On a serious note: How much is Jerry Jones paying all the sport guys to promote the Cowboys?
Many of them are saying Dallas wins 10-12 games vs the rest of the NFC East (ok that's 4 wins), NFC West (maybe one win), AFC North (2 wins) Vikings, and Falcons. Then they talk up nearly every team that Dallas is playing, most predicting winning seasons for 2/3 of them.
I wonder which 4-6 games they expect the Cowboys to lose. Seattle, 49ers, Ravens, one vs Philly?
Sorry, no. McCarthy isn't the guru some think he is. Dak isn't the QB many think he is. And given some of the QB's they will be facing, that crap secondary is going to cost them.
Dallas is going to be the same they have been, an average team with maybe 9 wins.
So The sports pundits, ok, most of them, feel that the Dallas Cowboys are going to be great, going for 10-12 wins.
Um, nope.
Their schedule I posted about above.
Lets talk CeeDee Lamb.
Yeah, he put up great numbers in college. Against Defenses that think Cornerback is some kind of back up Safety. Plus look at who was throwing to him: Baker Mayfield - Heisman Trophy winner, Kyler Murray - Heisman Trophy winner, Jalen Hurts - Heisman Trophy runner up. How does Dak measure up? Finished 8th for the Heisman with 2 first place votes.
Other college stats look about the same.
Dak: 734 Comp/1,169 Att = 62.8%, 8 yd avg, 70TD/22Int
Baker Mayfield: 1,026/1,497 = 68.5%, 9.8 Yd avg, 131TD/30Int
Kyler Murray (3 yr stats): 350/519 = 67.4%, 10.4 Yd Avg, 50TD/14Int
Jalen Hurts: 682/1047 = 65.1%, 9.1 Yd Avg, 80TD/20Int
NFL Average 2019: 354.1/557.9 = 63.5%, 11.4 Yd avg, 24.9TD/12.8Int
Dak Prescott 2019: 388/596 = 65.1%, 8.2 Yd Avg, 30TD/11Int
Dak still gonna be Dak. Adding receivers isn't going to change that.
trexmeyer wrote: They picked up the coach that squandered the prime years of Aaron Rodgers and think that he's going to lead them to glory? What are they huffing?
I'm a bit of a Rodgers disbeliever / hater... I feel like a great QB would win more anyway. Last year they moved to a run heavy offense and were much more successful.
I know he had a great game yesterday, but overall I think ever since he won the Super Bowl his competitive fire just wasn't there anymore.
Looks like the Chiefs are going to be tough to beat again, very convincing looking performance against the Texans.
I'm hoping the 49'ers will do well but it looks like a tough division for them, and not off to a good start now.
What are people's thoughts on how Brady will do at the Buccaneers (and conversely, how a Brady-less Patriots team will do?)
Well Tampa Bay lost and New England won. It's just amazing that Brady is still playing, let alone starting, at 43. The primary issue I see is Tampa Bay's coach publicly pinning blame on Brady after one game.
RiTides wrote:
trexmeyer wrote: They picked up the coach that squandered the prime years of Aaron Rodgers and think that he's going to lead them to glory? What are they huffing?
I'm a bit of a Rodgers disbeliever / hater... I feel like a great QB would win more anyway. Last year they moved to a run heavy offense and were much more successful.
I know he had a great game yesterday, but overall I think ever since he won the Super Bowl his competitive fire just wasn't there anymore.
His playoff stats are 64.3% completion, 7.6 Y/A, 6.1 TD%, 1.8 Int%, 6.7 N/YA.
Better than Brady in each category. Heck, Brady won his last Superbowl with 2 TDs and 3 Ints in 3 games.
Better than Peyton Manning in each category. He has 40 TDs in 19 games vs 27 games for Manning. More telling is that Manning has 2 rings, but threw 5 TDs and 8 Ints in those runs combined.
Brees has very comparable playoff numbers and they're both in the 1 ring boat. While Eli has two.
Lets talk about Owens. That is the 0-1 teams that will be facing each other this week.
First up the fight for last place in the AFC North: Thursday's match between Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Neither team looked impressive on Offense last week. The Browns defense looked horrid. This is either going to be a low scoring snooze fest or a high scoring bore fest.
I'm gonna give this to the Bengals.
Next: Atlanta at Dallas.
Atlanta's got the better passing game, hitting 450 yds against Seattle. Dallas had trouble with the pass last week, I think that trend continues. Dallas' run game was... ok. Zeke did more in the pass game though. Still, It's the Cowboys at home with limited or no crowd.
Atlanta takes the close one.
Vikings at Colts.
The Colts probably should have won last week. They simple got out played in the second half. That lack of preseason hurt a lot of teams and they looked gassed at the end. That said, Minnesota was terrible on all phases last week.
I think Indy wins this in a walk.
San Fran at NY Jets.
Not much to say here. Jets are still working things out
49ers win.
Finally, Carolina at Tampa Bay.
Brady didn't look like Good Ol' Tom, more like OLD Tom. He gets a second chance against a weaker Defense this week. Panthers allowed the same number of passing yards as Brady threw for. He will have to work with the penalties that the younger guys are committing, and his O-line issues.
Still, looks like a win for Tampa Bay.
Rodgers and Brees rack up a lot of empty numbers. Both are great QBs and will deservedly go into the HoF. But within that company, neither is quite as great as their numbers might suggest IMO.
Now Phillip Rivers might be the all-time NFL king of empty numbers. Dude's been choking away games for his whole career, and yet media and fans talk like he's elite just because he's good in fantasy.
gorgon wrote: Rodgers and Brees rack up a lot of empty numbers. Both are great QBs and will deservedly go into the HoF. But within that company, neither is quite as great as their numbers might suggest IMO.
What exactly do you mean not that great? Rodgers is a top 5-10 all time QB and Brees is a top 10-15 at least. I can only see Brady, Montana, and maybe P. Manning and S.Young being ranked above Rodgers.
gorgon wrote: Rodgers and Brees rack up a lot of empty numbers. Both are great QBs and will deservedly go into the HoF. But within that company, neither is quite as great as their numbers might suggest IMO.
What exactly do you mean not that great? Rodgers is a top 5-10 all time QB and Brees is a top 10-15 at least. I can only see Brady, Montana, and maybe P. Manning and S.Young being ranked above Rodgers.
It really depends on what stats you are looking at.
Raw win record yeah they all look good. (regular season, at least 50 starts.)
Brees is #4 164/111, Rivers #9 123/102, Rodgers #12 114/60/1. (W/L/T)
But if you look at win/loss percentage: Brees - .596 #38, Rivers - .547 #58, Rodgers - .654 #14, out of the top 100. Jim McMahon and Steve Young rank higher.
Yeah, Brees has thrown for a ton of yards, 77,576, 281.07 per game, but if you look at the other two: Rivers - 59,634, 260.41pg, Rodgers - 47,310, 259.95 both good for the top 10 in total yards, and YPG.
Still, winning is a thing to take into consideration, and these three are not doing that as well as others.
Edit: Bradshaw and Stabler are above him. I can't imagine anyone would argue that either one is a superior quarterback.
Again, it depends on what stats you look at. Yours is QBs with 100+ wins. Mine was QB with 50+ STARTS.
Rodgers has 175 STARTS and 114 WINS.
Bradshaw had 158 Starts and 107 Wins.
Stabler had 146 Starts and 96 Wins.
Note that these stats only count Games they Started, not played, nor do they count Post Season, just Regular Season.
