One major change I'd LOVE to see is make PI a tiered foul like flagrant 1 and 2 in the nba. Have flagrant 1 be 10 or 15 yards or whatever and flagrant 2 be spot foul if it's really aggregious. I'm sick of Ticky tack PI giving a team the ball 50 yards down field.
Problem here is in the way the rules are written. As if the penalty is a "slight" infringement, it usually gets the holding call, excepting of course, when the ball is actually in the air. I'd rather the Refs call this penalty more in favor of the defense... the offense already has enough advantages
Heck, a few years ago, there were actually two levels of Facemask penalties, and now we're stuck with just the 15 yard variety.
I actually figured this would be better for defenses. You can still have contact as long as it's not aggregious worse case scenario is 10 yards and a first down. If your absolutely just mugging the receiver then you get a spot foul. Maybe that's not the case and I have it all wrong in my head haha.
But mainly I agree there needs to be some contact allowed for defensive backs because it's just rediculous as it stands currently. And I'm sick and tired of QBs just throwing hail Mary's doing that stupid flag hand motion trying to just draw the PI instead of actually you know making a good play ;p
I'm not opposed to the idea of tiered PI as long as it's something that could be clearly defined. I wouldn't want the officials having to decide in a split-second between "a bump" vs. "a hard bump." Of course then you'll have DBs learn how to craftily stay within tier 1 and only give up 15 yards on what would have been a 40 yard completion.
Still, yes, there's nothing that feels cheaper than the PI call on a prayer of a deep ball. The Ravens in particular have made a living off of chucking it deep and hoping for the PI call.
Good god... Worst injury season. Brandon spikes to IR for the pats. So now we've lost wilfork, mayo, spikes, Gronk, vollmer to IR. And had amendola, vereen, talib, mccourty, and more miss significant time to injuries. Our only tall WR is banged up and might not play Saturday either lol. So we have our entire run defense on IR now basically. Thank god no one in the AFC has a power run game.
Chancetragedy wrote: Good god... Worst injury season. Brandon spikes to IR for the pats. So now we've lost wilfork, mayo, spikes, Gronk, vollmer to IR. And had amendola, vereen, talib, mccourty, and more miss significant time to injuries. Our only tall WR is banged up and might not play Saturday either lol. So we have our entire run defense on IR now basically. Thank god no one in the AFC has a power run game.
Yuckyuckyuck ;p. I can't argue with the Brady thing. And I'm not even about to go into the refs thing. Because it just makes me look petty.
Automatically Appended Next Post: I will ask though what team this year has had worse injury luck? An argument "could" be made for the texans and that's about it.
I see the Colts made a Belichickian move and signed Deion Branch ahead of this weekends game.
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Chancetragedy wrote: I will ask though what team this year has had worse injury luck? An argument "could" be made for the texans and that's about it.
The Bears lost all their DTs, and six defensive starters, including 4 pro-bowlers, for most of the year, as well as their starting QB for a significant stretch. Fortunately we had a capable backup QB, but our defense was a shambles, and it's no surprise it was the worst defense in the history of the franchise with who we lost. We were starting a DE at DT for most of the season (and it showed too - giving up 50+ pounds in the center of the d-line, no surprise that we were making every RB we faced look like Peterson.
How the hell do you let the SF QB run all over hell ALL GAME LONG?!?
It's pretty obvious when he's going to run....and yet they couldn't stop him?!
Well...here's hoping the Panthers show up and shut them down.
I completely LOATHE the 49'ers.
Because the packers D Sucked this season, plain and simple. (Just like the Bears) the final game of the season was to see who was going to lose to the 9ers in the first round, so it is not like it mattered.
Chancetragedy wrote: I will ask though what team this year has had worse injury luck? An argument "could" be made for the texans and that's about it.
The Bears lost all their DTs, and six defensive starters, including 4 pro-bowlers, for most of the year, as well as their starting QB for a significant stretch. Fortunately we had a capable backup QB, but our defense was a shambles, and it's no surprise it was the worst defense in the history of the franchise with who we lost. We were starting a DE at DT for most of the season (and it showed too - giving up 50+ pounds in the center of the d-line, no surprise that we were making every RB we faced look like Peterson.
Exactly, the D was so banged up this season (And cutler too) it is crazy that they were still in it at the end, though, like I said above, the bears packers game was a playoff to see who was going to lose to the 9ers on wildcard weekend.
This week: Saints over Seattle Denver over San Diego New England over Indy San Fran over Carolina
The Bears lost all their DTs, and six defensive starters, including 4 pro-bowlers, for most of the year, as well as their starting QB for a significant stretch. Fortunately we had a capable backup QB, but our defense was a shambles, and it's no surprise it was the worst defense in the history of the franchise with who we lost. We were starting a DE at DT for most of the season (and it showed too - giving up 50+ pounds in the center of the d-line, no surprise that we were making every RB we faced look like Peterson.
This week:
Saints over Seattle
Denver over San Diego
New England over Indy
San Fran over Carolina
Not to mention, they "lost" one of their key starters before the season even started in Brian Urlacher
And I will have to say, I am greatly displeased with your Saints/Seattle pick... I honestly don't think the Saints can deal with the 12th man, again
Urlacher didn't get a new contract because he went into the negotiations wanting a $12 million/2 Year contract after proving he had nearly no east/west movement left and was only going to play one down in three in Emery's mind
Urlacher's time was past. I saw him missing tackles in his last season that he would have made a year or two prior. Age and injuries take their toll, and the Bears are better moving forward than fooling themselves into believing that he was still that good.
The Steelers will be facing that soon, with Polamalu. I watched a couple of their late season games, where he tried to do stuff he did before and missed. One step too late means the back is already through the hole, and that blow-up play you were going to make turns into being out-of-position.
As TMQ says, this is the closest thing to sure-picks in gambling. Take all the home teams, as they've got a historically high winning percentage. They had the best records in the regular season, home field advantages, and they had an extra week of rest and prep, whereas the visitors all played tough games last week.
Since 2000, an average of 1 visitor wins this weekend.
I don't think it's Denver. I don't think it's Seattle either. That leaves NE vs Indy (Do you bet against Belichick/Brady at home?) or Carolina vs San Fran. I think Carolina is the home team that falls this time around.
Since 2000, an average of 1 visitor wins this weekend.
I don't think it's Denver. I don't think it's Seattle either. That leaves NE vs Indy (Do you bet against Belichick/Brady at home?) or Carolina vs San Fran. I think Carolina is the home team that falls this time around.
The only thing I'd say to these picks is that after watching Indy, I think if it's a close game at the end, it'll be another wild one. That kid they have at QB, for all his faults and commentators over abundance of praise can have a strange way of making things happen. If you made me pick between the two, I think I still say NE wins, but if its close in the 4th quarter, I may have to just flip a coin for who I think wins.
Of course, if the weather stays as it is, and the Patriots host Indy at Castle Stark, I don't care who wins, more just who survives
Redbeard wrote: Urlacher's time was past. I saw him missing tackles in his last season that he would have made a year or two prior. Age and injuries take their toll, and the Bears are better moving forward than fooling themselves into believing that he was still that good.
The Steelers will be facing that soon, with Polamalu. I watched a couple of their late season games, where he tried to do stuff he did before and missed. One step too late means the back is already through the hole, and that blow-up play you were going to make turns into being out-of-position.
Ryan Clark is unofficially gone already...he had a much worse year than Polamalu. Polamalu was still a good player (if obviously diminished) this season, but not worth $10 million. They'll probably ask him to take a pay cut, and he might refuse. The trouble for the Steelers is that although they've got some younger talent at DL and LB, the secondary is old and perilously thin. They might end up biting the bullet and paying Polamalu for one more season.
There's going to be a lot of bloodletting in Pittsburgh this offseason, but it should mostly clear up their cap issues, which are formidable.
whembly wrote: Hey Alf... do you see Cleveland trading their two first rounder for the Rams 2nd overall pick?
Would probably be better for Cleveland to go after Vick when he gets cut from Philly...
My working theory/hypothesis is that there is so much residual/continual Bad Mojo around both Cleveland, and Mike Vick that they will cancel each other out, and the Browns will win a Super Bowl within a season, two at the most.
whembly wrote: Hey Alf... do you see Cleveland trading their two first rounder for the Rams 2nd overall pick?
No I don't, I see maybe getting rid of the Colts pick and a 2nd or 3rd rounder to move up in the draft, but honestly it doesn't matter, the Browns will continue to turn out garbage football no matter who is under center or in the front office.
whembly wrote: Hey Alf... do you see Cleveland trading their two first rounder for the Rams 2nd overall pick?
No I don't, I see maybe getting rid of the Colts pick and a 2nd or 3rd rounder to move up in the draft, but honestly it doesn't matter, the Browns will continue to turn out garbage football no matter who is under center or in the front office.
Bummer...
I'm just dreaming the RAMs having 3 first round picks in the same year.
Browns need to trade their pick for a load of 2nd and subsequent rounds... They need an O-line. Three injured QBs in a season is an O-line problem, Vick is injury prone.. especially with a bad o-line. A decent OC wouldn't hurt either.
