The Ruling On The Field Stands: A Tuck Rule Timeline
- Thread starter Curtain Jerker
- Start date
Curtain Jerker
Donor
Going from Jon Gruden and Rich Gannon to Marc Trestman and Marques Tuiasosopo is one hell of a fall. But at least they got a ring out of it! I knew pretty much from the beginning I wanted to put Gruden in Dallas just for the clash of egos, just had to find a way to make it plausibly happen.
And can you imagine Jerry Jones calling in the morning when you are hungover? I would probably think I'm living some sorta nightmare
Thanks for reading!Jejejej yeah that will be a massive clash on Dallas but seems what Gruden can do with that staff(specially an scrappy undrafted QB) and Oakland...have enough draft capital for something...
2003 Regular Season
Curtain Jerker
Donor
Note: And we're back! Took a few much-needed days off to clear my head. I'm going to try and put out 2-3 updates a week from here on out instead of the one a day pace I was setting before. As always, thanks for reading and any comments are more than welcome!
2003 Regular Season
America’s Team was back in the limelight. They debuted their brand-new coaching staff Week 1 on Monday Night Football vs divisional rivals Philadelphia.
It is one thing to say in April and May “This may take a few years to work, but we're all ok with that.” It is another thing to get whipped on Monday Night Football. Jerry wasn’t happy at all about the start of the season, but Jon, to his credit, walked into the situation with eyes wide open. I remember a quick lunch we had during the preseason. Jon told me (off the record of course, but I’ve talked to him since then and he said I could use this conversation for this book) that it would take a “few years” to get Dallas back to competitive. The cupboard was that bare. “Covering the Rodeo: Jerry, Jon, and What Went Right (and Wrong) in Dallas” by Ed Werder, ESPN. Published 2013.
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate under Quincy Carter, starting the season 1-5. Jerry Jones, never a patient man, was understandably unhappy. But he avoided any of his typical outbursts and grumbling to the media. Jerry said all the right things publicly. Privately, he threatened to fire Jon Gruden at least three times.
Dallas rebounded after that rough start. Quincy Carter found something of a groove and even when he missed two games in November rookie Chris Simms wasn’t a deer in the headlights. The Dallas offense started to gel under Gruden and his first-year offensive coordinator Jim Harbaugh. Dallas finished the season a very respectable 7-9 – not bad at all considering they were left for dead by Columbus Day.
Both New England and Tampa Bay picked up where they left off a year ago. The Patriots, under the leadership of budding superstar Ed Red, had a ferocious defense, and quarterback Tom Brady was starting to develop as well. They steamrolled through the AFC and finished the season 13-3, including a revenge win at home vs Oakland 31-14. The Bucs finished a very professional 11-5, snagging the NFC’s #2 seed.
Oakland, well…at least they won a Super Bowl right? Marc Trestman had big shoes to fill when Jon Gruden was traded to Dallas and while he didn’t fill those shoes, he at least held his own. In fairness to Trestman it was unlikely that Vince Lombardi in his prime could have dragged that Raiders team to the playoffs. Charles Rogers was the Raiders lone bright spot as the rookie from Michigan State had 1,170 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on top of the yardage. The Raiders were quite frankly lucky to finish 5-11.
The Rams rebounded in a big way. All the development Marc Bulger had in 2002 when he was thrown to the wolves after Kurt Warner’s injury paid off in a big way as he led the Rams offense. The “Greatest Show on Turf” was back in a big way under Bulger. It was sort of ironic that Warner originally got his shot with the Rams when Trent Green was hurt. Now it was Warner who was the one getting replaced after an injury by a young hotshot backup quarterback. Torry Holt was masterful as he lead the league in completions, yardage, and touchdowns.
Baltimore made up for trading away the pick that would become Ed Reed by developing rookie Troy Polamalu from USC into one of the league’s best safeties. He and Reed were different types of safeties – Reed was more of the pass-defending center fielder type who could also play wideouts tight in coverage, while Polamalu was a run-stuffer who was just at home in the box as he was laying hits over the middle. Both coaching staffs used their safeties in creative ways. Patriots coach Bill Belichick would sometimes have Reed play as a corner and have his corners play deep to confuse offensives, while Ravens coach Brian Billick's blitzes with Polamalu were a thing of beauty in their own regard. Both players were special in their own ways and both would be Pro Bowlers for years to come.
