Combines Release Disappointing Duckett

Duckett heads back to East Lansing, Could he even help the Spartans?

(Lind, WA) - "We just couldn't wait him out any longer," said Inland Empire Fightin' Combines general manager Brandon Sparks about RB T.J. Duckett who was released earlier this morning. The Combine's second round draft pick this season failed to live up to expectations running for only 174 yards and one touchdown in six games. RB Warrick Dunn has got the majority of the carries for the Falcons. The last straw came this weekend when he got the start for the Combines and ran only four times for eight yards.

"Was he the worst second round pick in CFFL history? Most definitely," said Sparks. "We just need to wash our hands of him and move on. We've fired the scout who recommended him and now he's gone. The only one left to blame is me."

The Combines signed Dorsey Levens to take his place on the roster. Levens is expected to start for the Eagles on Sunday with Brian Westbrook injured. However he is playing a tough Baltimore defense so he most likely will not start for the Combines.

The Combines also made another major lineup move on Wednesday announcing that Jake Plummer will get the start at quarterback over the struggling Michael Vick.

"His negatives have outweighed his positives," said Sparks. "We need to get some wins and Jake has been consistent. We couldn't be more disappointed in the play of Vick."

The Combines return to Lind to kick off a three game homestand this weekend taking on the Ramblers. The Combines and the Ramblers are the two lowest scoring teams in the league this season and both are seriously in need of a win. The Ramblers knocked off the Combines in week one 69-67.

Sunday is Ritzville Community Day at the Lind Lion's Club Arena. Ritzville residents get in the game for half price and receive a Michael Vick Bobblehead Doll courtesy of the Ritzville Blues Festival.

Week Seven Preview - Combines at Cheap Trick

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-4) take on Cheap Trick (5-1) this weekend. The Combines will be missing five starters due to bye weeks while Cheap Trick is missing one major cog, RB Duce Staley. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Donovan McNabb (Cheap Trick) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - McNabb had an below average game last week but should bounce back against a weak Cleveland defense. McNabb started the season out with three games of 25 points or over. Vick finally truly showed what he can do in week seven passing for 218 yards and three touchdwons (two passing and one rushing). He takes on a surprisingly solid Kansas City Chiefs passing defense who only allows an average of 204 yards a game. Advantage: Cheap Trick

Running back 1: Ahman Green (CT) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Green has been held without a touchdown for the last five weeks after scoring three in the first game. He has been bothered by injuries and has sat out of practice this week with an Achilles problem. Johnson has also struggled all season long. Without a decent passing attack defenses have keyed on Rudi and his stats have suffered. He also plays Denver who has the number one ranked defense in the NFL Advantage: Cheap Trick

Running back 2: Corey Dillon (CT) vs. T.J. Duckett (IE) - Dillon came up big in a huge game last week rushing for over 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The Washington native has been able to avoid the injury bug that has plagued his career and continues to play better each week. Is Duckett the all-time worst second round fantasy draft pick in the history of the CFFL? This week should answer that question. Duckett had more rushes than Warrick Dunn last week and could possibly see some more action after posting solid yards. His fumble didn't help matters much though. Advantage: Cheap Trick

Flex: Andre Davis (CT) vs. Michael Pittman (IE) - Davis has had two straight games of 15 points or over. However all of last week's points came on one play, a 99 yard touchdown reception. Davis is listed as questionable on the injury list and is in danger of missing a start. Pittman has been serviceable so far in his first three games. His numbers haven't been eye popping, just consistent. He will take on a Chicago Bears defense that saw Clinton Portis rush for 171 yards against it. Advantage: Combines

Wide Receiver 1: Koren Robinson (CT) vs. Nate Burleson (IE) - Robinson is rumored to be facing a four game suspension for a drug infraction and most likely will lose some playing time to Jerry Rice. Robinson did post 150 yards last week but continues to drop passes at an alarming rate. The newly acquired Burleson could see a huge spike in his numbers if WR Randy Moss is unable to go. Last week with Moss injured, Burleson had 134 yards. Advantage: Combines

