These are the picks for the 2003 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 only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
The Tampa Bay players and coaches have put away their Super Bowl XXXVIII rings. Winning the franchise's first championship was fun, but the time for celebration is over. A new season is upon us and the current kings of the NFL must watch their back because now all teams are after them. The Buccaneers look like very possible repeat winners. The defense lost safety Dexter Jackson, the Super Bowl MVP, and linebacker Al Singleton. But the heart of the defense, the front four, is likely improved with the return of Anthony McFarland, who was lost most of last season due to injury. On top of that, the offense could be better than last year's. But rosters, evaluations from pundits, and talk go only so far. The title defense begins September seventh at Philadelphia. We'll see what the Bucs are made after the first 17 weeks of the season.
A lot went on in the off-season. I don't want to bore you by going on and on about the last seven months, so I'll keep it brief:
According to the gumball machine at my local supermarket, the Minnesota Vikings will face off with the Oakland Raiders for the title. Take it for what it's worth because it doesn't vend crystal balls nor does it read palms.
If history repeats itself, then count on the Atlanta Falcons to play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Like the 1999 St. Louis Rams, ATL lost their starting quarterback during the preseason. All Falcon quarterback Doug Johnson has to do is play as well as Kurt Warner did during that season. Another factor is the uniform change. The Broncos, Titans, Giants and Patriots all changed their appearances before reaching the championships.
With the number of coaching changes that happened during the off-season, it irritates me to see that only one black head coach was hired. I'll excuse Detroit because they focused on one coach in particular and got him. Otherwise, I scratch my head thinking of the coaches that were hired ahead of black assistants with years of experience. Dennis Erickson had a sub-.500 record with the Seattle Seahawks but still was able to land the position with San Francisco 49ers. And Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio only had one year as a defensive coordinator, with a handful more as a linebackers coach, and is now running his own team. For those reasons, I will root for the Cincinnati Bengals and new head coach Marvin Lewis to become successful quickly, proving to the out-of-touch-with-reality owners that a minority is just as capable as any white head coach.
Staying with the subject, the fine levied by the league against the Lions for not interviewing a minority candidate for the head coaching job was ludicrous. While it's understandable that the NFL has a policy that all teams must interview a minority candidate whenever they are in search for a head coach, Detroit focused on one man, Steve Mariucci, and got him. Knowing that, minority coaches declined interview offers from Detroit because they knew who the franchise wanted and felt they had no real chance at the job. The Lions can force individuals to come in for the interview. Detroit did all they could short of kidnapping. I do understand the NFL's reasoning and I support the league's minority initiative, The current minority initiative falls short in some areas. But until a better system is developed, the league is doing the best it can. But until the system is revised and is fair, the fine was uncalled for.
It is likely that Maurice Clarett will be a top ten NFL Draft selection and could become a solid NFL running back, if not a great one. It could happen as soon as 2005. The talented Clarett likely won't suit up for Ohio State this season now that Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel decided that he won't let Clarett practice with the team until the suspension he's serving ends. No one knows when that may be. Facing this kind of reality, Clarett might challenge the NFL's rookie eligibility. The NFL determined that a player is eligible for the draft when his high school class is three years removed from graduation. If Clarett wants to take on the league, wish him luck. Unless Johnnie Cochran becomes a prosecuting attorney and would work for Clarett for free until he signs a contract, it's a losing battle to take on the NFL. The league has more lawyers and better ones working for them. If Clarett wins, the court fight would last until he's eligible under the old terms. So what's the use?
All of my legal issues have been taken care of already so there's nothing stopping me from making my picks. It's gonna be a fun ride so let's get started.
N.Y. Jets at Washington - Thursday - L
Redskins head coach Steve Spurrier found out he wasn't a genius after being humbled to a 7-9 record last year. Now aparrently he's putting his stock into luck as he will go into the season with just two quarterbacks. By next week he'll sign a third because a reminder of what could happen to one of his QBs is right across the field from him. It will take a little time, but the Jets will wear down the 'Skins.
New England at Buffalo - L
I heard the silliest thing over the radio a few weeks ago. Some sports talk jock raised this question: If Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe isn't playing well would listeners bench Bledsoe for Alex Van Pelt. Though I can't see that happening, there would be two scenarios I would. Playing New England at home and New England on the road. Bledsoe has his problems with Bill Belichick-coached defenses and his frustrations will continue as the Patriots confuse Drew and the Bills.
