Week 13: Match-ups - Thanksgiving edition

An early match-ups post this week, for two reasons:

1. This week is Thanksgiving and as is traditional there are three games on Thanksgiving, which is Thursday in the US, and Friday locally. There is the traditional Thursday night game, but Thanksgiving has games all day, so the first game will start around 5am Friday morning. So make sure you check your line-ups today in preparation for tomorrows games.
2. Ordinarily I write the match-ups on Friday morning before the game. This week I will be at home watching the Thanksgiving games and celebrating Thanksgiving**: Watching > Writing.

Doof (92) v Breesus (104)

This week Breesus will try to steal my thunder and glory and take home The Gardener, and get a game up. I welcome the challenge, may the best team win.*

Farnsworths (98) v Zim (110)

Both teams are fairly evenly matched on paper, but both are quite reliant on their quarterback to put in a good effort. Too bad this match-up wasn't last week when the QBs faced off.

Endless (79) v Maidens (67)

After last weeks total destruction the Maiden's will need to make a couple of line-up changes to have a chance against Endless. Without that, Endless will end her 5 game losing streak.

Lighties (104) v Agent P [and Good Luck Duck] (105)

Look at that projection! Only 1 point separates these two heavy weights, both battling for a spot in the playoffs. Both even on wins-losses, a win here should seal a play-off berth, a loss... who knows?

The General (97) v Wooli (75)

Showing off his shiny hardware last week The General stamped his intention on this League: only a Superbowl trophy will suffice. Wooli can upset those plans with some minor alterations, but its hard coming up against the military industrial state. Just ask the Maidens. Just dont mention Alderaan.

*Oh mighty Fantasy Gods, see my humbleness towards my opponent this week and let me crush his worthless team beneath my awesome Playoffs-inator, for thou abhors arrogance and misdeeds, and honours the considerate. Remember, Old Ones, when Breesus King of Drews exalted himself above all other by winning 8 straight games and not losing to me last time - such conceit! 
**Thanking the Old Ones for my amazing, totally humble victory over Breesus

The light, it burns.

High on the now rare fumes of victory, Agent P clutches his good luck duck in preparation for another epic battle against the lighties.

Week 12: Wash-up

Photo of Doof looking at the scores Wednesday morning

I'm not going to confirm or deny how I spent the weekend watching my matchup against my nemesis, the evil Farnsworth's of Evil County where they only manufacture evil anti-Playinator products thats only objective is to destroy my innocent hopes and dreams [of taking over the entire tri-state area].

I'm not really going to comment on what I had planned if I lost. I'm not going to talk about the maniacal laughing and padded cell.

Because that would be unbecoming. Ahh screw it:

Farnsworth, Wednesday morning
after all that scheming failed

SUCK IT FARNSWORTHS!!!! YEAH!!! I WIN!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA









Zim's Doomydooms pulled off a good win against the Lighties, this time her QBs were on her side and either would have been good starters. The Lighties precious Bears Defense, so strong in 2012, continue their descent to sub-mediocrity, posting -2 points.

Breesus returned to his winning ways against a severely depleted Endless. Endless defense made the score look closer than it was, Endless posted four donuts. Not that Breesus did amazingly better, with 5 players posting 11 points between them. Breesus ran away thanks for Moreno running rampant against the Patriots on Sunday Night.

Maidens home field: RIP

In the most lopsided game of the year The General decided to take his new Death Star for a spin and destroyed the Maidens' home field on Alderaan. And also all of Alderaan. And the Maidens.

Finally, Agent P started strongly against Wooli and never looked like losing the game.

The NFL continued to have some amazing games, possibly none more in Week 12 than the Broncos at Patriots. The Patriots somehow ended up 21 points down in the first quarter after some bizarre play, and were down 24-0 at half time. The wind was 20mph and the temperature something like 20oF. Brrrrr. And then in the second half the Patriots came from nowhere to end the fourth quarter at 31-31. Tom Brady was amazing and the Broncos had some terrible luck. In over time the Patriots scored a field goal, putting them 34-31 - the biggest comeback of Tom Brady's career. Amazing game.

Award Ceremony

Hypnotoad Award

Agent P scores the Hypnotoad this week, posting 125 points against Wooli.