Wide Receiver 2: Amani Toomer (CT) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Toomer leads the Giants with 24 receptions this season but hasn't managed to score a touchdown yet. He will face the Lion's 28th ranked passing defense so he should get some opportunities to score his first TD. Porter has been miserable this season so far. The only reason he is in the lineup anymore is because Andre Johnson has the week off and Dane Stallworth is injured. If Stallworth can play he will replace Porter in the lineup. Even TE Courtney Anderson is catching more passes that Porter. Advantage: Cheap Trick

Tight End: Antonio Gates (CT) vs Courtney Anderson (IE) - Gates has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league. The former Kent State basketball player already has 422 yards and three touchdowns. If Anderson is consistent, then he should post three points this week. The Combines hope he can also score a touchdown but that might be asking a little much. Advantage: Cheap Trick

Kicker: David Akers (CT) vs. Matin Gramatica (IE) - Akers has had three straight games of 15 points or more including 22 points in week five. Gramatica has missed three field goal attempts in his last two games. Advantage: Cheap Trick

Defense: Jets (CT) vs. Buccaneers (IE) - The Jets have actually been pretty good this season. However they play New England this week. The Buccaneers have been merely ok this year. However they play Chicago. Advantage: Combines

Overall: This should be a thorough ass-kicking by Cheap Trick, the CFFL's best team, against the CFFL's worst team, the Fightin' Combines.

Combines Sign Alexander and Burleson

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines signed two players on Wednesday morning, WR Nate Burleson and TE Courtney Anderson. Both players will immediately step into the starting lineup for week seven but are expected to be on the bench in week eight. The Combines are without five starters in week seven due to bye weeks.

Burleson is coming off his best game of the season. He caught six passes for 134 yards and could match those totals with WR Randy Moss ailing. The second year Minnesota Viking is replacing struggling Jerry Porter in the Combine's starting lineup for week seven and has a chance to compete with Dante' Stallworth for a starting position in week eight. The Combine's number one receiver is solid with Andre Johnson excelling in his second year, but the number two WR and flex position have been a constant struggle.

"Nobody has done a good job there yet," said coach Brandon Sparks during his weekly radio program. "Porter and Stallworth have both been huge disappointments and I can't trust either one to do the job. It's time to let somebody else try to earn my trust."

Courtney Anderson is quickly becoming one of the preferred targets for Raiders QB Kerry Collins. However, all that really means is that he'll probably catch three passes for thirty yards. Anderson gets the start only because Eric Johnson is off with a bye. In week eight he will definitely be riding the pine.

To make room on the roster for Burleson and Alexander, the Combines released WR Marty Booker and TE Dallas Clark. Booker had 123 yards in week five but followed that game up with only one reception for 10 yards in week six. Clark had only two receptions and 68 yards on the season.

Vick's 24 Points Wasted, Combines Lose Again

At least Michael Vick was good...

(Lacey, WA) - QB Michael Vick had his best game of the season passing for 218 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown for the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-4) this weekend. However Money (4-2) QB Aaron Brooks nearly matched him with 20 points and Money got big games from Fred Taylor (19 points) and the Broncos Defense (24) to knock off the Combines 99-82.

"At least this week I didn't cost us the win with stupid coaching," said coach Brandon Sparks who was visibly frustrated after the game. "I just don't know what do do with these guys anymore. We get a good game from somebody and nobody else does anything. Then the guy who did nothing does something and the other guy falls off the table. It just doesn't make any sense."

The Combines most potent weapons, the Johnson Triplets (WR Andre, RB Rudi and TE Eric) scored only 13 points in the loss.

"You aren't going to win many games if your top three players can only manage 13 points," continued Sparks. "Next week we'll only have Rudi available, so we'll see how that works out."

The Combines finish their three game road trip against Cheap Trick. They will be without five starters due to bye weeks. Cheap Trick will only be missing starting RB Duce Staley.