Jacksonville at Carolina - L
Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio doesn't want to talk about it, but the rumors of quarterback Mark Brunell being traded will dog the first year coach. Chatter will persist when Mark steps under center with "FOR A VET QB" followed by a phone number on the back of his jersey instead of his last name. Even if Brunell's days with the Jaguars are numbered, he will still lead his time (for now) to the Upset of the Week over the Panthers.
Denver at Cincinnati - W
Broncos head coach Mike Shannahan received a contract extension after two playoff-less seasons and signing a underachieving quarterback to be the team's starter. For Shannahan's sake, Jake Plummer better be successful. Clauses in the coach's contract are tied directly to Plummer's performance. Every pick "The Snake" throws, Shannahan's salary is reduced by $10,000. It turns out to be a costly win for the Broncos.
Indianapolis at Cleveland - L
It was the right decision by Cleveland head coach Butch Davis. Quarterback Kelly Holcomb should start, not just for beating out Tim Couch in the preseason, but for his work last season, including the playoff game. But it won't be long before Holcomb starts asking for the kind of money Couch is making. For now, Holcomb will work concessions when the defense is on the field. No overtime needed by Holcomb as he dissects the Colts secondary in a Browns victory.
Arizona at Detroit - W
Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith is out to prove his doubters wrong. He doesn't believe he's done. Smith believes his nutrition, workouts, and the hyperbaric chamber he sleeps in will keep him young and effective. Truth is, time is catching up to him and the Lions will catch Smith repeatedly as Detroit causes Smith and the Cardinals to stumble.
Minnesota at Green Bay - L
Vikings head coach Mike Tice says he won't tolerate turnovers. He's benched running backs during the preseason for fumbles. If that's the case, what will he do with quarterback Daunte Culpepper? If Tice benches Culpepper for every turnover, He'll won't start until midway through the 2004 season. With Minnesota's help, the Packers turn back the Vikes.
San Diego at Kansas City - L
There's a publication that declared that KC will be in the Super Bowl. Yeah the Chiefs were 8-8 and scored a lot of points. It was out of necessity. Don't tell me the KC D busts a 180 and becomes solid in one off-season. Watch the Chargers run rings around the Chief's defense.
Houston at Miami - L
It's year two of the Expansion Experience for the Texans and while they may be better from last year, they are still the new little kid at the playground. No one plays with them but Houston certainly gets picked on. That will be the case as the Dolphins bully the Texans around.
St. Louis at New York Giants - L
So much for a happy homecoming. St. Louis safety Jason Seahorn comes backs to his old stomping grounds, the Meadowlands. Seahorn, who moves from cornerback to safety, will miss the game due to injury. So, in a way, it's like old times. In a shootout, the Rams have more ammo to take out the Giants.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh - W
Ravens head coach Brian Billick has put the fortunes of his offense in the hands of rookie quarterback Kyle Boller. One of the attributes that made Boller attractive to Billick was his mobility. It will come in handy as he runs away from the Pittsburgh pass rush all afternoon long. Boller's best play might be to run out of bounds. The rook will live to play another day, but he won't beat the Steelers.
Atlanta at Dallas - W
If the Falcons are to reach the Super Bowl, they shouldn't lose to the Cowboys. If Atlanta can't get through Dallas, then my perception was way off. Then again, I did say San Diego and Carolina were to meet for the past championship. That's why I'm not paid to do this. I still say the Falcons win this game. It's the first step towards the Lombardi Trophy.
Chicago at San Francisco - W
If Bears head coach Dick Jauron is in a hot seat this season, he's in trouble. His defense lost two key starters from the 12-4 team and his starting quarterback is Kordell Stewart. Watch Jauron during the game. Among the papers he'll be shuffling on the sidelines will be a letter of resignation. As he contemplates turning it in, the 49ers knock the Bears off their rocker.
New Orleans at Seattle - W
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was one of the hottest quarterback through the last six games of the season. It's been nine months since that season ended, but Hasselbeck retained enough heat to carry over into the season opener and helps the Seahawks burn the Saints.
Oakland at Tennessee - L
A year moldier..um...I mean, older, the Oldmen Raiders will try again to reach the title game. They do understand that health will be key. They'll spend two hours before the game on stretching alone. After working all the kinks out, the Raiders retire the Titans.
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia - Monday Night - W
It's like coming full circle for TB. They come back to their gateway to the Super Bowl to start the season. They closed Veteran's Stadium by beating the at home Eagles. What better way to start the 2003 season off on the right foot by repeating the beating in Philly's brand new home? Lincoln Financial Field opens with a Buccaneers win over the at home Eagles.
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Super Bowl XXXVIII