First kickoff is tonight, and I am sooooo stoked! For a few reasons:
1. My Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson, so I have hope we'll cut Flacco after this season and try to start building a contender! We won the Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, I think we can make this work
2. Being near D.C., the Cousins-to-Vikings and Smith-to-Washington moves will be extremely interesting to see how they play out.
3. Last but not least, I'm running a fantasy league this year after we'd put it on hiatus for a few years. We agreed to all auto-draft, and I got Cam Newton as my QB . Should I be worried!?
What are you looking forward to for this season? And Go Ravens!!
I'm looking forward to the start of the season. Tonight's game is too late for me in the UK to be able to watch, so I'll just have to wait till Sunday.
Fortunately, Sky Sports show NFL Redzone on their free channel - so I can follow all the games on that.
In a Pats fan, so I'm incredibly nervous about Brady falling off a cliff at any time now, I really wish they could have kept hold of Jimmy G.
I'm interested to see if the Browns can crawl back to respectability. i like a lot of their moves, but I have deep reservations about the coach.
I'm toying with the idea of trying to pick games this year against the spread, just as an academic exercise, and also to assure me that I do not want to get into sports betting!
Totally agree with both roster related points above - Pats made a mistake sticking with Brady, imo (blasphemy!) and I don't understand how Hue Jackson is still a head coach!
RiTides wrote: We won the Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, I think we can make this work
But the defense that carried Trent Dilfer would get penalized to oblivion in todays NFL, imo.
We also had a Super Bowl win with Flacco, when he had some elite offensive weapons to help him. Tentatively excited for this season though. I know Flacco is nearing his end, but I think he’s still got something in the tank. My main beef with Flacco, and constant source of personal frustration, is just a lack of visible passion on the field. Say what you want about Brady, but he seems 100% invested in every play . If Flacco had 1/4th of Brady’s intensity, he’d be a better player I think. He’s definitely a middle of the road QB with flashes of greatness.
Don’t get me wrong though, I’m excited for Lamar at the wheel, but Flacco would have to get injured or send in ahistorically bad performance toget Lamar starting. Even RG3 would be fun I think, after a solid preseason showing. I prefer a redemption story over a rookie sensation story, personally.
And I think Hue Jackson still has a job because even management knows the players he has are sub-par, so expectations are low. Its Marvin Lewis still having a job thats truly baffling. During his tenure as HC, he had at lead 4 legit elite contender teams and completely choked when it mattered, ie 0 playoff winsduring his 15 year stretch at HC. He got a two year extension after 2017’s 7-9 season. Wut?
Most teams will put you on the chopping black after 1-2 seasons of squandered chances. Harbaugh is definitely on the hotseat, for instance.
And I probably shouldn’t but :
Spoiler:
Just when I think we’ve reached peak Kaepernick/Nike meme savagery, some barbarion drops another one and the cycle begins anew.
In a Pats fan, so I'm incredibly nervous about Brady falling off a cliff at any time now, I really wish they could have kept hold of Jimmy G.
Isn't you, and Englishman, liking the Patriots a bit like an American being a fan of, I dunno, Earl Grey tea?
On Topic: of the preseason games I watched, it did not really seem to me that any one team has really jumped out as a "clear" front runner, which means there ought to be even more parity than in years past. And the main reason for my lack of watching NFL in recent years seems to have been somewhat fixed. For the record, I stopped watching NFL because of horrible officiating, missing numerous blatant penalties because of a "preferred" team, nothing to do with politics. I guess we'll see this week how much the officials have been reformed.
On the topic of "my" team, I think the punter will be fun to watch, though you always hope he doesn't get much actual work. And Sea-Bass is kind of a fun addition to the roster and hopefully that means the Seahawks kicking game isnt such a liability.
In a Pats fan, so I'm incredibly nervous about Brady falling off a cliff at any time now, I really wish they could have kept hold of Jimmy G.
Isn't you, and Englishman, liking the Patriots a bit like an American being a fan of, I dunno, Earl Grey tea?
I don't like Earl Grey tea either - Yorkshire Tea all the way!
Nah, It was purely down to watching a lot of NFL whilst I was on a road trip around New England a few years ago - including a game in a bar surrounded by pats fans, it just kinda stuck.
Game 1 vs the Giants on sunday. Ugh...wish we just started vs the Pats but that is next weekend. Would hate to slip one to the giants because we have a tough schedule this year.
Gotta face pats/cheifs/steelers/cowboys/and the eagles - Titans are never and easy match ether and we got them twice.
Not trying to get greedy here but a 4-0 start could be possible (I don't think weve ever done that) Giants/Jets/Titans (I expect to win all these games) but the pats will be tough However - they are a slow starting team usually. We might be able to put them down with this pass rush.
I have been losing interest in the NFL, and reluctantly did Fantasy Football this season even though I won my league last year.
Here is my team this year:
Cam Newton
Kenyan Drake
Kareem Hunt
Brandin Cooks
Nelson Agholor
Ron Gronkowski
Golden Tate
Robbie Gould
Jaguars Def Bobby Wagner as DP
*plus*
Jareg Goff
Rex Burkhead
Frank Gore
Adrian Peterson
Devin Funchess
Mohamed Sanu
Jared Cook
So as you can see, pretty stinky. So if my team dives, so will my interest in the NFL. This is the first year in I can't remember I am not ordering Redzone too. Honestly, I just want my sundays back.
KTG17 wrote: I have been losing interest in the NFL, and reluctantly did Fantasy Football this season even though I won my league last year.
Here is my team this year:
Cam Newton
Kenyan Drake
Kareem Hunt
Brandin Cooks
Nelson Agholor
Ron Gronkowski
Golden Tate
Robbie Gould
Jaguars Def Bobby Wagner as DP
*plus*
Jareg Goff
Rex Burkhead
Frank Gore
Adrian Peterson
Devin Funchess
Mohamed Sanu
Jared Cook
So as you can see, pretty stinky. So if my team dives, so will my interest in the NFL. This is the first year in I can't remember I am not ordering Redzone too. Honestly, I just want my sundays back.
Nice team. Jareg Goff sounds like a star player for the Orks BloodBowl team
I think your team will do well, Cam is looking good in NorvTurners offense but given the way the Panthers want to run the ball (to protect Cam and help their subpar o line) I think Cam is going to lose some TDS to the RBs. Goff will probably throw more TD passes.
Speaking of RBs your RB group is like a time capsule, you certainly have nostalgia on your side there.
Lol well I got Peterson and Gore very late. Maybe with my last couple of pics. We do a serpentine draft and I got 8th pic, and took Hunt first. By the time it was my pick again the best receivers were gone, so I took Gronk. Gronk never lasts the season so I am mentally prepared for that, but he scores more points than most receivers while most other tight ends don’t score more than most receivers, so I took him second, killing two birds with one stone. I haven’t kept up with the rookies so I skipped over them. I wanted Garoppolo though if I couldn’t get Rogers but as Rogers and Brady and others started getting picked up I panicked and went with Newton, who I am not even a fan of. Big cry baby. Then Garoppolo got picked and I went for Goff. It will prob be tough choosing between the two during the season. I guess I can’t complain tho, both are good QBs.
My WRs are disappointing tho. Somehow I have gotten Tate like 3 years in a row. Marvin was also available but I had him a few years ago and he stunk up my team. I would have strangled him if I could.
I am totally down for a Dakka Fantasy Football season so pencil me in for next year if I am not banned by then.
Sloppy game to start the season, but I’m sure it was a nailbiter for ATL and PHI fans, it going down to the last play and all.
Tons of penalties and some questionable “catch” rulings from the refs and neither team really exploded on offense made for a fairly boring game. Weather delay didn’t help either.
I was thinking Foles might have a shot if he played totally lights out like in the Super Bowl, but you're right. Really shows how impressive the Eagles coaches / game plan was to win the SB, though!
I've wondered why teams aren't faster to swap QBs in critical situations (like the playoffs) when things aren't working. Incidents like RG3 continuing to play (terribly) after tweaking his knee while Cousins was on the bench come to mind... or the opposite, Alabama swapping QBs at halftime to win the college championship last year.
I think it can work especially well when it's a surprise. The other team will have schemed and practiced for the starter, and the whole defense might not be able to adjust to a different QB in the moment.
Okay guys, I've updated the title of the thread to reflect that it's OK to talk about NFL and Fantasy stuff here. If we get so much action we want to split them, we can always do so later
As much as I'm not really a fan of schadenfreude, I guess I'm left hoping the Ravens go 3-13, give or take.
That's probably a stretch, as most 'experts' see them as a rather mediocre 8-8, but that still means a losing season and crappy draft pick is still in play, so that's good!
What I really hope is that the NFL officiating is...better than it has been in the pre-season and in game 1.
Well I guess I'm hoping for the same for the Pats but honestly, I think they could make the SB again. Them or the Steelers...
The Ravens only hope is to dump Flacco's contract after this season and build up the roster, but that's what has much of Baltimore excited with the Lamar Jackson pick. Here's hoping!
But yeah, I'm under no delusions about this season...
RiTides wrote: I've wondered why teams aren't faster to swap QBs in critical situations (like the playoffs) when things aren't working.
Probably because good QBs are so rare and a professional team is unlikely to have more than one of them. Even a shaky game by the starter is almost certainly going to be better than whatever the backup is capable of doing, and the much lower talent level is going to offset any differences in schemes (which mostly consist of "don't try any of the plays that the low-talent backup can't do"). Short of miraculously drafting a stater-tier QB as a backup the only teams that are going to have enough parity between the two QBs will be bad teams with bad starters who really should be backups anyway, at which point the season is a lost cause and you might as well tank for draft position.
RiTides wrote: Well I guess I'm hoping for the same for the Pats but honestly, I think they could make the SB again. Them or the Steelers...
Sack up and just do it then - don't just kinda sort half-heartedly do it with some take-backsies.
(And why are you calling out Herbington like that?)
People have been predicting The Cliff for quite some time now - eventually they'll be right, of course, but it's pretty funny how wrong they've been all the previous times.
Anyway, some people are making a big deal about the ratings for the opener being 'down' (8%) from last year, but really, a weather delay, and a boring first half is probably all that's about.
People are going to make a big deal about ratings because it suits their political agenda to do so. The truth is that ratings are still higher than for other sports events (especially for the good games) and the drop is primarily explained by a shift away from TV in general. The people making a lot of noise about ragequitting over protests are a minority compared to the many people telling the cable companies to off even if it means having to resort to illegally streaming their football games.
I root against the Pats and Steelers every year, like pretty much every Ravens fan . But, I don't think their run is over just yet... "The Cliff" does look a lot steeper without Jimmy G, though. I wonder if they'll draft a QB next year? People were predicting they would this year, but I guess they didn't see any value at their draft position...
Peregrine, yeah I think viewership rates is all about the product on the field - good games (including common sense catch rules!) and fewer commercials so you can actually enjoy the game. That's the main thing that keeps me from watching full games - so many ads! Doing away with the double commercial timeout after a score and then after the next kickoff helps, though.
Regarding the QB swap - I meant it more as an "In emergency break glass " situation, like the college football title game last year. There are lots of times an unknown backup comes in and lights it up for a few games until defenses adjust. When you've got to have the one win (like in the playoffs) and your main guy is having a bad day, more teams should consider it, imo!
RiTides wrote: Peregrine, yeah I think viewership rates is all about the product on the field - good games (including common sense catch rules!) and fewer commercials so you can actually enjoy the game. That's the main thing that keeps me from watching full games - so many ads! Doing away with the double commercial timeout after a score and then after the next kickoff helps, though.
This is partly true, but the on-field product had the same flaws before ratings started to drop. IMO the bigger issue is just people ditching cable and having to get their football through alternative methods: online streaming, catching the summary/highlights the next day, etc. It's the position I'm in. I'm not going to pay for cable just to get an occasional NFL game, especially when most of my team's games aren't even available in my area. I'm still watching as much football as my work hours permit, but because I'm streaming the game online I don't count towards those ratings numbers.
