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A Word from The Writer: The Monday Analysis - 26 December 2005 Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Patriots Take on Rival Jets Before a Dry Jersey Crowd Monday The Jets Officials may have taken the crowd out of the game before the Patriots even have a chance to take them out. Team officials announced this week that no alcohol would be served during the Monday Night game at the Meadowlands. Ironically, this is also the final Monday Night Football game for ABC, a tradition spanning 36 seasons. The announcement comes following problems at the November 27th game where a fan stabbed two others and a state trooper suffered a broken leg. Beer is expected to be served for the season finale on January 1. Patriots Clobber Jets on Monday Night Ender The Jets played in the Monday Night debut September 21, 1970 and lost to the Cleveland Browns 31-21. The played the finale, too. Another loss, this time to the World Champion New England Patriots for a similar 31-21 loss. High winds at the Meadowlands forced a run game between the Patriots and the Jets, and without Curtis Martin (out for the year with a knee injury), the Jets wobbled when they did have the ball, which wasn't much. The Patriots held the ball on offense for 43:21 to the Jets' 16:39. The Patriots had the ball for nearly forty minutes with six minutes to go in the game. Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes to LB Mike Vrabel, who ran the same tight end package on both plays (he threw another to former teammate Ty Law, which were the only Jets points for over half the game). Corey Dillon ran for two more touchdowns. "One touchdown's awesome, but two," Vrabel said. "I tried to give the football to Santa Claus in the stands, but someone took it away from Santa." The Patriots came in with only two players on the injury report - Matt Light who is out for the season, and Tom Brady with that "nagging" shoulder injury. But Tedy Bruschi would leave the game with a leg injury, and Asante Samuel would leave with a head injury after an interception. ''I've got nothing for you guys. Sorry guys," Bruschi said after the game. ''We'll give [information] to you when we have it," said coach Bill Belichick after the game. ''His leg tightened up a little." That's the best we'll get until the injury reports on Wednesday. The Patriots host Miami for the season finale. Dynasties Are Created Over Time, Not Overnight The Patriots' Dynasty may have began in 2001 (or you can argue in 2000), but it may not end for failing to three-peat a Super Bowl win. I mean, let's look at the the most famous Dynasty, San Francisco, and we'll use the 49ers as an example often. They failed to three-peat after repeating as Super Bowl champions in 1989 and 1990. In fact, they even had a coaching change from Bill Walsh to George Seifert from one Super Bowl to the next, and still failed in a third bid. Those 49ers had a killer roster, led by Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Sooner rather than later, another great quarterback would take the helm in Steve Young, and he would lead the Niners back to the Lombardi trophy stands five years later. That Dynasty began in the early 1980s (or you can argue in 1979 with the arrival of Bill Walsh and drafting of Joe Montana), but it didn't abruptly end after the Super Bow XXIX win. Really, that Dynasty faded out quietly. Players retired or moved on. There were coaching changes and ownership changes. But maybe more damaging was a salary cap hole that sunk the team for two seasons before resurging. Bad front office decisions ultimately killed the Dynasty altogether, but the point is that it lived on outside of Super Bowl wins. Super Bowl wins legitimatize the Dynasty, if not establish it altogether. The Buffalo Bills of the 1990s are not considered a Dynasty, even with four straight Super Bowl appearances, and playing in five out of six AFC championship games. The Bills were the most dominating team in the AFC during the 1990s, but they lost every single one of those four Super Bowls. Had they won them all, you bet they'd be a Dynasty. Had they won just one of them they might get the Dynasty label. Yet the Bills were still considered a top tier team until Jim Kelly retired in 1996, then later so did Marv Levy. The roster changed, the front office changed, and the landscape of dominance changed. Denver would control the AFC later in the decade winning back-to-back Super Bowls, yet, the Dynasty label does not stick to that team. One possibility is because John Elway retired after the second win, and the Broncos have not been the same since, failing to win a playoff game since Super Bowl XXXIII. The 49ers Dynasty faded as the key players left, and the new ones failed to carry the torch. The Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s are such that type of a Dynasty that when the key players started to retire, namely Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, that Dynasty too faded. In all these Dynasties ultimate dominance in the Super Bowl is the common denominator. But simply because one stops going to Super Bowls does not mean the Dynasty has to end. Sometimes Dynasties begin with a birth, the birth of a champion, as we saw in New England. 