by Gerald Udowiczenko

Well that's the last time I pat myself on the back about how good an offensive unit we have. Was that the kiss-of-death or what?

Looks like I won't be going unbeaten this season. But considering the teams I have to play, including the Superbowl Champions this week. The rest of my division (Buffalo, Miami & the Jets), Minnesota and the 49ers on Inter-Conference games and some difficult looking AFC games (especially Oakland on current form), I was never going to do it now was I?

The editorial was a little long last week, so I'll cut it short now. Unless people liked reading my thoughts? Now that's just a silly idea. I'm sure the first thing people look for is the Rammys. Then to see how they were predicted to do and then maybe, they read the rest of the newsletter? Am I right? Write in and let us know.

Many thanks as always to the following people for sending contributions. Graham, Brucey, Dave and Pat. Special thanks must also go to the NFL web site, which helped out with an item or two. Bet you can't guess which one/s?

TT (1-1, W1) @ BB (2-0, W2) Last time : wk 9, 2003 (0 - 38)
Gerald : The Titans came to life last week and should give a better account of themselves then the last time these two met. But the end result will still be the same. Bills by 10.
Graham : Remarkable effort by Titans last week, but I doubt they'll be able to repeat it. BB 10.
SPLATT : Buffalo by 11.
Richard : Bills by 4.

CL (2-0, W12) @ NE (1-1, L1) Last time : wk 4, 2003 (20 - 20 OT)
Gerald : No comment!
Graham : Pats D has been a big disappointment to date. They'll need to step up a few gears this week if they're not to be steamrolled by the Browns. CL 10.
SPLATT : Cleveland by 4.
Richard : Browns by 14.

OR (2-0, W2) @ MD (0-2, L2) Last time : wk 7, 2003 (30 - 24 OT)
Gerald : The Raiders left it very late last week to win their game. While the Fish looked unlucky to lose. Tough one to call, as the Raiders have shown that they know how to win. But the Fish are due a break. Fish by 3.
Graham : Raiders D vs Miami offence. Could be a cracker. Fish due a few breaks. MD 6.
SPLATT : Miami by 14.
Richard : Fish by 7.

KC (0-2, L2) @ NY (2-0, W2) Last time : wk 11, 2003 (37 - 28)
Gerald : The Jets are the form team and even though they were lucky to win last week, shouldn't have too many problems with a Chiefs team that is struggling to find their offence of last season. Jet by 10.
Graham : Two teams who've made contrasting starts. In-form Jets should keep soaring. NJ 7.
SPLATT : New York by 4.
Richard : Jets by 10.

SS (0-2, L2) @ PS (0-2, L8) Last time : wk 4, 2003 (24 - 26)
Gerald : The last time these two met it was close. Can't see it being any different this time, though the result may well be, as the Steelers have failed to impressive so far. Hawks by 10.
Graham : Both desperate for a win. Hard to call, but I'll go with the hometown Steelers. PS 1.
SPLATT : Pittsburgh by 3.
Richard : Steelers by 6.

DB (2-0, W2) @ CI (0-2, L2) Last time : wk 4, 2003 (31 - 29)
Gerald : A great offensive performance last week from the Broncos doesn't bold well for the Bengals. But they have kept it close the last two games, so close in fact that it's had to be settled in overtime. But I can't honestly see them being able to keep it that close, not unless they can force lots of turnovers? Broncos by 13.
Graham : Can the ex-Diddley kings pull off a third straight OT loss? Surely life can't be that cruel! DB 7.
SPLATT : Denver by 13.
Richard : Bengals by 4.

MV (2-0, W4) @ WR (2-0, W3) Last time : wk 11, 2003 (11 - 14)
Gerald : Like Graham said, Game of the Week. Both teams have shown they can score points, though the Vikes have the edge at the moment. The Skins ĪD' is still there, though after last week, they still seem to be slightly asleep. This week, should see them wide awake, as the Vikes do have one hell of an offence. If they can be contained (the Vikes) they will struggle and the Skins are just the team to do it. Skins by 3.
Graham : Game of the Week. Irresistible Force vs Immovable Object. I just favour the Skins. WR 3.
SPLATT : Washington by 6.
Richard : Viking by 3.