Vick is also a free agent this year, so if the Browns want him they just need to make the offer.
helgrenze wrote: Browns need to trade their pick for a load of 2nd and subsequent rounds... They need an O-line. Three injured QBs in a season is an O-line problem, Vick is injury prone.. especially with a bad o-line. A decent OC wouldn't hurt either.
Vick is also a free agent this year, so if the Browns want him they just need to make the offer.
And Manziel is now on the list for the draft.
I'd consider that 2 injured QBs as Hoyer wasn't injured in the pocket but from running. Unless you consider that play to be an early collapse of the pocket thus forcing a scramble. And I will say this, our right side was terrible and we were injured there most of the season so we had to deal with Mitchell Schwartz the open door of right tackles
The Browns need a real QB and not a Band-Aid. Vick is nothing more than a Band-Aid at this point...old, injury-prone and not that effective anyway.
I'd be shocked if Bridgewater isn't the #1 pick...and if 2 or 3 others don't go in the top half of round 1. The importance of QBs in the modern game means that they're going to get overdrafted. Which is good news of those of us with teams that have their QBs already.
If the Rams stay put, I think Clowney makes lots of sense. Fisher was the guy who drafted Jevon Kearse, and Clowney might provide the same kind of immediate impact.
If the Rams stay put, I think Clowney makes lots of sense. Fisher was the guy who drafted Jevon Kearse, and Clowney might provide the same kind of immediate impact.
We have Chris Long... don't get me wrong Clowney in rotation with Long is a nice upgrade, but it isn't needed.
I can see the RAMs trading to Atlanta as they desparately need a pass rusher of some sort.
Redbeard wrote: Urlacher's time was past. I saw him missing tackles in his last season that he would have made a year or two prior. Age and injuries take their toll, and the Bears are better moving forward than fooling themselves into believing that he was still that good.
The Steelers will be facing that soon, with Polamalu. I watched a couple of their late season games, where he tried to do stuff he did before and missed. One step too late means the back is already through the hole, and that blow-up play you were going to make turns into being out-of-position.
Ryan Clark is unofficially gone already...he had a much worse year than Polamalu. Polamalu was still a good player (if obviously diminished) this season, but not worth $10 million. They'll probably ask him to take a pay cut, and he might refuse. The trouble for the Steelers is that although they've got some younger talent at DL and LB, the secondary is old and perilously thin. They might end up biting the bullet and paying Polamalu for one more season.
There's going to be a lot of bloodletting in Pittsburgh this offseason, but it should mostly clear up their cap issues, which are formidable.
That's an informative post... do you have any insights on the Ravens cap situation? I know we're paying Flacco more than we can afford, but it felt like we cut everything else to the bone this season... I guess we're hoping young prospects will develop, but that really didn't pan out at receive this year (although there were glimpses of hope for the future).
That's an informative post... do you have any insights on the Ravens cap situation? I know we're paying Flacco more than we can afford, but it felt like we cut everything else to the bone this season... I guess we're hoping young prospects will develop, but that really didn't pan out at receive this year (although there were glimpses of hope for the future).
Ray Lewis has come out of retirement... Not to play MLB, but, in fact to play either Wide Receiver, or QB (putting Flacco on the bench). My sources weren't clear on which position it was though
That's an informative post... do you have any insights on the Ravens cap situation? I know we're paying Flacco more than we can afford, but it felt like we cut everything else to the bone this season... I guess we're hoping young prospects will develop, but that really didn't pan out at receive this year (although there were glimpses of hope for the future).
Ray Lewis has come out of retirement... Not to play MLB, but, in fact to play either Wide Receiver, or QB (putting Flacco on the bench). My sources weren't clear on which position it was though
You mean like that xbox one commercial with him and Urlacher?
That's an informative post... do you have any insights on the Ravens cap situation? I know we're paying Flacco more than we can afford, but it felt like we cut everything else to the bone this season... I guess we're hoping young prospects will develop, but that really didn't pan out at receive this year (although there were glimpses of hope for the future).
Ray Lewis has come out of retirement... Not to play MLB, but, in fact to play either Wide Receiver, or QB (putting Flacco on the bench). My sources weren't clear on which position it was though
Gruden, 46, the younger brother of ESPN Monday Night Football analyst and former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden, has spent the past three seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator.
Opinions? Thoughts?
I think if anybody can take a good coach and make him bad, it's Snyder.
RiTides wrote: That's an informative post... do you have any insights on the Ravens cap situation? I know we're paying Flacco more than we can afford, but it felt like we cut everything else to the bone this season... I guess we're hoping young prospects will develop, but that really didn't pan out at receive this year (although there were glimpses of hope for the future).
I'd say Marlon Brown (WR #14) turned out pretty well. Especially with the loss of Boldin to the Niners. (Frell you Ozzie. I'm still bitter about that.)
Alfndrate wrote: Still not sure why anyone would want to coach in Cleveland, besides the fact that you work for one year and get paid for 2 more.
I'd take that job.
On a more realistic note, it's because NFL head coach is a pinnacle position in ones chosen career, and there are only 32 of them. If you want to achieve that career step, you take what's out there.
Cleveland and Washington just happen to be available more often.
Alfndrate wrote: Still not sure why anyone would want to coach in Cleveland, besides the fact that you work for one year and get paid for 2 more.
I'd take that job.
On a more realistic note, it's because NFL head coach is a pinnacle position in ones chosen career, and there are only 32 of them. If you want to achieve that career step, you take what's out there.
Cleveland and Washington just happen to be available more often.
I mean I'd take it too, hell I'd take 500,000 for a 1 year contract from them as they finalized on their coaching search. I've got not coaching experience, but I was a baller as feth at Madden
Also, what happens if they don't hire a head coach? Who steps in?
We have Chris Long... don't get me wrong Clowney in rotation with Long is a nice upgrade, but it isn't needed.
Why would Clowney need to be on the same side as Long? sure it may kill overall stats, but that would make for one scary pass rush for sure.
Because he ain't replace Robert Quinn! Quinn is a fething beast!
Quarterback is obviously the most valuable position in the league by far. In second place comes pass rushers (more of a skill set I guess, since it could be one of two positions or a hybrid of the two). The Giants won a couple SBs by relentlessly drafting pass rushers. If you're in position to draft someone you think will be an elite pass rusher, you better think really hard about taking him. You can fill other needs with other picks this year or next. Trading down is nice and all, but impact players are what win you football games.
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Alfndrate wrote: Josh McDaniels has bowed out of the Browns coaching search once he found out he was not the front runner for the job.
Still not sure why anyone would want to coach in Cleveland, besides the fact that you work for one year and get paid for 2 more.
A very low bar?
I realize that seems like a dumb statement considering Chudzinski got fired after one year, and some think he was wronged since the QB position was a mess. But the Browns had something like 5 Pro Bowlers -- including one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league -- and a defense that wasn't awful, and STILL were a blazing dumpster fire.
My outside perspective -- I didn't watch your team and think "well, they're not overly talented, but they're well-coached and there's no quit in them." It wasn't quite that kind of 4-12. A near-win over the Pats, and then losses to teams like the Jags and Jets, suggests to me that the effort level was uneven.
As someone said, there are 32 of those jobs in the entire world. You take it knowing that you have some talent on the team, and that with the right QB -- and you're in position to draft (another) one -- you can compete. It's a good football city and you'll be a popular guy if you make them respectable. Make the playoffs and they'll love you. Plus, you'll probably have some job security, which is what all coaches want.
The North might seem daunting, but is it really? The Steelers and Ravens are in transition. The Bengals are a talented "doughnut" team with a big hole at the most important position on the field. Things can change quickly.
The problem is, the feds have the Browns owner by his short and curlies, meaning that if he goes down, the Browns will be owned by either his father (who much like the previous owner won't give a gak about the team) and run by Joe Banner, who doesn't want a head coach, he wants a puppet. Or the NFL will be running the team.
And you're right, whomever can turn this gakstorm of "professional football" around and start producing wild card and division wins will be set for life. Look at one of the last "great" Browns coaches, Sam Rutigliano. The man had a .420 win percentage, coached for 6 years and was coach during the Kardiac Kids era. Won coach of the year twice and won 1 Divisional title. Coach Sam is a legend in Cleveland, the man and his grandchildren can walk into any bar in town and wind up with more than a few free drinks.
I agree that the fact the Browns have 5 Pro Bowlers is a nice sign, and we're a Right Guard, another shut down CB (Though Skrine is getting better), a WR opposite Gordon, an RB and a QB away from being a solid team (like an 8-8 team) The problem with games like the Jags, Jets, and Pats game is that the Browns in the past 6 years have had this uncanny ability to hold their own with a team, so in games we should have been blown out, we had a close loss or barely won, but in games where we should have dominated, we stink it up royally. The Browns should have easily finished this season 7-9 based just on those 3 games, but with the exception of a few games, they weren't out of any of them, they just didn't have a quarterback that could lead them down the field, and like always when your defense has to do all the work, they're going to be gassed by the final 2-min warning.