5-11 in 2000, the Patriots marched into Super Bowl XXXVI 14 point underdogs with an 11-5 record, and won in trilling fashion - a last second 48-yard field goal. That started it all. The 49ers lasted over 15 years. It began in 1981 with a win in Super Bowl XVI. But it didn't end until the late 1990s after key players retired and left, like Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice. Keep in mind that the 49ers won 5 Super Bowls during that time, not 15. Winning a championship on average every three seasons is a monumental achievement, but they only repeated once. Still, that did not dissuade the team from trying to win again and again year in and year out. Nor did it keep opponents from trying to beat them every year. Using the 49ers formula, the San Francisco Dynasty started with the arrival of Bill Walsh in 1979, but ended, really, two head coaches later with George Seifert and Steve Mariucci. Both kept the fire going long enough for the dynasty consideration, and Seifert managed to win two championships, while Mooch won none. Mooch did, however, manage to keep the 49ers competitive through a salary cap dark period, which incidentally ends the dynasty, but Mariucci should and does gets points for lifting the franchise up from the fires to become competitive again. Since, the 49ers front office has killed the dream. If we mark the arrival of Bill Belichick to the Patriots as the dawn of the Patriots Dynasty, here is how they look going into Week 17 of the 2005 season:
Belichick has a 73-32 record1 in New England so far, counting playoff wins. Ironically, the press and the Patriots missed Belichick's 100th regular season win as a head coach earlier this season. In each of those seasons, the Patriots have missed key players to injuries or offseason moves. They have won with a secondary that was the laughing stock of the league. They won without a $100 million quarterback. They won missing defensive leaders. They won in bad weather and on the road, to good teams and bad ones. In 2003, they won with 48 different starters, a league record. 2005 is being particularly cruel with over 50% of the starting lineup missing significant playing time, if not gone for the season to injury, not to mention the active players playing hurt, like Willie McGinest and Corey Dillon. But who is to say that 2006 they won't be completely healthy and dominating again? Does a new Dynasty then start, or does it continue the existing one? It continues the existing one, of course. It'll be decades before the next Patriots Dynasty. Meanwhile, let's continue to ride the current wave. San Francisco only has one Dynasty to date, one that lasted a long, long time. During that time, here is how it looked, starting with the Bill Walsh/Joe Montana era:
Looking at that run guided by Bill Walsh, it gives a whole new meaning to rollercoaster rides. Yet, the 49ers dubbed themselves the Team of the 80s, and rightfully so, given that no other team had as much success as San Francisco. But the Dynasty lives on, right to 1998, the last season before the Salary Cap Black Hole swallows the 49ers for two seasons. In that time, George Seifert and Steve Mariucci are the head coach.
† League Best Regular Season Record Dynasties really do begin with the arrival of a key piece of the personal, usually the head coach or a quarterback, or both. In San Francisco is was Bill Walsh, who then drafted Joe Montana in the third round, both in 1979. In Dallas, it was the arrival of Jimmy Johnson, who drafted Troy Aikman in the first round, both in 1989. In Pittsburgh in the 1970s, it was Chuck Noll (hired in January of 1969 at the age of 37) and the arrival of Terry Bradshaw as the first pick in 1970 (among a good many others, like Mean Joe Green, his first pick in 1969 and Franco Harris, the first round pick in 1972). In New England it was of course the arrival of Bill Belichick who drafted Tom Brady in the still unbelievable seventh round (almost by accident, but it counts), both in 2000. The personnel roster always needs more than just a good quarterback, though few remember everyone on the early 49er teams, and Jerry Rice didn't arrive until 1985. By then, the 49ers already had two trophies. Though, drafting the greatest receiver in the history of the game never hurts. But you never know how these things will ever work out. Dallas drafted Emmitt Smith, the NFL All-Time leading rusher, and Michael Irvin, a dynamic receiving playmaker light years ahead of the Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison-types of the modern era. Pittsburgh had names on top of names. Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Mean Joe Green, Lynn Swan, Jack Lambert, and the Steel Curtain. In New England, Belichick has only begun to assemble the Dynasty players. Some he coached in 1996, like Ty Law, Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest, Ted Johnson, and even drafted Adam Vinatieri and Lawyer Milloy (who in the long run was only ever interested in a day's pay once he had a ring). Between 1997 to the day Belichick return as head coach, one draft pick remains: Kevin Faulk. Belichick's world differs from the days of Noll and Walsh because of the salary cap and free agency. Instead, he has assembled many of the Dynasty Players through free agency: Mike Vrabel, Joe Andruzzi, Lonnie Paxton, Rodney Harrison, Christian Fauria, and piles of one timers like Ted Washington and Bryan Cox. There is no crystal ball for the draft picks he has chosen, but a few are stand outs, Richard Seymour the biggest among them, a genuine superstar. Ty Warren has become a defensive playmaker, and Vince Wilfork has become more and more productive late in 2005. WR Deion Branch already has a Super Bowl MVP trophy and his partner on the other side David Givens is another seventh round gem. But Belichick has yet to draft a great running back, and that might be the missing piece of his Dynastical Puzzle. But whatever happens in the draft or free agency (either in the offseason or during the season), Patriots Nation has come to understand one thing: In Bill We Trust. The moniker may embarrass the head coach, but it really speaks to his genius to not only chose the right players, but convince an extremely hostile and blood thirsty crowd of fans that include a tyrannical and cold-blooded media outlet. That in itself is deserving of a Hall of Fame spot. The Patriots are in the playoffs again, and look to repeat. They play it all one game at a time. Like Tom Brady said after the Week 16 Monday Nighter, it is a different team each year, and different year every season. It is too overwhelming to think too far ahead, running scenarios that may never come true. Focus on the week ahead, and go from there. But whatever does happen, you can't simply end a Dynasty or start a new one. History determines the start and end dates, not opinions. 1 Including his head coaching stint in Cleveland, Belichick is
118-68 including playoffs (Cleveland: 46-36 including playoffs)
Son of Colts Coach Found Dead James Dungy, the eldest son of Colts head coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in his Tampa apartment this week of an apparent suicide. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's department confirmed that there would
be an autopsy, and department spokesman Debbie Carter stated, "Based on
evidence at the scene, indications are that this death appears to be a
suicide." Dungy was found in his apartment not breathing Thursday morning around 1:30 AM by a friend and he was pronounced dead at the University Community Hospital following CPR attempts to revive him. Coach Dungy took the team plane to Tampa Thursday morning, and team president Bill Polian indicated that assistant head coach Jim Caldwell would resume head coaching "for however long Tony will be away, and however long he will be away is entirely up to him." Outpour of condolences flooded the Colts offices on Thursday from across the league from former players to fellow head coaches and friends. "On behalf of the organization and the team our sympathy goes out to Tony and his family. Our hearts are with him and our prayers are with him," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Coach Dungy and his wife Lauren have four other children. The Monday Analysis sends sincere condolences to the Dungy family on
their loss. Weekend Break Down CHIEFS (9-6) 20, Chargers (9-6) 7 - FINAL: And the Chargers go home for the holidays - and the post season. 49ers (3-12) 24, RAMS (5-10) 20 - FINAL: What, the 49ers are surging with life? A little too late, folks. Jaguars (11-4) 38, TEXANS (2-13) 20 - FINAL: Good, good. The Texans stay right in the Reggie Bush race. Lions (5-10) 13, SAINTS (3-12) 12 - FINAL: Pretty bad when the Lions beat you up at home. BUCCANEERS (10-5) 27, Falcons (8-7) 24 - FINAL/OT: The Bucs keep their playoff hopes alive and end the Atlanta's altogether. The Falcons are done for the year. Bills (5-10) 37, BENGALS (11-4) 27 - FINAL: Whoa! The Bills showed up, and put Cinci's Number 3 spot in jeopardy. Cowboys (9-6) 24, PANTHERS (10-5) 20 - FINAL: A must need win for both for playoff hopes, and Dallas stay afloat with this emotion winner. Steelers (10-5) 41, BROWNS (5-10) 0 - FINAL: How does Romeo Crennel take this one? He has to have figured out who will not be a Cleveland Brown in 2006, and many of them started this game. REDSKINS (9-6) 35, Giants (10-5) 20 - FINAL: The Redskins have a chance at the NFC East, and keep the title away from New Jersey a little longer. DOLPHINS (8-7) 24, Titans (4-11) 10 - FINAL: Nick Saban has Miami full of hopes for 2006. SEAHAWKS (13-2) 28, Colts (13-2) 13 - FINAL: The Colts played this one out like a preseason game, and the Seahawks showed no mercy in their drive for the number one seed.. CARDINALS (5-10) 27, Eagles (6-9) 21 - FINAL: Poor Philly. It's the Super Bowl Runner-up Curse. BRONCOS (12-3) 22, Raiders (4-11) 3 - FINAL: Oakland has now been swept in the division for the first time since Al Davis became involved with the team. Bears (11-4) 24, PACKERS (3-12) 17 - FINAL: Wild one with a familiar ending for Favre and the Packers. RAVENS (6-9) 30, Vikings (8-7) 23 - FINAL: The Vikes go down, they go up, they go back down. Patriots (10-5), JETS (3-12) - FINAL: Playoff Outlook Just the teams with a chance. We already know who stinks. Teams Just ready to trim that Tree
Dallas (9-6): Need a win and a Washington, Carolina, Tampa, or New
