Football Recap Week 3

Ahh, the pain of fantasy football. My four teams were on their way to a third undefeated week, when Drew Brees decided to make Keith Bullock an honorary member of the Saints’ receiving corps, never mind the fact that he already plays for the Titans. So four picks and a fumble later and I suffer the first loss of my fantasy season.

Another painful loss came from my beloved Forty-Niners who dropped one against the resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers. “Fast” Willie Parker (one of the worst nicknames ever) helped one of my fantasy teams to victory while simultaneously running the Niners into the ground. From what I've heard (I had to work during the game), the boys in red and gold were simply over-matched by a Goliath quarterback and an overwhelming defense. And what is the problem with Frank Gore? Obviously he’s not going to sneak up on anybody this year, but this kind of drop off is disconcerting. The Niners are going to have to open up their playbooks and take some of the pressure off Gore or their offense is never going to start rolling.

The lone bright spots in this week’s football recap (aside from my three other fantasy victories), were wins from UCLA and the UH Warriors. Despite prevailing over Washington, I’ve kind of written the UCLA season off since they’ve already proven to me that they’re not going to compete for anything big this year. It might even be better if they sink fast, get a new coach, and get moving in a new direction.

UH hasn’t let me down yet even though Heisman hopeful quarterback Colt Brennan sat out Saturday’s 66-10 win over Charleston Southern. Backup Tyler Graunke struggled early, but the Warrior’s special teams and defense held the Buccaneer’s to zero points in the second half to seal up the victory. Colt’s absence was a disappointment but it was reassuring to see the Warrior’s defense get things done. Next up, Idaho.

Getting back to Fantasy Football, I’d like to hear what everyone’s team names are. Team names are always a fun way to show some creativity and I think I picked some solid ones this year: The Spanish Inquisition, The Dog Whisperers, Bringin’ Sexy Back, Bringin’ Hairy Back.

What are your team names?

Football Recap Week 2

It’s almost the third week of the NFL season and I’m happier than I have any right to be. The Niners are 2-0, though some late game heroics were necessary to pull out a victory against St. Louis last week. I still remember the awful, awful problems we had against the Rams in the last several years so even a squeaky close victory smells like napalm to me. I’m not sure if Alex Smith is anywhere near turning the corner and becoming a productive starting quarterback in the league, but at least he’s not blowing games. And thank you, thank you Niners for improving your defense. I could kiss you Mike Nolan.

In other news, my four fantasy teams have done the semi-impossible by going undefeated. It’s still early, and technically I have one tie against my dad but please don’t pee on my parade. What’s my secret, you may ask? Automated drafts. I also didn’t alter a single draft ranking. Technically I couldn’t make any of my drafts so using automated lists wasn’t exactly my choice, but my computer has proven a better drafter than me. Yes, I realize how depressing this is.

Speaking of depressing, UCLA is done for the season and it’s now only a matter of time before coach Dorrell gets axed. UCLA’s earlier success simply masked a flawed system that has now been exposed. Don’t ask me what’s wrong but I know broke when I see it and UCLA done and went broke.

The UH Warriors are still putting up crazy numbers and I’m looking forward to seeing those numbers pile up before my eyes when they play Charleston Southern this Saturday. Yeah, I don’t know who they are either but that just means it’s going to be an entertaining display of offensive firepower. The real battles will be later in the season when they face Boise State and Washington. Hopefully the Warriors will still be in the rankings at that time and get the national recognition they need for a BCS bid.

How are your teams doing?