AFC Playoff Teams
1. New England Patriots
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Denver Broncos
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Miami Dolphins
NFC Playoff Teams
1. St. Louis Rams
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. Chicago Bears
MVP --> Peyton Manning, Colts
Offensive Player of the Year --> Torry Holt, Rams
Defensive Player of the Year --> Brian Urlacher, Bears
Coach of the Year --> Bill Belichick, Patriots
Offensive Rookie of the Year --> Charles Rogers, Raiders
Defensive Rookie of the Year --> Terrell Suggs, Steelers
2003 Regular Season
America’s Team was back in the limelight. They debuted their brand-new coaching staff Week 1 on Monday Night Football vs divisional rivals Philadelphia.
It is one thing to say in April and May “This may take a few years to work, but we're all ok with that.” It is another thing to get whipped on Monday Night Football. Jerry wasn’t happy at all about the start of the season, but Jon, to his credit, walked into the situation with eyes wide open. I remember a quick lunch we had during the preseason. Jon told me (off the record of course, but I’ve talked to him since then and he said I could use this conversation for this book) that it would take a “few years” to get Dallas back to competitive. The cupboard was that bare. “Covering the Rodeo: Jerry, Jon, and What Went Right (and Wrong) in Dallas” by Ed Werder, ESPN. Published 2013.
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate under Quincy Carter, starting the season 1-5. Jerry Jones, never a patient man, was understandably unhappy. But he avoided any of his typical outbursts and grumbling to the media. Jerry said all the right things publicly. Privately, he threatened to fire Jon Gruden at least three times.
Dallas rebounded after that rough start. Quincy Carter found something of a groove and even when he missed two games in November rookie Chris Simms wasn’t a deer in the headlights. The Dallas offense started to gel under Gruden and his first-year offensive coordinator Jim Harbaugh. Dallas finished the season a very respectable 7-9 – not bad at all considering they were left for dead by Columbus Day.
Both New England and Tampa Bay picked up where they left off a year ago. The Patriots, under the leadership of budding superstar Ed Red, had a ferocious defense, and quarterback Tom Brady was starting to develop as well. They steamrolled through the AFC and finished the season 13-3, including a revenge win at home vs Oakland 31-14. The Bucs finished a very professional 11-5, snagging the NFC’s #2 seed.
Oakland, well…at least they won a Super Bowl right? Marc Trestman had big shoes to fill when Jon Gruden was traded to Dallas and while he didn’t fill those shoes, he at least held his own. In fairness to Trestman it was unlikely that Vince Lombardi in his prime could have dragged that Raiders team to the playoffs. Charles Rogers was the Raiders lone bright spot as the rookie from Michigan State had 1,170 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on top of the yardage. The Raiders were quite frankly lucky to finish 5-11.
The Rams rebounded in a big way. All the development Marc Bulger had in 2002 when he was thrown to the wolves after Kurt Warner’s injury paid off in a big way as he led the Rams offense. The “Greatest Show on Turf” was back in a big way under Bulger. It was sort of ironic that Warner originally got his shot with the Rams when Trent Green was hurt. Now it was Warner who was the one getting replaced after an injury by a young hotshot backup quarterback. Torry Holt was masterful as he lead the league in completions, yardage, and touchdowns.
Baltimore made up for trading away the pick that would become Ed Reed by developing rookie Troy Polamalu from USC into one of the league’s best safeties. He and Reed were different types of safeties – Reed was more of the pass-defending center fielder type who could also play wideouts tight in coverage, while Polamalu was a run-stuffer who was just at home in the box as he was laying hits over the middle. Both coaching staffs used their safeties in creative ways. Patriots coach Bill Belichick would sometimes have Reed play as a corner and have his corners play deep to confuse offensives, while Ravens coach Brian Billick's blitzes with Polamalu were a thing of beauty in their own regard. Both players were special in their own ways and both would be Pro Bowlers for years to come.