Regarding the QB swap - I meant it more as an "In emergency break glass " situation, like the college football title game last year. There are lots of times an unknown backup comes in and lights it up for a few games until defenses adjust. When you've got to have the one win (like in the playoffs) and your main guy is having a bad day, more teams should consider it, imo!
I get what you're saying, it's just not a viable option at the NFL level. Going to a surprise backup works when you're Alabama and your backups would be starters on most other teams. It doesn't work so well in the NFL where any QB even remotely qualified to be a starter has a starting job, and your backup is someone so bad they couldn't even get one of the low-tier starting jobs. And most of the time that backup is just your primary guy with less talent and a crippled playbook, you aren't going to gain an advantage over the defense just because you can't throw more than 20 yards down the field. So which would you rather have: an off game from a QB who has demonstrated the ability to play well and could get it together at any moment, or a guy whose likely ceiling is a bad game from the starter and who couldn't even get a job with the Browns.
(And, again, this is less true if you're the Browns and you have backup/starter parity between your two awful QBs. But in that case the last thing you want to do is win and risk your draft position.)
Can you really make that argument when the Eagles just won the SB with their backup, though? And not even in spite of him, but at least in part because of him.
It's an extraordinary case, but shows that backups aren't all like you describe above - or at least, aren't for a 1 - 3 game stretch, if you have a game plan tailored for them and ready to deploy.
RiTides wrote: Can you really make that argument when the Eagles just won the SB with their backup, though? And not even in spite of him, but at least in part because of him.
It's an extraordinary case, but shows that backups aren't all like you describe above - or at least, aren't for a 1 - 3 game stretch, if you have a game plan tailored for them and ready to deploy.
Jeff Hostetler was Phil SImms' backup and the Giants won the Superbowl with him after Simms got hurt in the regular season. Teams can have good backups, Mark Brunell was Farve's backup in Green Bay for a few years before he became the starter for Jacksonville, but it's rare for teams to amass that kind of talent at the QB position. Thompson drafted a few good QBs during Farve's tenure but that was an anomaly, both with Farve's longevity and Thompson's luck in the draft.
An important factor with the Eagles last year was cost. Wentz is on his rookie deal so he's an underpaid starting QB which allowed the Eagles to spend more money on Foles than a typical backup would be paid. If Wentz was making $16 million a year Foles would have been a luxury the Eagles couldn't afford unless he was willing to take below market value to be in Philly.
"RiTides" is either being disingenuous to 'make his point' or he's just unaware of Nick Foles' career to date?
Because while technically Nick Foles was the 'backup' on the Eagles, he also had far more career starts than most true backup QB's on most teams have ever had, or will have.
Prestor Jon wrote: An important factor with the Eagles last year was cost. Wentz is on his rookie deal so he's an underpaid starting QB which allowed the Eagles to spend more money on Foles than a typical backup would be paid. If Wentz was making $16 million a year Foles would have been a luxury the Eagles couldn't afford unless he was willing to take below market value to be in Philly.
Good point! Wentz is currently #6 in "salary efficiency" among starting QBs (basically, how good of a deal he is) right behind Rodgers, Brady and Matt Ryan, according to this article. There are quite a few QBs still on their rookie contract high on the list:
Flacco is #27 of 32 on that list and the article even calls his recent production "borderline unstartable" compared to what he's being paid. I am sooooo ready for us to move on in 2019
This is partly true, but the on-field product had the same flaws before ratings started to drop. IMO the bigger issue is just people ditching cable and having to get their football through alternative methods: online streaming, catching the summary/highlights the next day, etc. It's the position I'm in. I'm not going to pay for cable just to get an occasional NFL game, especially when most of my team's games aren't even available in my area. I'm still watching as much football as my work hours permit, but because I'm streaming the game online I don't count towards those ratings numbers.
Not entirely true any more. . . Ratings people like Nielson now account for streaming in addition to OTA, satellite and cable.
Ork-en Man wrote: I doubt the ratings account for unofficial streams.
The way it was explained to me. . . I think that would honestly depend on the originator of the "unofficial" stream. So, various companies are using technological means to gauge viewership. . . to do so, they are using signals on parts of the broadcast waves (think about this, if you have an FM radio in your car, and it displays the song title and artist of the station you're listening to, this is an embedded signal that can be collected and gauge consumption). Even Television has something very similar within its broadcast signals. So, it stands to reason that someone recording and streaming an unofficial broadcast may be inadvertently broadcasting the original "information" signal.
Tomlin probably eat into his team Like never before in history. Perhaps the most humiliating "defeat" (A tie is basically a loss) the steelers have suffered in decades. The weather appeared pretty bad though - I am sure that had a lot to do with it.
Anyways - Proud of my Jags even though they played not so great. A win is a win. Tied for first in the league! Anyone who watched Jags giants? How the heck was that not a safety in the 1st quarter...RB tackled in endzone with the ball - while trying to advance the ball. Seems pretty textbook to me.
Since the Browns returned to the league, teams that were +5 in turnovers have been 132-4-1. The Browns were responsible for two of those losses and the tie.
Worst defeat (which this wasn't) that I can remember is @Texans in 2002, their inaugural season. Outgained them 422-47(!) and lost 24-6 on three Tommy Maddox turnovers returned for TDs. That's historic-type stuff. This game wasn't anything close to that...was just an 'any given day' game in week 1 in weather.
Myles Garrett was a one-man wrecking crew for the Browns though, and I think the rest of the league will be taking notice soon enough.
I'm somewhat annoyed that my team(SF) lost mainly due to a goal line fumble, and a few badly dropped passes. However I'm glad we were able to stay competitive against a strong defense
soundwave591 wrote: I'm somewhat annoyed that my team(SF) lost mainly due to a goal line fumble, and a few badly dropped passes. However I'm glad we were able to stay competitive against a strong defense
Jimmy G came back down to reality pretty quickly here.
His pre and post porn star splits are pretty telling!
IMHO, not many teams looked very good yesterday. . . It looked to me more like a 5th preseason game, most highlights (for games I didn't watch) looked just as sloppy as the games I did watch.
And, I personally wouldn't blame bad weather for the Steelers' performance. . . They are a "bad weather team" due to their location, they should've done better.
In all of that, my Seahawks had some glimmers of good stuff popping up here and there, its just Denver had just enough glimmer to pull the game their way. (I wouldn't characterize either team as having played all that well)
I wouldn't blame the weather for most of the Steelers' TOs...but playing in steady rain does make an impact on the game. Again, I'm not too worried about it, and I expected a close game anyway. Vegas had the Browns as a 4 pt dog, not a 14 dog.
Teams barely play their starters now, and the rust is very noticeable every week 1. Fans shouldn't put much stock in week 1 results.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: IMHO, not many teams looked very good yesterday. . . It looked to me more like a 5th preseason game, most highlights (for games I didn't watch) looked just as sloppy as the games I did watch.
Agreed!
It really did feel like extended pre-season vs. regular season for most of the games.
I suspect we'll see an uptick by week 3 or 4 at the latest.
gorgon wrote: Since the Browns returned to the league, teams that were +5 in turnovers have been 132-4-1. The Browns were responsible for two of those losses and the tie.
Worst defeat (which this wasn't) that I can remember is @Texans in 2002, their inaugural season. Outgained them 422-47(!) and lost 24-6 on three Tommy Maddox turnovers returned for TDs. That's historic-type stuff. This game wasn't anything close to that...was just an 'any given day' game in week 1 in weather.
Myles Garrett was a one-man wrecking crew for the Browns though, and I think the rest of the league will be taking notice soon enough.
It's certainly not their worst defeat. Steelers have been outright mauled in the past. It is just humiliating to lose to the browns as the steelers - who are unanimously always in the top 10 and considered a super team. The browns are more akin to a bad college football team atm.
soundwave591 wrote: I'm somewhat annoyed that my team(SF) lost mainly due to a goal line fumble, and a few badly dropped passes. However I'm glad we were able to stay competitive against a strong defense
Jimmy G came back down to reality pretty quickly here.
His pre and post porn star splits are pretty telling!
gorgon wrote: Since the Browns returned to the league, teams that were +5 in turnovers have been 132-4-1. The Browns were responsible for two of those losses and the tie.
Worst defeat (which this wasn't) that I can remember is @Texans in 2002, their inaugural season. Outgained them 422-47(!) and lost 24-6 on three Tommy Maddox turnovers returned for TDs. That's historic-type stuff. This game wasn't anything close to that...was just an 'any given day' game in week 1 in weather.
Myles Garrett was a one-man wrecking crew for the Browns though, and I think the rest of the league will be taking notice soon enough.
It's certainly not their worst defeat. Steelers have been outright mauled in the past. It is just humiliating to lose to the browns as the steelers - who are unanimously always in the top 10 and considered a super team. The browns are more akin to a bad college football team atm.
It's just a matter of watching enough games and having some perspective. Even most Super Bowl winners have a real clunker or two of a game along the way. The Browns are still a team of professionals, and the unofficial motto of the NFL (any given Sunday) is what it is for a reason. That's what makes it a better game (IMO) than college football, where teams are grossly overmatched pretty regularly and point spreads get obscene.
I don't think the Browns are going to be good this year...Tyrod Taylor is a caretaker more than a playmaker, and I'm not sold on Hue Jackson at all. But they are collecting some talent there. And their defense was decent last year and should be better this year. If Baker Mayfield is for real and they continue to add in the draft and FA, they might surprise some people in a year or two.
Rams won pretty decisively at the end of the game last night.
Anyone notice the increase calls on Roughing the Passer? The one called on Aaron Donald was a joke as the dude was falling over a lineman AND into the QB while the ball was being held. So, via momentum he essentially crashed into the QB's legs/knees area. Anyone see that?
I didn't, but they tend to frown upon any contact with QB knees.
Apparently one point of emphasis this year is with d-lineman landing on QBs with their full weight and/or driving them into the ground. Think I saw it called twice during Steelers-Browns. That seems less frustrating to me than some of the head/helmet rules. I don't know how defensive players can completely avoid helmet-to-helmet contact when playing at NFL speeds and attempting to tackle a moving target that might also duck its head.
Apparently one point of emphasis this year is with d-lineman landing on QBs with their full weight and/or driving them into the ground. Think I saw it called twice during Steelers-Browns. That seems less frustrating to me than some of the head/helmet rules. I don't know how defensive players can completely avoid helmet-to-helmet contact when playing at NFL speeds and attempting to tackle a moving target that might also duck its head.
The "nice" thing with the point of emphasis this year is that avoiding helmet to helmet is also put on the offensive player's shoulders as well. . . I had issues with it in years past because the ball carrier was still allowed to just put his head down and use the helmet to try and clear his own way.
Apparently one point of emphasis this year is with d-lineman landing on QBs with their full weight and/or driving them into the ground. Think I saw it called twice during Steelers-Browns. That seems less frustrating to me than some of the head/helmet rules. I don't know how defensive players can completely avoid helmet-to-helmet contact when playing at NFL speeds and attempting to tackle a moving target that might also duck its head.
The "nice" thing with the point of emphasis this year is that avoiding helmet to helmet is also put on the offensive player's shoulders as well. . . I had issues with it in years past because the ball carrier was still allowed to just put his head down and use the helmet to try and clear his own way.
That is a good change but we know it's always going to be called on the defender because the offiensive player is the one that is going to get knocked out. Like the Church Gronkowski collision in last years playoffs which ultimately cost the jags their first super bowl. This should be a no foul play. Gronk is flying through the air head down...the only play Church has is to try to knock the ball out or make him drop the ball - it's literally impossible for helmet to helmet to not take place in this situation because technically the offensive player is initiating it by flying headfirst.
So his options are - don't hit him - or risk killing him. The games rules need to change here. The offensive player should be required to protect themselves and keep their head up. This will have to be a judgement call - which I hate - but the offensive player should be attempting to avoid contact just as much as the defender is required to.
So his options are - don't hit him - or risk killing him. The games rules need to change here. The offensive player should be required to protect themselves and keep their head up. This will have to be a judgement call - which I hate - but the offensive player should be attempting to avoid contact just as much as the defender is required to.
