Houston vs. Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl Preview

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- There was a surreal atmosphere and somewhat empty feeling when Air Force and Houston played earlier this season.

With Hurricane Ike approaching the Texas coast in September, the game was moved from Houston north to the SMU campus. Then kickoff was switched from mid-afternoon to midmorning and played in windy and rainy conditions in a near-empty stadium.

"It was just every different possibility, every different circumstance that could happen before a game happened," Houston quarterback Case Keenum said.

"Nobody saw the game anyway," coach Kevin Sumlin said.

Houston (7-5), which hasn't won a bowl game in 28 years, and Air Force get another chance to play in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Wednesday, this time in the Armed Forces Bowl on the TCU campus. The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and more than 40,000 tickets have been sold for the game.

"It was like a JV high school game with the amount of people there," Air Force tight end Travis Dekker recalled.

Air Force (8-4) didn't complete a pass in the first-ever meeting between the teams Sept. 13, but held on for a 31-28 victory after building an early 24-point lead against an understandably distracted Houston team.

Instead of returning to hurricane-ravaged Houston, the Cougars stayed in the Dallas area another week before going to Colorado State. After another three-point loss, the Cougars then went 6-2 the rest of the season and scored at least 41 points in all but one of those games.

Now the Cougars are trying to avoid a record they don't want to share with Notre Dame.

With the Irish ending their NCAA-record bowl losing streak at nine in last week's Hawaii Bowl, Houston now has the longest run of postseason futility with eight consecutive bowl losses.

"For our seniors, it's about your legacy, who you are, what you did. ... They can be the team, the senior class, that erases that, which is huge," Sumlin said. "For the young guys, it's the first game of next year and how you kick off next season."

Sumlin is bothered every time he is reminded of that nearly three-decade postseason drought.

"That's not a good thing to be remembered by," said linebacker Phillip Hunt, whose final college game comes in his hometown. "Me as a senior, I just want to change that and build a new winning tradition and a new legacy around here, and get something started for the young guys."

This is Houston's fifth bowl trip in six seasons and fourth in a row -- both matching school records. But the Cougars' last postseason victory came in the 1980 Garden State Bowl.

Air Force is playing in its second consecutive Armed Forces Bowl. The Falcons lost to California last year, and ended this regular season last month at the same stadium, losing 44-10 to TCU.

Not only will the atmosphere be different this time, Air Force and Houston are changed since then.

"You're talking apples and oranges," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. "They're a completely different team and in a lot of ways we are too. That's kind of a natural growth and evolution of any squad, but especially with these two teams."

The Cougars were still adjusting to first-year coach Sumlin, finding their way and dealing with the disruption caused by the hurricane that created a nearly six-week gap between games on their own campus.

Led by sophomore Keenum, who has 13 consecutive 300-yard passing games and at least 480 in each of the last two, the Cougars are second nationally with 414 passing yards a game. In the regular season-ending 56-42 loss to crosstown rival Rice, Houston had three 100-yard receivers for the first time in 16 years.

Air Force is a young squad, especially at the skill positions.

Midway through the season Tim Jefferson became on the fourth freshman starting quarterback in Air Force history and went 5-2. Freshman running back Asher Clark ran for 508 yards the last seven games and the Falcons finished fifth among FBS teams with 269 rushing yards a game.

"It was a group that in mid-August, fortunately we didn't have to play games then," Calhoun said. "We didn't have a single returning starter at the skill positions. In a lot of ways, we're still continuing to grow. ... Once they start shaving, we'll be a better football team next year."

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Preview: LSU vs Georgia Tech

This year’s Peach Bowl game will be a re-match of the 2000 Peach Bowl.

I think it will be challenge for LSU to win this one simply because this game is essentially a home game for the Yellow Jackets. The game features an LSU team that underachieved during the season and a Georgia Tech team that exceeded expectations this year.

A duo of All-SEC Defensive Ends in Rahim Alem and Tyson Jackson of LSU will attempt to slow down All-ACC tailback Jonathan Dwyer and option wizard quarterback Josh Nesbitt. The Jacket's "Wreckbone" offense has already torched SEC opponents MSU and UGA to the tune of 847 rushing yards and 83 points while the Tigers have not lost to any ACC opponent since 1955.