AFC Playoff Teams
1. New England Patriots
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Denver Broncos
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Miami Dolphins
NFC Playoff Teams
1. St. Louis Rams
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. Chicago Bears
MVP --> Peyton Manning, Colts
Offensive Player of the Year --> Torry Holt, Rams
Defensive Player of the Year --> Brian Urlacher, Bears
Coach of the Year --> Bill Belichick, Patriots
Offensive Rookie of the Year --> Charles Rogers, Raiders
Defensive Rookie of the Year --> Terrell Suggs, Steelers
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These playoffs look interesting. No clear prediction, from me at least, so definitely interested to see who ends up winning it. As for the rest of the season, surprised Dallas stumbled, honestly thought Gruden would work some magic somehow. Great update as usual, and take all the time you need when doing breaks!
This playoffs are interesting, could end anywhere and seems will be a fun postseason.
The cowboys backstage is a drama would make dynasty and dallas looks like a children show...and seems worked...for a while....
Very good TL so far, excited to see how this works down the line. As someone that very much dislikes the Cowgirls, I'm secretly hoping that Jerry Jones holds on to Gruden until present day and well, we saw what happened with Gruden coaching a NFL team in 2018 OTL.
As a born Cowboys fan, I tried to suppress the Quincey years. Thanks for reminding me of that nightmare.
Curtain Jerker
Donor
The fact that Bill Parcells made a playoffs despite starting Quincy Carter 16 games should be Exhibit A as to why he's a Hall of Fame coach
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Neat to see more football ones. Although, was there realignment I missed? Tampa as East winner does make sense. Otherwise, if there wasn't any changer in that or the rules (like saying a division winner had to be .500 to make the playoffs) you didn't include an NFC East winner.
Curtain Jerker
Donor
Oh damn, yeah I totally blanked on the NFC East.
Assume the current system (4 divisions in each conference, 4 teams each) is in use, just because it is easier for everyone.
The NFC Playoffs should be...
1. St. Louis Rams
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. Chicago Bears
I will edit the post as well. Thanks for the catch!
2003 Postseason
Curtain Jerker
Donor
2003 Postseason
The Chicago Bears only got into the playoffs via a tiebreaker when Minnesota blew a 14 point lead in the second half to the Cowboys on the last day of the season. They were barely a playoff-worthy team (they finished 9-7 with a negative point differential) and it showed. Chicago was mauled by Green Bay 31-14 in a game that was essentially over at the half when Green Bay was up 28-7. The only highlight for Bears fans was an interception return for a touchdown by Mike Brown late in the third quarter.
Steve Mariucci and quarterback Jeff Garcia shocked the Philadelphia Eagles by winning an ugly defensive struggle 17-14 in Philly. Philly had a chance to tie it up late but David Akers’ kick to send the game into overtime was blocked at the line before it hit the upright only to bounce back on the field.
Elsewhere on Wild Card Weekend, Peyton Manning and the Colts carved up the Miami Dolphins in the Hoosier Dome. Manning had four touchdowns (two each to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison) as Indy cruised to a comfortable 34-23 win that wasn’t even that close. It took two Miami touchdowns well into garbage time for the Dolphins to even come that close.
The best game on Wild Card Weekend was surely the Denver Broncos winning a 28-27 shootout over the Kansas City Chiefs. Jake Plummer, building on his reputation from years in Arizona, led a comeback and with literally no time on the clock found rookie wideout Nate Burleson in the back of the end zone. The game featured no less than four lead changes in the second half alone.
Wow that was crazy! I’ve never been part of a game like that before. Games like that are why I came here to the Broncos in the first place. Just a fun fun time and we’re looking forward to playing the Patriots, they’re a great team but you know what, we are a great team too. Jake Plummer on the field after the Broncos playoff win.
Jake the Snake certainly came to play when the Broncos visited Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Unfortunately for Plummer, his teammates, and the state of Colorado, Tom Brady was just a little bit better. 2003 was something of a coming out party for Brady – he build on his success the year before, increasing his yardage, completion percentage and touchdowns thrown. Brady was starting to enter the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL. The Patriots won 24-21 when Brady marched his Patriots down the field to set up a game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter.
