NFL Cup: The Ultimate Playoff

[thekodinator]

This thread has been migrated from SportsGamer

Goodell Announces New Tournament to stem Economic Crisis

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Commissioner Goodell: "Thank you all for coming on such short notice today. Well, we all know why we're here so let's get right to it. With the current economic crisis being felt by all in the National Football League, from the owners, to the players, to the fans... it's time that we make some radical changes to ensure the financial stability, health and future of the league.

During meetings with team owners, we looked at other professional leagues around the world; the NHL, NBA, Super 14 Rugby and the English Premier League; for effective economic strategies that we can implement here. It was in our studying of English professional soccer that we found what we feel will ensure that professional football is alive and well here in America.

Along with the English Premier League and lower divisions, pro soccer teams in England also compete in the FA Cup, a knockout tournament including all the teams over there. As you all know, we've been in talks with the owners and players considering expanding the regular season from 16 games to 17 or 18 to increase revenues and give our fans more quality football. Rather than expanding the regular season, we will follow English soccer's lead and instead implement our own separate knockout tournament, including all NFL teams that will run concurrently with the NFL regular season.

I give you the NFL Cup.
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This additional tournament will take place during the NFL regular season, with most games being played during the week, as we will reserve the weekends for the regular season match-ups. We will use a single-elimination, knockout format, with all 32 teams ranked 1 to 32, then seeded 1 through 8 and split into 4 brackets accordingly. This might remind you of the tournament that the NCAA uses for many of their sports, such as college basketball.

Now obviously, money doesn't grow on trees, and we are currently pursuing sponsors and investors to put up money to support this tournament, as well as negotiating with several networks for television coverage.

We are anticipating securing negotiations with these other parties very shortly, and will keep you apprised of the sponsors and networks that we come to terms with. Also, more to come regarding other details of the tournament; such as seeding operations and so forth.

We are very excited about this new theater of professional football and are confident that owners, players and fans will be better off with this new format.

Thank you"

[thekodinator]

Warren Buffett buys naming rights to NFL Cup; ESPN, NBC to televise tournament

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AP- NFL sources confirmed today that investment mogul Warren Buffett has agreed to buy the naming rights of the newly-announced NFL Cup. The NFL can be nothing but encouraged by this recent development, as the NFL Cup's primary purpose is to increase league revenues, and Warren Buffett is one of the world's most successful investors. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Buffett fronted upwards of $700 million for the naming rights. Sources did confirm however that the NFL Cup will now officially be named the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup, after Buffett's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Here's the new logo:

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ESPN and NBC did confirm agreements with the NFL to televise the recently-named Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup. The television contracts are reportedly between $1.7-2.3 billion. The NFL Network is also expected to carry a limited number of games as well.

These recent developments will inject anywhere from $2.4 billion to upwards of $3 billion into the National Football League. For you math majors out there, that's $72 million to more than $93 million per franchise. Considering the current average revenue for an NFL franchise is around $180-190 million, the NFL Cup will be a huge economic boost for the league. Rumors from league offices also hint that financial incentives will be included in the tournament for teams that advance to later rounds.

Commissioner Goodell told reporters this afternoon that seedings and schedules will be released soon. The league is currently waiting for pending negotiations to be finalized with several scouting agencies to complete the seeding process.

[thekodinator]

AccuScore provides seedings for NFL Cup; Tournament set to begin this week

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ASSOCIATED PRESS- It looks as though the NFL's new cash-cow is ready to be milked. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the NFL agreed to terms with AccuScore, a sports forecasting agency known for its content on ESPN.com, to seed and rank all 32 NFL teams for the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup.

"We knew that we needed a partner who was not only independent and unbiased, but also one that was informed and had a solid track record of accuracy. That's what we get from the guys at AccuScore. Using information based off last year's performance, as well as happenings from this past year's off-season, AccuScore has seeded all 32 teams and the tournament is now set to begin this week." -Commissioner Goodell

In other news, additional corporate branding is now found not only in the name of the tournament (Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup), but four of the NFL's official sponsors; Sprint, Reebok, Samsung and VISA; have paid an undisclosed amount (from what we hear it's top-dollar) for the naming rights of each of the Cup's four brackets.

The NFL and AccuScore released the tournament field today, and the first games are scheduled for later this week. With reportedly large financial incentives and rewards open to teams who reach the later rounds, the NFL Cup's single-elimination format is sure to attract large crowds, high TV ratings and intense competition. This might end up being the best thing the NFL has come up with since free agency began in 1993.

Here are the seedings for the 2008 Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup:

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[thekodinator]

Giants, Cowboys are popular favorites to win NFL Cup among experts

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ESPN's NFL Sunday crew broke down the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup today and picked the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys to win it all. Here are their picks.

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Meanwhile, over at SI.com, NFL writer Peter King feels that the single-elimination format will produce more upsets than the guys at ESPN are predicting...

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"With the one-and-done style of the NFL Cup, teams who would normally struggle over the course of a 16-game season have legitimate chances of winning a couple games, putting some momentum together and making a run at the NFL Cup title. What are my picks? Well I thought you'd never ask...

Sprint Bracket: Green Bay Packers
Reebok Bracket: New York Giants
Samsung Bracket: Arizona Cardinals
VISA Bracket: New York Jets
NFL Cup Championship Game: New York Jets over New York Giants

By the time the Giants make it to the championship game, they'll be awfully beat up from making it out of the toughest bracket in the whole tournament. Meanwhile, the ole gunslinger Brett Favre will have his Jets playing at their highest level and single-handedly take Gang Green to the inaugural Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup title."


Who's prognostications will come true? We'll find out soon enough as the Packers and Lions kick off the 2008 Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup this week with an intense NFC North rivalry. Let the games begin!

[Scoop]

I was following before, and I will still, great idea.

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
Lions Welcome Packers to Detroit for NFL Cup Kickoff

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Ford Field; Detroit, MI

2 Green Bay Packers at 7 Detroit Lions

AP- The Packers come into Detroit as clear favorites to advance to the 2nd round in tonight's 2008 NFL Cup Kickoff. The Packers are currently in the midst of a 5-5 season and a fierce battle for 1st place in the NFC North. The Lions meanwhile are winless at 0-10 and making a bid to be the first 0-16 team in NFL history. To pull out an upset win and advance, the Lions will have to shut down an offense full of playmakers, from RB Ryan Grant, to first-year starting QB Aaron Rodgers and his stable of talented WRs.

Really the only way that we can see the Lions coming away with the win is if they can put up enough points on the board to outscore the Packers in a shootout-style game. Unfortunately for the Lions, even with Packers MLB Nick Barnett out with a knee injury, WR Calvin Johnson is Detroit's only true playmaker on offense and this is an upset that we don't envision happening.

Prediction: Green Bay: 28, Detroit: 10

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
Grant Powers Packers to Opening Win over Lions

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DETROIT, MI- The Packers defense first knocked the Lions down, and then Ryan Grant knocked them out. Green Bay's defense forced 3 turnovers and gave up only 185 yards of total offense while RB Ryan Grant ran for 162 yds and a TD in the Packers' opening-round 28-3 rout of the Detroit Lions.

AJ Hawk intercepted Daunte Culpepper on the game's first play from scrimmage and it went downhill from there for the lowly Lions. Two plays later, Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers hooked up with WR Greg Jennings from 11 yards out for his first of 3 TD passes, on his way to a perfect QB rating of 158.3 for the game.

Down 14-3 to start the 3rd quarter, the Lions moved the ball into Packers territory, but stalled at the Green Bay 45 and was forced to punt. Detroit looked to get good field position after pinning the Packers at their own 2 yard-line on the ensuing punt. But two plays later, Ryan Grant bounced off tackle and sprinted 98 yards for his only touchdown of the game to extend the Packers' lead to 21-3.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson had 5 catches for 63 yards, despite facing double-coverage the entire game. The rest of the Lions' offense managed just 122 additional yards, including only 17 on the ground. The Packers will move on to face the winner of the Eagles-Texans match-up. The Lions meanwhile will be left to themselves to try and figure out how to win a game before the end of the year.

Player of the Game: RB Ryan Grant

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
GB- Rodgers 16-17 for 231 yds, 3 TDs, 158.3 rating
DET- Culpepper 21-40 for 168 yds, 3 INTs, 60.4 rating

Rushing
GB- Grant 17 carries, 162 yds, 1 TD
DET- Smith 9 carries, 16 yds

Receiving
GB- Jennings 5 rec, 87 yds, 2 TDs
DET- Johnson 5 rec, 63 yds




Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7983/nflcupupdatedjw9.png

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Reebok Bracket
Quinn, Browns look to exploit Bengals D in search of first NFL Cup win

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Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH

3 Cleveland Browns at 6 Cincinnati Bengals

AP- The second game of the NFL Cup features yet another divisional rivalry, this time from the AFC North. The 3-seed Cleveland Browns come to town, lead by their new starting QB Brady Quinn. Quinn has played well in his first few starts and looks to lead the Browns to a first round win over the lowly Bengals. Like the Browns, Cincinnati also has a new signal-caller under center, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick; unfortunately the Bengals were forced into this situation because of injury to Carson Palmer.

Even with Palmer out, the Bengals still has several all-pro WRs in TJ Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, and they should be able to put some points on the board against a weak Cleveland secondary. The game will likely be won however when the Browns have the ball. Cleveland's high-powered offense will certainly look to put a LOT of points on the board against one of the worst defenses in the league. Unless the Bengals can keep the Browns offense on the sideline and manage to put the ball in the endzone more than just a couple of times, expect the Browns to move on to the second round in a fairly one-sided affair.

Prediction: Cleveland: 31 Cincinnati: 20

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Reebok Bracket
Fitzpatrick, Bengals overcome early mistakes for unlikely comeback win

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CINCINNATI, OH- Tonight's game couldn't have started out worse for Bengals' replacement QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and it couldn't have finished any better for him either. Cincinnati started the game with a horrendous first quarter, consisting of an interception, a near-interception, a lost fumble and 2 sacks... all by Fitzpatrick. Browns QB Brady Quinn capitalized on the Bengals' mistakes by converting the two turnovers into a 10-0 first quarter lead.

Down 13-7 at the half, Cincinnati took a one-point lead after a 24-yard TD run by RB Chris Perry on the Bengals' opening drive in the 3rd quarter. The Bengals defense stepped up their game in the 3rd quarter to hold the Browns scoreless and force two turnovers by way of ill-advised throws from Quinn.
With just 3 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, down 20-13, Quinn hooked up with WR Braylon Edwards for 50 yards on a deep fade route, and with 1:57 to play, RB Jamal Lewis punched through the Bengals defense to tie it up at 20. Then Ryan Fitzpatrick found his redemption.

The replacement QB led the Bengals to the Browns' 42 yard-line with just 27 seconds to play, where he hit TE Reggie Kelly deep over the middle with a perfectly placed lob-pass that hit Kelly right between the safeties for the go ahead score. After his dreadful start, Fitzpatrick played near-flawless football for the last three quarters, going 15 of 15 for 245 yds and 2 TDs. RB Chris Perry led the Bengals' ground game with a surprising 81 yds rushing, while RB Jamal Lewis paced the Brown's offense with 92 yds on the ground and a touchdown.

Player of the Game: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
CIN- Fitzpatrick 15-17, 245 yds, 2 TDs, INT, 130.5 rating
CLE- Quin 17-30, 264 yds, TD, 2 INTs, 98.8 rating

Rushing
CIN- Perry 23 carries, 81 yds, TD
CLE- Lewis 18 carries, 92 yds, TD

Receiving
CIN- Houshmandzadeh 6 rec 77 yds, TD
CLE- Edwards 3 rec, 69 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6282/nflcupupdatedhq9.png

[thekodinator]

Round 1: VISA Bracket
Chicago prepares for first-round battle as Vikings come to town

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Soldier Field; Chicago, IL

3 Minnesota Vikings at 6 Chicago Bears

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Divisional rivalry, familiar foes, stout defenses and quality running backs... This one figures to be a real war. We don't expect this game to high-scoring by any stretch of the imagination, but that doesn't mean that this one won't be exciting to watch. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor highlight a Vikings running attack that is as explosive as any you'll find in the NFL. With several all-pro linemen upfront, combined with Peterson's playmaking abilities and vision, Minnesota is capable of putting up huge rushing numbers against almost any defense in the NFL. It's the Vikings' passing game, or lack thereof, that often proves to be Peterson's biggest obstacle, as opposing defenses can stack against the run and try to force QB Gus Frerotte to beat them through the air. That certainly looks to be the case in tonight's game.

