Not to be confused with any Fantasy football stuff, I think there should be a place to discuss football in general without too much referring to how many points someone'll earn you next week.
For example...
I'm sick of TO. I caught a bit of "1st and 10" on ESPN the other day and I agree with the guy who said we should start calling him "TG" - for "That Guy (who we're sick of talking about)."
Another example...
How long will it take Kyle Orton to take over the starting (QB) job for the Bears and actually help them win a few games for once?
Or even...
Sticking with the NFC North, are the Vikings overrated? Can their offense produce enough points to win games without Randy Moss? And speaking of, how about those Raiders this year? Their WR lineup is rather stacked, I believe, and they should all put up very good numbers.
And so on and so forth...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Let's see.
I also am sick of TO. He's a spoiled little boy who's never heard the word 'No'. His inability to communicate like a normal human being and him always, in his mind, being the victim will turn a fantastic football player into a guy no one wants on their team.
This is a guy who begged to play for the Eagles, even though they offered him less money than the Ravens. He promised Andy Reid that he'd been misrepresented in San Fran (he always thinks he's being misrepresented) and that he'd be a model citizen. He's the 3rd highest paid WR over the first 3 years of his contract. But he looks at this year like it's in a vacuum, and decides he's grossly underpaid.
Even if that were true - which it's not! - that's tough ****. You signed the contract, now honor it.
A player's only recourse if they don't like their contract is to hold out. If the team doesn't negotiate and is willing to play without them, then the player has no further bargaining chips. They have to go play, or they forfeit even more money. This is a fairly simple thing to grasp. But TO and his shark of an agent don't seem to realize this. They continue to go on TV and run their mouths, and every time they do this, TO's value drops a little more. Right now, he has two choices:
1) Shut up and play, or
2) Keep going and sit out the season.
If he picks option 2, he'll be 32 or 33 after the season, the Eagles'll cut him, and he won't get much in free agency because he's an aging, mouthy, injury prone wideout with a history of destroying locker rooms.
Kyle Orton, I predict, will get on the field in the first few games after Hutchinson does nothing (he doesn't do anything, that's the beauty of him). If he does an adequate or better job, he'll be starting by week 4.
I don't the Vikings are overrated by much. Their offense is still very good without Moss. Moss missed like 6 weeks last year with a bum hammy and they did fine.
Their defense won't be a good as people think it will be, simply because the new secondary is not as good as they think it is. Fred Smoot is soft, and can be beat deep. Darren Sharper is 3 years past his prime. When you want to spend money to upgrade your defense, don't pick up aging safeties and top tier cornerbacks (by far, corners are the worst value for your money in the NFL).
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
I want to see Mark Bulger do well!
And yes, TO is a dork. For him or even anyone on NFL minimum to say anything about feeding the family. Ha!
Posted by calaban (Member # 2516) on :
I just wanted to mention how much I appreciated Warren Sapp gratiously welcoming Alex Smith to the NFL.
TO should have gone into basketball, they like his type over there in the NBA.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, except he's not that good at basketball.
Not that I'm saying he's not that good, just that's he's not that good compared to NBA players.
He's 6'3", with a SF or PF build. He could trim down, maybe be a passable 3, but he's too short.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
He is a pain, but a hell of a player. Too bad...even a Jerry Rice isn't worth the type of crap TO has been slinging at this point.
And Rice is one of the best ever.
TO will never amout to anything, and he won't be worth much to any other team that believes in team chemistry...
Oh yeah....
GO PATS!
Posted by Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged (Member # 7476) on :
Your sick of TO? How about me, I live in Philly for goodness sake. If I see another news report of him doing push-ups, not signing fans autographs and crying because he has to "feed his family" I'll scream. Great players but I'm sick of it. He has one more chance. The fans already hate him. One more chance and he'll be gone. I don't know about any other topics this season because TO has taken over the ariways here Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Ummm. That's not just confined to Philly. He's on TV everywhere in America. This is preseason, and he's the biggest story in football for the past week.
Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :
Julius Jones, the Cowboys RB, is going to break out *BIG TIME*. The Cowboys have a shot at the playoffs if everything breaks right.
Posted by camus (Member # 8052) on :
Here's another guy that's sick of T.O. It's sad when anybody with fame (celebrities, atheletes, whoever) start thinking that they are suddenly better human beings and have more rights than others based solely on the fact that they have a particular talent that has nothing more than entertainment value. T.O. needs to realize that everything he has in life is directly the result of our being easily entertained.
Anyway...I think the Vikings are going to be the biggest disappointment this year. The defense will take half a season to finally work together. The offense will be somewhat productive, but nothing great. The receivers will be a lot less impressive without Moss stretching the field. Bennett will probably get injured again and no one will effectively fill the spot of running back for an extended amount of time. Special teams will still suck. If they manage to back into the playoffs, they will be embarrassed by being thoroughly out-coached.
It's kind of a glass-half-empty perspective, but I've been disappointed by my Vikings for many years now. Just like my disappointment with the Twins and Wolves this year also. Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Mewelde Moore ran pretty well last year when Bennett was hurt. The Vikes aren't a power running team anyway.
I agree about Julius Jones, as long as he can stay healthy (which I tend to doubt).
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
some of the boys back up RBs have been looking really good (as have the tight ends... ) so there might be a bit of a committee involved to keep "Juice" fresh...
They have an interesting looking team this year if they can fill right tackle and keep Glenn and Bledsoe healthy.
Ellis and Glover seem to be handling the transition to 3-4 about as well as can be expected... if their draft ends up as good IRL as it looks on paper...
I may actually start caring about football again...
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Personally, I'm happy to see TO on any team that's not my favorite. The Eagles got what they were warned of. But still, the guy either needs to shut up and play or take the Ricky Williams Memorial World Tour for a year.
I think the Vikings have been overrated for years and this year they'll perform about like always 8-8, or 9-7 or 7-9... same old, same old. Moss or no Moss, there's just something that doesn't mesh properly in that team. They've been kinda lucky that the NFC North has been a bit mushy over the past few years.
On Kyle Orton, I watched him play in the preseason game against the Dolphins and was really impressed. If he had a year as a backup, he could go in as one heck of a starter in his second year. Sadly, I'm betting Hutchinson lasts about two and a half games. I still feel sooo sorry for Grossman, though. Poor kid.
The Raiders will be last place in the AFC West. Collins has a strong arm and a modest amount of accuracy, but the Black and Silver defense didn't change from last year's group of turnstiles. And Randy Moss will be T.O.-level poison to the organization is my bet.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Moss'll fit in perfectly in Oakland.
The Cowboys have problems beyond just keeping people healthy. Their defense, so dominant two seasons ago and bad last season, has still proved nothing to me. Bledsoe's a cardboard cutout. Glenn's a prima donna with no wheels left. Getting this team to the playoffs would be a coaching miracle from Parcells, unless these draft picks all turn out to be absolute studs.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
I need to find a new favorite team. I've given up on my hometown team. (the Cardinals) Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
This might not be the year to give up on them.
Kurt Warner is a shadow of what he was (and I thought he was overrated his MVP year), but I really like JJ Arrington, and the Cards have the best young wide receiver corps in the league (apologies to Detroit). I also like the defense - they're young and they hit.
Believe me, as a Saints fan I totally understand.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Well, I'll give them a chance. I blame the Cardinals woes on the owner.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Bledsoe's a super bowl winning cardboard cut out though... with a good cast he's capable... it remains to be seen whether the line will work, but Keshawn, for all his bravado, is a talented possession receiver, as is Jason Witten. Glenn is past his prime, but still fast enough to be a deep threat and stretch a defense out as a good #2 receiver should.
Not saying they'll all work, but it *could*. Especially with talent and depth at RB.
As for defence, they are much improved at corner... the question is whether they have the depth/talent at linebacker to pull off the 3-4. They've got a bevvy of Defensive line talent, especially, again, if the draft is as strong as it looked.