Mission Accomplished Award

I most happily give the Mission Accomplished award to the Farnsworth's this week for leaving 40 points on the bench and (thankfully) losing to (hahahaha) the Doofs (hahahahahahahahahahahahaha).

Black Flag Award

The Black Flag is again awarded to Wooli for beating the projection, this time by 5 points!

Most Satisfying Player Award

The Most Satisfying Player award goes to Agent P for starting Josh Gordon who posted the weeks highest score.

NFL 2020 and AFL 2020 pondering

The NFL is crystal-ball gazing with what the League may look like in 2020. They have put a series of videos together highlighting different aspects of the possible futures. There are six videos so far with more on the way.

http://www.nfl.com/qs/2020/week-1.jsp

A couple of things I found interesting in the two videos I watched so far (Weeks 1 and 6):
-they are looking at expanding the experience at live games by having smaller stadiums, and including standing room for cheaper tickets, while heated seats with power connections for premium seats.
-wireless technology, hd video and more and more data is a huge consideration. Do you want to know what the heart beat of a particular player is? How about how fast they are running? Real time fantasy stats FTW!
-expanding the roles of positions from specific functions to broader functions. This seems quite contrary to the last 40 years of NFL where player positions have been heavily specialised. The trend of faster, fitter, leaner athletes is consistent, but a wide receiver-quarter back combo just seems too disjointed from the norm.
-the new stadium to be opened for the SF 49ers next year cost $1.2bn!

I wonder how some of these visions relate to our game: AFL.

The AFL has been talking about 'boutique stadiums' for a while, despite doing away with smaller stadiums in the 90s. The AFL, to me, wants this because hosting the Dees v Giants at the MCG is a lose-lose situation, financially, aesthetically (empty stands). Neither team has sufficient supporters. Throw them in a 25k capacity ground and the money looks better, the stands look better, it feels more like a suburban experience from decades ago. Maybe put in some mud-pits at full-forward too? Make it fun. Oh, sorry, the old-school AFL 'fans' (read: Age/HS/Australian reporters) dont want fun: the football itself it plenty sufficient. But is it? Is it sport or entertainment? What is entertainment in 2013? 2020? Is it sport + environment + stats + video + twitter + fantasy?

Would AFL fans like to see standing room back at the MCG? Maybe a long bar with standing room down the entire southern stand, the back filled with HD tv's showing the game, other games, stats, odds, etc? How about premium seats with USB connections?

Oops, I made a mistake in the last paragraph, you couldn't watch other games at the MCG because the AFL has taken a shotgun approach to games instead of bunching them together (Maybe they could show replays of other games). Which, as a segue, is exceptionally stupid as, I expect, most fans only care about one team, their team, and are not going to watch 8+ games over the weekend because they can/are on tv/foxtel.

Are AFL players becoming more position specialised? I would argue that they are. Just like other professional sports each position has a particular specification requirement. "You must be this tall to play at Half Forward", "You must be this much of a prima donna to play Full Forward [looking at you Jack!]". The AFL draft combine equivalents feature jumping and running tests and are becoming more 'Americanised', searching for the perfect combination of physical and emotional traits. Say goodbye to the future Dane Swan's of the world. Or maybe not. There are always the diamonds in the rough, the ones that can be taught how to behave like a human and not the beast they think they are at 17 years of age. But some just s[t]ink, no matter how hard you try (Fev).

My non-exhaustive list for the AFL for 2020*:
1) no more sponsorship, or reduced sponsorship, on players clothing - it looks stupid
2) NO sponsorship on coaches clothing - it looks REALLY stupid
3) transition from sport to entertainment
4) integrate fantasy sports and reduce gambling during broadcasts
5) move 1 or 2 teams out of Melbourne
6) retain top-8
7) mandate protective headwear at least through formal U17s with a view for introduction in the AFL by 2025/30
8) proper video review technology incorporating slow-motion and digital reconstruction
9) two more field umpires on the ground with a view for two more by 2030
10) one more goal umpire at each end
11) rule change that the ball crosses the plane of the start of line, the ball doesnt have to cross the entire line, when the ball passes out of the field of play. That is, at the goal-line, if any part of the ball breaks the vertical plane of the boundary then its a goal. Trying to determine if the entire ball crossed the line is too much.
12) player suspensions should be abolished for all but extreme penalties, the primary penalty should be monetary fines. I'm so tired of watching good players miss games for stupid on-field indiscretions. Fine them, let them play - entertain me. Don't punish me.

