TMC-Week 11

I wish this intro was about how inspired and fired up the Rams were Sunday and how they now have a bunch of cupcakes on the schedule and look like a legit playoff contender, but unfortunately that's not the case. These, after all, are the Rams of 2005. Never, in my lifetime, has there been a St. Louis franchise in more need of an organizational overhaul than this one. It starts at the top and until things in the front offices get cleaned up, we, as fans, should hope for the best-that being somewhat disorganized chaos. Unbelievable. Oh yea, and the fact that a couple of my buddies ran into half the team Friday night at a bar (it was Steven Jackson's birthday party) isn't exactly the recipe for success on Sunday either. Oh well, spring training is just right around the corner, right?
In the games that really matter, the Rampage made a big statement by knocking off the Creamers and taking sole possession of first place in the division, Wes continues to roll, and the Puffins overcome lineup setting difficulties to continue their win streak. Here's a look at each of the games...

Horned Puffins 78, Girlymans 61 (G'mans 77, Puffs 71)
Nice games from the Cowboys D, L.J. Smith, Reggie Wayne, & Tom Brady carried the Puffins to the win over Peyton Manning and Co. The guy who sets the lineup for the Puffins needs to get his head out of his a-- though, considering the reserves outscored the regulars 79-78.
Game ball goes to-L.J. Smith. Newcomers Byron Leftwich (25 pts) & Chris Brown (19 pts) would've been awarded a game ball, but when you're on the bench, you don't qualify. Too bad. L.J. caught 7 balls for 84 yds, 14 pts.

Buffet Boys 90, Crapshoot 37 (Crap 81, BB 68)
Peyton who? The Buffet Boys' new franchise player, Larry Johnson, ran wild at Houston to carry the Boys past the Crapshoot. He was joined by four others in double figures as Hoffman ended any playoff hopes for Fagan.
Game ball goes to-Larry Johnson. 217 yds & 2 TDs, 26 pts.

Carpetbaggers 110, Maddogs 70 (Dogs 82, Baggers 67)
A monster game from the Broncos D carried Al to a win over Scott. The Maddogs, who have deserved better this year, were also stung by Drew Brees, who posted a Manningesque 26 pts.
Game ball goes to-Broncos D. 3 fumble recoveries, 2 picks, 4 sacks, both yardage bonuses, & 10 pts for a shutout for a total of 43 pts.

Double Down 124, Burrowing Owls 89 (DD 89, Owls 88)
The Double Down are getting hot at the right time. Having four players (Bears D, Mike Anderson, Kurt Warner, & Chad Johnson) get 20+ points is unheard of. The Owls have now dropped their last two, but can secure a spot in the playoffs with one more win.
Game ball goes to-Kurt Warner. With apologies to Mike Anderson, it was Warner's day at the Dome. 286 total yds, 3 TDs, & a 2-pt conversion, 21 pts.

Benchpressers 133, Pietschskins 80 (Pressers 93, Skins 80)
I guess I was way off in thinking the Colts/Bengals game would not be a shootout. I didn't expect the over/under to be reached at the 7:34 mark of the first quarter, but that's why I don't bet. Wes got huge games from about everyone on his roster to run his win streak to four. Eight guys in double figures will win you a lot of games. Lost in all of this was a 22-pt effort from Dallas Clark for Troy.
Game ball goes to-Reuben Droughns. The former Puffin gets a chance with the Benchpressers and makes the most of it, going for 169 yds & a TD, 16 pts.

Rampage 73, Creamers 71 (Ram 111, Cream 101)
No Monday Night magic for the Creamers this week as Terry pulls in front in the White division. Terry has one of the hottest teams in the league right now, but the injury to QB Marc Bulger could be season-ending, which does not bode well for the Rampage.
Game ball goes to-Shaun Alexander. Who else? What's he got now, five, six game balls? This week he just went for 122 yds and 2 TDs, 19 pts.

As always, my apologies to those I picked to lose (Derek, Eric, Al) and congrats to all the winners. Be sure to get your claims in by midnight if you have any and Happy Thanksgiving to all. (Don't forget to wear the elastic-waist pants Thursday, right TQ?)