Not saying they're gonna knock off the eagles, but I wouldn't wrtie them off just yet... and I'll bet you they have a better record than the cards this year El JT... care to choose terms?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Let me check the schedules.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Okay, after an in-depth analysis of the schedules (by that I mean I went down and said, "Win, Loss, Loss, etc.") I have the Cowboys at 7-9 (although I think 8-8 is more realistic) and the Cards at 9-7 (playoffs?).
What terms do you suggest?
EDIT: Bledsoe's ring came as a backup (when he got benched for Brady). Jason Witten is a talented TE, but there's no more overrated receiver in the league than Keyshawn Johnson.
Although I'm not sure Warner could beat Bledsoe in a footrace (timed with a sundial).
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
hmmm... well are you physically anywhere near here? (upstate South Carolina)
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I'm in Louisiana. So not really.
We need something foolish.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
yes... hmmm... a dozen Krispy Kremes?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Bought and shipped from the loser to the winner?
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
I'm blaming any problems the Cards have this year on the fact they're terrified of playing next year in a stadium that looks like a flying saucer, a steel pillow, or a marshmellow that partially melted while being chromed.
And yes, I add my vote to the TO option of "Shut up and play."
EDIT: Proof! For a better illustration, watch the animation. RealPlayer Required.
[ August 17, 2005, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: Architraz Warden ]
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
sounds good to me...
Maybe I can deliver/pick up in person... Louisiana is between here and Dallas... and I'll be visiting from time to time...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Agreed.
The Wager:
Who, out of the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals will have a better regular season record.
The Stakes:
The Loser will buy the winner a dozen Krispy Kremes sometime between the end of the regular season and the Rapture.
In the event that the two teams finish with the same regular season record, it only seems fair that both Jim and JT consume 6 Krispy Kremes each.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Okay, so does anyone want to venture a Super Bowl pick at this early point of the season?
My pick: Panthers over the Chargers
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I can't for the life of me pick the NFC. The AFC's top teams are pretty clearly defined - but I think my hometown NFC bias overshadows any rational thought. I can't believe some teams are good, mostly because I grew up hating them. Or their coach's son.
I'm from Green Bay. I hate the Vikings. I went to middle school (Vincent T. Lombardi Middle School, as a matter of fact) with Garrett Reid, Andy Reid's son - and he was a... well, he wasn't very nice (yes, I did actually know him, this isn't just rumour), so there goes any hope of thinking the Eagles good. I just... don't like any other NFC team well enough to think them worthy of my good opinion. Oh well. Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
I just wish the Bears could figure out how to keep a starting QB healthy and functional for more than a single season. One of the time-out segues during the game against the Dolphins was a graphic showing the number of starting quarterbacks we've had... 15 in I think it was 10 years. The scary part is that I only recognized half the names... and I call myself a Bears fan???
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
No, I know exactly what you're saying, Goody. I don't call myself a Bears fan, but I do follow their trials and tribulations fairly closely. I recognized maybe 2/3 of the names on the list, but also only because I follow college ball rather closely.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
NFC is tough.
I like the Panthers to rebound this year, but they're in the toughest division. I also think the Falcons are a playoff team, but from the same division. The Eagles will still win at least 10 games, although I don't know what TO will do, and they have very little depth behind him.
Green Bay is suspect. I like the Vikes to take that division (although I'm not as high on them as most people). Detroit may finally break through as well, but I'll have to see it to believe it. Joey Harrington has had plenty of time, as far as I'm concerned.
Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :
What about the Jaguars? Everyone seems to think this is Leftwich's year...
And who will he throw to? Will Jimmy Smith keep putting up big numbers? (He's on a different fantasy team of mine)
What about the Texans? Is this the year they WIN a few of those 3 point losses from last year? Will Domanick Davis get 2000 yds combined rushing and receiving? etc etc
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
*shakes hands ceremoniously*
I think an Eagles fan should buy the donuts in case of a tie...
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
quote:Originally posted by El JT de Spang: The Eagles will still win at least 10 games, although I don't know what TO will do, and they have very little depth behind him.
Little Depth? Sure, Pinkston is gone, but there's still Greg Lewis, Westbrook, LJ Smith, Reggie Brown. Sure, these guys aren't the best in the NFL(well, maybe westbrook is), but they can certainly get the job done. Reggie Brown is going to be awesome though, he was a huge pick up for the Eagles. Westbrook IS the Eagles' offense(well, and McNabb). The Eagles made it to the superbowl without TO, they didn't make it there without Westbrook.
My predictions: The NFC will be horrible like last year. The Eagles will make the superbowl. AFC is a tougher call. I think the Pat's are going to have an off year. The Chargers might do well. If the Steelers' offense is plays well they'll have a good shot at the superbowl.
I'm thinking it's gonna be an all PA superbowl.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
NinjaBirdman: Two of the three starting wideouts from last year are gone. We know the deal with the one remaining.
Just naming WR's on the roster does not indicate depth. I like Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis, but they're both unproven, to say the least. Westbrook is a running back and LJ is a TE. That's why I say they have little depth at WR.
When your number 2 and 3 receivers have 17 catches between them in their professional careers, and Terrell Owens is your number 1, cross your fingers.
I still wouldn't be surprised if they make it 4 straight NFC championships, and I'll tell you what else - Ryan Moats is gonna be a big time player, maybe even this year.
EDIT: Jim-Me, this morning on espnradio, Mike Golic picked the Cards to win their division. Things are looking good.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
As usual, I'm pulling for the Men of Steel!
(((The Bus)))
(((Big Ben)))
(((Polamalu)))
(((Hines))))
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
People have been picking the Cards to "break out and win the division" since they were still in St. Louis. I'll believe it when I see it.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Hi Jim-Me!
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Hi Tammy!
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I've gotta say, I really do like the Steelers, also. And Hines showed some real class, even with his holdout. It's a first rate organization and I'd like to see The Bus make it to the Super Bowl, carrying the team on his back in his quietly heroic manner.
But, I'm a Panthers fan through feast and famine. I just think this year will be the one for them.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
quote: I've gotta say, I really do like the Steelers, also. And Hines showed some real class, even with his holdout. It's a first rate organization and I'd like to see The Bus make it to the Super Bowl, carrying the team on his back in his quietly heroic manner.
Amen!
I really have come to love those guys. Hines did behave in a very professional, classy manner. I have to admit the earrings he wore on Monday night were a bit distracting. I could hardly focus anytime they pointed the camera his way.
Polamalu is ultra cool in my book as far as football players go. He practices barefoot and he never lifts more than 20 pounds. He's a soft-spoken, hard-hitting warrior.
Even though I'm in the heart of Panthers country, I can't get into them.
Posted by Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged (Member # 7476) on :
I think it should be noted that last year was the first time the Eagles had a decent WR corps and they still made it to three previous NFC Championships. I mean they're starting recievers in 2003 were James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, not exactly the best WR tandem. What's really important is Westbrook is healthy and the defense is largely intact...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Westbrook is definitely the one guy (beside McNabb) they need healthy to get anything done. Which is why I like Moats. He's very similar, but a much more powerful runner than Westbrook.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Cowboys 1st team offense didn't look too good last night. I see Bledsoe still hasn't learned not to throw deep into coverage.
Either that, or the Seahawks are absolutely dominant, because they embarrassed the Dallas in the first quarter.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I saw what I wanted to see last night...
on a technical note for the bet, are we gonna count the head to head result as a tie breaker, or are we just going by record?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Either way, doesn't matter to me. Let's do tie-breaker.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
very good.. so if they're both 7-8-1 because they tie each other, then we'll each buy each other 6 krispy kremes Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Did anyone see DE Ware on the Cowboys last night?
He was all over the place, I think he ended up with 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. This guy is scary good.
[ August 23, 2005, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: KetchupPrinceConsort ]
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Yes.
Also, Patrick Crayton would seem to have solidified his lead at #3 receiver, and Pettiti wasn't mentioned until 4th quarter when he was on the bench (which is a good thing when you are trying to learn Right Offensive Tackle).
