Ensis Ferrae wrote: And it would seem, to top it off that a certain Cowboys player is in the news for the wrong reasons for allegedly talking ill of an injured player from another team
I watched a bit of the first half, before working on homework... both QBs had a combined 6 completed passes, and 2 of those may have been interceptions When it rains as much as it is in Carolina, the passing game generally suffers, the quick route, quick passing game that seems to be the thing in the NFL is greatly hurt by a ball that wet.
So it's trade deadline day? Who you hoping your team trades for? Patriots 2 biggest needs are tackle and CB depth. I'm hoping for one of alteraun Verner, Joe Staley, Sean smith, or another tackle. I know the NFL isn't a huge trade deadline like MLB or basketball but the patriots are usually pretty active so here's hoping.
Maybe Chip will take some-one's advice and trade for Kapernik.
But, he would still need time to get used to the system.
FFL: Just to show my team is not THAT (last place) BAD...
" •If they played the same schedule as Mean Machine, Hel's Fury would be 5-1"
Maybe it's just Mean had an easy schedule.....
Pretty terrible Monday night football game IMO. Carolina is clearly the worst of the remaining undefeated teams, and is probably worse than 3 or 4 other NFC teams. Good defense, but their offense isn't very impressive.
Chancetragedy wrote: So it's trade deadline day? Who you hoping your team trades for? Patriots 2 biggest needs are tackle and CB depth. I'm hoping for one of alteraun Verner, Joe Staley, Sean smith, or another tackle. I know the NFL isn't a huge trade deadline like MLB or basketball but the patriots are usually pretty active so here's hoping.
Personally, I hope my team trades for Tom Brady... we need a good backup to Russell Wilson
Man every year the NFL trade deadline gets me. So much hope/hype and never any payoff. And like yes I understand why there aren't many/any trades but still I always hold out hope haha.
Chancetragedy wrote: So it's trade deadline day? Who you hoping your team trades for? Patriots 2 biggest needs are tackle and CB depth. I'm hoping for one of alteraun Verner, Joe Staley, Sean smith, or another tackle. I know the NFL isn't a huge trade deadline like MLB or basketball but the patriots are usually pretty active so here's hoping.
Personally, I hope my team trades for Tom Brady... we need a good backup to Russell Wilson
IDK, from my perspective, Russell need to play much better or he's getting Kap'd.
IDK, from my perspective, Russell need to play much better or he's getting Kap'd.
I was being facetious, but I think that could be said of a lot of guys on the team. I think Wilson's play has picked up a bit with the line's improved play. Better protection=better results.
And to think...I dumped Freeman because I read that he might not have been the starter and that he may not have been better than a good 3rd RB....
This week will probably see me take a loss due to bye weeks...thats what I am expecting!
Automatically Appended Next Post: Wilson has had a pretty bad year.
Something I got thinking about that I am certain could be found with a bit of looking....
How have QB's (and even other players) performed the year folloing their big cintract signing?
Do they frequently have down years? Are they average? Do they perform at the level that earned them the huge contract?
It would be bery interesting to see....
The first huge one I can remember is Favre signing as the first $100m qb
Automatically Appended Next Post: Makes me wonder if there *is* a proclivity for down years immediately following the big contracts because the team invests so much in one person.
Look at Wilson this year. His O line is terrible and he has been hit/sacked the most in his career, I believe.
Makes me wonder if they could/should have tried to invest more in other areas...and if that happens to other teams in similar fashions.
The first huge one I can remember is Favre signing as the first $100m qb
IMHO, Favre isn't a good case study to use, simply because he is the quintessential/prototypical "gunslinger" QB. His numbers had the potential for swinging wildly from week to week, never mind year to year
Running back Reggie Bush, who suffered a season-ending and potentially career-threatening knee injury after slipping on concrete surrounding the field in St. Louis, has procured legal representation and plans on suing the city of St. Louis over the matter, according to a source close to the player. High-powered attorney Shawn Holley and her KWIKA firm is handling Bush's case, which will take aim at the Edward Jones Dome -- owned and operated by the city of St. Louis through its Sports Authority and Convention Bureau.
The NFLPA contacted the NFL about the safety issue at the stadium following the latest incident on the concrete, sources said. Bush was carted off with a season-ending injury and one, given this stage of his career, that could jeopardize his ability to play professional football again. The league and the Rams worked with the operators of the stadiums to make sure the problem is corrected, but obviously that's after the fact for Bush, a former first-round pick who had only recently gotten back on the field for the 49ers after battling injury.
Bush's suit will likely seek gross negligence given the potential danger of having such a slippery surface abut the playing field, the source said, especially considering this was not the first incident of this sort to take place there.
TheMeanDM wrote: He has had a couple of years wjere he has had injuries to his knees and legs.
So...yeah..it could be career ending...
I mean he is now 30...and it'd reported to t a torn ACL
AP coming back for the next year is the exception to the rehab time.
Yeah, he's 30, which even in NFL terms isn't all that old if you manage to stay healthy.
However, he is a very small back and it took him a bit of time to figure out how best to NOT take massive hits, so he's had a bit of injury issues here and there.
Man, here's hoping TG3 doesn't hit the rookie wall. He's saving like 3 of my fantasy teams single handedly ;p what a pickup and stash he's been for me.
You cannot convince me that Goodell hasn't passed it down the line to the refs for them to throw the flags at NE for sneezing in the direction of receivers.
You cannot convince me that Goodell hasn't passed it down the line to the refs for them to throw the flags at NE for sneezing in the direction of receivers.
Talk about garbage ref, last nights college football game between Hawaii and Fresno st was utter garbage reffing, they called out like 9 personal fouls in the first half, handful of them were against Hawaii to keep Fresno st drive alive. Those refs are totally in someone's bag.
Not sure what's funnier -- a Pats fan complaining about not getting calls, or the fact that the calls in question were PI.
In fact, if everyone remembers the PI "area of emphasis" crackdown last year...that had a lot to do with the tactics employed by the Pats' DBs. And they've pushed the line there for years. Torry Holt probably still has bruises from the muggings he got in SBXXXVI.
AZ is getting hosed by the refs...and I'm a Seattle fan!
Really!? I saw it completely the opposite, at least in the first quarter. I had no idea that a Seattle Lineman was capable of a facemasking penalty when the replay clearly showed his hands being on the chest of the person who he supposedly grabbed facemask of. Ohh, and apparently, Carson Palmer gets extra time on the play clock without a delay of game penalty, but Russell Wilson doesn't.
Yeah, I'm also a Seattle fan, but I saw the officiating much differently than you did.
Wilson got away with two pretty "big" calls in his favor in the first half.
Then the *horrible* spot that gave us the 1st down in the 4th when the...what is he...a TE?...ran on 4th. It was AZ's 3rd challenge. There was really no way he reached the line of scrimmage.
On the other hand, there was the "we still don't know what a catch is, but we're sure it has nothing to do with the definition anyone else uses" call in AZ's favor to negate a turnover.
TheMeanDM wrote: Wilson got away with two pretty "big" calls in his favor in the first half.