That;s what I was saying. . . part of the rules emphasis this year, is that offensive players are supposed to be held just as accountable for "targeting" as defensive. Which, sadly means (most likely) that we'll NEVER see hard nosed runners like Mike Alstott or Christian Okoye, Jerome Bettis, those big bodied backs to would lower their head and just plow through defenses.
Of course, this line of discussion is why I have increasingly become a big fan of rugby over the past few years. . . See, Rugby is dealing with similar issues: concussion/injury problems among players. Where the NFL and football at large is all about "quick!!!! we NEED to change this rule yesterday!" rugby has been more moderated saying, "how can we improve player safety while still maintaining the ethos and traditions of our game?" And I think it really shows just even looking at scorelines. Teams like the Ravens are the oddball clubs right now. Low-scoring games/defensive struggles are seemingly bygone aspects of football. Now its all about putting as much up on the scoreboard as you can, and hope you get more than the other team. . . and that's quite simply basketball, and I hate it. Nearly all of the rules changes of the past what. . . 10-15 years now, have benefited offensive players. It is very much not a level playing field right now, and I think ratings will continue their downward trend until that changes.
nels1031 wrote: Ya, Mike Mitchell of the Steelers had a damn good rant about how QBs put the opposing defenders in no win situations(from last year I believe):
Yep - truth.
Automatically Appended Next Post: In any case - Jags get their chance to set things straight from last year. This Sunday. Houston gave them a good game. I am only hoping the Jags can give them an even better one. It will also be interesting to see if they send Gronk up the middle this game. I am thinking they will not do that again.
nels1031 wrote: Ya, Mike Mitchell of the Steelers had a damn good rant about how QBs put the opposing defenders in no win situations(from last year I believe):
It was a good rant, and there was some truth in it. However -- and this is coming from a Steelers fan -- Mitchell was a reckless player.
The other thing is that fairness really isn't on the NFL's radar right now. At least not as much as head injuries and headlines.
But aging myself a bit, I cant remember too many especially QBs doing well, granted I do not think any Heisman QBs were quite as bad in the league as Ryan Leaf
My biggest fantasy is the Vikings win the Super Bowl this year. Reality is they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Offense is still horrible. Glad we dumped the dumpster fire of a kicker (refuse to say his name).
nels1031 wrote: Cleveland Browns in the Win column! 635 day drought is over. Open the coolers!
Baker Mayfield looked like the Heisman trophy winner that he is.
I figured they'd give it until midseason or so. I even picked out a game when discussing it with someone else. But I guess Jackson knows his seat is warm and that he needs to win.
It's silly how many people unfairly compared Mayfield to Manziel, and mocked the Browns for taking Mayfield #1. Manziel didn't fail because he was on the short side, or because he was a wild man. He failed because he didn't put the work in.
NorseSig wrote: My biggest fantasy is the Vikings win the Super Bowl this year. Reality is they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Offense is still horrible. Glad we dumped the dumpster fire of a kicker (refuse to say his name).
Yeah, that guy was legit bad. Of course, who we are getting to pick up during the season is not going to be an improvement.
Gorgon, I only saw the end of the game but my understanding is Taylor got knocked out of the game with a concussion, so they had to put Mayfield in.
He certainly stepped up to the plate, though! First Browns QB to have a QBR over 90 in a decade (minimum 20 pass attempts). I think they'll stick with him.
I had a feeling we'd be able to beat the pats.This week though - I couldn't be more confident in victory over the titans. Gabbert (an Ex Jaguar) Who was abysmal for the jaguars is going to get a healthy dose of pressure that he proved he could not handle in his time here. If Mariota was in the game is would be very worried but Gabbert is gonna get creamed.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
gorgon wrote: Oh, if Taylor was in the protocol, then my bad.
Still, it's kind of amusing that Jackson won't commit to Mayfield as the starter. Of course he is. There's no putting that cat back in the bag now.
Nope - He is in it until he gets hurt or he has a really bad game.
RiTides - good luck to your Ravens when my Broncos roll into town this Sunday.
Both of these teams seem capable of beating the best or losing to the worst teams on any given Sunday, so you never know what you'll get. Traditionally, the Broncos have stunk in Baltimore though.
amanita wrote: RiTides - good luck to your Ravens when my Broncos roll into town this Sunday.
Both of these teams seem capable of beating the best or losing to the worst teams on any given Sunday, so you never know what you'll get. Traditionally, the Broncos have stunk in Baltimore though.
Thanks, I'm very interested to see which teams show up lol!
Baltimore has a pretty strong homefield advantage, although I'm not sure it can compare to "mile high"
72% win rate at home since the Bowlen family bought the franchise. It is around 90% for the home opener. No one in the NFL is at that level and even when there is a large opposing fan presence it is a terrible place for the visitors.
I had a feeling we'd be able to beat the pats.This week though - I couldn't be more confident in victory over the titans. Gabbert (an Ex Jaguar) Who was abysmal for the jaguars is going to get a healthy dose of pressure that he proved he could not handle in his time here. If Mariota was in the game is would be very worried but Gabbert is gonna get creamed.
Any given Sunday indeed.
And watch out for...the Dolphins?
Could this be the year someone else wins the AFC East?
Xenomancers wrote: The NFL has become and absolute joke. Jags Sac fumble Gabbert and they call "targeting" the head - head isn't even hit.
Yet again - incredible defensive play - NULLIFIED by worthless officials. WHAT A JOKE.
Even worse example of the NFL joke is from the WA-GB game. . . . So, watching the replays, a WA player hits A-a-ron after a throw, full on suplex type deal (while under the tacklers control, basically turns Rogers over and drives him head first into the ground. . . and drives is the proper word here), no flag. . . Clay Matthews tackles the WA QB who tucked and still had the ball, and when they hit the ground, Matthews due to his weight position slides off/over the top of the QB. Boom! roughing the passer and 15 yards.
If anyone was watching the Dallas/Seahawks game, the call in the 4th quarter where the defender literally pushed Prescott in the shoulder and got a roughing the passer call. Even Aikman, who has a massive hard-on for Dallas every time he is on one of their games, had a hard time trying to figure out that one.
Ravens vs Steelers ended up not being as close as I'd expected... Steelers offense is really missing Bell, imo!
Flacco is playing well in his contract year, if we could keep him on one year contacts I'd be happy but otherwise I think there will have to be a change after the season.
RiTides wrote: Flacco is playing well in his contract year, if we could keep him on one year contacts I'd be happy but otherwise I think there will have to be a change after the season.
They should've drafted a QB in the first round like 5 years ago, just to get him fired up like he is now. Got a bit of tentative excitement about the Ravens this year. Everything seems to be clicking, but they looked bad against the Bengals, and I guarantee they will play down to the Browns level next week.
Speaking of the Browns, looks like they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory again this Sunday. Could've went for an unprecedented 2 game win streak and they blew it. I only watched highlights, but Mayfield looked decent again despite a few turnovers.
Quite a few questionable calls throughout the NFL this week too. The most egregious (imo) was during the aforementioned Browns game. Marshawn Lynch was in the process of breaking a tackle, ref whistled the play dead right as he broke the tackle, and he could have been off to the races. Granted, I only watched the play twice, but it looked like a premature whistle from the ref that ruined what could have been an exciting and breakout play.
After too mediocre games, I thought Miami might prove too good.
But the Patriots seemed like a very different team yesterday. Both offense and defence raised their game. I'm looking forward to seeing Gordon get more involves, his two catches were decent.
How about the Titans beating the Eagles!?
Going for it on 4th down twice in overtime to get a touchdown instead of the field goal! That was awesome! Mariota is BACK!
SlaveToDorkness wrote: How about the Titans beating the Eagles!?
Going for it on 4th down twice in overtime to get a touchdown instead of the field goal! That was awesome! Mariota is BACK!
Yeah, Marcus looked good. Wentz looked good too, but there's something key missing on Eagles defense. Seemed to stem from defensive play calling, but I was just watching while I played on my PC.
Its funny that they went for the win and everyone is praising the coach for the call, then there were a few teams that went for broke instead of a tie and they fell short and all the news reporters/writers were questioning the call. Andrew Luck had a pretty good response to the criticism.
RiTides wrote: Ravens vs Steelers ended up not being as close as I'd expected... Steelers offense is really missing Bell, imo!
Flacco is playing well in his contract year, if we could keep him on one year contacts I'd be happy but otherwise I think there will have to be a change after the season.
Steelers offense looked fine last week - Ravens just have a tough defense.
RiTides wrote: Ravens vs Steelers ended up not being as close as I'd expected... Steelers offense is really missing Bell, imo!
Flacco is playing well in his contract year, if we could keep him on one year contacts I'd be happy but otherwise I think there will have to be a change after the season.
They missed him last night for sure. He's been a Ravens killer, but more importantly he kills everyone underneath when they try to play safeties extra deep to take away the long ball. Connor's a solid player, but he doesn't change defenses like Bell can.
Alas, that ship has sailed. Both sides have been very stubborn and the result is this ridiculous situation. It's better for the Steelers to keep Bell, and it's better for Bell to remain a Steeler. And it's not happening. *shrug*
Though even without Bell, they should be able to put up enough points to win if they could just play some competent defense. But the D hasn't been good at any level. It's a long season though...we'll see how it goes.
My question is why won’t they just put flags on the QBs? They would rarely hit the ground then. Guys would be able to grab the flags and that would be a sack. Guys are losing thousands of dollars just doing their job. Something has to change.
Were there any ridiculous Roughing the Passer calls this week? I only watched a few games in passing. And there were none in the Bal v. Pit game.
My question is why won’t they just put flags on the QBs? They would rarely hit the ground then. Guys would be able to grab the flags and that would be a sack. Guys are losing thousands of dollars just doing their job. Something has to change.
Were there any ridiculous Roughing the Passer calls this week? I only watched a few games in passing. And there were none in the Bal v. Pit game.
Nah didn't see any. In fact - I saw some they should have called but didn't. Sherman has a great point. Just put flags on the QB. If hes in the pocket - you can't hit him but can pull flags - if he becomes a runner you can tackle him.
Were there any ridiculous Roughing the Passer calls this week? I only watched a few games in passing. And there were none in the Bal v. Pit game.
According to the talking heads at ESPN, there was one during the Raiders game. . . apparently the QB and a defensive player did a "chest bump" which resulted in neither falling over and a penalty
Scott Van Pelt said something like "sorry Clay Matthews, but THAT call was the most ridiculous call with this new rule"
Were there any ridiculous Roughing the Passer calls this week? I only watched a few games in passing. And there were none in the Bal v. Pit game.
According to the talking heads at ESPN, there was one during the Raiders game. . . apparently the QB and a defensive player did a "chest bump" which resulted in neither falling over and a penalty
Scott Van Pelt said something like "sorry Clay Matthews, but THAT call was the most ridiculous call with this new rule"
And it looks like the Vikings Offensive line is still non-existant. Doesn't matter how good your QB is when he has to instantly run for his life every play. Defense isn't pulling it's weight either. Such a mess. And the new rule for tackling QBs is a complete joke.
Were there any ridiculous Roughing the Passer calls this week? I only watched a few games in passing. And there were none in the Bal v. Pit game.
According to the talking heads at ESPN, there was one during the Raiders game. . . apparently the QB and a defensive player did a "chest bump" which resulted in neither falling over and a penalty
Scott Van Pelt said something like "sorry Clay Matthews, but THAT call was the most ridiculous call with this new rule"
nels1031 wrote: Everything seems to be clicking, but they looked bad against the Bengals, and I guarantee they will play down to the Browns level next week.
Easy E wrote: Bills beat the Titans who beat the Eagles.
Bills beat the Vikings who beat the Eagles.
Eagles are the defending Super Bowl champions.
Therefore, the Buffalo Bills will win the Super Bowl this year.
IDK, Both those teams are now run by former Eagles Offensive coaches, The OC and QB coach. These are guys with intimate knowledge of the Eagles O-line and their weaknesses and habits. It was the first time Petersen faced a former coach that also knew his tendencies. Since the Eagles offense is basically unchanged from last year, the Titans and Vikings both had an advantage.
Renewed passing game with a prime Flacco teamed up with OBJ would make me happy. If only so that I don’t have to watch Crabtree drop so many passes.