For the record, Tom Brady Played in 286 Regular Season games, but only Started in 284. He has 219 Wins in those games.
Different Stats tell different stories.
Bengals at Browns.... Got that one wrong. What is up with the Bengals D? My sister tackles better than that and she is in a wheelchair.
gorgon wrote: Rodgers and Brees rack up a lot of empty numbers. Both are great QBs and will deservedly go into the HoF. But within that company, neither is quite as great as their numbers might suggest IMO.
What exactly do you mean not that great? Rodgers is a top 5-10 all time QB and Brees is a top 10-15 at least. I can only see Brady, Montana, and maybe P. Manning and S.Young being ranked above Rodgers.
Reading is key...see the added emphasis to my post. I'm not sure that Rodgers or Brees will genuinely be among the top guys within the HoF. Seem like middle-of-the pack guys to me. Their inflated numbers -- and again, fans' interest in fantasy football -- have skewed perspectives.
Championships...or hell, even championship appearances matter. You can't go on raw numbers because the rules around the passing game are different than they were 10 years ago, let alone how wildly different they were 20 or 30 ago. Yes, it's a team game. But quarterback -- at basically any level of the game -- is the most important position on the field and the one most tied to a team's fortunes. It matters how they deliver in the big moments. Rodgers' and Brees' teams have flamed out a LOT in the playoffs...often as favorites.
Is either actually better than Jim Kelly? Kelly famously didn't win a SB, but he got his team there four straight times. That's insanely hard. And he was the man there...wasn't like the team was carrying HIM. What about Roger Staubach? Wasn't flashy and his career was short, but he won it twice and got there four times. If not for the Steelers, he'd be a four-time champ. That guy LED...wasn't a head case like Rodgers.
Hell, is Rodgers even better than the other two Packers quarterbacks? Bart Starr won five NFL championships and 2 SBs, and unquestionably LED that team. Meanwhile, Favre has better numbers and qualitatively a similar career at worst. At least Favre got to a second SB. Rodgers still might, but I'm not sure how one can rank Rodgers ahead of Favre right now except to dive into numbers (INT% or whatever) that are skewed across eras.
I mean, really? Rodgers ahead of Elway? Unitas? He basically set every record, redefined the position, and was considered to be the greatest all-time when he retired. No one's going to say that about Rodgers. Bradshaw? Marino? He didn't win a SB, but he *shattered* records. Rodgers racked up numbers, but didn't do in his era what Marino did in his.
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helgrenze wrote: Bengals at Browns.... Got that one wrong. What is up with the Bengals D? My sister tackles better than that and she is in a wheelchair.
I think the Browns have much more talent overall. Burrow may end up better than Mayfield, but he's still a rook and the Browns are better at WR, RB and probably OL also. Browns invested in OL during the offseason. Think they have more pieces on defense also. Main problem with the Browns is the whole organization, LOL. Not that the Bengals are much better in that regard. Browns aren't world-beaters, but they were better talent-wise than their 6-10 record last year.
Football is a team sport. You don't win championships without a good team. No QB has ever carried his team to a Superbowl and there are multiple instances of mediocre to poor (for their era) QBs winning one or more Superbowls. Bradshaw (4) and Eli Manning (2) being the ones that immediately come to mind.
Seriously, just looking at the last few Superbowls.
2020 - Mahomes will likely be a HOF barring injury, key to the run, poor performance in the SB until the 4th. Garoppolo was worse.
2019 - Brady got another ring, but in a 13-3 victory I don't see how anyone can chalk that up to QB performing well. That was a defensive victory. In terms of legacy, cool he got another ring. He threw 2 TDs and 3 Ints in 3 playoff games. In an era that favors passing. They won despite him.
2018 - Brady showed out this time, but lost to Nick Foles, who has never even started a full 16 game season and has one Pro Bowl appearance.
2017 - Another good performance by Brady and a win.
2016 - P. Manning got his second win, but threw for 140~ yards, 0 TD, 1 Int. He had all of 500~ yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int, in 3 games. He was carried by his team.
2015 - Brady threw 2 picks, but played mostly well and won.
2014 - P.Manning choked. Well, all of Denver choked. Wilson played well, but this was a defensive win. Wilson's 2 TD passes came after they were up 29-0. Game was over.
2013 - Flacco played great, but he's a mediocre QB for the era and likely not going to make the HOF.
2012 - E. Manning was efficient and the Giants won, but again he's a mediocre QB for the era and likely not going to make the HOF.
2011 - Rodgers played well and Green Bay became the 2nd? 6th seed to win a Superbowl.
2010 - Brees was insanely efficient (32/39) and the Saints won. P. Manning wasn't amazing, but I wouldn't say (31/45, 333, 1 TD, 1 Int) constitutes a choke necessarily.
2009 - Roethlisberger was OK, but Warner outplayed him. Pittsburgh still won, but the 2nd Quarter pick-6 was game defining play.
2008 - Neither E. Manning or Brady were particularly good, but E. Manning and the Giants won. It was a great game to watch, but I can't attribute a 17-14 victory to either QB.
2007 - P. Manning had another mediocre performance, but the Colts won. I don't think he deserved the MVP. Hayden's pick 6 sealed the victory and they relied heavily on Vinatieri (3/3 FG, 2/3 PA) to put up points.
2006 - Roethlisberger was 9/21 for 123 yards 0 TDs and 2 Ints. He did run for 1 TD and the Steelers won, but he nearly cost them the game.
I could keep going...but I think this is sufficient. So from 2006-2020, I would say only 8/15 victories could be largely attributed specifically to QB play.
So that poor-to-mediocre QB Terry Bradshaw was a 3-time Pro Bowler, first team All-Pro in 1978 (also NFL MVP and Bert Bell award winner that year), and second team All-Pro in 1979 (also SI Sportsman of the Year). And was twice SB MVP. So it's not just people looking back after his career and pumping him up after being carried to SB wins. He was thought to be a top quarterback in his day once he entered his prime.
And in a number of those examples you list, the winning quarterback provided clutch plays to deliver the win. Because I know SB XLIII well, I'll cite the example of Roethlisberger taking his team on a game-winning 78-drive, while Warner threw a terrible pick 6 from the Steelers' 5? yard line before halftime that almost certainly cost them the game. Who delivered in the most crucial moments?
In SBLII, Foles marched his team to a go-ahead TD with 2 minutes left in the game. Brady got the ball back and FUMBLED. Who cares about breeding? Foles delivered and Brady didn't!
Last year, Mahomes led them to 21 points in the final 6-plus minutes and you're dismissing it? You're so far down the stats rabbit hole that you're dismissing obviously clutch playmaking. Quarterbacking isn't about yardage totals and completion percentages. It's about MAKING PLAYS for your team at the right time, and that's true at almost any level of the game. Fantasy football has warped too many fans' thinking on this.
helgrenze wrote: Bengals at Browns.... Got that one wrong. What is up with the Bengals D? My sister tackles better than that and she is in a wheelchair.
I think the Browns have much more talent overall. Burrow may end up better than Mayfield, but he's still a rook and the Browns are better at WR, RB and probably OL also. Browns invested in OL during the offseason. Think they have more pieces on defense also. Main problem with the Browns is the whole organization, LOL. Not that the Bengals are much better in that regard. Browns aren't world-beaters, but they were better talent-wise than their 6-10 record last year.
Thing is, it wasn't just Chubb and Hunt getting 3+ yards after hard contact. The receivers and TEs were getting that too.
