Classic Tecmo League - 2000

SUPERBOWL

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Titans/Vikings for all the marbles. These long time friends square off in their first ever championship against each other. Adobery stepped away from the game we all love for a few years, but has come back. While Canes and Adobery haven't faced off but only once in CTL, in which Canes won, don't let that fool you. Before many of you even found online tecmo, Canes and Adobery had some slugfest games in HTL, ITFL, ATA, whatever the hell agnee's league was and numerous TPC games before TPC was what it is. On paper Minnesota has the edge as the better all around unit. On the controller, Canes is hot, winning multiple titles within the past few months including four straight, cleaning up the WTF leagues and he is the defending CTL champ. Adobery said it himself, sometimes his game plan resorts to huck and pray with long bombs. In the end, that strategy shouldn't win out, but that's why we play the game. QB Jeff Garcia for the Vikings is the main concern for the Titans defense. Captain LB London Fletcher said this at media day. "I will be spying Jeff all day. We know how dangerous he is with his feet and he's got a great arm. Harrison told me if McCaffrey comes across the middle, he will not be leaving with his helmet. 15 yards or not, he will take it." Titans QB Steve McNair almost mirrors the effectiveness of the Vikings QB with his mobility and rocket arm. Problem for the Vikings is, the one weakness I do see....their LB core. Not the greatest of units and I think McNair's scrambling ability will drive Adobery crazy as the chains keep moving. I expect a defensive slugfest in which a key turnover might decide the outcome of the game. I predict a 21-14 half time score with the good guy Titans in the lead. Then both defenses put the clamps down in the 2nd half and do not give up much of anything. That will be the final score, as the 2nd half will go scoreless. McNair gets gameball as the MVP.

Titans win 21-14.

ROUND 2 OF THE PLAYOFFS

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Round three of this heavyweight title fight bout between the Minnesota Vikings(12-2) and the New England Patriots(11-3). The two teams split the
season matchup, with the Patriots crushing the purple in week two, 31-7. The Vikings got revenge in week 10 of the season, winning a tight game
21-17. Both teams winning on the road could fair well for the underdog Patriots. What is surprising, with Patriots Captain RB, Edgerrin James, he
went wild on the whole league this season. He had one of his best games in week 10, but his team got the loss. His worst game of the season
came in week two, the win versus Minnesota. Odd for sure, but this game, expect to see QB Jeff Blake more of a factor, as the Vikes probably will
call run more then in the past. Blake better beware as the sick secondary of the Vikings, is probably the best in the league. All four spots have
high INT guys and are just waiting for a pick. Flip side, Vikings QB Jeff Garcia, must play a sound game to lead his troops to a win. Garcia has been non existant in the two games this year. Making 6.3 Million, Adobery wants his star QB to step up in crunch time. Both teams have good defenses and good running games, to me the difference maker is which QB will outplay the other. Strangely, Adobery and TSBGOD had never matched up in the post season, but 10 times in the regular season. TSBGOD holds the edge to the series at 6-4. The first game of the playoff series between the two, will be won by ..........Adobery.

Vikings 24-21 in OT.

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Two old rivals square off again in the playoffs. Seems this is an annual thing in the CTL. Eifer vs Canes. Canes holding a 3-1 edge in the playoff battle. After looking at the stats, I really can't believe its been 4 seasons since the G-Men and the Oiler/Titan franchise faced off in the playoffs. 1996 so that stats say. Giants QB Brad Johnson and WR Derrick Alexander gave the league fits this season. Rewriting the Giants record books. They look for more of the same, but to the Titans defense....is their defense. Their seconday might prove to trump the Giants dynamic duo. The Giants secondary is so fast. They all fly to the ball, but more than half of the time they drop it. All DBs have 38 INT rating. It will no doubt be a slugfest, but I believe the home seeded Titans just have too much firepower on both sides of the ball to be stopped in this game. If the Titans win, it will no doubt come down to how well captain and signal caller Steve McNair plays. McNair leads his team with 50 yards rushing on the ground, and about 150 through the air to take down the Giants.
Titans prevail 27-17.

ROUND 1 OF THE PLAYOFFS

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 Vikings win 28 - 21.