In summary: the game needs to transition from suburban sports game to a professional entertainment industry and put aside its regional, parochial perspective. It's taken strides in the last 10-15 years, but it is not close enough. It's not NRL, its the freakin' AFL and it should stand tall like EPL, NFL, NBA.

*Slow work day

Week 12: Match-ups

One of the biggest games of the year this week as the Denver Broncos travel to Boston to play the New England Patriots. For years Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have had probably the biggest rivalry in the NFL, two of the best QBs of all time, plenty of MVPs and Super Bowl's between them, but both staring down the end of their careers. The NFL posted an interesting comparison on the two QBs and their respective, completely different, roads to glory. A game to look forward to Sunday night/Monday night.

Closer to home:

Breesus (133) v Endlessnessism (55)

Breesus is looking to make amends for last weeks shock loss to The General and stay in the race for top spot. Endless meanwhile is three games into a losing streak and is looking to put a stop to that. Endless has three starters on bye's this week, two are immediately replaceable from the bench but she will need to grab a new WR from Free Agency.

Zim (93) v Lighties (107)

A shock loss to Woolibeans last weeks will see Zim looking for the power switch this week against the Lighties. The early projection gives the Lighties a slight edge but on paper the players look quite closely matched.

Maidens (58) v Forces (123)

A shock win for the Maidens against Agent P has put them in the winners circle, but its always hard when two starters are on byes. But the Maidens won the first time these two teams played so the confidence should be pretty high. The Forces are coming off their nuclear victory against Breesus and will be hoping for a big win to stay on top of the table.

Agent P (132) v Woolibeans (74)

A big projected gap between these two teams but as Wooli and the Maidens showed last week that does not always matter. Still, Agent P is sporting a strong lineup and should account for Wooli comfortably.

Doof (121) v Farnsworths (108)

Close on paper, the Farnsworth's have had the wood over the Doof's on the last two encounters, going back to the AFL Grand Final where Farnsworth's came from nowhere to win by less than 1% of the game score. It's clear that Doof still has not forgotten, or forgiven that game, nor the loss earlier in this season. The Doof's are out for blood, the Farnsworth's are looking to claim another heart. This will be a spiteful match-up. Which, I will point out, is entirely Farnsworth's fault!

Week 11: Wash up

The General celebrates a win at Breesus
home field.

Lookout, here comes The General and his US Forces!

It was a fairly close affair for most of the weekend but The General rallied late and walked away with the game against Breesus. None can deny it was a good struggle. But was this really necessary? Ok, you beat Breesus and ended a looong winning streak. Ok, you cut the King of the Drews down to size and take home The Gardener award. But did you need to leave a calling card like this to celebrate your victory?

Military might > Faith?

When The General swaps fireworks for nukes, I'd say so.

US Forces - now with The Gardener award.

Lynch, Johnson and RG3 led the way for a strong Lighties victory of the Farnsworth's. Manning had a quiet game, for him, and the Farnsworth's were unable to conjure up some heartbreak, despite valiant attempts by Harry Douglas and Joique Bell.

Two upsets completely upset Agent P and Zim's weekends, with the Maidens and Woolibeans posting unlikely wins.

Despite two starters not starting, Wooli saw Newton, Clay and the Bills post big scores. Unfortunately for Zim, apart from a good game from Nick Foles her starters were rather poor. Ray Rice finally got his act together and left 20 points on Zim's bench. What a jerk!

Similarly for the Maidens: Jackson, the Seahawks and Luck all posted good numbers, while Agent P was left holding on to nothing. Somewhat ironically, the Maidens two biggest scorers were both left on the bench making this game closer than it could have been.

Finally, the Doof's continued their winning ways and sent Endless to her fourth straight loss. The Bengals defense posted a whopping 25 points for Doof, while poor old Kai Forbath didn't get a chance to make a field goal for Endless, posting a big fat zero. Doof's winning streak grows to 7 and faces arch-nemesis and serial heartbreaker in Week 12.

Award Ceremony

The Gardener

Congratulations to The General's US Forces for doing every Australian proud and cutting down the tall poppy. Breesus King of the Drews won an amazing 8 straight games, and it took a lot to bring them down.