Posted by Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged (Member # 7476) on :
If TO can somehow keep his mouth shut for the rest of the season the Eagles will be fine.His first play back, 66 yard catch for a TD...amazing...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Saints pulled out a close one at Carolina (SI's superbowl pick). Watching the Saints is a nerve racking experience.
The Steelers started things off right, beating the stuffing out of the Titans.
Jacksonville sent Seattle on its annual slide down the crapper.
Cowboys/Chargers is on right now.
I love football.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Yeah, bad day for the NFC North.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
And the Dolphins are undefeated! WOOHOOOOOO!
Posted by JaimeBenlevy (Member # 6222) on :
So are the Bucs!!! They're going to win a championship this year, you wait.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Cowboys 28, Chargers 24... Giants 42, Cards 19
*cough*
I can smell the donuts now...
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Go 'Skins! We're on top of the NFC East! In control of our own destiny!
18 more wins and we're in the Superbowl!
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
See ya next Monday night, sir Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Gotta love the Pats, huh?
Off season my a$$...
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I've got to celebrate while I can, Jim-Me.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Watched the Bills game today. That defense is INSANE. Everytime a play needed to be made, they delivered. McGahee was in his full glory, practically juking the poor Houston corners into the turf. Even Losman was better than all the pundits expected. All that in the throwbackjerseys.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
So*, can someone tell me if my 49ers stand a chance of not getting creamed this year? I'm not asking for a championship, just a decent season, so that I can get my Colts-following boyfriend to stop laughing at me behind (and in front of) my back. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I want Flutie to start against the Bills...and Kick Their A$$e$! Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
The Bills would probably love to see Flutie again...that means no Tom Brady. Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Lions won their customary opening game.
Now let the losing begin!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Speaking of which, the Pack collapsed in spectacular fashion.
As did the Vikes.
And yes, Jim, Old Man Bledsoe looked pretty good. But as they say, it ain't how you start...
Posted by camus (Member # 8052) on :
The Vikes are trying a new approach. Instead of starting out strong (6-0, 5-1) and then ending weak, they are going to start out weak and end weak.
Posted by The Silverblue Sun (Member # 1630) on :
Football is a game of Kings.
I'm so happy football is back.
Biggest suprise of the day:
How bad the Houston Texans sucked.
They sucked bad.
J.P. Losman looked good for the Bills.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
hey... and how about those Broncos?
Almost guaranteed that the most overrated teams going into any season are going to be the Vikings, Broncos, and Cardinals.
Serious thought about Bledsoe for a sec... I think I see why he gets sacked so much-- he's careful. He holds on to the ball a long time and doesn't try to force it. After having a few seasons of young and old quarterbacks making bad decisions, I'll take a sack over an interception every time (Cowboys were the most intercepted team in the league last year... expect that to change significantly).
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I think Parcells will keep him tightly reined, which should cut down on his freelancing, which is where he gets in trouble.
[ September 12, 2005, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: El JT de Spang ]
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Wow, what a weekend. Out of the sixteen games this week, the underdogs won what 10 of them? And that's before the Monday Night game?
The Saints played a really solid game and could be something special this year. Heck, over the past five seasons, they've been statistically better on the road than at home. Plus, this tragedy might be what pulls this team together. They've always had the right pieces, just missing something...
Heck, I'm a die-hard Carolina fan and I was pulling for them a little bit yesterday. Of course, we lost Kris Jenkins our DT yesterday to a torn ACL. Lost him last year with a shoulder injury. Sure hope we aren't going down the same path as last year.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Keep Abusing Steve Smith like that and you might...
I was amazed to see the way they went to him yesterday, even after he'd been shaken up a couple of times... not just calling his number, but high, long throws that laid him open to some mean shots.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I don't blame them at all for that.
He was uncoverable yesterday. I was praying they wouldn't go to him anymore, because he was beating McKenzie like a drum.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Actually, Smith gets knocked around on a lot of his catches anyway. 5' 8" and about a buck and three-quarters in weight means any time he gets hit, he gets laid out pretty well.
But the hard part is catching him once he has the ball. And he is one mean lil cuss. Definitely not my favorite guy on the team.
I was surprised the Colbert was pretty silent yesterday. The Saints #2 cover man must be pretty good.
I was just happiest to see Stephen Davis back to his old self. He churns out a bunch of three yarders for three quarters of punishment, then whammo!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Fakhir Brown, and yeah, he's pretty good. He's faster than Colbert, but not as strong.
Brown was actually covering Smith more in the second half, which left McKenzie on Colbert. That's a tough matchup for Keary (I love that guy).
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Yeah, Davis looked good...
Re: Smith, I just meant that at some point, someone should have started calling quick outs or something instead of those deep jump balls... just to preserve the guy.
That was an enjoyable game, though, and a happy ending for the sentimental favorite, to boot.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Keary's my wife's favorite. She made me take him on my fantasy football team last year and he did good for me.
Wish she'd have made my picks this time around.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
You're not like the poor guy on the Dallas Cowboy fanlist who had Culpepper and Bledsoe and played Culpepper, are you? Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
I like the attention that Steve Smith is getting. He's one of my boys from the University of Utah. He was awfully exciting to watch back then. His senior season, he actually played with a fractured neck (they didn't know until afterward).
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Me, my favorite is still Jake Delhomme. One year he's the back up quarterback for the Amsterdam Admirals after sitting on the Saints' bench for three years. He was actually loading trucks for UPS for a while.
Then he gets picked up by Carolina as Rodney Peete's backup and gets thrown into the first game of the year with Carolina down by three touchdowns at the half.
He pulled out a win and took over the starting position. Then he quietly missed beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl by one bad kick-off.
Gotta love a story like that.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I live in Lafayette. You should hear the Delhomme worship around here. Same story in college. He was an unrecruited backup who came into the first or second game of the year trailing by 3 touchdowns in the 4th quarter, led them to victory, and started the rest of his career.
He's one of those guys who isn't physically imposing, but all he does is win. Has, ever since high school.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Eagles in the basement? I know it's only one game but who would've thunk, eh?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
And San Fran on top. Also only for one game.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Well, The Eagles are guaranteed to be at least tied for the basement for two weeks, even if they win and everyone else loses Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
quote:Originally posted by The Silverblue Sun: Football is a game of Kings.
I'm so happy football is back.
Biggest suprise of the day:
How bad the Houston Texans sucked.
They sucked bad.
J.P. Losman looked good for the Bills.
Don't blame the Texans, consider the D they were facing. They were clicking on all cylinders.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Texans line from Sunday - Five turnovers, five sacks, 120 yards of total offense.
I'm sorry, but calling that clicking on all cylinders is a crime against nature.
The Bills D is top 5 in the league, for sure, but the Texans stunk it up. Gotta get Domanick Davis going early or Carr will get blitzed into oblivion.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I think he meant the Bills' D was on alll cylinders...
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
The Texans really need an offensive line rather than that set of turnstiles they have now. Poor Carr, it's going to be a loooong and painful year for him.
He's a good quarterback, but it's hard to do much laying on your back watching the pretty birdies.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, that does make a lot more sense.
Ummm, belay my last.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Okay, so does anyone want to start a survivor pool?
A survivor pool is basically where a set group all announce their one guaranteed winner for the week. If the team you say wins, you're in again next week. If your team loses, you're out.
The difficulty is that you can only use a team once during the season. If you pick the Steelers this week, and they win, you're safe but you can't use the Steelers again this season.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, I'm down with that.
Especially since I picked St. Louis in my other pool and got knocked out in week one.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Stat of the Day:
Joey Harrington - 19/37 for 196 1 TD, 5 INT
Stick a fork in 'em, he's done.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Didn't Culpepper also have 5 INTs? That's crazy.
And another bad day for the NFC North. You know it's going to be a long season when the Bears take the early division lead...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, if somebody up north doesn't start playing well, 8-8 might win the division.