The LSU defense will have to be disciplined to stifle Tech's option-based attack. The question that will decide this game is will the talented LSU defense hold up against a Tech offense that has been as hard to stop, as they are fun to watch this year. Furthermore, LSU will start freshman signal caller Jordan Jefferson in the game. Jefferson makes up for his lack of experience with great athleticism but will it be enough to topple the Rambling Wreck. Georgia Tech finished third in the nation with 282.3 rushing yards per game, and whether that powerful ground attack dominates once more will likely be what decides this game. LSU was 17th in the country in run defense at 105.7 yards allowed per contest.

Look for a low scoring affair as LSU will limit its offense and look to jump-start Charles Scott while Jefferson settles in. On defense look for LSU to try scheme up and let their great defensive line try to stop the option attack of Georgia Tech. In a low scoring game I give the edge to Georgia Tech 28-24

Yours Truly,



Claude Clayborne

Holiday Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

STATS LLC

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy already has fond memories of the Holiday Bowl. A win over Oregon in this year's game will also give him something to be happy about for years to come.

Trying to lead the 13th-ranked Cowboys to a school record-tying 10th win, Gundy will become the first person to play and coach in a Holiday Bowl when his team takes on the No. 15 Ducks for the first time on Dec. 30 in San Diego.

Gundy is in the Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame after completing 20 of 24 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns in Oklahoma State's 62-14 victory over Wyoming in 1988, the only appearance in the Holiday Bowl for the Cowboys.

Oklahoma State (9-3) is returning to this year's game because it was the highest-ranked remaining team in the Big 12 after No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Texas were selected for BCS games and eighth-ranked Texas Tech was picked by the Cotton Bowl.

"We're very excited about heading to San Diego for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl," Gundy said. "It was a tremendous experience for me as a player and I'm happy our team will get to enjoy San Diego and the festivities that surround a great bowl game. ... We look forward to playing an excellent Oregon team."

The Ducks (9-3) and Cowboys are very similar, with each team boasting an outstanding rushing attack and a high-scoring offense. Oregon is averaging 41.9 points while Oklahoma puts up 41.6 per game, and the Ducks have rushed for 3,334 yards compared to 3,072 for the Cowboys.

"They rush the football very well and statistically they are ahead of us in that area," said Gundy, who received a new seven-year, $15.7 million contract Dec. 5 after guiding the Cowboys to just the sixth nine-win regular season in school history. "I think they use multiple formations and have skilled players that make plays."

One of those skilled Oregon players is senior running back Jeremiah Johnson, who finished the regular season with 1,082 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior LeGarrette Blount, a 6-foot-2, 229-pound junior college transfer, set a school record with 16 rushing TDs and also ran for 928 yards.

Oklahoma State is led on the ground by sophomore running back Kendall Hunter, who rushed for a conference-best 1,518 yards on just 228 carries and also scored 14 touchdowns.

"Both of these teams run the ball really well," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "But in the final analysis the team that plays the best defense in the game is going to win."

Oklahoma State's defense didn't play well down the stretch. The Cowboys opened the season with seven straight wins, holding opponents to 20.6 points, but went on to give up 48.3 in three losses in their last five games. Each of those defeats, though, came to teams ranked in the top 3 at the time.

The Cowboys ended the regular season with a 61-41 defeat to the Sooners, who went on to win the Big 12 title game and will be playing top-ranked Florida for the national championship Jan. 8. Oklahoma State allowed Oklahoma's Sam Bradford to go 30-of-44 for 370 yards and four TDs, falling to 110th out of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams against the pass.

"We do have a bowl game to finish the season with, and we can still finish with a win," Gundy said. "And what the seniors need to know is that they're responsible for turning this program around and bringing it to the level it is right now. They've provided great leadership."

To make matters worse for Oklahoma State, it will be without defensive coordinator Tim Beckman, who has accepted the head coaching position at Toledo, as it faces an Oregon team riding high after its latest win.

The Ducks had a chance to help end Pac-10 rival Oregon State's Rose Bowl hopes in their final game of the regular season, and they routed the Beavers 65-38 on Nov. 29. Southern California beat UCLA the following week to earn the spot in Pasadena.

Oregon finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak, averaging 51.7 points behind the play of sophomore Jeremiah Masoli, who completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 716 yards with six TDs and no interceptions. He also rushed 34 times for 188 yards and four scores over that span.

Masoli started fall practice as Oregon's third-string quarterback, behind Nate Costa and Justin Roper. Costa, though, suffered a knee injury a week before the opener that required season-ending surgery and Roper missed nearly four weeks because of a knee injury and an illness.