General, sir, I salute you.

But next time, stick with fireworks.

In addition to the award, The General also takes the top of the table on percentage, with Doof and Breesus sitting with equal wins.

Hypnotoad Award

Congratulations to the Illuminators for lighting the way with a stand-out 117 points. The Hypno is yours this week!

Mission Accomplished Award

Zims Doomydooms take home the Mission Accomplished award for Week 11 for leaving 58 points on the bench in a losing team.

Black Flag Award

The Black Flag is awarded to Wooli for beating the projection by 3 points!

Most Satisfying Player Award

The Most Satisfying Player Award goes to Endless for starting Lesean McCoy who topped the fantasy points in this league. McCoy was actually 4th for points, with Bobby Rainery, RB for the Buccaneers, scoring the most points. No one started Rainey as no one knows who he is. Next up come Roethlisberger and Megatron, both sitting quietly on the Maiden's bench.

Week 11: Match-ups

A big weekend in NFL as the top placed Kansas City Chiefs travel to second placed Denver Broncos for Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs won 2 games last year total, and this year sit at 9-0 (the biggest transformation in US professional sports history) and are coming off their bye week. The Broncos with Peyton Manning at QB have dropped just one game. This game was initially a 4pm start but the NFL changed it to prime time - everyone is poised, waiting for this. With the NFL's scheduling, these two teams play again only 2 weeks later. The Chiefs and Broncos are in the same Division and Divisional teams play each other twice. The NFL has started pushing divisional games into the later parts of the season to make the run to the play-offs more exciting. And it's working.

And a big weekend in VP3 Fantasy as The General faces the Saviour in a battle for top spot, Endless looks to cut Doof down to size, and the Lighties, Agent P and Zim make their run to the play offs.

Lighties (114) v Heartbreakers (119)

A close game on paper, both teams are filled with players from NFL teams looking to win big, and so have much to play for. None is bigger than the Heartbreakers QB Manning, who will need a big game to take down the Chiefs. The Lighties have a massive decision at QB spot, currently starting RGIII over Matthew Stafford. Tough call! Look, if you need some assistance I'll trade young-up-and-comer Boykin for one of them - but I'm cutting my own throat!

The General (153) v The Saviour of Mankind (112)

The General's troops will be look for the biggest scalp of all this week and are posting an intimidating projection leading into the game. But it's hard to bet against the Saviour and his QB. Another match-up full of exciting players from exciting teams.

Wooli (93) v Zim (108)

Zim is looking for a big win to take her to the playoffs while Wooli will be looking to reverse the downward trend. Zim has grown tired of carrying players and made some big calls, dropping Ray Rice and keeping Nick Foles at QB. Wooli has a pretty serious line-up and can swap a couple of non-starters to stay competitive.

Agent P (121) v Maidens (90)

Similar to the game above, Agent P sports a significant lead over the Maidens as the Maidens line-up in incomplete. Some bench-swaps and its game-on, without that the Platypus will run away with the game. Rivers, Petersen and Graham have been game killers for Agent P this season and it's hard to see that trend ceasing. I am, again, crying on the inside seeing Calvin Johnson benched for the Maidens. For the love of god, put him in your line-up, man!

Doof (151) v Endless (123)

Endless is looking to destroy Case Keenum's season this week by starting the young QB. Her RB corp is formidable with Forte and McCoy while Golden Tate was hot last week for the Seahawks. Doof's projection is ridiculous and the only certainty it provides is that I cannot possibly win the Black Flag award for beating the projection. Still, I'm reasonably happy with my line-up, provided Kaepernick at QB shows up, unlike last week. Replacing him with the traded RGIII or Stafford should provide more certainty (waiting for your email, Lighties).

Week 10: Wash-up

Week 10 is in the books, another week of stars failing and stars shining bright.

Last week I very kindly offered a trade with the Lighties - I would give up Colston and take Chris Johnson off an otherwise reasonable roster. And what did I get in return? Scorn. Well, if the Lighties head-coach, Adam Weishaupt, had been a little less Jerry Jones and a little more anyone-that-isnt-Jerry-Jones then the Lighties would have won this week. Instead Colston idled on the Doof's bench with 15 points and Johnson walked in 5. Did I mention I won? Against the Lighties? That's what they call Light's Out Football!

