I’d rather see Brees win another and ride off into the sunset. But I wouldn’t be angry if the Patriots win again. Brady is undoubtedly the GOAT. All else from this point is garnish on a career that will stand alone in the Hall of Fame.
I think they’ll miss Gronk.
Alpharius wrote: Will this be Brady's "Final Season"?...(in New England)
I think so. I don’t think his wife will let him play another year.
In regards to the thread title, I’m usually not a conspiracy minded dude, but this Antonio Brown debacle looked like it was 100% intentional.
Rest of NFL that I watched:
Much hyped Browns laid an absolute egg. Was waiting on some breakout plays from their offseason acquisitions but it never materialized. Bummer.
My Ravens destroyed a Division 3 college team(a hapless Miami Dolphins team) Fun to watch, but incredibly misleading to look at that as a indicator of future success. I think they have Kansas City in 2 weeks, and that will be the litmus test on if they are for real.
Alpharius wrote: Will this be Brady's "Final Season"?...(in New England)
I think so. I don’t think his wife will let him play another year.
...I really did mean 'play another year in New England'!
He's definitely playing one or two (or three?) more years, baring an major injury - but for the first time in his career (I think!), he's going to be a free agent at the end of the season.
There was no contract extension, no new contact...
I think he'll end up back with the Patriots, but you never know.
I disagree somewhat. . . . I'm sitting here watching Red Sox/Yankees and seeing some of the highlight stats from NFL games earlier in the day. I ended up not watching a single full game today because they were so pathetic.
Some of the highlight stats: QB throws for 400 yards in a single quarter. QB throws the ball 20 times, 300+ yards passing. . . Damn near every rule that has been made in the past 5-10 years has been made in such a way that it helps the offense. Fairly soon I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing NFL games' score lines looking more like a WNBA scoreline or NCAA basketball score than a football scoreline.
My home team, the Seahawks walked out with a close win, yes, but I ultimately turned the game off because the play was sloppy, some of the officiating was rather weak/uneven, etc.
I agree. Brown pulled some Alpharius shtuff there. I think he wanted to go to the pats from the jump and Pit wouldn't trade him so he just found a team that would release him (raiders suck) and was like "oh, no. I can't believe it."
No way the pats and him got together in the 10 minutes between his official release at 4pm and his signing at 4:10...
As for the season. I'm glad the Browns got the breaks beat off of them. Who knows how good they will be this year but the amount of Mayfield hype boys makes me sick.
Supper happy to see Mahommie picking up where he left off last year. Damn that offense looks good. And that commercial with Troy Polamalu literally had me laughing out loud.
Kyler Murry looked good. I'm also really happy for dude over in Bmore. Ravens have been my AFC team since Ed Reed (favorite defensive player since Ronald Mandel Lott) and your young QB looks good (but it was against a high-school team trying to lose so??)
I think it is hard to really gauge anything until week 3-4 as the defenses are just getting their act together, O-Lines are still figuring it out and no one plays the pre-season anymore so the timing is off for a lot of vets (those rookie WRs came into week one with something to prove though!!)
I'm really excited about this season though. My niners look like they may have a good D this year but I'm not sure about Jimmy GQ though, he misses waaaaaaayyyyy too many throws. I hope the Browns are a dumpster fire, I'm pulling for Murry, Lamar Jackson, Josh Rosen (I feel bad for this kid) and Mahomes. The AFC east needs to be relegated, the Pats are so much better than the rest of the teams in that division it's not fair.
Seems to be a lot of variety in the Meta (good D, run first, air raid, balance, dumb luck...) and lots of compelling story lines to keep the season fresh. So glad football is back!!!
End of the Saints game was Insane!
Raiders looking good vs the Broncos end of first half with no AB, so....
Eagles started slow, both O & D looked rusty, but that second half. Wentz to D-Jax is gonna be a killer. Run game should shine vs Falcons next week.
Cowboys looked good, but it was against the Giants. Looks like an easy couple games next with Wash, and Miami.
Giants looked, well, like the Giants from last year. Next game vs Buffalo. I'm giving this one to the Bills.
Sad to see talk in Denver sports media already discussing tanking for a position to snag a QB in the 2020 draft. Seems a bit premature, but then again I want to see my boy Flacco succeed a little bit before he hangs it up. I mean, they are most definitely going to draft for a QB as Flacco is definitely not the future, but talk of tanking in week one?
Sad to see talk in Denver sports media already discussing tanking for a position to snag a QB in the 2020 draft. Seems a bit premature, but then again I want to see my boy Flacco succeed a little bit before he hangs it up. I mean, they are most definitely going to draft for a QB as Flacco is definitely not the future, but talk of tanking in week one?
Gruden's always been a good coach. He's had some truly horrible teams but he can coach. I don't think the A.B. thing really affected how he approached last night's game. A.B. wasn't in camp for most of the time, so they worked around that.
Still, Flacco has some chops, I just think he wasn't ready for that Raiders pass rush.
Gronk sending the NFL Twitterati into spasms after sending an emoji when the Demaryius Thomas trade news broke.
If he comes back for one more ride, provided his body can take it and if for only a few key downs/drives, holy feth will the Patriots be insane.
And they’ll need to win the Super Bowl this year, since the Red Sox inexplicably didn’t show up for the first 1/4th of the season, the prospects of them repeating their World Series run was effectively out of the picture heading into the All-Star break. Bostonians are used to their victory parades at this point, being as how they have been such a regular occurrence the past decade.
I’m not sure how they’ll react if they don’t get one.
If the Patriots continue their streak, this is going to be a really boring season again.
Last superbowl was the worst one I think I have ever watched. A team remaining this dominant for this long is really not healthy for the league in my opinion.
A bit of a potential bad news for the NE Patriots. Antonio Brown has been accused of rape by his former trainer in three seperate incident which would have accured in 2017 and 2018. Without delving in the detail of the case, that could actually prove to be a big problem for the his team.
Will it though? Patrick Chung was indicted on a felony cocaine charge and he's playing. Tyreek Hill avoided a suspension and signed a huge deal. This stuff only matters if the commissioner decides it matters, and that decision is made randomly by spinning a wheel.
nels1031 wrote: Gronk sending the NFL Twitterati into spasms after sending an emoji when the Demaryius Thomas trade news broke.
If he comes back for one more ride, provided his body can take it and if for only a few key downs/drives, holy feth will the Patriots be insane.
And they’ll need to win the Super Bowl this year, since the Red Sox inexplicably didn’t show up for the first 1/4th of the season, the prospects of them repeating their World Series run was effectively out of the picture heading into the All-Star break. Bostonians are used to their victory parades at this point, being as how they have been such a regular occurrence the past decade.
I’m not sure how they’ll react if they don’t get one.
gorgon wrote: Will it though? Patrick Chung was indicted on a felony cocaine charge and he's playing. Tyreek Hill avoided a suspension and signed a huge deal. This stuff only matters if the commissioner decides it matters, and that decision is made randomly by spinning a wheel.
then there was Aaron Hernan. . . . ohh, wait.
Lol, however, on the whole I agree. . . I mean, it was pretty clear from the reaction that the ONLY reason the Ray Rice story went down how it did was because there was video footage. I recently watched a standup comedian do a bit about how crazy the NFL is when a few years back there was that openly gay offensive lineman drafted. To paraphrase what he said, "Ohh you have a problem with that? You're invoking the morality clause for this guy?? Last week I watched the dog-killer throw a pass to the wife-beater, who got tackled by the convicted murderer, but please, tell me about your morality clause" (it was funnier watching him say it, I'll try and grab the dude's name later on today)
Where the Buffalo Fans at?
The Bills are sitting atop the AFC North ahead of the Pats.
at least until Sunday.
(Divisional win over nondiv win.)
Buffalo plays the Giants, could get bragging right for beating both NYC teams.
NE plays Miami... could be an early trap game for the Pats, but I doubt it.
They're probably staying mum because they've seen enough football to know that bragging about being 'atop' a division after week 1 is utterly ridiculous.
Absolute gak show of a game on every level with this Panthers/Buccaneers game. The broadcast team with 2 cameras to start, the refs, play calling, player performance. All of it combined to make a lackluster product which has been the norm for the majority of the games I’ve watched so far this season.
Sad seeing Cam Newton clearly in decline and former no. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston continue not living up to his hype. Dude will go down as more famous for his awkward pregame speeches than his play.
And even though its week 2, I got the “I’m in the hot seat” vibe from both coaches during the game.
queen_annes_revenge wrote: I'm headed to the rams/saints game this weekend. Got one of the sky boxes. I think I'd rather sit in the stands but it's what we got.
This should be a good one - game of the week potentially!
queen_annes_revenge wrote: I'm headed to the rams/saints game this weekend. Got one of the sky boxes. I think I'd rather sit in the stands but it's what we got.
This should be a good one - game of the week potentially!
Karma's a b. Yeah, the Saints got screwed on a PI call. They also got this ridiculous gift PI call against the Steelers.
Spoiler:
AND got another call on the game-winning drive in that game that could have gone either way, OPI or DPI. Yeah, I'm bitter, and no, I don't think anything is going to be improved with PI reviews.
Yeah, and all the same jagoffs are involved -- same refs, same head of officiating, same league office, same commissioner. They kinda care about getting it right, but not really, and controversy is good for ratings and for 'winning' on social media.
They like controversy now and schedule games based on theater. The NFL has become the WWE.
queen_annes_revenge wrote: I'm headed to the rams/saints game this weekend. Got one of the sky boxes. I think I'd rather sit in the stands but it's what we got.
This should be a good one - game of the week potentially!
The talent!
The storylines!
The drama!
The Rematch!!!
Yeah I'm pretty excited to be going. Don't really favour either team but I'll probably be swaying more towards the saints.
IDK, I wasn't impressed by either teams week one performance. The Rams barely beat the Panthers, who struggled against the Bucs. The Saints barely beat the Texans despite having more Offensive yardage and fewer penalty yards.
I don't think the key to this game will be the Run game. New Orleans had issues stopping the Texans rush, LAR had problems stopping the Panthers. Both teams did put up impressing numbers running the ball. The Passing game is the thing to watch here.
I'm kind of favoring the Saints. Goff hasn't been impressive throwing the ball so far this season, but Brees can air it out, so... advantage Saints.
Rams vs saints today was awesome. The game was good, specially the second half, and as brits we got a lot of random folks chatting to us in the tailgating area which was cool. The saints fans had brought jazz marching bands, and snake dudes and all sorts.
Much better games this week. I watched my Ravens v Cardinals, Saints v Rams(until it became a blowout) and Philly v Atlanta and they all delivered for the most part.
But once again, Saints/Rams produces a frustrating officiating kerfluffle. As did the Bronco's game. Next year will have roughing the passer reviews.
And Roethlisberger out for the season and Drew Brees to miss around 6 weeks. Bummer.
Well, looks like the Cowboys are going to be 3-0 after this week after Miami just changed out their QB.
The (beat up) Eagles get another rough game vs a strong looking Detroit. Philly gets homefield advantage, but with the injury situ... gonna be rough. They should get the win though, so 2-1 after this week.
Washington looks to be heading for a 0-3 start facing Da Bears.
With NYG benching Eli for Daniel Jones, Tampa should pick up a win, so Giants go 0-3 as well.
helgrenze wrote: Well, looks like the Cowboys are going to be 3-0 after this week after Miami just changed out their QB.
The (beat up) Eagles get another rough game vs a strong looking Detroit. Philly gets homefield advantage, but with the injury situ... gonna be rough. They should get the win though, so 2-1 after this week.
Washington looks to be heading for a 0-3 start facing Da Bears.
With NYG benching Eli for Daniel Jones, Tampa should pick up a win, so Giants go 0-3 as well.
This year is clearly the Cowboys year. We need that sweet sixth ring, though I'd settle for just getting to the superbowl this year.
