2035 Wild Weekend!
by DavesGang
First I want to thank everyone who takes the time and effort to post something in the forums when you can. Even a quick "GG, Weaver played well" does a lot for our league. I know I sure appreciate having something better than this to read...
Miami at New England
It was a cold rainy day, and the Patriots had already beat the Dolphins twice this year. The Dolphins scored first, but then fell behind to a couple crisp looking drives from the Pat's. Then things really got shaky when Duran pushed a pass into FS Burt Nelson's hands and he weaved 77 yards for the return TD. This game isn't a washout yet. Down 17-7 the Dolphins didn't fall apart, but instead put together a 14 play drive for a TD. Back and forth the second half raged as these two excellent clubs battled. It came down to the last minute. A game winning drive that QB Duran capped off with a 16 yard TD pass to WR Coles for the win. New England LB Jerrrell Gibbs won player of the Game for his outstanding defensive play, and the Patriots deserve a nod for fielding a excellent squad this season.
Seattle at Arizona
The Cardinals played a heart breaker in the desert. After winning their last eight in a row with excellent defense Arizona watched Seattle's playoff experienced squad score with an efficiency they couldn't seem to match. Fumbles, and loosing sight of the running game early didn't help matters. As always the Seahawks defense was deadly. They really get after passers when they smell blood in the water and Tito Card was forced to throw early to many times. QB Cory Money wins player of the Game for his efficient play.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Detroit is a polished playoff caliber team that is primed to make a superbowl run. Tampa is a young promising team still going through some growing pains. This game played out almost exactly how that sounds. Tampa has some very talented players, and now has a better idea of the team they need around them to be sucesfull against other playoff teams. QB Brad Abate won player of the Game honors for his near perfect performance.
Tennessee at Cincinnati
My favorite game of the week, and the one I had to use spell check on just to get past the city names. First I want to congratulate both these squads for building quality competition. I've seen both these teams rebuild and I like the way these GM's are developing teams around the talent they have. On to the game. This was a back and forth game that had a bit of everything. These two teams field similar talent, but definitely each have their own style. Newton and Brannon are two of the best QB's around, great RB's Carl and Ramirez, exciting WR's, and opportunistic defenses that are best at protecting a lead. QB Newton wins player of the game, but Brannon and the Bengals win the game with a 41 yard run from backup RB Hopkins late in the fourth.
2035 Week 13
by DavesGang
Congratulations to Saints RB Lee Wells. He ran for 275 yards this week! He broke Clay Fitzgeralds single game record of 264 yards which has stood for 25 years.
Tennessee's defense gets a huge confidence boost after holding the Bills to just 3. Buffalo isn't lighting up anyone's scoreboards, but still its gotta make the Titan's feel a liittle better to know they don't have to score 30 every game. Still they probably will just cause they enjoy points.
Atlanta drops 40 on struggling Washington. Effectively ending the Redskins playoff hopes while reestablishing their own "headed for the playoffs" swagger.
Cincinnati at San Diego was a game to watch if you love QB's. Brannon and Weaver had another rare match up. Unfortunate for the Bengals Weaver has been on fire the last few weeks, and posted another career day. Denver looked uncharacteristically bad against the Ravens today. Is the early success to much for this young team?
Detroit stumbles at Arizona. Don't look now, but the Cardinals are working their way back into wildcard contention with some really solid defense.
Miami loses to the Browns. There's no shame in that. Cleveland is a quality team. The problem is that New England has caught up now with a tough win against Pittsburgh. I have a feeling the winner of this division will be decided in week 17 when the Pats play at Miami. Looking forward to it!
2035 Week 10
by DavesGang
Holy crap this season is flying by for me.
Lets catch up with some things happening in the eNFL.
Denver is in control of the AFC West for the first time in.. ever? Congrats Bronco's and good luck on the well deserved playoff run.
Cincinnati's big spending in the off season looks like its starting to pay off. The Bengals have notched a few impressive wins against quality teams, and are in control of the division.
Indy has the AFC South... for now. Tennessee is hot on their heels with Newton and his #1 offense.
Miami surprised many when they emerged as the early leader in the east. They have featured hard running, and a opportunistic defense. Buffalo and New England haven't given up on their playoff dreams yet though.
Over in the NFC the Niners complete rebuild has yielded results better than anyone expected, and San Fransisco is still within one game of division leader Seattle. Zona may have found the on switch after recording a 41 point game. The Rams had a big game for the season opener, and then they remembered most of their talent was traded for future draft picks and they went on a losing streak that we expect them to continue til next year.
New York has control of the East. Dallas, Washington, and Philly all need a spark to have wildcard dreams now.
Atlanta is doing well again, but has a team close on its heels... wait its not Carolina? what the %$& Panthers? Tampa is the contender this season manly because RB Nagel is awesome. Saints have won three straight too on the back of RB Wells.
And finally Detroit is again on top of the NFC North because of a stiffly defense (DE Tim Smith is my hero) and QB Abate is proving he is a pro.
2035 Week One
by DavesGang
The regular season is underway! Lets take a quick look around at some of this weeks games.