Chicago's defense isn't what it was two years ago when the Bears went to the Super Bowl, but with LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, Chicago has the personnel to shut down Peterson when they put their minds to it. On the offensive side of the ball, the Bears are full of pleasant surprises. QB Kyle Orton has been efficient of late, and hopes to attack an often-exploited Minnesota secondary with big targets like WRs Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker and TE Greg Olsen. Rookie RB Matt Forte has quickly become the Bears' feature back and hopes to pace Chicago's offense, even against the Vikings' top-notch d-line.

While we feel that Minnesota has a better defensive front and more explosive running game than Chicago, the Bears' offense is more well-rounded with the emergence of Orton and Forte, which can keep the Vikings' defense guessing and open up big play possibilities throughout the game. Expect a close, hard fought game in the trenches, with Chicago pulling out the win with a late score.

Prediction: Chicago: 16 Minnesota: 13

[thekodinator]

Round 1: VISA Bracket
Orton leads Bears' pass attack past Vikings

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CHICAGO, IL- Kyle Orton threw early and often in tonight's 1st round NFL Cup match up and led the Bears to a hard-fought 21-14 win over the visiting Minnesota Vikings. Orton threw for over 250 yards and 3 TDs in what may be his best game yet as the Bears' starting QB this year. While not dominant, Bears RB Matt Forte was effective enough to provide a change-of-pace for Chicago to keep the Vikings' defense honest so that Orton could have a big day through the air.

The Bears' defense was equally effective, holding Vikings star RB Adrian Peterson to just 65 yards on 13 carries and only one score. Chicago opened up an early 14-0 first quarter lead by forcing two successive Minnesota three-and-outs, and Kyle Orton dissected the Vikings' secondary with two TD passes. Down early, the Vikings chose to somewhat-abandon their running game and rely on the arm of QB Gus Frerotte to get them back in the game. Chicago's pressure defense forced 2 interceptions and kept Minnesota's offense at bay for most of the game, giving up only 7 points in the first 3 quarters, before the Vikings scored a late TD after the game was already in-hand.

If Kyle Orton continues to play at the level he did tonight, along with the Bears' defense applying pressure and causing turnovers, the Bears can expect to string a few wins together and have a chance at making a run though the later rounds of the NFL Cup. Minnesota meanwhile needs to address their deficiencies at the quarterback position, proving that against quality defensive units stacking against the run, not even Adrian Peterson can win a game my himself.

Player of the Game: QB Kyle Orton

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
CHI- Orton 26-35, 251 yds, 3 TD, INT, 129.3 rating
MIN- Frerotte 27-43, 219 yds, TD, 2 INTs, 81.9 rating

Rushing
CHI- Forte 19 carries, 61 yds
MIN- Peterson 13 carries, 65 yds, TD

Receiving
CHI- Olsen 8 rec, 96 yds, TD
MIN- Shiancoe, 5 rec, 71 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1535/nflcupupdatedwo6.png

[thekodinator]

ESPN Sunday Conversation: Warren Buffett

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Ed Werder- Mr. Buffett, we appreciate you taking some time to join us for tonight's Sunday Conversation. Obviously, we're here to talk about the NFL's new tournament, the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup... which is of course sponsored by your company. Take us through that whole process.

Warren Buffett- Well first Ed, let me say it's a pleasure to be on here with you today. You know the whole process from contacting the NFL to actually getting the games on the field was a fairly short process. Really a matter of just a couple months from start to finish.

EW- So you're saying you contacted the NFL and not the other way around?

WB- That's correct. I had heard through some sources that the league was looking to stabilize the league's health financially, while at the same time expand their product to an even larger market. There had been rumors circling about extending the regular season, or adding more teams... even internationally. Just from an outsider's perspective, none of those options really seemed viable. So I didn't really give the whole situation much thought until I heard the possibility of a tournament outside the traditional season setting. I knew right from the get-go that would have some real potential.

EW- So why then did you contact the NFL about supplying some funding for the tournament? And what was their reaction to your proposition?

WB- Well they seemed really excited. Really excited. I don't want to say that they were struggling to find some investors, I mean, this is the NFL we're talking about... the biggest, most popular sport in the country. I just think that they hadn't quite found the right fit yet. When I came along, it was love at first sight, so-to-speak.

EW- And you decided to do this... why? Love of the game? I heard you're a bit of a football fan, no?

WB- Yes I am actually. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, so I'm a fairly avid college football fan. Plus, I've met a lot of football players over the years and have had some really fun exposure to the game in a lot of unique ways. That said, I wouldn't do something like this however if I didn't feel that it was a worthy investment opportunity. I'm not just going to throw almost $1 billion at something that I don't feel confident about getting a worthwhile return from.

EW- Do you have a favorite team? Or did you growing up?

WB- Of course being from Omaha, the Cornhuskers were a family favorite you know. As far as the NFL goes, I suppose the Chiefs were somewhat close to my hometown so I might say I'm one of the more casual Chiefs supporters. Granted back in the day, they weren't even a part of the NFL... that was the AFL back then so times have certainly changed. I'm just about as old as professional football is itself, so football and I go back a long way.

EW- Did you have any say in the actual format of the NFL Cup or any of its operational details, or was your involvement as an investor or sponsor strictly just that?

WB- Oh no, for the most part I was just supplying some needed funds to the league. Commissioner Goodell, he's a very smart man who really knows what he's doing so I didn't dare try to tell him how to run the Cup. Now, I did help a bit with some TV negotiations. Again just as an outsider, but I played a small role in that.

EW- Really? What kind of help could you offer with that?

WB- Ed, I'd really rather not to get into that. I'll just say that I have a lot of contacts in a lot of places and lots of friends all over.

EW- Could the NFL have done this with out you? Would the NFL Cup be in existence right now without your intervention?

WB- Oh I'm sure that someone would have come down the line who would've addressed the NFL's specific needs at some point. I certainly don't think that things would've gotten rolling so quickly with someone else though. Certainly Berkshire Hathaway was the right partner at the right time for the league to get the NFL Cup up and running as quickly as possible.

EW- Do you have any plans to be more involved in the sports-entertainment arena in the future?

WB- If I did Ed, I certainly wouldn't be telling you. (smiles)

EW- Well thank you again Mr. Buffett for joining me here for our Sunday Conversation. We hope that you'll enjoy watching the rest of the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup play out.

WB- For sure I will. I think this will become a real staple of professional football that players and fans will look forward to for years to come. Thank you Ed.

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
Panthers at Broncos features meeting of ground, air attacks

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INVESCO Field at Mile High; Denver, CO

4 Carolina Panthers at 5 Denver Broncos

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Contrasting offensive styles will highlight tonight's first-round game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Carolina Panthers. QB Jay Cutler and WRs Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal standout in the Broncos' high-flying passing game, and have the potential to rack up yards in large chunks against even the best defensive secondaries.

While Denver's running game has involved a number of different ball carriers, the Panthers' offense revolves around the 1-2 punch of RBs DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. These two have been running all over defenses this year and are licking their chops at the opportunity to face one of the worse run defenses in the league tonight.

It's easy to predict that Carolina's RB twosome will have a big day, but don't expect the Broncos to roll over and let the Panthers run away with this one. Cutler and the Broncos passing attack will likely be too much for the Panthers to overcome, and we expect the Broncos to win a back-and-forth game to advance to the second round.

Prediction: Denver: 30 Carolina: 24

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
Stewart, defense powers Panthers to first-round road win over Broncos

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DENVER, CO- Jay Cutler and the Broncos' high-powered offense wasn't on the field much, and when they were, the Carolina defense shut them down and kept the home team out of the endzone the entire game. Jonathan Stewart and the Panthers' rushing game played an effective game of keep-away, while amassing 121 yards on 32 carries and a TD. WR Steve Smith also provided the Panthers' offense with a spark, reeling in 8 catches for 92 yards and a TD.

The Broncos tallied field goals in the first and second quarters on two of only three first-half offensive possessions. Meanwhile, the Panthers controlled the clock behind the power running of rookie RB Jonathan Stewart. Carolina took a 7-6 lead late in the 2nd quarter as Jake Delhomme hit Steve Smith on a short slant that went 65 yards for a score.

The Panthers running game kept the ball away from the Broncos for most of the second half and Stewart scored a TD from 12 yards out with just 3 minutes to play to give the Panthers a 14-6 lead. Denver did have one last shot to tie it up, but Cutler threw a pick in Carolina territory with 15 seconds left to conserve the Panthers' win.

Player of the Game: RB Jonathan Stewart

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
CAR- Delhomme 14-19, 186 yds, TD, 142.6 rating
DEN- Cutler 29-43, 271 yds, INT, 91.2 rating

Rushing
CAR- Stewart 32 carries, 121 yards, TD
DEN- Young 9 carries, 15 yards

Receiving
CAR- Smith 8 rec, 92 yds, TD
DEN- Royal 9 rec, 75 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/291/nflcupupdatedtf7.png

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Bucs' D looks to slow down Cards' high-flying offense

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University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ

3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 6 Arizona Cardinals

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The resurgent play of Arizona QB Kurt Warner has media pundits buzzing about the possibilities of not only another MVP for the 37 year-old, but also a potential run towards an NFL Cup title as well. Granted, most analysts are picking the Cowboys to emerge from the Samsung Bracket, but there is still a somewhat large contingent of sports writers, led by SI.com's Peter King, that believes the Cardinals have just what it takes to make a deep run in the Cup. But first, Arizona has to overcome the Buccaneers' stingy defense.

The game will surely be decided when the Cardinals' offense is on the field. Tampa Bay must figure out a way to keep Warner from getting the ball to his all-pro WR tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. If Arizona can get these two receivers going early and often, expect Tampa Bay to be in for a long day defensively. On the other side of the ball, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia will lead an offense of limited playmakers against a somewhat soft, yet opportunistic Cardinals' D. Arizona's defense has a few ball hawks who can force turnovers, so Garcia will have to play smart and hope that RB Earnest Graham can carry the load for the Bucs to keep Arizona's defense honest.

While Tampa obviously has the better defense in this match up, it's difficult to imagine anyone bottling up the Cardinals' impressive passing attack. Don't expect the Bucs to put up a lot of points on the board though. Once they get down big early, their offense will become one-dimensional, setting up the Cardinals' defense to create some turnovers and put the game out of reach.

Prediction: Arizona: 34 Tampa Bay: 13

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Bucs' comeback attempt falls short on failed 2-point conversion

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GLENDALE, AZ- Down 23-7 at the start of the 4th quarter, Tampa Bay needed a miracle comeback to keep their hopes of an NFL Cup title alive; and they came one 2-point conversion short. Arizona got off to a fast start on both sides of the ball, forcing two interceptions in the first half, leading to a 17-0 Arizona lead at the half.

Kurt Warner and the Cardinals' passing game was exceptional in the first half, including a 78-yard scoring strike to WR Larry Fitzgerald and a 53-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. While the Bucs' defense was able to keep Arizona out of the endzone in the third quarter, Warner was still able to move the ball enough to salvage two field goals in their first two drives after the half. Tampa Bay finally got on the scoreboard on a 31 yard TD pass from Garcia to WR Ike Hilliard on the Bucs' first drive of the third quarter. Still, with the Cardinals possessing a 16-point lead going into the final quarter, Tampa Bay needed a huge comeback to pull out a win.

With 2:30 left in the game, QB Jeff Garcia hooked up again with Ike Hilliard on a 47-yard TD pass, then dove to the right pylon to convert a two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 23-15. On the ensuing Arizona possession, Warner and the Cards needed only a first down with 1:10 seconds left to seal the victory, but on 3rd down Warner was picked off by Bucs CB Phillip Buchanon and returned the interception to the Arizona 16 yard line. Two plays later, Garcia connected with TE Jerramy Stevens on a 6-yard TD pass with 15 seconds left to pull within two. On the two-point conversion, Garcia threw to Warrick Dunn in the flat who broke a tackle and then was brought down at the one yard line by Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby to preserve the 23-21 win.