This year is clearly the Cowboys year. We need that sweet sixth ring, though I'd settle for just getting to the superbowl this year.
Dallas is benefitting from a back loaded schedule. Their opponents before their week 8 bye, in order: Miami, New Orleans, Green Bay, The Jets, and The Eagles. The way things currently look their worst case should have them at 4-3 at that point. After the bye, they have only three games that look to be locks to win in the remaining 9.
Philadelphia has a tougher road before their week 10 bye, starting with a short week against Detroit this Sunday, and Green Bay on Thursday. Only one game looks easy and that is the Jets after that. They will be lucky to be 5-5 at the bye. Their end of season doesn't look too bad with at least 4 "winnable" games out of 7.
Then, of course, there is the Patriots. Due to being in a historically bad division, as well as playing the Giant, 'Skins, Browns, and Bengals, they have the "easiest" schedule. Just those opponants makes a 10 win season look possible.
Then, of course, there is the Patriots. Due to being in a historically bad division, as well as playing the Giant, 'Skins, Browns, and Bengals, they have the "easiest" schedule. Just those opponants makes a 10 win season look possible.
Combine that with a guy who KNOWS he's not gonna get touched during a game, and 10 wins looks like an easy/safe bet (seriously, look at Brady during the games: no mouthpiece and his chinstrap doesn't really touch his face, it kinda hovers near it)
The Pats have a pretty easy formula. Rack up six wins against the sad sacks in the division, and you just have to go 6-4 the rest of the way to secure a first round bye (12 is usually enough). And teams with a first-round bye have made the SB at a rate 7 times that of teams with lower seeds.
No team in my lifestyle has ever benefited more from horrendous divisional competition. Doesn't mean they haven't had great teams. It means they've had great teams who were able to coast more than the system should allow.
What is the Patriots record against non-division opponents for the last 20 years?
Not to say that they don't have a weak division - which is certainly not their 'fault', and that they have an easier road getting nto the playoffs, but they certainly have had a lot of great teams in the last two decades.
But that's fairly obvious too, I guess.
EDIT:
Why am I taking the bait from Seahawks and Steelers fans though?!?
Getting into the playoffs every year from a weak division is one thing. Getting to the AFC championship game 75% of the time is another thing entirely. I'm no Patriots fan, but their accomplishments are unparalleled. This is especially true in the free agent era with new teams in the playoffs every year.
But how many times have they had to win a single home game against a team that played the week before to reach said AFCCG? Of course their division's ineptitude is a factor in their success.
I'm not saying their division isn't a factor. I'm saying that their playoff games aren't against the Bills, Dolphins, and Jets. They still have to beat good teams to get through the playoffs to the Super Bowl.
BTW, they are 30-10 in the Belichick-Brady Era in the playoffs.
These stats show the Patriots' dominance over teams outside the AFC East
Potential knocks against the Patriots' dynasty are fleeting fast. If you thought the Patriots' regular season dominance had to do with a consistently weak AFC East, think again.
Field Yates did his best "MythBusters" impression when he tweeted out a series of Patriots win-loss records against their division and the NFL's best since 2001.
While the Patriots' 86-24 record against the AFC East is staggering, their winning percentage (134-44, .753) against everyone else is the best in the NFL, while they have 25 more non-division victories than any other team.
New England's record against eventual division winners (24-14) makes them the only team in the NFL with a winning record in this category. Against teams who eventually made the playoffs in a given season, the Patriots (60-33, .645) are the best in the league, with the Steelers at a not-so-close second with a .480 winning percentage.
Their success against teams who finished with a winning record (75-45, .625) is also an NFL-best mark, with the Steelers trailing by a considerable margin at a .440 winning percentage.
It's settled then. The Patriots don't just take care of business against the AFC East, but no team is even close to their level of success against teams outside their division.
Easy, Alpharius. No one's confiscating their SB trophies over this. (Or anything else, apparently. )
Of course the division being a cakewalk matters. IT MATTERS. The NFL handsomely rewards best conference records. The system just didn't expect that an 75% of a division could be drek and non-competitive for basically 15 years.
It's funny that you had a defense ready at your fingertips. What it is with Pats fans and their bottomless thirst for affirmation? You have the trophies, awarded to you by the NFL. What does it matter if fans of other teams complain?
Every TV sports show talking head, sports radio personality, sports podcaster, blogger and newspaper reporter should thank that dude for near daily to weekly content to talk about. And thats just this summer.
And it won’t have an impact on the Patriots at all.
Wow, that thread title was prophetic Alpharius! He's completely taken over the NFL storylines this season (although that may change assuming no one else signs him).
I guess Antonio Brown recently tweeted that he was quitting the NFL which is probably easy to do at this point since no one will hire him and there is no job to actually quit from. I think I'm also going to quit the NFL and NASA. That'll show em.
Alot of frustrating play calls from the Ravens sideline today. At least the game became close towards the end. It was looking like the Chiefs were going to run away with it.
Not all that dismayed at the loss, though there are some things to be worried about.
The last 2 rams games haven't really taken off until the second half. I was nervous on that last set of downs. Surprised the browns didn't try a run play.
Going to try and get to the rams/49ers next month.
We all know that the Lions player will be fined for this.
What about the Ref team that didn't call it? Even the fans in the cheap seats could tell this should have been a penalty.
Seriously, How did the refs miss this? How is this NOT a Facemask Penalty?
If the refs don't call something THIS obvious, or that play in the Saints/Rams game last year, shouldn't they get fined too?
As things stand, the refs are not held to any sort of standard when it comes to things like this. The NFL needs to move past the "Oops, we missed THAT one" mentality and start holding the refs accountable.
If the refs don't call something THIS obvious, or that play in the Saints/Rams game last year, shouldn't they get fined too?
As things stand, the refs are not held to any sort of standard when it comes to things like this. The NFL needs to move past the "Oops, we missed THAT one" mentality and start holding the refs accountable.
Much as I agree with you on this, I think the NFL walked itself into a bad situation. Over the years I've been fairly vocal about why I don't watch nearly so many NFL games anymore, and about 80% of that is down to officiating. Years ago they talked about not wanting to "affect the outcome of games too much" so they stopped calling basic holding penalties on offensive linemen so much. Now, that has gotten to the point where every single play, or damn near, I can see an O-lineman getting away with a blatant hold, not 4 feet in front of a zebra, and the flag isn't hitting the field.
They've walked themselves into a bad situation where they (the league and officials) have allowed lopsided officiating, bad calls, horrible no-calls to sink in and become the norm. And for them to come out and say "we're going to fix this issue" is likely going to have to go against the "we don't want to decide the outcome of games" (even though from many fans' perspective, they do)
My mentality on it is, you're not affecting the outcome of the game by throwing a holding penalty flag every single play. The offensive lineman who's holding is affecting the outcome of the game. Officiating to the rules, while not great TV (which I think is another issue for why the officiating has gone how it has), will clean up the game. Players will rethink their technique to play within the rules and after a brief rough patch of penalty filled games, things ought to get better.
Just want to add, as a Broncos fan, why the hell is out new coach and a defensive minded guy not using Von on the pass rush.. answers on a postcard please.
Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote: Just want to add, as a Broncos fan, why the hell is out new coach and a defensive minded guy not using Von on the pass rush.. answers on a postcard please.
The DC is a Backs coach who values interceptions over sacks.
SO - some big questions for this weekend:
Which 0-3 team gets a win? One is guaranteed.
Which (now other) 3-0 team gets a loss? Again one is guaranteed.
And yes, I know ties are a thing that can happen. Since the latest two overtime rules changes there have been 8.
What are your picks?
0-3: Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos, Redskins, honorable mention - Cardinals (0-2-1)
3-0: Patriots, Bills, Chiefs, Cowboys, Rams, 49ers, honorable mention - Lions (2-0-1)
Guaranteed win: Bengals at Steelers
Guaranteed loss: Patriots at Bills
Honorable mention: Chiefs at Lions.
Great game last night, though I tapped out and went to bed with around 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. 5 minutes of NFL game clock time is like 45 minutes in real time, and I had an early morning to prep for. Caught the end in highlights on the morning shows.
nels1031 wrote: Great game last night, though I tapped out and went to bed with around 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. 5 minutes of NFL game clock time is like 45 minutes in real time, and I had an early morning to prep for. Caught the end in highlights on the morning shows.
I've bought gamepass this year, very useful for us in the UK to catch up on the late night games. But the 'game in 40' thing is especially useful.
Good game, Rodgers is carrying the packer's offence though. They need to desperately sort it out.
Alpharius wrote: I know it is still very early, but KC is looking like the team to beat in the AFC.
And probably the entire NFL.
As for the NFC - probably someone from the group of Rams/Packers/Saints?
I still can't believe in the Cowboys! (And not just because of last night!)
With their schedule, it's hard to not see the Patriots in the playoffs... again. But yeah KC is looking tough.
NFC don't discount the 49ers, They are the only undefeated left in the NFC.
As for the Cowboys, look to their schedule. Before this weekend, and the Saints game, their opponents had a total of 1 win. Now they have a total of 2, not counting the Saints, both by the Giants (Tampa, Wash.). So I wouldn't call Dallas' 3 wins "quality". And remember their schedule is back loaded. After their Bye, they face Minn, Detroit, Chicago, NE, Buffalo,
and the Rams as well as a visit to Philadelphia.
Lets see how they fare vs Green Bay next week.
Alpharius wrote: Oh, I wasn't saying the Patriots weren't going to make the playoffs!
That would be...silly.
I was just spitballing who would make it to the Superbowl!
KC vs. (TBD) is my current guess!
I've been thinking KC was going to make it to the superbowl for several years running now. They just seem to disintegrate in the playoffs. They deserve a SB win for sure though.
Yep, clock management, challenge plays, and just weird play calling are the norm for Andy Reid in big games. Which is a shame, as he's otherwise a phenomenal coach.
In Baltimore Ravens news, I don't think its panic time yet, but that loss to the Browns was brutal. The Browns looked legit for the most part. Not Super Bowl bound legit, but winning season/maybe playoff legit. Particularly with the Steelers and Bengals in a rough spot.
Alpharius wrote: Oh, I wasn't saying the Patriots weren't going to make the playoffs!
That would be...silly.
I was just spitballing who would make it to the Superbowl!
KC vs. (TBD) is my current guess!
You gotta call the pats favorites. They have a top defense this year on top of having Brady/Belichick and edelman can always move the ball when they need to. I think Pats will probably go 14-2 15-1 and win the superbowl this year but will have a lot of ugly games.
wow that's unusual, but yeah to me a drop kick is where you drop the ball on its end and then kick it immediately after the bounce so your laces hit the end to get it up, so that one could be a little late.
seems odd that he got 2 attempts at it too? is that normal? I'm not as familiar with the rules for the more unusual kick off plays.
helgrenze wrote: Which No Win gets their first this week? Jets, Bengals, Dolphins, Redskins?
Is there any magic for the Giants vs the Patriots?
Place yer bets.
I don't think the Jets have a realistic chance to win the next two weeks, likely three (Jacksonville isn't great, but also not terrible, maybe). Their best hope for a win is 4 weeks away, at Miami. While both teams have pathetic offenses the Jets defense is likely a fair bit better. Plus, the Jet's offense has "reason" to think it could get better with Darnold back. How much better? Unclear, probably only a little, but that is likely enough to get 2-3 wins this year vs. the other cellar-dweller teams. The Dolphins? I don't know, I'm not a Dolphin fan, so I don't really follow, but their defense sure seems wretched, statwise.
I think the Redskins get a win vs. Miami this week.
Giants have a shot - though they've been hit hard by injuries.
Short turnaround, the Pats' offense sputtering still, Edelman not at 100%...