I was sitting in the press box when Tom Brady got rocked in the 4th quarter by Reggie Hayward. My mind flashed back to that playoff game vs Oakland where he fumbled when Woodson sacked him. Same type of hit too. But not only did he not fumble, he got up and started jawing back to Hayward. He then marched down the field and the Pats won the game. I really feel that Brady grew up that game. The old Tom Brady would have shrunk under the pressure – this one didn’t. Bob Ryan, Boston Globe.
Indy went into Baltimore and drove the dagger into the heart of the fearsome Ravens defense that won a Super Bowl a few short years before. Peyton Manning and the Colts put up 35 points on the Ravens, who had no answers on defense. Indy would visit New England for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Over in the NFC it was chalk. The Rams beat the Niners but San Francisco made a good show of it before losing 27-23. Tampa Bay was rested and used that week off to beat the Packers 21-6. Brett Favre threw three bad picks as Monte Kiffin of the Bucs disguised his coverages beautifully vs the veteran Packers quarterback.
That same Bucs defense would rule the day in the NFC Championship Game. Tampa was nearly perfect on defense, allowing only 10 points to the high powered Rams offense. The lone Rams touchdown was only because a special teams turnover left the Rams a short field. The Bucs offense more than did their part as Tampa went into Saint Louis and won 20-10. The Buccaneers were going back to the Super Bowl for the second straight season.
It is crazy man, just crazy. We worked so hard and now we have to finish the job we couldn’t do last year! Javon Walker on the field after the game.
Over in New England, the Colts were riding high. They had the league's best offense all season long. They had an MVP quarterback, two stud wideouts, and a good running back in Edgerrin James. Vegas only had them a two-point underdog and they were only a dog because the game was in New England.
None of that mattered. Manning was a disaster. He threw four picks including two to Ed Reed. Head coach Bill Belichick moved Reed all over the chessboard. Sometimes he played him on the line of scrimmage vs a slot receiver, sometimes he played him deep over the middle, sometimes both on the same play.
I’ve never seen a player cover the way Reed did today. He was brilliant. Makes my job a lot easier, that’s for sure. Romeo Crennel, Patriots defensive coordinator.
New England won 21-7 and would face Tampa in the Super Bowl. It was Tampa’s second straight appearance in the big game and the second appearance in three years for the Patriots. Each franchise was looking for their first-ever championship.
Sports isn’t fair sometimes. Brady played great all season long. The only reason the Patriots were even in the Super Bowl was because of how good he played in the playoffs vs Denver and Indy. I felt bad for the kid, I really did, because while he wasn’t bad, he wasn’t exactly good either – but he was facing one of the best defenses of all time! Sometimes the other players make great plays and that’s what happened. Brady would have to hear all summer long about how he “choked” and that’s not fair to the kid. Bob Ryan, Boston Globe.
Brady was…ok. He was never comfortable in the pocket and had to rush the majority of his throws. Monte Kiffin, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch made sure Brady was never comfortable. It was an impossible situation for the Patriots quarterback. It was a minor miracle that Brady only threw one interception to be honest.
However, that pick came at the absolute worst time. New England was down by four late in the game and Brady finally managed to string a drive together for the first time all half when he was picked off by John Lynch on a rushed throw. Tampa would take a few knees and win the title 17-13. The enduring image of the field wasn’t the victorious Buccaneers being showered in confetti. It was Tom Brady, sitting alone on a bench on the Patriots sideline long after players started to walk to the locker room after the final gun sounded. Brady looked like the loneliest person in the world til Ed Reed came up and said a few words to him.
I walked up to Tom and put my arm around him and told him I loved him. And I mean it. Tom’s a warrior and I love him. I promise you and everyone we’ll be back and we’ll win. Ed Reed, to Armen Keteyian of CBS after the game.
The Chicago Bears only got into the playoffs via a tiebreaker when Minnesota blew a 14 point lead in the second half to the Cowboys on the last day of the season. They were barely a playoff-worthy team (they finished 9-7 with a negative point differential) and it showed. Chicago was mauled by Green Bay 31-14 in a game that was essentially over at the half when Green Bay was up 28-7. The only highlight for Bears fans was an interception return for a touchdown by Mike Brown late in the third quarter.