Co-Players of the game: WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
ARZ- Warner 21-31, 281 yds, 2 TDs, INT, 130.7 rating
TB- Garcia 19-34, 198 yds, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 110.1 rating

Rushing
ARZ- Hightower 11 carries, 39 yds
TB- Dunn 14 carries, 46 yds

Receiving
ARZ- Fitzgerald 7 rec, 139 yds, TD
ARZ- Boldin 9 rec, 115 yds, TD
TB- Hilliard 4 rec, 97 yds, 2 TDs



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3103/nflcupupdatedqj1.png

5 games into the NFL Cup;
Me: 3-2, 1 upset
Me: 2-3 , 2 upsets

[thekodinator]

ESPN Football Today Podcast with Jeremy Green

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/espnradio/podcast/images/footballToday2_300.jpg

"Hello and welcome to the official ESPN Football Today Podcast here in the ESPN Podcenter on ESPNradio.com. I am Jeremy Green and today we are talking about the NFL Cup. What an exiting first couple weeks this has been. I have to admit, when the NFL Cup was first announced, I was against it. I didn't like it, I thought it was nothing more than a cheesy publicity stunt, but I've gotta face the music... I, was, wrong. Yes, you heard that right folks, don't take the headphones out of your ears, Jeremy Green just admitted he was wrong.

The NFL Cup has really been an exciting event so far, and it's only the first round! And let me tell you, if there's anything... I mean ANYTHING that we've learned from this is that the old saying of "Any Given Sunday" holds true today. Maybe more so than ever! I wanna talk for a sec about an interesting trend that we've seen so far in some of the first-round games.

There have been three games so far featuring a 3-6 seed match up. Cincinnati-Cleveland, Minnesota-Chicago and Tampa Bay-Arizona. In each and EVERY one of these games, the 6-seed has prevailed. Now is this a coincidence? Mere happenstance? It's hard to say because each one of these games has played out so differently. The Bears and Vikings seemed like very even teams who played a hard-fought game out to the finish. The Cardinals certainly looked like the better team against Tampa Bay, minus a few bone-head plays late that almost cost them the game, and then you have Cincinnati. I still don't know how Ryan Fitzpatrick... nope, not Carson Palmer, lead Cincinnati in that win over Cleveland.

Basically what I'm saying is that something is "in the water" so-to-speak regarding these 3-6 seed match ups in the first round. Maybe it's kind of like the 5-12 game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. It seems that at least two 12-seeds every year make it past the first round of that tourney, so maybe the 6 seed is who we've got here in the NFL Cup that can turn into a "cinderella team" of sorts. Who knows, maybe this just makes the road that much easier for each of the 2-seeds in their respective brackets...

Time will tell, but I must say that the Philadelphia Eagles, the only remaining 3-seed left to play, and still in the tournament for-that-matter, is officially on "upset alert". That's right, even against the woefully inconsistent Texans and their dreadful QB situation right now with Sage Rosenfels... honestly, has anyone had as many ugly turnovers as this guy... if the Eagles don't bring their A-game against Houston, who knows, maybe we'll have all four 6-seeds advancing to the 2nd round!

That's all for today... again I am Jeremy Green, and this is the ESPN Football Today Podcast on ESPN Podcenter and ESPNradio.com. Thanks for listening and tune in again soon!"


Here's the current 2008 Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup field:

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3103/nflcupupdatedqj1.png

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Samsung Bracket
Struggling Rams host physical Jaguars in First Round

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Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO

2 Jacksonville Jaguars at 7 St. Louis Rams

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The Berskshire Hawthaway NFL Cup will have its first 2nd round match-up determined today as Steven Jackson and the St Louis Rams play host to Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The winner of today's game will go on to face the 6-seed Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round. The Jags come into this game as large favorites on the road. David Garrard is a mobile, yet surprisingly accurate QB, who with the aid of a power running attack led by RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, can really make defenses pay with play-action passes.

The Rams meanwhile are going through tough times. Injuries and inconsistency have become their trademark, as their losing record over the past 1 1/2 seasons have made people forget the success this franchise has seen in years past. QB Marc Bulger and WR Torry Holt are household names around the NFL, but this Rams offense "lives and dies" with the performance of RB Steven Jackson. His rare combination of size, speed, agility and power has the potential to take over games and single-handedly put up points for this team.

The Rams' biggest challenge will come on the defensive side of the ball. With rookie DE Chris Long as their best player in the front-seven, St Louis will be hard-pressed to stop, much less contain, the Jaguars premier rushing attack. Expect the Jags to run early and often to expose and wear down the Rams' weak run defense. If St Louis can get their offense moving early, they may be able to hang around long enough to make a few key plays late, but we don't think their defense can prevent Jacksonville from literally running away with this one.

Prediction: Jacksonville: 28 St Louis: 16

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Brown's last-second FG lifts Rams to upset win over Jags

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ST LOUIS, MO- A back-and-forth game, highlighted by dominant running games ended with 3 turnovers in the last 2 minutes of play, and a 54-yard field goal to win the game as time expired. The game started as anyone might expect, with both teams trying to establish their strong running games. Jacksonville drew first blood, with Jones-Drew scoring from 3 yards out on the Jags' second possession of the game to go up early 7-0. The Rams offense responded however, with RB Steven Jackson racking up 97 yds on the ground in the first half, including a 47-yd TD scamper just before half to tie it up 7-7 at the break.

With neither team having much success through the air, both offenses put the game in the hands of their running backs in the 3rd quarter, with only a handful of passes attempted by either side. David Garrard gave the Jags a 14-7 lead just before the end of the 3rd quarter with a 7-yd scramble to the endzone. The Rams tied up the ball game at 14 with 3 minutes left on another Steven Jackson run, this time from 13 yards. With the ball and under 3 minutes to play, Jacksonville methodically moved the ball into St Louis territory and with 1:30 had possession at the Rams' 34 yard-line. Looking to get in better field goal range, Garrard hit WR Dennis Northcutt on a quick inside slant for 18 yards, but Rams FS Oshiomogho Atogwe laid a huge hit on Northcutt, jarring the ball loose, and Rams SS Corey Chavous fell on it at the St Louis 18-yard line. Now St Louis had a chance to win it.

Two plays later, Rams QB Marc Bulger hit rookie WR Donnie Avery deep over the middle for a 46-yard gain down to the Jacksonville 28 yard line. However it was then Jags FS Reggie Nelson who ripped the ball from Avery's grip, and brought the fumble back to midfield with only 41 seconds to play. Then three plays later, on 3rd and 6 from the Jags' own 48 yard line, Garrard was picked off across the middle by LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, who returned the interception back to the Jaguars' 37-yard line with only 4 ticks left on the clock. Josh Brown then scraped the game-winning, 54-yard kick over the crossbar as time expired to give the Rams the 17-14 win, and a date with the Cardinals in the 2nd round of the NFL Cup.

Player of the Game: RB Steven Jackson

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
STL- Bulger 9-17 121 yds, INT, 79.2 rating
JAX- Garrard 13-20 98 yds, INT, 66.0 rating

Rushing
STL- Jackson 34 carries, 155 yds, 2 TDs
JAX- Jones-Drew 22 carries, 97 yds, TD

Receiving
STL- Avery 2 rec, 57 yds
JAX- Jones 5 rec, 43 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7480/nflcupupdatedlp8.png

6 games into the NFL Cup, I am 4-2 with 2 upsets, while my friend is 2-4 with 2 upsets.

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Sprint Bracket
Dolphins look to shock Pats in NFL Cup opener

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Gillette Stadium; Foxboro, MA

8 Miami Dolphins at 1 New England Patriots

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Less than one year removed from a perfect regular season and a crushing Super Bowl defeat, the New England Patriots are at a cross-roads. Riddled by injuries and misfortune on both sides of the ball, the Patriots must find their new identity for 2008-2009 without QB Tom Brady, RB Laurence Maroney or SS Rodney Harrison. Instead New England is led by backup QB Matt Cassell, who in recent weeks has raised eyebrows with his good play. Cassell's emergence as a capable QB has revitalized new hope for an offense that still boasts one of the best receiving corps in the league.

Miami meanwhile is coming off its worse season ever, but has found a bit of swagger in off-season aquisition QB Chad Pennington and a revitalized RB Ronnie Brown. LB Joey Porter has also re-established himself as one of the premier pass-rushers in the game. All these developments have injected a surprising amount of parity into a division that has been dominated by the Patriots for the past several seasons.

Even with the Dolphins new-found success and New England's "laundry list" of injuries, Matt Cassell and the Pats' offense is playing too well right now to take any upset bid too seriously. Miami might find some limited success on offense, but the Patriots should run up the score and run away with a victory in this one to advance to a 2nd round meeting with the waiting Carolina Panthers.

Prediction: New England: 38 Miami: 20

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
Fins stun Patriots in defense-dominated field goal fest

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http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-09/42491327.jpg

FOXBORO, MA- Pats WR Randy Moss almost scored on the first play of the game, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown almost scored two TDs from inside the New England 5-yard line, and the Patriots almost avoided falling victim to the biggest upset of the NFL Cup yet... almost.

In a game dominated by defense and "near big plays", the Miami Dolphins pulled off the seemingly unthinkable by stunning the New England Patriots in their 1st round NFL Cup matchup, sending the number 1 overall seed packing early. The NFL Cup has been highlighted by upsets, but this one is certainly the biggest we've seen so far. Coming into the NFL Cup as the 1-seed in the Sprint Bracket (and the number 1 overall seed in the entire tournament), many experts predicted the Pats to roll into the Sprint Bracket final and make a run at the inaugural NFL Cup title. Costly offensive mistakes and timely plays made by the Dolphins' defense negated all of that.

Randy Moss beat his man off the line on the game's first play from scrimmage, but Pats QB Matt Cassell overshot the wide open receiver and would end up going three-and-out on their first drive. Tied at 3 at the half, Miami drove down the field on their opening drive in the 3rd quarter and had a 1st-and-goal inside the New England 5 yard line, but failed to punch it in for six and had to settle for a field goal and a 6-3 lead. After a couple three-and-outs by each team, Miami again marched down field at the start of the 4th quarter and kicked a field goal with 4 minutes to play for a 9-3 lead.

The Patriots were finally able to put a decent drive together, however stalled in the Fins' redzone, courtesy of two Joey Porter sacks, and kicked a field goal with 2:20 left to cut the Miami lead to 9-6. After forcing Miami to punt on their ensuing drive, New England got the ball back with just over a minute to play, but with only 15 seconds left in the game, a deep pass from Cassell to Moss was tipped and intercepted by Dolphins FS Renaldo Hill, his 2nd of the game, thus sealing Miami's upset win and securing a 2nd round meeting with the Panthers.

Player of the Game: FS Renaldo Hill

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
MIA- Pennington 19-29, 135 yds, INT, 74.3 rating
NE- Cassell 14-39, 121 yds, 2 INTs, 56.7 rating

Rushing
MIA- Brown 15 car, 86 yds
NE- Morris 9 car, 23 yds

Receiving
MIA- Fasano 4 rec, 41 yds
NE- Moss 5 rec, 54 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3403/nflcupupdateddu4.png

7 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 5-2, 3 upsets
friend: 2-5, 2 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Reebok Bracket
Giants quest for another championship starts in San Fran

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Monster Park; San Francisco, CA

2 New York Giants at 7 San Francisco 49ers

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Most experts in the media are picking the Giants as favorites to win the Reebok Bracket and go on to win the NFL Cup championship, and tonight the Giants' quest to make good on those expectations begins in San Francisco. New York is well on their way at making a run at a second-consecutive Super Bowl title and shouldn't have a tough time getting started off on the right foot in their search for an NFL Cup championship as well.

Led by Super Bowl MVP QB Eli Manning, the Giants' offense is among the best in the NFL with both a potent passing attack, as well as a strong running game behind the pads of RB Brandon Jacobs. If you think the Giants' offense is impressive, take a look at their defense... New York boasts arguably the best front-seven in the league (even without DE Osi Umenyiora), which can beat opposing quarterbacks into submission and take the life out of the offenses they face.

San Francisco meanwhile is going through a transition period, with newly-named starting QB Shaun Hill leading an offense with potential, but lacks overall talent and execution. WR Isaac Bruce can be a factor out wide and TE Vernon Davis has big play capability, but the 49ers' offense is paced by star RB Frank Gore. When the line is blocking and Gore is playing well, the 49ers' rushing attack has the ability to control a game with smashmouth football. The San Francisco defense led by MLB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith can get after the opposing QB and stop the run game, but often it's the 49ers lack of consistency that keeps them from turning the corner year-to-year.