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TSBGOD and Ahake, the secret's out, neither care for each other much. No Christmas cards are exchanged, and birthday wishes. TSBGOD and his Patriots hold a 3-0 series lead over Hake and his Bengals(2 of which are playoff wins). Last season we had the same scenario play out. The Bengals were the #2 seed and hosted the Patriots into Paul Brown Stadium. New England left with the W on a 24-21 nail biter. Just like I said though in the previous game above this one, throw all records out. Both teams are knotted up at 0 a piece going into this matchup. The lone meeting in the regular season took place this season and the Patriots beat down the 56-21. Patriots RB Edge James had 5 touchdowns and his counterpart for the Bengals was limited to 8 yards on 4 carries. The first step is identifying the problem. Everyone knows TSBGOD calls run versus elite tappers, and thus the low ground totals for Hake. He's still got to run the ball and try to be balanced. If he becomes one dimensional, we might find another blowout on our hands. I see QB Jeff Blake for the Patriots playing a big part in him leading his team onto the conference championship. Blake throws for 3 touchdowns and gets a shade over 200 yards passing. Blake repays his former NFL team with a MVP like performance.

Patriots advance 31-14.

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The #1 seeded Titans enter the playoffs on a slide. They lost their last game of the season to the Chargers. Defeat, something this team hasn't tasted in two seasons. I feel sorry for the incoming Cowboys when they enter Nashville for their first round game. Tennessee is ready for this game and will hold nothing back. Might even see a flea flicker in the playbook. All the bag of tricks will be on the table for this game. Last season Canes and JesusLuvsMe4ever squared off in the first round of the playoffs, and even though Canes won, it was the toughest match in route to the superbowl. Titans only won 17-10. Dallas was held to 12 yards rushing in the game. If Dallas has any hopes and dreams of winning, that total must be closer to the century mark. If the superior Titans defense can force many 3rd and long situations, Dallas QB Mark Brunell is in for loads of trouble. The Titans D was 1st in the league in rushing(45.6ypg), 1st in total defense(186.3) and 1st in points against(13.2). Brunell and company have their work cut off for them. The Dallas offense scored 14 points in both meetings with the Titans this season, unfortunately they were outscored by 45 points. If Brunell to Smith/Muhammad is clicking, they have a shot. If they aren't, and Brunell throws a pick or 2, they better be ready for the rookie draft. QB Steve McNair for the Titans proves to be too much for the Cowboy defense as he will shred them with his legs and his arm.

Titans win 24-14.

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The 10-3 Giants face off against the 9-4 Buccaneers. This is a repeat of our wk 9 game of the week. New York won that game 24-17, and they also won the week 1 matchup, 20-14. A season sweep has been plastered all over the pewter power locker room. The Bucs are upset that they didn't win the division as they finished 1 game out of first. Had they been able to just split with the G-men, they could have won it. Eifersucht80 holds a 7-3 advantage in the owner series with ryanr33fulcher. As many good games as these 2 have played, they have never seen any playoff action against each other. This Sunday it all changes. The Tampa 2 no doubt is eyeballing the studly play of Giants WR Derrick Alexander. Alexander won the triple crown for receiving leading in all 3 categories(Receptions, Yards, TDs). Alexander broke the franchise record for yards in a season(1734), previously held by future hall of famer, WR Jerry Rice. Alexander is the all time Giants leader in catches, yards and TDs. So all these awards and franchise records. "That don't mean jack to us. He only caught 2 passes in each game against us. Dude's not scary good or anything. He comes across the middle, he might not be leaving with all his teeth. We got a bounty on his head." Big words from Bucs Strong Safety John Lynch. Expect to see a lot of double team on Alexander in this game, which might free up RB Marshall Faulk underneath. Maybe Eifer's plan was to exploit and use an aerial assault all season, and once in the playoffs unleash the 56 MS All purpose back. Faulk was held in check in the week 9 game, only tallying 12 rushing yards on 7 attempts. On the flip side, Bucs QB Brian Griese won a passer rating title. 135.6 is an amazing rating for a QB and his 24:3 TD:INT ratio is also jaw dropping. The weak Giants secondary might have trouble containing WR David Boston who also put up big numbers. Boston hauled in 40 passes this season, including 6 for 238 and 1 score in week 9. For sure fireworks will be exploding in this one, and I think the team with the ball last will win. I do see a turnover fest between the 2 squads, and the winner of the turnover battle will win the game.

Giants 17-14 in 5 quarters.