BTW, Jim, can you taste the donuts yet?
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Well, I have to confess Mr. Warner is looking better than I thought he would... and I'm having a little trouble with the Denver game because either Denver is better than I want them to be, or the Chragers are not as solid a defense as I gave them credit for... and I'm not sure which pleases me less.
Props to Carolina.
I *do* think, though, that after tonight I'm gonna be up two games on you and I think that's gonna be a hard deficit for the Cards to overcome, even with the rest of the season to play.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I'm hoping the Washington pass rush can plant old man Bledsoe once or twice early and rattle him.
Or that Sean Taylor can persuade the Dallas WR corps not to come across the middle.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Carolina pulled that one out, but we really had some serious mistakes. The Pats, well, I'm not sure the Emperor is really wearing clothes. Their special teams are really bad.
I'm really surprised by the Bears, they might have a good shot at their division. I'm not sure that's a kudos to Da Bears as much as it is exasperation at their division mates.
And I believe Joey Harrington will get the hook about the time Jeff Garcia gets back from the broken leg. Or maybe sooner. Jeff George anyone? I hear he's available.
I'm picking the Cowboys and the Giants tonight (although the Saints are hard to pick against).
And I never thought I'd be saying, Wow! about the Bengals.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
oof.
I guess it's not like we didn't see this coming... Young and Rice, Manning and Harrison, Mark Brunnell and Santana Moss-- those all-time great touchdown combinations... </sarcasm>
I *will* give my team that even the announcers were mystified at the referee's 4th quarter decision that it was illegal for Flozell Adams to pancake his block...
But you have to win those. You don't give up the same deep TD play twice in 2 mins. You don't get a 48 yd kick return with the game on the line and come away with nothing. You don't control the game for 56 minutes and have less than two touchdowns to show for it -- not if you're a winning team. Hopefully an object lesson for them.
In the meantime, enjoy being undefeated, Dag
P.S. -- This is probably my payback for gloating at being at the big '79 comeback game with Redskins fans.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
*bump to allow dagonee gloating time*
Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :
Amazing game.
I went to bed with six minutes left...figures... I always miss the good ones! Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:*bump to allow dagonee gloating time*
How kind of you - I can't believe I missed the thread this morning.
But it's hard to gloat about a victory that required two Hail Mary passes to pull off.
I'll start early this year: 16 and 0 makes the playoffs.
This is far more satisfying than saying 9 and 7 can make the playoffs when we were 0 and 7.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
There's nothing like a Hail Mary pass! Where would Doug Flutie be without them?
Posted by BADPLMR1 (Member # 8580) on :
The only thing better than the hated cowgirls losing was my Giants winning!
Posted by BADPLMR1 (Member # 8580) on :
GO BIG BLUE!!!
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Anyone think that this weekend, Peyton Manning might have another subpar game? I know they're just playing the Browns, but Coach Romeo Crennel was the architect of those defenses of the Patriots that befuddled Manning so bad.
The Browns aren't exactly the Patriots, but it ought to be interesting just the same.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Two bad calls on the goal live notwithstanding, that was the worst I have seen the Pats play in a long time.
I still think they will be in the running though, although I have no idea who will win if they don't.
I know it won't be the Eagles, though. Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Let's hear it again for the NFC North! It's like the mid-80s all over again... except much, much worse.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Hush, Sopwith, I've got Manning on both my Fantasy leagues and last week's performance really hurt me!
And I'd love to see another championship Bears team. Too bad we haven't got the personalities we had in '85...
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I don't think you've got the talent you had in '85 either... no offense.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
None taken. I know we don't have the talent. We haven't since '85. But we also don't have the personal appeal, either.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
You don't get one without the other. If you're not winning, you don't care what kind of characters are on the team. They're losers.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Nah, I was born and raised an Atlanta Falcons fan. Knew who the players were, cared how they did and hoped for a better year next time around.
Then Carolina got a team and I switched allegiances, with a heavy, but relieved heart. Win or lose I've cared about the players here, too. But I've got to admit, it's been easier and more fun as a Panthers fan.
I still miss Steve Bartkowski though... hehehe.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
wow...I hope this team settles down somewhat...
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
David Akers! What a wimp! What is it with kickers anyway? They get paid to kick a ball for pete's sake! I can't believe how fragile they are, that kicking off would cause a pulled hamstring, or any injury for that matter. And yes, I know he was injured from the SF game the week before, but that's my whole point. They don't do enough to get injured! Remember when one of the Grammaticas injured himself celebrating (!) a couple of years ago? Pathetic! I think Larry Allen had the right idea when he whacked the Cowboys kicker for missing a kick! Way to go Larry! How can Janikowski, for example, miss those kicks? That's all he has to do! I sound way over the top on this I guess, but my perspective is from a rugby background where kickers are players too and don't get injured and make difficult angled kicks, and where I see 13 year old girls making kicks that these clowns either miss or injure themselves doing. I love football, and have for the best part of 20 years, but kickers ... they're a JOKE!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Janikowski is definitely a joke. A first rounder who misses not one but two chip shots, when either could have sent the game into OT should be cut and banished to NFL Europe.
The Saints have started their annual plunge into self-pity and finger-pointing. A little early, but hey, why not?
When they get behind, they immediately panic and go into 2 minute offense. Which Brooks is terrible at. He panics, makes terrible reads and worse throws. Then he gets down on himself and it's game over.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
In defense of the cowboy kicker I do have to say that he actually managed to make a couple of tackles in the Chargers game and didn't look like an idiot doing it -- that's rare. Poor Saints... I really htought it might be their year after they beat Carolina...
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I thought he did great, kicking while injurded...I bet that you wouldn't ahve been able to make that, Rugby or not.
I just hope he isn't disabled for the rest of teh season because of that last kick.
I hurt my back playing frisbee, for gods sake, and it took weeks to feel better...and I missed 4 days of work.
I use to move furnature, and am in at least as good shape as I was then, and I never hurt myself doing that for 2 years...
The location of the injury matters more than you would think.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Speaking about kickers...Gotta love those game winning kicks, huh? Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Or the missed 41 yarders when you end up losing by 1?
Posted by cyruseh (Member # 1120) on :
I terminate my long long lurking mode status, to give a loud and proud WHOOOOODEEEEEY!!!! to all the hatrack nfl fans out there Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Larry Johnson sucks in a special way.
But enough about my fantasy team.
(Wait, one more thing. What the heck is up, Peyton?!?!!??! )
Posted by Khavanon (Member # 929) on :
No consistency anymore (except maybe New England and Pittsburgh).
Posted by JaimeBenlevy (Member # 6222) on :
So...how 'bout them Bucs! Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I dunno... Indy looks awfully consistent.. they just aren't going all offensive all the time.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Don't feel bad about KC. They never win in Denver. That's a huge rivalry and Denver beats a lot of teams they shouldn't at home.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Stupid time keepers. The Steelers would have won.
I can't believe I'm getting so in to football.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
The Cardinals just allowed a touchdown in the first 9 seconds of the game. Is anyone else watching the Cardinals and 49ers? It's the first regular season game played outside the US.
Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :
Its a good day to be a Manning...
Posted by babager (Member # 6700) on :
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............ I CAN'T BELIEVE KC BLEW SUCH A BIG LEAD
Now I get to listen to all the Bronco fans at work gloat again... Posted by babager (Member # 6700) on :
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............ I CAN'T BELIEVE KC BLEW SUCH A BIG LEAD
Now I get to listen to all the Bronco fans at work gloat again... Posted by babager (Member # 6700) on :
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............ I CAN'T BELIEVE KC BLEW SUCH A BIG LEAD
Now I get to listen to all the Bronco fans at work gloat again... Posted by babager (Member # 6700) on :
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............ I CAN'T BELIEVE KC BLEW SUCH A BIG LEAD
Now I get to listen to all the Bronco fans at work gloat again... Posted by babager (Member # 6700) on :
oops.. and here I thought my response wasn't posting...lol Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Cardinals suck. That is all.