Jersey loss. Teams with a Slot in the Post Season Indy (13-2): No worries. All games are at home. Oddities of Week 17's Matchups We finish this thing up this week. Playoffs are next. Here's the games worth watching for the Playoff spots. Saturday, December 31st Denver (12-3) at San Diego (9-6) 4:30 PM. AFC Westerner. Diego is out, but there are only two games Saturday. NJ Giants (10-5) at Oakland (4-11) 8 PM. A win gets the Giants the division, and this outcomes may make Sunday very interesting. Sunday, January 1st Carolina (10-5) at Atlanta (8-7) 1 PM. Carolina needs the win for a playoff spot and maybe the division. Cincinnati (11-4) at Kansas City (9-6) 1 PM. Game of the Week. Cinci is in danger of losing the third spot, and the Chiefs need a win for a playoff spot. Detroit (5-10) at Pittsburgh (10-5) 1 PM. The Steelers need help getting to the sixth spot, too. Miami (8-7) at New England (10-5) 1 PM. AFC Easterner. A win helps the Patriots into the third seed, and a sweep of the division for the first time in franchise history. New Orleans (3-12) at Tampa Bay (10-5) 1 PM. Tampa can get the division right here. Washington (9-6) at Philadelphia (6-9) 4:15 PM. The Redskins are playing for playoff spots and division titles. St. Louis (5-10) at Dallas (9-6) 8:30 PM. Dallas
needs the win to stay in, and send someone home. Patriots Notes Left Tackle Matt Light was placed on injured reserve with a broken leg that obviously never healed...Tom Brady and Matt Light are the only two players on the Patriots Injury Report this week. Honest...QB Tom Brady and DE Richard Seymour are the only two Patriots players voted to the Pro Bowl... League Notes James Dungy, the eldest son of Colts head coach Tony Dungy was
found dead in his Tampa apartment of an apparent suicide...The Giants
signed veteran linebacker Roman Phifer...After nine people were
arrested during the November 27 game hosting the saints, the Jets will
not sell alcohol during their Monday Night divisional with the Patriots.
Jets spokesman Ron Colangelo stated the ban was to protect the fans. Alcohol
will be served the following week for the season finale with Buffalo. One
man was charged with stabbing two fans and a state trooper broke his leg
during the November 27 game...The Bears announced QB Rex Grossman
will start Week 16 after a successful win over Atlanta... The Rams placed QB
Marc Bulger and Middle Linebacker Chris Claiborne on injured reserver...Jets
WR Wayne Chrebet officially retired following a season-ending concussion. Chrebet played for 11 seasons... Signs of the Apocalypse Some people should not be on High Definition Television. High def lets you see far too much of people who you don't need to see that much of in the first place. Take the Monday Night Countdown crew on ESPN this week. Stuart Scott has two lazy eyes. One goes up, while the other goes down. Tom Jackson's nostrils are big enough to drive a truck through. Michael Irvin's diamond earring is clearly paste. And Ron Jaworski wears a lot of facial make up. Notes and Quotes "That's what makes it worse for me. A linebacker? I'd rather a tight end catch the ball than a linebacker."
LB Mike Vrabel has 6 receptions. All for touchdowns. Monday's finale was the 555th episode of Monday Night Football on ABC. Tom Brady became the 55th player in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards in a single season. Jets QB Vinny Testeverde's touchdown pass Monday Night broke the record of a quarterback throwing a touchdown pass in 19 consecutive seasons. Top Ten List of the Week 1. So long, good night, Monday Night Football. 2. Seattle really took last year and built on their success. It took Mike Holmgren long enough, but it has finally come through. Thank God for Shaun Alexander, Mike. Thank Him daily. 3. Tough break for Cinci, and good break for the Patriots. A third seed may come through for New England. 4. I'm a little disconcerted with the Pro Bowl voting this year. No, I agree with the lack of Patriots names on the roster, except for the Kicker. Why is Adam Vinatieri absent from that list? And in the NFC, Josh Brown from Seattle. Every Seattle game I saw this season had him kicking 50-yarders in the wind and rain. Now, there may be a few of you who are going to think about hitting the reply button and arguing about me being a home town fan or a gamer or whatever about my Adam Vinatieri bitch. I am warning you right now, bring it on, and when you do, you had better do a lot of research and homework before you even think about it. Lots of research. More than some pathetic Fantasy news report. I dare you to bring. I double dog dare you, in fact. 5. San Diego just lost it at the end of the season. They started so hot, and cooled down too fast in the stretch. 6. Ditto with the Falcons. I had them picked to go to the go to the Super Bowl this year, but they faded too fast mid-season. 7. I don't like Kansas City's chances at the playoffs. They need to beat the Bengals, and they need the Steelers to loses to the Lions. Not going to happen. 8. Carolina maybe the odd team out of the playoffs. Atlanta is gearing to be spoiler, and Jim Mora might be ticked off enough to do that job. 9. Big Week 17 ahead of us. Lots of playoff scenarios that come through, all well worth watching. 10. A Happy and Safe New Year to you all. 26 December 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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