Steve Mariucci and quarterback Jeff Garcia shocked the Philadelphia Eagles by winning an ugly defensive struggle 17-14 in Philly. Philly had a chance to tie it up late but David Akers’ kick to send the game into overtime was blocked at the line before it hit the upright only to bounce back on the field.
Elsewhere on Wild Card Weekend, Peyton Manning and the Colts carved up the Miami Dolphins in the Hoosier Dome. Manning had four touchdowns (two each to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison) as Indy cruised to a comfortable 34-23 win that wasn’t even that close. It took two Miami touchdowns well into garbage time for the Dolphins to even come that close.
The best game on Wild Card Weekend was surely the Denver Broncos winning a 28-27 shootout over the Kansas City Chiefs. Jake Plummer, building on his reputation from years in Arizona, led a comeback and with literally no time on the clock found rookie wideout Nate Burleson in the back of the end zone. The game featured no less than four lead changes in the second half alone.
Wow that was crazy! I’ve never been part of a game like that before. Games like that are why I came here to the Broncos in the first place. Just a fun fun time and we’re looking forward to playing the Patriots, they’re a great team but you know what, we are a great team too. Jake Plummer on the field after the Broncos playoff win.
Jake the Snake certainly came to play when the Broncos visited Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Unfortunately for Plummer, his teammates, and the state of Colorado, Tom Brady was just a little bit better. 2003 was something of a coming out party for Brady – he build on his success the year before, increasing his yardage, completion percentage and touchdowns thrown. Brady was starting to enter the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL. The Patriots won 24-21 when Brady marched his Patriots down the field to set up a game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter.
I was sitting in the press box when Tom Brady got rocked in the 4th quarter by Reggie Hayward. My mind flashed back to that playoff game vs Oakland where he fumbled when Woodson sacked him. Same type of hit too. But not only did he not fumble, he got up and started jawing back to Hayward. He then marched down the field and the Pats won the game. I really feel that Brady grew up that game. The old Tom Brady would have shrunk under the pressure – this one didn’t. Bob Ryan, Boston Globe.
Indy went into Baltimore and drove the dagger into the heart of the fearsome Ravens defense that won a Super Bowl a few short years before. Peyton Manning and the Colts put up 35 points on the Ravens, who had no answers on defense. Indy would visit New England for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Over in the NFC it was chalk. The Rams beat the Niners but San Francisco made a good show of it before losing 27-23. Tampa Bay was rested and used that week off to beat the Packers 21-6. Brett Favre threw three bad picks as Monte Kiffin of the Bucs disguised his coverages beautifully vs the veteran Packers quarterback.
That same Bucs defense would rule the day in the NFC Championship Game. Tampa was nearly perfect on defense, allowing only 10 points to the high powered Rams offense. The lone Rams touchdown was only because a special teams turnover left the Rams a short field. The Bucs offense more than did their part as Tampa went into Saint Louis and won 20-10. The Buccaneers were going back to the Super Bowl for the second straight season.
It is crazy man, just crazy. We worked so hard and now we have to finish the job we couldn’t do last year! Javon Walker on the field after the game.
Over in New England, the Colts were riding high. They had the league's best offense all season long. They had an MVP quarterback, two stud wideouts, and a good running back in Edgerrin James. Vegas only had them a two-point underdog and they were only a dog because the game was in New England.
None of that mattered. Manning was a disaster. He threw four picks including two to Ed Reed. Head coach Bill Belichick moved Reed all over the chessboard. Sometimes he played him on the line of scrimmage vs a slot receiver, sometimes he played him deep over the middle, sometimes both on the same play.
I’ve never seen a player cover the way Reed did today. He was brilliant. Makes my job a lot easier, that’s for sure. Romeo Crennel, Patriots defensive coordinator.
New England won 21-7 and would face Tampa in the Super Bowl. It was Tampa’s second straight appearance in the big game and the second appearance in three years for the Patriots. Each franchise was looking for their first-ever championship.