But yes, more likely that the Redskins get a win as they can't commit to much of anything while the Dolphins seems to have really committed to their tanking rebuilding plan this season.
I agree about the Jets not having much of a chance, Their D-line had almost no pass rush. Their O-line was even worse giving up 10 sacks, including a stripsack for a TD. Plus they only got 10 first downs. Darnold might help with the passing game, but only if they can keep another top pass rush D in check.
Washington get a slight edge vs Miami as the 28th ranked Offense and 28th ranked Defense vs the 31st and 32nd respectively. However, Washington also just fired their Head Coach, so I'm calling this a coinflip.
The Bengals situation just keeps getting worse since the visit Baltimore this week. Barring some kind of miracle they drop to 0-6.
Giants at NE Thursday.... Offensively they are almost even, But NE has the #1 Defense vs the pass and #3 vs the rush. and everyone know who is going to be running the ball.... Add in the NYG have the #30 ranked D. and no Manning Miracles ...
Giants. . . it's not the Superbowl, so I don't rate their chances of beating an undefeated Pats team
Rams. . . could beat the 9ers, we'll see, but I think that their overall style of play, their coaching setup and whatnot give them a pretty good shot at it.
Just by eyeball, I think the Rams are better than the 49ers. Likely a close game, but I think the Rams win. (Even though I hope they don't, I'm an "honorary" Saints fan, since I live don't live in NY anymore, plus, the Jets are the Jets...)
helgrenze wrote: I agree about the Jets not having much of a chance, Their D-line had almost no pass rush. Their O-line was even worse giving up 10 sacks, including a stripsack for a TD. Plus they only got 10 first downs. Darnold might help with the passing game, but only if they can keep another top pass rush D in check.
Again, by eyeball, both the Jets lines are bad. Their O-Line is especially terrible, but a better QB can likely only help, even if only a tiny bit. I think the Jet's defense can give the Cowboys a little bit of trouble, but ultimately the Cowboys defense is way better than the Jets offense and the game will slip away as soon as the Jets defense gets a little tired from being on the field way too long.
Pats vs. Whocares, for the Patrtiotsbowl 2020. Tommy could throw 5 INTs and still win the game based off this defense. This is Legion of Boom levels of good. Like, they're gonna be setting records for QB hits, forced turn overs, and 3 and outs.
On the other hand, Tom is just giving up on ever getting a half decent target to throw to. His options are Edleman, a bunch of nobodies who accidentally wandered into the locker room, and James White. He can't even run the ball because his edge blocker TEs are trash.
We still take the superbowl, 34 to 3. All defensive touchdowns and safeties.
Give any team the Pats creampuff schedule and they make the playoffs. Their next 4 games are the Giants, Jets, Browns, and Ravens with 3 of them being night games. Then a Bye week. after that is the toughest part of the schedule: Eagles, Cowboys, Texans, and Chiefs before finishing with Bengals, Bills, and Dolphins.
That's roughly 12 near guaranteed wins.
Their toughest game so far was the Bills who kept it within a TD but couldn't finish.
So, I couldn't have been more wrong, the Jets almost looked like a real football team. At least, when the opposing defense takes a half off. That's classic Jets, "win vampire" extraordinaires.
The Saints continue to just find ways to win. Will be very interesting to see if, or how much, they get better once Brees is back. I can imagine a world where his time out ends up being a "good" thing, since he will be well rested for the end of the season/playoffs, but that could easily backfire.
Well the rams performance against the niners was dissapointing. The memorial coliseum was full of red, was like a niners home game. Still I had a good time. Californians are such friendly folks. Great atmosphere.
But sure LA and NFL...build that stadium and they will come. Maybe?
Yeah bringing the Chargers to LA was a terrible move. I dont think many people want them. Conversely I think the Rams do have a future in the city. A lot of Angelenos seemed happy to embrace them, especially considering the history they have there. The new stadium will hopefully help too. I'm glad I got to see 2 games at the Coliseum, that place is cool, even if it is in the middle of the ghetto.
A couple, plus there is some backlash over the PI review thing. Most PI calls/noncalls that get reviewed are not overturned even with "Clear and obvious" evidence.
helgrenze wrote: A couple, plus there is some backlash over the PI review thing. Most PI calls/noncalls that get reviewed are not overturned even with "Clear and obvious" evidence.
PI review is wildly inconsistent, and the team I follow has been burned on it at least twice so far. The problem (well okay, the whole idea is fraught with problems, but the biggest problem) is that the system involves that fethwit Riveron hijacking games from his office in NY. He was in over his head when he was hired, and the waters have only risen since. Nothing that relies 100% on that guy has any chance of being good or successful.
Dumbest comment from Tonight's game "John Elway knows quarterbacks."
No he doesn't.
Since he became the GM in Denver (2011), The Broncos have had 9 different starting QBs. Several years they had multiple QBs. And Flacco isn't that good anymore.
So, at what point does Elway admit that Flacco is done for the season? Or is the problem the coaches?
helgrenze wrote: Dumbest comment from Tonight's game "John Elway knows quarterbacks."
No he doesn't.
Haha! I turned the game on right before he said it. The camera was on Elway with a completely dejected look.
helgrenze wrote: Since he became the GM in Denver (2011), The Broncos have had 9 different starting QBs. Several years they had multiple QBs.
To be fair, they then said how hard it is to find or even develop QBs.
helgrenze wrote: And Flacco isn't that good anymore.
So, at what point does Elway admit that Flacco is done for the season? Or is the problem the coaches?
I only watched bit of the start of the 4th Quarter, but it seemed like the Chiefs DL was having their way the Broncos OL. I want Flacco to succeed, because his heroics were instrumental in the Ravens last Super Bowl, but he definitely looks like he’s running on E. And a weak OL doesn’t help at all.
Also, Mahomes with a dislocated kneecap? Nooooooo!
Easy E wrote: Broncs are a train wreck this year.... like almost Redskins level of bad....
Not Miami?
Automatically Appended Next Post: Ok, Week 7 picks.
Who ya got?
Miami at Buffalo.
Jacksonville at Cincinnati.
San Francisco at Washington.
New England at NYJ.
Who loses the Zero this week?
Bonus game:
Philadelphia at Dallas.
This one may decide the NFC East.
Dallas gets a bye week 8 and their second half schedule is UGLY. They only have 2 games that look like guaranteed wins (NYG and Wash) and 7 question marks. Philadelphia, on the other hand has 4 (2vs NYG, Wash, and Miami) and 5 question marks.
It is conceivable that Dallas winds up 8-8 or worse if they lose this week. Given the Eagles last 9 games, 8-8 is on the low end for them, especially if they win this week.
Nice win for the rams today, although they had to beat the falcons... Taking a loss there would've just been embarrassing.
Anyone else tired of weak unnecessary roughness/roughing the passer calls on guys who touch the QB merely as a result of momentum from before the pass?
Yeah lamar Jackson is the QB they needed. Much as I loved Joe Flacco when he was on form, he had no legs and depended too much on a solid pocket. And their defence was on fire today too.
Welcome to the Week 9 edition of
"Who Loses The ZERO!"
This week we have:
The 49ers (7-0) at the Cards (3-4-1) Thursday Night.
The Jets (1-6) at the Dolphins (0-7) Sunday early
And Finally
The Patriots (8-0) at the Ravens (5-2)
Alpharius wrote: Despite what they say publicly, the Dolphins are tanking!
So, you are saying the Dolphins are in the tank?
<Rimshot>
I will show myself out.....
LACES OUT DAN!!!!
They may be, but so are the Bengals, and they currently sit at the very bottom. If the draft was held tomorrow, the AFC would have picks 1,2, and 5 (Cincy, Miami, NYJ) and the NFC would have picks 3&4 (Wash, Atl)
IF Miami wins, they actually move to third in the division due to the Div Record, and may wind up behind Washington for picks.
Good news for Bengals fans though. They can't possibly lose this week..... They are on a Bye.
Alpharius wrote: A Pats loss here was easy to predict - even I did it!
Their defense isn't that great - it's good, just not as good as it appeared so far.
Their offense is really just kind of average, and rather predictable.
Plenty of time to fix things though, so we'll see where we are by the time the playoffs roll around.
In regards to the offense. . . how much of the predictability is simply down to Belichick only working as hard as need be. . . up to the Ravens, the previous teams couldn't stop enough of the Pats offense to warrant him really changing things up. And then how much is that down to Belichick playing long-term mind games with rivals that they face in weeks 13-17 and in the playoffs?
Kaep was more or less blackballed. Look at some the individuals the league has given second and third chances. And yet CK was radioactive?
Now, at this point he's been out of football long enough that coaches and FOs can legitimately question how effective he'd be if given the chance to play again.
gorgon wrote: Kaep was more or less blackballed. Look at some the individuals the league has given second and third chances. And yet CK was radioactive?
Now, at this point he's been out of football long enough that coaches and FOs can legitimately question how effective he'd be if given the chance to play again.
Exactly!
He was blacklisted to begin with, and the NFL had to pay up because of that, and now, he's of the age when most QB's aren't considered any good anyway, so there's the NFL's problem solved, I guess.
We had a guy locally that kept arguing that Kap was just not good enough to play. Of course, he's the same guy who argued the Ravens shouldn't have drafted Jackson, or let him play. It's possible this guy might have a problem with more than their style of play, if you get my drift.
Easy E wrote: Giants vs. Jets this week......
.....
....
.....
At least we know New York will get another win.
And There are only 2 ZEROS left.
Which one falls!?
Both Zeros are hosting this week:
Ravens at Bengals (not likely)
Seahawks at 49ers Monday Night (This could be a great game either way)
Tonight's game; Chargers vs Raiders should be really good. On paper they look evenly matched.
Sunday Night's game; Vikings at Cowboys could affect the Playoff Picture down the line. Both teams are in the mix and have difficult schedules remaining. Dallas needs some breathing room over Philly, which has a fairly easy remaining schedule.
Minn needs to keep pace with Green Bay and hold off LA Rams, who have a winnable game vs Pitt, which should still be a very watchable game.
Of course, I think Lions at Bears should be an enjoyable game too.
The Jets are an absolute trainwreck plowing into itself, endlessly. An ouroborean opus of institutional incompetence. And yes, I am a Jets fan.
The Giants will win this, almost certainly. ESPN actually had a pretty interesting article about how parallel the '96 Jets (who ended 1-15) and this years team are, down to the fact that the schedules are nearly identical. I don't know the Jets will win another game this season. Maybe one more, but I think the team has quit and I can't see much more than one win.
At least I can plausibly say I am a Saints fan where I am at though. I mean, I do like the Saints, so at least there is something to look forward to.
Alpharius wrote: I do think that there was collusion to keep Colin Kaepernick out of the league at the start.
I mean, there was a settlement after all...
Now?
I'm not sure.
Maybe?
He might be better then some of the starters currently out there, and he's probably better then many of the backups...
I think the Kap issue was/is twofold. . . On the one hand, you had the actual blackballing. If we don't accept that at face value and try to judge it on team needs, then yes, Kaep was still statistically better than many starters and most backups. But I think if we put a "coaching hat" on, I always thought that he is a very particular type of QB. Being a "type" player in the NFL, quite often has the same consequences as a typecast actor in film/TV. For Kaepernick, that type will (rightly or wrongly, I dont know) limit the number of FOs that will want to take a gamble on him. I saw Seattle as a decent move because he played similarly to Russ Wilson. This isn't to say that he was incapable of adapting/learning new schemes or styles of play, but rather that there was a body of work already present that lead (some) front offices into thinking that he wouldn't be a good fit.
The second issue outside of style, was in his active negotiations. I do recall that he or his agent approached a few teams and what details I saw (whether they were accurate or not) suggested to me that he was still asking for starter money when he'd be at best a backup.