The "safety" and the then "incomplete pass"?? There were also the 2 intentional grounding plays, one of which I will agree he got away with (where he threw it about 3-4 yards short of the LOS), but the second one, where, with the aid of technology one could see that he hit the imaginary tackle box line and threw the ball... so while it was border line, it really was border line.
I think the biggest thing this game showed the league, was what that idiot Chris Collinsworth was talking about when AZ had that fumble ruled "incomplete". The League really needs to sit down and come up with a concrete, definitive answer for what a catch is. Replay showed the AZ player catch the ball, make three steps and then fumble it, yet somehow is an incomplete pass? You only need 2 feet in bounds for it to be a catch along the sidelines... the current ruling of "make a football move" in order to determine a catch within the field of play is far too open to interpretation.
Probably one of the few times I think Collinsworth has said something smart on air.
As I much as I hate the New England Cheetahs, I'm glad they managed to beat the Giants. Don't get me wrong, it would have been nice to see the Giants win, but since NE lost, they won't be out for blood against the Bills.
TheMeanDM wrote: Oh gawd...don 't get me started on Collinsworth...
He was talking about Tom Cable, the seattle o-line coach, and saying in a positive way how he had "re made" the o-line.
And not more than 10 min before he had given a stat that Wilson was getting sacked an average of 4x /game.
I was like "WTH are you complimenting the coach for?! The o line is like a sieve..."
The thing about the national reporters and commentators is that they don't know very much about any given team. They're the 'mile wide, inch deep' crew. So they'll often fall back on tired cliches or "observations" that don't make a lot of sense. They've also got producers in their ears telling them to WORK THE STORYLINE, which doesn't always reflect the reality taking place on the field.
Anyway, they could be good football minds, but they often just aren't that plugged in to a certain team or roster, and as a result beat reporters and even fans often have a more accurate handle on what's going on with a team.
Happyjew wrote: As I much as I hate the New England Cheetahs, I'm glad they managed to beat the Giants. Don't get me wrong, it would have been nice to see the Giants win, but since NE lost, they won't be out for blood against the Bills.
Er, actually New England won, so...?
Also, can you help us out and tell us how the Patriots are cheating this year?
Also, can you help us out and tell us how the Patriots are cheating this year?
Haven't you been paying attention? Clearly we have to wait for the most "damaging" point for their cheating scheme to be revealed.... Probably in the hours following a playoff win.
Also, can you help us out and tell us how the Patriots are cheating this year?
Haven't you been paying attention? Clearly we have to wait for the most "damaging" point for their cheating scheme to be revealed.... Probably in the hours following a playoff win.
Ah, got it!
Anyway, this past week in the NFL was very interesting - lots of odd happenings.
Does this mean the Texans have a chance tonight?!?
Happyjew wrote: As I much as I hate the New England Cheetahs, I'm glad they managed to beat the Giants. Don't get me wrong, it would have been nice to see the Giants win, but since NE lost, they won't be out for blood against the Bills.
Er, actually New England won, so...?
Also, can you help us out and tell us how the Patriots are cheating this year?
Alpharius wrote: Spygate was a clear violation of the rules - so in many ways they have set themselves up for this crap now from jealous teams and fanbases...
...but other than that, no, of course not!
I agree.
In other news, Rams QB Foles has been benched. I guess Chase Keenum is the next man up.
Or a Roethlisberger, or Wilson, or an Eli manning, or Ryan, or Newton, or rivers, or Rodgers, or luck, or palmer(can't believe I just said that), or a dalton(what is wrong with me).
Yah at least you guys have Gurley though, if Keemun can give you anything I think the rammies could be pretty good.
Chancetragedy wrote: Or a Roethlisberger, or Wilson, or an Eli manning, or Ryan, or Newton, or rivers, or Rodgers, or luck, or palmer(can't believe I just said that), or a dalton(what is wrong with me).
Yah at least you guys have Gurley though, if Keemun can give you anything I think the rammies could be pretty good.
True dat.
Man... Gurley is fun to watch though... worth the price of admission.
The Rams defense was simply exposed by da Bears yesterday.
The Rams defense was simply exposed by da Bears yesterday.
Wait... wasn't it the Rams that were supposed to have the D-Line of like, the century? Weren't so many "Experts" (ie, Boomer, Deion, Cowher and other talking heads across the various networks) saying it was the best D-line in the league, and included the best draft D-Line this off season? I mean, the way some were talking, you could through out 4 defenders, as long as they were the D-Line of the Rams and stop everyone (without linebackers or DBs)
The Rams defense was simply exposed by da Bears yesterday.
Wait... wasn't it the Rams that were supposed to have the D-Line of like, the century? Weren't so many "Experts" (ie, Boomer, Deion, Cowher and other talking heads across the various networks) saying it was the best D-line in the league, and included the best draft D-Line this off season? I mean, the way some were talking, you could through out 4 defenders, as long as they were the D-Line of the Rams and stop everyone (without linebackers or DBs)
I thought the vaunted Seahawks defense was supposed to be among the all-time greats. Then Tom Brady CARVED UP their mighty secondary with the SB in the balance.
So I guess the Seahawks' D was a fraud and no damn good in the end, right? Or...did they just not have a good game?
FFL Standings... Meanmachine is 9-1, I am 2-8 and everyone else is sitting around 5-5.
Pick'em league is basically dead, 4 players and only one making picks regularly.
helgrenze wrote: FFL Standings... Meanmachine is 9-1, I am 2-8 and everyone else is sitting around 5-5.
Pick'em league is basically dead, 4 players and only one making picks regularly.
Alpharius why you gotta be that guy? We've been doing the fantasy stuff in this thread for a couple years now and your really harshing the mellow here. Just chill man, it's an all encompassing NFL thread and that includes fantasy and the like. I can change the thread title to NFL Fantasy football discussion if that makes it feel better?
helgrenze wrote: FFL Standings... Meanmachine is 9-1, I am 2-8 and everyone else is sitting around 5-5.
Pick'em league is basically dead, 4 players and only one making picks regularly.
Thanks Hel.
I can't help but think Peyton Manning's "injury" is a cover to address his benching.
Seems likely.
Looks like Manzeil is getting his shot, supposed to be in for the remainder.
Bradford apparently couldn't remember the first half of the Dolphins game. Concussion prots before he returns, so Sanchez gets the start vs Tampa.
Weedon's been officially released. Cowboys banking on Romo to save their season. Bets on an 8-8 finish?
OO and look Rob Ryan is out of a job.. again. Anyone need a bad DC?
Rob Ryan. The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? Rex is easily the sanest one in that family. Obviously neither Buddy nor Rob got the memo that being an attention-seeking, undermining PITA isn't good for your career in coaching.
And maybe I'm just paying a bit more attention to it this year but there seem to be a lot of injuries to a lot of key players this season.
Ehh, I think it may be about the "normal" amount, I just think that there are a number of teams who had all their eggs in one basket, so to speak and so were unable to adjust or recover from those key injuries.