Well, good tackling was already at an all-time low thanks to the goofy college game and restrictions on full-contact practices, and this year they skipped preseason. So it's probably going to be rough around the league this year in that department.
A little off topic but whats up with penalties challenges being such a joke?
NFL makes PI challengeable but wont ever overturn anything because they have redic standards to overturn. How about - take a look in slow motion and make the correct call - the objective call. Coaches wont even challenge a PI because they basically never overturn it.
Reason I mention it - The Jags Titans Game. Titans have 3rd down outside of FG range (It woulda been a 58 yarder) Miles Jack makes and incredible play on the 3rd down pass and swats the ball down. There was some intermittent contact but it's clear both players are just diving for the ball. The announcers said they thought it was clean - I thought it was clean. No PI should have been called.
Nope - Officials decide the titans should win this game in a 30/30 game. Great defensive play overruled and basically a free FG granted. I am tired beyond all belief of officials deciding games like this. Jags should have challenged the PI but granted the games situation - failure of the challenge would have made it that much harder to win. Its a gamble ether way. Currently PI challenge has a 21% success rate - pathetic when you consider coaches only challenge questionable calls.
Xenomancers wrote: A little off topic but whats up with penalties challenges being such a joke?
NFL makes PI challengeable but wont ever overturn anything because they have redic standards to overturn. How about - take a look in slow motion and make the correct call - the objective call. Coaches wont even challenge a PI because they basically never overturn it.
Reason I mention it - The Jags Titans Game. Titans have 3rd down outside of FG range (It woulda been a 58 yarder) Miles Jack makes and incredible play on the 3rd down pass and swats the ball down. There was some intermittent contact but it's clear both players are just diving for the ball. The announcers said they thought it was clean - I thought it was clean. No PI should have been called.
Nope - Officials decide the titans should win this game in a 30/30 game. Great defensive play overruled and basically a free FG granted. I am tired beyond all belief of officials deciding games like this. Jags should have challenged the PI but granted the games situation - failure of the challenge would have made it that much harder to win. Its a gamble ether way. Currently PI challenge has a 21% success rate - pathetic when you consider coaches only challenge questionable calls.
They took the PI challenge out.
NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay confirms to @SiriusXMNFL that pass interference penalties will NOT be reviewable again in 2020.
On another note... Week 3 Owens Only one game where both teams are 0-2
Cincinnati at Philadelphia
Oh boy. Kind of a must win for both teams. Eagles looked bad in both the games they lost, but so did the Bengals. On Offense, Philly is slightly better at the pass and Cincy is better on the run. On Defense, both are looking pretty good against the pass, but Eagles have an advantage against the run. Sacks and turnovers decided the last two for Philly.
Eagles Pass Rush vs rookie QB from a Conference that doesn't get after the passer could be the difference maker.
Calling for Philly.... hopefully.
We also have a pair of 2-0v2-0 games.
LA Rams at Buffalo
Bills pass game vs Rams Pass Def, Rams Run game vs Bills Run Def. Could be a fun one to watch.
Going Buffalo here.
Kansas City at Baltimore Monday Night.
This could be a preview of the AFC Title Game.
Baltimore has the stouter Def but only a slight edge on Off.
I'm thinking Ravens win this one.
So far I'm 3-2 on these picks... Would be 4-1 if the Falcons knew the Onside Kick rules, only the kicking team has to wait for the ball to go 10 yards. The receiving team can recover the ball at any point.
I know it's early, but Packers are 3-0 and Cowboys are 1-2. The talking heads strike again. Also, Russell Wilson has 14 touchdown passes already. His career high is 35 so he'd have to throw only 22 over 13 games to pass it. Based on his game logs over the last 3 seasons I think he's good for 40 if he just plays to that level.
UGLY game for the Eagles. Some would say 'A tie isn't a loss'. I disagree. Something is very wrong there and it's not all on Wentz's shoulders. They need to make changes in their conditioning room and Scout staff.
The Scouts for WR and DB are not making good recommendations.
Almost all of their injuries are conditioning ones.
Maybe they should bring Josh McCown in as an assistant QB coach.
Dallas was almost gifted another win by their opponant. Metcalf should have known better.
Punting from the opponent's 40-something yard line with 19 seconds left in overtime was certainly an interesting choice. Talk about a display of zero faith in your squad. It's not like the Bengals moved the football in overtime.
Doesn't make any sense to me. If you have that little faith in your team, then why not go for the win anyway, since not many of those will be coming this season.
gorgon wrote: Punting from the opponent's 40-something yard line with 19 seconds left in overtime was certainly an interesting choice. Talk about a display of zero faith in your squad. It's not like the Bengals moved the football in overtime.
Doesn't make any sense to me. If you have that little faith in your team, then why not go for the win anyway, since not many of those will be coming this season.
I agree.
Part of the problem is nothing is gelling on the offense for the Eagles. You can blame Roseman (the GM) but he can only work from what the scouts are telling him. Right now, they have 3 players that are reliable receivers, Ward, Ertz, and Goddard... and Goddard is now hurt.
The Chiefs will lose one that should be an obvious win... That's kind of a Reid thing. Happened every year he was coach of the Eagles.
And Philly has a lot of injury issues too. Like I said a lot of them are conditioning injuries. I played football and ran track, I know what kind of injuries can happen if you don't stretch daily. Pulling up lame after little to no contact - that's conditioning. Most hamstring and groin injuries fall into that.
I think in 3-5 years (barring injury) Pat Mahomes will surpass Marino, Rodgers, and Brees in career accomplishments. In 10 he'll be second only to Brady and Montana unless he doesn't win another Super Bowl during that time.
Well, That was a thing. TNF was an interesting match up.
This week we will be asking who gets their first Win.
Jacksonville at Cincinnati.
0-2-1 Bengals, thanks to the Eagles, look much better in the stat line than they are.
The Jag are likely to Tiger King them this week.
NYG at LAR.
#3 Offense (LAR) vs the #32(NYG). Giants have a slightly better Defense but ... Not seeing it play out. Jones isn't Eli. LAR Rush game is on point, vs what is an average run Def.
No win for NYG yet.
Atlanta at Green Bay.
Both have top 10 Offenses, but The Packers are better on D. #31 Defense vs Aaron Rodgers and the #6 passing game?
GB takes this one.
Philadelphia at San Francisco
This is going to be so ugly for Philly fans, I may not watch. (yeah I'm an Eagles Fan).
A misfiring Wentz + a depleted receiver corpse vs the #2 Pass Defense? Interestingly, Both teams have top 5 Defenses.
Still, it would take something truly spectacular for an Eagles win.
Finally, The Owen game of the week.
Minnesota at Houston. Both are 0-3.
Someone has to win... right? I mean a second Tie can't happen can it?
Texans have the better Passing game and Defense, Vikings have the better run game.
Not saying much as both teams are bottom 10 on Offense and Defense.
Betting against the Tie, but I have no idea who wins this.
Coin flip says Vikings.
Why are the Patriots so bad this year?
Bill Belichick is getting old and can't teach coaching. Look at his "Coaching Tree", most coming out of his camp have lousy records.
Its telling that the most successful coach to come out of Belichick' program is at a college program.
I'm no NE fan, but I think you have the wrong conclusion there. In fact, Belichick is known to be a great teacher of football. There's a whole system you go through with him, starting with breaking down endless amounts of film. He takes smart young coaches with very little experience and molds them into NFL coordinators, one after another. Look at Patricia's resume before joining Belichick. Josh McDaniels, same thing. Eric Mangini.
