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.
The NFL Records book is constantly being re-written. This past weekend, a few updates will be made as new high marks were established this past weekend.
Buffalo quarterback Drew Bledsoe, his name already peppered within the record books, spiced up the annals a bit more. Against Chicago, he connected with running back Travis Henry for the winning score in overtime, beating the Bears, 33-27. The completion gave Bledsoe four overtime touchdown passes for his career, establishing a new NFL record. He won a game in similar fashion in Minnesota earlier this year. The Vikings were a OT victim during Bledsoe's New England days back in 1994. The first time Drew threw an overtime TD for a win was back in 1993 against Miami.
Running back Shawn Alexander was the fourth ball carrier taken in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. The Seattle Seahawks found the most productive runner in that draft class with the 19th pick. Last year Alexander tore up the Oakland Raiders for 266 yards on the ground, a dozen yards short of an NFL record. He officially claimed top billing in another category, scoring five touchdowns in the first half: A 2-yard run, a 20-yard dash, an 80-yard screen pass, 3 and 14-yard runs.
It's not always the number of touchdowns, but how long. The Denver Broncos attempted a 67-yard field goal at the end of the first half. Kicker Jason Elam, if he connected, would had broke a record he shares for longest FG made. The attempt fell short into the hands of Baltimore's Chris McAllister who was seven yards deep in the endzone. He waited until the Broncos players fell asleep before making a run for the other end. 107 yards later, McAllister scored a touchdown and a new record for longest play in history.
McAllister has his moment in the sun. Jerry Rice continues to shine into his 18th season. Already the owner of virtually every receiving record, the Oakland Raider claimed a record coveted by any offensive skill position player. With 144 yards, Rice became the leader in total yards from scrimmage with 21,281.
Payton already lost the career carries lead to Dallas' Emmitt Smith and it's only a matter of time before Smith replaces the late Payton for the all-time rushing record. Smith is 303 yards behind Peyton, but he won't catch him quickly.
Smith has been in the league since 1990 and he's been a treat to watch. He's been unbelievably durable throughout his career and dominant when the Cowboys needed him. One of my fondest memories is when he stayed in a game against the Giants after injuring his shoulder. Through his pain, he carried Dallas in the second half to a important win. The 'Boys won three Super Bowls with Smith in the backfield, including the game MVP in XXVIII. Time and time again Smith came up biggest in key stretches for Dallas over his years of service.
And Smith continues to serve the franchise as he chases history. Unfortunately his pace slowed down from his previous years. With the exception of his rookie year, Smith averaged over 1,400 yards. For 2002, he's on pace for 944 yards.
At his current rate, Smith will have the record by week 10. But after that, what becomes of him? He's not the Emmitt of old. He's arguably not even the best running back on the Cowboys roster. Smith starts because of his tenure on the team. Emmitt might not even start for any team in the league today. He wants to extend the record to 20,000 yards, but what team would give him the chance?
The chase is noble because hardly anyone would had believed Smith could reach it. But also, it's a record Smith has a chance at because Barry Sanders retired out of blue when it was well within Sanders' reach. The difference between the two is when Sanders left, he still played at or near the standard he set throughout his career. Smith is not his old self. Everyone will celebrate Smith when he surpasses Payton. Beyond that, Smith has nothing left to prove. Trying to add to the record might only tarnish his accomplishments.
Arizona at Carolina - L
'Lina kicker Shayne Graham will not lose his job a week after joining the team, even though he missed a chip shot 24-yard field goal that could had tied the game. Fortunately for him too. He was fired from his previous gig as a circus knife thrower for undisclosed reasons and the circus doesn't want Graham back. The on target Panthers won't miss on this chance for a win.
Cincinnati at Indianapolis - W
The league is only entering week five and the Bengals are already onto their third and final quarterback, giving a start to Jon Kitna. At this rate, Cincy will go through 10 QBs this season. How long before open auditions at Paul Brown Stadium? Indy's Peyton Manning won't be benched unless his Colts are way ahead late in a Bengals thrashing.