And maybe I'm just paying a bit more attention to it this year but there seem to be a lot of injuries to a lot of key players this season.
Ehh, I think it may be about the "normal" amount, I just think that there are a number of teams who had all their eggs in one basket, so to speak and so were unable to adjust or recover from those key injuries.
I dunno if it's been any worse than usual, but I dunno if I agree with the rest of your statement there.
When it comes to starting QBs, everyone's eggs are in one basket. The team I follow has done okay despite the QB missing games (and season-ending injuries to the All-Pro running back and center...and a couple suspensions...and injuries to kickers that cost them a game). But had he been healthy they'd probably be 8-2ish rather than 6-4. And they'd have no shot at the playoffs if a backup had to start the rest of the way.
In a league where half the teams don't have STARTING QBs that inspire confidence, you know basically everyone is screwed if they have to start a backup QB long-term.
Rob Ryan has been bouncing around the league about a decade now. Always the same story, takes a decent Defense and ruins it.
Injuries have been about average, timing however.... Lots of late key injuries are hurting some teams. Some teams that had those kinds of injuries earlier may make a run as those players come back.
Byte wrote: That Thursday night game was painful to watch.
I don't know about the game, but I couldn't watch it because of them uniforms...
What a "flip of the bird" to color blind people.
The concept of the "Color Rush" is what's flawed here. Yeah SOME teams would look pretty cool in their primary color; The Raiders, Dallas, Falcons, Ravens, ... A few others if they made the right choice for the color. The problem is they have the wrong teams and the wrong colors per team.
Imagine a Browns/Bengals game with both uniforms different shades of Orange.
Or a Raiders/Falcons game with both in Black.
UGH.
My big thing about the color rush stuff, is the NFL literally cannot admit any wrongdoing ever. Instead of going yah, that really hasn't worked how we thought. They just continue on and say well we did a tv test so we're just gonna keep on screwing with a large portion of our audience. I spoke to some color blind people who said they couldn't see the jets players because the uniforms were so similar to the grass color and things were just miserable so they turned the game off.
nels1031 wrote: Joe Flacco out for the rest of the season with torn ACL, MCL...
Justin Forsett broke an arm, probably done for season...
Steve Smith Sr. , ACL, out for the season(probably his career) a few weeks ago...
Terrell Suggs, knocked out in week 1...
This is offically the worst football disaster to happen to Baltimore since the Colts packed up and skipped town like a thief in the night!
Adding insult to injury(s), Poe, our mascot was caught celebrating on a missed field goal...
It's a ton of injuries.
Although it should be said that when the loss of Suggs and Smith are huge blows (their combined age being around...95?), you may have some talent issues on the roster. And I think the Ravens do.
Chancetragedy wrote: That whistle cost the pats 7 almost guaranteed. So frustrating
It's far from over though. it's not terrible reffing, it's karma
Well, New England still won, so I'm wondering - what do have against Buffalo?
I surprised they lost really, I picked the patriots to win for the pool, because if they're going to cheat to win there's a better chance of them winning
well I guess my Karma's still in good shape, 10 out of 14 for me, I might win some $$$
I was placed in the odd position of rooting for the Patriots, because a Bills loss makes my team's path to the wildcard easier.
The division isn't technically out of reach, but it's very unlikely that the Steelers will run the table AND the Bengals will finish 3-3. If the Steelers hadn't p*ssed away that game 3 weeks ago, it'd be a completely different story...
Chancetragedy wrote: That whistle cost the pats 7 almost guaranteed. So frustrating
It's far from over though. it's not terrible reffing, it's karma
Well, New England still won, so I'm wondering - what do have against Buffalo?
I surprised they lost really, I picked the patriots to win for the pool, because if they're going to cheat to win there's a better chance of them winning
well I guess my Karma's still in good shape, 10 out of 14 for me, I might win some $$$
The Pats got that one back a few minutes later. The quick snap at the 6 with a Buffalo player still 10 yards behind the line..... USUALLY the ref would have held the play until the Def was set.
That play, they didn't.
I know I saw them doing it in a couple games this week, Philly in particular, the Ref would stand between the QB and Center until the Def was set.
I think they only hold till the defense was set for substitutions no? 55 the guy who was behind the line was already on the field arguing with a ref about the completion. So they don't have to hold he play up I think.(I could be 1000% wrong lol)
It was a Sub, you can see two other players running off the field on the Buffalo side. A NE player just barely makes it off.... The timing almost makes it look like the coach told Brady to snap it.
Ya know, with the way the officiating has gone so noticeably down hill this year, I dare say I may not watch the Super Bowl at all... The half-time act could potentially change that, but I doubt it.
The officials have too much on their plates. It used to be that they could just call the game and not worry about umpteen player safety concerns, or baffling, weird new interpretations of what constitutes a catch.
I guess Eagles fans can at least be thankful that the game finally ended?!
Now hopefully the Panthers don't lay an egg against Dallas, and then my Giants can beat down the Skins on Sunday, and the division picture will look a little better!
I almost feel bad for Dallas players. Whenever someone gets injured, and the projected recovery time is X weeks, Jerry Jones always goes "He'll be back in X - Y weeks. He'll be fine."
Man it's really sunk in that I don't get Brady V Manning tonight;( all jokes aside its sad to see how far Peyton has fallen and how quickly. And puts into perspective Brady and Bellichik will be gone soon. Seeing greats at the end of their roads stinks.
Chancetragedy wrote: Man it's really sunk in that I don't get Brady V Manning tonight;( all jokes aside its sad to see how far Peyton has fallen and how quickly. And puts into perspective Brady and Bellichik will be gone soon. Seeing greats at the end of their roads stinks.
Yes, but you have to know that when Brady/Bellichick are gone, there will be tons of people dancing for joy. Perhaps it's a bit naive, but I can see how people might think there may be more integrity brought back to the game with those 2 gone, given the number of cheating scandals have been around them for years now.
Chancetragedy wrote: Man it's really sunk in that I don't get Brady V Manning tonight;( all jokes aside its sad to see how far Peyton has fallen and how quickly. And puts into perspective Brady and Bellichik will be gone soon. Seeing greats at the end of their roads stinks.
Yes, but you have to know that when Brady/Bellichick are gone, there will be tons of people dancing for joy. Perhaps it's a bit naive, but I can see how people might think there may be more integrity brought back to the game with those 2 gone, given the number of cheating scandals have been around them for years now.
And there are plenty of people laughing at mannings falling off. I am not one of those people, I try to appreciate the greats regardless of their laundry. I'm just saying this was kind of the end of an era where 2 of the best ever qbs faced off so often.
Chancetragedy wrote: Man it's really sunk in that I don't get Brady V Manning tonight;( all jokes aside its sad to see how far Peyton has fallen and how quickly. And puts into perspective Brady and Bellichik will be gone soon. Seeing greats at the end of their roads stinks.
Yes, but you have to know that when Brady/Bellichick are gone, there will be tons of people dancing for joy. Perhaps it's a bit naive, but I can see how people might think there may be more integrity brought back to the game with those 2 gone, given the number of cheating scandals have been around them for years now.