The problem with taking the Browns head coaching job is that while there is talent on the team, and with the right QB we can compete. The problem is, who gets to make those decisions? From everything that I've been able to tell, Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi were controlling the show. Chud didn't have a say in most of the choices that would have affected his team on the field. When Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell were both out, we didn't go out and sign a QB to give them time to recover, we said, "We're going to evaluate them, and see who gives us the best chance of winning." A week or so after getting a concussion, Jason Campbell was back under center. Why would they have not gone out and gotten someone? You pick someone up off of a practice squad and you have 3 weeks to sign them, if they don't work out, they don't work out.
It's a dream job in title only, Joe Banner is a manipulative weasel with power struggle issues, and it's reflecting poorly on this team.
That might be the narrative about Banner in Cleveland. But consider Andy Reid. Reid was the Eagles' HC, called all the offensive plays, AND was effectively the GM, having the final say on personnel. So maybe he just needs a HC he can trust?
Banner isn't a very likeable guy -- the fans didn't like him in Philly either. And the Eagles did replace him with Howie Roseman. Although it has to be said that Roseman and Reid then created a dumpster fire of their own by throwing money at every FA in sight, only to have most of those acquisitions underwhelm. Chip Kelly has done a lot to settle that organization down and get them back on a good track, IMO.
Banner always came across to me as an extremely cold-blooded dude, which has its downsides but also some upside for running an NFL franchise. I still think you need to be patient.
The Browns gave up 49 sacks, an average of 3 per game.
Each QB, other than Lanning, had a 52-60% completion rate, averaging 6.5 yards. Yes, Weeden threw 9 picks but he was also sacked 27 times in 8 games. Campbell was sacked 16 times in 9 games, Hoyer was sacked 6 times in three games.
They could have Peyton or Brady and still suck because they have no offensive line. Pressure on the Qb is the leading cause of interceptions on this team.
And while the Defense has been solid their Red Zone stats are among the worst in the league. They gave up 46 TDs, 13 to rushers.
The obsession with getting a top shelf QB borders on insanity. The Browns need O-line and Linebacker help more than a QB.
I've got not coaching experience, but I was a baller as feth at Madden
I think that a lot of the issues that a number of teams have with coaching is the idea that one guy needs to do everything.
The way I see it, there are three primary tasks that a head coach is responsible for:
1) Set the tone for the team, come up with overall strategy based on personnel available.
2) Install week-to-week game plan, break down opponent strengths and weaknesses and figure out how to attack them
3) Manage in-game decisions, manage clock, decide when to challenge, and so on.
I've seen any number of coaches who do well at one or two of these, but fail at the other. Lovie Smith, for example, was good at 1 and 2, but failed at 3. Andy Reid is similar, his teams always look prepared and have overall strategy, but he blows it with his mismanagement of in-game decisions. Mike Martz was good at 2 and 3, but couldn't alter his preferred approach to fit hit players - when he had players it worked, when not, it didn't.
Being good at Madden is essentially handling step 3 (and some joystick twiddling that bears no resemblance to football).
I understand why a head coach fears delegating any of these tasks, because while you can delegate responsibility, you cannot delegate accountability, and so the blame hits the head coach, even if/when a subordinate does a task. There's a significant conceptual difference between the three aspects (grand strategy, strategy, tactics), and it's a rare individual who can excel at all three levels.
helgrenze wrote: The Browns gave up 49 sacks, an average of 3 per game.
Each QB, other than Lanning, had a 52-60% completion rate, averaging 6.5 yards. Yes, Weeden threw 9 picks but he was also sacked 27 times in 8 games. Campbell was sacked 16 times in 9 games, Hoyer was sacked 6 times in three games.
They could have Peyton or Brady and still suck because they have no offensive line. Pressure on the Qb is the leading cause of interceptions on this team.
And while the Defense has been solid their Red Zone stats are among the worst in the league. They gave up 46 TDs, 13 to rushers.
The obsession with getting a top shelf QB borders on insanity. The Browns need O-line and Linebacker help more than a QB.
I would be curious to see which side the sacks came from. The left side has seemed solid for the past 3 years. Last year the Browns acquired Mitchell Schwartz, who was okay last year, and abysmal this year, and yes everyone in Cleveland (at least that pay attention to the Browns) know that they need to replace Schwartz, who did improve slightly over the course of the year (but not enough to keep him on the team). I would not be surprised if the O-Line let one or two guys through to sack Weeden. The players from the previous year knew how atrocious he was, and it seemed as if Chud didn't have control of the locker room (at least a few reports came out about that). And I agree that the Browns need an LB, but at the same time they need someone that at least lead the offense. I'm not convinced the long term starter is currently on the roster, but from what I saw of Hoyer (I realize it's a small sample size), I think Hoyer can be the starter next year. Browns draft a 'top tier' quarterback and let him sit behind Hoyer for the year, learn from him, etc... (Like Hoyer did from Brady), and then at the beginning of the 2015 season they have an honest to goodness quarterback competition for the job, not the half-arsed, "we're gonna evaluate and pick blah blah blah" that I've heard for the past 2 years.
helgrenze wrote: The Browns gave up 49 sacks, an average of 3 per game.
Each QB, other than Lanning, had a 52-60% completion rate, averaging 6.5 yards. Yes, Weeden threw 9 picks but he was also sacked 27 times in 8 games. Campbell was sacked 16 times in 9 games, Hoyer was sacked 6 times in three games.
They could have Peyton or Brady and still suck because they have no offensive line. Pressure on the Qb is the leading cause of interceptions on this team.
And while the Defense has been solid their Red Zone stats are among the worst in the league. They gave up 46 TDs, 13 to rushers.
The obsession with getting a top shelf QB borders on insanity. The Browns need O-line and Linebacker help more than a QB.
I don't agree with any of your opinions, LOL. The Steelers have won Super Bowls giving up about that many sacks. So have the Packers. They have quarterbacks who can make plays down the field under pressure.
The idea that the Browns don't need a QB is *lunacy*. Not one of their QBs broke the 60% completion mark, and YPA numbers at 6.5 or lower are NOT good numbers. Throwing nearly as many INTs as TDs is *horrendous* in the modern NFL. And all of this with one of the best WRs in the game on the roster? QBs dominate the NFL like never before, and the Browns haven't had one truly good one since their return. Case in point:
Ben Roethlisberger -- who's been the Steelers' QB for the better part of that period -- is I think now 17-1 as a starter vs. the Browns. QBs matter...a lot. You either have one or you're done.
I still think Manziel would be a great QB... he's got the leg to extend plays if the OL breaks down.
In his heisman year, he was able to do that because the Aggie's OL were crap. So, you know he's capable of doing that.
This year, their OL were a little better and Manziel became a more "pocket" passing QB. I'm guessing it's because he wanted to show NFL teams that he could do both.
whembly wrote: I still think Manziel would be a great QB... he's got the leg to extend plays if the OL breaks down.
In his heisman year, he was able to do that because the Aggie's OL were crap. So, you know he's capable of doing that.
This year, their OL were a little better and Manziel became a more "pocket" passing QB. I'm guessing it's because he wanted to show NFL teams that he could do both.
I agree that Manziel could be a great NFL QB, however, I think that he would seriously go the way of Ryan Leaf, if he went to the Browns. As I pretty much agree with Helgrenze. They have some kind of QB, perhaps not the best thats out there, but without a line to protect him, it's not going to matter who is under center.
Honestly, I really don't like how Manziel's game translates to the pro game. He's a short, slight-of-frame guy who likes to freelance too much. I guess the comparison people make to counter the doubters is Russell Wilson. Wilson did freelance a ton at NC State, although I'd argue that he showed he could play in a more structured offense at Wisky. HOWEVER, I have read stuff that says some scouts think Manziel's pure passing skills are pretty good. So I may end up being completely wrong. I don't think anyone disagrees with the idea that he'll have a lot to work on, from ditching bad habits and learning how to play within structure, to working on his body so he can absorb punishment.
Regarding the Browns -- you guys know that their offensive line has 2 Pro Bowlers on it, right? That doesn't mean that there aren't holes there, but they're very far from being the worst o-line in the league. Bad quarterbacking can LEAD to sacks.
Andrew Luck got sacked 40 times in 2012. And all he did was lead the team to the playoffs and one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history. Because he's a really good quarterback, and that's the bottom line.
gorgon wrote: Honestly, I really don't like how Manziel's game translates to the pro game. He's a short, slight-of-frame guy who likes to freelance too much. I guess the comparison people make to counter the doubters is Russell Wilson. Wilson did freelance a ton at NC State, although I'd argue that he showed he could play in a more structured offense at Wisky. HOWEVER, I have read stuff that says some scouts think Manziel's pure passing skills are pretty good. So I may end up being completely wrong. I don't think anyone disagrees with the idea that he'll have a lot to work on, from ditching bad habits and learning how to play within structure, to working on his body so he can absorb punishment.
Glad you mentioned Wilson, I'm so sad the Browns didn't draft him :-\ He would have been a far better choice for Shurmur's offense than Weeden, not that I liked Shurmur, but Russell would have done better than that sack of gak.