I think that in reference to AB, the issues are night and day to Kaep. We already KNOW that AB is a toxic personality. He wrecked one locker room, was cut before he could wreck a second, and then had contract breaching personal issues that lead to a third team cutting him. This is far less "blackballing" and more "this guy is a toxic presence that we don't want"
I think that in reference to AB, the issues are night and day to Kaep. We already KNOW that AB is a toxic personality. He wrecked one locker room, was cut before he could wreck a second, and then had contract breaching personal issues that lead to a third team cutting him. This is far less "blackballing" and more "this guy is a toxic presence that we don't want"
Don't forget AB also has, I think, a couple of investigations going against him ATM for sexual assault. That raises the possibility of him not being available to play if he catches a suspension. Teams might not want to pay what he would be asking just so he can watch games from home.
I think that in reference to AB, the issues are night and day to Kaep. We already KNOW that AB is a toxic personality. He wrecked one locker room, was cut before he could wreck a second, and then had contract breaching personal issues that lead to a third team cutting him. This is far less "blackballing" and more "this guy is a toxic presence that we don't want"
Don't forget AB also has, I think, a couple of investigations going against him ATM for sexual assault. That raises the possibility of him not being available to play if he catches a suspension. Teams might not want to pay what he would be asking just so he can watch games from home.
That is kinda what I was alluding to when I said that he had contract breaching personal issues leading to the third team cutting him (ie, the allegations and investigations which I think lead the Pats to rightly cut him)
The NFL appears to be doing its regular weird ‘no stance to avoid all potential lawsuits’ thing too when it comes to AB.
Slow playing their ‘investigation’ until after the early Dec deadline past which no team will sign him regardless as he won’t be eligible for the post-season...
Sooooo Chargers left San Diego after the city wouldn't pay to build them a new stadium, they moved to Los Angeles to play in a (comparatively) pint sized soccer stadium while trying to share the city with the Rams, have had very little success in LA and seemingly lost their SD fanbase, now there's talk of...London?
Is it just me or does this whole thing feel like a repeated series of self inflicted Derp?
The Chargers don't seem to have much luck. Bringing them to LA after the Rams was a terrible idea. The rams had an established history in the city that brought old fans back aswell as new, whereas the Chargers have none(one season in the city in 1960 hardly counts for much..) The impression I got during my stay in Cali was that most Chargers fans are still located in San Diego and the Imperial valley, with few in LA.
Vaktathi wrote: Sooooo Chargers left San Diego after the city wouldn't pay to build them a new stadium, they moved to Los Angeles to play in a (comparatively) pint sized soccer stadium while trying to share the city with the Rams, have had very little success in LA and seemingly lost their SD fanbase, now there's talk of...London?
Is it just me or does this whole thing feel like a repeated series of self inflicted Derp?
The Chargers were brought in to prop up LA's $5 billion stadium complex (ponder that) as much as anything else IMO. Hey, with TWO tenants, that price seems totes reasonable!
San Diego is obviously the best spot for them, but they did need a new stadium. If they had to move, there are other cities in the U.S. that would have supported them better than LA. St. Louis isn't a bad call at all.
This was the 'home' crowd for their game a few weeks back:
I'm cautiously optimistic, they have laid at least one egg this season against the Browns, but maybe that was just an off day...
Call me a prisoner of the moment if you wish -– I’ve heard worse -– but rarely has one game so drastically altered my opinion about the balance of power in the NFL.
What the Ravens did to the Patriots on Sunday night in a 37-20 win opened my eyes. I’m officially a Ravens convert, and while quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to impress and must be mentioned in any MVP discussion, he’s not the only reason John Harbaugh’s bunch is the team to beat in the AFC.
Don’t look now, but Baltimore’s defense is becoming a force.
The Ravens gave up 25 points per game in Weeks 1-4. In Weeks 5-8, that number has dropped to 19 points per game. Their rush defense, which surrendered 333 yards in consecutive losses to Kansas City and Cleveland, has limited its past four opponents to 72.5 yards per game, which would be best in the league if projected over the course of a full season. The Ravens, who held New England to 342 yards, are 24th in yards per play allowed (6.0) but ninth best over the past three games (5.0).
Baltimore still ranks low –- 26th in the league -- against the pass, and the lack of a consistent pass rush is a major weakness. That said, Marlon Humphrey is playing like one of the league’s best corners, and a bold move to acquire Marcus Peters from the Rams gives the Ravens two corners with shutdown capability.
Peters is a risk-taker, a trait that cuts both ways, but in his first game, he became the first (and so far, only) man to intercept Russell Wilson. He took the pick to the house, one of two defensive scores for Baltimore in its impressive 30-16 win at Seattle.
Peters and Humphrey aren’t the only bright spots on the back end. Safety Earl Thomas, after a rough three-game stretch that included him jogging on a long TD run by the Browns' Nick Chubb, is steadily improving and resembling his old self.
Corner Jimmy Smith is back after suffering an MCL injury in Week 1, and though he allowed a touchdown against New England, Harbaugh is happy with his play. "He really doesn’t miss a beat," the coach told reporters after the game.
Former NFL scout Matt Williamson also likes what he sees in the Ravens' secondary. “Like New England, the entire key to Baltimore's defense is their secondary," he told me. "While I don't think they are great on this side of the ball, being great (and healthy) in the secondary has a huge trickle-down affect for the entire defense. They ask a ton from their DBs, but in turn, it allows them to blitz a ton and stack the box since they have extreme faith in their cover men.”
Defense is a sneaky reason the Ravens are ascendant, but none of this matters without Jackson. Did you see the look on Bill Belichick’s face Sunday night? That wasn’t a man playing possum, anticipating a playoff rematch and not wanting to show his entire hand, as some suggested. That was a man without answers against Baltimore, which rushed for 210 yards, by far the most on the Patriots this season. He wasn’t kidding when he called Jackson “a big problem” in the run-up to the game. Belichick is the greatest defensive mind of this generation, maybe ever, and he was powerless to stop what Jackson and Baltimore did.
Williamson is bullish on Jackson, too. “I’m not sure he will ever be ‘figured out,’ as he is a much better passer than most give him credit for," he said. "The misconception exists because when he misses, he often missed really badly, but those incompletions count the same as nearly missing.”
What a boost it must be for Jackson to have his head coach overhaul the offense philosophically and personnel-wise to better fit his skill set. As electrifying as Jackson is, Harbaugh’s handling of him and embrace of the unconventional should have him on the short list for Coach of the Year.
A long-held belief among many NFL observers is that a true running quarterback will never win big because of the injury possibility or passing shortcomings, or both. Harbaugh thumbed his nose at that and is being rewarded for it. Jackson is rewarding his faith by, among other things, continuing to display a unique ability to avoid clean hits.
Harbaugh, by the way, also gives the Ravens an advantage should they see New England again in the postseason. No other coach in the league is as successful at matching wits with Belichick. Harbaugh’s teams almost always acquit themselves well against the Patriots, even if they must play in Foxborough.
On Sunday night, I saw a quarterback look totally at ease in a massively hyped, high-pressure environment. I saw a defense continue to come into its own. I saw a coach who had all the answers. I saw the best team in the AFC, and much to my surprise, it was the Ravens.[/url]
Vaktathi wrote: Sooooo Chargers left San Diego after the city wouldn't pay to build them a new stadium, they moved to Los Angeles to play in a (comparatively) pint sized soccer stadium while trying to share the city with the Rams, have had very little success in LA and seemingly lost their SD fanbase, now there's talk of...London?
Is it just me or does this whole thing feel like a repeated series of self inflicted Derp?
Yeah, lot of self-inflicted pain. . . But the entire fething idea of publicly funded stadiums really pisses me off. And really, its for a host of reasons. . . . Firstly, the teams, across basically all major sports, are owned by incredibly wealthy people, they can most definitely "afford" new facilities. . . Secondly, there's been a few times where we've seen facilities that aren't in bad shape being replaced seemingly "just cuz" (although at time of writing, I am drawing a blank). . . And finally, and quite possibly the least major, is the naming. . . Used to be, you had evocative names that people instantaneously KNEW what team, what city and what sport. Soldier field, The Vet, RFK, Old Trafford, Yankee Stadium. . . Very rarely does a corporate named stadium take on character/recognition on its own, such as Wrigley Field. . . . Nowadays, there's places like Levi's Stadium, T-Mobile Park, Sun Life Stadium, AT&T Field. . . . You practically need to be watching the sporting event itself to figure out/know what/where it is.
Seems like the NFL is trying to close out the Kaepernick saga, one way or the other.
A surprise workout combine featuring one dude. Think its an NFL first. All teams are invited to attend, though its on a Saturday where most scouts will be watching college ball and not every team has a need to sign a backup QB.
To me it just looks like the NFL are throwing this dude a bone and putting the onus on the teams and Kap's people. If no one signs him after this workout, they can say they tried. If someone does actually want him and signs him, they can do a victory lap. And if someone does want him and Kap's people want more money than that teams wants to give, they can also say they tried but the interested parties couldn't work it out. Just seems like a PR circus.
With most reports saying Cam Newton is leaving his team at the end of the season and many suitors are lined up as well as any team that's looking for a QB will probably be heavily invested in drafting one from college, I just don't see how a team signs Kap. He was phenomenal for a few seasons, but dude's last two seasons of play were bottom of the barrel.
On Tuesday, we learned that Colin Kaepernick is set to work out for NFL teams at the Falcons’ facility. Today, we have more details on the surprise audition, via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
On Saturday, Kaepernick’s workout will have something of a draft combine feel. He’ll get started at 3pm ET, interview at 3:15pm ET, and take measurements and warmup afterwards. He’ll be timed and tested at 3:50 and conduct quarterback drills at 4:15, with all parts being recorded for distribution to all 32 NFL teams.
Since becoming a free agent, Kaepernick has only received a workout invitation from one team — the Seahawks — and that was in the summer of 2017. Later on, the Seahawks cancelled a 2018 visit with the polarizing QB. The passer’s camp also spoke to both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. In each instance, his camp reportedly asked for a $20M salary, consistent with the middle tier of signal-callers in the NFL.
Several clubs have reportedly inquired about Kaepernick’s football readiness and Kaep’s camp says he’s been “working out five days a week, for three years, in preparation to play again,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
An exec from one NFC team says they have “nothing to lose” by attending the workout (Twitter link via ESPN’s Josina Anderson). The full list of attending teams is not yet known, but the Cowboys will be among them, Anderson hears.
So far it looks like Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Miami, New England, NYG, NYJ, and Tampa Bay have confirmed they are sending "somebody".
helgrenze wrote: So far it looks like Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Miami, New England, NYG, NYJ, and Tampa Bay have confirmed they are sending "somebody".
If anyone gets a great deal on Kaep, its gonna be the Pats. . . I don't know what it is in their office water, but they seem to just nail down dudes who are known for asking too much or whatever, and getting them cheap
Because TB is only under contract for this year, can't be franchised next year and if Kaepernick is...OK to Good...they might want him as 'insurance'/leverage.
There's been a lot of crazy speculation as to what might or might not happen with Brady and the Patriots moving forward.
Alpharius wrote: Because TB is only under contract for this year, can't be franchised next year and if Kaepernick is...OK to Good...they might want him as 'insurance'/leverage.
There's been a lot of crazy speculation as to what might or might not happen with Brady and the Patriots moving forward.
Maybe...
I think alot of that crazy speculation is just sports show talking fodder. Dude is the GOAT and no way they let him walk.
I don’t think any team will sign Kaepernick*. Dude regressed significantly after multiple injuries and was never the same electric player that almost beat the Ravens in the Super Bowl. He was already relegated to backup when this whole thing started. Though I do love a good comeback story.
My bet is Cincinnati though, if we’re putting wagers up! They have nothing to lose at this point, aside from every game for the rest of the season.
Alpharius wrote: I’d love to see him back in the league - and I’d love it even more if he can buck the odds and get back in as a starter!