I agree that it is a bit naive, and certainly pretty funny!
Speaking of which... when will the NFL be releasing all the air pressure readings they've been randomly taking at various times during games this year?
I agree that it is a bit naive, and certainly pretty funny!
Speaking of which... when will the NFL be releasing all the air pressure readings they've been randomly taking at various times during games this year?
They won't ever release those numbers. The findings that all the balls of quarterbacks that prefer lower PSI balls all dip below the limit in cold weather would "Damage the integrity of the game" -- Make the NFL look more idiotic
In keeping with the funny moments, end of the half between Denver and NE.
After Kubiak calling timeout to force NE to punt, Belichick calling time out and then having Brady throw the ball instead of being forced to punk was great.
Health is so much more important for this patriots squad than HFA. Although they can have both because their schedule is pretty soft from here on out. If Denver or cinci loses a game it's pretty much locked up.
Alpharius wrote: Actually, if NE doesn't lose another game it is still locked up!
But with Houston (a surprising 2nd half resurgence!) and the Jets both being away games left on the schedule...
But with Houston and the Jets still on the schedule, someone completely forgot the Eagles were there as well
Yesterday, Buffalo got away from us, sadly. But we have certainly been better these last 6 games than the first. Things are coming up roses for old Milhouse!
Alpharius wrote: Seems like someone still isn't over Super Bowl XLIX.
Lol... what's there to get over? Coach made a "bonehead" play call that had worked 100% of the time up to that point in the season. PLUS.... we hate the 49ers so much, we just simply couldn't bear looking at a Lombardi with the number "49" on it, no matter the form the number takes
helgrenze wrote: Cowboys can get back in the hunt with a win over the (politically incorrectly named) team from Washington.
And that just shows you how fething terrible the NFC East is. The Cowboys have Romo break his collar bone twice and they're still "in the hunt.'
I love the Redskins, but this is such a garbage division...
Actually, The NFC east is closer to a model of Parity than any other division.
The teams are sitting at 3-2 (Dal), 2-2 (Wash, Phil), and 2-3 (NYG) for Divisional record.
Other Divisions range from 4-0 to 0-5 (AFC East), 4-1 to 0-5 (NFC West).
And while the AFC South has two teams at 6-6 (Ind, Hou tied for first), the divisional record shows Jax and Tenn sitting at 1-3.
It is entirely possible for all the teams in the NFC East to finish at 8-8, and 3-3 in the Division, putting the Conference record up as the next tiebreaker, which Washington holds the edge on at the moment (5-4 over NYG @ 4-5, Phil @ 3-6, and Dal @ 3-7)
The final 4 games will decide this Div. which makes things interesting.
Wash - @ Chi, Bills, @Phil, @ Dal. (3 road games, 0-5 this season and 1-12 in the last two)
NYG - @ Mia, Panthers, @ Minn, Phil. (2-4 away)
Dal - @GB, NYJ, @ Buff, Wash (1-5 at home)
Phil - Bills, Cards, Wash, @NYG (2-3 at home)
Of course, that assumes that Dallas wins out with 2 tough matchups (NYJ, GB),Wash and Phil split the Div games and win the others, NYG manages to beat Phil in DEC, something Eli has had trouble with, while also beating Miami and Minn (Not liking their chances vs Carolina).
If nothing else, it's going to be an interesting month.
helgrenze wrote: Cowboys can get back in the hunt with a win over the (politically incorrectly named) team from Washington.
And that just shows you how fething terrible the NFC East is. The Cowboys have Romo break his collar bone twice and they're still "in the hunt.'
I love the Redskins, but this is such a garbage division...
Actually, The NFC east is closer to a model of Parity than any other division.
Parity within the division, maybe. Note that the NFC East teams are a combined 10-20 in non-divisional games. That's pretty awful, and certainly doesn't indicate parity with the rest of the league.
It is entirely possible for all the teams in the NFC East to finish at 8-8, and 3-3 in the Division, putting the Conference record up as the next tiebreaker, which Washington holds the edge on at the moment (5-4 over NYG @ 4-5, Phil @ 3-6, and Dal @ 3-7)
For Dallas to finish 8-8 they have to win out, that includes beating Washington, which would put their Div record at 4-2 (currently 3-2), making a 4 way tie at 8-8/3-3 impossible.
A 4-way at 7-9/3-3 isn't even possible given the final 4 games for each team.
Alpharius wrote: No one really cares about the NFC East, I guess?
Could also be that with the general lack of activity in the thread, that the 2015 NFL season isn't all that entertaining, or isn't that good? Obviously there are a number of reasons for why that may/may not be happening.
Gonna be an interesting playoffs though. NE (if healthy) and Carolina might still be the class of their conferences, but it's not hard to imagine either or both being upset.
Yah a lot of hype around the steelers being spoilers in the AFC. hopefully the pats can continue to get healthy for a nice repeat run. But we'll see lot of good teams separating themselves despite supposed "parity" in the league.
Chancetragedy wrote: Yah a lot of hype around the steelers being spoilers in the AFC. hopefully the pats can continue to get healthy for a nice repeat run. But we'll see lot of good teams separating themselves despite supposed "parity" in the league.
As a NE fan I know don't want to see the Steelers again unless the Pats are completely healthy again and are at home...
gorgon wrote: Gonna be an interesting playoffs though. NE (if healthy) and Carolina might still be the class of their conferences, but it's not hard to imagine either or both being upset.
Agreed, especially considering teams like Seattle are starting to pick up steam (yeah, I know, Im a Hawks fan, so Im biased... but we put the hurtin' on Minnesota last week, and they supposedly have a darn good defense)
I agree that Seattle is poised to be the spoilers for the playoffs this year. They are heating up where the other wild card teams in the NFC are cooling down. That said, I don't think they have a third consecutive Super Bowl run in them (and I'm a huge Hawks fan) in the face of Carolina and Arizona.
Well, I'd like their chances of making that happen a lot more if they had 8 wins right now and a healthy Le'Veon Bell. Anything less than 3-1 down the stretch (two of those games are against the Bengals and Broncos), and I think they're staying home. And Deangelo Williams has played great, but Bell is a great player.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
curran12 wrote: I agree that Seattle is poised to be the spoilers for the playoffs this year. They are heating up where the other wild card teams in the NFC are cooling down. That said, I don't think they have a third consecutive Super Bowl run in them (and I'm a huge Hawks fan) in the face of Carolina and Arizona.
I think the teams that played two weeks ago are pretty good, and it showed with last week's results. But it's been such a turbulent season for the Steelers with all the injuries, and now they're going to have to scratch and claw just to get in.
I'm still stunned at how handily the Seahawks dominated the Vikings last week. It'll be interesting to see if they can keep that momentum going into the playoffs.
helgrenze wrote: Can we stop the color rush thing NOW? This game is so garish it is almost unwatchable.
Yep... I watched the opening kickoff, and the first drive up until the rams got just inside the redzone... it was seriously too fething much.
