The All State

I walked all over the "door mats" (Team 8) as I predicted last week to be 91-57. I would be more sympathetic, however, the manager of the "door mats" failed to replace quarterback Matt Hasselback, who has a bye this week, with the healthy and active quarterback on his bench, Chad Pennington.

There are several legitimate reasons which could explain why the substitution was not made, but Team 8 has only won one game this season. They do not get the benefit of the doubt.

After wiping off my shoes to become 6-2, I looked forward and realized my week nine opponent is the top of the west division, Team 3 (6-2). I finally have a worthy opponent.

When I examined Team 3's roster, the first thing that caught my eye like bright-yellow hazard lights was Tom Brady and Terrell Owens. The over 2800 yards, 30 touchdown throwing Brady and Tony Romo's favorite wide receiver with 556 yards and five touchdowns, Owens. I cross my fingers and hope Derek Anderson and Wes Welker have big games this week.

With Marion Barber and new addition, Kevin Jones, I believe I have the edge over Team 3's running backs, Shaun Alexander and Earnest Graham.

Unfortunately, Jerricho Cotchery is facing the Redskins secondary this weekend with a new quarterback. I picked up Kevin Walter for a temporary boost. But he and Joe Jurevicious are not favored against Calvin Johnson and Joey Galloway on Team 3. I got the better tight end with Tony Gonzalez and the Kickers are a coin flip. It is going to come down to defense.

Ironically, Team 3 has picked up my old defense, the Chargers. Experts think they will feast on the Vikings, whose passing game is pathetic. I hate the experts, especially when they are right.

Currently, the Titans occupy the GridironGovs defensive slot. They are facing a Carolina team who is shuffling three injured quarterbacks to finish games. Available in free agency is the Redskins defense. They had a bad week against the Patriots, but everyone has a bad week trying to stop the Patriots.

This week the Patriots are taking on the Jets which reports have indicated will be starting with a new quarterback. (Translation: Fresh meat being tossed to a hungry secondary looking to bounce back. Yummy.)

Which defense is going to be the key to beating Team 3? Do I even have a chance against a team with Brady?
*please scroll down for the continuation of the article.*

GridironGovs 91	Team 8 57
QB Derek Anderson 27	Matt Hasselbeck 0
RB Steven Jackson 10	Frank Gore 4
RB Brian Leonard 6	Thomas Jones 10
WR Joe Jurevicious 7	Bernard Berrian 4
WR Jerricho Cotchery 4	Marvin Harrison 0
WR Wes Welker 14	Vincent Jackson 0
TE Heath Miller 4	Antonio Gates 21
K Matt Stover 0	Jeff Wilkins 8
DST Titans 19	Eagles 10
GridironGovs 99	Team 3 94
QB Derek Anderson 16	Tom Brady 25
RB Marion Barber 16	Shaun Alexander 3
RB Kevin Jones 7	Travis Henry 4
WR Joe Jurevicious 8	Joey Galloway 14
WR Kevin Walter 3	Calvin Johnson 4
WR Wes Welker 9	Terrell Owens 23
TE Tony Gonzalez 16	Tony Scheffler 2
K Matt Stover 1	Nicholas Folk 8
DST Titans 23	Chargers 11

*Week eight results are on the top, week nine on the bottom.*

I was insulted by the mere presence of Team 8. I did not even bother to replace Matt Stover on his bye week because I knew the game would not even be close. I am beginning to love Derek Anderson and the Titans defense is awesome.

The Colts/Patriots game was incredible. The Patriots have proven once and for all they are the best team in the NFL right now. Unfortunately, that means there is a good chance I will see Team 3 again in the playoffs.
The only thing that softened the blow of Tom Brady's score was the touchdown he threw to Wes Welker. Kevin Walter was a bust, but keeping the Titans defense is what gave me the win. It felt good to have Tony Gonzalez back and I will never doubt Jerricho Cotchery again.

I now have the best record in the league (7-2). It is good to be the king.

Previous Fantasy Football Journal articles from newest to oldest can be reached here
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