I'm pretty ambivalent about the whole situation. Though I find the drama of it immensely interesting.
Without all the baggage, he was 3-16 as a starter the last 2 seasons he played, with some piss poor QB stats. Phenomenal for a few years, but the injuries took a toll very quickly.
I've only viewed a few clips, but the Steelers QB was clearly twisting one of the Browns players helmets off before the Browns player tore his helmet off and hit him with it. Should be quite a few fines coming on both sides, imo.
Love it when AFC North teams that aren't the Ravens go to war like this!
I couldn't see him doing that, but he shouldn'tve grappled garrett, as he was clearly going to get a RTP call anyway.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh yeah watching the other angle I see it.. So dumb... You'd think guys getting paid millions would be able to hold it together.
Thought the same thing. Main difference is, the Bengals owner would give Freddie Kitchens a 5 year extension for such mediocrity. The Browns will add this guy to all the other notches where they keep a tally of fired head coaches. Probably before the season is out.
I think that's the good news for their organization. The gakshow gives them cover to fire another HC after one year without catching a lot of flak for it. The FO can claim the high moral ground and move on. Kitchens is a disaster, honestly. In way over his head. That team needs a firmer hand at the wheel that commands more respect to manage all those young guys and big personalities.
The interview with Mayfield after the game was revealing. He seems to get it.
gorgon wrote: I think that's the good news for their organization. The gakshow gives them cover to fire another HC after one year without catching a lot of flak for it. The FO can claim the high moral ground and move on. Kitchens is a disaster, honestly. In way over his head. That team needs a firmer hand at the wheel that commands more respect to manage all those young guys and big personalities.
The interview with Mayfield after the game was revealing. He seems to get it.
But Belichick already has a job.
If you watch the whole thing, Rudolph not only grabbed Garrett's helmet but kicked him in the crotch. Then when he had 2 of his own linemen jump between them he came at Garrett. That's when the helmet was swung.
gorgon wrote: I think that's the good news for their organization. The gakshow gives them cover to fire another HC after one year without catching a lot of flak for it. The FO can claim the high moral ground and move on. Kitchens is a disaster, honestly. In way over his head. That team needs a firmer hand at the wheel that commands more respect to manage all those young guys and big personalities.
The interview with Mayfield after the game was revealing. He seems to get it.
But Belichick already has a job.
If you watch the whole thing, Rudolph not only grabbed Garrett's helmet but kicked him in the crotch. Then when he had 2 of his own linemen jump between them he came at Garrett. That's when the helmet was swung.
Guys grab helmets all the time. Rudolph probably deserves a fine, but the whole thing started because he was hit late and didn't like it. That kind of exchange also happens all the time. What never happens is it escalating to one dude hitting a helmetless dude in the head with his own helmet. Coulda put him in the hospital. So #RudolphWasJustAsBad is a gakky take.
gorgon wrote: So #RudolphWasJustAsBad is a gakky take.
I was initially in that camp, to be honest. I didn't watch the game and only saw snapshots this morning and came to that conclusion.
Then I saw all that came before. JuJu get taken out with blatant helm to helm, another Browns player ejected for helm to helm on a separate play, and more sloppy play from the Browns. The Rudolph/Garret thing was just the end of hours of beefing.
My memory may be pretty short, but I don't even think Ravens v. Steelers ever really got this heated. Even after Heloti Ngata karata chopped Big Bens nose in half.
gorgon wrote: So #RudolphWasJustAsBad is a gakky take.
I was initially in that camp, to be honest. I didn't watch the game and only saw snapshots this morning and came to that conclusion.
Then I saw all that came before. JuJu get taken out with blatant helm to helm, another Browns player ejected for helm to helm on a separate play, and more sloppy play from the Browns. The Rudolph/Garret thing was just the end of hours of beefing.
My memory may be pretty short, but I don't even think Ravens v. Steelers ever really got this heated. Even after Heloti Ngata karata chopped Big Bens nose in half.
No, it was always vicious, but with a level of respect. Two genuinely tough teams.
There were also, what, 10 seconds left in the game when Garrett hit him late and laid on top of him? It was just more unnecessary stuff by a team trying to act tough but ultimately just being cheap. It's the Bengals of a few years back redux. Fake tough.
gorgon wrote: I think that's the good news for their organization. The gakshow gives them cover to fire another HC after one year without catching a lot of flak for it. The FO can claim the high moral ground and move on. Kitchens is a disaster, honestly. In way over his head. That team needs a firmer hand at the wheel that commands more respect to manage all those young guys and big personalities.
The interview with Mayfield after the game was revealing. He seems to get it.
But Belichick already has a job.
If you watch the whole thing, Rudolph not only grabbed Garrett's helmet but kicked him in the crotch. Then when he had 2 of his own linemen jump between them he came at Garrett. That's when the helmet was swung.
Guys grab helmets all the time. Rudolph probably deserves a fine, but the whole thing started because he was hit late and didn't like it. That kind of exchange also happens all the time. What never happens is it escalating to one dude hitting a helmetless dude in the head with his own helmet. Coulda put him in the hospital. So #RudolphWasJustAsBad is a gakky take.
I can understand Rudolph being upset... even tired of getting hit, 4 Sacks plus 11 hits in 64 plays, 2 of those sacks in the last 2 minutes. He spent a quarter of his game time on the ground. But THAT is on his O-line. The hit that started it wasn't late, Garrett actually had Rudolph wrapped up when he threw the ball. It was a roughing penalty because Garrett threw Rudolph to the ground at the end of it instead of letting go. Rudolph reacted badly.
Watch the first 8 seconds.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Well, so much for the Tankin' For Tua Show.
Tua has a dislocated hip with a posterior wall fracture today and is done for the season... maybe more. Repair could include pins and at least 8 months recovery/rehab. There is also the possibility of restricted motion after all of that.
Not much hype coming out of Kap's workout. Apparently alot of logistic problems in changing venues and communication. The blame most assuredly falls on the NFL.
edit: looks like there was quite a lot of fuckery afoot at Kap's workout:
If there’s one mantra the NFL seems to believe when it comes to scandal, it’s that all things shall pass. Beset by many major controversies over the past decade, from a cover-up of the consequences of head trauma to rampant abuse of painkillers and leniency on domestic violence, the league has largely been right that things can be smoothed over in time.
One major exception is the blackballing of former San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick, who started a massive controversy when he kneeled during the national anthem of a 2016 preseason game to draw awareness to racial and social injustices in the U.S. Kaepernick, who worked out for several NFL teams in Atlanta on Saturday, opted out of his 49ers contract in 2017 and hasn't found work in the league since.
The NFL has launched a host of social justice initiatives to deflect from the idea that it is against Kaepernick’s message. Among them is a partnership the league announced with Roc Nation, the entertainment company launched by rapper Jay-Z, to further efforts to foster education and criminal justice reform. The partnership also meant that Roc Nation would play a role in selecting musical artists to perform at key NFL events throughout the year, including the Super Bowl.
That last item is especially important, as the NFL has had difficulty in recent years landing a significant act for the Super Bowl halftime show, which has long been a marquee platform not only for the league but also the music industry at large. Rihanna infamously turned down an offer from the NFL to perform at last season’s Super Bowl.
Landing pop artists isn’t everything, of course. The NFL knows the exclusion of Kaepernick continues to be a popular talking point from those inclined to criticize the league, and for good reason. With a younger generation highly committed to social justice causes, the NFL risks alienating fans for decades if the narrative solidifies that the league cast Kaepernick aside because he inspired players around the league, and the entire sports landscape, to use their platform to protest societal ills like police brutality.
That the NFL had to reach a financial settlement in February with Kaepernick and former teammate Eric Reid in a collusion case only makes the league seem more culpable. Some critics of Reid and Kaepernick gloated when it was reported that the settlement ended up being under $10 million, perhaps less than what some supporters of the two had hoped. But the fact that there was a settlement at all is damning to the NFL all the same. It demonstrates a degree of fault and proves, whatever the motives, league ownership was trying to suppress two players who are worthy of being employed.
The career of Reid, who also kneeled in protest during national anthems, has continued just fine; after leaving the 49ers, he has started at safety with the Panthers for two seasons. Kaepernick, however, can't find an NFL job. It has become common practice over the past few years for a chorus of questioning voices to rise up and wonder whether the 32-year-old would get a call when a QB goes down with an injury.
There were brief rumblings about the Seahawks giving him a shot in 2018, but that never materialized. Otherwise, it has been silence and inaction. So it’s little wonder that the NFL abruptly and unilaterally decided to announce the Saturday workout for Kaepernick in Atlanta. There was plenty to question at the outset. Why now? Why was the workout scheduled on a Saturday, when few key representatives from teams can attend due to preparation for games the next day? Why a stubborn insistence that the workout, to be held at the Falcons' facility, be closed?
What’s more, there’s the matter of the liability waiver the NFL was asking Kaepernick to sign before the workout. Not only did it contain language protecting the league from any injury he might suffer, which is understandable, but it also protected the league from any further employment claims that could come up after the grievance was resolved in February. Rightfully, Kaepernick wanted no part of this NFL process, so he held an unsanctioned workout at a local high school instead.
By all indications, Kaepernick’s performance that he organized before representatives of eight teams went well. Scouts marveled at the state of his arm strength, proclaiming it as good as when he came out of college.
On Sunday night, a report indicated that Kaepernick’s had not received a contract offer or an invite for a private workout. Kaepernick’s agent, Jeff Nalley, told ESPN that league sources seemed to suggest that the proposed NFL workout was more about getting signed for the 2020 season. If that’s so, he reasonably countered, why not have it during the December owners meetings? Nalley did suggest rescheduling it closer to the NFL Draft next spring, but Kaepernick shut that down, saying he didn’t want to take focus away from prospects, a wise decision.
In the two days since the workout, Jay-Z reportedly was upset with Kaepernick for not accepting all of the NFL’s demands and turning the workout into “a publicity stunt.” If anything, this reveals how much the rapper and mogul is in the pockets of the NFL, as it was the league that made all these ironclad demands when any of its teams could have worked out Kaepernick at any time over the past few years but chose not to. What’s more, there’s no reason for Kaepernick to cave to the league’s curious demands of no media and a bizarre waiver that exculpates it from further legal liability.
It also is odd that some NFL media have been at least mildly critical of Kaepernick, if not downright scolding.
The most cynical reading of the NFL calling for this workout on its own terms is that the league can shrug and say, “well, we tried” even as it was being unyielding in its demands and ultimately not helpful. If that little emphasis got Kaepernick a job, then fine. The ends would justify the means. As it stands, there’s no justification yet and little reason this affair turns into anything more than the 10,000 rounds of speculation about Kaepernick's future we’ve been through over the past few years.
Also, more Pass Interference calls/noncalls/ and not getting overturned in review. What a joke, just get rid of it. Even I, as a Ravens fan was flabbergasted that a PI wasn't called early in the rout of The Texans.
I've seen several articles that say the opposite; that he was "average" in several categories outside of arm strength, like accuracy.
Either way, he didn't look like he really wanted a job.
If you want to work for Ford or GM, you don't invite them to your garage. You go to Ford or GM.
If you want to work for Google, you go play their hiring games.
Kaep didn't go where the people who showed up were at. He wanted them to go elsewhere. He didn't want to throw to their receivers, he wanted his. The NFL said no to his film crew.
He wanted HIS show.
Doesn't sound like a professional to me. Doesn't sound like he is ready to listen to a coach or anyone else either.
“If I was still coaching, my big question would be, Colin Kaepernick is a good quarterback,” former Super Bowl winner Tony Dungy said on NBC. “He’s a good athlete. I know he can throw the ball. I know he is one of the top 100 quarterbacks playing. But what I don’t know is how badly he wants to play. And that didn’t get answered.”