Oh yeah, and Go Saints!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
It's official folks. Anything I say about the NFL, the opposite is sure to happen. Denny Green saw my post in the first quarter and used it to fire up the troops. They ended up winning.
This is why I don't give predictions on a game by game basis.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Maybe I was a bit premature. Cardnals 31, 49ers 14. Posted by Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged (Member # 7476) on :
Whew...weird game in KC...the first half everything went KC's way....blocked extra points, kick off returns for TD's, it didn't look good.Somehow they pulled it out, thank goodness. Also the Pats got beat pretty badly....Double bonus.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Is anyone else predicting a losing record winning the NFC North? Because at this point, I sure am.
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Man, I hope Favre has a good game tomorrow night. It's a tragedy watching him apparently going down in flames!
Posted by BADPLMR1 (Member # 8580) on :
What is in the Giant's gatorade this season? Ive been a Giant fan since Tarkenton and the offense has always sucked and the defense has always been good or great. It is so strange to watch the jints score points like this but not be able to stop teams from driving up and down the field. Thank the gods for turnover differential and improved special teams play is all I can say . GO BIG BLUE!
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
What a great game the Eagles had yesterday. It doesn't get any better than that. We were about ready to throw in the towel at halftime and turn the game off but they hung in there and pulled out a win.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Carrie, I'm betting on 8-8 for NFC North. And the scary part is I think it might actually be ... gasp.... Detroit.....
Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
GO WASHINGTON!
*woot*
--j_k
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
It's still early, but yes, if the colts keep playing that kind of D, they are going to be a tough team to beat.
Posted by Winder (Member # 8685) on :
quote:Originally posted by adam613: Meanwhile, Miami is leading the AFC East
I'm getting the feeling this whole season is going to be about who gets to lose to the Colts in the playoffs.
Amen. I hope so. But then I'm a huge Colts fan...
Manning vs. Manning for the Super Bowl Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Too early for Hatrack Super Bowl Predictions?
Somebody wanna start?
Posted by Winder (Member # 8685) on :
Didn't I just do that? Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, kinda. But if you want to make it official, you have to give a score. It clearly states that in the arbitrary rulebook about official predictions, which exists only in my mind.
Posted by Winder (Member # 8685) on :
Ok....my real prediction. The Giants aren't ready yet...
Colts 27 Bucs 20
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I would very much like to see the Pack turn it around tonight, though I seriously doubt that is going to happen. It is very sad to see Favre sputter his Hall of Fame career to an end, especially for a town which has hero-worshipped him since 1992. Truthfully, I wouldn't mind anyone in the NFC North being competitive, as long as it's not the Vikings. I hate them. A lot.
Super Bowl predictions? No, not yet. I've got to wait until November before I can try anything like that.
Posted by Winder (Member # 8685) on :
Which team will remain undefeated the longest? I'll say the Redskins just because that would drive me crazy. The Bengals may stay undefeated until they have to play Indy...then they must lose. And the Bucs will probably lose soon.
Posted by Art Vandelay (Member # 8690) on :
I think Indy stays undefeated the longest (unless Peyton gets hurt, then they're screwed).
Posted by Winder (Member # 8685) on :
We can win without Peyton
(...ha...yeah right...)
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
52 points for the Packers with a completely juryrigged offense? What? Thank the Lords of Kobol for the bye week next week - maybe someone productive will come back. Like perhaps a running back.
PS - Go Cowboys.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
And the Saints got the long hard shaft, yet again.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Sheesh, the Panthers are playing heart attack-inducing games every dang week. Just like they did two years ago.
But couldn't we just steam roller one of these teams?
Big cheers for LT of the Chargers, though. Tied the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown (18) and managed to rush for a touchdown, catch a touchdown pass and THROW a touchdown pass...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Second time this season he's done it.
You've never seen a halfback pass? They're fairly common.
Posted by Zamphyr (Member # 6213) on :
Man, that Dallas-NYG was ugly. 8 turnovers, 1 offensive TD for each team. Lots of 1 yard runs. Bleh.
but as a Cowboy fan in NJ, I'll take what I can get.
Posted by camus (Member # 8052) on :
hey guys, help me out. I'm trying to think of something good to say about the Vikings.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Umm, at least that cruise boat didn't sink?
The purple uniforms still look snazzy?
It's cool when the owner of the team's name is Ziggy?
Beyond that, I'm all out of upbeat comments on the Vikes. Posted by camus (Member # 8052) on :
Oooh, I got one. At least they're only a game out of first place in their division.
Posted by Zamphyr (Member # 6213) on :
They have that awesomely annoying Viking horn noise when they have a good play.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Sorry, Camus, can't help ya...Bears fan here LOL
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Would David Carr do better if they just got rid of his offensive line? I feel terrible for the kid - he has no chance whatsoever to throw the blasted ball!
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
If they would put David Carr in the shotgun formation, he could get a good head start on the defense that way. All he'd have to do is catch the hike, pivot 180 degrees and run like made for his own end zone.
Sure it'd give up two points each time, but he might be able to survive until next season.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Dear Brett Favre,
At the beginning of this season, I was wondering why you would want to come back for yet another season. You're kind of old, kind of unreliable, but you are still the heart and soul of the Green Bay Packers. There was no way that I would even consider you being around for another season after this one.
You've changed my mind. Well, okay, both you and the injury-laden season the Packers' offense is having.
First, due to the slew of recent injuries, I have changed my mind. I would very much like it if a) you would keep yourself alive and healthy and b) come back for one final year to actually play with a complete team, instead of one having been depleted by season-ending injuries. I can't imagine how hard it must be to keep losing essential players like Ahman Green, Javon Walker, and the rest of the receiving corps - let alone continue to play after the departure of Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera. Many of the aforementioned players still on the Green Bay roster are up for free agency and have the talent (and agent) to go elsewhere. There really isn't much to keep them in Green Bay - except you and your devotion to the game.
Look, I'm going to be honest: Aaron Rodgers isn't ready to take over the team. Granted, I have no idea how well (or not) his practices have been going, but he is not and I doubt he will even begin to be emotionally ready to take over the team and do what's needed - keep the team and (more importantly) the city optimistic. He's a very talented player; he just needs to learn in a more... positive... setting.
That's why you need to stay one more year.
I'm not asking for a miracle. I don't want you to stick around until you're old like Vinny Testaverde. That's... actually disturbing. No, just one more season is all I ask.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you've already told Mike of your intentions to retire on the second of January and are glad to be getting out of the game. Maybe you don't love the game and just pretend to be disappointed and disgusted after losses and overly excited when good things happen. Maybe you weren't trying to encourage Fergie to keep his head in the game during the Panthers game.
Far be it from me to know your limits better than you. Don't do anything damaging - but don't take the easy way out and leave because the going got tough for a year. You made it through the Ray Rhodes years. You can make it through one and a half more.
Sincerely,
A Devoted Fan
(Hooray for fits of passion and BOO to injuries. Oh, and Go Badgers! One Wisconsin team's got to do well, right?)
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
*waves terrible towel*
*sings* Here we go Steelers, here we go!!!
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
*waves at Tammy*
I have to say my boys' defense looks solid...
now if we can just get the offense going again, I think we're in good shape... and I think that'll happen as the line re-settles and Julius Jones returns. He may not have done well, but I think he is regarded as a real threat at RB and teams played to stop him, resulting in Bledsoe's early success...
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Anyone want to state how they see the rest of the regular season playing out?
I picked the Patriots, the Steelers, the Colts, and the Broncos to win their divisions in the AFC before the season started, and that looks accurate, but in the NFC, I liked the Vikings, and the Panthers to go with Philly and Seattle. I look a bit off there, especially with the Vikes being my pick to lose the NFC title game. Whoops.
From here on out, looking at the schedules, this is what I got:
AFC:
1. Indy 2. Pittsburgh ------- 3. Denver 4. New England 5. Jacksonville 6. Cincy
On the outside looking in, San Diego, and KC.