His Patriots tree fails because said coordinators go elsewhere and try to replicate the Patriots' formula. And the Patriots' formula is Belichick. He's the real brains behind it all and what they can't replicate is him. I guess O'Brien was probably his most successful disciple from his current NE stint, but note that O'Brien had more experience and was more fully molded -- including being a coordinator at major college programs TWICE -- before joining him in NE. Charlie Weis worked under Parcells going way back, so it's hard to call him a BB disciple. Parcells has an amazing coaching tree, FWIW.
Anyway, what BB really churns out in NE are assistants for him, not necessarily future NFL coaches. Jury's still out on Flores, though. We also shouldn't forget that Mr. Saban has been one of the greatest college coaches ever. That has to count.
There have been comparisons to Andy Reid's coaching tree.
Yeah, BB teaches how to be HIS assistant, not someone who could replace him. As the saying goes, "As hire As. Bs hire Cs.". If you don't want to train your replacement, you hire people you can train to not replace you.
Reid's former assistants have had more success in other programs, a few even making their own, and winning with them.
Here’s a look at how Reid and Belichick’s coaching trees compare:
Belichick:
Bill O’Brien, Texans 54–48 (.529)
Matt Patricia, Lions 9–22–1 (.297)
Brian Flores, Dolphins 5–11 (.313)
Romeo Crennel 28–55 (.337)
Al Groh 9–7 (NFL)
Josh McDaniels 11–17 (.393)
Eric Mangini 33–48 (.407)
Jim Schwartz 29–52 (.358)
Nick Saban, Alabama 15–17 (.469) (NFL)
Jason Garrett, Cowboys (via Saban) 87–70 (.554)
Adam Gase, Jets (via Saban) 30–35 (.462)
Joe Judge, Giants
Combined record: 281-330-1
Playoff appearances: 8
Super Bowl titles: 0
Pat Shurmur, Giants (fired) 9-23 (.281)
Todd Bowles, Jets (fired) 26–41 (.388)
John Harbaugh, Ravens 128–81 (.612)
Sean McDermott, Bills 25–25 (.500)
Ron Rivera, Washington 79–67–1 (.541)
Steve Wilks, Cardinals (via Rivera, fired by Cardinals) 3–13 (.188)
Doug Pederson, Eagles 42–28 (.600)
Frank Reich, Colts (via Pederson) 18–16 (.529)
Matt Nagy, Bears 20–13 (.606)
Combined record: 350-307-1
Playoff appearances: 19
Super Bowl titles: 2
That's great from a certain standpoint, all those rings, but it doesn't translate down the line. 12 assistants go to head coaching jobs and the most successful found it at the college level.
My point is once BB leaves, for whatever reason, there isn't anyone who can take over.
It's a philosophy difference.
"Great from a certain standpoint"? Like...winning?
When Belichick leaves the Pats, he'll have a 20+ year legacy that includes 17 AFC East division titles, 13 appearances in the AFCCG, and 9 SB appearances including 6 wins. Is that...not enough? That when he moves on, he'll somehow have done them a disservice?
I have no idea what your angle is here. Is it that Andy Reid is a better coach than Belichick? Andy Reid's wife doesn't even believe that. I have no love of him or that organization but it is what it is.
Not saying he did NE a disservice, but his coaching assistants? That's another story. It's certain he is getting into the Hall, but he isn't likely to take too many others with him.
Belichick's system seems to work with very specific pieces. That's what we are seeing right now. He doesn't have Brady, or Gronk. Cam is a different kind of QB.
Tom was never a runner, Cam is, or has been. There are different skills available with each. BB's system is basically designed around Brady and his. Cam isn't a good fit for it. That's why NE isn't looking as good as they have in the past.
Not doing too bad this year I'm 8-4-1 with my picks on here. Doing about average with my pool though.
This week we take a look at who is gonna get their first!
Lets start with first win.
The 0-4 Falcons host the 2-2 Panthers.
The Falcons Def is on the ropes at #31. the Panthers look strong enough to keep them there.
Dirty Birds go 0-5.
The 0-4 NY Jets Host the 2-2 Cards.
Jets have the #31 Offense and their Defense is average. AZ is going to run all over them.
NY Jets drop to 0-5.
0-4 Houston hosts 1-3 Jacksonville. It seems like there's a theme here.
Houston has the worst run Def going against a team the doesn't run much. Texans passing game should win this one.
Houston gets a W.
The 0-4 NY Giants H... travel to 1-3 Dallas.
The Cowboys are facing yet another tough Def. Too bad they are also facing a bad Offense. Giants have the #32 Off against the #30 Def. Maybe they find a way to keep the Cowboys off the field or something. Still, not looking good for the Giants.
0-5 for the other NY team.
Now the who is looking at their First Loss.
4-0 Buffalo at 3-0 Tennessee.
Bills have a slightly better Off and a slightly better Def. But Titans are coming off an extra Bye, and don't have to travel, so they should be rested.
Still... I'm thinking the lack of practice hurts them
Titans get the L here.
2-2 Vegas at 4-0 KC
The only thing the Raiders do better than the Chiefs is Run Def.... and not by much.
I don't think Carr can out gun Mahomes
KC goes to 5-0
1-3 Vikings on the road to 4-0 Seattle
Neither team is good against the Pass, Seahawks Can hope their #3 run defense will hold up against the #5 Run Offense.
On the other side of things, their #3 pass game is going against one of the worst pass Def in the game.
Seahawks move to 5-0
Finally, The battle for Pennsylvania.
1-2-1 Philadelphia, takes the turnpike to 3-0 Pittsburgh.
Can Wentz and P-squad All Stars find a way to win this one? Philly fans can hope. Really its all they got right now.
I don't think this ends with a tie, though it might be close. Going against the grain here and saying hope wins.
Steelers drop to 3-1.
Well, The Tenn/Pitts game was "postponed" until.... Oct 25 and the Pitt/Balti game that was scheduled is being moved to their mutual Bye week on Nov 1.
It is being reported they have no positive tests as of today though.
The NFL had no real plan compared to any other league. Apparently they thought it was going to just go away. They could have built in extra bye weeks to allow for game movement. They were lucky with the Steelers/Titans game that bye weeks were available. As the season goes on, they'll have to decide whether to call forfeits or extend the season (and that doesn't seem feasible past a certain point).
You can say that baseball didn't bubble their sport either, but baseball is built to allow for game rescheduling because rainouts are a thing. Worse come to worse they play doubleheaders. The NFL doesn't have that flexibility. They look ridiculous. They had more time than any other sport to figure it out and didn't. Wait until cases really increase heading into winter.
I've enjoyed the NBA bubble because I really love basketball, but none of these leagues should have started back up. At least the NBA executed it very well.
gorgon wrote: The NFL had no real plan compared to any other league. Apparently they thought it was going to just go away. They could have built in extra bye weeks to allow for game movement. They were lucky with the Steelers/Titans game that bye weeks were available. As the season goes on, they'll have to decide whether to call forfeits or extend the season (and that doesn't seem feasible past a certain point).
You can say that baseball didn't bubble their sport either, but baseball is built to allow for game rescheduling because rainouts are a thing. Worse come to worse they play doubleheaders. The NFL doesn't have that flexibility. They look ridiculous. They had more time than any other sport to figure it out and didn't. Wait until cases really increase heading into winter.