Regarding the Browns -- you guys know that their offensive line has 2 Pro Bowlers on it, right? That doesn't mean that there aren't holes there, but they're very far from being the worst o-line in the league. Bad quarterbacking can LEAD to sacks.
One of those two Pro Bowlers is a 6 time Pro Bowler, most of our issues are on the right side, which is all down to Mitchell Schwartz
Andrew Luck got sacked 40 times in 2012. And all he did was lead the team to the playoffs and one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history. Because he's a really good quarterback, and that's the bottom line.
gorgon wrote: Honestly, I really don't like how Manziel's game translates to the pro game. He's a short, slight-of-frame guy who likes to freelance too much. I guess the comparison people make to counter the doubters is Russell Wilson. Wilson did freelance a ton at NC State, although I'd argue that he showed he could play in a more structured offense at Wisky. HOWEVER, I have read stuff that says some scouts think Manziel's pure passing skills are pretty good. So I may end up being completely wrong. I don't think anyone disagrees with the idea that he'll have a lot to work on, from ditching bad habits and learning how to play within structure, to working on his body so he can absorb punishment.
Regarding the Browns -- you guys know that their offensive line has 2 Pro Bowlers on it, right? That doesn't mean that there aren't holes there, but they're very far from being the worst o-line in the league. Bad quarterbacking can LEAD to sacks.
Andrew Luck got sacked 40 times in 2012. And all he did was lead the team to the playoffs and one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history. Because he's a really good quarterback, and that's the bottom line.
Hmm lets see... The Browns finished 9th in Passing Offense, behind Philadelphia, Averaging 11.5 yds per pass, 273yds per game, and 26 passing TDs. Yep, Bad QBing right there..
They also tied for 5th worst in rushing yards, and per game yards (With Pitt). Dead Last for Rushing TDs (4, Tied by their own Defense) behind Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Houston. They did average 4 yards per attempt, but that is misleading since the range over the NFL is 5.1 (Philly) to 3.1 (Ravens).
So Yeah.. Awful QB play is what really hurt the Browns... Not Awful O-line play.
gorgon wrote: Honestly, I really don't like how Manziel's game translates to the pro game. He's a short, slight-of-frame guy who likes to freelance too much. I guess the comparison people make to counter the doubters is Russell Wilson. Wilson did freelance a ton at NC State, although I'd argue that he showed he could play in a more structured offense at Wisky. HOWEVER, I have read stuff that says some scouts think Manziel's pure passing skills are pretty good. So I may end up being completely wrong. I don't think anyone disagrees with the idea that he'll have a lot to work on, from ditching bad habits and learning how to play within structure, to working on his body so he can absorb punishment.
Regarding the Browns -- you guys know that their offensive line has 2 Pro Bowlers on it, right? That doesn't mean that there aren't holes there, but they're very far from being the worst o-line in the league. Bad quarterbacking can LEAD to sacks.
Andrew Luck got sacked 40 times in 2012. And all he did was lead the team to the playoffs and one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history. Because he's a really good quarterback, and that's the bottom line.
Hmm lets see... The Browns finished 9th in Passing Offense, behind Philadelphia, Averaging 11.5 yds per pass, 273yds per game, and 26 passing TDs. Yep, Bad QBing right there..
They also tied for 5th worst in rushing yards, and per game yards (With Pitt). Dead Last for Rushing TDs (4, Tied by their own Defense) behind Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Houston. They did average 4 yards per attempt, but that is misleading since the range over the NFL is 5.1 (Philly) to 3.1 (Ravens).
So Yeah.. Awful QB play is what really hurt the Browns... Not Awful O-line play.
You're ignoring most of the passing stats, and instead looking at others and not understanding context. They were a 4-12 team that traded away their featured back, and was behind in games more often than they were ahead. They're going to put up some passing yards (albeit inefficiently as the rest of the stats obviously illustrate).
Really, I can't even have a conversation with you if you're going to look at their QB ratings, completion %, YPA, INTs, etc -- and watch Browns games with your own eyes -- and somehow come away with the conclusion that the quarterbacking issues are primarily the fault of the o-line with a pair of Pro Bowlers. That's categorically *bizarre* to me.
Like with many teams, their o-line could use some help. But you're 100% wrong that throwing Tom Brady or Peyton Manning on that team wouldn't change a thing. It'd change everything, including the sack total that you seem overly focused on. Good quarterbacking changes everything. I know this because I've watched Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger, AND all the ugliness that came between and seen the results.
Our featured back was averaging 2.9 yards per carry... Trading him was a good thing, sadly we didn't replace him with much. Though Edwin Backer, the Touchdown Maker, has promise.
The Bears lost all their DTs, and six defensive starters, including 4 pro-bowlers, for most of the year, as well as their starting QB for a significant stretch. Fortunately we had a capable backup QB, but our defense was a shambles, and it's no surprise it was the worst defense in the history of the franchise with who we lost. We were starting a DE at DT for most of the season (and it showed too - giving up 50+ pounds in the center of the d-line, no surprise that we were making every RB we faced look like Peterson.
This week:
Saints over Seattle
Denver over San Diego
New England over Indy
San Fran over Carolina
Not to mention, they "lost" one of their key starters before the season even started in Brian Urlacher
And I will have to say, I am greatly displeased with your Saints/Seattle pick... I honestly don't think the Saints can deal with the 12th man, again
After that Philly game, the Saints showed they can play outside on the road and win (In extreme cold no less).
all 5 losses in the regular season were on the road and the saints have not lost at home this season.
The Seahawks are a good team, but I think the Saints can shut them down and come out with a win.
After that Philly game, the Saints showed they can play outside on the road and win (In extreme cold no less).
all 5 losses in the regular season were on the road and the saints have not lost at home this season.
The Seahawks are a good team, but I think the Saints can shut them down and come out with a win.
Yes the Saints proved they can win in weather.... But the one thing that I don't think they can overcome is the 12th Man. You probably have no clue just how loud that place can get when the fans want it to be loud. Heck, I think the stadium is designed to do that. and IIRC, the last time the Saints went up to Seattle they lost. Whether that's down to the fan/crowd noise, the weather or just Seattle being a better team, I can't really say. But what I can say is that dealing with weather is one thing, and different teams have shown a great ability to adapt or not, to it; but dealing with crowd noise when the fans are really going is a whole other bag of worms that teams just cannot prepare for.
What do you guys think of coaches (like Whisenhunt) who are actively coaching playoff teams interviewing for coaching jobs with other teams....?
Do you think it's "No distraction" as teams claim?
Do you think it actually is a distraction and will make a difference?
Personally, I find it ridiculous that coaches who are under contract to a team and who are actively coaching their teams in the playoffs would go out and interview for head coaching jobs.
Take Whisenhunt for example.
He had 3 different interviews this week. How many hours do you think he spent either traveling or on the phone with those other teams? 5? 6? More?
As it is, they only have 4, maybe 5 days to practice. If they played on Sunday, they travel back Monday (lost day) practice Tues, Wed, Thurs...maybe a little Friday...then another travel day if they play Sunday. Otherwise, travel on Friday for a Saturday game.
All the hours at this time are so valuable to your team....so to go and do interviews, either you really have no respect for your team, no faith in your team, or you're ambition is such that you don't care what it takes to get to the top.
Chancetragedy wrote: Seattle lookin good so far. Skittles raining from the sky in Seattle lol.
Good... and it was pointed out during the half time show, Seattle aint lost at home, when leading at the half since Wilson became the QB. This bodes well for those of us from the NW who want to see our team do well
I got annoyed by the Saints 4th down attempt, their third down play was really getting a 4th & short instead of trying to convert it. If you're going to do that run the 4th down play on 3rd and if it doesn't work kick the field goal and take the fething points so you're not being shut out: at the very least it's a moral victory
Yah that's crazy to me they didn't challenge on that fumble. Also not gonna lie this Seattle defense is so fun to watch till your team is facing them. They have so much confidence they don't even care about getting in a refs grill for a 15 harder lol.
Automatically Appended Next Post: How is that Baldwin catch at all in doubt? I hate these announcers right now.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Not quite beastquake 2.0 but that was a back breaker...
Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote: Wait.. that was the last play... happy for Aura and her Seahawks.. but blinkin odd way for the game to end.
Frankly, that was a bonehead play on the part of the receiver. He should have completely understood that with no TOs available, clock severely winding down, you MUST GET OUT OF BOUNDS!!! Not that I'm complaining, because his idiocy garaunteed that my favorite team moves on.
Saints got the ball with under 2 minutes left. Went down, got a TD with about 45 seconds left. Kicked the onsides and recovered it too. Couple of passes in the field kept the clock running to about 13 seconds at something like the 35 yardline.
Marques Colsten caught a short pass for a first down with 7 seconds on the clock, and rather than step out (he was right at the line, no defender could have stopped it), he tried some goofy-ass across the field lateral that he screwed up and turned into a second forward pass.
That's a penalty with a 10 second run-off, so game over, and the Saints never got their hail mary attempt.
Does anyone else think that the 2-point conversion is the ideal place for defensive penalties? I'd go hit the QB even if he handed off, because there's really no downside. 15 yard personal foul penalty enforced on the ensuing kickoff - all that ever does is guarantee a touchback.