In the NFC: 1. Seattle 2. Atlanta ----------- 3. Philly 4. Detroit (easier schedule than Chicago) 5. Carolina 6. Washington/NYG or Dallas (i go with Washington but that's my redskins bias showing.
If i were to predict the playoffs, it would be hard since I can't remember if the seeds are reshuffled following each game but here's what I'd have:
Wild Card Round: Cincy over Denver, New England over Jville Philly over Washington, Carolina over Detroit
Divisional Round: Philly over Seattle, Atlanta over Carolina Indy over New England, Pittsburgh over Cincy
Conference Title Games: Indy over Pittsburgh, and Philly over Atlanta
Super Bowl:
Indy over Philly
Anyone else care to share some 2nd half of the year predictions? Doesn't have to be this thorough (and this potentially wrongheaded).
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I'm still thinking it's Carolina vs Indy in the Super Bowl.
The winner, let's say that Carolina has never been beaten by Indy.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Sure looks like Indy's year.
The only other thing I'm gonna predict is Dallas goes 10-6 on the year and wins their first playoff game in a decade or so...
Assuming Julius Jones comes back after the bye.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jim-Me: Sure looks like Indy's year.
The only other thing I'm gonna predict is Dallas goes 10-6 on the year and wins their first playoff game in a decade or so...
Assuming Julius Jones comes back after the bye.
Dallas has got a real difficult schedule. I could see them getting the wild card. But they still have road games with Philly, NYG, Washington, and Carolina, and at best I'd think they go 1-3 with that schedule. The home games against Arizona, Detroit, Denver, KC, and St Louis look like a stretch where they should grab 2-3 wins, possibly four. That would give them a floor expection of about 8-8, and a ceiling expectation of about 10-6 or 11-5. I have them finishing 9-7, but they may finish 10-6. I really think 1 game will separate NYG, Washington and Dallas, and only 1-2 will separate the NFC East winner, and the cellar dweller.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Gotta remember, Philly is after the bye week and NYG is after the long break from thanksgiving... traditionally strong games for Dallas.
And this Defense is already something special and getting better... the problem is opposing defenses don't respect the run without Jones in there... if he comes back then expect Bledsoe to go back to his insane quarterback rating... and expect teams to start losing.
key stat: well... I can't get to it, but the cowboys are something like the best team in the league in the red zone with JJ and the worst in the league without him... maybe it's just the NFC, but still, pretty telling.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jim-Me: Gotta remember, Philly is after the bye week and NYG is after the long break from thanksgiving... traditionally strong games for Dallas.
And this Defense is already something special and getting better... the problem is opposing defenses don't respect the run without Jones in there... if he comes back then expect Bledsoe to go back to his insane quarterback rating... and expect teams to start losing.
key stat: well... I can't get to it, but the cowboys are something like the best team in the league in the red zone with JJ and the worst in the league without him... maybe it's just the NFC, but still, pretty telling.
Don't bet on Bledsoe. He's been on the downside of his career for a long time going. He's a damn sight better than a lot of vet QB's around the league but he's not gonna all of a sudden turn into 1996 Bledsoe when JJ is back. He is what he is, a strong armed, immobile QB, who makes bad decisions and forces throws because he can. He also can be pretty good.
We won't know who will be getting the two playoff slots (maybe three) from this division until the last week or two of the season but this is a huge stretch for my Redskins. Murderous schedule for the whole division it seems, I wonder why.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Because the NFC East and the AFC West are the two strongest divisions in football today and they play each other this year.
As for Bledsoe, he's a significantly better QB than anything Dallas has had since Aikman retired. And yes, he is 1996 Bledsoe when JJ is in, or when, as they did today, they get the running game going.
When defenses can't T off, pin their ears back, and come after him, Bledsoe has been fantastic. When they've put 8 in the box to stop JJ, Bledsoe has made them pay, significantly. When the Dallas running game is working, they have as much balance and as many weapons as any team in the NFL... big, physical, possession receiver, deep threat, pro-bowl tight end, speedy, tough running back, solid offensive line... and a quarterback who *can* take advantage of his weapons.
Ignore them at your peril...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Forget JJ. I love him, but how about Marion Barber v. 3.0! That kid can run.
Dear Saints, Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Sincerely, JT
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
All time greatness:
The patriots were flagged for "performing an unnatural act in an attempt to draw the offense offsides"
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
They tried to draw the Bills offsides. This is illegal if they: make sharp motions towards the offensive line, or mimic the quarterback cadence.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:The patriots were flagged for "performing an unnatural act in an attempt to draw the offense offsides"
And here I thought the officials actually caught the human sacrifices going on...
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
you have to admit the explanation was awesome, though, yes? (the called penalty was "delay of game, defense")
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
anyone want to give me odds on the cowboys sweeping the next four games coming back from the bye?
(for those who don't know it's @Philly, Detroit, Denver-Thanksgiving , @NY Giants)
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Double or nothing.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
You won't give me any hedging on that schedule, JT?
Ok... double or nothing... but if I win can we do something besides Krispy Kremes? that much sugar is likely to give me type II diabetes.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, but we can cross that bridge when/if the 'boys sweep those four.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Culpepper is out for the season.
He suffered ACL, MCL, and PCL damage to his knee yesterday. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
yeeps... I hope he can come back from that... I mean ever... Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jim-Me: Because the NFC East and the AFC West are the two strongest divisions in football today and they play each other this year.
As for Bledsoe, he's a significantly better QB than anything Dallas has had since Aikman retired. And yes, he is 1996 Bledsoe when JJ is in, or when, as they did today, they get the running game going.
When defenses can't T off, pin their ears back, and come after him, Bledsoe has been fantastic. When they've put 8 in the box to stop JJ, Bledsoe has made them pay, significantly. When the Dallas running game is working, they have as much balance and as many weapons as any team in the NFL... big, physical, possession receiver, deep threat, pro-bowl tight end, speedy, tough running back, solid offensive line... and a quarterback who *can* take advantage of his weapons.
Ignore them at your peril...
He is better, but that isn't saying much. If he was actually good, New England and Buffalo would have kept him. Neither was interested. He's very, very hot and cold, and mostly cold. I expect him to take a down turn soon enough. He had plenty of weapons, indeed better or equal weapons in Buffalo in McGahee, Moulds, and Evans. Still it didn't happen.
He's had a ton of problems with consistency and I expect them to continue. I would be shocked if he could equal his '96-'97 era productivity, 4000 yards, 28 TD's, 14 picks, if he can equal that it will be amazing and the Cowboys will definitely make the playoffs. Alas, even with his great TD-Int ratio, I dont expect it to happen. He should be better, having met up with Parcells again but beyond that, I'm not expecting a return to his mid-nineties form.
Division should be a dog fight. Will be interesting, we'll know whether or not my Redskins have any chance at grabbing a playoff slot tonight. If they cant beat this eagle team tonight, even being without their only Defensive Lineman with talent (Griffin is out) which should open up a big game for Westbrook, the Redskins still have to have this game. I expect an Eagle win, because that's what's happened anytime the Redskins have needed a big win for the past 13 years.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Saints lost again, but at least they didn't get screwed by poor officiating or give it away through poor play. It was actually a pretty well played game, plus I was there, so all in all about as good a loss as you can get.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Congrats to the skins last night. I'm a little worried now because the Eagles have to be appraoching "desperate" and a desperate team that still has weapons makes for a tough opponent next week...
Interestingly enough, Bledsoe is on pace to do almost exactly what you said: 4038 yds, 26 TD, 12 INT. For half the season, anyhow, he's been that productive... and I don't see him getting worse, with the cowboy running game improving as it has.
Edit: was anyone else amazed at Vermiel's call on the goal line? 3pts down, 5 seconds to play, calls a running play to go for the win... just wow.
I have to resort to quoting "Top Gun"-- "gutsiest move I ever saw, man."
