The Tom Landry Hat Goes to.....

I was tempted not to award the Tom Landry Hat to anyone this week. I think the fact that Kenny Britt wasn't even sitting on any of our benches makes all of us somewhat culpable on poor management fronts this week. Others simply mailed/vomited it in (John). But then last night happened, and Bilbo pushed all his Baggins to the middle of the table. I felt pretty good about a 38 point lead and Everett only having Green Bay's D and Eli left. I mean the Giants and Packers faced the two pre-eminent "Backs Against the Wall" teams, so you knew those matchups would be tough. Nay, nay, gentlemen. Everett got a dynamite performance from Eli, leading him to a 114-113 win. Yes, he Milton Berled my Milton Berles. He also reanimated the corpse of Dwayne Bowe, getting a solid 20 out of him. Everett played the slow roll to perfection, essentially giving Chris Johnson a bye (a mere 6 points from CJ...18 below his projection). I was all excited about Michael Turner starting a new era, but I was a fool. The Tom Landry Hat is yours, Everett. Wear it well.

In lesser news, I got a great performance from the Washington Defense. Some of you may think that it was just another example of my tremendous foresight. I must admit to you, however, that I was excited when I awoke last Wednesday, and scurried down the stairs to pick up Denver's D to play against the hapless Raiders. I was all upset when I saw that Steve beat me to the punch, so I settled on Washington, hoping that maybe Cutler could keep sucking a little bit longer. Steve got negative points from Denver and I got 26 from the Skins. Even former champions like myself know that it's always better to be lucky than good.

Booms and Busts

Although the season is barely half over, I think it would be interesting to take a look at some excellent value obtained in the draft and on the waiver wire.  The busts have really not had a super large effect, and all, save Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley, still have a chance of redemption.  I can't classify anyone a bust that was drafted later than the first 50 picks. Without further ado:

The Busts (in draft order):

Ryan Mathews (31 pts)
Maurice Jones-Drew (58 pts)
DeAngelo Williams (39 pts) 'bye'
Ryant Grant (4 pts) 
Shonn Greene (35 pts)
Randy Moss (48 pts)
Michael Turner (58 pts)
Marques Colston (31 pts)
Beanie Wells (11 pts) 'bye'
Pierre Thomas (32 pts)
Larry Fitzgerald (40 pts) 'bye'
Ronnie Brown (36 pts) 'bye'
Jonathan Stewart (27 pts) 'bye'
Knowshon Moreno (31 pts)
Jermichael Finley (38 pts)
Steve Smith/CAR (28 pts) 'bye'
Clinton Portis (33 pts)
Steve Smith/NYG (43 pts)
C.J. Spiller (21 pts) 'bye'


Keep in mind that some of these guys have played one less game than others as indicated by 'bye'. I have factored this in for both lists seen here.


Amazing Value (by points scored):
Philip Rivers (139 pts/5th rd)
Peyton Manning (139 pts/3rd rd)
Arian Foster (130 pts/4th rd)
Kyle Orton (126 pts/undrafted)
Tony Romo (112 pts/4th rd) 'bye'
Matt Forte (97 pts/5th rd)
LeSean McCoy (94 pts/5th rd)
Antonio Gates (92 pts/5th rd)
Brandon Lloyd (92 pts/undrafted)
Austin Collie (91 pts/undrafted)
LaDanian Tomlinson (87 pts/8th rd)
Rashard Mendenhall (83 pts/3rd rd) 'bye'
Peyton Hillis (82 pts/undrafted)
Jeremy Maclin (80 pts/6th rd)
Hakeem Nicks (79 pts/8th rd)
Ahmad Bradshaw (78 pts/8th rd)
Pittsburgh D (75 pts/15th rd) 'bye'
Terrell Owens (70 pts/9th rd)
Darren McFadden (67 pts/8th rd)

As reference, I will list the player projected pre-draft to be the number one player at that position:
RB: Chris Johnson (108 pts/1st rd)
WR: Andre Johnson (65 pts/1st rd)
QB: Aaron Rodgers (124 pts/2nd rd)
TE: Antonio Gates (92 pts/5th rd)
DEF: NY Jets (57/8th rd) [Note: 49ers were project #1 by Yahoo (38 pts\11th rd) 

Aha! Now I see my problem. I have one player on the good list and three on the bad one.  At least Jason has to answer for Turner from now on.  I'm sure he'll be the highest scoring RB over the last half of the season now.

Premier of the Tom Landry Hat Award

If I have time, I’ll endeavor to make this a weekly post whether you guys like it or not. I thought it would be fun to recognize a manager of the week by awarding him the ceremonial Tom Landry Hat. The award system is completely subjective and susceptible to political pressure, just like the Oscars. Without further ado, our first winner is Ben.