I've seen several articles that say the opposite; that he was "average" in several categories outside of arm strength, like accuracy.
Either way, he didn't look like he really wanted a job.
If you want to work for Ford or GM, you don't invite them to your garage. You go to Ford or GM.
If you want to work for Google, you go play their hiring games.
Kaep didn't go where the people who showed up were at. He wanted them to go elsewhere. He didn't want to throw to their receivers, he wanted his. The NFL said no to his film crew.
He wanted HIS show.
Doesn't sound like a professional to me. Doesn't sound like he is ready to listen to a coach or anyone else either.
“If I was still coaching, my big question would be, Colin Kaepernick is a good quarterback,” former Super Bowl winner Tony Dungy said on NBC. “He’s a good athlete. I know he can throw the ball. I know he is one of the top 100 quarterbacks playing. But what I don’t know is how badly he wants to play. And that didn’t get answered.”
I happened to see another article talking about the gakshow that is the NFL's hosting of this event, that I think better illustrates the various problematic elements at play here and why I disagree with your statements of "if you want to work for ford you go to ford", in this specific instance.
Basically, if you don't want/care to read the article here's a number of elements:
-No cameras/media during the workout. . . it wasn't just Kaep's crew, it was everyone. . . . Tell me, how can the League distribute film to all 32 teams, as they originally said, if they then disallow all cameras/media presence?
-It was on Saturday (ie, the worst day of the week to be scouting an NFL aged, NFL "ready" player)
-They gave him very, very little time to accept conditions/location
-They wanted him to sign a bizarre and over the top waiver (we might presume that this had additional language which would prevent further legal/civil actions against the league by Kaep)
Maybe my view is shaded by the whole Terrell Owens thing. You remember, he worked out for the cameras in his driveway to show he was fit to play.
This kind of comes across the same way. Yeah, the NFL may have been a bit shady with the waiver and all, but Kaep's team didn't leave a lot of room for negotiation either.
Consider, Philadelphia had workouts for a number of players in the past couple weeks, no cameras, no tv crews, no script. Just the players and coaches, and a few doctors for the physicals.
This thing with Kaep had all the hallmarks of each side wanting to play their script and not the other guys. In that, Kaep kinda won, but wound up hurting the perception of him with a lot of people. Now teams have to look at whether he is worth it from a perception stand point. Is he good enough to also put up with the drama he brings? Was A.B. in New England? or Josh Gordon? Teams are staying away from A.B. because the answer seems to be "no". Seattle thinks Gordon is worth it, for now.
The other question is, is he worth the money?
I think teams are staying away from AB for another shady NFL reason - there’s almost no doubt the second he signed with a team before the league’s “investigation” is concluded, he’d be placed on the ‘exempt list’ and wouldn’t be playing.
But ultimately you’re right in regards to the NFL and Kaepernick - both sides are pushing agendas, but I still think the NFL is being disingenuous and shady to a greater degree...
Bell taking a stand against random drug tests. Don't think that will go the way he (or those players who are also in an uproar over the drug tests) thinks it will go.
Le’Veon Bell is the latest NFL player to feel targeted by the league’s drug testing program, and the star running back says he is not going to submit to any more tests for the rest of the season.
Like many other players have done before him, Bell took to Twitter on Wednesday to imply he does not believe the NFL’s random drug testing program is truly random. He also accused sample collectors of using “dirty a– needles” and said he will not take another test after submitting to five in the past 10 weeks.
Le'Veon Bell
✔
@LeVeonBell
I done had 5 “random” HGH blood test in 10 weeks...@NFL I’m not doing another after today, whatever y’all lookin for it obviously ain’t there & I’m not about to keep allowing y’all to stick me with those dirty ass needles..find the players who really do that HGH BS & get off me..
The NFL tests players for performance-enhancing drugs on a random basis, and they have had the legitimacy of the program questioned many times in the past. Carolina Panthers defensive back Eric Reid believed he was being targeted last year because of his role in national anthem protests, which led to both the NFL and NFL Players Association releasing a statement confirming there was evidence Reid’s name was randomly pulled from a computer program.
Bell has 817 total yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns so far in his first season with the Jets. He is the second star player in the past week to call out the NFL over drug testing, and he likely won’t be the last.
nels1031 wrote: Bell taking a stand against random drug tests. Don't think that will go the way he (or those players who are also in an uproar over the drug tests) thinks it will go.
Yeah. . . that seems like an odd beach to defend or hill to charge. . . I mean, OBJ "taking a stand" on the league's uniform policy is one thing. . . . but drugs??? There aren't enough recreation legal states for marijuana to make that a worthwhile fight. There's also a range of other drugs that can/are likely tested for. . . so, umm, yeah, I can't see this going well
Alpharius wrote: But yet when it does offer him something it should be a bit more above board then this fiasco, right?
Kap turned down Elway's offers and left the broncos to sign case keenum and then joe flacco. There was no collusion, he just wanted more money than he was being offered. If he really wanted to play, he would be wearing that ridiculous orange and blue. He also rejected the AAF when they offered him. His biggest foe is Cap space, not Kap space.
Of course drug tests aren't random, same way our military ones aren't. There will be a target demographic, but so what? If you have nothing to hide, what's your worry?
Tua Tagovailoa's hip/pelvic injury, plus concussion and broken nose, is just the latest. This is the second season in a row he is unable to finish. Looking at some of his previous injuries: Broken Finger, Sprained Knee, Quad, Left Ankle, Right Ankle. All of those last year.
Questions: Is he Injury Prone?
Should he just take his final year at Alabama and forgo the Draft?
Is he done?
Questions: Is he Injury Prone?
Should he just take his final year at Alabama and forgo the Draft?
Is he done?
I would've thought, prior to the hip injury, that he would still be a high draft stock.
I don't know whether this injury will have the same detrimental effect as Bo Jackson's back in the day. . . but I don't think many NFL teams would take that risk.
Thing is, the NFL has a ridiculously draconian drug policy compared to other major sports. Testing for PEDs is one thing. Policing potentially legal recreational use is another, especially when the league absolutely targets players and is itchy to throw suspensions at them. Other sports don't care about some recreational use, and when it's more than that the focus is about getting the players help, not banishing them from the sport.
And the big difference between your workplaces and the NFL is that the players DON'T have to agree to it. They can demand changes with the next CBA. But the NFL players' union has always rolled over on this and many other fronts. MLB, NBA, and even NHL players wouldn't stand for some of the stuff that goes on in the NFL.
gorgon wrote: Thing is, the NFL has a ridiculously draconian drug policy compared to other major sports. Testing for PEDs is one thing. Policing potentially legal recreational use is another, especially when the league absolutely targets players and is itchy to throw suspensions at them. Other sports don't care about some recreational use, and when it's more than that the focus is about getting the players help, not banishing them from the sport.
And the big difference between your workplaces and the NFL is that the players DON'T have to agree to it. They can demand changes with the next CBA. But the NFL players' union has always rolled over on this and many other fronts. MLB, NBA, and even NHL players wouldn't stand for some of the stuff that goes on in the NFL.
I guess I'm just jaded by the MLB steroid era and the Lance Armstrong thing, but whenever I hear a pro athlete complain about drug testing or feel the need to protest their innocence, my alarm bells go off.
Plus I've always been told by folks more familiar with the drug testing in the big 3 US sports that they are basically intelligence tests. Like you have to be completely obvious and sloppy about your PED usage to fail these things. But I obviously have no first hand experience and I've never really looked into it. At the level they play in the NFL, I assume they are all dirty in some way. Even the mascots.
I'm cool with it to be honest. Just keep a lid on it, I suppose.
Just saw the score to the Bears v Cowboys. Jesus the NFC East is a clusterfeth. Not a single winning record.
No way Jason Garret survives the season. Not all on him, but Jerry Jones sure as gak ain’t taking the blame.
Scuttlebutt is Dan Mullen, of the Uni of Florida, has had some feelers put out about going to Dallas. He was one of Dak Precots tutors at Mississippi, so maybe he can put Dak back on the winning track.
U.S.—A gardener visible in several shots of Colin Kaepernick's workout video has been signed as a lineman by the Washington Redskins.
After noticing the man's speed, raw strength, and dedication, the Redskins signed the gardener as an offensive lineman.
The man received several calls from NFL teams but settled with the Redskins as he liked their shrubberies and they promised he'd still be allowed to mow the lawns.
"Well, I'm a simple man who likes mowin' lawns, trimmin' hedges, and a cold beer after work," the man, identified as 45-year-old Bud Stanley, told reporters. "I hope I'm an asset to the organization. They're bumping me up to a better mower model, too, one of them ride-on deals. Yeah, I'm lookin' forward to the games too, I suppose. I just pretend the other team's linemen are particularly tough tree roots and push right through."
Stanley's being called a prodigy.
There was also another man in the foreground of the workout video, but the Redskins had him digitally removed so they could get a better look at Stanley.
So, as the League heads into the final weeks, people are starting to whine and whinge about how a team with a "poor record (8-8 possibly)" is going to make the play-offs while better teams won't.
The NFL has a term that they bandy about concerning things like this:
Parity.
the quality or state of being equal or equivalent
If you look at the current standings you will see three divisions are closer to this concept than the rest: The AFC South, the AFC West, and the NFC East.
The AFC West, AFC South, and NFC East are almost exactly what the NFL wants the rest of the League to look like. They want there to be parity not only between the divisions, but the teams in those divisions.
AFC South - Jacksonville (4-8) is only 4 games behind Houston (8-5)
AFC West - Chargers (4-8) are only 4 games behind Kansas City (8-4)
NFC East - NYG (2-10) are only 4 games behind Dallas (6-7) (* Note: I am not saying this Division is good by any stretch, just they fall into the same category, statistically.)
With 4 games left in the season.
Yes, the worst team is the NFC is not Mathematically out of the playoffs yet.
Consider, IF things went tragically sideways for the top teams in theses divisions, and miraculously positive for the bottom teams, those standing would effectively flip.
Will it happen? Not likely.
CAN it? Technically, yes.
Alpharius wrote: And they made Eli end up with a losing record at the end of the day - way to kick a man when he's down!!!
One more pic for the "Manning Face" files.
I wonder if his HoF bust will show that for all eternity? Assuming he makes it in, of course.
It is a contentious discussion for me, because if he doesn't get in, wouldn't he be basically the first multiple superbowl winning QB AND SB MVP who didnt get in?
I know that the one superbowl, he was on the "statistically worst team to make it to the superbowl" when they knocked off the undefeated Pats, and his 2nd suberbowl was also knocking off TB and the pats. . . But beyond that, how much of the Giants' woes can be squared up to just bad play by their QB? those of us who've followed the game for a long time probably remember the disjointed and disfunctional front office moves of a few years back, and its very difficult to recover from an extremely poor front office.
Alpharius wrote: And they made Eli end up with a losing record at the end of the day - way to kick a man when he's down!!!
One more pic for the "Manning Face" files.
I wonder if his HoF bust will show that for all eternity? Assuming he makes it in, of course.
It is a contentious discussion for me, because if he doesn't get in, wouldn't he be basically the first multiple superbowl winning QB AND SB MVP who didnt get in?
I know that the one superbowl, he was on the "statistically worst team to make it to the superbowl" when they knocked off the undefeated Pats, and his 2nd suberbowl was also knocking off TB and the pats. . . But beyond that, how much of the Giants' woes can be squared up to just bad play by their QB? those of us who've followed the game for a long time probably remember the disjointed and disfunctional front office moves of a few years back, and its very difficult to recover from an extremely poor front office.
True enough. I think he makes it second try. They will have to consider something though. Outside those two years, he wasn't stellar. Post season six years, only two where he (the Giants) played more than one game. Sacked more times than his TD total. Seven winning seasons in 16 years. Led the League for INTs three years. That's enough negatives to keep him out first time.