[ November 07, 2005, 10:45 AM: Message edited by: Jim-Me ]
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Vermeil and gutsy aren't two words used together very often. I loved what he said about the decision -- "I'm too old to wait."
And the Panthers ran it to five straight wins!!! Yeeehaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I'm not sure which Tampa performance I was more impressed by-- the panthers or their cheerleaders Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Jin:
Yes, Bledsoe is on pace, I noticed this as well, one problem, every easy, or relatively pass friendly defense on his schedule was in the first half of the year. After facing San Diego, San Fran, Oakland, Seattle, and Arizona in five of his first 8 games, none of which are any great shakes defending against the pass, Dallas must face Philly, Denver, Washington, and Carolina in the second half, and additionally, there isn't really a single cake defense left on their schedule, even Detroit is actually fairly competant when it comes to generating turnovers and stopping offenses (it's their offense that's been killing them, not their defense). The rest of the way, Dallas essentially has one game that can be considered a Lock. And that's it.
I seriouly doubt that Bledsoe's pace continues as it has been with that second half schedule. Remember, if S. Moss continued as his pace preceding the Giants game, he would have finished the year with about 85-90 receptions for about 1850 yards. As much as I love the Redskins, I'm not a homer, he'll be locked up again in a game or two or three, like he was a week ago, just as Bledsoe will run into problems in the second half.
I will agree with you, as I suggested earlier, that Bledsoe should have his best performance this year since the late nineties, but with the schedule Dallas has, I'm not at all sold it will be enough. I'd be astounded if Dallas finishes this year any better than 9-7 and 8-8 will be difficult. Unless the troika Atlanta and Carolina start dropping games soon, looks like we may only get two playoff teams out of the East. If I were to guess, I'd say they'd be NYG, and Washington because of the schedules, records, and tiebreakers they own.
It will be huge, no matter what happens, Washington's playoff hopes will likely rest on how they perform in December. They open the month at Arizona, and then finish with Dallas, and NYG at home, and Philly on the road. How Washington performs there will likely define who gets in the playoffs in the division, and how many teams.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
And the Patriot/Colt pregame has started.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Well, for the schedule, it is a bear, but I think you really underestimate this Dallas team.
Three weeks in a row, the top offense in the league, either in points or yardage, came in. None of them left with more than 13 points.
They can shut down anybody and have an incredible balance on offense... and that gets better for them with the pending returns of Julius Jones and Patrick Crayton. Sometimes, when your third receiver coming back is important, itmeans your team is looking for excuses, but in Dallas's case, it just shows how deep they go.
And BTW, Jimmy Johnson agrees with me. On Friday I gave Dallas a 1 in 6 chance of getting to the superbowl this year. On Sunday, Johnson picked them to be the NFC representative.
As for your skins, 3 division games is obviously going to have a big impact... but, I think the next three games are going to tell a lot about Washington... Oakland and San Diego are much better than their records... and while Tampa Bay may not be as good as theirs, they are going to be revved up to prove that they are.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Jimmy's their former coach, that's like asking Dan Snyder what he thinks of the Redskins. I could care less what Johnson thinks about the Cowboys prospects.
Let's put it this way, I think that all four teams will have in front of them, a second half schedule that will define if they're good enough to do damage in the playoffs. Not one of us has an easy road although the SOS is disparate for all of us. Anyone making the playoffs will have earned it, anyone missing them, should have been in ahead of the rep from the NFC North, whomever they end up being.
Crayton's very good btw, any idea why he got in Parcell's doghouse?
As for how it plays out:
NYG 3-1 to win division Washington 4-1 Dallas 9-2 Philly 6-1
I still think Philly has a shot, but McNabb has to find out how to get wins while hurt, and they got to use their brains and get Westbrook in positions to help them. Give him 15-20 carries minimum and 25-35 touches per game. They don't do that, they won't sniff the playoffs, they do, they can. Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis are much better WR's than anything they had in the pre-T.O. era w/McNabb. They're fully capable of coming back and making this a four team race till the midnight on Sunday.
As for selling Dallas short. I don't think so, I expected you guys to sweep my Redskins, and battle for a Wild Card this year. The latter is still definitely possible as is a Wild Card. I'm just not sold on the offense (ditto the Redskins offense which is still sputtering at best whenever they play a good team), and the defense, while not bad, is not as elite as you think it is either. We'll see what happens. I'm just glad the NFC East is back. It's been dead for far, far too long. Remember, from the fall of 1986 through January of 1996, the NFC East grabbed every Super Bowl the Niners failed to grab, seven of ten (3 for Dallas, and 2 a piece for NYG and Washington) The good old days appear back again (although the '93-'95 era wasn't that great as NYG, Phoenix/Arizona and the Redskins stunk and the Eagles were erratic).
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Does anybody know what the music is that ESPN uses behind their defensive unit intros? They use "Who Are You?" by The Who behind the offensive team intros. I recognise the music but can't for the life of me think who it is! Anyone help?
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I was shocked to hear Yes's "Cinema" on Fox's Sunday show, but I wasn't paying attention to ESPn's music.
Crayton is not in Parcell's doghouse... he's hurt. They thought he had broken his ankle on a late catch against the Giants. Parcells was needling him publically about holding on to the football better, but I wouldn't count that as "in the doghouse".
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
I'm not talking about now, several weeks ago word was that he was in the doghouse, I saw this from multiple sources. Didn't really understand why as he seemed to be quite productive whenever he was getting looks.
Btw, you might want to check out scout.com, they handle a ton of sports forums, including the admittedly problematic "The Ranch" which has been a Cowboys forum for about half a decade. CPND (the Redskins site) has been around in various incarnations since 1995, and great debate can be had there.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Thanks for the tips... I may go there... though I don;t really have time to do this for real...
After Monday, I am ready to give my fearless predicitons:
AFC Wild Cards: San Diego Pittsburgh
AFC Div Champs: New England Cincinatti Indianapolis Denver
AFC Champ: Indianapolis
NFC Wild Cards: NY Giants Atlanta Falcons
NFC Div Champs: Dallas Bears Carolina Seattle
NFC Champion: Dallas (yes, I'm a homer, sue me)
Super Bowl Champion: Indianapolis
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Yes you are a homer. But Dallas does have what it takes to win a conference. Nice defense, potentially good running game, QB who can make all the throws, and deep and posession threats in the passing game to keep defenses honest. The Redskins worry me more because we have a poor DL, and a very young secondary. That being said the Cowboys have thrown some real clunkers out there (there two games against bay area squads were hideous performances).
The most consistent teams to me in the NFC have been the Falcons, Panthers and Seahawks. Generally speaking they've won the games they should have won and been competitve in virtually every game. They all have good running games, and effective defenses (if not the same sorts of defenses that are in the NFC East, Chicago, and even Tampa), and they all have far friendlier schedules than the NFC East squads. We could be too beat up to win anything.
I see Indy beating whomever makes it like you do, but as to who represents the NFC. Could be anybody, nobody really stands out. The entire NFC East is as good as any other playoff contender so who knows? Right now though I like Atlanta or Seattle. They strike me as the teams with the easiest schedules and friendliest situations for home field advantage.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Totally agree with your assessment except that I think Carolina has it over Atlanta because I like their consistency better... to be honest, this is probably because I've seen more of Carolina and have a better feel for how good they are.
Also, the flip side of the tough schedule is being battle-tested... that could be an advantage if, as you say, the teams coming out of the East aren't too worn out by the trip.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Carolina is thin at DT, again, which severely hampers their runstopping ability.
Atlanta will never be consistent with Vick as their QB. He throws for, what, 250 yds and declares that he's now beyond criticism as a passer. Give me a break.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
The thing is, appearences aside, Carolina has a very balanced offense. Stephen Davis and Ricky Proehl are legitimate threats if anyone ever manages to stop Steve Smith... and no one has yet, I think.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Steven Davis is a real threat, as is their running game, but I haven't seen anything from Proehl or Keary Colbert this year to scare me.
