Buccaneers Cut More QB's Than Spleens!

The Chris Simms era in Tampa is over! After one legendary QB changes jerseys this preseason, another will be added to the list.

Alright, I hope no one actually believed that. My question is not "why?" but "what took so long?". Even before missing two seasons, Simms seemed too be throwing interceptions all the time. Although he did throw more touchdowns than interceptions in 2005 when he played in 11 games, all of my memory's are of his INT's.

It is a sad day for Jon Gruden, however. Think of your prized collection. Then think of the 5th best item in the collection. Then think of giving it away. The QB collector has lost one, but don't forget about Jake Plummer.

No More Morelli!

Well that was fun. I knew Penn State's game against Coastal Carolina would be pretty easy (minus the chance of a App State like upset), but this was a fantastic start to what all Penn State fans are hoping to be a great year.

Keep in mind that this is Coastal Carolina and not Ohio State. But the QB's were solid with Clark going 11-14, 146 yds 1 td, and Devlin 5-8 83 yds. Paul Cianciolo even got in the action passing for 31 yards.

The Running game is what I most excited about this year, and I got a little taste of what could happen. Starter Evan Royster did the most with his 8 carries, ending up in the endzone 3 times. The most excitement was reserved for freshman Stephfon Green who had 89 yards and 2 touchdowns.

So, things are looking really good (for now) and will most likely continue for the next three weeks. Then conference games will start, and the true status of this team will show. Keep your fingers crossed!

Bucs Might Possibly Be For Real

Some teams, when faced with injury to one or two players, fold. Case in point the Atlanta Falcons without Mike Vick. The Buccaneers however, have gotten better. I thought, at the beginning of the year that the Bucs were a 6 win team. After injury's to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, I would have said 4 wins. That's the great thing about this team. People step up. That why Ernest Graham is consistently having 100-yard games, and Luke McCown, after sitting since '04 threw for 313 yards and two scores. How else can you explain the old man known as Joey Galloway having 159 yards in a single game.
So that is the reason Tampa is leading their division by 3 games and yet to lose in the South (Not playing Mike Vick also helps). I do not miss Trent Dilfer at all.

Is Perfection Probable?

Two days before Christmas, Week 16 will be going on in the NFL. In Gillette Stadium, the Dolphins will attempt to do the unthinkable; Beat the Patriots. The question is, will the Dolphins (0-11) still be winless? The don't have an easy, or should I say difficult route. Their next 3 games include games against the Jets, Bills, and Ravens, not exactly a heavyweight schedule. This team has lost 6 games by 3 points! They could be 6-5 if an opponent field goal goes left, or the go for it on 4 and 1 a couple times.

On the other side, the Patriots recently looked very beatable. Against AJ Feely no less. The Eagles proved something that was thought as imaginary as the tooth fairy; That you can beat the Patriots without the Patriots losing it for you. Tom Brady threw for 380 yards! No interceptions! Yet the hapless Eagles were a Feely interception away from winning. A great performance by a team can beat the Pats. And history is against them. No, Bob Griese and Larry Csonka are not putting voodoo spells on Tom Brady (at least I don't think so). Many teams have been undefeated for the first half. Only one could deal with the pressure. Which also makes me think against the idea of a perfect season. The media is a lot more present now than it was in '72. On a side note:Miami beat New England a 2 or 3 years ago.

Let me get this straight, I am NOT predicting a Miami win on December 23rd. I am just saying don't bet on 17-0 and 0-17 just yet.

NFL WEEK 2

The NFL Opening Weekend has come and passed. My Buccaneers lost to the Seahawks, then beat division rivals Saints, while the hometown Eagles lost to both Green Bay and Washington. All the while the other state teams, Pittsburgh (2-0), Jacksonville (1-1), and Miami (0-2) had mixed reviews.

For my beloved Bucs, I still dont know if they're good, or if the Saints just aren't living up to last years amazing run. Jeff Garcia (an ex-Eagle) has proven that last year for him wasnt a fluke. While the defense is still middle of the pack (18th in points) They have taken steps to get younger, drafting Gaines Adams and getting rid of Simeon Rice. As much as I love the old time bucs of Alstott, Dunn, and Nickerson, they need to keep improving during the offseason.

The Eagles however, have a long season ahead of them. They will play the surprising 2-0 Lions (Will Jon Kitna actually be right?!), and a strong defensive team in the Bears within the next five weeks. Lets hope the upcoming bye week will be beneficial to them.

Palms in PA Standings

1.) Pittsburgh (2-0)-The Throwback unis wont even hold back Big Ben

2.) Tampa Bay (1-1)- The win against the Saints is getting the fans pumped (myself included)

3.) Jacksonville (1-1)- Atlanta helps improve this top 5 defensive teams.

4.) Philadelphia (0-2)- Where is A.J. Feeley??

5.) Miami (0-2)- Good luck trying to win this division with the invincible Patriots with a two game lead.

The Verdict:

Pennsylvania: The Steelers alone are enough to get them past FLA.