Masoli's counterpart, Zac Robinson, passed for 2,735 yards with 24 TDs and eight interceptions this season for Oklahoma State. He'll be facing an Oregon defense that is 108th in the nation against the pass.

"We can talk about the offenses coming in but I have a feeling well be talking about the defenses going out," Bellotti said.

Oregon is led defensively by senior Nick Reed, who topped the nation with five fumble recoveries and was second with a school record-tying 13 sacks.

The Cowboys will be making their sixth bowl appearance in the last seven seasons, while the Ducks are heading to a bowl game for the fourth straight year and 12th time in 14 seasons under Bellotti.

Oregon is appearing in the Holiday Bowl for the third time this decade after beating Texas 35-30 in 2000 and losing 17-14 to Oklahoma in 2005.

NFL Regular Season Wrap-Up

Here are my thoughts on the 2008 NFL Season for every single team in no particular order either.
Buffalo Bills

What happened guys? I mean you started 4-0. Was Trent Edward's injury literally take the fight out of the team? Nope, because he was only out 2 games. Bills, learn to finish the season.
Miami Dolphins

All I have to say is Bill Parcels. Maybe if Parcells was a marriage counselor he could save marriages too because he certainly knows how to fix things. Parcells is the NFL's greatest handy man of all time. Let's also give credit to Chad Pennington who out played Brett Favre. One man's team's trash is another team's treasure.

New England Patriots

Bill Belichick should win coach of the year. Why not? I know Harbaugh in Baltimore and Mike Smith in Atlanta will probably win it, but look at the job B-Chick did. Lose the best quarteback in the game. Start of rocky with essentially a high school quarterback. Lose your top two running backs. Turn the season around and go 11-5 and get robbed of the playoffs by the 8-8 San Diego Chargers. Matt Cassel should be the rookie of the year, or freshman of the year or high school player of the year, hell he should get one of those.
New York Jets

Before Christmas, the possibility of both Conference Championship games being played in the Meadowlands and an all New York Superbowl. The defense wasn't too hot down the stretch nor was Mangini's coaching. Thank goodness he is gone, I never liked the guy and Herm Edwards should have never been fired. But all those things aside, Brett Favre was brought in to overcome all of those afore mentioned things. He started out hot and ended cold. Live by the Favre and die by the Favre.

Baltimore Ravens

Rookie QB and rookie head coach, no problem. John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco exceeded expectations this season. You knew what you were getting out of the defense (I don't think I'll be alive to see this defense be horrible, and I am 26 and don't plan on dying anytime soon). I've said it all season long, I have a man crush on Ed Reed. He had 9 picks this year leading the NFL. Ray Lewis is still the leader and intimidator. Don't forget that Chris McAlister was injured much of the season and the defense still balled out. That's very scary. Look for the Ravens to go all the way to the conference championship. Mark my words.

Cincinnati Bengals

I am Bengals management. Marvin Lewis is not coaching very well. Carson Palmer only played 4 games. We as management have signed/drafted a team of misfits. Let's blame it on Chad Johnson, yep that's what we will do. It's all his fault. Big ups to Ocho Cinco for closing his mouth so that they can't use him as a scapegoat. This is a great team with bad leaders in upper management bottom line.

Cleveland Browns

What is in the water in Ohio? Great teams with bad upper management. Derek Anderson goes to a Pro Bowl last season. His offensive line was injured beyond repair, receivers are dropping balls left and right, and the defense isn't giving you much help either. What does management do, find a reason to start Brady Quinn who didn't perform much better. The idiots actually admitted that they changed quarterbacks to appease the fans. Wow. Idiots, plain and simple. Call Parcells, hell fix you up right.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Defense, defense, and more defense. I don't think the Steelers would have it any other way. They lost their star rookie tailback, Willie Parker was oft injured, B Roth was robbed of a Pro Bowl spot, and the Steelers stil clinched the #2 seed in the AFC with a 12-4 record. Haven't heard Mike Tomlin's name in the coach of the year talks. Not gonna take it to the race issue, but his name needs to be mentioned.

Houston Texans

We already know Andre Johnson is a star. Steve Slaton has proved to be a great find. Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Dunta Robinson are all studs at every level of the defense. All they need is a quarterback. We've been saying that for the past 8 years too.