New England at Miami - L
A battle atop the AFC East. There are signs that both teams have a glaring weakness: The Patriots can be run over and the Dolphins can be passed over. This should make for an interesting game as it plays right into each other's forte. If this becomes a high scoring game, the edge goes to the Patriots.
N.Y. Giants at Dallas - W
I think I've identified what I'm calling a Dallas Pattern. Check it out. Week one, they play pathetically and lose. Week two, they show life and win. In three, they get their asses handed to them. And most recently, they win on a last second field goal. If the pattern holds true, then they are due for a play like crap game. I'll follow the Dallas Pattern and take the Giants on the road.
Oakland at Buffalo - L
Expect points in abundance in this matchup. The Raiders were fortunate to get two punt returns for touchdowns, considering the second one had two illegal blocks that weren't called. On another matter, they left the back door open, as their opponent Tennessee scored 18 points in the second half. With the same opportunity, the Bills will knock Oakland out of the house.
Pittsburgh at New Orleans - W
The Steelers' Kordell Stewart was due for a benching soon. Right on time, he takes a seat for an undisclosed period in 2002. In his place this time is Tommy Maddox who hasn't started a game in the NFL in 10 years. The switch was made in hopes of creating an offensive spark. It might work, but the change won't generate enough power to overtake N'Orleans. The Saints withstand the Pittsburgh charge.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta - W
TB found some offense. This is the same team that failed to score an offensive touchdown in week two. Fresh from posting 35 points, 28 offensive, the Buccaneers keep flowin' and pour it on the Falcons.
Washington at Tennessee - L
Danny Woeful, um, Wuerful, steps in for the Redskins to start at quarterback this week. How long he stays in the game is anyone's guess. It's only a matter of time before Patrick Ramsey gets the call. Whether it's because head coach Steve Spurrier pulls Wuerful from the game or the QB is carted off the field is the only question. It won't be an easy day for either passer as the Titans drop the 'Skins for another loss.
Kansas City at N.Y. Jets - W
I'm gonna have to start writing down quarterback changes weekly at this rate. N.Y. finally gives 2000 first round draft pick Chad Pennington a shot, replacing the ineffective Vinny Testaverde. Pennington's stats were good after the game, but the Jets scored only three points with Pennington was under center. The Chiefs rule this game.
San Diego at Denver - L
Broncos linebacker Keith Burns is working some spin on the block he took from Baltimore's Ray Lewis. He says it didn't feel as bad as it looked. OK, so no broken ribs or internal bleeding. Point is, you got launched off your feet onto your head. Accept the embarrassment that goes with it. The truth hurts, as will losing to the Chargers.
Philadelphia at Jacksonville - W
With the exception of opening day, Philly looks nearly unstoppable. I repeat, nearly. It's not like they knocked off playoff contenders since week two. The defense hasn't been challenged and won't know what hit them after the Jaguars bumrush the Eagles for the Upset of the Week.
St. Louis at San Francisco - W
For anyone that believed Rams quarterback Kurt Warner's thumb was bothering him, they can stop claiming that because it's his broken pinky finger. His hand is still good enough to sign St. Louis' death certificate because their playoff hopes are dead. The 49ers lay the Rams to rest.
Baltimore at Cleveland - W
The only thing more surprising than B-more's Monday night win was watching head coach Brian Billick chasing Chris McAllister along the sideline during the 107-yard return. If it was an opposing player, Billick might had run onto the field and tackled him. Like linebacker Ray Lewis and the defense needs Billick's help. The Ravens wrangle the Browns.
Green Bay at Chicago - Monday Night - W
The GB front office turned down trade offers from Cincinnati for tight end Bubba Franks. They think he has a future as a quarterback after his on target touchdown pass. Green Bay retains Franks for receiving purposes. and he will be a factor in the Packers victory over the Bears.
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