Ohh... and if I were the Pittsburgh Steelers, I'd be suing the gak outta St. Louis for the blatant ripping off of their towel. the ONLY authorized yellow towel swinging franchise is the Steelers!!! (and y'all know me well enough to know I ain't a Steelers fan, lol)
Teams have been ripping off the Towel for many years. Look all all the "rally towels" in baseball. I think that goes back to the "Homer Hanky" in the '80s.
They're all pretenders. None of them have the power of the Terrible Towel, and strange things have happened over the years to players who have mocked or desecrated the one true Towel.
As the late, great sportswriter/broadcaster Myron Cope, creator of the Terrible Towel, once said,
I did not see the Terrible Towel as witchcraft to hex the enemy. It would be a positive force, driving the Steelers to superhuman performance, but if it experienced a yen for mischief and created fatal mistakes by opponents, I would tolerate that.
Fun fact -- the Towel's trademark is owned by the Allegheny Valley School, which cares for kids with developmental/intellectual disabilities (Cope's son lived there). Proceeds from the Towel have raised millions for the school.
Well, now it looks like the playoff pictures are starting to mesh out. Last night was one piece needed for the Seahawks to clich a berth. If they win vs the Browns on Sunday (should be easily done at home) and the Giants lose to the Panthers, the Hawks will clinch.
Well looks like I'm about to how out of the ffo playoffs. Nothing has gone right this week and everything has for hlaine. Oh well I thought I looked strong.
After a slow start to the season, the Seahawks have surged back into the postseason. With Sunday's win over the Browns and the Giants' loss to the Panthers, Seattle clinched its fourth consecutive postseason berth.
I'm stupidly superstitious. And after that post my team scored like 60 points so it did its job. It's down to brass tacks last ditch efforts. Anything to win this time of year.
The combination of Seattle winning, Tampa Bay losing and the Giants losing has given Seattle at least a 6th seed lock in the NFC playoffs. Currently, the Hawks own the tiebreaker with Minnesota for who gets the 5th seed, but it remains to be seen how it pans out in the end.
After a slow start to the season, the Seahawks have surged back into the postseason. With Sunday's win over the Browns and the Giants' loss to the Panthers, Seattle clinched its fourth consecutive postseason berth.
Right?
Anyway, the Seahawks look to be the Dreaded Team That No One Wants to Face In The First Round (or later!) right now, just like the Steelers in the AFC!
After a slow start to the season, the Seahawks have surged back into the postseason. With Sunday's win over the Browns and the Giants' loss to the Panthers, Seattle clinched its fourth consecutive postseason berth.
Right?
Anyway, the Seahawks look to be the Dreaded Team That No One Wants to Face In The First Round (or later!) right now, just like the Steelers in the AFC!
That's pretty amazing given all the big names on the injury list.
I was #1 seed in one FFL, and #2 seed in the other.
And I'm about to lose both opening playoff games - and they won't even be close!
Argh, yeah I'm wondering about going to a 2-week average for ours... the top seed got knocked out by someone who barely snuck into the playoffs (got in because 3 others lost the final week)! But I guess that's realistic for the actual playoffs...
As a Ravens fan, this season is lost, but I'm consoling myself by rooting for the (still local) Redskins on the other side of the league... and yes, I Like That
Alpharius wrote: No one really cares about the NFC East, I guess?
I care about the NFC East.
The division may be a burning dumpster fire, but the Redskins are on the top of the trash heap so I'm happy. Having initially doubted Kirk Cousins, I'm thrilled to see him transform into a legitimate NFL quarterback. His stats over the last month (and all season, really) are just incredible.
Alpharius wrote: No one really cares about the NFC East, I guess?
I care about the NFC East.
The division may be a burning dumpster fire, but the Redskins are on the top of the trash heap so I'm happy. Having initially doubted Kirk Cousins, I'm thrilled to see him transform into a legitimate NFL quarterback. His stats over the last month (and all season, really) are just incredible.
Just one in a long line of copyrights. Lakers' former head coach, Pat Riley, trademarked "Three-peat". As soon as some phrase becomes popular, someone tries to make a money grab by cornering the market on T-Shirt sales.
Well now... I may actually finish NOT last place in FFL...
NFL wise, I am hoping Philly can win out to finish the season. Sats game with Wash could set the stage. Besides the Eagles finish against 'Lil Eli' who has had problems with Philly once winter starts.
Article that accompanies the program on Al Jazeeras site:
Inside a hotel room in Austin, Texas, a pharmacist advises a professional athlete on taking performance-enhancing drugs.
“One anabolic, and I can give you something to use right now, is this Delta 2 stuff. It’s a steroid. There’s a bunch of football players who take this,” he tells Liam Collins, a British hurdler reporting undercover.
In another conversation, a Vancouver pharmacist poses a question to the same athlete.
“Have I doped people? Oh yeah. And no one’s got caught because the system is so easy to beat. That’s the sad fact.”
Later, a Naturopath doctor explains how he would destroy medical records if investigators came looking for them.
“I can just document everything not in this chart but on my own chart. And if somebody ever comes sniffing for it, it’s very easy to just delete and say no, this is the real chart. If say, WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] comes sniffing around.”
Normally these conversations take place behind closed doors, but a new investigation by Al Jazeera is bringing them to light. Liam Collins, working on behalf of Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, spent six months undercover investigating the murky world of performance-enhancing drugs — what athletes refer to as “the dark side.”
“For me, it was an opportunity to be the guy, to go undercover, and make a change,” said Collins. At 37, he competes as a hurdler at an international level. For the investigation he claimed that he was making one last push for the Rio Olympics and was willing to do “whatever it takes” to get there.
The investigation has exposed the crucial role of pharmacists and doctors in creating and prescribing programs of performance-enhancing drugs designed to cheat the testing system. It also raises questions about some well-known athletes in American football and baseball who the medical professionals claim to work with.
The athletes and medical professionals who responded to requests for comment denied any wrongdoing. This includes Peyton Manning, a football player for the Denver Broncos, whose wife, one pharmacist alleged, was supplied with human growth hormone.
That pharmacist, Charlie Sly, has disavowed his statements to Collins that were caught on hidden camera. In a follow-up email, he said that when he spoke with Collins “was in no state of mind to be making any coherent statements as I was grieving the death of my fiancé.”
Manning in an interview Sunday on ESPN emphatically denied that he has ever used performance-enhancing drugs. He also said he is “sick” that his wife, Ashley, “is being brought into this."
Regarding his treatment in 2011 for a severe neck injury, the Denver Broncos player said, “I busted my butt to get healthy.
“Time and hard work was my best medicine,” Manning said. “It stings me [that] whoever this guy is says that I cut corners, I broke rules to get healthy.”
Manning said he used a hyperbaric chamber, received 35 days of treatment to enhance blood flow in his muscles, and had nutrient therapies. “All under coach authorization,” he said. “Anything else this guy is insinuating is complete garbage.”
In a statement, the Broncos said, “Knowing Peyton Manning and everything he stands for, the Denver Broncos support him 100 percent. These are false claims made to Al Jazeera, and we don’t believe the report.”
