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| Thanks Commish. So as the Commish said, the past means nothing. It's all about the future. So let's break down the ROFF Bowl VII rosters (based on rosters posted Tuesday morning): QB: Born has the clear advantage at QB. Arizona tends to favor the pass over the run. But AZ has been vulnerable of late and against the resurgent NE D, Warner could find it harder to get it to Fitz and Boldin. Not that Delhomme will fare any better against the Giants D. And since Rich has the Giants D on his team, any mistakes Jake makes counts twice as bad for Nomads... RB: Last year we added "receiver stats" to this chart because Deay's Horses had Westbrook on the team. This year it wasn't needed as none of these backs play much of a role in the passing game. It's tough to pick a team that is dominate in this. If Jackson can get it going against SF, then Nomads will clearly have the advantage. But Williams is Born's bread and butter - the only problem is the VERY tough Giants D... and if Williams break through, it'll hurt Rich's defense points - a bad catch .22. Overall I like Nomads here, especially when you consider Frank Gore is one good practice away from becoming Navid's starter. WR: Pretty evenly matched, with a lot of strength in the two and a weak third. Nomads' Moore will clearly benefit from Reggie Bush's absence. Overall I think this is a straight up tie - each has a big playmaker on his team. The question is who will step up this weekend? TE: Tony G. Need I say more? With absolutely no one doing anything on the Chiefs these days, it's all on TG to make things happen. And he is. K: Ah kickers – the ultimate game changers. Sure Nomad's Hartley has better numbers percentage wise, but the Bears that go to Gould more often. Hartley should be good for some extra points this weekend, but look for Robbie to make an impact on this game with field goals, especially playing Green Bay. DEF: I was surprised at this chart. I knew the Phins were good, but I didn't realize they were so closely matched with the Giants. Clearly I live in a New York centric town. While I have this as tie's straight down, I like Nomads in the category if only for them playing the Chiefs who are more prone to coughing up the ball. Plus the Dolphins are playing for the AFC East Championship while the Giants seem to be coasting into the playoffs. So there you have it – another tough ROFF Bowl to call. As in years past, let's look at what would have happened if they played each other EVERY week this year: Looks like Nomads would have won six and Born seven, including the last three. Whoa -That’s pretty evenly matched. Historically I don’t make predictions on the Championship games. I don’t want it to seem like I am playing favorites. But it's another matchup of two people I respect and adore. I love that these two are going head-to-head because it'll be such a great story no matter who wins. I’m not making a prediction again, but I will say this: I’m going to enjoy watching my stat tracker this weekend! That’s all I got for this, Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Good luck to Rich and Navid. You both deserve to be there and should be proud of your amazing seasons. May the best team win. |
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