WEEK 13 GAME OF THE WEEK

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Although this isn't the playoffs yet, everyone should consider this game a playoff game.  The loser will be watching the playoffs at home. The winner still isn't guaranteed a playoff birth. Tale of the tape: Dallas(7-5), Baltimore(6-6). Both on that "bubble."  If Baltimore can effectively use QB Daunte Culpepper to his potential, I see this prevailing in this one. Dallas has a very stingy defense, but seem to be vulnerable to the qb scramble. On the flip side, if Dallas QB, Mark Brunell, can protect the rock, and not throw into coverage Dallas is tough to beat as well. Might be interesting to see if the Ravens decide to blitz LB Junior Seau to frustrate Brunell and throw off his timing. This should be a very good game, and probably the team that turns the ball over less will take it. I will go with the Ravens here.

Ravens 21-17.

WEEK 12 GAME OF THE WEEK

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This was our game of the week for week 4.  That game was a slugfest in which the Vikings prevailed on enemy territory and won, 21-14.  In that game, Vikings QB Jeff Garcia threw for over 200 yards and had 3 touchdown passes.  If the Steelers, who are hanging on by a thread to their playoff life's(2-6) can not stop Garcia better than that, the game will be over fast.  My keys to the Steelers winning, is grinding out the clock with RB Warrick Dunn.  Dunn has 50 MS so its enough to move the sticks with a consistent basis.  Keep Garcia off the field, so he can't hurt you.  Unfortunately, for the Steelers, I think Minnesota will want this game even more.  Minnesota sits at 5-1 and controls their own destiny.  They still have a shot at homefield advantage through the playoffs.  On paper the Vikings are the better team, and on a roll.

Vikings 20-10.

WEEK 11 GAME OF THE WEEK

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For the 2nd straight week the Patriots are our featured matchup. For the 2nd straight week they are home and host a potential playoff team. The New York Giants come to town with their (6-3) record. New England is on top of their division and without any setbacks, should take it. This is a rematch from a few season's back Superbowl where New York was undefeated and the Patriots knock Goliath off his mountain and sent them back as losers. This should be a great game, but I just feel New England is too strong with the ground game for the G-Men. Edgerrin James has an outside shot at breaking a long standing CTL record. Bo Jackson in the league's inaguaral season set the bar high with 2161 total rushing yards. James currently sits at 1556 with 3 games to go. Not likely he breaks it, but should be an interesting run. Ed McDaniel is the only decent LB the Giants have to stopping the run, so I expect James and QB Jeff Blake to get a combined total of about 30 rushes and control the clock. Too much firepower and time on the field for the the Giants to handle.

Patriots 28 - 7.

WEEK 10 GAME OF THE WEEK

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Week 10 features our 2nd matchup between the (8-1) New England Patriots and the (5-1) Minnesota Vikings. The first meeting didn't go the way the hometown Metrodome purple people eaters would have liked. Star RB Corey Dillon was hurt on his first carry from scrimmage for the Vikings. That essentially made the Vikings a one dimensional team, and the Patriots took advantage. Jeff Garcia's dismal 44.3 passer rating, along with 1 pick on the day was his worst game of the season statistically. On a good note for the Vikings, they were able to limit the leagues leading rusher, RB Edgerrin James, to only 55 yards on 7 carries, which was his lowest of the season. He also was injured in the game. The difference is, New England has a capable 50 ms backup in James Allen. Being outscored 17-0 in the 2nd half made a close game, look like a laugher when you read the paper. Patriots QB Jeff Blake was able to toss 3 touchdown grabs on the day to add to his league leading passer rating total. This game will be a lot closer on the scoreboard, but the weather will be playing a factor. Weather report out of Foxboro, is a lot of snow. Minnesota is used to a dome stadium, and might not be ready for the elements on the field. Expect to see Edgerrin add to his total by having a monster game going for around 150 and adding 3 touchdowns to his stats.
New England 28 - 17.

WEEK 9 GAME OF THE WEEK

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In Week 9 we have the division leading Tampa Bay Bucs(7-2) traveling to take on the (5-3) New York Giants. Tampa has been impressive thus far this season, surprising many to be atop their division. QB Brian Griese, WR David Boston, K Martin Gramatica are all among league leaders at their position. However, one of the 2 losses the Bucs were handed this season, was at the hands of Eifer and the Giants. New York was able to win the week 1 matchup, 20-14, despite being outgained in total yards 302-187. It doesn't really matter the stats, the only stat that matters is that win column which New York got into. Looking at this week's game, I'm sure Eifer wants to improve on his quarterbacking play. In Week 1, Brad Johnson threw 2 interception to the pewter and red. If Johnson's performance mirrors the earlier matchup, New York will lose this one. I expect a heavy dose of RB Marshall Faulk(56ms). So much Faulk and it breaks the Bucs defense in the 3rd quarter, making it a 2 score ball game.
Giants win 31-17.