We foresee the Giants' defensive front-seven taking over this game early, getting after Shaun Hill and keeping Frank Gore bottled up throughout the game. On the other side of the ball, the Giants' balanced pass-run offense will be too much for the Niners' limited defense and blow this game wide open. Anything less than a blowout will be a surprise to us.

Prediction: New York Giants: 37 San Francisco: 10

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Eli throws 3 picks as 49ers shock Giants

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Just one night after the top-seeded Patriots fell to the Dolphins, Eli Manning and the New York Giants walked into a hornets nest here in Monster Park as the underdog 49ers walked all over the defending Super Bowl champs en route to a mind-boggling 24-3 upset. With QB Shaun Hill out for the game on the 49ers' first play, RB Frank Gore led the way for San Francisco's offense, gaining 141 yards on 23 carries and 2 TDs.

While the Niners were surprisingly able to put points on the board against a strong Giants defense, the real difference in the game was Eli Manning's three costly interceptions. The 49ers forced a three-and-out on the Giants' first possession of the game, then moved the ball into field goal range for an early 3-0 lead. On the ensuing New York possession, Manning threw his first interception to Nate Clements, who returned the pick to the New York 25 yard-line, setting up a short scoring drive, capped off by a 3 yard TD run by Frank Gore.

Down 10-0 early, the Giants reverted back to their power running game to move the ball down field. RB Brandon Jacobs gained 56 yards in the first half, and pounded the Niners' defense in the 2nd quarter to set up a field goal to bring New York to within 7 at the half. Frank Gore came storming out of the gates in the third quarter, gaining 3 first downs on the 49ers' opening drive and gashed through the Giants' defense for a 42-yard TD run to open up a 17-3 lead with just over 2 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter.

With the clock now against them, the Giants were forced to attack the 49ers' defense through the air and San Francisco's secondary took advantage. Forcing poor throws on each of New York's next two possessions, CB Walt Harris and SS Michael Lewis each made spectacular interceptions to keep the Giants' offense at bay. With under 2 minutes to play, QB JT O'Sullivan hit TE Vernon Davis on a deep fade for a 37-yard TD to seal the upset win, 24-3. The 49ers will move on to play the Cincinnati Bengals in a surprising 2nd round meeting, while the Giants will go home early, leaving many NFL experts scratching their heads.

Player of the Game: RB Frank Gore

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
SF- O'Sullivan 12-19 148 yds, TD, INT, 111.1 rating
NYG- Manning 24-34 212 yds, 3 INTs, 63.9 rating

Rushing
SF- Gore 23 carries, 141 yds, 2 TDs
NYG- Jacobs 12 carries, 67 yds

Receiving
SF- Davis 2 rec, 49 yds, TD
NYG- Burress 7 rec, 88 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4840/nflcupupdatedsf6.png

8 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 6-2, 4 upsets
Friend: 2-6, 2 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: VISA Bracket
Seahawks visit Bills in opening round clash

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Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY

4 Seattle Seahawks at 5 Buffalo Bills

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Matt Hasselbeck is back from injury and the Seahawks' hopes of somehow salvaging a respectable 2008 are back with him. For a team that won a home playoff game in 2007, Seattle has been especially disappointing in this, coach Mike Holmgren's last season. With the NFL regular season already lost, the NFL Cup is Seattle's lone chance to make Holmgren's last year a memorable one.

Buffalo meanwhile is in the middle of a playoff chase in the tight AFC, and have the playmakers to make a long run in their chase for an NFL Cup title as well. Led on offense by RB Marshawn Lynch, the Bills' offense has the strength pound the ball on the ground, as well as strike quickly through the air with speedy wideout Lee Evans. The biggest surprise for Buffalo has been their defense, who has played well and shut down some of the better offenses in the league so far this year.

Even with Matt Hasselbeck back in the lineup, it'll be a tall order for the Seahawks to notch a road win in this one. Marshawn Lynch should have a big day but we expect the Bills' strong defense to be the difference maker in this one, helping Buffalo advance to a waiting 2nd round match up with the San Diego-Oakland winner.

Prediction- Buffalo: 24 Seattle: 6

[thekodinator]

Round 1: VISA Bracket
Bills' defense shuts down Seahawks to advance in NFL Cup

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http://www.billszone.com/gallery2/d/20833-1/450seahawks29_sack.jpg

ORCHARD PARK, NY- Neither team played spectacularly well, but in the end Buffalo's defense turned away Seattle's offense to move on to the 2nd round in the VISA Bracket of the NFL Cup. RB Marshawn Lynch paced the Bills' offense with 98 yds on 26 carries, and scored both of Buffalo's touchdowns. The Seahawks had literally no success on the ground, gaining only 27 yards rushing, and Matt Hasselbeck was intercepted once late that sealed the win for Buffalo.

Seattle struggled to move the ball at all in the first half, gaining only 2 first downs and gave up a field goal and a TD on a 20-yard screen pass to Marshawn Lynch to trail 10-0 at the half. Seattle's defense tightened up in the 2nd half, holding the Bills scoreless in the 3rd quarter and notched their first points on a 35-yd field goal just before the start of the 4th. The Bills responded quickly however, with Lynch scoring on a 14-yd TD run to extend Buffalo's lead to 17-3.

Seattle would respond with a TD of their own, Hasselbeck connecting on a 78-yd TD pass to WR Bobby Engram, but after forcing a three-and-out and getting the ball back with under 2 minutes to play, Hasselbeck was intercepted by CB Terrence McGee to preserve the 17-10 victory. The Bills will face the winner of the San Diego-Oakland game, while the Seahawks will return home with head coach Mike Holmgren's season going down in flames.

Player of the Game: RB Marshawn Lynch

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
BUF- Edwards 12-18, 113 yds, 105.9 rating
SEA- Hasselbeck 21-44, 229 yds, TD, INT, 99.5 rating

Rushing
BUF- Lynch 26 carries, 98 yds, TD
SEA- Jones 9 carries, 12 yds

Receiving
BUF- Evans 3 rec 31 yds
SEA- Engram 6 rec 121 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/7673/nflcupupdatedwu7.png

9 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 6-3, 4 upsets
Friend: 3-6, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Reebok Bracket
Colts travel to Kansas City in search of first NFL Cup win over lowly Chiefs

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Arrowhead Stadium; Kansas City, MO

1 Indianapolis Colts at 8 Kansas City Chiefs

ASSOCIATED PRESS- QB Peyton Manning leads a high-flying Colts offense into Kansas City in what is shaping up to be an old-fashioned blow out of gigantic proportions. The Colts have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL over the past month and seem to have a distinct advantage over the Chiefs in every phase; offense, defense and special teams. Not only does the Colts' offense have a large edge over an under-manned KC defense, but the Colts' defense is one of the fastest in the league, led by DE Dwight Freeney, MLB Gary Brackett and SS Bob Sanders.

Kansas City will hope to lean on a mix of veterans like TE Tony Gonzalez and younger faces like the speedy RB Jamaal Charles, who will be filling in for the injured Larry Johnson. If Kansas City hopes to hang with the Colts, they'll need to put points on the board quickly because Indianapolis has the kind of firepower on offense that can overwhelm defenses and run away with games early on.

This should be one of the more lop-sided games we've seen so far in the 1st round of the NFL Cup. Certainly the Colts are licking their chops at the prospects of rolling through a Reebok Bracket now devoid of the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. Don't be surprised if the Colts look to take advantage of their suddenly-softer bracket by running up the score against the Chiefs on their way to advancing to the 2nd round.

Prediction- Indianapolis: 38 Kansas City: 10

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Reebok Bracket
Manning's miracle drive saves Colts in win over Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO- Apparently 15 seconds is too much time to give Peyton Manning... if only someone would have told the Chiefs. 15 seconds is all Manning needed to drive his team down the field for the winning score as the Indianapolis Colts steal a victory on the road over the Kansas City Chiefs. A back-and-forth game all the way, it seemed that the game would come down to the final seconds, and it did; twice.

Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles played the best game of his short career, gaining almost 200 total yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Charles scored on a 7-yard TD run in the first quarter, just after the Colts took an early 3-0 lead. Indy came back and scored on a 12-yard TD run by RB Joseph Addai right before the half to go into the break up 10-7. Both teams exchanged field goals to start the 3rd quarter, followed by a 24-yd TD strike from Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen to TE Tony Gonzalez to take a 17-13 lead late in the third. But with only 3:30 left in the 4th, Manning hit Reggie Wayne on a deep post for 53 yds to give the Colts a 20-17 lead.

Then, backup RB Jamaal Charles put the entire Chiefs' offense on his back and moved Kansas City down the field in the final minutes. Charles gained 5 first downs and almost every yard as the Chiefs methodically marched the ball down to the Colts 24-yd line with only 21 seconds left. Then Thigpen hit Charles in the right flat, who juked past SS Bob Sanders and dove over the right endzone pylon to take a 24-20 lead with only 15 seconds remaining. The upset was complete, and for the second time thus far in the NFL Cup, a 1-seed was ousted in the 1st round by an 8-seed, almost.

Starting on their own 20 with 2 timeouts, Manning worked his magic. Connecting with Reggie Wayne for 29 yards to the Indy 49, then with Dallas Clark for another 37 yards down to the Chiefs' 14-yard line with just 4 ticks left on the clock. Then as time expired, Manning hit WR Anthony Gonzalez on a deep slant at the 2, who then dove across the goal line for a miracle 27-24 win. Kansas City FS Jarrad Page had a chance to make a play on Gonzalez as he caught the ball and potentially keep him out of the endzone, but instead he tried to make a play on the ball for a game-sealing interception, but misjudged the pass and in turn missed Gonzalez as he dove into the endzone for the winning score.

This one definitely hurts for the Chiefs, who thought they had the game won, up four with only 15 seconds left. As for the Colts, their defense didn't play particularly well, but the offense moved the ball well all game and can put up points on most defenses. If anything, this win should put every remaining team in the NFL Cup on notice that the Colts are never out of a game with Peyton Manning behind center.

Player of the Game: QB Peyton Manning

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
IND- Manning 19-29, 234 yds, 2 TDs, INT, 131.1 rating
KC- Thigpen 18-21, 189 yds, 2 TDs, INT, 124.2 rating

Rushing
IND- Addai 14 carries, 46 yds, TD
KC- Charles 23 carries, 134 yds, TD

Receiving
IND- Wayne 8 rec, 101 yds TD
KC- Gonzalez 6 rec, 88 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8202/nflcupupdatedqn0.png

10 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 6-4, 4 upsets
Friend: 4-6, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

I had the freaking game won... I was jumping around yelling when I scored with Charles with only 15 seconds left and my friend was just in shock. Then what do I do? Play effing soft cover 3 man and he hits me for like 65 yards. The last play, I user controlled the safety and if I would've tried to just hit stick or tackle Gonzalez I probably could've kept him out. Instead I tried to pick it and my guy did a weird, falling-back style attempt to pick the ball 3 yards behind Gonzalez.

My friend was then jumping around yelling and I was in shock. That was the most amazing comeback I have ever seen in madden. I mean, I've been down 21 before in the 2nd half, but come on, down 4 with 15 seconds and 80 yards away? It haunts me in my dreams lol jk

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Sprint Bracket
Johnson, Slaton lead Texans against Eagles in opening round meeting

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Eagles_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Texans_Icon.jpg

Reliant Stadium; Houston, TX

3 Philadelphia Eagles at 6 Houston Texans

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The Texans face a tough first-round test tonight as Brian Westbrook and the Philadelphia Eagles come to town. Led by QB Donovan McNabb and Westbrook, the Eagles boast an offense that can move the ball on the ground and through the air as well. While the Eagles don't have a stable of all-pro wide receivers, speedsters Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson are vertical threats that defenses must account for on every play. However, the real strength of the Eagles' offense lies with Brian Westbrook. Being the team's leading rusher and receiver the past couple years, Westbrook is a do-it-all back who can chew up yards and put up points in a hurry.

While the Texans' defense will have their hands full trying to contain Westbrook, the Houston offense will need to put up some points of their own to win this game tonight. WR Andre Johnson is arguably the best WR in the NFL, and you can expect him to have a good night against any of the Eagles' all-pro cornerbacks. Johnson's main problem is that his starting QB, Matt Schaub, is out with an injury, and so the turnover-prone Sage Rosenfels will be under center for tonight's battle with Philadelphia. Rookie RB Steve Slaton can alleviate some of the pressure on Rosenfels' shoulders by producing on the ground. Slaton's great agility and speed can be a difference maker if the Texans' offensive line can set their blocks against the Eagles' fast front-seven.