Oh god, I didn't even think of that. I hope teams don't catch on to that fact haha. Because your right, why not put a HARD hit on someone that's tearing you up in that situation...
Automatically Appended Next Post: Blount has 300+ yards and 6 touchdowns in the last 2 games...
But seriously Tom Brady didn't throw a single touchdown and the pats put up 43 giving him his 18'th post season victory extending his lead over every other QB in history...
What a fricken sick game, only 1 more win till New York!
I like Tom Brady. He's obviously a hard worker, and was a 6th round pick, meaning every team out there passed on him several times.
People seem to hate him because
a) he's attractive. Arguably something he cannot control.
b) he married a model. Well, good for him.
c) he's successful - so maybe it's not fair that he got it all or something. I don't know.
d) he's had some officiating calls go his way - well, he's not the ref. Besides, what star QBs don't get calls from the ref. Aaron Rogers got more than his share this year.
e) He beat their favourite team - aww, sour grapes.
You know who I don't like? Eli Manning. Prissy little brother who put himself above the game when he said he wouldn't play for San Diego if they drafted him. What a douchenozzle. Same goes for John "I'll play Baseball before I play for the Colts" Elway.
People got all riled up over Brady doing ads for Uggs boots - like they'd even recognize a pair of men's Uggs. Meanwhile Peyton's shilling everything you can think of, including the nastiest pizza, whose owner publicly stated he was going to fire employees rather than pay an extra dime for their healthcare.
I like Tom Brady - I like any 6th round pick who makes good in the NFL. Those are the guys who are succeeding because they work their butts off.
Apparently you've never seen Drew Brees, or Peyton manning, or any other top non "running" QB play piston. Because they all do the same thing. But that's fine keep hating on someone who will probably go down as the GOAT because Brady/the Patriots will keep using it to fuel their winning ways. Everyone is definately entitled to their opinion.
Also ensis this is a retort from a comment 2 pages back. Brady and the refs really helped the patriots win that game last night. You know when Brady didn't throw a TD and the refs didn't call a single penalty on the colts until the 3rd quarter. :p
Chancetragedy wrote: Apparently you've never seen Drew Brees, or Peyton manning, or any other top non "running" QB play piston. Because they all do the same thing. But that's fine keep hating on someone who will probably go down as the GOAT because Brady/the Patriots will keep using it to fuel their winning ways. Everyone is definately entitled to their opinion.
Brady will probably have a terrible game, penalty-wise when he's playing against a VERY physical Seahawks team in the Superbowl
And yeah, Brees was practically on his knees, BEGGING the refs to throw penalty flags, of which the few that were thrown, were somewhere between decent to OK calls.
Hahaha it's funny how perspective affects opinions. Ive always felt Dierdorf is a patriots hater IMO. To the point where I turn off audio if he's calling a patriots game. What was he saying about the pats last night?
Dan was just praising the pats all game long, not that the pats didn't deserve a well executed game plan, but he would have sniffed Tom jock strap last night if he could.
And to top it off he said how great it would be for the Chargers to beat the Broncos.
Hahaha I was thinking the same thig. This game is literally being handed to them. Like it's not even subtle the refs are just giving the finger to panthers fans around the country.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Lol I didn't even notice 12 men in the huddle. God these refs are HORRIBLE.
d) he's had some officiating calls go his way - well, he's not the ref. Besides, what star QBs don't get calls from the ref. Aaron Rogers got more than his share this year.
This is compacted by the fact that the Patriots, as a team, tend to get calls in their favor because they have been labelled as a "good team"; which they are.
For me the annoyance isn't the Pats themselves, but the commentators and officials that defer to the "good team" label. The unnecessary roughness call against Butler was a prime example of that.
d) he's had some officiating calls go his way - well, he's not the ref. Besides, what star QBs don't get calls from the ref. Aaron Rogers got more than his share this year.
This is compacted by the fact that the Patriots, as a team, tend to get calls in their favor because they have been labelled as a "good team"; which they are.
For me the annoyance isn't the Pats themselves, but the commentators and officials that defer to the "good team" label. The unnecessary roughness call against Butler was a prime example of that.
You do realize the patriots are barely in the top half of benificiary penalties in the league. And in a playoff game at home last night they didn't have a flag go their way till the 3rd quarter? Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY... Or watching this 49'ers panthers game, or a broncos game before you claim the patriots "usually" have calls go their way. That's such a cop out against a team that just keeps winning no matter what happens.
You do realize the patriots are barely in the top half of benificiary penalties in the league. And in a playoff game at home last night they didn't have a flag go their way till the 3rd quarter? Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY... Or watching this 49'ers panthers game, or a broncos game before you claim the patriots "usually" have calls go their way. That's such a cop out against a team that just keeps winning no matter what happens.
At any rate, the number of penalties is far less important than the significance of those penalties*. But, again, this is not New England's fault, it is the fault of the league and the officials.
*Body-blocking a receiver is PI, but running one over is not?
You do realize the patriots are barely in the top half of benificiary penalties in the league. And in a playoff game at home last night they didn't have a flag go their way till the 3rd quarter? Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY... Or watching this 49'ers panthers game, or a broncos game before you claim the patriots "usually" have calls go their way. That's such a cop out against a team that just keeps winning no matter what happens.
At any rate, the number of penalties is far less important than the significance of those penalties*. But, again, this is not New England's fault, it is the fault of the league and the officials.
*Body-blocking a receiver is PI, but running one over is not?
Chancetragedy wrote: Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY...
I will point out, that when I played Safety back in HS, I played the EXACT SAME WAY they do. I was not the biggest, nor fastest, so I did everything I could within the rules (and slightly bending them) to make that fast guy my speed. Seattle's DBs are masters at knowing EXACTLY how to play a receiver tightly, with contact that doesn't garner a holding or PI penalty. It's one of many reasons they are one of the best Ds in the entire league this season.
Chancetragedy wrote: Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY...
I will point out, that when I played Safety back in HS, I played the EXACT SAME WAY they do. I was not the biggest, nor fastest, so I did everything I could within the rules (and slightly bending them) to make that fast guy my speed. Seattle's DBs are masters at knowing EXACTLY how to play a receiver tightly, with contact that doesn't garner a holding or PI penalty. It's one of many reasons they are one of the best Ds in the entire league this season.
Well, I punched a defensive tackle in the throat because he karate chopped my crotch and I kicked out.
Chancetragedy wrote: Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY...
I will point out, that when I played Safety back in HS, I played the EXACT SAME WAY they do. I was not the biggest, nor fastest, so I did everything I could within the rules (and slightly bending them) to make that fast guy my speed. Seattle's DBs are masters at knowing EXACTLY how to play a receiver tightly, with contact that doesn't garner a holding or PI penalty. It's one of many reasons they are one of the best Ds in the entire league this season.
Yah don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying it as a dig at Seattle but at the refs. Seattle has a TON of talent in their back end who know they aren't going to get called on every play so they're willing to take chances with contact/holding. Add that to their really fast/quick LB'ers and you have a scary scary pass defense.
Chancetragedy wrote: Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY...
I will point out, that when I played Safety back in HS, I played the EXACT SAME WAY they do. I was not the biggest, nor fastest, so I did everything I could within the rules (and slightly bending them) to make that fast guy my speed. Seattle's DBs are masters at knowing EXACTLY how to play a receiver tightly, with contact that doesn't garner a holding or PI penalty. It's one of many reasons they are one of the best Ds in the entire league this season.
Well, I punched a defensive tackle in the throat because he karate chopped my crotch and I kicked out.
If the referees didn't call it, then it clearly wasn't a penalty
Chancetragedy wrote: Try looking at seattles defense where there is literally holding by their DB's on EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY...
I will point out, that when I played Safety back in HS, I played the EXACT SAME WAY they do. I was not the biggest, nor fastest, so I did everything I could within the rules (and slightly bending them) to make that fast guy my speed. Seattle's DBs are masters at knowing EXACTLY how to play a receiver tightly, with contact that doesn't garner a holding or PI penalty. It's one of many reasons they are one of the best Ds in the entire league this season.
Well, I punched a defensive tackle in the throat because he karate chopped my crotch and I kicked out.
If the referees didn't call it, then it clearly wasn't a penalty
I didn't have anything cool/funny like that. I just got in fights with offensive lineman as the defensive "enforcer". That and being a defenseman in lax is probably what led me to training in self defense and fighting after I got out of highschool lol.
I don't get why SD didn't go for a second onsides. Like, you can try to get the ball, or just hand it to Peyton Manning... which seems like the game winning move?
That's bad logic. It's like the coin-flip thing. Once you have the first one, the odds of getting the second are no different than the odds of getting one at all.
Besides, it's Peyton Manning. As Aikman wisely said, why not onsides it, because the odds are good the it won't take Manning long to get to the place that they'd get it off the recovery anyway.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And it's done...
Since 2000, an average of 1 visitor wins this weekend.
I don't think it's Denver. I don't think it's Seattle either. That leaves NE vs Indy (Do you bet against Belichick/Brady at home?) or Carolina vs San Fran. I think Carolina is the home team that falls this time around.
