Chicken Wings or Championship Rings?
Terrell Owens doesn't want to speak to Donovan McNabb in real life, but owner Mike Kinsman hopes they're on the same fantasy wavelength again this year for the Chickens
PORTLAND, ME - The Chickens camp opened last week with very familiar faces. The core of this vaunted offensive attack, McNabb, Tomlinson, Lewis, Barlow, Horn and Owens has been in place for several years now. With 2,187 points over the last three seasons, or an average of 729 points per season, the Chickens are the benchmark for great YFFL dynasties. There's only once problem - this Chickens dynasty hasn't won the Super Bowl. As Snapdragons owner Jon Kinsman and Thugs owner Bobby Sansone will tell you, no dynasty is complete without the coveted Super Bowl ring.
To put that 729 point average over the last three years in perspective, only one other team in league history has even scored more than 729 points in one season, the 12-1 Huskers of 2002. Clearly, the Chickens are in a league of their own.
Kinsman hasn't made any moves yet to improve his chances. David Carr sits deep on the Chickens' bench behind McNabb and Brees. Jason Whitten is one of the top 5 TEs in the league but won't see much playing time behind Antonio Gates. The Chickens have bargaining chips but Kinsman won't give these guys away for players who can't contribute this season.
Biggest Question Facing Owner Mike Kinsman
Can the Chickens beat the Merry Men in the Super Bowl? It's quickly becoming the most heated rivalry in the YFFL. The quiet Steve Dugas versus the outspoken Mike Kinsman. They meet in Week 1 to kick off the YFFL season and most experts are predicting another meeting between the Merry Men and Chickens in the Super Bowl. Kinsman believes there should be an asterisk next to the Merry Men's championship because Terrell Owens couldn't play. Thus, the question remains: if healthy, who has the advantage?
Tale of the Tape
| Pos | Merry Men | Chickens | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Culpepper | McNabb | Merry Men |
| RB | Alexander & McAllister | Tomlinson & Lewis | Chickens |
| WR | Porter & Burleson | Owens & Horn | Chickens |
| TE | Clark | Gates | Chickens |
| K | Vanderjagt | [None] | Merry Men |
| UT | R. Johnson | Barlow | Merry Men |
Probable Starters
McNabb, Tomlinson, Lewis, Owens, Horn, Gates, (Draft Pick), Barlow
Final Observations
The Chickens are still the class of the YFFL. While they will slip a little from last year's record breaking numbers, but they are still the clear favorite to win the NFC and a slight favorite over the Merry Men to win the Super Bowl. Kinsman still needs to add depth at WR and needs to grab an All-Pro kicker. Don't be surprised if he takes Ryan Longwell in the first round. Kinsman is also reportedly eyeing Jacksonville WR Matt Jones. The Chickens have been reluctant to trade any of their 4 QBs which is preventing them from adding depth at either RB or WR. An injury to either position could be detrimental to Kinsman's goal of winning his first YFFL Championship in 9 long years.
Projected Record
8-5; 1st NFC West