Obviously won’t happen though. I can’t think of anything the Ravens would want to give away. Defense is dominant(against pretty much all except Drew Brees) and you don’t want to mess with their offense that has been clicking for all but one game this season.
I'm thinking that, from the Giants, 4 players are "safe" Eli (not sure why though), OBJ, S. Shepard, and Barkley.
Though Barkley is the kind of RB many teams would love to have.
Raiders roster seems to be open... for a Price. Rumor has that Philly offered a 1st or second round pick for Cooper, but Gruden thinks the Cowboys will get the better (for him) pick.
So, for Philly, from NYG- RB Penny or Stewart, WR R Shepard, Not much else there of interest.
From Raiders- RB Smith or Washington (They carrying 6 but only use 2), LB Whitehead, CB Melvin or Worley.
Apparently there was some kind of power struggle between the HC and the OC who was doing the play calling.
The DC has been named the Interim Coach and the RBC is the new OC.
helgrenze wrote: So who got the better deal at the trade deadline?
Houston - 4th rd pick for Demaryius Thomas
Philadelphia - 3rd rd pick for Golden Tate
Dallas - 1st rd pick for Amari Cooper
Texans and Philly was a solid pickup, but feels like Dallas has alot more problems than 1 player can fix.
Frustrating watching the Ravens play.
Dropped passes, sluggish defenses that seem to be outcoached and ridiculous predictability:
‘We’re going to put our heir apparent QB in for a trick run play. Then do it again later. Then maybe 1 or two more times. No one will expect it! We’re going to do it this way every game. There’s no way opposing defenses will catch on! And it won’t ruin our offenses rythmn that just drove down to the redzone with Flacco!”
Harbaugh better string some wins together or he’s out. Getting rid of DC’s and OC’s hasn’t worked so far.
Frustrating watching the Ravens play.
Dropped passes, sluggish defenses that seem to be outcoached and ridiculous predictability:
‘We’re going to put our heir apparent QB in for a trick run play. Then do it again later. Then maybe 1 or two more times. No one will expect it! We’re going to do it this way every game. There’s no way opposing defenses will catch on! And it won’t ruin our offenses rythmn that just drove down to the redzone with Flacco!”
Harbaugh better string some wins together or he’s out. Getting rid of DC’s and OC’s hasn’t worked so far.
That's kind of the inherent problem with gimmick or one-dimensional players. The Steelers got a lot of mileage out of Kordell Stewart in a 'slash' role back in the day, but that's because Stewart was able to play WR at a surprisingly high level and get regular playing time. Your coaches are just trying to create a spark, but you're right that everyone's going to be ready for it now when Jackson comes in for a down.
The Ravens' secondary is good, but the LBs are *really* vulnerable in coverage. And I say this as a fan of a team with LBs who struggle in coverage ever since Shazier was injured. I know that Mosely is playing hurt, but the underneath stuff seemed to be open all day long. And that was without Bell, who feasts on that stuff.
I don't know that the Ravens need to blow it all up, but it seems like they need some retooling in areas. Are you leaning one way or the other regarding Harbaugh's employment?
gorgon wrote: Are you leaning one way or the other regarding Harbaugh's employment?
I think he's most definitely in the hot seat. The only thing keeping him here is the dearth of head coaches that have his pedigree. And the fact that ownership tends to be fairly tolerant of bouts of under performance when the entire body of Harbaughs work would make other franchises jealous. It took forever for the owner to let Brian Billick go, for instance.
I'd be sad to see him go, for sure. But sometimes change can be good, like Billick's firing gave us Harbaugh. The cycle continues.
I don't think he's 100% to blame for the way things have went the past few years, and things aren't entirely off the rails yet. Still alot of football left in the season.
gorgon wrote: There are Steelers fans that want Tomlin fired at every loss. Fortunately, well-run franchises aren't so fickle.
Speaking of Tomlin - I wonder what is going to unfold with the Bell situation.
Seems to be more of a soap opera outside the locker room than inside. According to interviews, some players were miffed at him at the beginning of the season when they thought he'd report and he didn't. Seems like they're over that, though. I imagine they'll be just fine with him so long as he shows up to work with the right attitude. By most reports, Bell was a well-liked guy and a hard worker.
Of course, the multi-million dollar question is if he reports at all (he has rea$ons to, but who knows?), and if so whether the front office is going to create a big dispute over his pay during an expected two-week roster exemption period.
The Steelers FO has not handled this situation well, IMO. It's baffling to me why they tagged him with the exclusive franchise tag if they weren't prepared to meet his demands. Most teams use the non-exclusive tag, which lets the player and agent seek out offers and gives the team the right to match or receive compensation.
Anyway, assuming he reports and plays, he'll help the team for hopefully one last playoff run. Conner is playing great, but there are things that Bell does better.
gorgon wrote: There are Steelers fans that want Tomlin fired at every loss. Fortunately, well-run franchises aren't so fickle.
Speaking of Tomlin - I wonder what is going to unfold with the Bell situation.
Seems to be more of a soap opera outside the locker room than inside. According to interviews, some players were miffed at him at the beginning of the season when they thought he'd report and he didn't. Seems like they're over that, though. I imagine they'll be just fine with him so long as he shows up to work with the right attitude. By most reports, Bell was a well-liked guy and a hard worker.
Of course, the multi-million dollar question is if he reports at all (he has rea$ons to, but who knows?), and if so whether the front office is going to create a big dispute over his pay during an expected two-week roster exemption period.
The Steelers FO has not handled this situation well, IMO. It's baffling to me why they tagged him with the exclusive franchise tag if they weren't prepared to meet his demands. Most teams use the non-exclusive tag, which lets the player and agent seek out offers and gives the team the right to match or receive compensation.
Anyway, assuming he reports and plays, he'll help the team for hopefully one last playoff run. Conner is playing great, but there are things that Bell does better.
Bell has been out of the game for a long time and doubt he will just be able to step in. Nor do I think he deserves to play.
I find it very strange that everyone just thinks after what hes done he will just be reinserted and everything will be fine. He has seriously wronged the Steelers. Why would any coach play him after what he did?
Conner is going to get the bulk of the carries until Bell is in shape. At which point they'll share time. You better believe the coaches will want to use a guy considered to be a top 10 *player* before the season started. It's about winning.
It's odd that you would say that he 'wronged' them. He doesn't have a contract. The dispute is over guaranteed money -- Bell wants a big number, and the Steelers don't like giving out much guaranteed $$. So the Steelers tagged him with the exclusive tag for the second year in a row, even after Bell said publicly that he wouldn't play under the exclusive tag.
So obviously the Steelers were ready to meet his demands, right? But they weren't, which makes no sense. If they felt their offer was fair (and that they might have a worthy replacement in the wings), then the obvious choice was the non-exclusive tag...let Bell and his agent see if they can find a better offer, and retain the right to match or get picks. The non-exclusive tag is far more commonly used by NFL teams.
What it looks like is that the Steelers wanted to use up one more year of his prime with 400+ touches without giving him any long-term security. I can't blame him for saying feth that. How'd it work out for Earl Thomas? Neither side has behaved very well, IMO.
gorgon wrote: Conner is going to get the bulk of the carries until Bell is in shape. At which point they'll share time. You better believe the coaches will want to use a guy considered to be a top 10 *player* before the season started. It's about winning.
It's odd that you would say that he 'wronged' them. He doesn't have a contract. The dispute is over guaranteed money -- Bell wants a big number, and the Steelers don't like giving out much guaranteed $$. So the Steelers tagged him with the exclusive tag for the second year in a row, even after Bell said publicly that he wouldn't play under the exclusive tag.
So obviously the Steelers were ready to meet his demands, right? But they weren't, which makes no sense. If they felt their offer was fair (and that they might have a worthy replacement in the wings), then the obvious choice was the non-exclusive tag...let Bell and his agent see if they can find a better offer, and retain the right to match or get picks. The non-exclusive tag is far more commonly used by NFL teams.
What it looks like is that the Steelers wanted to use up one more year of his prime with 400+ touches without giving him any long-term security. I can't blame him for saying feth that. How'd it work out for Earl Thomas? Neither side has behaved very well, IMO.
He has a contract essentially - he is refusing to play under the franchise tag which would pay him 14.4 million if he played all his games. Almost double what the next guy makes at RB. I get what you are saying but this is too much. The main sufferer here is Bell. There is no way that the money he has cost himself with be rendered in any kind of future deal. He's already lost 8.8 million this year.
I thought the point of contention was Touches.
Bell wanted a guaranteed number that wouldn't overstress his body to avoid injury which would lower his value as a free agent.
Had he signed the Franchise tag, which he has not done, he would have been available for trade before the deadline. Since he didn't sign it, he is stuck in Pittsburgh until cut or the end of the season.
Also, if he doesn't report by the 13th, he's not playing period. This is due to the CBA. So he has a week to figure things out.
Unfortunately, the only one he is really hurting is himself and his "value" going forward.
No team would have traded for him, since they wouldn't be allowed to extend him (under the current CBA) until after the season, when he'd be a free agent. This CBA needs a major overhaul - lockout almost certainly coming the year it expires, I think...
I'm a Steelers fan and I'm ready for Bell to leave. I loved having him on the team, I've got his bumblebee jersey and everything but Conner is clearly our future. Not to say Bell's bad, his hands make him a dual threat and he deserves every cent he'll get from another team. I just hope our front office lets him walk instead of going through the process of designating him with a third tag and going through arbitration.
The CBA is awful for the players. But the players need to stop rolling over and accepting these lousy deals. They're an incredibly weak and ineffective union.
I don't think the Steelers are going to keep Bell. But I do think there's a chance that they put the transition tag on him rather than just letting the man become a free agent. I don't agree with it and it'd darn near confirm that they're just trying to mess with his career, but then nothing about their approach to Bell this offseason made sense.
Lamar Jackson looking pretty damn decent at QB, if he keeps it up guaranteed QB controversy in Baltimore late this season or in the offseason. With Flacco still out next week most likely, Lamar’s performance will tell us alot. He showed his passing game this week and looked adequate. His two interceptions were fluke tipped balls and not the result of bad throws.
Scuttlebutt around B-more press and locker room is that Harbaugh will resign at close of season, regardless of playoff berth or not. “Mutual parting of ways” one headline reported. Doesn’t seem like he wants to be here to head a team without General Manager Ozzie Newsom, who is stepping down after this season. I’d also think if Lamar gets the job, he’d not want to be here to start over on another rookie QB. USC is apparently banging on his door as well. Maybe follow his brother into College Football? Highly unlikely, but you never know.
With Hue Jackson canned, is Cincinnati’s Marvin Lewis now the worst coach in the NFL? The Bengals aren’t out of the running completely, but it just seems like Marvin squanders talent. Probably an ownership thing, as the Bengals owner seems to revel in mediocrity.
I don't think Lewis is a bad coach. He's had some strong teams. The main issues have been:
1) Steelers are their kryptonite.
2) Dalton isn't a guy who can elevate his play/put his team on his back.
3) Brown is cheap.
4) Waaaaay too many lunkheads on the squad.
They like drafting guys with character concerns because they get them for pennies on the dollar in terms of draft position. Nothing wrong with a few crazies on the team, and in fact it might help keep things spicy.
But the Bengals seemed like they were trying to corner the market on nutjobs a few years back. And that will catch up to you...see the meltdown(s) that cost them that playoff game against the Steelers (and cost the Steelers a good shot at a SB after Burfict forearm bashed AB in the head and knocked him out of the playoffs). They seem to be a better-behaved bunch now, but they've lost a lot of talent and the window seems to be closing fast.
Currently, Mayfield has the better QB rating, completion percentage, Y/att, and Td/Int than Josh Allen. True Mayfield has 2 games more but Allen has 3 TDs and 5 Ints over his 7 games... Not exactly looking like a Rookie of the Year.
I live in Oklahoma, nels1031, can barely watch the local news without hearing about Mayfield. Local channels even petitioned to get Browns games shown on Sundays.
90% certain Jerry Jones called in a few "favors" thursday.
