The Ashes

My Patriots were finally confronted by their duct tape & bailing wire that was overperforming all year long. Denver just outclassed them. And - yes, AZPaul3 - after that first series punt through to the final Peyton kneel, all other Bronco possessions ended in a score. This game was not as close as the score would indicate.Seattle wins on some flurry of turnovers from both sides, fumbles kept, interceptions just when San Francisco was marching. Officiating was horrible on both sides, according to my undisclosed sources.So now we have teams from each of the 2 states to legalize pot in the... ...a street-legal stupor bowl that will devour the greater NY/NJ region with an unstoppable case of the munchies.

I am continually amazed at what that franchise can do with bailing wire and bubble gum. I know a lot of their success is in building plays to use what little talent is left and we have seen Belichick take a patched and scared team into the Super Bowl before, but damn, man, to have lost so many weapons and still make the playoffs, for what, like the 8th season in a row? There is some seriously high football mojo operating there. What? Just because the zebras don't know interference when they see it, see interference where there isn't, call the most trivial penalty one play and miss the most openly egregious the next, and my favorite, can't see a fumble recovery because, I guess, they were too close, right on top of it, looking at it right in the face? I don't think those kinds of errors, even in such abundance, is any reason to call the officiating "horrible". But I can't think of a worse word to use so horrible will have to do. Damn! I'm missing out again!Condolences, xongsmith. As usual in these things ... maybe next year.

Thanks. Now only if I would of Bet!!!!I enjoyed both games very much. The skill of these teams are nothing short of incredible! I was sorry to see all the injuries,
especially Bowman's. The 49-ers were robbed that fumble recovery.
I look forward to the Superbowl, it is going to be a great game.

Money would be nice, yes, but the greater prize is the pride of being right, and having everyone see it.As for Bowman ... visions of Joe Theismann flashed before my eyes.

Nice call 1.61803!The results always seems so obvious after the game that I cannot fathom what I was thinking when I voted the other way before the game...Silly "linear time," got me again!I haven't watched a single playoff game yet. Not sure if I'll even get to watch the super bowl... we'll see.
It occurs to me, though, that a real fan doesn't even need to watch the games... I just sort of "feel the game" in real time as it's going on... no matter where I am.Right. So now we're down to Seattle and Denver.Peyton Manning... looking to score his 2nd Super Bowl Championship and tie his younger brother who already has 2 rings.Seattle... just the better team.So, yeah, I still think Seattle's going to win

10 seconds in and Denver FUs for a Safety. First snap of the game goes over Payton’s head into the end zone. Seattle hasn’t had to do anything at all, not even one play, and they end up with 2 points.Seattle first drive ends in a field goal. 5 — 0 Seahawks.3 and out for Denver’s second drive. Seattle’s defense is covering all Denver’s receivers and is stopping the Denver running game. Denver unable to move. Seattle is firmly in control of this game while still in the 1st quarter.Seattle drives down the field for a second FG. 8 — 0 Seahawks.Next drive for Denver — Payton is intercepted on own 37. Seattle has short field. The wheels are beginning to fall off.Denver never even gained a first down in the first quarter. The quarter was all Seattle. Seattle is dominating the Denver D.Early 2nd quarter Seattle scores its first touchdown. 15 — 0 Seattle.Denver puts together a good drive just for Manning to throw his second pick. An interception run back for a touchdown. This is turning into a route. 22 — 0.Next Denver drive stalls on the Seattle 25 just before halftime. Denver has to do something. They go for it on 4th down and miss. Seattle takes over the ball on downs. Denver is now shut out in the first half.Like the first decade of Super Bowls, this is also turning into a lopsided affair with Seattle dominating on both sides of the ball and Denver unable to do anything.The title of this thread is appropriate. Denver is burning!Edited by AZPaul3, : No reason given.

Not a very surprising start to the second half for Denver. They let Percy Harvins take the kickoff all the way to the house. Touchdown for the Seahawks. Nail in the coffin? 29 — 0 Seattle.Denver’s next possession is the usual can’t do nothing. There are guys running around the field in Bronco’s uniforms but I think the real Bronco’s went home.Seattle is taking things easy. No need to exert yourself. Play for a bit then kick it back to the Broncos.Now Thomas makes a beautiful catch snatching one of Payton’s laser flashes out of the air then fumbles. Seattle’s ball again. Third Denver turnover. Might as well turn it off. There is nothing left to see, except another touchdown by Seattle. 36 — 0The only entertainment left today will be the commercials.Edited by AZPaul3, : No reason given.

OK. Denver makes it into the end zone for their first touchdown. Thomas did not drop the ball in the end zone. And Wes Welker takes a pass for the 2-pt conversion. 36 — 8 Seattle.An entire quarter, 15 whole minutes left to this game with Payton Manning in the mix. Denver may actually score again but the Fat Lady seems to be singing her warm ups.Just a little history for those who may be interested. The stinkiest Super Bowl ever was in 1990, San Francisco 55, Denver Broncos 10. Dj Vu?Oh, just a little side note between commercials: Seattle scored again. 43 — 8.Hear the Fat Lady?The party’s over.
It’s time to call it a day.
They’ve burst your pretty balloon,
And taken the moon away.(When did Meredith have the operation?)All kudos to the Seattle Seahawks team and organization. They came in and, in convincing fashion, dominated one of the best teams in the league with one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the league.So, yeah, they did it. But the game sucked big time. Not because Denver lost but because there was no challenge. It was over early and I have all my fingernails left. The Broncos forgot how to play football. What a disappointment.

nawEdited by AZPaul3, : No reason given.

Mr. Straggler
EvC Forums
Internet, Cyber SpaceDear Sir,You have been very generous in lending me the use of your thread, The Ashes on the EvC Forums, for use in my project of a somewhat similar nature.I have completed my project and, though the result was quite disappointing, which I know you have recently experienced yourself, I am ready to dissolve the project and distribute the remaining assets.Therefore, I now relinquish this thread and return it to your capable hands.Again, Sir, I deeply appreciate your generosity.Sincerely,AZPaul3

So, Kevin Pietersen - England's leading international cricket run scorer and standout batsmen of his generation has his international career terminated because he is a disruptive influence on the rest of the team.As long as the team was winning he was tolerated. Now they are losing it has been decided he must go. Link