Indianapolis Colts

Yes the team did get off to a slow start, but as of now they are the hottest team in the NFL hands down. Peyton, Marvin, and Reggie are all on the same page. Bob Sanders in the the defense, which changes everything. Dallas needs to take a page out of the Colts book to see how a "team" operates.

Jacksonville Jaguars

I don't know what to say about this team. Maybe they were reading too much of their press clippings. David Garrad last year threw 18TDs and only 3 picks. This year, 15Tds and 13 picks. The defense wasn't near as good. Fred Taylor made his first ever pro bowl last season, but was slowly phased out of the offense this season. All that sound confusing, because that's exactly what the Jags were this year.

Tennessee Titans

If I told you that Vince Young was not the starting QB and this team still went 13-3 and clinched the #1 seed in the playoffs, you wouldn't believe me. Kerry Collins showed he is more than a backup and Chris Johnson proved he should have been the first running back selected in last year's draft. Albert Haynesworth staked his claim as the league's best defensive tackle. Cortland Finnegan earned his spot to the Pro Bowl at corner. Let's give the WR some love too, all preseason you heard that the QBs had no one to throw to, but Brandon Jones and Justin Gage had stellar years.

CAUTION!

I have to talk about the AFC West, because they are apart of the league. To paraphrase the words of Jay-Z, "yall only get half a bar...."

Denver Broncos

Even though you lost virtually all our running backs, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall both made the Pro Bowl, and Champ Bailey was hurt much of the year, an 8-8 record is pathetic with the amount of talent this team has.

San Diego Chargers

I think the fact that an AFC West team is allowed into the playoffs is more of a crock that the BCS as a whole and the Big 12 shunning Texas of the chance to play for a conference title. This team under performed all season long, and I think USC should be representing the AFC West in the playoffs.

Oakland Raiders

Dante Hall and Lane Kiffin are the happiest people in the world. I feel your pain JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. I also pray that Nmandi Asomugha doesn't get franchised. Al Davis is senile, plain and simple. This organization is NFL Hell, and unfortunatley I am l
loyal to a fault because I love the Raiders, but if the losing consists I won't live very long.

NFC

Dallas Cowboys

The ghost of Bill Parcells shall forever haunt you Jerry Jones. Tony Romo is not even Danny White.

New York Giants

Thank you for not robbing the Patriots of the Super Bowl but beating them fair and square. Most teams that win a Super Bowl come back and don't even make the playoffs. Not you NYG, not you, you simply deal with Plaxico and Brandon Jacobs injuries and clinch the #1 seed in the NFC. I love NYG.

Philadelphia Eagles

Can Donovan McNabb get some love. Geez. The guy gets benched after a bad stretch, the whole overtime scandal and still leads his team to the playoffs. Let's give some love to Brian Dawkins for leading the defense in their route of the Cowboys on the last week of the season.

Washington Redskins

First 8 games of the year, 6-2. Last 8 games 2-6. Funny how when Portis rushes for over 90 yards the Skins win. Give the man the rock, and stop getting fancy and throwing the ball. Setup the pass by running the ball, and be who you are, which is a running football team.

Chicago Bears

The Bears defense wasn't the same Bears defense we have come to know and love, and injuries played a major role in that. If anyone would have said that Devin Hester would have not had a kickoff or punt return touchdown all year, I would have told them that George Bush was going to lead our nation for a 3rd presential term. Well thankfully Bush isn't leading us for a 3rd term, but Hester didn't run anything back either. Draft a QB Chicago and quit being cheap. Let Devin play safety since Mike Brown is old and can't stay healthy, and that way Devin will be the old Devin.

Green Bay Packers

The best secondary in the league hands down. Aaron Rodgers proved he could play and be the long term answer at QB. However, he was not the short term answer, because the Pack didn't even sniff the playoffs. Who knows what would have happened if Brett had been allowed to compete for his QB job.

Minnesota Vikings

Tavaris Jackson got the boot a little to fast, but how sweet it is that he is now leading the Vikings into playoffs and their first division title since 2003. Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing and the defense led by the Williams' in the middle are on their way to the playoffs.

Detroit Lions

0-16. Charles Johson might as well be Michael Jordan on Jupiter.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Smith, and consistency from the wide receivers makes for the bad season last year a distant memory. Congrats ATL.