The only way that Houston can grind out a victory in tonight's game is if Slaton and Johnson have big performances and the Texans' defense can contain Westbrook; don't hold your breath. Unless Texans DE Mario Williams can single-handedly take over the game, expect McNabb and Westbrook both to have big games and help the Eagles to an easy victory.

Prediction- Philadelphia: 34 Houston: 17

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Sprint Bracket
McNabb, Westbrook all smiles as Eagles rout Texans

48 http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Eagles_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Texans_Icon.jpg 0

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/peter_king/05/14/mmqb.0515/t1_westbrook_si.jpg

HOUSTON, TX- Commentator Cris Collinsworth best described the Eagles' beat-down of the Texans tonight when after an Eagles' kickoff early in the 4th quarter he said, "Well you could say that this kickoff is signaling that the game is over but to be honest, this game was over before the OPENING kickoff." Eagles RB Brian Westbrook tallied up 176 yds rushing and almost 100 yds receiving with 4 scores as the Eagles' defense forced 4 turnovers and Philadelphia destroyed the Texans 48-0 in tonight's 1st round meeting.

The Eagles hit the ground running in the first quarter, building an early 14-0 lead following a 47-yd TD run by Westbrook and a Lito Sheppard interception of Sage Rosenfels that set up another score by Westbrook, this time from 2 yards. Things got worse for Houston in the 2nd quarter, as Rosenfels was intercepted by FS Brian Dawkins on a poorly under-thrown ball to Kevin Walter. The Eagles would convert that turnover and a three-and-out on the Texans' next possession into two FGs for a 20-0 halftime lead.

Things came to a real low-point for Houston early in the 4th quarter, when down 34-0; two holding penalties, a clipping call and a sack by Mario Williams gave Philly's offense a 2nd and 51 on their own 16-yd line. After a 23-yd pass to Reggie Brown on 2nd down, McNabb rolled right and hit backup RB Correll Buckhalter deep over the outstretched hand of Texans safety Nick Ferguson for a 61-yd TD pass to extend the Eagles' lead to 41-0.

Westbrook finished the game with 3 rushing TDs, with a long of 74 yds, and another one receiving, while McNabb threw for over 250 yds and tallied 2 TD tosses of his own. The Eagles' defense shut down Houston's offense right from the get-go, holding Houston to under 150 total yards and not allowing the Texans to even make a redzone visit. By the end of the night, the Texans were content to close the curtains on their embarrassing performance, while the Eagles were already looking forward to their 2nd round meeting with the Packers.

Player of the Game: RB Brian Westbrook

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
PHI- McNabb 13-22, 270 yds, 2 TDs, 158.3 rating
HOU- Rosenfels 14-30, 129 yds, 3 INTs, 65.6 rating

Rushing
PHI- Westbrook 19 carries, 176 yds, 3 TDs
HOU- Slaton 7 carries, 9 yds

Receiving
PHI- Westbrook 5 rec, 90 yds, TD
HOU- Johnson 8 rec, 81 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9099/nflcupupdatednb7.png

11 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 7-4, 4 upsets
Friend: 4-7, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Samsung Bracket
Romo, Cowboys look to take down up-start Falcons for first NFL Cup win

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Cowboys_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Falcons_Icon.jpg

Georgia Dome; Atlanta, GA

1 Dallas Cowboys at 8 Atlanta Falcons

ASSOCIATED PRESS- A new head coach, quarterback and running back have brought new-found hope and success back to Atlanta, but the Falcons will need a lot more than that to come up with a win in their first-round meeting with the Cowboys. Led by QB Tony Romo, Dallas boasts an offense full of pro-bowlers like RB Marion Barber, TE Jason Witten and WRs Terrell Owens and Roy Williams. Dallas can score points in a hurry, so Atlanta will need to start out fast on offense as well to keep pace.

If the Falcons are going to keep up with the Cowboys, Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will need to perform against a Cowboys defense that while strong up front, has the tendency to give up big plays on occasion. Even so, Dallas can get after the opposing QB and make things tough for even the most experienced signal-callers.

The Falcons have the ability to score against this Dallas defense, but the Cowboys should light up the scoreboard and pull away with a decisive victory in the end.

Prediction- Dallas: 41 Atlanta: 23

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Turner's monster day rushes Falcons past Cowboys in stunning upset

7 http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Cowboys_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Falcons_Icon.jpg 17

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media_library/Photos/2008/11/Week_12_Carolina_112308/~/media/23AD6877C5434CCFA640BBB971674E97.ashx?w=900&h=600

ATLANTA, GA- Falcons RB Michael Turner put the Falcons' offense on his back from the start, and carried Atlanta to a shocking 17-7 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys in the first-round of the NFL Cup. Turner's dominance started right away, after the Cowboys were forced to punt and pinned Atlanta inside their own 5-yd line. On the Falcons' first play from scrimmage, Turner cut through the right side of the line, broke a tackle and rumbled 46 yds down field to get the Falcons into Cowboys' territory. From there Turner plowed through Dallas defenders on his way to a 13-yd TD run to open up an early 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys seemed to be on their heels from the beginning. Being dominated so decisively by Turner on the Falcons' first drive, the Cowboys' offense sputtered, failing to get into Atlanta territory on their first 4 possessions. Turner would pound the Dallas defense again late in the 2nd quarter, to set up a 35-yd FG, and give the Falcons a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Falcons DE John Abraham was a menace to Dallas QB Tony Romo all day, registering 4 sacks and 6 total tackles for loss. The Cowboys finally got on the board on a 3-yd TD run by RB Marion Barber, which was set up by a 43-yard pass from Romo to Owens. It would not be enough however. Michael Turner took over the 4th quarter and led the Falcons on a 4:38 drive to milk the clock that ended with a 22-yd TD scamper to seal the game 17-7. Turner finished the game with 177 yds on 23 carries, almost out gaining the entire Dallas offense's total of 193 yards. Atlanta will move on to face the Saints-Titans winner, while Dallas once again goes home early after another disappointing loss when it mattered most.

Player of the Game: RB Michael Turner

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
ATL- Ryan 10-12, 102 yds, 109.2 rating
DAL- Romo 17-38, 181 yds, INT, 186.6 rating

Rushing
ATL- Turner 23 carries, 177 yds, 2 TDs
DAL- Barber 6 carries, 8 yds

Receiving
ATL- Norwood 4 rec, 62 yds
DAL- Owens 2 rec, 52 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/3017/nflcupupdatedof2.png

12 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 8-4, 5 upsets
Friend: 4-8, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Reebok Bracket
Redskins and Ravens meet for border battle

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Redskins_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Ravens_Icon.jpg

M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore, MD

4 Washington Redskins at 5 Baltimore Ravens

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Separated by only 30 miles, the Redskins and Ravens meet in Baltimore tonight for their NFL Cup first-round clash. Led by RB Clinton Portis, the Skins' offense has talented skill players at several key positions. Portis this year has emerged as one of the NFL's elite backs, but the Ravens can't afford to sell out defensively on the run, or they'll risk getting beat through the air by QB Jason Campbell, TE Chris Cooley and WRs Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. Even with these skill players, the Redskins will have to play at their best to put up points on one of the best defenses in the league, and one that's having a renaissance season.

With the emergence of rookie QB Joe Flacco, the Ravens' offense has become a force for Baltimore as well. While not always the most accurate, Flacco has excellent arm strength, above average mobility, and has displayed great decision-making. Behind him in the backfield is RB Willis McGahee. Even though it seems that McGahee's best days are behind him, he will need to have a big game to lighten the load on Flacco's shoulders. The Redskins boast one of the best secondaries in the league and if the Ravens rushing attack can't keep Washington's D playing honest, Baltimore will be hard-pressed to score any points.

Despite the big names on the offenses of both teams, this game looks to be a defensive battle, won by whichever defense can force more mistakes and turnovers. Don't be surprised if the Redskins defense controls this game by shutting down the run and making Flacco beat them through the air. Washington should shut down the Ravens' offense and advance to the second round for a meeting with the waiting Colts.

Prediction- Washington: 16 Baltimore: 10

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Reebok Bracket
Flacco's 4 picks dooms Ravens in opening-round loss to 'Skins

33 http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Redskins_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Ravens_Icon.jpg 7

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/Saltlick/NFL%202006/Redskins_JasonCampbell.jpg

BALTIMORE, MD- Flacco's mistakes seemed to come early and often, and the Redskins' talented secondary took advantage. Two first half interceptions by Shawn Springs and a safety put Washington up 19-0 at the half, and they never looked back. Flacco threw a pick on the Ravens' first possession and Portis punched it in from 5 yds for a 7-0 lead. After trading three-and-outs, Redskins P Todd Plackemeier pinned Baltimore inside their own 2-yd line. Two plays later, LB Rocky McIntosh sacked Flacco in the endzone for a safety to go up 9-0. After two long runs by Ladell Betts, Portis scored again from 2 yds as the Redskins increased their lead to 16-0.

Washington WR Santana Moss had a big day for the Redskins through the air as well. Burning the Ravens secondary on 64-yd and 41-yd TD catches in the 2nd half, Moss helped the Redskins roll up a 33-0 lead with 3:30 left to play, before Baltimore finally got on the board on a 51-yd TD pass from Flacco to Mason.

The Ravens defense has the ability to be dominant, but Flacco's 4 interceptions put too much pressure on the defensive unit and the Redskins were able to roll up-and-down the field for an easy win. Washington now moves on to the 2nd-round for a much-anticipated meeting with Indianapolis, which will likely produce the favorite to win the Reebok Bracket.

Player of the Game: CB Shawn Springs

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
WAS- Campbell 13-23, 209 yds, 2 TDs, 116.0 rating
BAL- Flacco 14-30, 170 yds, 1 TD, 4 INTs, 36.1 rating

Rushing
WAS- Portis 11 carries, 89 yds, 2 TDs
BAL- McGahee 9 carries, 25 yds

Receiving
WAS- Moss 3 rec, 113 yds, 2 TDs
BAL- Mason, 4 rec, 88 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1148/nflcupupdatedlj9.png

13 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 9-4, 5 upsets
Friend: 4-9, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: VISA Bracket
Favre, Roethlisberger set for showdown as Jets host Steelers

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Steelers_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Jets_Icon.jpg

The Meadowlands; East Rutherfurd, NJ

2 Pittsburgh Steelers at 7 New York Jets

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Brett Favre won a Super Bowl title during his 16-year tenure in Green Bay, and now in his first year in New York, his quest for an NFL Cup championship starts tonight against the Steelers. Pittsburgh brings a strong offense and dominating defense into tonight's match up. Led by star QB Ben Roethlisberger on offense, the Steelers have the potential to score points in a hurry with other stars such as RB Willie Parker, and WRs Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. If Big Ben can get some protection from his offensive line, the invigorated Jets defense, led by DT Kris Jenkins, might end up looking like the porous Jets defense of 2007.

The Jets offense is no slouch either however, and with newly-acquired QB Brett Favre under center, it's hard to imagine the Jets ever truly being out of a game. Favre isn't all that New York has to offer offensively; RB Thomas Jones is having his best season since coming to the Jets and the wide receiver tandem of Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery are difficult for any secondary to defend. If anyone can shut down the Jets on offense though, it's Pittsburgh. The Steelers boast the NFL's best defense so far in 2008 and led by players like LBs James Farrior and Lamar Woodley and DBs like Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu, the famed "Steel Curtain" defense is back in effect.

Even with Favre leading the Jets offense, Pittsburgh's D will likely end up being too much to overcome as turnovers and punts keep the Jets off the scoreboard for much of the game. Don't expect the Steelers to explode on offense either, but they certainly can put up more points than their vaunted defense has been giving up lately. Don't be surprised if the Pittsburgh advances to play Chicago in the 2nd round with a dominating defensive performance.

