These are the picks for the 2002 season. The bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is used only to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
It's a call that's gonna live in infamy. Facing overtime, Detroit head coach Marty Mornhinweg told his players if they win the coin toss to defer and take the wind. Showing faith in a the defense that allowed the opposing Chicago Bears to score 10 points in the final quarter was misplaced. Eventually Chicago's offense drove the Bears for a game-winning 40-yard field goal. The Lions offense never got the ball in the extra frame.
There have been over a dozen overtime games played in this uncommon season. In almost half of the OT games, only one team possessed the ball offensively (One ended on a opening kickoff returned for a touchdown).
Before leaving the house this evening, I dug to the bottom of my drawer for my XFL logo T-shirt. The shirt is appropriate after this weekend. I strongly believed the league should adopt several ideas from the now defuct league. So far, the skycam is a technology acquired by the NFL that was introduced in the XFL. Now might a very good time for NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue to sit down the the competition committee about another XFL-born evolution making it's way to the elite league.
The XFL had an overtime format that gave both teams the chance with the ball. Offenses start 20 yards from the endzone and had four downs to score. The team with the second offensive possession had to at least match the possession to extend OT. So if the first team scored a touchdown in three downs, the second team had to do it in three downs or less. Under these rules, overtime wouldn't last very long like it sometimes does in college football (NCAA record is six OT possessions for each team).
With only 16 games in a season, wins are very valuable. The tie Pittsburgh has on their record could be the difference between playoffs and January vacations. It isn't fair if only one team gets a chance to win the game with their offense. If the XFL overtime format is made NFL law, it brings excitement and fairness, unlike today's sudden death format . It also eliminates ties that could be costly.
The NFL has lasted this long because they change the rules of the game with the changing times. Now it might be time for overtime to be modernized for the 32 teams who have too much riding on every game.
New England at Detroit - Thursday - W
The Detroit Lions organization is gaining ground for a certain end of season award. With "devout coward" Matt Millen as the GM and head coach Marty "Go With the Wind" Mornhinweg, they've moved up to second place in the Dumbest Franchise voting. The Patriots out-smart the Lions.
Washington at Dallas - Thursday - W
Now that I look at it, head coach Steve Spurrier is the perfect man for the job in Washington. He changes quarterbacks quicker than owner Daneil Snyder changes head coaches. Slow and steady wins the game for the Cowboys.
Arizona at Kansas City - W
Both defenses gave up over 500 yards of total offense along with five touchdowns each this past Sunday. If the trend holds true, the scoreboard will be flashing "Tilt" by the third quarter. Led by the human pinball, running back Priest Holmes, the Chiefs bounce the Cardinals.
Atlanta at Minnesota - W
On Minnesota's last offensive play, wide receiver Randy Moss took about three steps in his route because the play was not designed for him. If he worked on commission, Moss would be broke because he doesn't sell his routes. The Falcons get their money's worth in thrashing the Vikings.
Baltimore at Cincinnati - W
Imagin that. Paul Brown Stadium is located on Elm St. No wonder the locals have taken to calling the Bengals' home The Nightmare on Elm Street. Playing Freddie Kreuger this week, the Ravens terrorize Cincy.
Carolina at Cleveland - L
One of the reasons behind the recent success of Cleveland rookie runner William Green is he's throwing up during games. I wouldn't want to touch him if he's spitting up digestive acid either. Repulsed by Green's vomiting, the Panthers get swallowed up by the Browns.
Chicago at Green Bay - W
When he talked to the media after Sunday's game, G.B. head coach Mike Sherman played it off like he was a Boy Scout in his confrontation with Tampa Bay's defensive tackle Warren Sapp. His vocabulary was more like Da Boy Scoutz, the feared gang from Green Bay that rulez tha cornfieldz. You see, no one messes with "Mike Steel" unless they want a cap in their grass. The Packers bully the Bears.
Miami at Buffalo - L
Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt passed out game balls to his players and a pair of pom-poms to rookie tight end Randy McMichael. He was caught on camera mimicing the Miami cheerleaders. It was Wannstedt's way of saying he didn't like the display. But he did admit McMichael might have a future in choreography after his NFL Career. The Dolphins dance circles around the Bills.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville - W
Never let your opponent know what's your next move. Steelers head coach Bill Cowher won't say who will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh, complicating the Jaguars' preparation for the upcoming game. The better question is, if one QB struggles for Pittsburgh, how quickly might Cowher make a switch. Whoever it is, the Steelers come out on top.
Tennessee at N.Y. Giants - W
Congratulations in advance to Titans running back Eddie George. He will surpass Earl Campbell for the franchise career rushing record this Sunday, unless a freak accident prevents him from playing. As a precaution, George never leaves his hotel room because any encounter with the many freaks in New York can lead to an accident. Cautiously the Titans get by the Giants.
Denver at San Diego - W
With everything in their favor, playing a dome team at home under less than ideal weather, the Broncos failed to put away Indianapolis. Denver lost wearing an alternate colored jersey. They apparently didn't remember what happened to San Diego when they broke out the powder blue jerseys. Alternate colors are 1-4 this season. Dressed in modern uniforms, the Chargers bounce back from a bad loss.
Houston at Indianapolis - W
Props go out to Indy wide out Marvin Harrison. He became the first receiver with four consecutive 100-reception seasons. The Texans know to stop Indianapolis' passing game, they must put a bullseye on Harrison. The problem is nobody has been able to keep Harrison in the crosshairs. The on-target Colts hang another W.
Seattle at San Francisco - W
All it took was one 35-yard field goal to encourage San Fran to release former XFL kicker Jose Cortez in favor of Jeff Chandler. Looking at the remainder of the schedule, the chances Chandler will be in a game-winning situation are slim. The 49ers give the Seahawks the boot.
St. Louis at Philadelphia - L
St. Louis did the wrong thing again, running just 17 times in this past Sunday's loss. Maybe now head coach Mike Martz realizes it's not the quarterback, but the running game that wins games. The humbling loss should change things. By grinding it out, the Rams edge the Eagles for the Upset of the Week.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans - L
Winning ugly. When asked about the manner in which his team keeps picking up victories, it got under the skin of T.B. head coach Jon Gruden. It's not how you win, but whether you come out on top. "Winning ugly" has Ohio State in the national championship game. Forget bonus points for looking good. As long as the Buccaneers keep on winning, it's fine with the team.
N.Y. Jets at Oakland - Monday Night - L
Raiders QB Rich Gannon is on pace to break season records for completions and yards. I could see the completions mark, but yardage? Who would think that throwing short would gain so many yards? The short game, while effective, can lead to more mistakes or turnovers. The Jets are streaking and will go through Oakland.
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