"We'll just have to fill those holes and make due," said Sparks. "It doesn't look good but stranger things have happened."

Week Six Preview - Combines at Money

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-3) take on Money (3-2) this weekend. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Aaron Brooks (Money) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Brooks and Vick both face very weak passing defenses this week and both should improve on their numbers. Brooks faces the Vikings who are dead last giving up 294 yards of passing per game so far. Vick still hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in a game but faces the 30th ranked San Diego passing defense. The bad news for Vick and the Combines is that San Diego is ranked 3rd in rushing defense. Advantage: Money

Running back 1: Dominick Davis (M) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Davis is the featured back on an up-and-coming team. However an ankle injury may still be slowing him a bit and the success of Jonathan Wells when Davis was out may mean more carries for Wells. Johnson is coming off a 123 yard, one touchdown effort in week four. He is facing the Browns defense who has given up an AFC worst eight touchdowns in five games. Advantage: Combines

Running back 2: Thomas Jones (M) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - Which Thomas Jones will show up this week? The Jones who dominated the first three weeks or the guy who only ran for 32 yards in week four. Consider that Jones best season he only had 627 yards rushing. Could the first three weeks be a fluke and week four was the real Jones? Barlow has been a huge disappointment for a third round pick. He plays for the worst team in the league (except maybe Arizona) and has failed to put up consistent numbers. He can be explosive like his 23 point outing in week two but faces a pretty good Jets rush defense this week. Advantage: Money

Running back 3: Fred Taylor (M) vs. Michael Pittman (IE) - Taylor hasn't rushed for 100 yards in a game yet this season and has rushed for less than 70 in two straight games. At only 28 years old it's hard to imagine this once great back being washed up, but running backs do lose it quickly. Will have TE Kyle Brady back and Brady is a great blocker. Pittman continues to make people scratch their head. How can a back be this good at running and catching the ball but only have 14 total touchdowns in six seasons? Should get some good yards against a weak St. Louis rush defense, but will he finally score? Advantage: Even

Wide Receiver 1: Hines Ward (M) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - Is Plaxico Burress becoming QB Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target? Money sure hopes not. But in the last two games Ward has been held to only a combined 109 yards and he has only score one touchdown this season. Johnson on the other hand is quickly rising to superstardom with 12 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns last week. With QB David Carr continuing to improve look for Johnson to get even better and better. Advantage: Combines

Wide Receiver 2: Peerless Price (M) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Much to the chagrin of the Combines, if Michael Vick can put up some big passing numbers this week against San Diego, most likely Price and Money will be the beneficiary. Price is the number one option for Vick but only has 202 yards on the season. While WR Ronald Curry is having a breakthrough season for the Raiders, Porter has fallen by the wayside. He only has 248 yards and has yet to score a touchdown. QB Kerry Collins actually throws his way, but has yet to figure out how to get it to him. Advantage: Even

Tight End: Alge Crumpler (M) vs Eric Johnson (IE) - Another beneficiary if Vick can get of the snide is Crumpler. The way that Vick scrambles though means that linebackers come off their coverage of Crumpler leaving him wide open. Unfortunately for Money, they have yet to really take advantage. Johnson suddenly has become the best tight end in the game this year. Johnson's 462 yards are already a career best. He is however questionable with a rib injury but should play. He missed all of last season with an injury and durability is a major question. Advantage: Combines

Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski (M) vs. Kris Brown (IE) - The Raiders struggles on offense have limited Janikowski's effectiveness but he can easily hit from 50+ if given a chance. Brown only had four points last week due to the effectiveness of Houston's offense. He is 9-for-10 in field goals on the season. Advantage: Combines

Defense: Broncos (M) vs. Steelers (IE) - The Broncos are ranked first in total defense so far this season and play a pathetic Raiders offense this weekend. The Steelers are fifth in total defense but struggled against a weak Browns offense in week five. They face a much better than expected Dallas offense. Advantage: Money

Overall: At first glance this game looked like it would be a slam dunk for Money. But after breaking down all of the matchups and crunching the numbers, it actually looks pretty even. Michael Vick is the key in this game. If he manages to break out and pass for more than 200 yards and even maybe a touchdown, who will he throw it to. Money is hoping it's to either Crumpler or Price while the Combines are praying for an Andre Rison resurrection.