Just saying, I'm not winning the Pick'em for nothing
Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote: Keenan Allen imo deserves Offensive rookie of the Year, a TD grab to make this a game
Just from the few minutes I've been watching the game, this guy comes off as the worst sort of egotistical d-bag, I hope he finds his way out of the league. I'm sorry, but each time you score a touchdown, you should not be pointing at the name on the back of your jersey, you should be thanking your O-line for protecting the QB, then thanking that QB for having the eyesight that managed to see your sorry behind. In both of his TD passes, he didn't actually do much other than catch the ball.
I didn't mean it like that, I meant it as in its pretty wild we had 2 in the same weekend. I kind of agree your giving it to manning regardless so why not try and give yourself a chance to recover.
Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote: Keenan Allen imo deserves Offensive rookie of the Year, a TD grab to make this a game
Just from the few minutes I've been watching the game, this guy comes off as the worst sort of egotistical d-bag, I hope he finds his way out of the league. I'm sorry, but each time you score a touchdown, you should not be pointing at the name on the back of your jersey, you should be thanking your O-line for protecting the QB, then thanking that QB for having the eyesight that managed to see your sorry behind. In both of his TD passes, he didn't actually do much other than catch the ball.
That celebration is pretty common in soccer so it doesn't irritate that much
Yah that's funny I didn't even make the connection to him pointing at his name lol. I always thought it was him "putting the team on his back".
Automatically Appended Next Post: Anyone else have a problem with Denver and Seattle putting out newspaper ads and random announcements to not sell tickets to opposing fans? I think this is lame as crap. Yah I get it you earned home field advantage but still, why should I be excluded from going to the game because it's in your stadium.
I think it's more the fact apart from this year he has had only one defence inside the top ten Yardage allowed (Raiders 2006)and never had one in the top 10 in points allowed before (Previous best was 13th ranked Browns in 2010)
I think it's more the fact apart from this year he has had only one defence inside the top ten Yardage allowed (Raiders 2006)and never had one in the top 10 in points allowed before (Previous best was 13th ranked Browns in 2010)
I'm not really talking about the article itself... but the title on Yahoo's front page saying "Appearance keeping Ryan from head job".
I think it's more the fact apart from this year he has had only one defence inside the top ten Yardage allowed (Raiders 2006)and never had one in the top 10 in points allowed before (Previous best was 13th ranked Browns in 2010)
I'm not really talking about the article itself... but the title on Yahoo's front page saying "Appearance keeping Ryan from head job".
How's the song go? "And the sign said long hair hippies need not apply?" That's what he gets ;p.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also Brady missed practice today due to illness. Highly irregular I hope to god he doesn't have pneumonia or something. He's been sick since early last week and this is the first practice he's missed...
Chancetragedy wrote: How's the song go? "And the sign said long hair hippies need not apply?" That's what he gets ;p.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also Brady missed practice today due to illness. Highly irregular I hope to god he doesn't have pneumonia or something. He's been sick since early last week and this is the first practice he's missed...
Hey... the Boston area already has their Championship team in baseball... ya'll don't need the Patriot to win the SB. Let some other team win!
Chancetragedy wrote: How's the song go? "And the sign said long hair hippies need not apply?" That's what he gets ;p.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also Brady missed practice today due to illness. Highly irregular I hope to god he doesn't have pneumonia or something. He's been sick since early last week and this is the first practice he's missed...
Hey... the Boston area already has their Championship team in baseball... ya'll don't need the Patriot to win the SB. Let some other team win!
As amazing as this years Red Sox World Series victory was, and it was AMAZING(coming from someone with a Red Sox tattoo). I personally would trade it for 1 more Super Bowl win for Brady/Bellichik. And yes I know how rediculous this comment sounds and I'm totally ok with sounding like a buffoon(what's new ;p).
Automatically Appended Next Post: Sort of funny link, I chuckled at a few of them.
Not sure about the Pats - Broncos game, thats gonna be epic.
However I reckon the weight of history is against the Seahawks. The NFLs perrenial chokers the Seahawks vs a team with a playoff history like the 49ers?
scommy wrote: Not sure about the Pats - Broncos game, thats gonna be epic.
However I reckon the weight of history is against the Seahawks. The NFLs perrenial chokers the Seahawks vs a team with a playoff history like the 49ers?
I dunno man, the way the Hawks have been playing, combined with their home field, I think it's gonna be Seattle going to the super bowl. And for the record, as they are a Pacific Northwest team, they have to choke in the Super Bowl, not the NFC Title game (although Id rather they win it this year, the work those guys have put in, they definitely deserve it)
Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote: The Seahawks offence has been pretty dull recently and the 9ers offence has the ability to be explosive when they unleash Kaepernick.
Wilson has the same ability as Kap. But you're also forgetting the Legion of Boom As much as you'd hate to see it, but if Kap gets injured, I'd say its basically game over. Gore is old, their receivers are middling at best without Kap. The Seahawks just seem to have more viable options on offense.
Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote: The Seahawks offence has been pretty dull recently and the 9ers offence has the ability to be explosive when they unleash Kaepernick.
Wilson has the same ability as Kap. But you're also forgetting the Legion of Boom As much as you'd hate to see it, but if Kap gets injured, I'd say its basically game over. Gore is old, their receivers are middling at best without Kap. The Seahawks just seem to have more viable options on offense.
Wilson is better at running the ball when the play breaks down and he has to scramble, Kaep is better at designed QB runs, Kaep also is more dangerous off play-action.
\the legion of boom (Hate that nickname btw) is a dangerous secondary but they give up a lot of PI/Illegal Contact penalties
I was trying to come up with something witty like "how dare they sully Bruno Mars with the RHCP's mars is an entertainer". But I couldn't think of anything good. I'm right there with you. Good thing multi platinum artists who have been doing it for YEARS are some young chumps guest lol.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Congrats to Denver. What a crushing loss.
Poor Erin Andrews didn't know what to do with Sherman in that interview. She sounded/looked completely overwhelmed and sent it back to the booth before Sherman cursed on live TV and got a few folks fined.
So does this mean Jerry has yet another idea for getting Dallas in the play-offs? I mean other than firing the GM....
He just needs to convince Texas to legalize pot.....
helgrenze wrote: So does this mean Jerry has yet another idea for getting Dallas in the play-offs? I mean other than firing the GM....
He just needs to convince Texas to legalize pot.....
fething Jerry Jones... Had he kept his goddam mouth shut (impossible, I know), he and Jimmy J could have won 5 superbowls. Easy. It would have rivaled the Pittsburgh dynasty of the 1970s.
So... um... is the media going to STOP saying that the SuperBowl is going to be in New York yet?
o.O
I know it's a little early... but, looks like Manziel is getting some Browns love'n.
However, they do have game-breaking receiver Josh Gordon, they are willing to trade up to land Johnny Manziel in the draft if need be, sources said, and have an owner, Jimmy Haslam, who is committed to spending their abundant cap space to try to win quickly.
Ahem... Browns... the RAMS have the #2 pick. Whatcha going to trade?
Wow... some teams really start the post season early...
"Eagles take offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson off their draft board, according to report."
The article doesn't say why, though some of his physical ...limitations may be a factor.
Henderson is also a bit of an odd athlete. At just under 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds, Henderson is a very good athlete for his size with strong lateral speed. However, his body control can be a serious issue. He tends not to bend well and gets off-balance when he launches to block defenders. He also has several moments where he ends up blocking air and falls on his face due his lack of body control.
Another thing going against Henderson with the Eagles is that they may deem he is not suitable for the zone-blocking scheme. He is an extremely passive blocker when it comes protecting the pass and is clumsy when it comes to the screen game because he has a tough time in space
whembly wrote: So... um... is the media going to STOP saying that the SuperBowl is going to be in New York yet?
o.O
I know it's a little early... but, looks like Manziel is getting some Browns love'n.
However, they do have game-breaking receiver Josh Gordon, they are willing to trade up to land Johnny Manziel in the draft if need be, sources said, and have an owner, Jimmy Haslam, who is committed to spending their abundant cap space to try to win quickly.
Ahem... Browns... the RAMS have the #2 pick. Whatcha going to trade?
Rams can suck it
Also it seems that Pettine might be the next Browns HC, 2 interviews, the three stooges flew down to the Senior Bowl to interview him and Dirk Koetter. The humorous thing is that Mike Lombardi did not fly down for the Senior Bowl, instead sent Assistant GM Ray Farmer to the Senior Bowl, and then flew down with Jimmy and Joe for interviews. They must never let this guy out of a broom closet to do his job
helgrenze wrote: Wow... some teams really start the post season early...
"Eagles take offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson off their draft board, according to report."
The article doesn't say why, though some of his physical ...limitations may be a factor.
Henderson is also a bit of an odd athlete. At just under 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds, Henderson is a very good athlete for his size with strong lateral speed. However, his body control can be a serious issue. He tends not to bend well and gets off-balance when he launches to block defenders. He also has several moments where he ends up blocking air and falls on his face due his lack of body control.
