Week Six Oct. 12-13

Last Week 1-1 -.2 stars Season: 10-4 Plus 14.7 Stars

TB - 3 vs. Wsh.

Bucs are 2-2 with both losses coming in unbelievable fashion, one in the opener vs. Carolina after having the winning extra point blocked on the last play of regulation, and Mon. nite last, when their defense took a nap vs. Indy, allowing three Tds in the last four minutes of play. These events might serve to weaken a team with less resolve, but I think they will make TB even stronger in this match. Alstott is on IR, but Jameel Cook is a capable backup, being a good blocker and receiver if nowhere near the RB Alstott is. There are several other less severe injuries on offense, but I don't think it will matter. I really look for Sapp and Rice to step up here and make life miserable for Mr. Ramsey. TB pass rush cannot be slowed by the likes of Trung Canidate and Ladell Betts. Brad Johnson is a smart, patient QB and will avoid mistakes and wait for his D to get him the ball. The turnover battle and the game go to the Bucs. Two stars on TB

Car +5 vs. Ind

Although it is a little early in the season to play psychological factors, last week's Mon. nite miracle vs. TB has got to take something out of the Colts, both physically and emotionally. The problem with playing Indy is not to let the score get away early so as to force you into a permanent passing game. Car. RB Stephen Davis is about the toughest thing in the conference right now and has had a week off. Despite Indy's win at TB, the Bucs were able to put together several long, sustained drives and had some six minutes of PT over the Colts. I look for the Panthers to try and do the same. Delhomme vs. Manning is not a matchup favoring the Panthers, but that's why the extra two pts. on the spread This should be a close one and I like the points. Two stars on the Panthers

Bal-6 vs. Arz.

After a first game loss to Pbg., in which rookie QB Boller threw the ball 43 times with 19 incomps.,(An almost guaranteed loss in the NFL) the Ravens have pounded their last three opponents into submission with a relentless defense and monster RB Jamal Lewis. One of these pounded opps. (KC) actually walked off the field a 17-10 winner thanks to a 73 yd. kickoff return and a mental breakdown by Bal. HC Billick who refused to let Lewis finish the Chiefs off, but the KC squad was pounded (202 yds.rushing by Lewis & Co.) just the same. The Ravens have piled up 697 yds. rushing in these three games while allowing only three Tds on defense.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are off to their traditional 1-4 start. Despite a victory over GB at home in week three, they are unable to move the ball consistently on the ground or through the air, their last two games producing a little over 300 yds of total offense and 20 pts.
A rookie QB is always a liability, but the Cardinal defense is an even greater one. They have three sacks on the year and two ints. while giving up over 30 ppg. Their ground defense has faced some very good Rbs and has been decent, but I don't see it stopping Jamal Lewis. Three stars on the Ravens

Mia-3 vs. Jax

This game is a replica of the TB vs. Wsh game, an inexperienced QB at home vs.a team featuring a good, experienced defense coupled with an offense that likes to run the football. After losing the opener to Houston as a big favorite, the Dolphins have been very sound. Miami has allowed 10 pts. in each of the last three games, winning all three. Offensively, they rely on an excellent ground game (avg. 39 carries for 155 yds.the last three games) featuring Ricky Williams to soften up defenses for whatever passing attack Jay Fiedler and Co. can muster up. They take pretty good care of the football (five t/os in the last three games) and throw sparingly, allowing only two ints in that span and throwing a total of nineteen incomps. Jax is average minus on defense, allowing 26 ppg, .and should provide Miami enough opportunities to cover.
Jax is not without some firepower and Byron Leftwich should have a nice NFL career, but I am betting that his life is going to be miserable Sun. when Jason and Zach and a fine Miami secondary get through with him. Two stars on the Fins

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McAfee