WEEK 8 GAME OF THE WEEK

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The 4-1 Bengals travel across the Ohio/Pennsylvania border to take on the Steelers(1-2) at Three Rivers Stadium. One thing is for sure with these are rivals, it will be a barnburner. Pittsburgh can not afford to go down another game, with the red hot Patriots coming out of the gate strong and Minnesota looking steady. To fall more than 3 games back in the division, will take a great effort to bounce back and make a run at the playoffs. Currently the Bengals sit nice and high by themselves atop the Traditional Division. However, the only team to take down the Bengals, are the team sitting in their rear view mirror, only a half game back, that's the St.Louis Rams. Losing here, and having the Rams win, put the Bengals in a distant 2nd behind the Rams. So, even though they are in first place now, a quick turnaround would happen if QB Kurt Warner and the rest of the Bengals would lose. I see RB Robert Smith having a great day, going over the century mark and finding pay dirt at least 2 times. Look for Smith to be a factor in the passing game on some of Warner's screen plays. Too much offense for the Steelers to keep up.
Bengals 24-13.

WEEK 7 GAME OF THE WEEK

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In week 7, we have a rematch of last year's superbowl. The 5-0 Titans battle the 2-2 Jets. Tennessee has stayed red hot from their championship a season ago, while New York has gotten out of the gate on shaky ground. While it is still early in the season, New York will have to play some good ball to think about a repeat as conference champions, and the bigger goal as league champions. Jets RB Curtis Martin, who is in a contract year, has gotten out of the gate strong. Martin currently ranks 4th in the league in rushing yards(426). A heavy dose of Martin is what the doctor ordered up for a Jets victory. On the flip side, Titans QB, Steve McNair has been his usual self. McNair comes into the ball game 2nd in passer rating(146.7). McNair has been a stud all year long, and has led his team along the way. If he can be patient, and gives what the defense offers up, I see him having a very efficient day and leading the Titans to another victory in a rematch of the 1999 title game.
Titans 28 - 17.

WEEK 6 GAME OF THE WEEK

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Baltimore hosts the New England Patriots in our game of the week. Baltimore is off to a fast start being 3-1. New England is it's usual self, 4-0. Kulseic has been able to double his career ctl victories in just 4 weeks of a season. Some might be surprised by the Ravens fast start, I am one who is not. The Ravens are loaded on both sides of the ball, and could quite possibly be the best all around team. For kulseic to prove the doubters wrong, a win is a must here. A home game against a perennial powerhouse, superbowl contender. This might bring the Ravens back to reality, or could catapult them to a great finish and dominance for the rest of the season. Patriots RB Edgerrin James will have to be stopped. James has recorded 511 rushing yards in the past 2 weeks, and being lazy that I am, I'll just guess and say that's a record. James will get a bulk of the load in the game as kulseic's rush defense has been suspect in the past. Ravens LB Junior Seau is a pass blitzing freak, but can he stopped the run, his other 3 backers are pretty useless. In the end, James will be too much for Seau, and New England outlasts the Ravens.
 Pats 28-14.

WEEK 5 GAME OF THE WEEK

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The Giants and Falcons square off once again in week 5. Last season brought something new to the divisional rivalry, a Falcons win. GorillaBrav got off the schnide last season and beat Eifersucht80 for the first time in his ctl career(1-14), and if I can remember correctly, his first time ever in league play. Looking back at that game, and its box score, it brings up a twist. The Giants outgained the Falcons by over 200 yards and basically tripled their production. Atlanta did pick off one pass in that game, but still I'm guessing either a fumble happened or a turnover on downs. Nevertheless, Eifer probably wants to get back on his winning ways and take down Atlanta. In New York's opening week victory over the Bucs(20-14), Brad Johnson threw 2 picks. I'm not sure how many times the Giants can overcome a -2 deficit in the turnover battle and still come out on top. New York needs to take better care of the ball. Atlanta also opened the season with a 20-14 ball game, one in which they lost in an extra period to the division leading Chicago Bears. Rich Gannon was forced to throw the ball 20 times in the game, and that is a recipe for disaster. If Atlanta can get more balanced, they have a really good shot at winning on the road and getting Gary his 2nd career victory over Eifer. I just see Giants RB Marshall Faulk being too much of a workhorse and grinds the defense down and pounds away and scores twice in the final period to take the game.
Giants 31-17.