Another thing going against Henderson with the Eagles is that they may deem he is not suitable for the zone-blocking scheme. He is an extremely passive blocker when it comes protecting the pass and is clumsy when it comes to the screen game because he has a tough time in space
My dad once met a scout for the Miami Dolphins at a diner in Oakland back before I was born.
They are on the job year round, Even keeping tabs on players who are a year or 2 away from being able to be drafted.
helgrenze wrote: Wow... some teams really start the post season early...
"Eagles take offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson off their draft board, according to report."
The article doesn't say why, though some of his physical ...limitations may be a factor.
Henderson is also a bit of an odd athlete. At just under 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds, Henderson is a very good athlete for his size with strong lateral speed. However, his body control can be a serious issue. He tends not to bend well and gets off-balance when he launches to block defenders. He also has several moments where he ends up blocking air and falls on his face due his lack of body control.
Another thing going against Henderson with the Eagles is that they may deem he is not suitable for the zone-blocking scheme. He is an extremely passive blocker when it comes protecting the pass and is clumsy when it comes to the screen game because he has a tough time in space
My dad once met a scout for the Miami Dolphins at a diner in Oakland back before I was born.
They are on the job year round, Even keeping tabs on players who are a year or 2 away from being able to be drafted.
That's the scouts job. The Draft Board is the Coach and FO lining up who they want to pick and when. They may drop him back on if he does well at the Combine, but I doubt it.
Aaron Colvin tore his ACL so he is likely out of the draft completely for this year.
helgrenze wrote: YAhoo Sports, ESPN, Sporting News, and the Browns web site all confirming Pettine as the new Coach.
Yup, apparently Kiley and Booms had Will Burge from Bleacher report on this morning, he broke the news on their show, and they ripped into him questioning his sources and the validity of the fact the search might have been over.
Chuck Booms called into the afternoon show and ripped into a caller that said he was excited for the hire (because it was done), etc... I would like Booms better if he wasn't such an antagonistic personality... Tomorrow is going to be almost unlistenable...
Pettrine's dad was kind of a legendary coach in eastern PA. Although for the second offseason in a row I get the feeling that the Browns lost out on the guy they really wanted (Adam Gase?).
Regarding the SB, ordinarily I'd go with the team with the best QB, which is obviously Denver. However, I think Seattle might be tailor-made for the Broncos in a cold-weather SB. Manning -- as amazing as his season was -- has clearly lost arm strength and is much better throwing short and intermediate routes than deep stuff. Seattle counters with a very good secondary that's going to play the Bronco WRs aggressively and challenge Manning to throw perfect passes. Which he has the accuracy to do...except for the fact that he's going to be throwing his patented flutterballs outdoors in NE winter weather in a stadium that can be gusty. Meanwhile, Seattle also has the better running attack.
All things considered, I think the matchups favor Seattle.
Automatically Appended Next Post: More funny gak from the Bad Lip Reading folks.
"Got a big Afro and stuff. Wooden leg and a weird eye."
"I brought the golden staff to the village."
Byte wrote: Anyone else watching the ProBowl? Not to bad!
I am, it's a pretty good game so far, good big hits, nice plays, and tons of interceptions and sacks. It seems everyone is giving it their all but the QBs . I like this new format, as long as players want to actually play the ProBowl like it's a real football game.
Does the ProBowl have any sort of implication the NFL? Like does it determine who is the "home team" in the Super Bowl? or what?
Does the ProBowl have any sort of implication the NFL? Like does it determine who is the "home team" in the Super Bowl? or what?
Not as of yet, I think there has been talks about doing something to make the game more meaningful, or even moving it. As it's at the end of the season many of the guys invited are just plain and simply beat up after 16+ games.
Byte wrote: Anyone else watching the ProBowl? Not to bad!
THe ProBowl: The biggest game nobody cares about
True, but these boys are playing this year. That's all you have to say about it? Hard hits, team mates vs team mates, sacks, picks, hits, 14 - 14 at the half! That's all you have to say?
Byte wrote: Anyone else watching the ProBowl? Not to bad!
THe ProBowl: The biggest game nobody cares about
True, but these boys are playing this year. That's all you have to say about it? Hard hits, team mates vs team mates, sacks, picks, hits, 14 - 14 at the half! That's all you have to say?
It's a meaningless game. No matter who wins, no matter who makes great plays, no matter who gets injured and carried off the field and ends their career...in the end it means absolutely nothing.
Which is not a new problem. It's something that they ProBowl has always suffered from.
MLS has a pointless all-star game that nobody really cares about. I have no idea if people care abou tthe MLB all-star game. The NBA all-star game is popular though. I don't know if it is because it's a big weekend, or if it is because it's in the middle of the season or some other reason.
At this point we have a pointless exhibition game that doesn't feature the players in their own conferences now, so you don't even have a "my conference is better than your conference" thing going on that is shoe-horned between the "we care a bunch about the conference championship game" weekend and the "omg it's the Superbowl" weekend.
MLS has a pointless all-star game that nobody really cares about. I have no idea if people care abou tthe MLB all-star game. The NBA all-star game is popular though. I don't know if it is because it's a big weekend, or if it is because it's in the middle of the season or some other reason.
At this point we have a pointless exhibition game that doesn't feature the players in their own conferences now, so you don't even have a "my conference is better than your conference" thing going on that is shoe-horned between the "we care a bunch about the conference championship game" weekend and the "omg it's the Superbowl" weekend.
It has always been a tough game to market.
Agreed it's a tough sell, I think that in recent years, the MLB all-star game has picked up in popularity in part, due to the "significance" of playing for home field advantage. I think the draw for those who like basketball to the NBA game (I personally detest the sport and most of the players in the league) is in the newer side events, like the Dunk contest, etc. (similar to how the NHL has the skills competitions between the 2 All-Star teams), beyond that, It could have something to do with being in Vegas basically every year. Beyond that, the NBA all star game is all about prima donna diva players showing off, and less about a "good" basketball game. Which is a huge departure from the NHL game. Those guys go all out for the skills competition, but come the actual game, they tend to put away most of their "fancy stuff" and try to play the good hockey that got them voted in in the first place.
But no trade scenario would trump the potential haul the Rams could make in an ideal world if the Browns get desperate. Some have pointed out that the Browns could potentially keep their No. 4 overall pick and still try to move up to No. 2 overall with the Rams. Such a scenario would entail sending No. 26 overall to the Rams with a second-rounder in 2014, a first-rounder in 2015 and a first-rounder in 2016. This deal would be Redskins-esque and leave the Rams loaded for bear in upcoming seasons just as GM Les Snead desires.
What the motive behind this would be for Cleveland is to add wideout Sammy Watkins at No. 2 and Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles at No. 4 to complement Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron in an already dangerous array of offensive weapons.
The team that would really benefit in such a scenario is the Rams, however, with the No. 13 and 26 picks in round one, picks No. 35 and 44 overall in round two and their own No. 75 overall in round three. That’s five picks from the top 75 players in this year’s draft class while still having an additional first-rounder in both 2015 and 2016. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and it seems like the Browns may be just anxious enough to make such a haul a reality.
So for the RAMs #2, the Brownies send the #26 & 2nd-rounder in '14 draft, a 1st-rounder in 2015 and a 1st-rounder in 2016.
Honestly, if the Browns have targeted Manziel as rumored, they can almost certainly sit tight and grab him at #4. You never really know who else may be high on him, but he's the kind of player that will probably have his detractors. I wouldn't be surprised at all if a number of teams like Bortles better. And I don't think either one of them would be the target for a team trading into the top 3. Clowney or Bridgewater would likely be the target at #2. Look for teams that could have their eyes set on one of them for your potential trade partners. Vikes? Falcons?
Trading up to #2 and #4 seems awfully foolish and unlikely for the Browns. You can get a WR later. Keep in mind that the Eagles under Banner really valued their draft picks, and mortgaging the future like that seems very out of character.
gorgon wrote: Honestly, if the Browns have targeted Manziel as rumored, they can almost certainly sit tight and grab him at #4. You never really know who else may be high on him, but he's the kind of player that will probably have his detractors. I wouldn't be surprised at all if a number of teams like Bortles better. And I don't think either one of them would be the target for a team trading into the top 3. Clowney or Bridgewater would likely be the target at #2. Look for teams that could have their eyes set on one of them for your potential trade partners. Vikes? Falcons?
Trading up to #2 and #4 seems awfully foolish and unlikely for the Browns. You can get a WR later. Keep in mind that the Eagles under Banner really valued their draft picks, and mortgaging the future like that seems very out of character.
gorgon wrote: Honestly, if the Browns have targeted Manziel as rumored, they can almost certainly sit tight and grab him at #4. You never really know who else may be high on him, but he's the kind of player that will probably have his detractors. I wouldn't be surprised at all if a number of teams like Bortles better. And I don't think either one of them would be the target for a team trading into the top 3. Clowney or Bridgewater would likely be the target at #2. Look for teams that could have their eyes set on one of them for your potential trade partners. Vikes? Falcons?
