bucs loss look good.

I really missed the call on the Ravens. their defense may be the best -- ever. To keep winning with Dilfer it must be. He almost put the Raiders back into it. Leading 10 zip, he throws a pick that could have brought the Raiders within one score of taking the lead. Speaking of dumb luck, Dilfer throws a 7 yard pass on 3rd and 18 and it winds up being a 96 yard touchdown. Go figure.

Well, here's my predictions for the Super Bowl. Giants over the Ravens by three. Reasons: Giants got defense AND offense. If the Giants can keep from turning the ball over and giving the Ravins a short field, Dilfer will throw picks (I kinda said the same thing with the Raiders ).

The worst part is now I have to open the sports page eveyday for the next two weeks and read how great Dilfer is and how much better the Bucs would have been if he were still QBing in Tampa. PU -- LEASE! He stinks. Has he passed for more than 50% in a game all season? The Ravens apiomize the saying, "defense wins championships" because they got no, zip, nada offense.

Maybe it's only fitting. Tampa Bay cuts all their QBs and then watches them win Superbowls with other teams: Steve Young, Doug Williams, and (a-heam) Dilfer?!?

We will see,
Roy

No Jeff, not Shannon Sharpe. 2 weeks of him running his mouth. I guess I will wear out my mute button. Jeff, save every magazine and newspaper that is covering the game. It's nice to look back at them when your team is having a bad year. Last year, my daughters and I watched the 1988 AFC Championship game I taped. It showed them that the Bengals were good at one time.

Bill

The Giants have allowed just 10 points in 2 playoff games - the Ravens have allowed 16 in 3 games. This is going to be a fantastic Super Bowl.

If the Ravens win, I will be happy for the long-suffering fans of Baltimore, and of course for Ozzie Newsome, a true blue Cleveland Brown if there ever was one. But I don't think I'll be able to watch them hand Modell the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

LOL BILL, I will have to remember that..

Roy, will you and all the other NFL experts EVER learn not to pick against the Ravens? They have proven time and time again that they don't need offense to win. They have Special Teams and Defense there to do it for them. And its not like they have NO offense. Jamal Lewis is a up and coming running back. If you watched the running plays against the Raiders you would know what I mean. He turns 2 yards into 10 just by bouncing off people. As long as Dilfer has average games, thats more then enough to win, because after we score 10+ points, the game is over.

------------------
Jeff
'88 GT t-top 3.4
Baltimore, MD