Prediction- Pittsburgh: 24 New York Jets: 9

[thekodinator]

Round 1: VISA Bracket
All 3 phases help Jets win as Steelers' comeback falls short

21 http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Steelers_Icon.jpg @ http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/cdh724/NFL%20Logos/Team%20Logos/th_Jets_Icon.jpg 28

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Yn0rw04MarH/340x.jpg

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ- Brett Favre wasn't perfect tonight. In fact at times, he was downright awful, but he had enough help around him to get the job done, even as the Jets blew a 20-0 halftime lead. The Jets came out strong in the first quarter and stunned the Steelers early. A three-and-out followed by a Mike Nugent field goal gave New York a 3-0 lead. The Jets defense then stoned the Steelers offense again to force a second-consecutive punt, and then Leon Washington's fireworks show began. Washington caught the punt at his own 26, dodged a defender, then broke two tackles and sped his way into the endzone for an electrifying 74-yd punt return TD, and a stunning 10-0 Jets lead.

Click Here to watch Leon Washington's game-changing punt return! (http://www.easportsworld.com/en_US/video/2550555)

The quarter would get worse for Pittsburgh as Roethlisberger threw a pick deep in Steelers' territory on their ensuing possesion, which would lead to another field goal to increase New York's lead to 13. Early in the 2nd quarter, Favre hit Washington on a short screen pass that he took 33 yds to the endzone and as the halftime break arrived, the Steelers were looking a 20-0 deficit dead in the face.

Pittsburgh came out firing in the 3rd quarter and led by Roethlisberger's arm, the Steelers' passing attack marched the ball down field for the first time all night and Big Ben hit RB Mewelde Moore out of the backfield for an 8-yd TD to get Pittsburgh on the board. After the Jets went three-and-out, the Steelers were forced to punt from midfield and pinned New York down at their own 3-yd line with a beautiful kick from P Mitch Berger. On the very next play, Favre tried to squeeze a pass across the middle to TE Dustin Keller, but was intercepted by LB James Farrior, who returned the pick six yards for a score, and suddenly the Steelers were back in it, 20-14.

With just under 4 minutes to play, Pittsburgh got the ball back inside their own 20-yd line and started to move the ball, down by only 6. Four plays later, Roethlisberger threw a 20-yd out to Hines Ward near the sideline. FS Kerry Rhodes misplayed the ball and allowed Ward to get behind him and sprint to the endzone for a 63-yd TD and an amazing come-from-behind 21-20 lead. Favre and the Jets' passing attack fired back, and with two long passes to Coles and Cotchery, New York had the ball at the Steelers' 16-yd line, with only 48 seconds to play. Thomas Jones then bounced off right tackle and plowed through Troy Polamalu on his way into the endzone for a late score. Favre hit Keller on a quick slant for the 2-point conversion and the Jets took back the lead 28-21.

The Steelers' last-ditch effort to tie the game would end in vain, as Roethlisberger's 2nd interception would seal the Jets' win. Such a roller-coaster performance by the Jets certainly leaves much to be desired, but behind the electric Leon Washington, it was just enough.

Player of the Game: RB Leon Washington

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
NYJ- Favre 16-22, 167 yds, TD, INT, 90.5 rating
PIT- Roethlisberger 17-27, 190 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 77.7 rating

Rushing
NYJ- Jones 9 carries, 76 yds, TD
PIT- Parker 13 carries, 41 yds

Receiving
NYJ- Washington 5 rec, 98 yds, TD
PIT- Ward 4 rec, 81 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4480/nflcupupdatedax2.png

14 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 10-4, 6 upsets
Friend: 4-10, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: VISA Bracket
Raiders, Chargers renew rivalry in opening round meeting

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/chargers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/raiders_logo.jpg

McAfee Coliseum; Oakland, CA

1 San Diego Chargers at 8 Oakland Raiders

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The San Diego Chargers look to continue their reign of dominance over their rival Oakland Raiders as both teams kickoff their quest for an NFL Cup crown. Former NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson leads the Chargers into Oakland in hopes of making a run towards an NFL Cup title after what has turned out to be a fairly disappointing 2008. San Diego had high aspirations coming into this year, and after injury and underachievement, the Bolts are set on righting some wrongs and taking out a little frustration on the competition.

Oakland meanwhile is looking as inept as ever. From top-to-bottom, this organization seems to be in shambles, and one can only wonder what direction they must go in to recapture their winning ways of old. Oakland has a number of playmakers on the defensive side of ball. DBs Nnamdi Asomugha and Gibril Wilson give solidarity to the secondary while LB Kirk Morrison and DE Derrick Burgess provide strength upfront. If it wasn't for the glaring deficiencies on offense, this defense would have more opportunities to make plays and hold back opposing offenses.

Oakland's offense is bad, really bad. QB JaMarcus Russell has great arm strength but questionable accuracy, the offensive line is a wreck and their WRs seem to drop more passes than they can catch. The one bright spot of this offense is at running back with Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden toting the rock. These two pack a great 1-2 punch that would be a devastating force, if it wasn't for the horrific play of their offensive counterparts.

Despite the Raiders' strong defense, stopping the San Diego offense will be a tall order indeed. With players like LT, QB Phillip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, WRs Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, and even backup RB Darren Sproles, the Chargers can hang with anyone offensively. Add to that a fast, opportunistic Chargers defense against an inept, turnover-prone Oakland offense... let's just say, if you're a betting man, take the Chargers and give them the points.

Prediction- San Diego: 38 Oakland: 6

[thekodinator]

Round 1: VISA Bracket
LT, defense sparks Chargers past Raiders

30 http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/chargers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/raiders_logo.jpg 8

http://images.opensports.com/images/dynamic_images/images/6207/2743/1673.jpg

OAKLAND, CA- Tonight against the Raiders, LaDainian Tomlinson had the kind of performance that won him the NFL MVP award two seasons ago, but it was a suffocating performance from the Chargers' stingy defense that led to a comfortable 30-8 win. Raiders QB Jamarcus Russell threw 4 interceptions, leading to 20 points, that put the Raiders down big early. Russell was picked off deep in Chargers' territory on Oakland's first drive of the game. LT took advantage by promptly rolling off a 78-yd TD run to put San Diego up 7-0.

The Raiders failed to move the ball into San Diego territory again in the first half, whereas San Diego notched two more field goals before the end of the 2nd quarter to lead 13-0 at the break. Tomlinson again gashed the Raiders defense for a 58-yd score to give the Chargers a 20-0 lead. Russell threw another pick in the third quarter and two more in the fourth as the Chargers pulled away. Oakland scored on a 13-yd pass from Russell to Curry and connected on a two-point conversion, but it was too-little, too-late as the Chargers added a late TD run by Sproles to seal a 30-8 win and advance to meet Buffalo in the 2nd round.

Player of the Game: RB LaDainian Tomlinson

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
SD- Rivers 13-19, 166 yds, TD, 113.0 rating
OAK- Russell 15-26, 170 yds, TD, 4 INTs, 50.6 rating

Rushing
SD- Tomlinson 14 carries, 134 yds, 2 TDs
OAK- Fargas 10 carries, 39 yds

Receiving
SD- Jackson 4 rec, 61 yds
OAK- Walker 3 rec, 77 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/583/nflcupupdatedps4.png

15 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 11-4, 6 upsets
Friend: 4-11, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

1st Round: Samsung Bracket
Titans, Saints feature contrasting styles in 1st Round finale

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/saints_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/titans_logo.jpg

LP Field; Nashville, TN

4 New Orleans Saints at 5 Tennessee Titans

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The NFL Cup scheduling committee really outdid themselves when they chose to send the Saints to Tennessee for the 1st round finale; this should be a fantastic way to end what has been a superb opening round of play in this year's inaugural Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup, with the winner of this game becoming the decided favorite to win the Samsung Bracket. The Titans have been a real surprise so far in 2008, and behind their dominant defensive performances week-in and week-out, are well on their way towards a division title. It's not only the stellar play of the Titans' defense that's been a surprise this year however, as the Tennessee offense has found success in unforeseen ways.

After benching QB Vince Young in favor of the veteran Kerry Collins, the Titans offense has been powered by the "smash and dash" running of RBs LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson. White has developed into a premier short-yardage back and is leading the league in rushing TDs in 2008. Chris Johnson meanwhile has emerged as a star right from the start and may very well be the fastest player in the league already. Anchored by an overpowering offensive line, surely the Titans running backs are licking their chops at the opportunity to face one of the league's worst run defenses in the New Orleans Saints.

What the Saints lack on defense, they can more than make up for on the offensive side of the ball. QB Drew Brees leads a passing attack that is on pace to set a new NFL single-season passing record for yards. The main problem that Tennessee's defense will be facing is that Brees' weapons like TE Jeremy Shockey and WRs Marques Colston and Devery Henderson are only half the problem. RB Reggie Bush is having his best year yet as a pro (minus injuries) and is not only productive running the ball, but also as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to catch and make plays in space make him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.

This should be a real slugfest as the Titans try to control the Saints passing game while New Orleans stacks the box to shut down Tennessee's RB tandem. In the NFL, the quarterback is the most important position, and in tonight's game, the stark difference between Drew Brees and Kerry Collins will likely be the difference. Don't misunderstand, Collins is a capable QB who has played well in 2008, but Brees' record pace is mind-blowing and the Saints' passing attack can be near-impossible to stop. This game should be close, competitive and wildly entertaining the whole way though, and in the end, the Saints will make more plays to notch a win and become the favorites to win the Samsung Bracket.

Prediction- New Orleans: 27 Tennessee: 24

[thekodinator]

Round 1: Samsung Bracket
Titans' Johnson nears NFL record as Tennessee outlasts New Orleans in shootout finale

31 http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/saints_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/titans_logo.jpg 41

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NASHVILLE, TN- After Drew Brees marched the Saints downfield for an easy touchdown on the game's opening possession, the Titans needed to answer right back to set the tone for the game. On the Titans' first play from scrimmage, rookie RB Chris Johnson responded by making five Saints defenders miss as he sprinted off right tackle for a 76-yd TD to tie up the game early at 7-7. The sight of Chris Johnson running wild through the New Orleans defense quickly became the theme of the day, as Johnson amassed a ridiculous 288 yds rushing on 18 carries (an average of 16 ypc) and 3 TD runs of 76, 42 and 69 yards.

Chris Johnson's 76-yd TD run on Titans' 1st play (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl1eIV5-aHc)

The Saints were able to go into the half with a 14-10 lead after controlling much of the clock with two sustained drives, both ending in 3-yd TD runs by Reggie Bush. It was apparent early that the Titans defense would struggle all night against the potent Saints offense, but with the near-historic performance by Chris Johnson, Tennessee had just enough firepower to outlast New Orleans in what would be an explosive 2nd half.

The Titans received the 2nd half kickoff and with just over a minute played in the 3rd quarter, Johnson busted off a 42-yd TD run, his second, to give Tennessee their first lead of the game at 17-14. On the ensuing kickoff, when returner Devery Henderson fumbled the ball, backup Titans WR Chris Davis scooped it up and returned it 23 yds for a TD. In a span of 8 seconds, Tennessee scored 14 points and suddenly the Saints 14-10 halftime lead was now a 24-14 deficit.

Johnson's 2nd TD run (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5R6ixTrifE)

Up 24-17 going into the 4th quarter, QB Kerry Collins hit TE Alge Crumpler on a play-action fake pass that went 32 yds for a TD that put Tennessee up 31-17. The Saints would respond however, led by Drew Brees and Reggie Bush, New Orleans again produced a long, sustained drive that ended with a 2-yd TD run by Bush, his third of the day to keep the Saints in the game, 31-24. Again Johnson would break the game open for the Titans, scoring on a 69-yd TD run on the ensuing possession to notch his third rushing TD of the game and extend the Titans' lead to 38-24 with just 2:30 remaining.

Johnson's 3rd TD run (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M63kgHykq9U&feature=related)

Brees would lead the Saints down field again and throw a TD pass to Henderson with 1:15 to play, but a failed onside kick and ensuing field goal by K Rob Bironas would put the game out of reach 41-31.

Tonight's game was really a two-man show; Chris Johnson v Reggie Bush. Bush tallied 58 yds rushing on 14 carries and 3 TDs, but the brunt of his work was done through the air, catching 7 passes for an even 100 yds receiving. Any other day Bush would likely have been the star of the game, but his performance was overshadowed by Johnson's 335 total yards from scrimmage (288 rushing, 47 receiving) and 3 TDs. The NFL Cup's 1st round finale certainly lived up to its much-hyped billing and now the Titans will advance to the 2nd round to play the Falcons as only 16 teams now remain to battle for the 2008 NFL Cup crown.