Carolina Panthers

Two headed monster at running back. Steve Smith at reciever. A defense that doesn't get near as much respect as they deserve. Sound like the New York Giants from last year. 2008 NFL Super Bowl Champions, mark my words.
Tampa Bay Buccanners

Too inconsistent all season long. Antonio Bryant revived his career. D-Brooks and Ronde Barber performed well as expected. You know exactly what you are going to get in Jeff Garcia also, maybe they aren't the problem, but Coach Gruden is.
New Orleans Saints

As much as ESPN rips Reggie Bush, he was playing very well and hitting the whole very hard this year. I gurantee you the Saints would have been in the playoffs if Reggie was not hurt. Drew Brees was the best quarterback of the 2008 NFL season.

Arizona Cardinals

Kurt Warner is the NFL MVP. I still don't understand how you can have Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, which means you don't have 8 in the box to stop the run and their run game is so ineffective. I wish Edge woudl have stayed in Indy, he could have got a Super Bowl ring.

San Francisco 49ers

About time Nolan was let go. As long as Singletary can control Mike Martz and run the ball with Frank Gore, this time will reclaim its prestige.

Seattle Seahawks

Way to send Mike Holmgreen off graciously. Morons! Only thing good that happened was the play of Seneca Wallace who showed scouts that you can be an extremely athletic short black quarterback from a running/spread offense in college and succeed in the NFL. Pat White, thank Seneca.

St. Louis Rams

2-14 is what happens when you hire an accountant as your General Manager. Call Parcells.


Thats all I got. Peace,


Riverboat Ricky

NFL Week 17 JIMMYS

NFL JIMMYS
Drew Brees, QB Saints

Brees had his best season ever. He was 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino's single season passing yards record. Brees finished the day 30 for 49, 386 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Michael Turner, RB Falcons

Turner proved the Falcons management correct when they invested 34.5 million dollars in him over 6 years. Oh yah, don't forget that 15 million up front signing bonus. This was a tremendous investment because he was in San Diego behind LT the first four years of this career. Turner was 2nd in the league in rushing with 1699 yards for a league leading 377 carries. He was nothing short of excellent on Sunday, rushing 25 times for 308 yards and 1TD.

Andre' Goodman, CB Dolphins

Goodman balled out with 4 tackles, a forced fumble, and had 2 of Brett Favre's 3 picks on the day. I don't think he is well liked in either New York or Boston right now, so stay out of those areas Dre Good. Good game!

Ed Reed, S Ravens

Words can't describe how much I love Ed Reed. Yes, those are the words of a man crush you are reading right there. Reed had two picks (his second consecutive week with two picks) and 3 tackles to seal the deal clinch the playoff berth for the Baltimore Ravens.

Shoulda Coulda Woulda If But How, Ah Hell Who knows

The 17th week of the 2008 NFL season will be very interesting. 6 teams will make the playoffs from each conference, of those 12 teams only 7 are shoe-ins for the playoffs. The other five teams will be duking it out on the field and praying for other teams to win in order to get in the playoffs.

If the season ended today the seeds would go as follows:

AFC

1. Titans
2. Steelers
3. Dolphins
4. Broncos
5. Colts
6. Ravens

NFC

1. Giants
2 .Panthers
3. Vikings
4. Cardinals
5. Falcons
6. Cowboys

The Patriots, Jets, Chargers, Buccaneers, Bears, and Eagles are all left out looking sad. But the season doesn't end today it ends Sunday.

The 6Magazine "How to get into the 2008 NFL Playoffs Guide" brought to you in part by Christmas 2008.

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Titans, Steelers, Colts, Giants, Panthers, Cardinals and Falcons are in the playoffs. Although these teams are in the playoffs, only the Titans, Steelers, and Giants have sealed their fates as #1 and #2 seeds in their respective conferences.

The Colts are a shoe-in as the #5 seed. Can't move up or go down, so you will not see Mr. Manning, Harrison, Wayne, Clark or any of the Colts superheroes on the field against the Titans even though it is a division rival and the fans want to see them duke it out.

The Panthers can lock down the #2 spot in the NFC with a win over the Saints or an Atlanta loss to the Rams.

The Cards have virtually locked the #3 or #4 seed so they will be playing at home for the Wildcard game. Atlanta can go from being on the road for their Wildcard game to chilling at home with a bye for the first week of the playoffs with a win and Panther's loss to the Saints.

Just Win Baby

If these teams win they are in: Dolphins, Cowboys, Chargers and Broncos.