Trading up to #2 and #4 seems awfully foolish and unlikely for the Browns. You can get a WR later. Keep in mind that the Eagles under Banner really valued their draft picks, and mortgaging the future like that seems very out of character.
I would argue gorgon is the one who isn't making sense. The browns as an organization have shown their willingness to feth the franchise over again and again. So it would totally make sense to for them to trade the farm for #2 and #4 ;p.
But no trade scenario would trump the potential haul the Rams could make in an ideal world if the Browns get desperate. Some have pointed out that the Browns could potentially keep their No. 4 overall pick and still try to move up to No. 2 overall with the Rams. Such a scenario would entail sending No. 26 overall to the Rams with a second-rounder in 2014, a first-rounder in 2015 and a first-rounder in 2016. This deal would be Redskins-esque and leave the Rams loaded for bear in upcoming seasons just as GM Les Snead desires.
What the motive behind this would be for Cleveland is to add wideout Sammy Watkins at No. 2 and Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles at No. 4 to complement Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron in an already dangerous array of offensive weapons.
The team that would really benefit in such a scenario is the Rams, however, with the No. 13 and 26 picks in round one, picks No. 35 and 44 overall in round two and their own No. 75 overall in round three. That’s five picks from the top 75 players in this year’s draft class while still having an additional first-rounder in both 2015 and 2016. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and it seems like the Browns may be just anxious enough to make such a haul a reality.
So for the RAMs #2, the Brownies send the #26 & 2nd-rounder in '14 draft, a 1st-rounder in 2015 and a 1st-rounder in 2016.
You can dream, and you can drool, but the Browns would be dumber than I could imagine if they did something as stupid as trade away future picks just for a chance that Manziel would get taken before #4. I wouldn't do it based on the fact that Manziel likes to run, he's improved as a pocket passer but he still likes to run. If RGIII hadn't fethed up his knee last year and looked completely and utterly terrible, then I might be open to such an idea, but since then, feth that.
Chancetragedy wrote:I would argue gorgon is the one who isn't making sense. The browns as an organization have shown their willingness to feth the franchise over again and again. So it would totally make sense to for them to trade the farm for #2 and #4 ;p.
Don't worry whembly I got your back ;p
You shut your mouth The Browns made an excellent decision to get rid of Richardson, but that's about it this season .
Chancetragedy wrote: I would argue gorgon is the one who isn't making sense. The browns as an organization have shown their willingness to feth the franchise over again and again. So it would totally make sense to for them to trade the farm for #2 and #4 ;p.
Yes trading Richardson was the right move this time alfindrate. But how high did they draft him in the first place? So it's a net draft loss of what 18 spots?
Chancetragedy wrote: Yes trading Richardson was the right move this time alfindrate. But how high did they draft him in the first place? So it's a net draft loss of what 18 spots?
Not my fault Tom Heckert didn't know how to evaluate that gak player.
I'm sorry that not everyone has a stable football franchise, but the Browns have fethed up and fethed up hard. I really don't need randoms on the internet to remind me of that fact. I read it every day in the papers...
Prediction, if the Browns get Manz.... He goes the Tim Couch route and is out in 3 years.
Why?
Same stuff I mentioned previously.
They have added Loggains from the Titans as QB Coach... before they have an OC. I have seen this kind of move before... In Philly. We all saw what happened to Reid after that debacle.
Just remember ... There are reasons Heckert and Banner are no longer with Philly.
trexmeyer wrote: Manziel is going to be Tim Tebow 2.0, only probably not even that good.
He really should have stayed for four years.
A while back I would have agreed with you. My opinion has changed somewhat, however.
Manziel is a freelancer who runs, but he isn't really a run-first QB like Tebow (who was really a FB playing QB). He threw the ball a ton, and far more than Cam Newton did in college. Of course, Newton has big-time "arm talent," as does Kaepernick. Wilson's is good also. But I've read things from scouts and such who think Manziel really does have special gifts and NFL-level passing ability, and that the main thing will be improving his mechanics, putting on some good weight (he's kind of a skinny kid), eliminating bad habits, etc. The arm strength and accuracy seems to be there, even at his size.
So there are NFL talent evaluators who really like the guy. He was obviously crazy productive, and a helluva competitor. Sure, Tebow had that too, but that's all he had. You still can't teach or coach the 'heart' part, and Manziel seems to have it.
Regarding staying in school, would it have really helped him? The main adjustment he'll have to make is to NFL-style offenses and defenses, and he wasn't going to exposed to that if he stayed. It'd have just been another year in the same wide-open college offense playing against college defenders. He is a raw talent who you probably want to ease into the pro game (unlike many rookie QBs these days). But there wasn't anything left for him to learn or prove where he was.
tl;dr I've decided that I won't sleep on Manziel...he might end up being PDG after all. If Bridgewater fell to the Browns, I'd take him instead. But otherwise sure, roll the dice on greatness. There'll be QB prospects like Blake Bortles in next year's draft, and the next, and the next.
I think the teams that will be sour on Manziel already are. He has a lot of "down-side" to go with his arguable talent. Bad mechanics should have been addressed already by his coaches, same with his bad in game habits.
His out of game habits are also a concern.
Eh...if you're a college coach and have a good thing going like Manziel, you probably don't fuss with his mechanics or game. You just ride that horse. The point is winning games (because your job's on the line), not preparing players for pro ball.
Lots of superior athletes get away with bad technique, etc. in college. Linemen on either side of the ball are a prime example. I'm not sure most o-lineman even hit their prime until their late 20s.
I believe I read recently that some scouts aren't sure how to grade Greg Robinson, the big LT from Auburn, just because the offense he played in was so screwy and unlike anything he's going to be asked to do in the NFL. He almost never had to pass block on a traditional drop-back pass. The athleticism is there, but he's going to need a lot of coaching.
The off-the-field stuff is a concern for Manziel. But then at least the financial impact isn't quite what it was now that the rookie wage scale is in place. Obviously it still really hurts if a top 5 pick goes bust. But hey, Cleveland has built up enough scar tissue there.
gorgon wrote: Eh...if you're a college coach and have a good thing going like Manziel, you probably don't fuss with his mechanics or game. You just ride that horse. The point is winning games (because your job's on the line), not preparing players for pro ball.
I think this statement greatly depends on the coach at hand. Certain guys like (disgustingly) Nick Saban, alot of the Miami coaches in the past, Bobby Bowden, etc. were known to produce NFL "ready" players. There are more NFL coaches, usually assistants who are going on to HC jobs in college, bringing in a "pro" system, which helps out a ton of players, especially in regards to future employment in the NFL.
helgrenze wrote: I think the teams that will be sour on Manziel already are. He has a lot of "down-side" to go with his arguable talent. Bad mechanics should have been addressed already by his coaches, same with his bad in game habits.
His out of game habits are also a concern.
I see two major problems with picking Manziel. First of all is that numerous athletic/mobile quarterbacks that were stellar in college have been busts in the NFL or at best failed to reach their perceived potential. The most successful of these quarterbacks has been Vick and he has really only had two outstanding seasons. Cam Newtwon has been decent. Vince Young and Tebow were failures. Even the best D1 defensive units pale in comparison to NFL defenses. NFL players are quicker, stronger, more agile, and simply better. It is one thing to tear up college teams, it is an entirely different thing to perform at a professional level. There is a long history of successful college QBs failing to make the transition. It seems as if it is nearly impossible to predict who will become a star NFL QB. I don't recall Favre, Brady, Brees, Rodgers, or Warner being lauded as the next big thing. Russell Wilson was an afterthought in the draft.
Manziel's off the field antics are the biggest red flag. He is a big fish in a small pond. A prima donna. Full of himself. Arrogance is good to a point, but I think combination of confidence and humility will take a player much farther.
And then Seattle marches down the field. If they don't win this challenge of the spot I'm calling shenanigans. Wilson ABSOLUTELY had that first down what a garbage spot they have him.
This isn't the Superbowl...it's a Slaughterbowl. Every time I go out to refill my chili, or get hummus...pow. Seahawks have snagged the ball back. I think the young lady made the right choice and I went rooting for the wrong team...
From someone who's never really stayed up late to watch superbowl over here, I'm really loving this game! I thought I was rooting for the underdogs when I chose the Seahawks lol.
I really couldn't care less about this sport, but I'm getting a huge kick out of this game. EVERYONE at work was pulling for Denver tonight, and it's just great to be hearing all the cries of dismay over, and over, and over again.
djones520 wrote: I really couldn't care less about this sport, but I'm getting a huge kick out of this game. EVERYONE at work was pulling for Denver tonight, and it's just great to be hearing all the cries of dismay over, and over, and over again.
Seattle only needs a fumble recovery returned for a TD to hit for cycle right? Oh and a punt return. They've had a pick 6, field goal, passing TD, running TD, safety. How else can you score points?
Chancetragedy wrote: Seattle only needs a fumble recovery returned for a TD to hit for cycle right? Oh and a punt return. They've had a pick 6, field goal, passing TD, running TD, safety. How else can you score points?
Breotan wrote: Not every one. But it seems like that sometimes. Can't blame the refs for it though. Seattle owns each and every one of those penalties.