Arizona was surprised by how effective the new San Fransisco regime has whipped that team into shape.
The Falcons almost shutout the Saints, and would like everyone else to know they are looking forward to playoffs.
The Patriots had a super off season getting ready for the next playoff run, but Buffalo reminded them they still have regular season games to play this season. Congratulations to 3rd year DE Karl Cox (Bills 7th round pick!).
Carolina wins ugly in Tampa. RB Nagel is as good as Wooden was in his prime. The only important word... Wins.
Cincy retooled this offseason , but started out with a dud against The Browns. QB Houston is still the best QB in the AFC North.
The Giants beat Washington by 3 early in the season. This rivalry has really become one of my favorites.
Houston had a solid game against Jacksonville. The Cats QB looked lost out there, but LB Rex Thornton is gonna win defensive player of the year if he keeps it up.
Denver's QB Landry must have heard management grumbling about his lack of performance because he just had a monster game against Oakland.
St. Louis switched to a blue collar roster and has low expectations for the season. Surprise! The Rams start the season with a big win against perennial contender Seattle.
2035 AFC North Training Camp Reviews
by DavesGang
AFC North has a long history of quality teams and tough competition. Is this the year Cincinnati overcomes Pittsburgh to take over the division?
The Bengals bought a lot of talent this off season. QB Brannon is arguably the biggest free agent signing of the season. Will he finally fulfill his promise of becoming a elite QB or just continue to flirt with greatness? To help ensure his success multi talented WR Chris Larrimore was also brought in (via Rams trade). Combined with RB Earl Carl, WR Finley, and 1st round WR Henderson the Bengals offense should put up lots of points this year. Defensively the roster is looking a little bare, but the Bengals 3-4 doesn't necessarily need stars. If they can just generate the occasional stop or turnover this should be the Bengals season.
The Steelers have won this division the last 4 season with solid running, safe passing, and a dangerous defense. However last season some felt the holes in the gameplan were exposed by the three shutouts they suffered. Albeit at the hands of Oakland, Jets, and Colts. Still 3 shutouts in a season doesn't bode well for a playoff hopeful squad. The good news is the team is still winning games. Both lines are strong and the addition (when he signs) of WR Malan should add a spark to this team.
The Browns are QB Barry Houston's team. Going into his 16th year he is still one of the best around, and always a threat to take over a game. The organization made some draft moves to bring in quality targets (TE Chaffe looks great), but still the lack of a #1 WR is worrisome. RB Bryan Middleton has proved to be a qualiiy runner, and should have been a pro bowler his first 2 years. CB Luna looks like a true shut down guy and the defense in general looks improved.
The Ravens was QB Bryan Banks team. Unfortunately he retired before last season leaving the Ravens scrambling for a starting QB. Last years 1st round draftee QB Edward Sims looks good, but spent last season "learning" on the bench while veteran backup QB Hardy Houston surprised the league with a 90% QB rating and had a great season. Who will be throwing to WR Hardaway this season? Rookie Center Warren Henley is gonna be awesome, and CB Dole should have been a first round pick.
2035 Post Draft
by DavesGang
The 2035 draft is finished, and all the teams are busy putting together their rosters for the new season. I'm gonna take a quick glance around the league comment on a few teams who I feel changed the face of their franchises. Some for the better. Some for the worse.
Minnesota: Andrew Mangold went first overall as expected, and will be the marquee player for the Vikings that they have been missing since QB Porter retired. If only they could coax him out of retirerment... he could probably still win the QB job given the lack of competition on this roster. Lots of talented skill players are gonna be pissed when that ball doesn't get into their hands.
St. Louis had a fire sale and will try to replace all the empty starter positions with future darft picks. Eventually this will bering alot of talent to the team, but this season could be painful for the Ram's fans to watch.
San Fransisco is officially under new management. The house has been cleared and defense will be brought back to the Bay area. Drafting corner back Bo Vance will go along way to rebuilding this teams secondary. No more 400 yard passing games garuanteed when facing the niners.
San Diego drafted underrated WLB Jessie Ogu. We think they will probably be switching to a 3-4 to take advantage of this excellent passrushing LB.
Pittsburgh drafted two of the skill players I was really hoping would be future Colts. In the 1st round they nabbed speedy WR Malan, and then in the 2nd they grabbed QB Tonkin who may eventually takeover the starters mantle.
The Saints invested in their Dline, and it should be much better soon. Troutman and Horner were both very good values. Same goes for 4th rounder DE Lamar Kaiafas.
The Jets gave starting QB Lincoln Harrison a big vote of confidence when they drafted a great left tackle in the first, and then they drafted QB Parrot at the top of the 2nd... 6th round DE T.J. Harris may be a unbelievable steal.
Jacksonville didn't just draft a new defense. They also traded for DE Hickman who will be a instant upgade for the Cats.
Green Bay wasted no time drafting WR Gilbert Johnson. Will be catching long bombs from Reardon against your team the next time you see him.
Denver didn't find the QB to replace Landry like they wanted, but they did find a RB to hopefully take some of the load off of him.
Dallas may have finally found a new franchise QB with Jessie Harmon.