Player of the Game: RB Chris Johnson

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
TEN- Collins 6-7, 89 YDS, 1 TD, 158.3 rating
NO- Brees 20-26, 288 yds, 1 TD, 125.1 rating

Rushing
TEN- Johnson 18 carries, 288 yds, 3 TDs (76, 42, 69)
NO- Bush 14 carries, 58 yds, 3 TDs (3, 3, 2)


Receiving
TEN- Johnson 3 rec, 47 yds
NO- Bush 7 rec, 100 yds



Here's the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field after the 1st Round:

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8408/nflcupupdatedjs3.png

16 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 12-4, 7 upsets
Friend: 4-12, 3 upsets

[thekodinator]

NFL Countdown: NFL Cup 1st Round Review & a look ahead to Round 2

http://cache.deadspin.com/images/2006/04/ChrisBerman.jpg


Chris Berman: "Welcome to NFL Countdown on ESPN, I am the Swami, and alongside me today is as usual, TJ, CC, Key and the Coach. And let us not forget our friend Mort, joining us remotely from, where else, Hawaii! More on that later.

So, as you might have heard, Warren Buffett's aptly-named Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup started almost a month ago and 16 games later, the 1st round is over and we're down to only... 16 teams! Now, before all this started, our guys here made their picks as to who would win each bracket, and then go on to win it all. Let's take a look back at their picks to see how they've fared after just one round."

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7205/nflcuppicksio9.png

"Ouch! Guys, only Mort has more than two bracket winners left and nobody has the team remaining that they picked to win it all! What happened?! TJ? You and CC don't have ANYbody left!"

Tom Jackson: "Well you know parity is king in the NFL and what we are seeing in this new NFL Cup format, are teams that are young teams, they're hungry, they know they've only got one shot at this thing and they're making the most of their opportunities."

Cris Carter: "Yeah what you're seeing here is not a new kind of football, I mean it's still the same players, same coaches, running the same schemes and the same plays... but you know as you always said in years before, just getting into the playoffs is half the battle, cuz once you're there... once you're in the post-season, anything can happen. And that's what's going on here in the NFL Cup. In this one-and-done format, teams are going all-out cuz they know that it's win or go home, right from the start.

Chris Berman: "Ok so let's put a graphic up on the screen now of the NFL Cup bracket, as it currently stands after the 1st round. Let's go around the room here and talk about some of the biggest surprises that have come out of the 1st 16 games. Key, let's start with you."

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8408/nflcupupdatedjs3.png

Keyshawn Johnson: "Well if you wanna talk about surprises, look no further than the Atlanta Falcons beating the Dallas Cowboys. Now, I'm not taking anything away from what the Falcons have done previously here in 2008, but there is no way, NO-WAY that anyone could have seen this coming. I picked the Cowboys to win it all, and I wasn't the only one to do so either, and this game was just shocking. Not only that Atlanta won, but the way they won by shutting down that strong Cowboys offense, and Michael Turner running up and down the field."

Mike Ditka: "No way Keyshawn, for me, it's gotta be the Giants going to San Francisco and getting pounded. Frank Gore ran all over the Giants' front-seven and for Eli to throw, what was it, 3, 4 interceptions? It was like all of last year never even happened for these guys. Just a miserable performance.

Tom Jackson: "Both those games were huge upsets, I mean huge, but we can't overlook what Brett Favre and the New York Jets accomplished in beating the Pittsburgh Steelers either. This Steelers defense came in ranked number 1 in the league, and little Leon Washington provided the spark that took the Jets to the 2nd round, just an amazing performance by individuals, and the team as a whole for the New York Jets."

Cris Carter: "The Giants game. What else is there to say? The defending Super Bowl champs get embarrassed like that by San Francisco? I ain't even got anything else to say. Really.. the Niners? Come on...

Chris Berman: "Ok now quickly we don't have much time, let's just go around and just name your MVP for the first round. Just give us the player real quick, who you think has had the biggest impact so far...

Tom Jackson: "Titans RB Chris Johnson. 288 yds... enough said."

Cris Carter: "Can't argue with that man... reminded me of by boy AP up in Minnesota. He came up a couple yards short of Adrian but man, the kid can play."

Keyshawn Johnson: "Now, I know what Chris Johnson did, but lemme say something real quick about Peyton Manning. No he did not play his best game ever, his team barely beat an inferior opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs... but that last drive, down four with 15 seconds left on the clock, he went like 70 yards in 3 plays for the win as time expired. That man is the best QB in football right now and I don't care about the stats. If he can do that at the end of football games, he's my MVP."

Mike Ditka: "We all know Manning is a great QB but if a guy rushes for almost 300 yards and takes over a game like Chris Johnson did, how can you take that away from him. Chris Johnson, all the way."

Chris Berman: "Ok, now that we've made it through the mayhem of the 1st round and our guys here are pretty beaten up, we're gonna give you all a second chance, REDEMPTION if you will, by picking the winners for all 8 2nd round games. Now for most of you, TJ and CC especially, you can only get better, so let's see who ya got..."

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/4853/nflcuppicks2yb0.png

Chris Berman: "And there you have it folks... Our experts are on the record with their picks but with the way these games have been unfolding... that's why they play the games. One last thing before we go, Mort, are you still there? Sorry we made you hold on for a bit, lemme ask you, what are you doing in Hawaii this time of year? It isn't February, the Pro Bowl isn't going on, what's up?"

Chris Mortensen: "Well Boomer, Commissioner Goodell flew out here earlier this week and has been meeting with Pro Bowl officials here in Hawaii for the past two days. Now we know that the NFL is currently planning on changing the structure of the Pro Bowl in the future and moving the game from the week after the Super Bowl to the week before it. Along with this change, the NFL is also planning on changing the site of the Pro Bowl from here in Hawaii, to the site of where the Super Bowl will be played. None of that is new news. However, there has been some speculation that Commissioner Goodell's timing of this trip has something to do with the NFL Cup here in Hawaii.

NFL officials have stated that while they are moving the Pro Bowl game out of Hawaii, they would like to continue to have a presence in the islands. Before it was assumed that this presence would be in the form of preseason games, but rumors have been surfacing of potentially scheduling some NFL Cup games to be played here in Hawaii. Remember, the whole reason the NFL instituted the NFL Cup was to gain additional revenues, so in that light, scheduling games in Hawaii might not make a lot of sense, since that's why they're re-locating the Pro Bowl, but we'll keep you updated as developments come our way."

Chris Berman: "Wow thanks Mort. The NFL Cup in Hawaii, now that would be interesting. Ok before we let you go Mort, we saw your 2nd round picks here, uh... which team do see as being dangerous to make a run at this thing? Which team does everyone else need to keep a close eye on?"

Chris Mortensen: "Well I'd have to say as a surprise team, the New York Jets. That team has really rallied around the addition of Brett Favre and they are just playing some great football. The still have some tough teams to beat to get out of their bracket, but they are really coming on strong right now and could make a run at this thing. On the other side of the bracket, I'd have to say the winner of the Colts-Redskins game. That game is basically a de facto bracket final because the winner shouldn't have a tough time with the Bengals-Niners winner, and then it's on to the semis... and since I picked Indy to win that game, I'll say the Colts."

Chris Berman: "Well there you have it, words of wisdom from Mort and our NFL Countdown crew. Enjoy the 2nd round games and we will be back soon for more NFL news, goodnight."

[thekodinator]

Peter King's SI.com 2nd Round Preview

http://images.clickability.com/partners/3002/mainLogo.gif

"The NFL Cup's 1st round is in the books and surprises are plenty. Few experts have picked all the winners so far, or even half the winners for that matter, but I have once again defied the odds, and stand alone in my predictions. As I mentioned before the 1st round began, my picks for the four bracket winners are Green Bay, Arizona and New York (both of them). So far I, along with the rest of the known world, have missed on the Giants, but I feel pretty good so far about my other three picks. The Jets and Cards should both advance easily to their bracket finals, with 2nd round match ups with the Bears and Rams respectively, and from there I think they both have the offensive ability to score enough points to win their brackets.

Green Bay on the other hand will have two large challenges to hurdle before they're crowned Sprint Bracket champs. The largest obstacle standing in their way will be their current opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. Now I picked the Pack knowing that their road to the NFL Cup semis would likely pass through Philly, so I'm not doubting Green Bay, but Aaron Rodgers will need to play flawlessly against a talented Eagles secondary, and the Packers somewhat porous rushing defense will absolutely have to clog up the holes against Brian Westbrook. If they can do that, then I think they should advance and in turn, beat the Panthers-Dolphins winner as well.

Lastly, in light of the Giants' 1st round choke against San Francisco, I need to pick a new favorite out of the Reebok Bracket, and I'll have to go with Washington. Obviously the winner of this bracket will come out of the Colts-Redskins game, as I don't expect the 49ers or Bengals to put up much of a fight in the bracket final. I know it's easy to pick Indy, but I really think that Washington's secondary has what it takes to shut down Manning and the Colts offense. If they do, expect Clinton Portis to run wild against an under-sized Indy front seven.

So that's it, I'm sticking with the Jets, Green Bay and Arizona, and I'm adding the Redskins to the mix. For the NFL Cup Championship game? I'll keep the Jets in there to win it all, and I'll promote the Packers to the title game. Favre against his old team? Tell me, could it really get any better than this?

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0305/nfl_favre_rodgers_580.jpg

[thekodinator]

First game on the slate for the 2nd round is.....

Cardinals at Rams!

[Matt1]

go Cards

[52Ray_Lewis]

nice kodinator, glad to see you have still kept this going

[thekodinator]

Anybody know how to get youtube videos to show up in your post, like on SG?

[thekodinator]

2nd Round: Samsung Bracket
Cardinals hope to pass by Rams in 2nd Round opener

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/cardinals_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/rams_logo.jpg

Edward Jones Dome; St. Louis, MO

6 Arizona Cardinals at 7 St. Louis Rams

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The 2nd Round of the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup will feature two surprise teams both coming off upset wins. The Rams, led by the power running of Steven Jackson, fought to a tough 17-14 win over Jacksonville in the 1st Round and hope to continue their success on to the Samsung Bracket Final. The Cardinals defense has some playmakers on the back end, but up front they're under-sized and have been known to give up yards on the ground. You can be assured that the Rams will give that Arizona defense a steady diet of Steven Jackson, forcing the Cards' D to sell-out against the run. If Jackson can have success on the ground, QB Marc Bulger will likely use play-action to find his WRs Torry Holt and Donnie Avery for large gains.

Arizona's passing attack is one of the best in the league, and on the arm of QB Kurt Warner and the hands of WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Arizona passed all over the Bucs in the 1st Round, and look to do some of the same against a somewhat weak Rams defense. Even though the Cardinals don't seem to have much of a running game, RB Tim Hightower can find running lanes opened by defenders who are preoccupied trying to stop Arizona's pro-bowl tandem wide receivers.

The Cardinals offense should be too much for St. Louis in this one. And even though we like Steven Jackson's individual match up, Arizona's passing attack will overwhelm the Rams secondary and for a night, Kurt Warner will once again be the MVP in St. Louis.

Prediction- Arizona: 30 St. Louis: 24

[packersfan4eva]

lol, st. louis gonna get creamed by more an 6

[Scoop]

how is this on page 2?

[Matt1]

update soon?

[thekodinator]

Round 2: Samsung Bracket
Hightower leads Cards past Rams to Bracket Final

20 http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/cardinals_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/rams_logo.jpg 17

http://www.blogcdn.com/nfl.fanhouse.com/media/2008/11/tim-hightower.jpg

ST. LOUIS, MO- The Rams defense came into this game looking to shut down Kurt Warner and the Cardinals' potent passing attack. Unfortunately, St Louis forgot about Cards RB Tim Hightower. Hightower totaled 109 yds on 19 carries and added a receiving TD to lift the Cardinals over the Rams 20-17. Steven Jackson paced the Rams' offense early, totaling up 38 yds rushing on the Rams' first drive of the game, which he capped off with a 3-yd TD run. Arizona was then held to a three-and-out and things only got worse as Rams QB Marc Bulger hit WR Torry Holt for a 47-yd gain to set up an 8-yd screen pass to WR Donnie Avery who sprinted into the corner of the endzone for a 14-0 lead near the end of the 1st quarter.