This is what gets him in second ballot - Hold 6 NFL Records: Tied for Longest TD Pass (99 yds), Tied Most game Winning Drives (8 in 2011), Most 4th Qtr TD passes Single Season (15 in 2011), Most Road Wins Single Season including Post (10), Most YDS Passing Single Post Season (1219 in 2011), Only QB in NFL history without throwing an interception in multiple conference championship starts. 3rd all-time for most consecutive starts by a National Football League quarterback (210 - 222 including post season). Plus multiple Team Records.
The only QB that currently has a shot at the consecutive starts in R. Wilson and he is @100 games behind.
And yeah, the Front Office has been an issue in NYG. There are even jokes about how bad they have been.
Kind of like saying Dallas only needs a change at one position to improve... Owner.
Antonio Brown has a reputation for posting some wild things on social media, and that theme continued when he claimed he was the victim of a crime that the police were ignoring on Monday.
Brown tweeted what appeared to be a screenshot of an app that allows him to see where his Bentley is located, and he claimed it had been stolen but police in Hollywood were not assisting him in getting it back. (Editor's Note: As always, venture gently into his Twitter feed.)
“Hollywood police will not even report my car stolen it’s shows at this address they letting (name redacted) ride around stolen cars with my kids with no money or home! Missed school today who we call,” Brown wrote.
He then sent a follow-up tweet encouraging any tow truck drivers or repo workers to help him get his car back since police were allegedly ignoring him.
This is not the first time Brown has claimed something very valuable has been stolen from him. The free agent wide receiver said last year that he came home from a trip to find that a large sum of cash and a firearm had been stolen from his apartment, which is apparently why he went into a fit of rage and began throwing furniture off a balcony.
The NFL is still investigating multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Brown, which is likely the main reason he has not been signed by a team. However, the social media drama certainly isn’t helping his cause.
I feel like dude is auditioning for a VH1 reality TV show.
I think the Pats had given him keeper and he may have slipped away from them a few times.
Seattle might have also given him too much leeway.
Either way he came up hot on a "random" drug test.
helgrenze wrote: I think the Pats had given him keeper and he may have slipped away from them a few times.
Seattle might have also given him too much leeway.
Either way he came up hot on a "random" drug test.
It does seem more and more like the "random" anything the NFL does isn't random. . . I mean, don't get me wrong, once you DO test positive for a thing, or are found guilty of violating a rule, you're much more likely to be scrutinized further, but c'mon man.
I think we know that a player like Lawrence Taylor wouldn't last too long in today's NFL due to off-field stuff.
helgrenze wrote: I think the Pats had given him keeper and he may have slipped away from them a few times.
Seattle might have also given him too much leeway.
Either way he came up hot on a "random" drug test.
It does seem more and more like the "random" anything the NFL does isn't random. . . I mean, don't get me wrong, once you DO test positive for a thing, or are found guilty of violating a rule, you're much more likely to be scrutinized further, but c'mon man.
You don't even have to be caught to get onto the "not-random random" list. In his last season, James Harrison was getting tested monthly, undoubtedly because the league suspected him of using PEDs. He never failed one.
His post on Instagram about it:
“You can test me every day, I have no problem with that. But don’t piss on my head and tell me it’s rain. #random #insultingmyintelligence”
The NFLPA signed away everything in the last CBA. They allowed Goodell be jury, judge and executioner with this stuff. There are reasons why the Steelers were the only team to vote against ratifying it. They saw that train coming. I hope the players develop some backbone with the next agreement, but history shows that they'll strike for a few weeks, run out of cash, and then cave completely. MLB and NBA players would never stand for the gak NFL players have to deal with.
And my Ravens not putting in any of their core starters(supposedly) for a game against their historic rival the Steelers next week. What a bizzaro world Lamar Jackson has created.
Oakland Raiders make the playoffs if all of this happens:
• Raiders beat Broncos
• Texans beat Titans
• Ravens beat Steelers
• Colts beat Jaguars
• Raiders clinch strength of victory tiebreaker over Steelers.
Philadelphia is in with a win over NY Giants.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Jason Garrett's average record in Dallas over his ten year tenure is 9-7, (including the partial first year).
Yes, Dallas has Culture Issue:
"Garrett wasn’t the only factor that caused Dallas to fold in such weird ways Sunday night on the road against an Eagles team that had the same motivations to win, but significantly less talent on the field. (…) Sunday’s embarrassing loss (yes, Jerry Jones, it was embarrassing) unfolded against a club that is running on fumes and held together with duct tape. And that was just entering the day, not even accounting for the multitude of injuries that occurred during the game itself, leaving Philadelphia floating into Monday morning with a character-defining victory."
"The Cowboys’ culture in 2019? It’s 7-8 and mediocre.
It’s 0-8 when trailing at halftime this season.
It’s three road wins against the three worst teams in the NFC — the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions.
It’s losing to the Eagles with Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Randall Cobb on the sideline in vital moments.
It’s punting on fourth-and-short when the Cowboys needed to go for it, kicking field goals when touchdowns make the difference, and reaching the end zone zero times."
Source
But Culture starts in the locker room. It starts with the Coach.
Miami with the upset over the Patriots! Rough road ahead for Brady and co.
RG3 led the Ravens over the Steelers(few minutes left as I type this, but its 28-10 with 4 minutes in the the 4th Quarter). Crazy that the Steelers were in playoff contention up until this week, with all their off/onfield issues.
And the Browns have jettisoned Freddie Kitchens already.
Yeah, that was a great game. Had dude just lunged backwards instead of trying to turn into and power through the defender, he probably would have made it.
With the official end of the Regular Season, many teams will be looking for new coaches. So who gets the call?
This article should be considered when deciding where to get your new coach.
TL;DR: Andy Reid is better at training coaches than Bill Belichick.
The Patriots were "OK to Good" on defense this year and "Fair to Poor" on offense this year.
The end result was not a surprise to anyone following the team closely this year.
Oddly enough, this will make for a more enjoyable NFL playoff view experience for me - the Pats were not going to win it all this year, so now that they're out, and can sit back and enjoy the show!
Pats were leaking some oil down the stretch last year too. They just gutted it out and secured the #2 seed (beating the Texans in the tiebreaker based on head-to-head, and note that the Chargers had more wins than the Pats but got the wildcard since KC won the division), and then no one stepped up against them in the playoffs. That was hardly one of the best Pats teams of their long run. But if no one's going to step up and beat them, well...
Brady looked cooked this weekend, but to be fair the talent around him is unimpressive. Will be fascinating to see where things go.
There were a few narratives this year that they could have went with for the superbowl.
Unfortunately for the saints, the pats lost early.
Superbowl was either gonna be:
1. Patriots vs Saints (GOAT vs CBGOAT)
2. Baltimore vs Green Bay (Humble Newcomer vs. Old Diva)
3. Kansas City vs. 49's (High Fly Offence in red vs Balanced Red).
Since the first 2 are out, its gonna be a red superbowl.
Would not shock me to see Packers v Chiefs though.
It would shock me if the Titans make it through.
I wouldn’t mind it, but it would shock me!
I think I saw something during the Chiefs debacle (I can't really call that a game, holy crap, how do you feth up that much of a lead when at the time, KC's defense was not playing that good?) that this year is the 50th anniversary of the Chiefs lone SB victory in SB 2 (IIRC it was 2)
To that end, I could see some rather shifty calls from the officials if a GB/KC matchup looks to be in doubt, as that would be the "anniversary matchup" and someone undoubtedly thinks that that would be the best outcome.
The season long circus continues, but this looks like the straw that breaks the camels back. But who knows nowadays. Dude will hire a PR team and everyone loves a comeback.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus conditionally terminates relationship with Antonio Brown
The off-field troubles of NFL free agent Antonio Brown continue to hurt his brand. On Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN shared that super agent Drew Rosenhaus has conditionally ended his relationship with Brown until he seeks counsel.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus conditionally terminated his relationship with Antonio Brown today until the free-agent WR seeks counsel, per an NFLPA source. Rosenhaus wrote in the letter that the NFLPA received today that he would like to work with Brown, but not until he first gets help.
Brown is still being investigated by the NFL over two separate sexual misconduct allegations levied against him last year. Since being released by the New England Patriots, Brown has taken to airing his dirty laundry for the public to see on social media.
His latest incident took place just days ago when he directed a profanity-laced rant his ex-girlfriend and the cops outside his Florida home.
Rosenhaus has long been Brown’s biggest supporter. To lose him now is a big blow to Brown, but hopefully it sparks a positive change for the talented player.
Kind of conflicted on that. I was grudgingly rooting for them after they downed my much hyped Ravens. Everyone loves an underdog and an upset.
Easy E wrote: Plus, I am very glad GB did not go the distance. They aren't even that good this year.
Same here. Despite being 13-3 or something in the regular season, no one was really talking about them. I didn't watch much of them this year, but the few games I saw, they definitely didn't look like future champs.
This season really felt like a "changing of the guard" in a way. A lot of young, dynamic QBs tearing it up while the older guys were showing their age.
Excited for this Super Bowl. Not really concerned about who wins, I just hope its a good game and the commercials are entertaining.
I'm going 49's. I'm not sure what Coleman's injury is but they honestly can just plug and play their other 2 really talented running backs. Heck their 2nd rb (moncrief?) went for over 200 vs GB.
I just think the 49ers have a more complete team. Much harder to shut down. The chiefs also have a great offense but I feel like if you shut down an aspect of it they will suffer. 49ers have so many play-makers on defense - I don't think Mahomes is going to be running on them a lot.
My guess is 49ers shut down the run and keep contain on the sidelines and let their very talented secondary opportunities for interceptions up the middle. It's not going to be a blow out though. Mahomes is the best QB in the leauge so it could easily go ether way. I just like 49ers in this game. They have won their games a lot more convincingly.
After a successful field goal or extra point try attempt, the scoring team will have options with no kickoff.
The scoring team, Team A, will have the following options:
1. Team A may elect to give Team B the ball at Team B's 25-yard line, beginning a new series of downs with a first-and-10.
2. Team A may elect to take the ball at its own 25-yard line for a fourth-and-15 play. If Team A is successful in making a first down, Team A will maintain possession and a new series of downs will continue as normal. If Team A is unsuccessful in making a first down, the result will be a turnover on downs and Team B will take possession at the dead-ball spot.
The second rule change for the Pro Bowl pertains to false starts by a flexed wide receiver:
It is not a false start if a flexed, eligible receiver in a two-point stance who flinches or picks up one foot, as long as his other foot remains partially on the ground and he resets for one second prior to the snap. A receiver who fits this exception is not considered to be "in motion" for the purposes of the Illegal Shift rules.
It is a false start if all 11 offensive players have been set for at least one full second and any flexed, eligible receiver breaks his stance by picking up both feet.
Interesting changes for kick-offs. I have often thought they were pointless and needlessly dangerous. Especially now that most kickers can boot it out of the endzone at will.
It's basically as an alternate to the On-side Kick. Variations have been proposed before mostly taking the ball at the 35 for a 4 and 15 play.
The changes they made to the way the kicking team lines up have caused on-side Kicks to fail something like 90% of the time where it used to be closer to 75%.
helgrenze wrote: It's basically as an alternate to the On-side Kick. Variations have been proposed before mostly taking the ball at the 35 for a 4 and 15 play.
The changes they made to the way the kicking team lines up have caused on-side Kicks to fail something like 90% of the time where it used to be closer to 75%.
Well a 4th and 15 is likely a lot higher odds than an onside kick. Though the penalty is also much greater starting the opponent in field goal range. It is scary though to think of Lamar Jackson or Jake Mahomes having the opportunity to keep the ball all game and all they need to do is complete a 15 yard pass to get a first down. Not to mention the opposing team ends up in a really tough spot if you try to go for a 30-40 yard pass with 1 shot. I think it is too much to give a team a free other possession even it it is only a 4th down. It will be interesting to see.
