Fifth Down, Week Four

Pictured above are Lane Kiffin and Scott Linehan, both of whom were fired within two days of one another (the former from the Raiders, and the latter from the Rams). They probably saw it coming. Okay, they definitely saw it coming, and at least Linehan tried to do something to ignite a spark in his team (and it did...for a half); Kiffin--though his team has won a game (where the Rams haven't) and came close to winning two others--seemed to almost invite (Raiders' owner) Al Davis's axe, with his smug and surly press conferences and his blaming his team's losses on his defensive coaches. Personally, I'm not a fan of Al Davis, and I think he needs to back way off, but Kiffin's attitude would make any employer want to rid him/herself of such a diva. I'm sure he'll get work, though, as certain NFL teams seem not to care about such immature behavior, so long as those individuals can produce on the field. I mean, look at Kiffin's record...uh...better not do that.

Speaking of records, I've improved my fantasy football record to three and one, as my pathetic excuse for a team won yet again, this time besting an old buddy of mine, who--again (he did this last week, too)--forgot to take someone who wasn't playing off his roster. Hey, I'll take 'em as I can get 'em. Like Al Davis once said, "Just win, baby!"

This week's games (my original predictions are in italics):

Panthers 24, Falcons 13 - Win. I was close on this one; the Falcons just aren't there, yet (though they're starting to develop an intense running game). Actual score: Panthers 24, Falcons 9

Browns 20, Bengals 17 - Win. Both offenses looked terrible, but the Bengals--playing without starting QB Carson Palmer--had a reason. Browns 20, Bengals 12

Jaguars 27, Texans 10 - Win. Matt Schaub had a great game, and he kept it close. Jaguars 30, Texans 27

Broncos 31 Chiefs 9 - Loss. I was right: this one was a blow out...but the team I predicted would get blown out did the blowing up. Kansas City's RB Larry Johnson rushed for over 190 yards. The Denver D--nowhere. Actual score: Chiefs 33, Broncos 19

Saints 24, 49ers 20 - Win. The Saints did have too much offense for San Fran. Brees is having a terrific year throwing the ball for New Orleans. Actual score: Saints 31, 49ers 17

Cardinals 17, Jets 14 - Loss. Boy, was I wrong on this one. It was Farve who threw the ball down the field, all to the tune of six touchdowns (his best). Warner threw for almost five-hundred yards...and had a terrible day, turning the ball over six times. Ouch. Actual score: Jets 56, Cardinals 35

Packers 24, Buccaneers 20 - Loss. Green Bay responded through the air, but they couldn't run the ball at all, while Tampa Bay had over two-hundred yards rushing. I didn't see this one at all. Tampa's D was furious. Actual score: Buccaneers 30, Packers 21

Titans 13, Vikings 10 - Win. Tennessee's D is the best in the business, and Collins isn't turning the ball over--their opponents are instead. Tennessee could go to the Super Bowl. Actual score: Titans 30, Vikings 17

Chargers 27, Raiders 17 - Win. At the end of the first half, the Raiders were ahead 15-3. Massive, massive choke. Came close to nailing the score. Actual score: Chargers 28, Raiders 18

Bills 20, Rams 12 - Win. St. Louis looked very good...in the first quarter. After that, they didn't score again. Another massive choke game. Actual score: Bills 31, Rams 14

Cowboys 20, Redskins 17 - Loss. You know what...they stopped Dallas in the fourth quarter. Redskins look very solid. Actual score: Redskins 26, Cowboys 24

Eagles 28, Bears 9 - Loss. That Bears run defense is stifling, and when their QB Orton throws three first-half touchdowns, not even McNabb (who's having a great year) can bring the birds back against this defense. Fantastic goal-line stand by Chicago, too, in the fourth quarter, stopping Philly three consecutive times with third and goal from the one. Actual score: Bears 24, Eagles 20

Steelers 12, Ravens 11 - Win. The game went about like I thought it would, though I didn't envision Pittsburgh losing two running backs (one, their rookie first-round pick Mendenhall, for the year), and still winning the game. Roethlisberger had a fantastic game, considering the circumstances. Actual score: Steelers 23, Ravens 20

Record this week: 8-5...not too smokey.
Record for the year: 43-17