I think it's naturally harder for the NFL though, by dint of how big just their player rosters are, without even getting into coaches, their assistants, medical staff and the amount of media/cameramen required.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, Dak's injury was pretty gross.
Until NFL defenses figure out Ryan Tannehill (I cannot believe I am typing that sentence but that shows what Gase does for anyone not named Peyton) or Derrick Henry catches the injury bug - legit.
There are 3 teams currently fighting for the chance to be last. lets look at how the Owens will likely fare this week.
Falcons 0-5 at Vikings 1-4.
Atlanta's 4th ranked pass game is going against a horrid pass D. Their run D should hold Minnesota down.
Falcon score a W.
Jets 0-5 at Dolphins 2-3
Neither team is showing much, but Miami is slightly better.
Coinflip says Dolphins.
Giants 0-5 host The TEAM 1-4!
2 rancid Offenses (32 & 30) face good Defenses (5 & 7). Washington has the better pass game.
Giants lose a close one.
Bonus,
Ravens 4-1 at Eagles1-3-1.
Philly will have some fans in the stands.
They also have the better Defense, and passing game. Could be an interesting game if the Eagles can stop the Ravens run game. They have been known to stifle the run so...
I think the Eagles find a way to win this week.
Added bonus.
Cardinals at Cowboys.
I don't expect Dalton to play up to the level of Dak. He's going to be facing a stiff pass rush that has 11 Sacks. Dallas' Defense is in the toilet.
This one goes against the Cowboys.
Oh my, did the Vikings look awful in that game against the Falcons.
It feels like there is a big gap between top and mid-tier teams this year. To be clear, I am NOT saying the Vikes or Falcons are top or mid-tier teams.
They doing better that the Cowboys. Currently 5th in most points allowed all time through 6 games at 218.
How historically bad is this?
The other top 5 were all before the "Superbowl Era".
It's also more than 1/3 of the record of most points allowed in a season, at the 1/3 of the season point.
McCarthy then said “We’re the worst in the league taking care of football,... It's frustrating to see the pattern here.”
I'm actually doing better than folks that get paid to do this. On to this week.
Since there is only one team with zero wins, lets start there.
Buffalo (4-2) at NY Jets (0-6)
Both teams are average on Defense but the Jets are a train wreck on Offense.
Bills in a walk.
On the Undies side...
Tennessee (5-0) Visit Pittsburgh (5-0)
Someone has to lose, right? Ok, the Bengals/Eagles game proved that isn't true. As opposed to the above, Both teams are average on offense, but Pitts has the WAY better Defense.
Steelers win, take the under.
Seattle (5-0) at Arizona (4-2)
Seahawks have the better Offense, Cards the better D. Kyler is going to have to make passes if they want to win. Given he is 5'10" and his Oline averages 6'5"... Don't see it happening.
Seahawks win a tight one.
NFC East... Or who wants last place in the worst Div?
Thursday NY Giants (1-5) at Philadelphia (1-4-1)
Giants are a little better on Defense, Both are top 10. Eagles are a little better on Offense, which isn't saying much. With Saquan out there is no Giants run game and Jones isn't making the throws.
Eagles get another win.
Dallas (2-4) visits DC (1-5)
Dallas' Offense looks good ...on paper, but what has them still as the #1 Offense is Dak. What we saw on Sunday is the Cowboys we should expect. The coaches are losing the locker room and there is no leadership among the players. The TEAM has the much better Defense. Turnovers abound here.
The TEAM gets a second win and Jerry has a meltdown.
helgrenze wrote: Skip Bayless.... This is how bad the Cowboys really are...
They are pretty awful without Dak, but Zeke fumbling what feels like every other touch isn't helping them at all.
On the upside tonight's Bears vs Rams game should be good. I feel like the Bears should win as long as the offense doesn't turn the ball over more 2+ times.
After yesterday, they lost Skip, so... He's been a Dallas fan as long as I have been an Eagles fan. But, yeah, they look like they have tossed the towel.
As for tonight's game, The Bears can win if they can keep the penalties down. This one comes down to how well the O-lines deal with the pass rush.
Wow what happened in the SF - NE game? Is Cam Newton still lacking practice time?
Did watch the Cardinals Cowboys game the other week as it's the one game you can watch for free in the UK (Channel 5 at stupid o'clock in the morning, but you can watch on catch-up). Have to say the first half especially was one of the lowest standard games I have seen in a while - although I don't know if it was the Cowboys dragging down the Cardinals to their level!
What is likely to happen at Dallas? The guys on The NFL show on the UK (Jason Bell and Osi Omenyoira) thought the poor coaching and control of the team is still down to Jerry Jones failure to delegate control, and you basically just end up with a bunch of yes-men working for him.
As for tonight's game, The Bears can win if they can keep the penalties down. This one comes down to how well the O-lines deal with the pass rush.
Found out the answer to the second part of this quote, they couldn't. The offense just looks lost and a good chunk of it seems like it is the play calling. Trying over and over to rush up the middle while Donald is on the field is an exercise in futility.
The Rams Punter did an amazing job putting the Bears in the "Coffin Corner". Kudos to him as Punters typically get no recognition, but the Rams punter Johnny Hekker deserves some!
Pacific wrote: Wow what happened in the SF - NE game? Is Cam Newton still lacking practice time?
We know that COVID can have long term impacts on health. It is hard not to watch his decline pre- and post- and wonder if he is continuing to suffer from its effects even if he is free of the virus. Especially as some of it looks as much physical as mental.
He could of course prove that totally wrong but it really is hard not to wonder about that given the night and day difference. That does not appear to just be rust and teams watching a few weeks of tape.
No prediction this past week as an Ice Storm knocked out power/net for a week.
All better now, but my yard looked like a war zone.
Sunday Night's game....
The Cowboys Special Teams guy would have looked like a genius... Take the safety, free kick, recover, score, onside kick, recover, score, win in OT.... If it had worked.
Which it didn't.
Eagles now have a semi comfortable 1.5 game lead on Washington with some tough games ahead.
I'm taking Tampa and the Over for Monday Night at NYG. Seems like smart money, I think they can cover 47 points.
With no predictions last week, My current record is 20-10-1. Still doing better than the guys that get paid for it.
Lots of teams with similar records playing this week but I'm gonna start with...
The NFC lEast
Philadelphia gets a week off, they need it.
Dallas is hosting the only Undie team - Pittsburgh.
Cowboys are done, folks, like how Larry Bird likes his steak done.
Steelers go 8-0. Take the under.
The TEAM is hosting the Giants.
Hard to root for either. For Eagles, the best case is a NYG win. I kinda doubt they get that lucky.
Washington goes to 2nd in the worst Div.
Speaking of Worst
Will the Jets finally win a game? They host the Patriots this week.
Cam may be done in NE, but may show signs of life in NJ. He really needs this win. If the Jets can keep him contained and throwing, they may win this. Doubt it.
Pats win an ugly one.
Lots of 5-2 games but the only other game I find interesting is
Seattle at Buffalo. Both at 6 wins.
Bills have a top 10 passing game going against the worst Pass D. On the run side they are within 10 yards on O but way off on D.
I think the open air and slight wind will hurt Seahawks a bit.
Bills in a close game.
So the 'free to view' game on UK TV this week is Patriots vs Jets
I assume this is going to be a contest of which team can be least bad? Can anyone say anything that could give me any enthusiasm to bother watching it?
Just started watching NFL after not watching for years. Got a new cable package with full sports included so I can watch the live games on Sky.