I think with the opportunity to possess the ball will be preferable over an onside kick.
Though the other rule taking away the kick off - I think that is just a great idea. Kick offs are unnecessarily dangerous and most of the time you'd be better of just taking the touch back. Though - I would think starting them at the 30 would be more fair as some teams have great kick returners which can really influence a game.
Easy E wrote: Interesting changes for kick-offs. I have often thought they were pointless and needlessly dangerous. Especially now that most kickers can boot it out of the endzone at will.
Once upon a time, when American football more closely resembled its rugby union parent, the kickoff had a purpose. But, since the american version of the game introduced concepts such as blocking, it has indeed become rather pointless.
Further to your point about kickers' leg strength, it was within my living memory that various kickers could/would intentionally kick the ball a certain way in order to run more time off the clock. I think with some timing rule changes, as well as the much more explosive nature of today's offenses (in general), the idea of a squib kick to burn more time, but give the opposition potentially better field position became less and less popular to the point where its all but disappeared.
That was a good Super Bowl. I enjoyed watching it.
Once I knew the game rested on Jimmy G's arm, I figured it was over. Chiefs did a decent job of shutting down the play action, even if their run defense was a bit poor. I am unsure how much of their success was the pass rush vs. Jimmy G not really being that great.
While I agree that he's not that great (especially vs. Mahomes, who is clearly a special talent), Jimmy G was one slight overthrow from getting the job done!
Kind of cliche, but Reid outcoached (or at least made better decisions) Shanahan as well imo. Letting the clock run down in the first half was a bit of a head scratcher.
Refs stayed out of it for most the game but had to interject with a crucial terrible PA call on what was probably the best play of the game. Kettle picked up a huge 41 yard gain and the refs called a push off when in fact this was routine WR DB hand scuffling and the extended arm did not create any distance anyways. The play put them in FG range for an easy FG but nullified by terrible call. It ended up changing the game quite a bit as the 49ers final drive before the INT a FG would have been enough to win the game which would have changed the defensive scheme drastically for KC.
Dak Prescott may get franchise tagged by the Cowboys, Brady could (I personally doubt it) finish out his career somewhere other than New England, Antonio Brown will still be a one man circus and it seems like a bunch of older QBs could be phased out.
Xenomancers wrote: Refs stayed out of it for most the game but had to interject with a crucial terrible PA call on what was probably the best play of the game. Kettle picked up a huge 41 yard gain and the refs called a push off when in fact this was routine WR DB hand scuffling and the extended arm did not create any distance anyways. The play put them in FG range for an easy FG but nullified by terrible call. It ended up changing the game quite a bit as the 49ers final drive before the INT a FG would have been enough to win the game which would have changed the defensive scheme drastically for KC.
Can't extend your arm like that, though. It's a visual cue that will draw the flag. You can shove them pretty good in the lower back, etc. with a bent arm. Just how the game is called.
The Cowboys reportedly offered Dak Prescott $33m/yr, That's more than Wentz and comparable to Goff and Rodgers.
He turned it down. Apparently, Dak wants Russel Wilson money, roughly $35m/yr.
He isn't worth it. Even with healthy receivers and having Elliot, he couldn't make the playoffs this season. He only has 1 post season win.
The salary cap issues that arise even at only $33m/yr. The Cowboys have @$73M available and still have other players to consider, like Cooper, Austin, Cobb, Heath, Rush, and Sean Lee.
Going to be interesting to see if they franchise tag Dak, or Cooper.
Chargers have parted ways with Phillip Rivers. Apparently a mutual agreement. Will be interesting to see who they sign/draft and where Rivers will end up, if he doesn't retire.
nels1031 wrote: Chargers have parted ways with Phillip Rivers. Apparently a mutual agreement. Will be interesting to see who they sign/draft and where Rivers will end up, if he doesn't retire.
Brady to the Chargers continues to seem like a real possibility.
Easy E wrote: So, did anyone watch any of the XFL? I did not..... but was curious what NFL fans may have thought.
Zero interest from me.
There's just too much good TV out right now for me to waste on whats essentially a minor league. Probably worse than a minor league, actually. Though I do think XFL could be a good litmus test on some rule changes/tweaks and NFL proper will gauge public interest in that..
Easy E wrote: So, did anyone watch any of the XFL? I did not..... but was curious what NFL fans may have thought.
Zero interest from me.
There's just too much good TV out right now for me to waste on whats essentially a minor league. Probably worse than a minor league, actually. Though I do think XFL could be a good litmus test on some rule changes/tweaks and NFL proper will gauge public interest in that..
Plus, baseball in a few weeks!
Umm. . . . 6 Nations >>>>>>> XFL. And even if there weren't 6 Nations, MLR kicked back up, both of which are miles better than some spring football. And then there's the baseball thing, and we've already had the first of the major motor races on the calendar year (Daytona 24 hour), plus all the other shows, documentaries and everything else in life. I really don't want, or need any more football
The Cowboys reportedly offered Dak Prescott $33m/yr, That's more than Wentz and comparable to Goff and Rodgers.
He turned it down. Apparently, Dak wants Russel Wilson money, roughly $35m/yr.
He isn't worth it. Even with healthy receivers and having Elliot, he couldn't make the playoffs this season. He only has 1 post season win.
The salary cap issues that arise even at only $33m/yr. The Cowboys have @$73M available and still have other players to consider, like Cooper, Austin, Cobb, Heath, Rush, and Sean Lee.
Going to be interesting to see if they franchise tag Dak, or Cooper.
Dak proving to be a real Diva. He posts some okay numbers but Russle Wilson money? HAHA. Wilson is top tier.
The Cowboys reportedly offered Dak Prescott $33m/yr, That's more than Wentz and comparable to Goff and Rodgers.
He turned it down. Apparently, Dak wants Russel Wilson money, roughly $35m/yr.
He isn't worth it. Even with healthy receivers and having Elliot, he couldn't make the playoffs this season. He only has 1 post season win.
The salary cap issues that arise even at only $33m/yr. The Cowboys have @$73M available and still have other players to consider, like Cooper, Austin, Cobb, Heath, Rush, and Sean Lee.
Going to be interesting to see if they franchise tag Dak, or Cooper.
Dak proving to be a real Diva. He posts some okay numbers but Russle Wilson money? HAHA. Wilson is top tier.
One story had Dak asking for $40mil, which would leave @$33mil for everyone else. Think Cooper stays for less than $20mil? He made $13M last year. Even restructuring some of their contracts, those two are gonna take a big bite.
The Cowboys reportedly offered Dak Prescott $33m/yr, That's more than Wentz and comparable to Goff and Rodgers.
He turned it down. Apparently, Dak wants Russel Wilson money, roughly $35m/yr.
He isn't worth it. Even with healthy receivers and having Elliot, he couldn't make the playoffs this season. He only has 1 post season win.
The salary cap issues that arise even at only $33m/yr. The Cowboys have @$73M available and still have other players to consider, like Cooper, Austin, Cobb, Heath, Rush, and Sean Lee.
Going to be interesting to see if they franchise tag Dak, or Cooper.
Dak proving to be a real Diva. He posts some okay numbers but Russle Wilson money? HAHA. Wilson is top tier.
One story had Dak asking for $40mil, which would leave @$33mil for everyone else. Think Cooper stays for less than $20mil? He made $13M last year. Even restructuring some of their contracts, those two are gonna take a big bite.
IMO Cooper is a must sign. Dak? Let him try out the free agent money. No one else is going to offer him 33 million.
I wouldn't overpay Cooper any more than overpay Prescott. Hell, especially if you choose not to pay Prescott and want to wander the no-QB wilderness.
Cooper has consistently been a 70 catch, 1000-1100 yard, 7 TD kind of player. That fact that he might set the market for the position demonstrates everything that's stupid about free agency and how some teams operate.
It's easier to replace Cooper's production with Prescott in the fold than Prescott's production with Cooper in the fold. Prescott's demands may get outrageous and that may be a problem, but the overall priority is pretty easy and clear.
Considering there are 36 QBs available in FA and the big three of Brees, Rivers, and Brady... Ok, those three are in the 38+, end of carreer club.
Still, there are a lot of guys (@20) under 30 who might be a better fit than Dak, especially with a new coach in Dallas.
Winston just had Lasic to correct his vision, fixing the need to squint to see the sidelines. Should also fix the INT problems he had.
Dallas also has 31 players including their top 3 Receivers: Cooper, Cobb, and Austin, Plus Witten, and Jarwin hitting FA. They don't have the money to pay them all.
By contrast, Philadelphia has 20 going FA and only a handful of "Must Signs", mainly Bradham and Jenkins, and a lot of the others being fairly young and cheap to resign.
For the first time in his career, Tom Brady will play his home games outside Foxborough, Massachusetts, after he announced via Twitter he will not return to the New England Patriots:
Brady, 42, will go down as arguably the greatest quarterback, and perhaps player, in NFL history. The superstar is a six-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Super Bowl MVP, 14-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL MVP. Since becoming a starter in 2001, he led the Patriots to 17 AFC East titles, 17 postseason berths and nine trips to the Super Bowl.
He's also second all-time in passing touchdowns (541) and second in passing yards (74,571). No coach and quarterback duo has won more regular-season games (219) and postseason games (30) than Bill Belichick and Brady, and it's not close.
Brady famously was a sixth-round pick in the 2000 NFL draft (No. 199 overall) and started his career as Drew Bledsoe's backup. When Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the 2001 season, Brady stepped in and promptly led the team to an 11-3 record the rest of the regular season and a Super Bowl title.
The starting job has been Brady's since, marking one of the longest stretches of dominance in professional sports.
The only blights on Brady's resume are the two major Patriots scandals throughout the years, Spygate and Deflategate, with the latter directly involving the signal-caller. But his composure under pressure in late-game situations, and his longevity, consistency and success make him perhaps the most decorated player in NFL history.
His eschewing retirement for at least another season won't surprise many. But his leaving the Patriots is a surprise. Seeing Brady playing for a new team will be strange in 2020. New decade, new Brady.
For the first time in his career, Tom Brady will play his home games outside Foxborough, Massachusetts, after he announced via Twitter he will not return to the New England Patriots:
Brady, 42, will go down as arguably the greatest quarterback, and perhaps player, in NFL history. The superstar is a six-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Super Bowl MVP, 14-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL MVP. Since becoming a starter in 2001, he led the Patriots to 17 AFC East titles, 17 postseason berths and nine trips to the Super Bowl.
He's also second all-time in passing touchdowns (541) and second in passing yards (74,571). No coach and quarterback duo has won more regular-season games (219) and postseason games (30) than Bill Belichick and Brady, and it's not close.
Brady famously was a sixth-round pick in the 2000 NFL draft (No. 199 overall) and started his career as Drew Bledsoe's backup. When Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the 2001 season, Brady stepped in and promptly led the team to an 11-3 record the rest of the regular season and a Super Bowl title.
The starting job has been Brady's since, marking one of the longest stretches of dominance in professional sports.
The only blights on Brady's resume are the two major Patriots scandals throughout the years, Spygate and Deflategate, with the latter directly involving the signal-caller. But his composure under pressure in late-game situations, and his longevity, consistency and success make him perhaps the most decorated player in NFL history.
His eschewing retirement for at least another season won't surprise many. But his leaving the Patriots is a surprise. Seeing Brady playing for a new team will be strange in 2020. New decade, new Brady.
I'm near Tampa Bay (despite being a Ravens fan) and folks around here are losing their minds! It's the perfect time for some good news, and man was this it as far as sports go
It's just as likely to be a sideshow. Brady is going to butt heads with Arians, a "quarterbacks coach". Arians won't want to just let Tom be Tom, he's going to try to "coach him up".
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