NJ Hollywood League: Down to the Final Four

NJ Hollywood League: Down to the Final Four

By Sam Spiegelman

First-Round Matchups Result in Blowouts

            I guess no one in the NJ Hollywood League has seen Cinderella before, as all four contests resulted in double-digit losses, all by 30 points or more. The game results set up contests between division foes 7.0 and The Situation, Blade Runners and The Mudmonkies in the Final Four.

            Led by Tom Brady and a three-touchdown afternoon from Michael “The Burner” Turner, The Situation embarrassed Baba Booey 131-67. While The Situation was clicking for a league-high scoring total, Baby Booey had just two players double in double-figures, putting forth a less than spectacular effort.

            It was a similar result in the 7.0-Beerlympians clash, when 7.0 was able to overcome Aaron Rodgers’ injury with a well-rounded approach that was more than enough to top the 67 Beerlympians’ total. Aside from Peyton Manning and Ray Rice, the team’s skill players combined for just 11 points.

            The clash between Captain No Nads and The Mudmonkies was the closest game on the week, but the Mudmonkies still won by a comfortable 33-point margin. The big three of Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Knowshon Moreno nearly matched Captain No Nads combined total.

            In the final showdown, Blade Runners skated away from Shoelace with another dominant performance by Michael Vick. The Philly quarterback’s 25 points was the highest total in the matchup, and enough to be the difference between Shoelace’s big three of Eli Manning, Chris Johnson and Ahmad Bradshaw.

Preview: 7.0 vs. The Situation

            The second-round showdown between 7.0 and The Situation will be a re-match between Black Division rivals. Both teams were 9-5 on the season, but now only one can set their calendars for a Super Bowl appearance.

            7.0 will look to Josh Freeman for a spot-start, and he gets the opportunity to tackle the Detroit Lions at home. The Bucs are of course in must-win mode as they vie for the postseason, and Freeman is an intricate part of that push. He should be great on Sunday.

            Other great matchups in Steven Jackson against Kansas City, The Daily Show versus the Cards and big-play wide-out DeSean Jackson facing the G-Men. Deion Branch may be slowed down against Charles Woodson, but that likely can be made up if Hakeem “The Dream” can re-discover his swag against Philly.

            For The Situation, it comes down to Tom Terrific, Arian Foster and Michael “The Burner” Turner, who are all on hot streaks coming into Week 15. It does not hurt that Jason Witten has developed a strong chemistry with Jon Kitna, and Malcolm Floyd has emerged as Philip Rivers’ favorite target.

            My prediction: The big three for The Situation is an intriguing pick, the plethora of favorable matchups spread up and down 7.0’s lineup is too strong to overlook. Freeman is a great start, while the running backs and D-Jax should be dominant on the week. It looks as if there’s a situation for The Situation.

Preview: Blade Runners vs. The Mudmonkies

            The Red Division rivalry between Blade Runners and The Mudmonkies will be reignited this week, this time with a championship game berth on the line.

            The Blade Runners, at 8-6, will look to matchup-proof Michael Vick in a critical NFC East clash against the second-place G-Men, a game his team needs to win if they are to lock up a division crown. The G-Men pass rush is a boom-or-bust against Vick, as it could be his toughest challenge. So far, however, no one seems to slow down the Philly quarterback.

            I am also digging a rebound game for Jamaal Charles against the Rams, and LeGarrette Blount at home facing the Lions. Wide receiving-wise, Stone Cold Miles Austin should face the bottom-dwelling Skins defense. I am, however, less confident in Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski, as I am inclined to believe the Pats will use a ground attack Sunday night.

            For favored Mudmonkies, it will come down to the Drew Brees to Marques Colston connection against the Ravens, who last week got torn apart by Matt Schaub. I am also big on the late-season surge of Knowshon Moreno, and as I stated earlier, the Pats utilizing The Law Firm against the Pack. I am also pretty confident T.O. and Cedric Benson could snare scores against the Browns at home.

            My prediction: The Mudmonkies move on, earning their spot in the NJ Hollywood League championship game. So many superstars in the lineup will shine this weekend, and I am not sure Vick can produce enough to keep pace with the Saints’ quarterback and top wide-out.