Congratulations to the Seattle Storm!!!

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines are pleased to congratulate the 2004 WNBA Champion Seattle Storm!!!

Bears Squeak by Combines

Anderson celebrates the Bear's victory...

(Lacey, WA) - 45 year-old kicker Gary Anderson kicked two field goals and six extra points on Monday night scoring 14 points leading the Brentwood Bears (4-1)past the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-3) 89-87. The Bears were led by RB Tiki Barber's 25 points and 17 points from Matt Hasselbeck but trailed the Combines by 12 points heading into Monday night's game.

Two of the Johnson triplets scored 51 of the Combine's 87 points. WR Andre had 170 yards and two touchdowns while TE Eric caught 13 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. No other starter scored in double digits for the Combines.

"It was a really tight game," lamented coach Brandon Sparks after the game. "It's a big dissapointment to allow an ancient fossil of a kicker beat you, but what can you do."

The Combines bench scored 60 points including 15 points from QB Jake Plummer and a combined 27 points from last weeks starters K Martin Gramatica and the Buccaneers defense.

"I made a couple of bad decisions with who I started," continued Sparks. "It's a tough call. You play the matchups and both Brown and the Steelers both seemed to have a better chance at scoring big. We also really have to consider some big changes at QB. Plummer may get a chance to play soon."

The Combines continue their three game road trip this weekend taking on Central Division leader Money (3-2).

Combines Hire "Advisors"

New Combine "Advisors" - Gillooly, Eckardt and Stant

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines are proud to announce the hiring of Jeff Gillooly, Shawn Eckardt and Shane Stant as Special Advisors to Football Operations. The three men will work in a number or roles for the Combines and have already been dispatched to Green Bay for tonight's Tennessee Titans/Green Bay Packers game.

"We're very happy to have these guys on board," said GM/head coach Brandon Sparks. "They have a very good track record with jobs like this. They are heading out there to do a little bit of 'scouting' and see if they can help us win a game."

The Combines currently lead the Brentwood Bears 87-75 in their week 5 matchup. The Bears are relying on the leg of Titan's kicker Gary Anderson to pull out the win tonight.

"We could really use this win," continued Sparks. "Tonight we'll see if their 'scouting' pays off and hopefully we'll take over first place."

Week Five Preview - Combines vs. Brentwood Bears

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-2) take on Western Division leader Brentwood Bears (3-1) this weekend. The Combines look to knock off their second straight division leading team. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Matt Hasselbeck (Bears) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Hasselbeck is a stud. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, so what's the problem? Shaun Alexander is the problem. Alexander has scored most of the fantasy points while Hasselbeck has been able to relax a bit and not throw so much. A matchup with St. Louis may force him to throw more and thus score much more. Vick has been solid not making many mistakes, but he has not thrown for over 200 yards yet and has failed to score big fantasy points except for 21 points in week 2. Advantage: Bears

Running back 1: Tiki Barber (B) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - Tiki Barber is the leading rusher in the NFC? You can't be serious but amazingly, he is. He has had three 20 point weeks but faces Dallas, one of only three teams that hasn't given up a rushing touchdown this year. Barlow has been disappointing with only 64 yards in the last two games. However he faces Arizona who is 30th in the NFL in rushing defense. Advantage: Even

Running back 2: Emmitt Smith (B) vs. Michael Pittman (IE) - Smith surprised everybody by scoring 22 points last week and looks like a young man again. He faces San Francisco who has allowed six rushing touchdowns this season. Pittman faces New Orleans, who Smith scored the 22 points against. The Saints make the ancient look young so Pittman should have a huge game. Advantage: Combines