CB (2-0, W6) @ PE (2-0, W2) Last time : wk 9, 2003 (7 - 23)
Gerald : The Bears had a great day on both sides of the ball last week and will need to reproduce that kind of form if they're to have any kind of a chance against the Eagles. Jon will have been happy with the result, though probably a little concerned that his QB had a poor day. This is a repeat of last seasons Championship Game. Who will haven't learnt more? Eagles by 3.
Graham : A repeat of last year's Championship Game. Eagles offence had better improve on last week. I think they will. PE 6.
SPLATT : Philadelphia by 4.
Richard : Eagles by 7.

AF (1-1, W1) @ DC (0-2, L2) Last time : wk 3, 2003 (16 - 31)
Gerald : Last season the Boyz ran rampant against a Falcons team that was still trying to find itself. This season, they have found themselves. Falcons by 13.
Graham : It's been a tough start for the Boys. They have a shot here but the Falcons have gained a little bit of steel. Could be very close. AF 1.
SPLATT : Atlanta by 2.
Richard : Falcons by 4.

NS (0-2, L2) @ AC (0-2, L15) Last time : wk 3, 2003 (24 - 30 OT)
Gerald : Both teams need the win to kick start their seasons. The Saints tried to surprise the Rams last week and failed quite spectacularly (hate to think what the score who have been had the Saints not Played Up?). The Cards seem to have an offence, but just can seem to convert yardage into points. The Saints should really win, but I'm tempted to go for the Cards to break that loosing streak of theirs. Cards by 2.
Graham : Saints surprisingly poor last week, while Cards were unexpectedly tough. That makes this harder to predict, but I still think the Saints ought to come out on top. NS 3.
SPLATT : New Orleans by 10.
Richard : Saints by 1.

SF (1-1, L1) @ DL (0-2, L3) Last time : wk 11, 2003 (14 - 17)
Gerald : Touch one to call as both teams could easily win the game. But they could also quite foreseeable throw it away. I'll go with the Lions to break their duck. Lions by 3.
Graham : The Curse of the Lions is still that offence. Vikes and Bears could feasibly lose this week so a win keeps Detroit in the hunt. And they need it really badly. DL 1.
SPLATT : San Francisco by 1.
Richard : Lions by 4.

SR (2-0, W20) @ TB (0-2, L3) Last time : wk 7, 2003 (31 - 10)
Gerald : After last weeks win against a team playing up, the Rams are looking once again one of the teams to beat in the NFC. Which doesn't really look good for the Buccs, who are trying to get their season started. I don't think it will be that one-sided, but I just can't see the Rams loosing. Rams by 10.
Graham : I guess we'll be expected to win this by a lot. We've been pretty ruthless (and a little bit more conservative) so far this season. Hopefully it'll be more of the same.
SPLATT : St Louis by 19.
Richard : Rams by 10.

by Graham Canwell (Week 2)