Sports isn’t fair sometimes. Brady played great all season long. The only reason the Patriots were even in the Super Bowl was because of how good he played in the playoffs vs Denver and Indy. I felt bad for the kid, I really did, because while he wasn’t bad, he wasn’t exactly good either – but he was facing one of the best defenses of all time! Sometimes the other players make great plays and that’s what happened. Brady would have to hear all summer long about how he “choked” and that’s not fair to the kid. Bob Ryan, Boston Globe.
Brady was…ok. He was never comfortable in the pocket and had to rush the majority of his throws. Monte Kiffin, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch made sure Brady was never comfortable. It was an impossible situation for the Patriots quarterback. It was a minor miracle that Brady only threw one interception to be honest.
However, that pick came at the absolute worst time. New England was down by four late in the game and Brady finally managed to string a drive together for the first time all half when he was picked off by John Lynch on a rushed throw. Tampa would take a few knees and win the title 17-13. The enduring image of the field wasn’t the victorious Buccaneers being showered in confetti. It was Tom Brady, sitting alone on a bench on the Patriots sideline long after players started to walk to the locker room after the final gun sounded. Brady looked like the loneliest person in the world til Ed Reed came up and said a few words to him.
I walked up to Tom and put my arm around him and told him I loved him. And I mean it. Tom’s a warrior and I love him. I promise you and everyone we’ll be back and we’ll win. Ed Reed, to Armen Keteyian of CBS after the game.
No tuck rule break for the Patriots? I'm in.
Seriously though, thread looks pretty good so far. Nice to see how things unfold without that happening.
Seriously though, thread looks pretty good so far. Nice to see how things unfold without that happening.
Curtain Jerker
Donor
Thanks for reading and (especially) the kind words. This was a fun update to write, glad you enjoyed it.
2004 Off-season/Draft
Curtain Jerker
Donor
A little down time at the office gave me some time to write - don't tell my boss A few massive changes, especially with the quarterbacks at the top of the 2004 Draft.
As always, thanks for reading/liking/commenting!
2004 Off-Season/Draft
Lovie Smith’s promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach was long overdue. He probably should have been hired an off-season or two ago. But better late than never right? New Orleans tabbed Smith to be their head man, hoping that his defensive acumen combined with the still-effective Drew Bledsoe would help march the Saints back into the playoffs. Armed with a top five pick in the upcoming draft the arrow was pointing up for New Orleans.
There were rumblings out of Chicago that the Bears were looking to fire Dick Jauron and hire Smith themselves, but they couldn’t fire a coach who led his team to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, no matter how they got there. Jauron’s job was safe for 2004 but to say his position was shaky going into the upcoming season was an understatement.
Saint Louis had two years left on Kurt Warner’s contract, but instead of trading him like New England did Drew Bledsoe a few years ago and handing the car keys to Marc Bulger, they decided to keep Warner as a backup.
I’m glad we decided to keep Kurt. Him being on the roster makes me a better player and a better person too – plus our wives like each other and anything that keeps the wife happy keeps me happy! Marc Bulger to St. Louis radio station KMOX, May 2004
After the Steve Spurrier experiment failed and the coach went back to the college ranks (he landed at Alabama), the Redskins were also in the market for a new coach. They tried to get retired legend Joe Gibbs back on the sideline but he begged off, citing responsibilities with his NASCAR team and how happy he was in retirement. Washington settled on former Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin, who had been the target of their division rivals in New York. The Giants hired Norv Turner.
The draft was projected to be quarterback heavy at the top. Several of the players picked at the top went on to have very successful careers. New Orleans had the first overall pick and ran to the podium to choose Eli Manning – son of Saints legend Archie Manning. It wasn’t just a nostalgia pick either – Eli was the consensus top quarterback and incumbent Drew Bledsoe only had one year remaining on his contract. The plan was for Eli to sit and learn and take over from 2005 going forward.
New York paired NC State quarterback Philip Rivers with their offensively-minded new head coach. Washington took Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona took Sean Taylor, and Oakland drafted Kellen Winslow to pair with promising second-year player Charles Rogers in the passing game. The Cowboys made a trade on draft day when a bad combine performance caused Ben Roethlisberger to slide down the draft board. He was sitting there at #19 when Dallas traded next year’s first rounder (either theirs or Oakland’s, depending on the swap from when Gruden was traded to Dallas) and two future second round picks for the Miami of Ohio standout.