Wide Receiver 1: Eric Moulds (B) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - Moulds has posted double digits in each game this season due to scoring a touchdown each week so far. A very solid receiver who should score at least 15 points every week. Johnson is an emerging star on an emerging team. QB David Carr is coming into his own and Andre is his favorite target. They face Minnesota who is 30th in passing defense and is the only team without an interception. Advantage: Even

Wide Receiver 2: Laveranues Coles (B) vs. Donte' Stallworth (IE) - Coles has posted two 100 yard games this season but has yet to get into the endzone. Faces a tough Baltimore defense. The Saints in general have been a huge disappointment thus Stallworth has been too. Faces a Tampa Bay team who despite major struggles has only allowed an average of 153 yards passing. Advantage: Bears

Wide Receiver 3: Bobby Engram (B) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Engram gets the leftovers in the Seahawks offense. Those leftovers have been plentiful. Hasselbeck should throw more so Engram could get a few more catches. Porter only caught two passes last week from new QB Kerry Collins but was thrown at many more times but was overthrown or interfered with. Collins seems to favor Porter and should get plenty of opportunities against Indianapolis, the leagues worst passing defense. Advantage: Combines

Tight End: Jeb Putzier (B) vs Eric Johnson (IE) - Putzier has been pretty good emerging as the Broncos number one tight end. He had a team high 42 yards last week. Johnson is banged up a bit and may not play. If he does play, he sadly is San Francisco's most potent receiving option posting 113 yard last week. Boy the niners suck. Advantage: Combines

Kicker: Gary Anderson (B) vs. Kris Brown (IE) - Anderson is 45 years old and has played for 23 seasons now. The Titans offense hasn't been great, thus Anderson hasn't had much of a chance to use his ancient leg. Brown has been awesome kicking two field goals of over 40 yards last week and a 49 yarder in week three. Should get some opportunities against a bend but don't break Minnesota defense. Advantage: Combines

Defense: Giants (B) vs. Steelers (IE) - The Giants average defense plays the surprisingly good Dallas offense. The Steelers are the NFL's fifth best defense and take on the leagues 31st ranked Cleveland offense. You do the math. Advantage: Combines

Overall: Both teams are missing their number one running backs. If the Bear's Priest Holmes were playing they would be a huge favorite. Without him, the Bears are very average. The game will come down to three big questions. Can Tiki Barber continue to be so damn good or will he come back to earth where he belongs? Will Matt Hasselbeck have to actually play or will Shaun Alexander hog all the scoring? Will Michael Vick finally break out and throw for a couple of touchdowns?

Combines Quiet Blowhards

Rudi Johnson had a big day scoring 18 points in the Combines victory

(Lind, WA) - A big Sunday night performance from RB Kevan Barlow (8 points) and TE Eric Johnson (11) propelled the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-2) to an 86-79 victory over the division leading Blowhards (2-2). The Combines trailed by 12 points going into the Sunday night game despite 18 points from RB Rudi Johnson and 17 from WR Andre Johnson. The Blowhards were led by Tom Brady and Curtis Martin who had 19 and 20 points respectively.

"We said all week that we just needed out top three guys to match their top three guys and we would have a good shot at winning this game," said coach Brandon Sparks in his Monday afternoon radio show. "Our top three scored 43, theirs scored 48. Luckily EJ (Eric Johnson) came up big last night."

"That's fantasy football," replied Sparks angrily when asked if the Combines dodged a bullet by not having to play the Blowhard's number one running back Shaun Alexander. "Of course we dodged a damn bullet, but it doesn't matter. Alexander didn't play and we won. It all comes around, we don't have Rudi next week so maybe you can ask Dan if he dodged a bullet if they beat us. Of course he won't have Priest Holmes so maybe I'll have to answer that stupid question again."

With the win the Combines move to 2-2, tied with the Blowhards for second in the CFFL's Western division one game behind the 3-1 Brentwood Bears. They finish their inaugural homestand at 2-1. They take to the road for three weeks taking on the Bears in Brentwood this weekend.