Can someone clear up a few things though for me please? What are the rules regarding being in bounds when scoring a touchdown? I watched several games where the receiver was in the air when he received the ball in the end zone and the commentators were talking about feet and elbows touching the ground and sideline.Obviously, the ball has to break the plane but does the receiver need to get both feet on the ground?
Also regarding spotting the ball - if a QB scrambles and gets tackled, is the ball spotted from where his body hits the ground? Or can he stretch out an arm with the ball and gain an extra yard like you can in rugby? I know that the down is taken from where forward motion is stopped; they don't count yards where the offense is pushed back upright by the defense.
filbert wrote: Just started watching NFL after not watching for years. Got a new cable package with full sports included so I can watch the live games on Sky.
Can someone clear up a few things though for me please? What are the rules regarding being in bounds when scoring a touchdown? I watched several games where the receiver was in the air when he received the ball in the end zone and the commentators were talking about feet and elbows touching the ground and sideline.Obviously, the ball has to break the plane but does the receiver need to get both feet on the ground?
Also regarding spotting the ball - if a QB scrambles and gets tackled, is the ball spotted from where his body hits the ground? Or can he stretch out an arm with the ball and gain an extra yard like you can in rugby? I know that the down is taken from where forward motion is stopped; they don't count yards where the offense is pushed back upright by the defense.
A receiver needs to have two body parts touch in bounds before anything else to count as a touchdown. It's usually two feet, but sometimes it's a knee and forearm or what have you.
The ball is spotted at it's furthest point. A ball carrier can stretch the ball forward to gain extra yardage.
filbert wrote: Just started watching NFL after not watching for years. Got a new cable package with full sports included so I can watch the live games on Sky.
Can someone clear up a few things though for me please? What are the rules regarding being in bounds when scoring a touchdown? I watched several games where the receiver was in the air when he received the ball in the end zone and the commentators were talking about feet and elbows touching the ground and sideline.Obviously, the ball has to break the plane but does the receiver need to get both feet on the ground?
Also regarding spotting the ball - if a QB scrambles and gets tackled, is the ball spotted from where his body hits the ground? Or can he stretch out an arm with the ball and gain an extra yard like you can in rugby? I know that the down is taken from where forward motion is stopped; they don't count yards where the offense is pushed back upright by the defense.
A receiver needs to have two body parts touch in bounds before anything else to count as a touchdown. It's usually two feet, but sometimes it's a knee and forearm or what have you.
The ball is spotted at it's furthest point. A ball carrier can stretch the ball forward to gain extra yardage.
OK that makes some more sense in the context of what I was seeing.
filbert wrote: Just started watching NFL after not watching for years. Got a new cable package with full sports included so I can watch the live games on Sky.
Can someone clear up a few things though for me please? What are the rules regarding being in bounds when scoring a touchdown? I watched several games where the receiver was in the air when he received the ball in the end zone and the commentators were talking about feet and elbows touching the ground and sideline.Obviously, the ball has to break the plane but does the receiver need to get both feet on the ground?
Also regarding spotting the ball - if a QB scrambles and gets tackled, is the ball spotted from where his body hits the ground? Or can he stretch out an arm with the ball and gain an extra yard like you can in rugby? I know that the down is taken from where forward motion is stopped; they don't count yards where the offense is pushed back upright by the defense.
A receiver needs to have two body parts touch in bounds before anything else to count as a touchdown. It's usually two feet, but sometimes it's a knee and forearm or what have you.
The ball is spotted at it's furthest point. A ball carrier can stretch the ball forward to gain extra yardage.
OK that makes some more sense in the context of what I was seeing.
That stretching can be dangerous though. There have been several times where a player tried to get the extra by stretching only to have the ball knocked out of their grip.
Also, Landing on your butt, even one cheek, counts for being inbounds.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
trexmeyer wrote: Mahomes now has 101 TD Passes to 19 Ints for his career. Disgusting.
I know, right?
He didn't have the decency to throw a pick instead of a TD to make it an even 100/20.
Record: 23-11-1 Though technically Washington did move to second in the NFC East...
On to this week.
The NY Jets are guaranteed to NOT LOSE this week. Maybe. They aren't playing so, little chance of a loss.
NFC East.
Dallas doesn't play but could lose ground.
Philadelphia at NYG
The Eagles have an 8 game win streak on the Giants that goes back to Eli's last few years. Offensively they are evenly matched, but NYG are really missing Saquon and the Eagles O will be at roughly 80% this time around as opposed to the 40ish % they were last meeting.
Giants get dropped.
Washington at Detroit
The TEAM has the better D, but Detroit has the better O. gonna either be a dog fight or a bore fest. Either way..
Lions get a W.
In other places...
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh.
This seems like it could be a trap game. Steelers looks like they were struggling at times vs Dallas. Bengals have the potential to win this one if they play to the Steelers weakness. Going against the grain and calling this one for
Bengals by maybe under 3.
Finally,
Buffalo at Arizona.
Cards have the better O, Bills the slightly better D, both are average against the Run which is the Cardinal's strong suit.
Cards win this.
I watched the Bills vs Cardinals game last night. Thought the Cardinals had blown it but then that last drive with the clock ticking down. What a final pass and catch. Couldn't believe they made that!
On a slightly tangential note; I regularly browse a site (football365.com) for football (or soccer if you prefer) related content. I am looking for a similar site for American Football content. Can anyone recommend a similar sitte in the same vein? I want something that is a good blend of news and opinion pieces.
Well that was an ugly week. Current record after going 2-2 is 25-13-1
On to this week, eh?
Thursday Night
Arizona at Seattle
Oh boy. The top 2 offenses face off. Should be a show. And with one Defense being average and the other worst in the league (Yes, Worse than the NFC East), it should be a high scoring affair. Is 60 possible? Certainly. And no Fans in the Dome...
Gotta go with the Cards on this.
NFC East.
Ny Giants are off so no loss for them.
Philadelphia at Cleveland
Eagles are slightly better on both Offense and Defense. Mayfield has had issues with aggressive pass rushers, but can run which the Eagles have had issues with. Outside of QBs, they have been good against the run. Plus the Browns have trouble actually scoring.
Eagles get a surprise win on the road.
Cincinnati at Washington
The TEAM has a great Def but almost no Offense. Bengals have a mediocre Off and almost no Defense. Can Joe Burrow lead his team to a win?
I'm gonna say Yes.
Bengals win.
Dallas at Minnesota
The 5th best run game vs the 31st run Def. By Stats they are 23 (D) and 24(M) for Defense, so high bottom tier for both. Dallas looks better on Off... On paper, but Dak is out and they are on their 4th QB.
Vikings win this as Jerry slides into a depressed rage.
Not going to do a comparison on Pittsburgh at Jacksonville We all know this should be a Steelers win.
NY Jets at LA Chargers
Jets 32nd ranked O and 28th ranked D vs Chargers 5th ranked O and 12th ranked D....
Chargers win, Jets fans start drooling over Trevor.
Keeping it with LA
LA Rams at Tampa Bay
Rams Offense is top 10, Buccaneers are average. New additions probably won't help TB as they really need to fix the O-line. Both have top 5 Def so it will likely come down to the Rams Pass Rush. Brady doesn't like pressure and he's been facing a lot of it. Penalties will also figure highly in this one.
Rams on the under.