As the 2nd quarter got underway, Tim Hightower emerged as Arizona's primary playmaker in the game, gaining 4 first downs to move the Cards down the field, and then taking a screen pass 16 yds for a score to bring Arizona within 7 points at halftime.

Warner to Hightower screen pass TD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_CigN8F-VY)

The 2nd half was the Tim Hightower show, as he racked up 76 of his 109 yards and helped Arizona control the ball, while limiting the Rams' scoring chances. The Cardinals' defense also stepped up, as early in the 3rd quarter, after a Neil Rackers field goal brought the score to 14-10, Marc Bulger was hit and fumbled at the STL 23-yd line. Arizona recovered and on the next play, QB Kurt Warner hit TE Leonard Pope for the Cardinals' first lead of the day, 17-14.

St. Louis responded on their ensuing drive with a field goal, set up by a couple long passes between Bulger and Holt, but Arizona would come right back. Led by the explosive running of Hightower, Arizona moved the ball downfield again, getting into field goal range to take the lead 20-17 just before the end of the 3rd quarter.

Hightower off tackle for 26 yds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHmMtd8gXUE)

The Arizona defense then responded as they picked off Marc Bulger three times in the final frame to secure the victory and advance to the Samsung Bracket Final against the Atlanta-Tennessee winner.

Player of the Game: RB Tim Hightower

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
ARI- Warner 8-11, 84 yds, TD, 124.8 rating
STL- Bulger 11-17, 170 yds, TD, 3 INTs, 77.7 rating

Rushing
ARI- Hightower 19 carries, 109 yds
STL- Jackson 12 carries, 44 yds, TD

Receiving
ARI- Pope 2 rec, 26 yds, TD
STL- Holt 4 rec, 74 yds



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8419/nflcupupdatedks7.png

17 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 13-4, 7 upsets
Friend: 4-13, 3 upsets

[Matt1]

cool Cards won..whos up next?

[thekodinator]

Up next, Panthers at Dolphins... who ya got?

[Scoop]

please panthers

[packersfan4eva]

go fins!

ps. packers = champs

[thekodinator]

2nd Round: Sprint Bracket
Miami focuses on defense as Panthers' bring running attack to Dolphins Stadium

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/panthers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/miami_logo.jpg

Dolphins Stadium; Miami, FL

4 Carolina Panthers at 8 Miami Dolphins

ASSOCIATED PRESS- Joey Porter and the Miami Dolphins look to continue their defensive dominance so far in the NFL Cup as they play host to the Carolina Panthers, and their top-notch rushing attack. The Dolphins defense suffocated the Patriots offense in the 1st round, holding them to just 6 points in a low-scoring 9-6 win to pull off the upset. Now playing at home, Miami hopes that their defense can stop the Panthers running tandem of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.

Stewart and Williams have combined to be one of the strongest running games in the league, and behind the strong running of Stewart in the 1st round, the Panthers rolled over the Broncos to earn their trip tonight to Miami. While most defenses focus on stopping Carolina's rushing attack, QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith team as a fearsome duo, capable of making big plays at any time in the game. If the Dolphins defense focuses too much against the run, Smith's explosiveness could blow open a close game.

Don't expect Chad Pennington and the Dolphins offense to move the ball much against Carolina's staunch defense, so if the Dolphins can't keep Williams and Stewart in check, don't be surprised if the Panthers literally run away with this one and advance to the Sprint Bracket Final.

Prediction- Carolina: 27 Miami: 13

[Matt1]

Hmm tough choice but I like the Panthers

[Lonewolf32]

I say Dolphins in a upset.

[Scoop]

Panthers! Panthers! Panthers!

[thekodinator]

Round 2: Sprint Bracket
Williams runs Panthers past Dolphins to Bracket Final

17 http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/panthers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/miami_logo.jpg 10

http://www.fantasyfootballindepth.com/fantasyfootballimages/Williams,%20D.jpg

MIAMI, FL- Neither offense played especially well, nor particularly poor either, but in the end, DeAngelo Williams and the Carolina Panthers capitalized on the game's only turnover and made enough plays to hold off the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup. The Panthers came out firing on all cylinders on the game's opening drive, as Williams scored from 3 yds to give the Panthers an early 7-0 lead. Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown then pounded Miami down field to set up a field goal to cut Carolina's lead to 7-3. From there, the offenses sputtered as both defenses clamped down and held each team scoreless until late in the 2nd quarter.

After a number of three-and-outs, Carolina punted deep to Ted Ginn, who's monumental mistake would turn out to be the difference in the game. Ginn was stripped of the ball on the return, which was then picked up by Carolina LB Landon Johnson and returned 45-yds for a score.

Ted Ginn fumble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LumQ3WquR6Y)

Up 14-3 at the half, the Panthers hoped to continue playing lock-down defense and hold the Dolphins offense at bay to preserve the win. While the Panthers didn't force any turnovers on defense, they made Miami punt 9 times throughout the game, including 5 three-and-outs. Miami QB Chad Pennington was finally able to put a good drive together early in the 4th quarter, when we hit TE Anthony Fasano for a 25-yd TD pass to cut the Panthers' lead to 14-10, but the Dolphins would not get any closer.

With only 4 minutes to play and holding onto a 4-point lead, Carolina turned to Williams, who broke free on a 49-yd run to move the Panthers into field goal range and seal the victory with under a minute to play as the Panthers advance to the Sprint Bracket Final against the Packers-Eagles winner.

DeAngelo Williams 49-yd run (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvREOQTpiUc)

Player of the Game: RB DeAngelo Williams

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
CAR- Delhomme 6-13, 60 yds, 59.77 rating
MIA- Pennington 13-22, 106 yds, TD, 86.6 rating

Rushing
CAR- Williams 10 carries, 92 yds, TD
MIA- Brown 15 carries, 71 yds

Receiving
CAR- Hackett 2 rec, 26 yds
MIA- Fasano 5 rec, 52 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8210/nflcupupdatedkg9.png

17 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 13-5, 7 upsets
Friend: 5-13, 3 upsets

[raiderfan7]

Sweet. How long til the next game you think?

[Scoop]

hallelujah! panthers win!

[thekodinator]

2nd Round: Sprint Bracket
Packers' shaky defense looks to shut down red hot Eagles

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/packers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/eagles_logo.jpg

Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia, PA

2 Green Bay Packers at 3 Philadelphia Eagles

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The Eagles are arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now, and the Packers are well aware of the upcoming challenge. "They're just steam-rolling everyone right now," said Packers LB AJ Hawk, "I can't think of a team that you'd least want to play. But hey, you can only play who they schedule for you so, we've got to execute and play the way we know how." The Green Bay defense hopes to return to their early-season form as recent breakdowns have led to disappointing defensive performances as of late.

The Eagles meanwhile have been impressive as of late, including a 48-0 whitewash of the Houston Texans in their 1st round meeting. Led by all-pro QB Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia's offense can light up the scoreboard any even the best of defenses. The Eagles' defense is no slouch either, and their top-notch secondary of FS Brian Dawkins and CBs Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, Packers RB Ryan Grant will need to be productive in order to keep Philadelphia's secondary honest.

Eventhough Aaron Rodgers has shown incredible ability this year, the Eagles defense should prove a tough opponent for the Pack. Add to that the deadly combo of McNabb and Westbrook against a somewhat shaky Packers defense, and you've got the formula for another Eagles blowout. Expect Westbrook to put up huge numbers in this one as the Eagles advance to the Sprint Bracket Final to face the Panthers.

Prediction- Philadelphia: 31 Green Bay: 17

[packersfan4eva]

hey kodinator, great 2 c u back. packers r gunna win, no doubt about it.
EDIT: is my sig showing up? cuz i can't see it

[thekodinator]

Round 2: Sprint Bracket
Rodgers, defense shines as Packers shoot down Eagles

24 http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/packers_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/eagles_logo.jpg 14

http://www.lyndiebroadcast.net/packers/gb_AaronRodgers2_1.jpg

PHILADELPHIA, PA- The Packers knew coming into tonight's game that they would need a strong showing from their defense, along with a stellar performance from QB Aaron Rodgers to pull out a road win in Philadelphia. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy was thankful to get both, "Aaron played at an extremely high level today. He graded out very highly, made very few mistakes. But really the difference in today's game was our defense. To hold a player like Brian Westbrook in check the whole game, and cause a few turnovers on defense, that was really where we made our hay today."

The Eagles started out strong, moving the ball through the air as McNabb hit WR Kevin Curtis on a 48-yd TD pass to open the scoring for a 7-0 lead late in the 1st quarter. After exchanging three-and-outs, Aaron Rodgers moved the Packers 89 yds in just 1:15 and hit WR James Jones on a 13-yd TD pass to tie up the game 7-7 going into the half.

McNabb threw a pick-six to Charles Woodson on the Eagles opening drive of the 2nd half, and then went three-and-out on their ensuing possession, down 14-7 early in the third. Rodgers would again push the Packers offense down the field and connected with WR Donald Driver for a 20-yd TD pass to extend Green Bay's lead to 21-7.

From there, the Eagles offense struggled to move the ball much against the Packers' D, and with the Green Bay front seven doing a great job of containing RB Brian Westbrook, the Philly offense was forced to the air, where the Packers' top-notch secondary blanketed the Eagles receivers and made for a difficult day of passing for McNabb.

Philly would score a TD midway through the fourth quarter by way of a 3-yd Correll Buckhalter TD run to cut the deficit to 7 points, but the Packers then played keep-away behind the power running of RB Ryan Grant and the efficient play of QB Aaron Rodgers. After a 32-yd field goal gave the Packers a late 24-14 lead, Pro-Bowl CB Charles Woodson picked off McNabb to seal the victory and send the Packers to the Sprint Bracket Final against the waiting Panthers.

Player of the Game: QB Aaron Rodgers

OFFENSIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing
GB- Rodgers 11-14, 163 yds, 2 TDs, 154.8 rating
PHI- McNabb 19-26, 246 yds, TD, 2 INTs, 83.2 rating

Rushing
GB- Grant 10 carries, 62 yds
PHI- Westbrook 12 carries, 21 yds

Receiving
GB- Jones 3 rec, 51 yds, TD
PHI- Curtis 3 rec, 87 yds, TD



Here's the current Berkshire Hathaway NFL Cup tournament field:

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5084/nflcupupdatedlq7.png

19 games into the NFL Cup:
Me: 14-5, 7 upsets
Friend: 5-14, 3 upsets

[Lumpkin]

Haven't checked in a while, your still doing great work. And it is quite obvious you are better than your friend. The records prove it.

[packersfan4eva]

all right! packers advance

[thekodinator]

Colts at Redskins up next... I'm Washington, my friend is Indy

[thekodinator]

2nd Round: Reebok Bracket
Manning leads Colts into D.C. for meeting with physical Redskins

http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/colts_logo.jpg @ http://nfl.imageg.net/graphics/category_images/redskins_logo.jpg

Fedex Field; Washington, DC

1 Indianapolis Colts at 4 Washington Redskins

ASSOCIATED PRESS- The 2008 NFL MVP Peyton Manning will bring the red-hot Colts into Washington for a strength-on-strength battle with the Redskins. The Colts have been one of the best teams in the league over the past few months, and none have been better than Manning, who joins legendary QB Brett Favre as the only players in NFL history to win 3 league MVPs. Normally, the Colts' impressive stable of offensive weapons would make us pick them as winners, but the Redskins' defense is something to be reckoned with as well.

The Washington secondary is among the best in the business, led by safeties Laron Landry and rookie sensation Chris Horton. This tough, hard-hitting bunch, when teamed-up with the lock-down cornerback duo of Shawn Springs and Carlos Rodgers, isn't intimidated by any passing attack in the NFL, Indy included. Up front, the Redskins can get pressure on the opposing QB, but the Redskins offense will need to score some points to be assured of a victory against the Colts.

Can Clinton Portis continue his impressive season and run the 'Skins past the Colts speedy D? If not, the weight will lay squarely on the shoulders of QB Jason Campbell whose talent and inconsistency will likely be the difference maker in this one as to who moves on to the next round. Don't be surprised if Campbell folds under the pressure and the Colts' defense shuts down Washington's offense as Peyton Manning and Indy's offense puts the game away.

Prediction- Indianapolis: 21 Washington: 13

[packersfan4eva]

colts better win

[UFCDJD2009]

Why did this stop? This thread is awesome