The Browns skill position players are all gone and QB Houston is holding out, but the chance to throw to TE Joseph Chaffee may bring him back sooner.
Cincy hired QB Brannon and drafted WR Wayne Henderson to insure RB Earl Carl gets another run at the title.
Arizona has a great DT once again. Al Walters may be moved to DE, but wherever he ends up playing he'll make things hard for the Cards opponents.
2035 Draft Rumors
by DavesGang
Who will go first overall?
Andrew Mangold is at the top of the official mockdraft. Minnesota has had trouble drafting a successful RB for years now. Mangold can carry the rock all day, and is a unbelievably explosive runner while doing so. Reminds me of Wooden, Watts, and Tampa Bays Derek Nagel.
Minnesota may also be tempted to reach a bit for one of the top QB's, but reports are mixed. Minnesota is used to having talented QB play, but this years franchise QB''s are hard to get a read on. They may be 1st overall worthy, but which one? Harmon is the popular more polished choice, but Ballard looks to have the better physical tools. Will he be the better pro or another Ryan Leaf? And then there is this uber WR who ran a 4.30!
Anyone notice 2 of the top three graded QB's in this years draft are from the school of Wisconsin. Talk about a football factory.
The schedule
(All deadlines at 9:00 PM EST):
Staff Hiring stage 3 - Saturday, Feb. 18
Ticket Prices / Franchise / Summer League - Tuesday, Feb. 21
FA 1:1 (Hopefully we have the draft utility up for registration and setting lists) Thu, Feb 23
FA 1:2 Tue Feb 28
FA 1:3 Thu Mar 1
FA 1:4 Fri Mar 2
FA 1:5 (Draft Begins @ 11:00 AM EST) Sat Mar 3
FA 1:6-7 Sun Mar 4
FA 1:8-9 Tue Mar 6
FA 1:10-12 (Draft Ends) Wed Mar 7
FA 2:1 Thu Mar 8
FA 2:2 Fri Mar 9
FA 2:3-5 Sat Mar 10
TRAINING CAMP Tue Mar 13
Preseason 1 - Thu Mar 15
Preseason 2 - Sat Mar 17
Preseason 3 - Tue Mar 20
Preseason 4 - Thu Mar 22
Preseason 5 - Sat Mar 24
Post Preseason Midweek (Get those rosters finalized!) - Sun Mar 25
Week 1 - Tue Mar 27
Week 2 - Thu Mar 29
Week 3 - Sat Mar 31
Week 4 - Tue Apr 3
Week 5 - Thu Apr 5
Commish weekend break
Week 6 (Trade Deadline) - Tue Apr 10
Week 7 - Thu Apr 12
Week 8 - Sat Apr 14
Week 9 - Tue Apr 17
Week 10 - Thu Apr 19
Week 11 - Sat Apr 21
Week 12 - Tue Apr 24
Week 13 - Thu Apr 26
Week 14 - Sat Apr 28
Week 15 - Tue May 1
Week 16 - Thu May 3
Week 17 - Fri May 4
Wild Card - Sat May 5
Divisional - Sun May 6
Conference - Mon May 7
Bowl - TBA (probably Tue May 8th)
2035 Season Starts!
by DavesGang
So much has happened! The playoffs had some great story lines including, but not limited to...
Carolina made a great superbowl drive only to have the wheels come off against Detroit's defense. Detroit's QB Abate is pretty good for a young gun. It looked like they had Seattle under wraps in the NFC champion ship game. Then the Lions gave up a late forth quarter drive to the superbowl bound Seahawks. QB Money and RB Wooden looked as good as ever.
Buffalo's GM was so heartbroken over the playoff loss (to the much improved Patriots) he decided to walk away from the quality team he assembled. San Diego had a chance but fell to the Raiders. Oakland looked like the unstoppable juggernaut until the playoff ready Colts made a comeback drive for tickets to the superbowl.
The Superbowl was another meeting of the Colts and Seahawks. This time Wooden and Money stayed active and even broke a few big plays against the Colts crushing D. The game was close and up for grabs until the end. Coleman finally gets a Superbowl MVP for his icy calm in the fourth quarter. The final score is Colts 23 Seahawks 20.
Retirements of note: QB Cornelius Patton Iron man, RB Jake Henson Miami's all time leading rusher, Eric Terrell one of the best TE's around, Rodney Williamson WR that had serious speed, Davidson Rhodes perhaps the best ever 3rd round WR?, A number of great guards retired zzzzz, Todd Matlock how is it this guy only won one all pro DE award?, Jackie Langen OLB 108.5 sacks HOF bound, and others that deserve more time than I can spare right now.
2034 Week Sixteen
by DavesGang
Wow! lots has happened in the eNFL.Lets just focus on whats coming up.
Unless San Diego can find the mojo Oakland may go undefeated.
The NFC is going to see a playoff quality game when the Panthers goto Atlanta for a huge positioning game. Winner takes the division and a playoff bye. The loser will still get a shot, but will have to run the wildcard gauntlet. Remember though... its winning the playoff games that really counts. NFC North has drama too. Other cool stuff happening around the league, but my baby girl is calling. Good Luck.