This entry may take a long time for two reasons: 1)there's a lot of useless information & 2)I have a horrible stomach ache, which I've had pretty much all nite. Anyway, if anyone may remember, I created a team in NFL 2004 called the NJ Vandals. There was this whole expansion draft where I drafted crappy players, etc. Anyway, I finally finished my season and did it in a good way. I won the friggin' super bowl! You probably don't care, but I have always been a fan of good video games, and this game in particular was actually enjoyable, even though I almost lost a few times. Anyway, I'm going to give you the summary of the big game and some stats because I've always been a stat person(hey, it's one of my jobs).

Philly(13-3) vs. NJ(9-7) in the Super Bowl.

1st Quarter-I win toss and receive ball. I get a couple of nice runs and pass plays going and dig into Philly territory. My QB(Jeff Blake) throws an int at the 20. Oh no! Bad way to swing momentum. Eagles get ball and drive right downfield, capped off by a Duce Staley 33 yd TD run(7-0 Phi).

2nd Quarter-I had gotten the ball back after the Eagles drive and began driving before the end of the 1st. I'm running well and passing well again, and find Jake Reed for a 17 yd strike(7-7). Eagles get ball back and go right thru my defense. Thrash with a 4 yd rec(14-7 Phi). I get ball back with 2:00 left. Another good drive with variety and punch it in with a Dee Brown 8 yd run(14-14).

3rd Quarter-Eagles drive again right thru my defense, but I recovered a fumble and controlled much of the clock in the 3rd, before scoring on a Brian Westbrook 1 yd run(21-14 NJ).

4th Quarter-Unfortunately, after scoring in the 3rd, I had to kickoff. Eagles drive thru me again and score with lots of time remaining.(roughly 3 minutes). With the game tied, I try to be conservative at first, but suddenly could not run. I tried to pass and they sacked me. I go for it on 4th because they would probably score on me anyway. Pass dropped. Turnover. Back to Philly. They fumble. I get the ball and can't move again. Eagles get ball on downs and kneel with :02 left in regulation, tied at 21.

OT-Eagles win toss and receive. I think it's over. They drive as usual thru my defense and get to about my 35. On 3rd down, they pass, but I pick it off! Woo! I feel the momentum and begin running them down. I punch it in with Westbrook from the 6 and win 27-21 in OT! Damn good game for a video game.

Blake 14-28 223 yds 1TD/1INT
Dee Brown 11 rush 79 yds TD
Lamont Warren 11 rush 68 yds
Westbrook 7 rush 26 yds 2TD
Freddie Mitchell 7 rec 114 yds
Reed 3 rec 52 yds TD
Pete Mitchell 3 rec 51 yds


So I had an enjoyable experience with an expansion team. Pretty realistic because the players I got were woeful. I traded for a QB early in the season, and created a safety because I needed someone who could tackle one on one. I ended up winning my last 4 games to win my division, the only way I could have made the playoffs. Despite lots of swearing and anxiety, I was glad it was challenging, and surprised I was able to find my defense in the playoffs. Here's some of my final stats:

Blake 159-277 2,482 yds 18TD/8INT 96.9 Rating
Warren 143 rush 1,014 yds 14TD
Westbrook 159 rush 984 yds 13 TD
Brown 47 rush 265 yds 7TD
F. Mitchell 91 rec 1,430 yds 12TD
Reed 33 rec 657 yds 6TD
P. Mitchell 33 rec 432 yds 3 TD
Houshmandzadeh 20 rec 327 yds
Damon Moore 84 tckls 3 INT
Lenoy Jones 42 tckls 3 sacks INT
Darrien Gordon 36 tckls 3 INT

Sorry if you read this, but I forewarned you about the length and subject. Anyway, my stomach still hurts in waves. I'm gonna go to bed soon and hopefully feel better. PS-Kev I tried your link and it didn't work for me. Den I owe you a phone call. Sorry I missed your call the other day.