Mr Weishaupt, I accept your apology. And happily return to second spot on the ladder.

The Generals' troops returned to the winners podium with a solid win over Endless. The US Forces were led by Pierre Thomas, who really came from nowhere to put up 23 points. QB Wilson had a better than average day. Endless was again let down at QB position with Jake Locker suffering a season ending lisfranc injury and posting negative points. Endless's QB spot seems to be rather cursed, I'd hate to be whoever she puts in for Week 11!

I suggested last week that if Wooli can replace his injured starters then he is evenly matched with the Farnsworth's. That was proven true, the Farnsworth's won by 23 points, which a good WR and RB could have provided. In fact, the two WR's on Wooli's bench would have put up 34 points and guaranteed a win. Meanwhile, the Farnsworth's were pleased to see Peyton Manning back in action, putting up 27 points. Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall again proved dominant at WR position.

Breesus King of the Drews retains top position and extends the super-impressive win streak to eight, finishing all over Agent P. The Saints v Cowboys game was just as eventful for these teams as it was the NFL, with Drew Brews leading the way, Tony Romo sucking and Jimmy Graham having a quiet night. For Agent P, it was good to see Adrian Petersen have a good game and post a decent score, and where are these Panthers coming from? 12 fantasy points and kept the 49ers to only 151 total offensive yards. Amazing stuff.

Zim's QB carousel reached a new drama this week as stand-in QB Nick Foles posted 22 points, and along with team-mate Riley Cooper's 20 points blasted the Doomydoom's to victory over the hapless Maidens. Once again, the rest of Zim's team is better left unmentioned as they will be spending another week on Blorch, home of the slaughtering rat people. The Maiden's, like Wooli, continue to be their own worst enemy. The one adjustment of Calvin Johnson for the suspended Blackmon would have won them the game.

Heading into Week 11, the two The Gardner Awards are still up for grabs. Endless can void Doof's happiness, while The General can unleash his arsenal against Breesus.

Award Ceremony

Hypnotoad Award

The General was able to marshall his troops after last weeks humiliation at the hands of... oh, it was the Doof's!!, and not only beat Endless, also top the points and take home the Hypnotoad Award with an impressive 106 points.

Mission Accomplished Award

The Mission Accomplished again goes to Woolibeans, who started some injured players and left 57 points on the bench.

Black Flag Award

No Black Flag award this week, no one was able to top their projections.

Most Satisfying Player Award

The Breesus's again takes this week's honours with the Most Satisfying Player, starting, again, his star player and ongoing name-thief, Drew Brees. Brees put up 31 points to be the highest rated player in Week 1.

Week 10: Match-ups

No bye-related issues this week for our Owners, but injuries are certainly taking their toll. Endless, the Maidens and Wooli will all need to check their roster to make sure their injured players have been replaced.

Week 10 gives us two top-of-the-table clashes, with Agent P looking to cut Breesus down size and end a whopping seven game winning streak. Also, The Lighties will be looking to end Doof's run with five wins and take home the coveted The Gardener award.

Endless (131) v The General's US Forces (163)

With two massive score projections this game looks like a lot of fun. The projections do need to be tempered, however, as Endless's QB will not be starting as he has a fractured collarbone, so take off 18 points. Her backup QB also won't be starting, so Endless will need to go to Free Agency for a starter. The General's troops, meanwhile, look great on paper. This will be a game to watch.

Farnsworth (104) v Woolibeans (76)

Two of the top QB's face off this week with Manning v Newton. If Wooli can replace the injured Doug Martin and Reggie Wayne then these teams are both quite evenly matched.

Breesus (129) v Agent P (120)

Two strong, evenly-matched teams, with Agent P looking to recover a top spot and Breesus trying to stay ahead of the pack. A side question: how the hell does Breesus have an extra bench spot labelled RES? Divine intervention? Secret knowledge? Cheating??

Zim (96) v Maidens (76)

A couple of line-up changes to Zim and the Doomydooms are sporting their strongest team for weeks. The Maiden's will need to replace their two injured/suspended players if they want to compete.

Doof (109) v Lighties [Troop Haters] (145)

The final game of the Week, Doof v the Lighties. The Lighties have a large projected lead but we've all seen the Lighties projected-actual differential in recent weeks, so it is not particularly intimidating. What is intimidating is Chris Johnson versus the Jaguars - that's a not a good match-up. I recommend trading Johnson immediately. Look, I'll do you a favour and take him off your hands - say, for Colston, and that's cutting me own throat!