	Offence	Tennessee	Even more monstrous than the Pats last week, and against the same team (the Bengals, whose D could probably do with a lie down). Like the Pats had an extra quarter, but 39 first downs, 206 rush yards, 308 pass yards (can anyone remember any other 200+ rush, 300+ pass performances?) is a magnificent effort. Browns (as usual) and Broncos were great too, and the Fish again managed a ton of yards in vain.
	Defence	NY Jets	Brought the Pats crashing back down to earth after their week 1 exploits. It was generally another good week for offences, so this was the best defensive effort by some way. Seems a bit of role reversal in the AFC this week since the Jets are normally better known for offence and the Titans for defence
	Coach	Purrington (NY)	Haven't noticed the Jets featuring much in anyone's predicted honours but they have made a terrific start and look to have rustled up a much better D than last year. Neil Henderson's efforts with perennial losers Oakland are worthy of mention too.
	Offence	Washington	Nowhere near as much offence in the NFC, which seems to be rather more defensive than the AFC. The Redskins got their ground game pounding out the yards again this week and hit the magic 30 first down mark. Vikings put in another impressive performance and almost won the award for the second week running.
	Defence	Chicago	Had a bit of a field day against the (admittedly dodgy) offence of the Lions. Needed it too, as their own offence was put under a fair bit of pressure. Elsewhere, the Cards D struggled heroically to keep them in contention against the heavily-favoured Eagles while the Rams defensive unit gave the Saints UP playing offence a torrid time in St. Louis
	Coach	Meskill (AF)	Won a crucial divisional matchup with the Niners and look well poised to make an overdue run at the playoffs. Most games this week went to the favoured teams, who generally went about their business with unspectacular professional efficiency. More sparks may well fly next week.
	The Diddley	Buffalo	Among his many talents, Richard now proves he can Diddle too. Hugely outgained by the Fish, and only managed to win the turnover battle by one. Also considered the Eagles for this, who managed the unexpected feat of being comfortably outgained in yardage at home by the Cards.

Gerald to Julian : Should be an interesting game this week? Just hope I can find my defence from last season, otherwise I fear the worst.

Gerald to Paul G : Looks like you're going to start hating overtime games a lot, unless you can win a few?

Gerald to Martin : Don't worry about Playing-Up and getting tanked. In the past I have used it in the regular season and I don't recall it ever working for me. In most cases I was like you, on the wrong end of a tanking.

Graham to Gerald : You don't look much like the Ravens his year (although the offence is heading in the right direction!).

Graham to AFC : I thought this was supposed to be a defensive league. I think you guys belong somewhere else.

Graham to Jon : Yes, Chris is still in form. I just a shade worried he'll get more distracted as the season goes on and our so-far overachieving D gets worse . . .

Pat to Coach Horne : Good job. Perhaps a bit too good.

Pat to SPLATT, Gerald, Graham and Richard : All correct, but the gold star goes to Graham, and even he underestimated!

Pat to Graham : I don't fancy anything at the moment - let alone a schedule.

Pat to All other heavy losers : Write in and keep me company.

Brucey to All : Still packing the NFLAB website with more and more stuff.

Brucey to Julian : You may have noticed I added your team to the intro. Shame there's no half-decent logo.

Brucey to Pat : Need to sort out yer maths. SPLATT appears to be doing rather well this year.

Brucey to SPLATT : Maybe if you predicted my own game as a win, I may have a chance.

Brucey to Paul S : Go Skins !!!

Coaching Profile
Name	Dave Jones
Age	45
Marital Status	Married to Laura, 2nd anniversary just gone.
Lives	Contentedly in Sheffield
Fav NFL Team	Buccs.
Other Sports	Ice Hockey (a regular at Sheffield Steelers home games) My wife introduced me to the sport. Armchair spectator of Rugby Union, Golf (highlights), F1, other motor sports sometimes.
Music	I used to be in to heavy metal, Kiss, Rainbow, Aerosmith, The Tubes, but not so much these days. Anything else really as long as I can make sense of the words and the tunes catchy.
Interests	Ice Hockey (see above), reading, crosswords, catching up with friends and my newest acquisition - a playstation (not a PS2 though). I've coached the Buccs to 7 straight Superbowl victories, your dreams can come true. O.K so it's not real and it is on the easy level, but who cares, it's just a bit of harmless fun.
Dislikes	At the moment, the people running (did I say running?) the Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL). There is a dispute about which league, last seasons Steelers team will play in after the cockups made by the ISL. They think the paying public only want to see an ISL team called the Sheffield Steelers and would be prepared to travel to Nottingham to see them. Nottingham are our bitter enemies (I must add that animosity is confined to game time) and they expect Sheffield fans to watch a Sheffield team play out of the Nottingham Arena. Are they completely off their heads!. I hope we are successful in having a team play in the lower league, at the Sheffield Arena and can stick two fingers up to the ISL. Ouch!......I just fell off my soapbox. And finally - Big Brother (Big turn off), Survivor (How did this get on TV) Castaway (They should have left the series on the desert island)