The Combines return to the Inland Empire in week 8 when the Ramblers make their first appearance at the Lion's Club Arena. Week 8 is Ritzville community day featuring a Michael Vick bobblehead doll courtesy of the Ritzville Blues Festival.

Week Four Preview - Combines vs. Blowhards

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (1-2) take on Western Division leader Blowhards (2-1) this weekend. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Tom Brady (Blowhards) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Brady is the best quarterback in the league on the field. In fantasy he is just average but capable of huge games having scored 24 points in week one. Vick has struggled throwing the ball and his week 2 performance was largely due to his running ability. Look for struggles against Carolina this week with the possibility of huge yards on the ground due to the pass rush constantly getting past the line. Advantage: Blowhards

Running back 1: Curtis Martin (B) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Martin has been a huge surprise this season through two games scoring 31 and 25 points and has already scored more touchdowns this season than last. Don't really see why it shouldn't continue against Miami. Johnson has been irritatingly average and faces the Steelers who have been tough on the run this season. Advantage: Blowhards

Running back 2: Jerome Bettis (B) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - Bettis is a bye week play with starter and stud Shaun Alexander out for the week. Bettis is having his worst season carrying the ball only 12 times for 13 yards but did have a three touchdown game in week one, albeit on one yard rushing. Barlow scored only three points last week in the Niners debacle at Seattle. However he is reportedly healthy again after being injured late in the week two game where he scored 23 points. Advantage: Combines

RB/WR: Mike Alstott (B) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - With RB Charlie Garner out for the season Alstott figures to be used more extensively playing both his fullback position and a little halfback. Doesn't really mean much if the Bucs can't score though. Porter had 84 yards last week and should emerge as the number one receiver in the Raiders offense. However it all depends on who new QB Kerry Collins decides is his favorite. The Combines hope he decides on Porter. Advantage: Combines

Wide Receiver 1: Javon Walker (B) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - Walker has emerged as QB Brett Favre's favorite receiver and scored 37 points in week 3. Should level off but is still a very dangerous receiver. Johnson posted 96 yards but failed to reach the endzone in week 3. He has been better each week posting 58 yards in week 1, 86 yards in week 2 and 96 in week 3. Faces a tough Raiders pass defense in week 4. Advantage: Blowhards

Wide Receiver 2: Brandon Stokley (B) vs. Donte' Stallworth (IE) - Stokley has emerged as a great second or third option for QB Peyton Manning and seems to have the knack at finding the endzone. Stokley however is questionable for this weekends game against Jacksonville. Stallworth scored 17 points in week 2 but plays for an inconsistent offense that hasn't been able to get it going yet. Is capable of very big games. Advantage: Even

Tight End: Freddie Jones (B) vs Eric Johnson (IE) - Jones usually gets his catches and consistently puts up three or four points. Johnson sadly is the focal point of the Niners awful passing attack. If they can score any touchdowns ever, they most likely will be by Johnson Advantage: Combines

Kicker: John Carney (B) vs. Martin Gramatica (IE) - Carney has kicked five field goals last week due to the Saints inability to anything in the redzone. The Bucs offense has been bad. Gramatica has basically been the only one scoring any points and it should continue. If only they could at least stall in field goal range. Advantage: Even

Defense: Raiders (B) vs. Buccaneers (IE) - The Raiders defense has been very solid giving up only 54 points in three games. The Bucs have only given up 56 points but were scorched for 30 in week 3. The Raiders shouldn't struggle to much with the weak Houston offense while Denver could give the Bucs fits. Advantage: Blowhards

Overall: The Combines have to feel lucky that RB Shaun Alexander and WR Roy Williams are both out on their bye weeks or else they would be heavy underdogs. As it stand the Combines have a very good chance to knock off the division leader. It will come down to the performances of both teams top three players. If Vick, Rudi Johnson and Andre Johnson can at least match the contributions made by Brady, Martin and Walker then they should win the game. If they can't it could be a very long weekend and a continued stay in the CFFL basement.