Watched the Green Bay / Colts game on Sunday as it was televised live here in the UK on Sky. I am a Green Bay fan - not sure why; I picked them as my team in the early '90's just on a whim - had no idea where Green Bay or Wisconsin actually were. Thought they did OK in general apart from some odd decisions I thought to throw on a 3rd and 1 a couple of times. But then in the second half, they just imploded combined with good defense from the Colts. Was hoping they would sneak it in overtime but I had to switch off at that point as was getting late. Woke up to find they lost :(
Easy E wrote: I know Helgrenze called the Rams, but I was still a bit surprised with the Rams/Bucs game.
Yeah, but I missed on the over/under. Like I said, Brady don't like pressure, he gets erratic and makes bad throws to avoid getting hit.
Only hit on 2 this week, but who's gonna call a QB injury? Between Brees' now 11 cracked ribs and Burrow's knee.... Its kinda been an ugly year for QBs. I think Brees is done, no amount of kevlar is gonna keep him playing.
So I am 27-17-1, Just a brutal week for my picks. What I get for bragging, I suppose.
Posting early this week because Thanksgiving. Starting there:
Houston at Detroit.
Matt Patricia is on the hotseat, he really needs a win... not gonna get it. Penalties and Sacks are gonna ruin his day.
Texans win.
Washington at Dallas
The TEAM held the Cowboys to 3 points last time. Dallas should do better this match.. but not good enough. Zeke finally had a 100 yd game, but Washington is good at stopping tthe run. Dalton isn't going to be having a good time against the top pass D.
The Team wins.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Ravens have the #1 Run game and the #30 pass game. Both have good defenses, and have been getting lots of sacks. Turnovers and Penalties are the story here as well. Look for things to get chippy. Ravens need this to stay in the playoff pic. Steelers seem to have all the right pieces in hitting at the right times.
Steelers win.
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Colts have the better D and are almost as good on O.
Colts win a close one.
Miami at NYJets
The 2 worst Offenses face off. Will Tua start or not seems to be in question. Not that it matters much, Jets cant seem to stop the pass. Dolphins have problems with the run, a Jets strong suit. Still, Dolphins shut them out last time. Jets stay in a coma.
Dolphins win
Finishig the NFC lEAST.
NYG at Cincinnati
Burrow is done, might not even start next season. Finley is a major unknown quantity at QB. This game could go either way.
For Fandoms sake, I gotta call this for Bengals, but don't think it's gonna happen.
Coin flip.
Seattle at Philadelphia
Unlike the last few meetings, This one is in Philly. Its gonna be cold and rainy, not ideal for either team but Seahawks don't tend to play well in weather. Eagles have been good on D and if they can contain Wilson and IF Philly can get the passing game going, they have a shot. Eagles weak spot is QB runs and Sweeps. The points spread is 5 points, which says a lot. I'm thinking Eagles get a bounce back here.
Eagles win UGLY, but stay on top of the lEast.
Easy E wrote: Brees may be done for good.... like his career might be over. Your thoughts?
Yeah, that's what I meant.
Unless they perfect this from 40K (Space Marine)
"Ossmodula
Phase 2: A small, complex, tubular organ, the ossmodula secretes hormones that both affect the ossification of the skeleton and encourages the forming bone growths to absorb ceramic-based chemicals that are laced into the Marine's diet. This drastically alters the way a Space Marine's bones grow and develop. Two years after this implant is first put in the subject's long bones will have increased in size and strength (along with most other bones), and the rib cage will have been fused into a solid, bulletproof mass of interlocking plates."
trexmeyer wrote: He's got a Ring, multiple passing records, and millions of dollars. He should honestly retire at this point. What's left for him to achieve?
Technically, he is still battling Brady for the Career Passing TD record. Though with Brees being out Brady can pad his lead.
trexmeyer wrote: He's got a Ring, multiple passing records, and millions of dollars. He should honestly retire at this point. What's left for him to achieve?
Technically, he is still battling Brady for the Career Passing TD record. Though with Brees being out Brady can pad his lead.
Sure, but someone else will likely come along and break whatever either one reaches. Someone will definitely clear 600. It's been broken like 5 times in the last 20 years?
Also, even if he did somehow retire with more TDs than Brady, Brees isn't in the running for the greatest QB of all time unless magic happens.
Brees had to get a second SB win to get greatest of all time no doubt, and if he's out its gonna take the Saints Defense staying at 120% to win it all.
I think the league owes the Saints, and it was a hard tilt to thinking they were going to the SB this year, but injuries always change things.
The league doesn't owe anything to the Saints. They suffered a bad call in a big game. Wasn't nearly the first or last time that will happen. You don't get to complain about the call that didn't go your way while 'keeping' the calls that did. Everyone wishes officiating was better -- and it's fallen off a cliff in recent years -- but everyone has to deal with it.
Right now, the Saints are the #1 seed in the NFC. That's a first round bye. Worst case scenario is the have to play the Rams in the second round, IF the 2 and 3 seeds, currently Green bay and Seattle, win their games. The Rams, currently the #5, play whoever survives the East implosion, currently the NYGiants.
Nola doesn't even have to win out, though there is only one question mark in their remaining schedule, KC. And only the Philly game is likely to be bad weather. Vikings and KC are home games.
Packers have a slightly tougher schedule including a game vs Tennessee and three home games in the final 5.
For comparison sake, Philadelphia's remaining schedule... Just look at the next 4 games.: Seattle, Green Bay, New Orleans, and Arizona. Plus, after tonight, three of the final 5 are road games.
So Saints have a good chance of making it to the SB, barring bad calls and such.
gorgon wrote: The league doesn't owe anything to the Saints.
At least not after forcing that monstrosity to be played on Sunday.
To be clear as a Broncos fan the Broncos deserved what happened to them based on what information is publicly available. The way in which this was handled was still in stark contrast to the rescheduling efforts for other impacted games.
Yep, it's been completely arbitrary, like everything else that comes out of the league office. Look how they've bent over for the Ravens and have now painted themselves into a corner. It's fueled by the NFL's overall lack of a COVID plan, of course.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Looks like Steelers-Ravens moved to Wednesday now. How long before they're playing a doubleheader on Sunday?
Note that when i say the league owes the saints a SB im not just talking about a bad call. Im saying they tend to give advantage to teams in states where a major disaster took place, such as the wildfires last year giving the rams/49rs advantage, and the hurricane during the year the saints actually won the superbowl.
Obviously this isnt the only factor in play, but I truly believe the league office does put in nods towards certain teams depending on the national situation.
So, looking at the upcoming schedules for the NFC East.... It's ugly.
Starting from the least worse
NY Giants - Seattle, Arizona, Cleveland, Baltimore, Dallas. Their biggest win was by 10 points. Jones is out, so they are starting Colt McCoy.
Anyone see more than one win here? I'm thinking maybe Dallas.
Washington The TEAM - Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle, Carolina, Philadelphia. Other than blowing out Dallas twice, not much else going on. Maybe 2 wins but Carolina would be the question mark.
Philadelphia Eagles - Green Bay, New Orleans, Arizona, Dallas, Washington.
The next three games are going to be ugly, though they may have a chance if Brees is still out. Dallas and Washington are going to be tougher than usual. Still, They might be able to pull together 2-3 wins down the stretch... Maybe.
Dallas Cowboys - Baltimore, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Philadelphia, NY Giants.
easiest stretch for any NFC East team. Potentially 3-4 wins if they can get their act together. Does look like McCarthy has lost the locker room though.
Yeah it looks bad for everybody. The Tie from Philly gives them an advantage if win records even out though.
Don't see anybody getting to 7 wins no matter what magic happens down the stretch.