I couldn’t believe a player of his caliber was still sitting there. Who cares if he had a bad combine – we’re not asking him to bench press or run a 40, we’re asking him to win football games. This guy knows how to win! Jon Gruden, head coach of the Cowboys, to ESPN at the draft.
Later in the draft, Philly took defensive end Will Smith, Chicago took halfback Steven Jackson, Minnesota nabbed Vince Wilfork, and New England took Jonathan Vilma. The stage was set for the 2004 season.
A few massive changes, especially with the quarterbacks at the top of the 2004 Draft. As always, thanks for reading/liking/commenting!
2004 Off-Season/Draft
Lovie Smith’s promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach was long overdue. He probably should have been hired an off-season or two ago. But better late than never right? New Orleans tabbed Smith to be their head man, hoping that his defensive acumen combined with the still-effective Drew Bledsoe would help march the Saints back into the playoffs. Armed with a top five pick in the upcoming draft the arrow was pointing up for New Orleans.
There were rumblings out of Chicago that the Bears were looking to fire Dick Jauron and hire Smith themselves, but they couldn’t fire a coach who led his team to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, no matter how they got there. Jauron’s job was safe for 2004 but to say his position was shaky going into the upcoming season was an understatement.
Saint Louis had two years left on Kurt Warner’s contract, but instead of trading him like New England did Drew Bledsoe a few years ago and handing the car keys to Marc Bulger, they decided to keep Warner as a backup.
I’m glad we decided to keep Kurt. Him being on the roster makes me a better player and a better person too – plus our wives like each other and anything that keeps the wife happy keeps me happy! Marc Bulger to St. Louis radio station KMOX, May 2004
After the Steve Spurrier experiment failed and the coach went back to the college ranks (he landed at Alabama), the Redskins were also in the market for a new coach. They tried to get retired legend Joe Gibbs back on the sideline but he begged off, citing responsibilities with his NASCAR team and how happy he was in retirement. Washington settled on former Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin, who had been the target of their division rivals in New York. The Giants hired Norv Turner.
The draft was projected to be quarterback heavy at the top. Several of the players picked at the top went on to have very successful careers. New Orleans had the first overall pick and ran to the podium to choose Eli Manning – son of Saints legend Archie Manning. It wasn’t just a nostalgia pick either – Eli was the consensus top quarterback and incumbent Drew Bledsoe only had one year remaining on his contract. The plan was for Eli to sit and learn and take over from 2005 going forward.
New York paired NC State quarterback Philip Rivers with their offensively-minded new head coach. Washington took Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona took Sean Taylor, and Oakland drafted Kellen Winslow to pair with promising second-year player Charles Rogers in the passing game. The Cowboys made a trade on draft day when a bad combine performance caused Ben Roethlisberger to slide down the draft board. He was sitting there at #19 when Dallas traded next year’s first rounder (either theirs or Oakland’s, depending on the swap from when Gruden was traded to Dallas) and two future second round picks for the Miami of Ohio standout.
I couldn’t believe a player of his caliber was still sitting there. Who cares if he had a bad combine – we’re not asking him to bench press or run a 40, we’re asking him to win football games. This guy knows how to win! Jon Gruden, head coach of the Cowboys, to ESPN at the draft.
Later in the draft, Philly took defensive end Will Smith, Chicago took halfback Steven Jackson, Minnesota nabbed Vince Wilfork, and New England took Jonathan Vilma. The stage was set for the 2004 season.
Have we loss Larry, we could just have take CFF as he was QB#2 in our board(#1 was Eli but Larry was always BPA) but this maybe might save sean life
Curtain Jerker
Donor
Thanks! I saw that Eli to NOLA was an option given how I wrote the Saints and figured it was too fun to pass up.
(Slight) spoiler: Sean's gonna be great and he's gonna live a full life. A slightly worse Cardinals pick means Sean is the best player on the board when they pick around 6 or so.