Not to downplay Dallas's defence; they did an amazing job at man coverage.
If anyone goes and reads the Play-by-Play and tells me that game isn't rigged I'd call them an idiot though.
Overall the loss doesn't really change much for the NFC playoff picture, but now NO is relying on Chicago to beat the Rams for a guaranteed Super Bowl showing.
P.S. Fun fact: Louisiana is required every year to throw one major sports event to Texas because of the casino industry (Texans have to travel to Louisiana to play legally). I thought it was the LSU game at first, but I think they were just demoralized and tired from the fact that the game was stolen in the 4rth quarter from them.
Eihnlazer
Actually, this one falls on the refs. That squad is well known for calling holding on the O-line which the squad in the Eagles game vs Nola wasn't. The coaches knew that and told their players to avoid it.
They also missed several calls, like one that gave the Cowboys a first down instead of a fourth. Probably because they were paying so much attention to the line of scrimmage.
The Saints used both of their challenges early, losing one and winning the other so they couldn't challenge later when it would have helped.
So... About my previous Mayfield/RotY statement.. maybe a bit hasty.
GB Packers head coach fired! Not sure if that was the main problem up there, tbh. Though I don’t pay much attention outside of the AFC east and North though, but seems kind of shocking. I know they are stuck in a rut, but I don’t see how a shakeup now will help matters. But thats Football.
Ravens still in the mix! Kind of hard to bench Lamar Jackson at this point, unless he tanks hard next game. If he was filling in for a true elite QB, sure, put him back on the bench, but its Flacco he’s replacing. Its not a Brady/Garappolo situation by any stretch.
GB Packers head coach fired! Not sure if that was the main problem up there, tbh.
I don't follow them closely either, but watching some post game coverage, and most of the former players behind the desk were pointing out the signs that the players no longer respected the HC, and how he'd "lost" the team, which most definitely is a product of the professional game
A month ago I would never have guessed that the Ravens and Steelers would have the same number of wins now! The Steelers should still take the division, but it's not guaranteed.
Nice to see Jackson motivating the team, even if the passing numbers aren't there yet. He's doing what it takes to win. With his cap number, even if he faces a slump there's no way we can go back to Flacco, imo. Time to turn the page and start fresh!
Some surprising results this last week in the NFL. Any given Sunday and all that.
I was a bit surprised how quickly Mike Holmgren got thrown under the bus in Green Bay. It's not like he has had a ton of losing seasons under his belt. That's the Packers though. 'Sconies take their Packers very, very seriously.
Easy E wrote: Some surprising results this last week in the NFL. Any given Sunday and all that.
I was a bit surprised how quickly Mike Holmgren got thrown under the bus in Green Bay. It's not like he has had a ton of losing seasons under his belt. That's the Packers though. 'Sconies take their Packers very, very seriously.
You mean Mike McCarthy?? Holmgren was so last century
Eihnlazer wrote: I have always felt flacco was overblown tbh. Hated the guy from the start.
Although he doesn't fall into the "elite" category, I think he's better than average and gets more hate than he should. When he had weapons, he was Super Bowl MVP. When he doesn't, he struggles but even then you can still see flashes of that great 2013 campaign. Egregious drop passes and and questionable play calling at the Coach/OC level has to factor into his struggles as well, but that never shows up in stats.
Eihnlazer wrote: I have always felt flacco was overblown tbh. Hated the guy from the start.
This season has to be the most off the wall topsy turvy, vegas rigged season ever. Chicago had no business loosing to NY.
Upside: The Giants are now out of the top 5 picks in the Draft. If they beat Washington and other things go right they could play themselves out of the top 10.
Brutal 2 weeks for the Steelers - makes the AFC playoff picture a little chaotic, and, after talking to a big Stellers fan here, could potentially even see them missing the playoffs?!?
Mysterio wrote: Brutal 2 weeks for the Steelers - makes the AFC playoff picture a little chaotic, and, after talking to a big Stellers fan here, could potentially even see them missing the playoffs?!?
Wow!
Its possible, I think.
Next week will probably be a wash for the AFC North. Steelers play the Raiders(2-10) and the Ravens play the Chiefs(10-2).
After that, things may get tense up for the black and yellow. Pitt has Patriots, Saints, and a listless Bengals team with nothing to lose and looking to spoil it for a rival, like they did against the Ravens last year.
Ravens have Tampa Bay, Chargers, Browns. Although B-more lost to the Browns (lol?) one this season, I doubt it happens again and Tampa Bay should be a W, Chargers will give the Ravens some trouble, as they have pretty much split their 11 games against each other. I fully expect the Ravens to play down to their opponents level for 2/3rd of those final 3 games, and make it unnecessarily tense.
Mysterio wrote: Brutal 2 weeks for the Steelers - makes the AFC playoff picture a little chaotic, and, after talking to a big Stellers fan here, could potentially even see them missing the playoffs?!?
Wow!
Its possible, I think.
Next week will probably be a wash for the AFC North. Steelers play the Raiders(2-10) and the Ravens play the Chiefs(10-2).
After that, things may get tense up for the black and yellow. Pitt has Patriots, Saints, and a listless Bengals team with nothing to lose and looking to spoil it for a rival, like they did against the Ravens last year.
Ravens have Tampa Bay, Chargers, Browns. Although B-more lost to the Browns (lol?) one this season, I doubt it happens again and Tampa Bay should be a W, Chargers will give the Ravens some trouble, as they have pretty much split their 11 games against each other. I fully expect the Ravens to play down to their opponents level for 2/3rd of those final 3 games, and make it unnecessarily tense.
I can realistically see Balti going 3-1 in that stretch - only losing to the chiefs - most likely 2-2 though. Steelers should beat the raiders but the Bengals might actually be in the hunt so that won't be an easy win.
Look at the Bengals schedule.
Chargers/Raiders/Browns/Steelers.
If the Bengals beat the chargers. It's REALLY not looking good for the Steelers. Steelers are looking at 2 fat L's with the Pats and Saints up after the raiders. That tie game might end up costing them a playoff spot.
Looks like maybe the NFL been learning something about building drama from wrestling or something.
Look at the NFC East:
If Philadelphia wins tonight, they are one game behind Dallas for the Division.
Remaining games: Dallas, Rams, Houston, Washington.
Dallas remaining games: Eagles, Colts, Tampa Bay, Giants.
Washington remaining games: Giants, Jaguars, Titans, Eagles.
Scenarios exist for any two of them to make the playoffs.
Place yer bets.
Mysterio wrote: Brutal 2 weeks for the Steelers - makes the AFC playoff picture a little chaotic, and, after talking to a big Stellers fan here, could potentially even see them missing the playoffs?!?
Wow!
Its possible, I think.
Next week will probably be a wash for the AFC North. Steelers play the Raiders(2-10) and the Ravens play the Chiefs(10-2).
After that, things may get tense up for the black and yellow. Pitt has Patriots, Saints, and a listless Bengals team with nothing to lose and looking to spoil it for a rival, like they did against the Ravens last year.
Ravens have Tampa Bay, Chargers, Browns. Although B-more lost to the Browns (lol?) one this season, I doubt it happens again and Tampa Bay should be a W, Chargers will give the Ravens some trouble, as they have pretty much split their 11 games against each other. I fully expect the Ravens to play down to their opponents level for 2/3rd of those final 3 games, and make it unnecessarily tense.
I can realistically see Balti going 3-1 in that stretch - only losing to the chiefs - most likely 2-2 though. Steelers should beat the raiders but the Bengals might actually be in the hunt so that won't be an easy win.
Look at the Bengals schedule.
Chargers/Raiders/Browns/Steelers.
If the Bengals beat the chargers. It's REALLY not looking good for the Steelers. Steelers are looking at 2 fat L's with the Pats and Saints up after the raiders. That tie game might end up costing them a playoff spot.
I suspect that the Steelers will be fine, so long as Conner is able to go in a couple weeks. The Saints didn't exactly look like world beaters against a Cowboys team that isn't a juggernaut either. And while anything can happen, the Bengals are about as 'done' as any team in the league, if you actually follow anything going on with them.
I feel a lot better about the Steelers than you must about the Jags. That must be deflating to see your team in such disarray and playing so poorly. But that's what not having a quality starting QB can do. Means you have to step up to the slot machine called the NFL draft and pray. If it's another Mahomes, great. If it's another Bortles, you're basically fethed with this group as it's currently built. Of course, there's always the retread route. I guess that worked out a couple times in the past 20 years.
helgrenze wrote: Looks like maybe the NFL been learning something about building drama from wrestling or something.
Look at the NFC East:
If Philadelphia wins tonight, they are one game behind Dallas for the Division.
Remaining games: Dallas, Rams, Houston, Washington.
Dallas remaining games: Eagles, Colts, Tampa Bay, Giants.
Washington remaining games: Giants, Jaguars, Titans, Eagles.
Scenarios exist for any two of them to make the playoffs.
Place yer bets.
gorgon wrote: And while anything can happen, the Bengals are about as 'done' as any team in the league, if you actually follow anything going on with them.
Just saw AJ Green out for the season...
Like you said, anything can happen, but thats a dagger.
helgrenze wrote: Looks like maybe the NFL been learning something about building drama from wrestling or something.
Its not the only cue the NFL has taken from wrasslin' . . . During the Chargers game, the refs were conveniently looking away during a blatant false start and the chargers scored. . . Then, they missed quite a few off-sides penalties throughout the night. And, from what I saw of comments from friends who are fans of other teams who were making comments on FB, it seems that the Pitt/LAC game was not the only one with egregiously bad officiating
gorgon wrote: And while anything can happen, the Bengals are about as 'done' as any team in the league, if you actually follow anything going on with them.
Just saw AJ Green out for the season...
Like you said, anything can happen, but thats a dagger.
No Dalton, no Green, and the coach will likely be a lame duck in the final game of the season with most of the players thinking about playing golf. Any given Sunday, sure, but talking up how tough the Bengals will be to beat just isn't very smart.
helgrenze wrote: Looks like maybe the NFL been learning something about building drama from wrestling or something.
Its not the only cue the NFL has taken from wrasslin' . . . During the Chargers game, the refs were conveniently looking away during a blatant false start and the chargers scored. . . Then, they missed quite a few off-sides penalties throughout the night. And, from what I saw of comments from friends who are fans of other teams who were making comments on FB, it seems that the Pitt/LAC game was not the only one with egregiously bad officiating
It was horrendous on Sunday night, and I'm not one who likes to pile on the refs. That tackle had multiple false starts throughout the game that were never called. The offsides at the end was caused by the long snapper jerking the ball. That's illegal, but as Joe Schobert of the Bengals (who has no reason to be supportive of the Steelers) chimed in on Twitter:
Chargers long snapper is notorious for twitching and moving the ball before he snaps. Pointed it out to refs during our game and was told “he’s been doing it his whole career” it’s not gonna get called.
That's YOUR NFL officiating, folks!
And the league became pro wrasslin' a long time ago. Remember that Steelers-Bengals playoff game when Burfict went nuts and the Cincy crowd got so ugly?
Spoiler:
The next season, the league put the Bengals home game against the Steelers in prime time so they'd have a liquored up crowd and another powderkeg of a game. So much for encouraging player safety and good fan behavior.
I still love NFL football, but the league office only cares about its TV ratings and couldn't give a gak about much else. They didn't care about Kareem Hunt or Ray Rice until the videos surfaced and the 'optics' got bad. Meanwhile, they blackball Colin K. -- who hasn't committed any crimes -- and spend time testing and suspending players for recreational drugs that are now legal in parts of the country. You know what the focus of the NHL (and I think NBA too) is when players test positive? Getting them HELP, not punishment and staking out some faux high moral ground.
The league has become completely craven. This was not always the case...not like this.
No Dalton, no Green, and the coach will likely be a lame duck in the final game of the season with most of the players thinking about playing golf. Any given Sunday, sure, but talking up how tough the Bengals will be to beat just isn't very smart.
Ya, I didn't know about Dalton either. I think I called it at the start of this thread, that the Bengals were going to start hot and do what they normally do under Marvin Lewis.