8 for Dallas or Philly requires winning out, don't see that happening with these schedules.
NYG and The TEAM would need to win 4/5 to finish with 8. Washington has a slightly better chance but not by much.
Whoever wins will likely have to face LA Rams or Tampa Bay in the first round.
Not doing NFC East predictions from this point unless some team goes on a tear.
This week.
New Orleans at Atlanta
Brees is still out, Don't think Hill is close to that good. Still, Falcons are horrid against the pass and the saints have a top D.
Saints win this.
Cleveland at Tennessee
Mayfield needs to get some passing done, right now the Browns are a one trick pony... Its a good trick though. This one is going to be all about the run, who does it better and who stops it. Titans have the better pass game though.
Going Titans here.
LA Rams at Arizona
Cardinals top ranked O vs Rams top ranked D. Murray might need track shoes for this one.
Rams look slightly better here.
New England at LA Chargers
Chargers are riding a 3 game losing streak. Patriots have won and lost games they shouldn't have. Not likely to be a shootout.
Chargers break their streak.
Not doing individual breakdowns for NFC East, but look for Seahawks, Packers, Steelers, and Ravens wins. Ravens especially if Lamar plays.
2-2 last week. Record now at 33-20-1
Not counting the Least but went 2-2 there as well. Surprisingly, all the NFC East teams are still "in the hunt".
KC and Nola have already clinched a playoff berth, they just jockeying for position now.
4 teams are eliminated, All from the AFC: NY Jets, Jaguars, Bengals, and Chargers.
AFC Side: Steelers clinch a spot with a Win and the AFC North with Win + a Browns loss.
KC gets the AFC West with a win OR a Raiders Loss.
Bills and Titans need lots of help to clinch.
NFC Side: Saints clinch the NFC South with a Win OR a Buccaneers Loss.
Packers Need a Win and a Vikings Loss to clinch the NFC North. A win and a Cardinals Loss, or a Seahawks Win clinches a playoff spot.
LA Rams and Seahawks will likely go the distance.
NFC East is a train wreck into a dumpster fire at this point.... someone will win the division, no-one deserves to.
Picks. Keeping with the playoff.. avoiding the NFC Least.
Kansas City at Miami
KC has the #1 pass game and this game features 2 mediocre defenses. Not enough 'Fitzmagic' left.
KC wins.
Minnesota at Tampa Bay
Vikings have the better Offense, Bucs the better D. The run game is going to decide this one.
Vikings.
Tennessee at Jacksonville....
Yeah this one is almost predetermined... Titans.
Indianapolis at Las Vegas
Evenly matched on Offense, Colts are better on D. Still Raiders have shown flashes.
Colts in a close one.
NY Jets at Seattle...
Nuff Said. Seahawks.
Green Bay at Detroit
Packers have the #2 offense and the Loins the #28 D. Still, Lions could play spoiler here with new coaching. Gonna be close.
Packers.
Pittsburgh at Buffalo
On one hand we have a Good offense vs a Good defense, on the other, a bad Defense vs a bad Offense.
Coinspinner says Bills.
Baltimore at Cleveland
Horrid passing on both teams, top two run games. On D, Ravens are better against the pass, Browns better on the run. If Baker can find his pass game again...
Browns win.
NFC Least has some playoff influence, but, Bengals beat Dallas, Arizona beats NY Giants, 49ers beat THE TEAM, and well....
New Orleans at Philadelphia
Its the gadget play back ups facing off. Neither Offense has been good in Pass, Both have been good in run. Both teams have played well on D, though Eagles have been burned in the run. Jalen Hurts is basically an unknown and should spark.... something.
Backing the Eagles here, because, why not?
Easy E wrote: Do we all think the Jets might win 0 games this year?
Given their next three games, Rams, Browns, Patriots...... It's not looking good for the Win column. All three are looking at a playoff spot.
LA Rams need to stay ahead of Seattle who play The TEAM before their rematch. Plus the Cardinals are currently in the mix.
Cleveland has the Giants before the Jets and finishes against Pittsburgh. Needs to keep ahead of Indy.
New England plays their last 3 Divisional games in the next three. Currently outside looking in.
Hmm. 2-2 in the Least. 6-2 on the ones I am counting. Record 39-22-1
Play off potential games.
AFC
Pittsburgh and KC have punched their tickets. That doesn't mean they won't have something to play for. KC needs a win + PIT loss + BUF loss or tie to clinch a first round bye. Pitts wins the division with a win or a Cleveland loss. Buffalo wins their Div with a win or a Miami loss. Tennessee gets in with a win and some help, lots of different scenarios there.
Kansas City at New Orleans
Last week Saints showed they can be vulnerable to the run, and quick passes as well as penalties. Chiefs had trouble getting their run game going and deep passes. However, we also saw that Hill is no Brees who is listed as "questionable at best to play".
Chiefs.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
The last couple weeks Steelers haven't looked good. They are average in passing and near the bottom for Run. Bengals are only slightly better in total offense. Bengals are likely to start Finley, which isn't good news for Cincy.
Steelers.
Cleveland at NY Giants
Neither team has looked good in the pass game, though Baker looks more comfortable throwing deep.... he just needs to work on targeting. Jones looks to be out again this week, so it's Colt McCoy for NYG. Giants look good on D but Mayfield is starting to make good passes.
Browns.
Buffalo at Denver
Mile High is a tough place to play, mainly due to the altitude. This game is one of those 'opposites attract' types. Buffalo has a good Pass Off, Denver a good Pass D. Broncos have a good Run Off, Bills a good Run D. I'm thinking Bills Offense has the edge.
Bills.
Play off potential games.
NFC
Yes all of the NFC East teams are still in it, That could change this week. A Dallas loss should eliminate them.
Packers and Saints are in. Green Bay has clinched their Div. New Orleans wins their Div with a win or a Tampa Bay loss. Rams are in with a win or Min-Chi tie. Seahawks are in with a win or a Min-Chi tie. Tampa bay is in with a win AND a Min-Chi Tie.
Wow, so much depending on a tie in one game.
Already covered New Orleans.
LA Rams are playing the NY Jets. Rams.
Chicago at Minnesota
This could be a fun one to watch. Bears have been on/off all season, but they do have a good pass rush. Vikings have been really good in the run game. Cousins isn't as mobile as he used to be, but he does protect the ball.
Vikings.
Seattle at Washington
Wilson had a bad game vs NY Giants, then played the NY Jets. Not much to say about that. The TEAM has a top pass D. and a good Run D, their issues are on Offense. Seahawks have a top pass Off and a good Run O. Seattle seems to have better luck finding the end zone. Looks like Haskins is starting for The TEAM.
Seahawks.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
This is actually the first of the two games these two have to play.... who made this schedule? Falcons look better on the stat line than their record. Buccaneers have Brady. It's going to be the defenses that decide this one. Tampa is better there.
Buccaneers.
If all the NFC east teams wind up with 6 wins (7 each isn't possible, both Dallas and Philly would need to win out and they have to play each other next week) Eagles win the Div due to the Tie in their record.
Also, how did Brees recover so quickly to even be playing? He must be a terminator now, more machine than man? He took some hits in the game too..... he really should not have been out there.
Brees just really wants to play that bad, and considering this is his last season (even if he gets a SB), the only reason to not put him out there is if he is actually the worst QB on the team.
I predict that if the Saints actually make it to the SB this year Drew is going to sustain a true career ending injury at some point.
Also, I knew the steelers sucked ass. Finally showing their true colors.