An open letter to A.Weishaupt

Weishaupt... I'm coming to get you!

Week 9: Wash-up

Once again, I'd like to thank The General for his kinds words last week. As is typical, the hubris translated into a 3 point win for the Doof's, making it 5-games straight. Three points. BAM! You could almost say the Doof's pulled a Farnsworth's and laid down some Heartbreak.

Breesus also thanks you, he is now clear at the top of the standings.

Just last week I called Endless out for starting Vick over Rodgers, Vick went down injured for negative points while Rodgers scored big. I also referred to Dave Dameshek who had just labelled Rodgers a potential GOAT. After that, I worried all week for Rodgers, that sort of hero-worship does not please the gods. Rodgers went down injured in the first 3 minutes of the game this week, and will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks. SHAME Dave Dameshek, SHAME!

Woolibeans suffered the most serious mid-season-bye-shock of Week 9, managing only 35 points and losing to the Illuminators. The Lighties have had a remarkably good runs against bye-shocked teams of late. A poor performance to Jake Locker will make the Lighties glad to have Stafford back in Week 10, while Wooli's only shining light (pun!) was Cam Newton, who put up quite reasonable numbers.

Agent P returns to the winner circle with a route of Endless. As mentioned, Rodgers 1.2 points was the nail in the coffin for Endless, but Tate and Hankerson didn't help any. And neither did the Steelers defense that managed to have 55 points scored against them. Agent P was led by Tony Romo who defied critics and finished off a game, winning on the last drive of the game (I think, he came back from behind to win anyway). Adrien Peterson returned to good numbers and Jimmy Graham just keeps scoring hard.

The Farnsworth's were let down by Andy Dalton who had a woeful game, but saved by Andre Johnon's 40 point game. Branden Marshall had a beast of a game against the Packers too. The Maiden's couldnt keep up with Sproles and Jackson both sucking hard, while Blackmon is on the suspended list and probably won't return for the season. Luck and Bernard did their best to keep the Maiden's in the game, but the Farnsworth's just ran away with it.

Zim... her quarterbacks just have it in for her. Alex Smith had a miserable day while benched Tom Brady had a day out, putting up 33 points for her bench. The less said about her WRs and RBs the better. Breesus meanwhile continues his domination of this league, posting his 7th win in a row. Can anyone stop this guy? Name thief Drew Brees was reasonable, Eddie Lacy had a day out, the Chiefs defense scored 4-times what their QB did, Morris and Amendola... It's all on Agent P in Week 10 to cut Breesus down to size and show that a secret-agent platypus is stronger than the son of god. I'm a believer.

Without harping on Doof beating The General's US Forces (*harp harp harp*) I'll just point out that the Mighty Doof's did so while still posting a zero - Arian Foster suited up but did not play in Sunday nights game. Just sayin'... also glad to see The Gronk back in town for the Patriots after missing the first 7 weeks recovering from 4 wrist surgeries. The Forces were led by DeSean Jackson, again, and the Dolphin's defense.

Award Ceremony

Hypnotoad Award

This weeks Hypno returns to an old friend this week with Agent P returning to her dominating ways, winning with a score of 126 points.

Mission Accomplished Award

The Mission Accomplished goes to Woolibeans, who suffered a serious case of bye-shock, leaving a large 66 points on the bench. A shout-out to Endlessnessism who had a minuscule 4.9 points on the bench this week.

Black Flag Award

Agent P takes home the Black Flag Award for beating her projection by a hefty 28 points!

Most Satisfying Player Award

The Farnsworth's win the Most Satisfying Player for starting Andre Johnson who amassed a very handy 40 points and helped the Farnsworth's pwoer home against the Maidens. Almost makes up for a miserable performance by Andy Dalton. Of course, this weeks top scorer was Nick Foles who put up 45 points, throwing 7 touchdown passes, 400 yards and no interceptions. Obviously no one had Foles as he is a rookie and is only starting because Mike Vick is injured. With those numbers he might get another game. On a similar note, Andrew Johnson's 40 points came from 3 TD catches and over 200 yards, also being thrown from a rookie!