Dr. Dale Guyer, the head of the Guyer Institute in Indiana, where Manning received treatments, also denied the allegations in a statement to sports website Bleacher Report on Sunday.
Sly also named baseball players Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals and Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about whether they use the hormone supplement Delta-2. Both have denied the allegations.
In a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday, Zimmerman and Howard's lawyer William Burck said, "The extraordinarily reckless claims made against our clients in this report are completely false and rely on a source who has already recanted his claims." The Nationals also issued a statement in support of Zimmerman.
Correction: An earlier version of this article reported on an allegation about possible links between Ryan Zimmerman and Ryan Howard and human growth hormone. The substance alleged was Delta-2, not HGH.
Seems like shoddy reporting, but I am so jaded with pro athletes getting busted that I wouldn't be suprised if its true. Particularly aging athletes trying to squeeze out a few more years.
Otherwise, Al Jazeera America which is already struggling after never catching on in the US market, will have a lot of rich athletes looking to get richer off their potential slander.
One thing to mention on the Peyton manning thing. Is that at that time there was no HGH testing. So even if he used it there is going to be no proof that he "failed" a test. But I can't wait for the "my wife was taking HGH" defense.
Sad day in the Pittsburgh area.... Steelers chocked hard. Hopefully the Steelers will pick up a CB that can cover a receiver in the off season. Steelers secondary is horrible
I definitely think this was the best possible match up out of the three possible. It's also pretty crazy that Vegas is favoring the Skins in this game, considering they had them as the underdog in the final game of the season against Dallas.
Cousins has been a destroyer the last couple weeks and GB looks wounded. I'm actually probably more excited for the NFC games than the pats games. That Seattle vs Minnesota game is gonna be a blood bath. Both teams are smash mouth types.
I may be revising my predictions. It's supposed to be -20degrees F at kickoff for Seattle vs Minnesota. I know the Seahawks play in less than ideal weather but are they prepared for that?
Chancetragedy wrote: I may be revising my predictions. It's supposed to be -20degrees F at kickoff for Seattle vs Minnesota. I know the Seahawks play in less than ideal weather but are they prepared for that?
Is Minnesota prepared? Cold weather home game is a new thang for them.
Chancetragedy wrote: I may be revising my predictions. It's supposed to be -20degrees F at kickoff for Seattle vs Minnesota. I know the Seahawks play in less than ideal weather but are they prepared for that?
Is Minnesota prepared? Cold weather home game is a new thang for them.
I think that BM and AP will be about as prepared to have good games as can be expected, but I have to wonder about the other 53 guys on the roster.
Chancetragedy wrote: I may be revising my predictions. It's supposed to be -20degrees F at kickoff for Seattle vs Minnesota. I know the Seahawks play in less than ideal weather but are they prepared for that?
Is Minnesota prepared? Cold weather home game is a new thang for them.
I don't think either team is ready for zero degrees in a college stadium.
Speaking of the Texans, has the police put out an APB on them? Apparently they didn't show up for an important playoff game and relatives are getting worried.
Haha, I still can't even believe what I just watched. So now the AFC is set. Chiefs at Patriots, the corpse of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the bronco's.
Well, when you are one of the dirtiest players in the NFL and decide to really put yourself at the top of the list, you go headhunting in the final minute of a wild card game, and forfeit the chance to end your franchises 25 year playoff drought. Well played Vontaze Burfict.
Chancetragedy wrote: Haha, I still can't even believe what I just watched. So now the AFC is set. Chiefs at Patriots, the corpse of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the bronco's.
Yup. Broncos will have the easy game now that the Bungles have dealt that damage to Pittsburgh, and the Patriots will have a very tough game.
Never seen anything quite like that...not just the ending, but how out-of-control it got on the field and in the stadium. Steelers players said the same thing after the game.
The Steelers ran off the field without shaking hands to avoid any more incidents. Then apparently James Harrison and Mike Tomlin were inside, heard Roethlisberger was still out on the field talking to reporters, and RAN out on the field to get him out. LOL.
Cincinnati...your players, franchise and fans all FAILED last night. Just move the team to LA and change the name. Do everyone a favor and just give up. Quit the NFL and stop embarrassing yourselves.
Alpharius wrote: I wouldn't count the Steelers out just yet, but yes, the Patriots are in for a tough one!
Is it Brock or Peyton next week?
I wonder what the Pats will pull out of the cheat book to win this year?
gorgon wrote:Never seen anything quite like that...not just the ending, but how out-of-control it got on the field and in the stadium. Steelers players said the same thing after the game.
The Steelers ran off the field without shaking hands to avoid any more incidents. Then apparently James Harrison and Mike Tomlin were inside, heard Roethlisberger was still out on the field talking to reporters, and RAN out on the field to get him out. LOL.
Cincinnati...your players, franchise and fans all FAILED last night. Just move the team to LA and change the name. Do everyone a favor and just give up. Quit the NFL and stop embarrassing yourselves.
Ah, Pittsburgh fans...
Chancetragedy wrote:I think Lewis needs to go. Dude is 0-7 in the playoffs and has zero control of his team. Need someone who can handle hot heads like Burfict and Jones.
Chancetragedy wrote: I think Lewis needs to go. Dude is 0-7 in the playoffs and has zero control of his team. Need someone who can handle hot heads like Burfict and Jones.
They knew a week before the game the Refs where not going to tolerate crap. You have to be smart which obviously Burfict and Jones are not. But as a Steelers fan I'm happy for the win. Primanti Brothers should send sandwiches to Jones and Burfict
Well, the Steelers were and are hardly choirboys, but there are levels to these things.
So far this season, I've seen Burfict end LeVeon Bell's year, attempt to injure Roethlisberger by diving at his legs, successfully injure Roethlisberger on a fairly clean hit followed by a knee to BR's shoulder, and concuss and nearly seriously injure the best WR in the game. Funny how it keeps happening, and keeps happening to the Pro Bowlers in particular.
This one week after the cat tried to injure Maxx Williams. He's a cheapshot POS and has been since college and presumably before that...I have no idea why the league hasn't sat him down for a good long suspension other than the fact that Goodell and company are a joke. Pac-Man is almost as big of an idiot...fortunately he retained his ability to make it rain...flags!
The Steelers and Ravens have had their share of physical, nasty contests over the years, including cheap shots and injuries caused on both sides. But those games and players never got as out of control as we saw last night. Lewis just loves the thugs, and it's a real reason he keeps failing.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Tough loss for the Vikes, but how far were they really going anyway? I think the arrow is pointing up there, but I never felt like it was their year.
Well, the Steelers were and are hardly choirboys, but there are levels to these things.
So far this season, I've seen Burfict end LeVeon Bell's year, attempt to injure Roethlisberger by diving at his legs, successfully injure Roethlisberger on a fairly clean hit followed by a knee to BR's shoulder, and concuss and nearly seriously injure the best WR in the game. Funny how it keeps happening, and keeps happening to the Pro Bowlers in particular.