WEEK 4 GAME OF THE WEEK

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This is probably my favorite rivalry in the league. The stuff that goes on in the chat that I do not know about probably is priceless. Why the hatred between bigflu's Steelers, and Adobery's Vikings, I have no clue. Bigflu however has gotten the best of Adobery, 5 wins out of 6 tries, including a season sweep last season. Although the Vikings only lost both games by a total of 7 points, including an opening week Overtime nail biter. Both teams sit in the middle of the pack in their division, both having a 1-1 record. Just like Adobery's avatar on Tecmoworld, it will be a shootout. Bullets flying everywhere between Minnesota QB, Jeff Garcia, and Pittsburgh QB, Jay Fiedler. Fiedler doesn't match up statistically to Garcia, but he will bring his "A" game. Unfortunately, for the home town Steelers, it will not be enough. Fiedler gets picked off late in the game, and Vikings RB Corey Dillon ices the game with a long TD scamper to put the Purple People Eaters up for good.
Minnesota 24-14.

WEEK 3 GAME OF THE WEEK

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Peterson and me have danced a lot in the past.  For such noobish skills, he's impressed some with a 2-6 regular season record versus myself.  At times, Peterson plays about as well as you could, and with his pretty loaded team, it definitely will not be a cake walk.  CB Samari Rolle was pissed after his agent informed him this past off season that he was dealt to big D.  "I won a damn championship last year, me and James(Stewart) meant a lot to this franchise, and then they just go out and dump us off.  Loyalty will not be portrayed on the field this week as I look to lay someone out."  The commissioner is looking into this statement, to see in fact if Rolle does have a bounty on someone's head.  If Dallas can play good defense and not get into a shootout with the Titans, an upset could happen.  If points are plentiful, Tennessee probably has the skill set to take this one in the end.  I look for RB Lamar Smith to hit the century mark for the Titans and grind the Dallas defense down late in this ball game.  You know the pick here, I will never pick Peterson over me, even if it was the original rom Niners with me being the Colts.

Titans 24-20.

WEEK 2 GAME OF THE WEEK

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A true love fest to say the least.  Minnesota and New England have gone back and forth for a few seasons now.  Let alone the real life Pats sold the Vikings some tainted goods(Randy Moss).  The fuel comes FROM more than just on the field of our 8 bit gridiron known as tecmo.  Adobery76 and TSBGOD do not see eye to eye, really on anything.  Where one posts, you can bet the other will chime in.  I'm real glad these 2 are in the same division, makes for a great divisional run.  Look I've already said a lot about this week's game, and not even talked about it.  So onto the actually game itself.  New England squeaked by in week 1 and come into this game at 1-0.  Steelers QB Jay Fiedler ate the Pats up however.  Something I see Vikings QB, Jeff Garcia, accomplishing as well.  Garcia's wheels, and Dillon's running will keep the powerful New England offense off the field.  Really I do not see many stops FROM either team, so I think whoever has the ball last might win.  Looking over both teams, almost identical, but I'd give the defensive advantage to the Vikings.  A shootout in the Metrodome, going down to the 4th quarter.  Dillon's runs a 30 yarder in, with under 2 minutes to go in the game and clinch the ball game.

Vikings 27-24

WEEK 1 GAME OF THE WEEK

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Week 1 starts off with a bang in the new decade.  These 2 up and coming teams will face off, and even though it is only the first week, its a key game. Losing means they are already behind the 8 ball in a loaded King Kong Conference. While the Rams probably have an easier task ahead of them, any win is vital. The key to the game I believe, is the Lions ability to control the mobility of Rams QB Shaun King. King has 25 MS and we could see a lot of 8 yard scampers that move the chains while Detroit is in pass coverage. With an average LB unit, Detroit might have a tough time stopping the fast King. One thing is for certain, with the 44 pc of King, St.Louis does not want to test the fast, good hand secondary of Detroit. It all boils down to having short 3rd down plays to pickup. If 3rd and long, Detroit takes this game. If 3rd and short, and King can keep the drives going with his legs, St.Louis wins.

 My pick is Rams 20-10.