Steelers

by Pat Ratcliffe

At the training ground, Tuesday morning, on the first get-together after Black Sunday, one of the players was overheard to say something along the lines that Mickey Mouse might be a better coach than the incumbent. The question is whether that was based on long-term opinions or just on the aftermath of a severe thrashing at the hands on the Browns and Master-in-Charge. At the end of the first 1/4 the Pitt coaching team were relatively happy, score level and the game proceeding as planned. But the change of direction brought dropped passes, the return of the porous defence and only 14 yards on offence - the only good thing being a 56 yard KO return. 12 points down at the 1/2. Still chances to exit with honour. After the break it was go to the ground - because we weren't allowed to go to the air - and even then we fumbled the snap twice - some big brown bullies' bad breath bellowing at the delicate inexperienced QB! And then it got worse! Only one 1st down allowed by the Browns until they were 40 points up, and not one positive passing yard in the entire second half. (Secretly, we expected to lose, but this was something different.) If it had been in the ring, it would have been stopped. If it had been in court, the accused would have changed his plea to guilty to avoid further humiliation We could go quiet, and hide and even ask for a transfer, but Week 14 approaches too damn soon for my liking, and that's when I want to be ready. A 2 - 14 season will do me, if the 2 are in Week 9 and 14 - that's assuming I don't get sacked in the meantime. Hi there Seahawks! Be gentle on us. We're bruised and battered, but not bowed.

Steelers

NEWS FLASH

The Front Office of the bedraggled Steelers, have issued the following statement. "Head Coach Ratcliffe has been sent to a Coaching Clinic in the south of France with immediate effect. He will be absent from the sideline for the next three matches, and should return in charge for the road trip to the Deep South, New Orleans clash in Week 6. This departure is in no way connected with the Week 2 defeat (thrashing) of the team, at the hands of Coach Horne. The owner has the utmost confidence in the ability of the Coach, and is convinced that a turnaround is imminent." Someone was heard to quip that Coach Ratcliffe was going away to learn HOW to coach, and that the turnaround would be a future announcement of his sacking if he didn't get things right soon. A wag replied that the results of the team could only improve in Coach Ratcliffe's absence.

NFL on SKY

Not sure how many of you know about SKY's plans for this coming season of NFL? If you read First Down, then I'm sure you know all about it. As their letters pages have been full of complaints for the past couple of weeks.
SKY has made the decision to move all American Football coverage to their DIGITAL ONLY channel, Sky Sports Extra. This means that millions of viewers on cable and ITV Digital will no longer be able to watch American Football. At present ITV refuses to put ITV and ITV Sport on the Sky digital package. Which means they will never get the full channel package in return from SKY, which means no American Football for us. So until SKY moves NFL coverage off SKY Sports Extra, or they supply SKY Sports Extra to the cable companies, most of us will miss the coming season.
There is a petition that a number of people (me included) have signed to try and convince SKY to move their coverage back to SKY Sports 1, 2 or 3. If you are interested have a look at,

www.nflpetition.cjb.net

In this weeks (probably last weeks when you read this) First Down the Managing Director of NFL Europe has responded to the Sky Sports Extra fiasco. Here is some of what he had to say:
'We are doing all we can to ensure that the NFL is seen by the widest possible audience and that is the case in the upcoming season.....we are currently discussing with Sky their plans for the season and expect more information in the near future'.
When more details come to light I'd let you all know.

The above was put together from an article by Dave Marsdin (from his web site endzone1) and comments made by Andrew Briggs on the Yahoo! Discussion List
If you haven't done so already have a look at the following sites.

uk.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/gameplan

www.endzone1.co.uk

And lastly there is our own web site, maintained by Brucey and has so much stuff on NFLAB, it could fill a couple of newsletters (now that's a thought?) and can be found at,

brucey.net/nflab/