The Dolphins could go from a #3 seed in the playoffs to out of the picture entirely if they lose to the Jets this weekend. Damn, its a dirty game this NFL 2008 Playoff Race.

If the Cowboys lose to the Eagles, I can gurantee T.O. will have something good to say about it.

The Broncos should be happy to have the opportunity to control their own destiny with as many injuries and bad luck they've suffered this season, they must have walked under a mountain or something. They face their division rival the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

If they Chargers win against the Bad Luck Broncos they will make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. Something needs to be done about this weak AFC West play, immediatley. I think no matter what happens USC should make the playoffs since they are being hosed by the BCS and neither the Broncos nor Chargers will make any noise in the playoffs.

Your Just Plain Complicated

The Vikings can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Giants, who are currently the hottest team in the NFL. But if they don't they can get in the back door with a Bears loss to the Texans.

Beggars

Jets, Patriots, Buccanneers, Eagles, and Bears all needs wins and a little bit of help to slither into the playoffs.

The Jets need a win over the Dolphins and a Patriots loss to the Bills to clinch the NFC East. They can back door their way in the playoffs with a win and a Baltimore loss to the Jaguars, just in case the Patriots win.

The Patriots need a win over the Bills and a Dolphins loss to the Jets to clinch the AFC East. They can also back door their way into the playoffs with a win and Baltimore loss to the Jaguars.

The Bucs can get in with a win over the Raiders and Cowboys loss to the Eagles. I don't see it happening though.

The Eagles can get in with a win over the Cowboys and a Tampa Bay loss to the Raiders and a Chicago loss to the Texans

The Bears can clinch the NFC North with a win over the Texans and Vikings loss to the Giants. They can also backdoor their way in with a win over the Texans and losses by the Bucs who are playing the Raiders and the Cowboys facing the Eagles.

This Sunday should make for some good football. With all that said here is how the playoffs seeds will pan out. Mark my words.

AFC

1. Titans
2. Steelers
3. Patriots
4. Chargers
5. Colts
6. Ravens

NFC

1.Giants
2. Panthers
3. Vikings
4. Cardinals
5. Falcons
6. Cowboys


Peace and enjoy the games,



Ricky Writer

The Greatest Show on Earth Now the Worst Show On Turf

Remember the days when the St. Louis Rams where the most exciting team on earth. What has happened? Okay, I'll answer that. Their rebuilding process was terrible. Absolutely terrible.

From the last time the Rams went to the Super Bowl only 3 players remain, Torry Holt, Leonard Little and Orlando Pace. It's been 7 seasons since and the Rams have not sniffed the Super Bowl and their last NFC West division title was in 2003.

Currently at 2-13 and a record last of 3-13 the best they can do this season is match that. It doesn't seem too likely playing this year's NFL Cinderella, the Atlanta Falcons for the season finale. Hope for the future of the Rams came today when the President and GM Jay Zygmut stepping down.

6Magazine has heard that Bill Delaney is taking over as GM. He is reponsible for this past year's draft class which has played quite well being headlined by 2nd overall pick DE and 2nd round pick, WR Donnie Avery.

Past drafts have included Adam Carriker and Brian Leonard, and a list of others who have not panned out so far. These decisions are a few of a long list of decisions that have plagued the Rams the past several seasons.

Right now, you have a 30 something Dane Looker returning punts. The release of former Super Bowl MVP for the Rams Kurt Warner in favor of Marc Bulger seems like a bad decision. Yes, Bulger performed well and was awarded with a 4 year 19.1 milion dollar contract. Yes, he was MVP of the 2004 Pro Bowl but his errors of late have killed the Rams.

I attended the Rams home game against the 49ers yesterday. Fans were in the crowd "hoping" Bulger didn't throw an interception. They didn't sound very faithful at all in Bulger. What happened, exactly what they hoped wouldn't. The possible game winning drive was ended by a Bulger interception. The Rams can't win with 10. It's funny how Warner has been revived in Arizona and looks to be the NFL MVP this year.

This is the problem when football guys don't run your operatino. Zygmunt is not a football guy. Never played a down of football, truth be told he was an account and friend of the owner and got on with the Rams via the good ol boy system. Now look at the Rams, instead of hiring a Bill Parcells who is a true football guy they put their faith in an account. It's easy to see why they are not losing. Ah yes, it all makes sense now.

Peace,


Ricky Writer