This one week after the cat tried to injure Maxx Williams. He's a cheapshot POS and has been since college and presumably before that...I have no idea why the league hasn't sat him down for a good long suspension other than the fact that Goodell and company are a joke. Pac-Man is almost as big of an idiot...fortunately he retained his ability to make it rain...flags!
The Steelers and Ravens have had their share of physical, nasty contests over the years, including cheap shots and injuries caused on both sides. But those games and players never got as out of control as we saw last night. Lewis just loves the thugs, and it's a real reason he keeps failing.
All good points - the League remains consistently inconsistent in many important areas...
All kidding aside, it would surprise me but it would not shock me if the Chiefs or the Seahawks won this weekend.
I'd be very surprised if the Packers won.
And given all their injuries, I would be shocked if the Steelers won!
Here's my justification for why I would be neither surprised nor shocked if the Chiefs won: They appear to be a team that's getting hot at the right time. I know the Patriots are known for being a well-prepared (cheating) team, but I think there's something to be said for getting hot and playing out of your skin.
Brown and Williams out, Big Ben is still a question mark. Going to be a tough game to win without Ben. As a steelers fan I have some hope, crazy things have happened this year.
After the way KC humiliated the pats last year I would be shocked if they were able to beat the pats today. With the way this last week has played out I have a feeling the pats are coming out swinging, and Alex smith is not gonna have a very fun day. Should be a good game regardless, I feel like all the games except Denver vs. Pitt are gonna be good ones.
I have
DENVER over Pitt
PATS over Kc
ARIZONA over gb
And SEATTLE over Carolina
All kidding aside, it would surprise me but it would not shock me if the Chiefs or the Seahawks won this weekend.
I'd be very surprised if the Packers won.
And given all their injuries, I would be shocked if the Steelers won!
Here's my justification for why I would be neither surprised nor shocked if the Chiefs won: They appear to be a team that's getting hot at the right time. I know the Patriots are known for being a well-prepared (cheating) team, but I think there's something to be said for getting hot and playing out of your skin.
Same reasons why I wouldn't be surprised or shocked if the Seahawks won - they've got a rather impressive history of better living through cheating chemistry.
That might just give them the leg up they need against the Panthers.
Too bad for KC. I was pulling for them. Had to work so didn't get to watch the game, but I heard about it
Spoiler:
All I can say is the Patriots! They've pulled too many shenanigans and mostly gotten away with it for me to ever like them. Shame, because I kinda like Tom Brady as a player.
ZergSmasher wrote: Too bad for KC. I was pulling for them. Had to work so didn't get to watch the game, but I heard about it
Spoiler:
All I can say is the Patriots! They've pulled too many shenanigans and mostly gotten away with it for me to ever like them. Shame, because I kinda like Tom Brady as a player.
What could have been, if Seattle had showed up to play 30 minutes earlier than they actually did today?
Yep... and I have to say, as a Seattle fan that was actually a VERY well officiated game, which sadly hasn't been the norm for games I've watched this season.
ZergSmasher wrote: Too bad for KC. I was pulling for them. Had to work so didn't get to watch the game, but I heard about it
Spoiler:
All I can say is the Patriots! They've pulled too many shenanigans and mostly gotten away with it for me to ever like them. Shame, because I kinda like Tom Brady as a player.
Also someone might want to remind the Seahawks that they have to play a game today!
Okay, I see your point. I'm only kind of a passive football fan anyway, I don't watch a lot of games (although I do consider myself a Chiefs fan). I usually watch the Super Bowl every year no matter who's playing.
So Cardinals at Carolina, and Patriots at Broncos. Should be 2 pretty interesting games. Pretty crazy the season is almost over, feels like it flew bye.
ZergSmasher wrote: Too bad for KC. I was pulling for them. Had to work so didn't get to watch the game, but I heard about it
Spoiler:
All I can say is the Patriots! They've pulled too many shenanigans and mostly gotten away with it for me to ever like them. Shame, because I kinda like Tom Brady as a player.
Also someone might want to remind the Seahawks that they have to play a game today!
Okay, I see your point. I'm only kind of a passive football fan anyway, I don't watch a lot of games (although I do consider myself a Chiefs fan). I usually watch the Super Bowl every year no matter who's playing.
Spoiler:
And I still don't like the Patriots.
Ha!
Fair enough, and more than OK!
All things considered, this is one of the 'friendlier' NFL threads out there on the Internet, believe it or not!
Chancetragedy wrote:So Cardinals at Carolina, and Patriots at Broncos. Should be 2 pretty interesting games. Pretty crazy the season is almost over, feels like it flew bye.
BELIEVE me, we know all about the pre-2001 Patriots around here...
I personally think that, when Brady retires, and the Pats go back to their pre-2001 mediocrity and worse.... Boston will go back to being what it truly is: a Baseball and Hockey town. I still remember clearly growing up, seeing when the Patriots were on national TV, and the stadium was half-full or less, even the great Dew Bledsoe couldn't do much to save them
Hockey is a distant 4th, and might be overtaking Basketball soon in New England.
Bit OT, but I think that nationally speaking, hockey is distant 4th. But I think regionally, hockey can jump up to 1st or 2nd.
With the rise of the Pats, I would knock the Bruins to 3rd, but I think that, prior to, I'd have said Boston sports went: baseball, hockey, basketball/football.... I simply know too many die-hard bruin fans.
I think Pittsburgh is much more clearly a football/hockey town, and baseball is a distant 3rd. Same thing with Detroit, though I think we could make the argument that the Wings are 1st, and then the argument would be whether it's the Tigers or Lions at 2, though I have no idea where the Pistons would fit in there, considering their lack of success since way back in the late 90s.
And that defensive holding call was probably the first bad call all game....
And on replay, it's a good call, but its still a bad call because the flag was so late coming in. I mean heck, the flag doesn't even appear until a few seconds AFTER the receiver has had time to plead a case visually.
edit: and regardless of the fact that it's Tom Brady, I HATE it when a false start play is allowed to continue, because there is a risk of players getting hurt... play shoulda been blown dead right away.
Chancetragedy wrote: What's worse if the pats just kick field goals on their last 3 possessions they win. This game hurts a lot.
I cannot disagree with this assessment more! I've seen it made a few times, and it's simply not something you can say because if they're only up by less than a touchdown, Denver probably doesn't run it up the middle 3 times when they get the ball back the last time... or run it up the middle 2 times with an obvious and safe pass on 3rd down the previous time. I don't like those conservative play calls, but they did it because they were counting on their D, and best case the Pats could tie it up. Each time the Pats went for it and failed on 4th, that scenario continued, as did their conservative strategy.
No way if the Pats kick a field goal and get within 5 do they stay that conservative... they'd do what they did the previous time that happened and try to go get a field goal of their own to go up by a full score again.
I was sooooooo stressed the Pats were gonna come back but that is a serious D. Not sure it can hold Carolina back, but that will be fun to see if this second game continues as it is! I would love for Peyton to go out with a ring, but Carolina winning would be cool too. Should be an interesting "old versus new" aspect to the Super Bowl if that happens . Denver will likely be talked about as underdogs by most again, which I think is what played a pretty big role in this game - they were clearly fired up to beat the Pats, and the Pats just looked flat most of the game.