Mysterio wrote: Brutal 2 weeks for the Steelers - makes the AFC playoff picture a little chaotic, and, after talking to a big Stellers fan here, could potentially even see them missing the playoffs?!?
Wow!
Its possible, I think.
Next week will probably be a wash for the AFC North. Steelers play the Raiders(2-10) and the Ravens play the Chiefs(10-2).
After that, things may get tense up for the black and yellow. Pitt has Patriots, Saints, and a listless Bengals team with nothing to lose and looking to spoil it for a rival, like they did against the Ravens last year.
Ravens have Tampa Bay, Chargers, Browns. Although B-more lost to the Browns (lol?) one this season, I doubt it happens again and Tampa Bay should be a W, Chargers will give the Ravens some trouble, as they have pretty much split their 11 games against each other. I fully expect the Ravens to play down to their opponents level for 2/3rd of those final 3 games, and make it unnecessarily tense.
I can realistically see Balti going 3-1 in that stretch - only losing to the chiefs - most likely 2-2 though. Steelers should beat the raiders but the Bengals might actually be in the hunt so that won't be an easy win.
Look at the Bengals schedule.
Chargers/Raiders/Browns/Steelers.
If the Bengals beat the chargers. It's REALLY not looking good for the Steelers. Steelers are looking at 2 fat L's with the Pats and Saints up after the raiders. That tie game might end up costing them a playoff spot.
I suspect that the Steelers will be fine, so long as Conner is able to go in a couple weeks. The Saints didn't exactly look like world beaters against a Cowboys team that isn't a juggernaut either. And while anything can happen, the Bengals are about as 'done' as any team in the league, if you actually follow anything going on with them.
I feel a lot better about the Steelers than you must about the Jags. That must be deflating to see your team in such disarray and playing so poorly. But that's what not having a quality starting QB can do. Means you have to step up to the slot machine called the NFL draft and pray. If it's another Mahomes, great. If it's another Bortles, you're basically fethed with this group as it's currently built. Of course, there's always the retread route. I guess that worked out a couple times in the past 20 years.
I'm done with the jags. Poorest run organization in the history of the game. Nothing but heartbreak. They will be in London shortly so I'll have to go back to being a Pats fan (Whoa is me).
gorgon wrote: And while anything can happen, the Bengals are about as 'done' as any team in the league, if you actually follow anything going on with them.
Just saw AJ Green out for the season...
Like you said, anything can happen, but thats a dagger.
Yep that's a season Ender. Not stating QB now and Top 5 WR OFS? Jezz. That sure helps the Stellers.
Man, how did I not think of that? They totally should, imo - not sure how much more mediocrity the skins can take, and he'd be really motivated to prove he's still got it. Plus he probably wouldn't mind being in D.C.
helgrenze wrote: With McCoy's Leg also Broken, maybe the 'Skins give Kaep a call? He can't be any worse than Sanchez and he might be a tad better....
I'd put the chances of that at a decimal approaching zero.
The Skins would do anything to fill seats right now. The Stadium is dead most games and even season ticket holders usually don't show up.
They are not going to do anything with QB that courts controversy. The plan is probably to tank the rest of the season to improve draft picks. The word is Alex Smith is not coming back to football, so they are going to need some talent.
helgrenze wrote: With McCoy's Leg also Broken, maybe the 'Skins give Kaep a call? He can't be any worse than Sanchez and he might be a tad better....
I'd put the chances of that at a decimal approaching zero.
The Skins would do anything to fill seats right now. The Stadium is dead most games and even season ticket holders usually don't show up.
They are not going to do anything with QB that courts controversy. The plan is probably to tank the rest of the season to improve draft picks. The word is Alex Smith is not coming back to football, so they are going to need some talent.
Haters would buy tix just to boo him, especially in DC.
helgrenze wrote: With McCoy's Leg also Broken, maybe the 'Skins give Kaep a call? He can't be any worse than Sanchez and he might be a tad better....
I'd put the chances of that at a decimal approaching zero.
The Skins would do anything to fill seats right now. The Stadium is dead most games and even season ticket holders usually don't show up.
They are not going to do anything with QB that courts controversy. The plan is probably to tank the rest of the season to improve draft picks. The word is Alex Smith is not coming back to football, so they are going to need some talent.
Haters would buy tix just to boo him, especially in DC.
I seem to recall Dan Snyder being specifically asked about Kap, and he basically shut it down immediately. . . I guess he recognizes the occasional controversy in his team name (not that I'm trying to start *that* argument again), and has recently brought controversy by signing a dude who can't/wont play because the league is investigating him, and they probably are thinking that Kap would be one controversy too many??
Tho, I do agree the move would bring arses to the seats, if nothing else than to boo the guy.
You know what fills seats? Winning. You know what helps with winning? Not starting Buttfumble Sanchez as your QB. Fortunately for my team's playoff chances you have a racist for an owner and will continue to blacklist the best available player for the position.
Gruden apparently ruled it out as a "football decision" based on wanting a QB that fits the current scheme rather than rewriting the offense for a different skill set this late in the season. Whatever.
I'm an Eagles Fan. I expect the 'Skins to lose to the Giants this weekend which both hurts Washington's playoff chances and ruins NYG's draft by moving them (hopefully) out of the top 10.
Plus I get to laugh at the other Gruden's increasingly bad decisions as his own draft picks (first round, Dallas and Chicago to name two) he traded for get worse and worse.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: I seem to recall Dan Snyder being specifically asked about Kap, and he basically shut it down immediately. . . I guess he recognizes the occasional controversy in his team name (not that I'm trying to start *that* argument again), and has recently brought controversy by signing a dude who can't/wont play because the league is investigating him, and they probably are thinking that Kap would be one controversy too many??
Tho, I do agree the move would bring arses to the seats, if nothing else than to boo the guy.
Again, the NFL leadership is completely craven. People blame Goodell, and while I agree he's a cymbal monkey, he doesn't do anything that owners don't want him to do. The owners will gladly sign domestic abusers -- and try to cover their incidents up -- but are afraid to sign a dude who's done nothing wrong other than protesting in what he thought was a respectful way.
But y'know, maybe the whole thing just illustrates where we are as a people. Hypocritical and vile. *shrug*
Kap and Tebow have a lot in common. People want/wanted them on their team for non football reasons.
In his career he scored 72 touchdowns with 30 interceptions in 69 games with an average of 178 yards per game.
Blake Bortles (who is utter garbage) in 73 games scored 103 TD's with 70 interceptions and a 240 YPG average.
Both players ran a lot too - Bortles running numbers actually more impressive.
Bortles is probably the worst QB to ever start this many games. (this is hyperbole but you catch my drift). Why would anyone bring in a primadonna like Kap to touch the ball every play whose actually worse than Bortles? LOL
Seriously guys. Kap is a garbage QB. In most cases - your backup in better than him.
That's a rather dishonest comparison. Bortles, for all his flaws, is not a free agent and not available to sign. The more accurate comparison is Kap vs. Sanchez, and vs. the other free agent QBs available. So let's see:
Sanchez: 196 YPG, 87 TD, 86 INT, effectively zero rushing yards. Lower yards per game (once you add Kap's ~30 ypg rushing), and an awful TD/INT ratio.
But what about the players Gruden mentioned bringing in behind Sanchez?
TJ Yates: 93 YPG, 10 TD, 11 INT. Somehow even more awful.
Josh Johnson: a guy who hasn't played in 7 seasons, and has such limited stats that it isn't worth quoting them.
Yeah, I'm definitely buying the idea that not signing Kaepernick is 100% about football reasons and not his protests, and that the other options the Racists are going with are clearly more likely to win games. Definitely better choices than a guy with better stats who took his team to a super bowl, nearly won it, and came one great play by Richard Sherman away from two consecutive super bowls.
You also need to look at who they are replacing, Alex Smith, the guy the Offense was built around.
166 games, 193 TDs, 101 INTs, 6.9 Y/A, 205 Y/G, 15.7 RY/G.
Ave QBR 87.3. Only had a QBR over 100 twice in his career.
Not saying they shouldn't give Kaep a shot, but this late in the season, finding a guy with a skill set similar to Smith/McCoy and teaching him the Offense is probably easier than trying to fit someone with Kaep's skillset into that same Offense. Or changing the Offense to fit his play style.
helgrenze wrote: Not saying they shouldn't give Kaep a shot, but this late in the season, finding a guy with a skill set similar to Smith/McCoy and teaching him the Offense is probably easier than trying to fit someone with Kaep's skillset into that same Offense. Or changing the Offense to fit his play style.
Sure, of course finding someone with a similar skill set and such is a great thing, but who is out there with both similar skills and enough general QB talent to win games? I mean, we're talking about Buttfumble Sanchez as the starter and TJ Yates potentially having an NFL contract to get paid to play football. Just putting Kaepernick in the standard offense and letting him decide to keep the ball if he feels like running is almost certainly going to work out better than going anywhere near the garbage heap of bad QBs who couldn't even stay employed as a backup, but clearly this is not about his protests.
They are also not looking at anyone's practice squads, guys they could hire without issue from other teams. These are developmental guys that have most of the skills but need refinement. Beside, They'd just be back ups for Sanchez right now anyway.
Heck, they could look at their own squad.
Nic Shimonek don't look so bad.... 253 Y/G, 8.4 Y/A, 32 TDs, 8 INT, NOT a great runner.
helgrenze wrote: Nic Shimonek don't look so bad.... 253 Y/G, 8.4 Y/A, 32 TDs, 8 INT, NOT a great runner.
College stats I take it? Since he doesn't appear to have played in the NFL at all?
And no, they aren't looking at practice squads because practice squads are composed of players who were too lacking in skills to get a real contract and developmental players are worthless when you need a QB to win games now. I'm not sure what your point there is. We don't need to speculate about who they're interested in instead of Kaepernick, we know the list of names. We know that Sanchez, a player with worse stats and a reputation for being a failure, is their starter. We know that their backups are awful players who are much worse than Kaepernick. There is no way this is a move to sign the best player available who gives the best chance of winning games. They are clearly favoring weaker players over someone with better skills at football because of the better player's political activism.
Currently, the 'Skins have no chance of winning the division and a very outside chance of making the playoffs. If they lose to NYG this weekend, that is gone as well.
Even if they win, they would need help getting the wildcard. Vikings would need to lose to Seattle, Eagles would have to lose to Dallas, and Carolina would need to lose to Browns to give them a chance.
If any of those teams win, especially Philly or Minn, the playoffs are mostly locked on the NFC side. Seattle drops to second wildcard over Dallas if they both lose and Eagles take the NFCE on Div record with on Div game left.
Double Edit:
It is sort of like how punter Chris Kluwe has never been able to get back into the league after some high-profile protests. What exactly is the player's union doing about any of this? I honestly do not know?
Triple Edit:
I keep reading about how hiring Kaep would scare away $$$. If I recall, that did not happen for Nike.... at all. What is the basis of this argument?
Easy E wrote: Peregrine..... I would never in a million years guess you were a Redskins fan. For some reason, this blows my simple mind!
no. Seahawks fan, I have some standard of decency.
(And let's be clear, I'm enjoying watching the Racists screw up like this, it's made very sure that they're out of the wild card race in a year my team isn't going to win the division.)
Somehow I knew the Dolphins would win this weekend. Didn't quite expect it to be like that though...
As for fantasy - After a slow start I finished 10-4, topping the league before playoffs. Hope I can carry that on, our league was very tight, so the 4th placed team is well capable of beating me.
Mah Ravens came out big with the W against the Chargers! Phillip Rivers looked completely shutdown against the Ravens D.
Also, its week 16 and the Browns are now eliminated from the playoffs!? Usually thats made apparent week 1, but made official in weeks 4 or 5. Not bad for a team that was 1-31 the past 2 seasons. They will be a treat to watch next season, and will be trying to play spoiler to B-more next week.
If the Steelers lose to the Saints, I think B-more gets the AFC North crown! What a season.
It's crazy! I'm worried about the Browns next week, though - they've got something to prove. But the Ravens winning the AFC North (or heck, even just getting that last wild card spot and a chance in the playoffs!) would be amazing
You want some fun...
