Tuesday Afternoon Linebacker

With the disappointing loss to the Chargers, the hometown Bucs are now out of the playoffs. At least in a real-world sense. So if you’re a golfer in the Bay area you might want to set up your January tee times now since the Bucs

Super Bowled
Of all the games in the last month that the Bucs had to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive this one was probably the make-or-break collision. And the Bucs weren’t up to the task. Actually, they were playing okay football. It was just that the Chargers are playing excellent football right now, so the hill was steep to begin with. It is true that mathematically, the Bucs still have playoff hopes. But the reality is that they are now finally done. Brian Griese seems to be having some issues away from Ray Jay. I’d like to think he’s the guy to lead this team back, but I’m not 100% convinced right now. If Simms were to be announced as the starter for the last three games I wouldn’t be upset about it.

What has been going well this season? A lot actually. Now that we have a mobile quarterback and the Brad Johnson stranglehold on the QB spot has been lifted it is possible that we can be more successful on offense in the future. The mobile QB is the key to the Gruden offense. Enough cannot be said about the emergence of Mike Clayton. He should top 1,000 receiving yards next week (he’s at 988 right now). Next year the Bucs will have a full compliment of draft picks for the first time in a few years. This should be helpful in building the franchise back to it’s former glory. Many people (myself included) knock Gruden for signing all of these over-the-hill players. But in one respect, he was forced to do so. Without top round picks it is tough to find long-time starter caliber players out of college. Honestly, a fifth-round O-lineman is probably not going to be on the team in a few years, if he makes it at all. But a guy like Orlando Pace will be starting from day one. Guys like Tim Brown and Charlie Garner are likely to be gone after this season. The core is there and with a few positive draft picks this team will be back on top by 2006 I think.

The Downtown Athletic Supporter
The Heisman went to Matt Leinart of USC. Good for him I guess. I can’t imagine a more worthless individual award than the Heisman trophy. At least in proportion to the hype and importance attached to the award. Just look at what follows for some recent winners.

Eric Crouch, Nebraska: Out of football (I think).
Chris Weinke, FSU: Uh. Maybe a backup in Carolina still?
Ricky Williams, Texas: One good year in the pros. Retired as a crazy person.
Danny Wuerffel, Florida: Out of football.
Charlie Ward, FSU: un-drafted. Went on to the NBA.

Sure, you have your Tim Browns, Eddie Georges, and Charles Woodsons around. But in the last twenty years, winning the Heisman has meant so very little with respect to future success on the field. In on sense, the Heisman is more like the NFL League MVP award. Except that in the NFL every player is competing on more-or-less the same level and with more-or-less the same exposure. Whereas in the college game, as we all well know, only a select few programs get the attention needed to even think of having a Heisman winner. I would think that since the inception of the poll system, no player has ever won the award without being on a ranked team. I could be wrong. But if I am, it’s probably only a handful of players at best.

And yes, the college game is different that the pro game and it can be tough to adjust. Especially for quarterbacks. But someone who is supposed to be the most valuable player in all of Division I college football should be able to compete at the next level.

Peach Bowl News
It appears that Charlie Strong will be the interim head coach of the Gators as they face the Hurricanes in the Peach Bowl. Also, word is that Strong will be retained by Urban Meyer as co-defensive coordinator along with Greg Mattison. That arrangement (co-DC’s) seems to work well for Bob Stoops, so I’ll give TTNHBC the benefit of the doubt.

Championship Tournament
After a dismal start to the season the Thunderers won their way into the playoffs. Earning the 7th seed after defeating DeputyBigDog 62-57 in the final week of the regular season. The Thunderers made a few bold moves before the game, moves that would turn into gold and produce the win. After struggling through a two week slump, Jake Plummer was sent to the bench in favor of Matt Hasselbeck, who had previously started in weeks 5 and 6. Also, the Tennessee Titans defense was put on waivers as the team welcomed the Green Bay Packers defense into the fold. These moves would prove to be the winning formula to move from 9th place into 7th and secure a berth in the playoffs. The mood in the Thunderers’ locker room was jubilant, yet subdued. Running back Corey Dillon said, “Yeah, we’re happy we’re in. But we have a tough road ahead to win it all.” And that road starts next week at the Ass Clowns, the division champions. The Thunderers were 0-1-1 versus the Clowns during the regular season.

Boom!
This is bad news. Competition breeds innovation. Without anyone to seriously challenge the Madden empire, what incentive is there for EA to make the game better and/or cheaper? Iron and I had decided after playing this year’s Madden that we’d switch over to ESPN NFK2K6 for next season. I guess it’s a wait and see game at this point. Generic named players are not, for me at least, a make-or-break situation. But if ESPN, Sega, and Take-Two decide not to publish a game, then we’re kind of out of options. Coming on the heels of the Gran Turismo 4 debacle, I’m sure Iron is not happy.

And They’re Off
The Bucs may not be in the hunt for the playoffs anymore. But the Tampa Bay area is in the running for Super Bowl XLIII (2009). Houston (the perceived front-runner), Miami, and Atlanta are also in the mix.

Running Items
WTF?
This year, there is an NFL game on Christmas Eve, in the afternoon. Do that many people have the day off? So many that the NFL would take notice and schedule a game? I guess so. Enjoy your day off everyone. I’ll be at the office.

Breath Of A Salesman
I am loving these new Lexus holiday spots. They’re making fun of their previous years’ advertising featuring Lexi adorned with red bows. This time around they lampoon all that by showing a guy struggling to install his “bow kit” and a factory that turns out said kits.

Super Bowl XXXIX
Steelers vs Falcons

Next Week: Fantasy Playoffs! The Saints… Get Swept On Out; Oh The Saints Get Swept On Out?