Sure the old rule of thumb is to start anyone you have who is going against the Lions, but Ben had to trust that Brandon Jacobs could avoid being a buffoon, not get hurt, and actually touch the ball enough to make an impact. He went to Bradshaw and Jacobs as a tandem against Detroit, and those two delivered a combined 31 points.

Ben also had to sit Larry Fitzgerald, something he surely wasn’t excited about doing, and started Mike Wallace, who delivered another solid performance with 15 points. Taylor gets a tip of the cap for finalizing a trade that let him keep Ray Rice for one more week and he made a great choice by starting Tennessee’s Defense, which netted 17 points. Nonetheless, this week’s Tom Landry hat goes to Ben. Enjoy.

The Blockbuster

If any of you have checked your emails lately, you have surely seen the blockbuster trade just agreed to by Steve and myself. (Someone send Tyler a text so he knows about it) Let me tell you all something about an eight player trade: it gets you hard (booooooing!). I'm so turned on right now I can barely type this sentence, or blink for that matter. Although I'm enjoying this high, all I can think about is the next score. I want a three-team trade. I want a two-team trade that involves draft rights for next year. Let me calm down.

In total, eight players will be changing teams. White Death has traded Ray "I hardly knew ya" Rice, Steve Smith (NY), Cadillac "Glass Knees" Williams, and Kevin Walter to Tehom in exchange for Peyton Hillis, Brandon Lloyd, Joseph Addai, and Steve Smith (Car), who will get nicknames, security clearance, and a White Death cheerleader upon passing their physicals.

In parting, let me say this to Ray Rice:

Ray, we love you. You are a great player who did nothing but represent this dynasty franchise with the class, grace, and style of a Jackie Onassis. We were forced to make a decision for the immediacy of this season, and unfortunately you were the cost. It is always difficult to look a person in the eye and tell them you will no longer win a championship this season, but Ray, you will no longer win a championship this season. However, we hope in the future we have the opportunity to work with you again. You will be missed.

-White Death

The Milton Berle Method

Hollywood legend Milton Berle was allegedly somewhat notorious for his prominent male member. A popular tale told within elite circles of society is that once, while at a party, a young upstart approached Berle. He explained that he’d heard of Berle’s well-endowment, but that he doubted that Berle could measure up to him. Berle accepted the challenge and each man unzipped his pants and revealed themselves to witnesses. Berle won, but it was close. One of Berle’s friends pointed out that very little separated the two competitors. Berle retorted, “I only pulled out enough to win.”

After two victories with the second lowest point totals during the week, I am affectionately nicknaming my squad the "Milton Berles." I’m not formally changing the name—you don’t do that when you’re miraculously 4-1. You just appreciate what’s happening and hope that all your good luck isn’t wasted on the first month of the season. All that said, I feel like the Double Rainbows are just about due for a week where we score 130…and lose.

Brett Favre does not have a pretty cock.

That is all.

Congrats to Our Beloved Commish

I would just like to take this post to congratulate Tyler on his 8-point (and maybe more) victory against the Cream Team this afternoon. I was hoping deep down that Rivers and the Chargers D would be able to revive my chances, or that the Titans would let Rob Bironas attempt 60-yard FGs rather than punting for the hell of it...but it was not to be.

That being said, I think we can all admit that Tyler earned this victory. He has had some bad luck in the past with some close losses, but his team showed its capability this week. Tyler, I will be the first to wish you the best of luck and never forget what victory tastes like. Remember this moment and build on it.

Just so everyone knows, let me reiterate...I DID NOT LOSE THIS MATCHUP...Tyler's team just overachieved a little more than mine. But seriously, great job Tyler.

First Post

The blog has been slow lately, so I decided to post my first post (which sounds like a double negative).

Discuss..

Hello, Seattle

Although there were more enticing places for Beast Mode to land, we here at Killing Horizon are happy to announce that the Seattle Seahawks have acquired Mr. Lynch's services.
Didn't Tyler just trade two players to get Forsett?  The fantasy gods have struck our friend again.

Finally, the second championship

Over the past two years it has become customary for the champion to accept his championship through a formal statement on this blog. That is exactly what I intend to do now.

First, I'm deeply humbled to stand before you as league champion. If I told you I didn't think I would be back on top, I'd be lying. So I'm not going to tell you that. The truth is - I always knew I would be back on top. Because I'm cream. Creamier than Brandon.

This was a fantastic season, and it wouldn't have been possible without all of you, my children. It was your passion, grit, and determination that I will remember the most from this season. And the large trophy.

Finally, I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs, who knocked six of you out of the game in week one. I would also like to thank Tyler for failing to make a pick in week three and forfeiting a chance at the championship. This large, proud trophy would mean little to me if it were not won in your presence. Until next year,

Taylor (Gentlemen's Game Survivor League Champion!!!!!!!!!)