NFC ... Philly wins out (9-7), Dallas loses out (8-8), Seattle splits (9-7) or loses out (8-8), Minn splits (8-7-1)…. Dallas misses the playoffs. Seattle holds the direct win tie breaker over Dallas and that damn tie gives the Vikings 1/2 a game.
Eagles can still make the playoffs if they win out and the Vikings lose one of their last two games.
Washington is all but out of it now, they would need Minn lose out and to beat Eagles.
Carolina basically done as well needing to win out and Minn lose out and Philly to beat Wash (Panthers hold the head to head tie breaker over Eagles, but "Skins hold the TB over Panthers.)
helgrenze wrote: You want some fun...
NFC ... Philly wins out (9-7), Dallas loses out (8-8), Seattle splits (9-7) or loses out (8-8), Minn splits (8-7-1)…. Dallas misses the playoffs. Seattle holds the direct win tie breaker over Dallas and that damn tie gives the Vikings 1/2 a game.
Eagles can still make the playoffs if they win out and the Vikings lose one of their last two games.
Washington is all but out of it now, they would need Minn lose out and to beat Eagles.
Carolina basically done as well needing to win out and Minn lose out and Philly to beat Wash (Panthers hold the head to head tie breaker over Eagles, but "Skins hold the TB over Panthers.)
Dallas would have to lose out to both Tampa Bay and the Giants. Not going to happen. We're going to the playoffs, even if we don't make it deep this year.
nels1031 wrote: Mah Ravens came out big with the W against the Chargers! Phillip Rivers looked completely shutdown against the Ravens D.
Also, its week 16 and the Browns are now eliminated from the playoffs!? Usually thats made apparent week 1, but made official in weeks 4 or 5. Not bad for a team that was 1-31 the past 2 seasons. They will be a treat to watch next season, and will be trying to play spoiler to B-more next week.
If the Steelers lose to the Saints, I think B-more gets the AFC North crown! What a season.
The Ravens defense has been the biggest surprise this year. They look like the Big D teams that have won superbowls before.
Scary to think, but they are still improving every week.
Three Clemson players, All starters will not be playing on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl due to Controlled Substance violations.
Also Three Players for Alabama will not be playing in the Orange Bowl for violating team rules (unspecified). At least one starter, left guard Deonte Brown, is listed among them.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis ousted after 16 seasons with 0 playoff wins. Been a long, long time coming. Most respectable franchises would have sent him packing after 2-3 seasons of no playoff appearances. Much like Miami did to their head coach today after 3 seasons and I think a near .500 record. Or Denver, after 2 losing seasons. Jets HC fired too.
Ravens fan here, but I’m not buying the hype about Baltimore’s supposedly unique play style with Lamar Jackson at QB. Opponents have had enough looks to adjust to it by now I suspect. Or the hype behind their defense, as they’ve given up some absolutely huge plays at crucial moments throughout this season. We were 1 tipped ball for an interception away from not getting into the playoffs, for instance. Seems like the long ball is our achilles heel.
I’d love to be pleasantly suprised with a Super Bowl win or even an appearance, but I’m not seeing it with the Saints, Chiefs, and a few other teams looking like worldbeaters.
It certainly felt this way, and I only watched most of my teams games and a few select "big" games. It was raining yellow flags this year. Its a huge killer when a ref can completely change a games tempo and a teams momentum. There needs to be more mechanisms in place to prevent blown calls/ no calls.
"Red flag for NFL: Most penalties ever called in a season"
The 2018 NFL season will be remembered for plenty of memorable highlights. Fans will also look back on the regular season for the officiating, especially during a year when there seemed to be more flags than big plays.
According to Rick Gosselin, the NFL’s officiating crews set a league record with 3,447 penalties called during the 2018 regular season.
Rick Gosselin
@RickGosselin9
NFL crews assessed a record 3,447 penalties in 2018. First-year referees Shawn Hochuli and Shawn Smith and their crews finished 1-2 in penalties with the Hochuli crew assessing 253 and the Smith crew 228.
It likely doesn’t come as a surprise to many fans across the country. This season was marked not just by the number of penalties or officials not knowing what a catch is, the missed calls were just as brutal.
Philadelphia Eagles fans certainly won’t forget the missed facemask penalty by Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney on Nick Foles. Indianapolis Colts fans will remember the embarrassing gaffe by refs that robbed the team of a final play at the end of the game.
Of course, Packers fans will never forget the unfathomable roughing the passer call on outside linebacker Clay Matthews that robbed Green Bay of a win over the Minnesota Vikings
The league office has a problem it desperately needs to address. When fans, multiple players and much of the NFL community are routinely calling out clear issues with the referees, it is something that needs to be addressed.
Because first-year referees Shawn Hochuli’s (253) and Shawn Smith’s (228) crews led the league in penalties assessed, it might be time for a full offseason to be spent educating and re-training all referees.
nels1031 wrote: It certainly felt this way, and I only watched most of my teams games and a few select "big" games. It was raining yellow flags this year. Its a huge killer when a ref can completely change a games tempo and a teams momentum. There needs to be more mechanisms in place to prevent blown calls/ no calls.
I know I'm a bit weird, but I don't mind a game with a lot of flags. . . IF they are calling good penalties. . . I know I've lamented it here on this site before, but when literally play after play after play, I witness blatant holding by an offensive player (usually linemen) that happens directly in front of a refs face and it goes uncalled, I get heated.
Then again, referees are certainly helping the conspiracy theorists with the idea that football "wants" certain teams to win, by calling games in their favor. One example I have is during the Oklahoma-Alabama game this past weekend (yeah yeah, its college, but hear me out), in the second half of the game, Alabama's best D-lineman plowed into Kyler Murray, head first AND helmet to helmet, such that when they hit the ground Murray's helmet came off. In the college game that is targeting, reviewed an usually an automatic ejection. . . . Instead what happened was no flag, Oklahoma is without their best player for a play AND 'Bama keeps their "best" defensive player for the first half of the title game. (Note: I'm not suggesting that based on that one play, OU would've/could've beaten 'Bama. . . but it is damn difficult for OU to be playing against Bama and the zebras)
Now, I know this thread is the NFL, but in that situation, we've seen similar in the NFL this season. . . It's just ridiculous the levels of corruption that we're visually seeing in the game at these levels. . . Like, they ain't even trying to hide it anymore. And honestly, I think we'll begin seeing more and more TVs being turned off/away from college/NFL football should the same teams be at the top for as long as the current ones have been.
This kind of brings up a point about the Saints and their season.
Something changed between their game vs the Eagles and the game vs the Cowboys.
The Competition Committee decided that there were not enough Holding penalties being called and told the refs to put an emphasis on those. This change went through the week before New Orleans played Dallas. A key member of the committee? Dallas owner Jerry Jones.
So, Was New Orleans so successful earlier in the season because they were not getting called for Offensive Holding which up to that point had kept Drew Brees safe from getting sacked (20 total - second lowest) but also hit (52 - Lowest) Consider that before the Dallas game the Saints had only given up @9 sacks. And the team that allowed the fewest Sacks (18), the Colts, have Andrew Luck, and allowed 25 more hits on their QB. (Lets face it Brees isn't known for his scrambling ability.)
The Chicago/Philly game is the game most likely to be rigged this weekend after all.
Lol, if only by virtue of the Patriots having a bye week
(way later) Edit: Gut feeling makes me think that Harbaugh NOT pulling jackson and putting Flacco in, may just cost him his job. Obviously time will tell whether I'm right on this one
Probably not, given how Jackson finished the game.
Now, maybe the game plan should have changed earlier, but they weren't going to go away from their strength until their strength clearly wasn't working, I guess?
Still, always good to see the Seahawks and the Ravens out.
Still leaning towards it being a Chiefs/Chargers vs Saints Superbowl, but, after watching Rivers throw the ball... is that his usual arm motion?
It looks like he's really heaving it on those 'deep' routes.
Alpharius wrote: Probably not, given how Jackson finished the game.
Now, maybe the game plan should have changed earlier, but they weren't going to go away from their strength until their strength clearly wasn't working, I guess?
Still leaning towards it being a Chiefs/Chargers vs Saints Superbowl, but, after watching Rivers throw the ball... is that his usual arm motion?
It looks like he's really heaving it on those 'deep' routes.
I posted that comment prior to the "decent" finish..
Not quite sure what you mean by Rivers' throwing motion, but yeah. . . his is definitely not "standard", its a pretty quick release with very little windup.
He's 'only' 33, and in this day and age, where quarterbacks are fairly well protected in terms of the rules governing what you can and cannot do to them...I think he's got 3 or 4 years left in him, if he wants it.
There's a shocking lack of decent quarterbacks in the NFL after all.
He has made a ton of money from this contract though, so I suppose he could retire and enjoy doing whatever it is he wants to do!
A backup QB has more playoff wins over the last two years than the Cowboys, Bears, Dolphins, Redskins, Chiefs, Bengals, Lions, Bills or Browns have in the last 20 years.
We were just talking before the game about how Harbaugh and the Ravens can't make in-game adjustments... it seems like either the game plan works or it doesn't, there's no Belichick / Saban / etc halftime overhaul of the plan. It's a shame they couldn't adjust earlier since the Chargers came out Really prepared for what the Ravens started with. I think Jackson had something like 25 passing yards through most of 3 quarters (before getting like 170 in the 4th).
I definitely think the Ravens should keep Harbaugh, though - he's super solid, and I don't think we could do any better. It was awesome seeing the team make a run this year - just winning the division over the Steelers was plenty!
Interested to see if the Eagles can keep their magic alive, too...
Though I give the Colts a punchers chance to sneak in too!
In general I agree with your picks, however I am swapping the Cowboys for the Colts with the spot of "punchers chance" of an upset.
Other toss-up game for me is Chargers/Pats, because we all know how much The League loves TB and so I just hope we don't get a horribly officiated game in their favor. It honestly would be a shame, since the Wild Card games were fairly decently called (yeah, there were a few missed calls, there always are, but as I was watching the games, I wasn't yelling at the TV over blatant and obvious missed calls, which I count as a win)
I find myself not really rooting against any team this year.
My decade plus hate boner for Tom Brady has gone limp and flaccid like a soggy french fry, and I’ve come to terms with his GOAT status and just enjoy watching history while its made. Whats one more ring, really?
Andrew Luck had been out for the entire previous season, the Colts had a rough start to begin the year and once he knocked the rust off, he’s been playing at an elite level thats fun to watch. Also, the Colts used to be Baltimore’s team, so its like rooting for the home team.
Patrick Mahomes is a young and highly skilled QB, breaking records at the very start of his career. Like all young and dynamic QB’s, he fun to watch play. I also believe Andy Reid is a top NFL coach, definitely not perfect, but still elite and a Super Bowl win will validate years of almost getting to the promised land.
Much like Brady, I’ve gotten over my dislike of the Cowboys, though it was never at Patriots level dislike. Dak and Zeke have been fun to watch for the entirety of their relatively short careers. Plus its nice seeing Jason Garret put together a serious run to the big dance, when everyone was counting out his last days as HC in Dallas before they turned things around. They are heavy underdogs against the Rams. Gotta root for the underdogs! Everyone loves an upset.
Grew up an Eagles fan, since my family is mostly from that area, so its awesome seeing them survive to be in the playoffs again. Anything that adds to the legend of Nick Foles will be must watch. Plus their head coach makes some absolutely bonkers decisions that adds another level of fun to the game. Their last Super Bowl appearance was some of the best football I’ve ever watched. Give me more!
Don’t really follow the Rams, so I know absolutely feth all about what they have going on. Their throwback uniforms that they are wearing this week against Dallas look good though!
One more Super Bowl win would be another feather in the cap of Drew Brees, one of the best QBs out there now and long has been elite. They were close last year, and this team seems better. A SB win would be a great end cap to a first ballot hall of fame run, if he felt like he wanted to call it a career this season.
Left the Chargers for last as I had the most trouble justifying not rooting against Phillip Rivers and the Chargers, but its mostly Phillip Rivers. I feel like if Tom Brady didn’t exist, people would hate Phillip Rivers instead. He’s everything that people hate about Tom Brady, but with none of Tom Brady’s prolific success. But he’s still a great QB, that most franchises would move mountains for if he had wanted out of SD/LA at any point in his career. A Super Bowl win would cement his status as an elite QB, imo.