Honestly what decided this game was the Pats losing to Miami in the last game of the regular season, handing home field advantage to the Broncos. With the temperature staying fairly high (for Denver), they had a huge advantage. I think Manning / Brady facing off in the playoffs has always gone to the home team... just crazy that the Pats could lose to the Dolphins to create such a scenario!
Denvers offense got basically shutout the entire second half only up by 5-8pts. It didn't feel like they were too conservative it looked like the same old Gary kubiak offense. The pats defense did the job holding the Broncos in check. I feel like you have to take points in that type of game. Although I agree with you, once the pats went for it the first time they basically had to go for it the second time because they had squandered 3 pts already. Idk just my opinion.
Yeah, much as I dislike Cam, he and the Panthers definitely played in such a way that they deserve it.
should be an interesting SB if Denver's D plays the way they did for sure.
And yeah, I think people may tend to overlook the Panther's defense, but Luke Kuechly (sp?) is a VERY good linebacker, it's a shame he has to play on the same team as Cam
Well, despite my Ravens sucking right out the gate and multiple injuries solidifying a historically bad run, I really enjoyed this season.
Congrats to anyone here who are Denver fans and those that won money on the big game!
I really had no preference to who would win, Cam Newton capping off an MVP season with a Super Bowl ring or Peyton capping off a Hall of Fame career with the W, both work for me. I was just worried that it would be a blowout, although it kind of was towards the end, it was a pretty tense game for the majority.
Now onto the offseason for trades, draft pick tomfoolery, big contracts and coach/QB controversies. And hopefully an end to the minimum of 1 Manziel headlines a week that most sports sites did.
Now I'm not overly familiar with your newfangled small throw ball rugby as opposed to regular proper sized pass ball rugby, but was the Panther's QB awful today? He just seemed to struggle to get the team moving forwards compared to the Broncos. Or was it his blocking blokes failing at their job protecting him? Because something was going wrong.
Neither team were "hot" but Cam and some of the other Panthers really did have an awful day. Worse than usual for them based on watching some of their games during the regular season and playoff game. The Panthers offensive line got pushed around by the Bronco's defense, not unexpected but Cam and his receivers couldn't get it together to overcome the offensive line issues. The Denver defense played well at all levels I think to keep Cam somewhat contained and the Bronco's secondary played well enough to keep the Panthers receivers from playing their normal game too.
Since I'm usually as "clear as mud", the Bronco's defense did well yesterday once they got their act together.
I'm a Redskins fan so I rooted for the Panthers but since I'm not really a "fan" of the Panthers like I would be for the Redskins, I'm glad it was a fun game to watch. Plus, I'm glad Peyton Manning gets to retire on a Super Bowl win. Or I hope he does for his sake. He seems pretty smart and will make even more money after he retires so I suspect he will.
motyak wrote: Now I'm not overly familiar with your newfangled small throw ball rugby as opposed to regular proper sized pass ball rugby, but was the Panther's QB awful today? He just seemed to struggle to get the team moving forwards compared to the Broncos. Or was it his blocking blokes failing at their job protecting him? Because something was going wrong.
Personally, I think it was more that the blocking for Newton was simply unable to cope with, or adapt to the speed and abilities of the Broncos defensive players. And it was glorious!
I'm glad that smug SOB got knocked down a peg or two in the game. I'm more happy about the outcome for Peyton. As much as I never liked him with the Colts, and as much as I've never particularly liked the Broncos (not since Steve Atwater played for them), this really was an excellent end to a career for a guy who deserves no less, if it is indeed his last rodeo. Peyton has been nothing but class and good image for whatever team he's on, and The League since day 1, and I can't begrudge the guy anything.
motyak wrote: Now I'm not overly familiar with your newfangled small throw ball rugby as opposed to regular proper sized pass ball rugby, but was the Panther's QB awful today? He just seemed to struggle to get the team moving forwards compared to the Broncos. Or was it his blocking blokes failing at their job protecting him? Because something was going wrong.
Personally, I think it was more that the blocking for Newton was simply unable to cope with, or adapt to the speed and abilities of the Broncos defensive players. And it was glorious!
I'm glad that smug SOB got knocked down a peg or two in the game. I'm more happy about the outcome for Peyton. As much as I never liked him with the Colts, and as much as I've never particularly liked the Broncos (not since Steve Atwater played for them), this really was an excellent end to a career for a guy who deserves no less, if it is indeed his last rodeo. Peyton has been nothing but class and good image for whatever team he's on, and The League since day 1, and I can't begrudge the guy anything.
Agreed on all points, my good sir. I think Cam's a great player, but A) he's cocky and B) we rattled him hard (both emotionally and physically ). I also hope this is Peyton's last season. He's a great player and a great motivator, but I get so nervous every time he gets hit.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: Peyton has been nothing but class and good image for whatever team he's on, and The League since day 1, and I can't begrudge the guy anything.
Well, there was the sexual harassment charge he had at Tennessee for rubbing his naked parts on a female athletic trainer's face.
Also, on the subject of the Super Bowl...the halftime show. I actually thought the parts with Bruno Mars and Beyonce were pretty good shows. The Coldplay...well...at least I know what death will be like now.
I know it's all cool and trendy to hate on Coldplay and all that, but I thought the entire halftime show was pretty good - as far as halftime shows go.
Alpharius wrote: I know it's all cool and trendy to hate on Coldplay and all that, but I thought the entire halftime show was pretty good - as far as halftime shows go.
Alpharius wrote: I know it's all cool and trendy to hate on Coldplay and all that, but I thought the entire halftime show was pretty good - as far as halftime shows go.
And yes, that's a fairly low bar to step over...
I normally am not too hard on Coldplay, but their performance just seemed so low key and slow compared to Mars' and Beyonce's. It felt like they were two entirely different shows, and only one show got the energy.
It seemed almost insulting to Coldplay them that the NFL had to mix in Bruno Mars AND Beyonce. Was there a concern that the performance would otherwise lack backup dancers and endless choreography?
I'm no Coldplay fan, but I would have been fine just watching and listening to them play. Some of the SB shows in recent years have been like that. *shrug*
Alpharius wrote: I know it's all cool and trendy to hate on Coldplay and all that, but I thought the entire halftime show was pretty good - as far as halftime shows go.
And yes, that's a fairly low bar to step over...
I normally am not too hard on Coldplay, but their performance just seemed so low key and slow compared to Mars' and Beyonce's. It felt like they were two entirely different shows, and only one show got the energy.
Really? I feel the exact opposite. I like Coldplay, so I may be biased, but I thought Bruno Mars and Beyonce were both off. Bruno Mars' mic sounded like it was turned down too low or something and Beyonce's new song just sucked.
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Kronke and Goodell.
. Denver will likely be talked about as underdogs by most again, which I think is what played a pretty big role in this game - they were clearly fired up to beat the Pats, and the Pats just looked flat most of the game.