Maybe some hot takes or vast oversimplifications in this, I don’t know. I just know If I lapsed into a coma between now and Super Bowl kickoff, I’d wake up excited to see whatever the match up was.
In general I agree with your picks, however I am swapping the Cowboys for the Colts with the spot of "punchers chance" of an upset.
Other toss-up game for me is Chargers/Pats, because we all know how much The League loves TB and so I just hope we don't get a horribly officiated game in their favor. It honestly would be a shame, since the Wild Card games were fairly decently called (yeah, there were a few missed calls, there always are, but as I was watching the games, I wasn't yelling at the TV over blatant and obvious missed calls, which I count as a win)
The League loves Tom Brady?
And the Patriots?
Are you sure you're from this dimension?!?
I don't think the Cowboys have a legitimate chance at winning it all until Jerry Jones stops meddling.
We'll see though!
nels1031 wrote:I find myself not really rooting against any team this year.
RiTides wrote: It's not NFL, but holy cow that college finals game! My parents and brother went to Clemson, and just about everybody is going crazy right now
The Madden Cover Curse is out, its all about The Drake Curse.
Dude is the living, breathing Bad Luck Brian meme of sports.
I used to follow him on twitter and instagram just to drastically increase my chances of winning The Warren Buffet Bracket Challenge. And I don’t even like or watch college basketball. Just needed to get a glimpse of who he was rooting for, and I was sure I’d win. But I hate rap so much that it wasn’t worth it.
Cowboys and Colts go down, leaving Philly as the last of the over achieving teams to make it.
Rooting for Patriots over Chargers and Eagles over Saints. The first pick feels like a coin toss at the moment, and the second one would be a crazy upset that probably won’t happen.
I think I want The Chiefs to win it all. Patrick Mahomes feels like the dawn of a generational talent.
I got the Chiefs/Rams in the Super Bowl, Chiefs win.
Honestly, that matchup would be a welcome change from the "usual" of the past few years. And whether or not that SB turned into a shootout, I think it would be a fun and exciting game
So my picks turned out mostly wrong, but I blame that on things you cannot farsee.
Didnt expect the cheifs defence to do so well. They actually kept themselves to the lowest penalties all season.
Didnt expect the chargers to freeze up, ironic as it may be with the temperature at 7-10 degrees.
Didnt expect the Rams to reject Jerry's offer to throw the game. Mabey they just wanted to outlast the chargers to keep the bigger fanbase.
Saints offence is still not turning up full force. Fellow employee blames it on the cowboys loss. Says the cowboys showed the league how to cover them and hurt their feelings at the same time.
Chiefs coming back to the Pats this coming week should be interesting. Both teams defence has stepped up, but the NE refs are not gonna do KC any favors.
Saints have the advantage at home, but their offence isnt showing up as good as last time they met. Rams still cant rely on a run game either. Lower to score about 10-12 points fom the last game. Could go into overtime. Saints do have a better kicker.
Chiefs coming back to the Pats this coming week should be interesting. Both teams defence has stepped up, but the NE refs are not gonna do KC any favors.
Huh?
Now, while it is fun to watch the Patriot/Brady/Belichick haters tie themselves into knots predicting/hoping/wishing for The End, you do know the game is in KC, right?
I suppose that all the refs for the game could also be New England natives, but...probably not?
Having said that, my picks for Super Bowl LIII: Chiefs vs. Saints
With the Chiefs winning it all - go figure!
(But with Andy Reid at the helm....anything is possible!)
Weather could be a factor in KC. Currently they are saying snow on Sat and a high on Sun of 17. NE likes it cold.
Of course the game is still a week away and the forecast can change by then.
Nola plays in a dome so cold and weather won't be as big a factor.
I've done some zero wind chill games. Beer slushies, yay! Honestly, it's not that bad so long as you dress right. Obviously it's worse if you have the wind hitting you in the face.
Regarding the location, there's no doubt that it's good for KC that it's at KC. NE's run has been remarkable, but a key factor has been them feasting on an unendingly pathetic division and getting byes and home games in the playoffs.
I saw that Brady and company are playing the disrespect card for the 157th time. Yawn. But really, this is not a great Patriots team. Doesn't mean they're going to lose, but KC can definitely take them and I probably give them the edge even knowing that I'm taking Andy Reid over Bill Belichick in a big game.
Andy's record in big games is...not good, but, he HAS to have figured that out by now, and possibly delegated 'key tasks' to someone, to keep him on point?
As far as the Patriots playing the "Disrespect Card", as near as I can tell, that's just them reacting to the usual Kellerman/Parker/Sharpe Hot Take crap, so I've no idea why that would bother them now, as those wonks have been doing it literally for years. Still, whatever gets them going.
Having said that, I still think the Chiefs win. Home field advantage is a real thing!
Having seen enough Chiefs games (on TV) where they are at home, I definitely agree that there is such thing as home field advantage at that location. . . Arrowhead can get to rockin in a hurry, making it very difficult for opposing teams to communicate.
Alpharius wrote: Andy's record in big games is...not good, but, he HAS to have figured that out by now, and possibly delegated 'key tasks' to someone, to keep him on point?
As far as the Patriots playing the "Disrespect Card", as near as I can tell, that's just them reacting to the usual Kellerman/Parker/Sharpe Hot Take crap, so I've no idea why that would bother them now, as those wonks have been doing it literally for years. Still, whatever gets them going.
Having said that, I still think the Chiefs win. Home field advantage is a real thing!
I think these Chiefs are high-flyin' enough that they can make up for some Reid Specials along the way. That's easier done at home, of course.
Did the Steelers knock the Pats out of the #1 seed? If so, yer welcome KC. That game was the most fun I had in what was an annoying season.
God, I hope the Chiefs win tomorrow! It's about time they got into a Super Bowl. I've endured far too many seasons of them making the playoffs and getting eliminated immediately.
ZergSmasher wrote: God, I hope the Chiefs win tomorrow! It's about time they got into a Super Bowl. I've endured far too many seasons of them making the playoffs and getting eliminated immediately.
So. I didn't expect that, I thought Mahomes would run riot over the Pats Defence. I wanted to just watch the first quarter then go to sleep. Instead I watched the lot, which finished about 3.15am. Today I'll mostly be powered by caffeine.
That non-call was atrocious. Saints should be in the Superbowl.
Alpharius wrote: That was one of the worst non-calls of...all time?
Given that it was in New Orleans too, still shocked at that non-call, especially as the DB didn't look back for the ball at all.
Still, more importantly, the Patriots are in the Super Bowl again - wow!
Hope they can finish it off this year - and maybe, just maybe, Tom rides off into the sunset, going out on top...
I have ZERO sympathy for the Saints. Against the Steelers they were gifted with the ball on the 1 after a completely fraudulent PI call in what ended up a 3 point game. The game clinched home field advantage for the Saints and effectively knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs.
I didn't hear Sean Payton talking about how they got lucky on that joke of a call. Can't have it both ways, Seanny boy.
The officiating was that bad all year long...it wasn't something limited to that playoff game, if you watched enough games. It really affected my enjoyment of the season.
Regarding Chiefs and Pats, I knew how bad the Chiefs defense was, but I didn't expect their offense to sleep for 3 quarters. Kudos to the Pats' D, but the Chiefs also just plain weren't executing. And of course I regret thinking Reid could win a big game. Reid just keeps on Reiding.
I especially like how Reid, rather notorious in his inability to manage the clock, actually called a timeout in the first half that helped the Patriots score a TD!
Still, the Chiefs are a great team, and with a little tweaking on defense, look to be a power for years to come...
To be fair, I think fans jump on 'clock management' far too much these days. It's completely legit to take a TO to get your players settled, make sure you have the right call and personnel group, etc. even if it hands your opponent some time. Better to do that than give up a quick score because you weren't set up properly.
I think I blame pundit culture and video game culture equally for that. I don't care if you're coaching a peewee league or an NFL team -- you have to manage a bunch of human beings, and there's always going to be some chaos involved with that.
Alpharius wrote: Fair enough, but Reid really appears to (still) struggle with that.
OR, perhaps, not think of it as a priority, especially at the half vs. at the end of the game.
The thing that drove me nuts about Reid in Philly (note that I'm not even an Eagles fan) is how slow he was getting offensive plays in. Seemed like the clock was already winding down every time they broke the huddle. I haven't watched enough KC to know if that's improved. He sure seems to have loosened up as a playcaller. There was a time when there were no 3-yard checkdowns that he didn't love. Some of that was probably personnel-related, but...
I don't think anyone really knows exactly what went on at the end of SBXXXIX. McNabb apparently had some kind of issue, but there didn't seem to be any urgency coming from the sidelines either.
At the time that the Chiefs had the big play that put them in place for their final touchdown, I felt they should have run the clock a bit more before scoring. A couple run plays, and failing to get a TD on 3rd down, just tie up the game with a FG and risk it in OT. Humongous risk and will be second guessed forever if it failed, but it seemed like the Pats just let them score on the very next play, so they could give Tom more time to run down the field. I seriously doubt that was the case, but 2 minutes is plenty of time for the greatest QB in history to do what he's been doing his entire career, particularly against a Chiefs defense that was getting exposed for the majority of the game.
I think a team a few years ago, maybe it was my Ravens, had done a clock wasting set of downs at the 1 yard line to keep Tom off the field for as long as possible before scoring. There are certain QBs who truly excel at clutch 2 minute warning drive moments, and Brady is the pinnacle.
Looking forward to what the Chiefs do with Mahomes in the future, though. He's fun to watch. I think they definitely need to bulk up their defense, but a few more weapons for him would be ideal as well.
The officiating was that bad all year long...it wasn't something limited to that playoff game, if you watched enough games. It really affected my enjoyment of the season.
Regarding Chiefs and Pats, I knew how bad the Chiefs defense was, but I didn't expect their offense to sleep for 3 quarters. Kudos to the Pats' D, but the Chiefs also just plain weren't executing. And of course I regret thinking Reid could win a big game. Reid just keeps on Reiding.
Agreed. . . and weirdly, when I watched all the games last week, they were all relatively well officiated. This week, the bad officiating reared its head in both games. I dont want to beat the dead horse of the saints rams game (I think most of us see it as a bad/missed call), but there was probably the weakest fething "roughing the passer" call that extended a brady scoring drive in the 2nd half, where the Chiefs player basically brushed some dirt off of brady's jersey (while he still had the ball in hand) and gets called for roughing. . . come the feth on, this is exaclty what I was referring to when saying the league loves TB. . . I absolutely hate the pats, make no secret of it. But, they are the best team in the NFL year in and year out, they literally do not need that kind of help from the refs!
Yeah, as someone not attached to any of these teams, I kind of wanted either a Brady vs Brees or Goff vs Mahomes matchup... not quite as sure about this one.
Will be interesting to see the coaching showdown though, between McVay's early success and Belichick's long term excellence.
Well IDGAF about the Super Bowl now. Another one with the damn Patriots in it. While on one hand I hope the Rams hand the Pats their asses, at the same time I've heard some shady stuff regarding the Rams possibly bribing the officials and stuff (not sure if it's true or not). Whatever the case, I won't bother watching and will just have to hear about it later.
Read that Saints season ticketholders are suing the NFL to try to get them to enforce some obscure rule that potentially would allow for replaying the game from the point of the game when the non-called penalty happened.
Well, it *might* lead to a rule change on what is reviewable, and what you can throw a challenge flag on, maybe?
Seems like a potential cluster-f of epic proportions but...that was a really bad non-call that most likely changed the who ended up winning and going to the Superbowl.
Mahomes as offensive MVP sounds right, same with Aaron Donald pulling a consecutive defensive MVP. Rookie of the year going to saquon Barkley instead of Baker Mayfield felt silly. Mayfield instantly changed the dynamic in Cleveland and that conference. Dude broke Peyton Manning and Russell Wilsons rookie records, and didn’t even play for the first two games.