If someone wants to shut down Steve Smith I just don't think the other receivers scare anybody.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Okay, let me wade in and make my case for Carolina.
On defense, there is no thin spot at DT, which should be evident now that they're 1st in rushing defense. Carstens and Moorehead have stood in wonderfully for Jenkins, both having gotten a ton of practice last year with his mid-season injury. Buckner is aging, but he can still stand a guard up and knock a center off his blocks. Flank them with Peppers, Rucker (who is very underappreciated), Wallace and Rasmussen and you've got a steady, deep line. Linebacking from Morgan and Witherspoon (who should be in the Pro Bowl by year end) and you're in great shape. Gamble, Lucas and Manning are a great trio of DBs, with McCree and Minter doing a fine job as safeties.
On offense, the line has begun to gel nicely, basically pushing around Tampa's much vaunted front four with relative impunity. Delhomme has settled down (historically his second half of the seasons have been his prime times) and he's starting to spread the ball out more with his passing. Davis and Foster might not be racking up the yardage, but Davis is third highest in the league for rushing touchdowns. Smith is a wonder, although Colbert is having a sophmore slump -- he'll put it together soon. Proehl's experience is incredible and he's fast for an old fella. Heck, even Michael Gaines at TE is coming on. The funny thing is that Carolina is billed as a power running team, but it is there deep strike ability that wins games for them. But it's the threat of the run that opens that up for them (something the Eagles should really look at).
Toss in steady special teams play, the number one red zone offense in the league, third best third down offense in the league, and being on the upside of the takeaway/giveaway ratio, and the Panthers look like the cream of the NFC right now.
Lastly, there are no locker room squabbles, the coaching staff is great and the team's bring a lunchpail and get to work mentality, I think they'll make it to the big dance.
And there, well, let's just say that the Colts have never beaten the Panthers. So there's my pick for the Super Bowl, too.
If the Panthers somehow go belly up in the late season, my money is on either the Cowboys or the Seahawks. Cowboys have a great team mentality and the Seahawks have got Shaun Alexander.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sopwith: Cowboys have a great team mentality and the Seahawks have got Shaun Alexander.
I don't know that it's so much the team mentality (though having really classy guys like Dat Nguyen certainly helps) as that they are a very complete team. Football, more than any other sport, is about team play, particularly on defense. the strategic nature of the game, with breaks to plan each play, allow teams to really attack each other's weak points and a football team, more than any other professional sports team, is only as strong as its weakest link.
It's very likely that the weak point in the cowboy's defense is Pro-bowl safety Roy Williams, who, whether you think he's over-rated or not, is awfully good to be the weak spot in your chain. They are 5th in overall defense right now, but have played some of the most explosive and/or balanced offenses in the league... and especially some of the toughest runners in the league... holding the likes of LeDanian Tomlinson, Shawn Alexander, Tiki Barber, and Clinton Portis under 100 yds... and Bryan Westbrook to something like 56 all purpose yards. In a 3-4, that indicates teamwork... so maybe Sopwith is on to something, too.
and the scary part is they are getting better... some of their top draft choices are beginning to find their feet and the word is they are ready to step up... so their already formidable line play looks to improve.
Sorry... just got the urge to brag a little from sopwith's post Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Sopwith, *coughhomercough*
Thin doesn't mean they don't have quality starters, thin means they don't have any depth. I stand by that statement. There run game is still excellent, Delhomme's solid, and the coaching is good. WR is a weakness, and Tampa's front four isn't exactly "vaunted" (weren't they without Simeon Rice for that game?).
But I like the Panthers coming out of the NFC, if only because they always play Atlanta well.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Nope, Rice played the entire game. But Travelle Wharton kept him to 0 sacks, 0 tackles. Most of the time he kept Rice bottled up without much help.
Not bad for a guy's first year as left tackle.
Actually, I think there's a lot of depth on the Panthers, but the WR spot isn't a deep as one would hope. Colbert will turn it around and Proehl is a first class receiver3. Gardner was an interesting pick up from Washington, but he's not lived up to his billing. It's a shame that Drew Carter hadn't moved up to the full team and that Gardner took up a spot for someone else.
Atlanta is Carolina's bugbear, though. The team's never beaten Vick. If that dragon can be slain, things will look good. If not...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Carolina matches up as well with Vick as any team in the league, though.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
On paper and in practice, but then he just does something superhuman. Last year, it was when he levitated an inch over the ground for about four yards to score the game winning touchdown.
On paper, in practice and in theory, they should be able to shut him down. But then he goes and pulls this Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon stuff. I'm only a moderate Vick fan, but sheesh, that guy's just, well, uberhuman at times.
(And his brother is going to be incredible when he hits the league.)
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
TO is done for the year, and I couldn't be happier.
I also had the chance to tell of Drew Rosenhaus, his agent, in person a few weeks ago, which I did.
Posted by calaban (Member # 2516) on :
Yup Vick is faster than most running backs. Scary.
T.O.
McNabb Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Don't forget to set your fantasy teams before game time on Thursday!
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Wow... tough loss for us and JT is off the hook...
How many games this weekend lost by missed chip-shot field goals? That was just plain scary... and I know for Dallas that was the third game out of 4 losses where they missed a field goal of under 40 yds that would have had them on top at the end of regulation. Not that I blame this game on the kicker, but it's just weird.
Some great playoff races shaping up in both conferences, though... Anyone else think Parity is good?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Hooray!
Of course, I learned a lesson in prognosticating.
I think I'll need at least another week before making playoff picks though.
What happened to kickers this week?
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I'd take Chicago over Seattle if it came to a head to head matchup, but I do think Seattle has a better chance to go all the way... if that makes sense?
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Are the Cardinals officially the worst team in the NFL?
I seriously need to find a new team to root for.
Posted by Zamphyr (Member # 6213) on :
Heck, the Cards aren't even the worst in their division. Buck up, Derrell - Denny Green is a darn good coach...as long as he can find a QB.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I think the Cards will be the Cards as long a Bidwell is in charge (and maybe a couple of years after).
Poor Texans... they had that one.
thing is, about Seattle, they seem to have been consistently lucky, more than anything else. Weak division, and wins in games they lost against both the Cowboys and the Giants...They are stoppable on offense and the Bears, I think, can stop them cold. As you say, time will tell...
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
And the Chiefs aren't even in the hunt at 5-6. The Chargers are 7-4 and finally winning some of the games they should've been winning all season.
No way does Seattle make it to the Super Bowl. They're too inconsistent.
EDIT: for those who're interested, Mariucci just got canned by the Lions.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
So.... who are you picking for tonight? Indy or Pittsburgh?
FG
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Yeah, what Jim-Me said. As long as Bidwell owns the Cardinals, they don't have a snowball's chance in Phoenix in July of being a winning team. Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Um... the Chiefs are 7-4, I thought...
Dallas just placed Dat Ngyuen on IR and it looks like he might retire...
That sucks... he's been a great player and a great guy.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, you're right.
I was thinking of the Redskins. Same color scheme, same native american type names. My bad. I retract that statement. Grandmama is running his ass off, and Willie Roaf is supposedly healthy again, they might do some damage down the stretch.
I guess if you put a gun to my head, I'd pick the Steelers tonight, just because all the talking heads are convinced the Colts are unbeatable. It's in Indy, so that's tough, but if Roethlesberger comes back sharp and Pittsburg controls the clock I think they have a shot at taking it tonight.
The D did just give up 37 points last week. You can get behind that secondary, you just have to protect up front, which I think the Steelers can. If Roethlesberger gets hurt again then it's trouble though.
Anybody else?
That does stink about Nguyen, he's a class act.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I'm with you, if the Steelers can control the ball and the clock, they have the talent to win this one.
It's gonna be interesting to see what happens in the AFC West... I don't think the Chiefs will do it though, they have Denver, Dallas, New York Giants, San Diego, and Cincinatti left.... yikes!
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I'd love to see the Steelers win this one and if they play good Smashmouth football they can do it. But... it is the Colts, they're a scoring machine.
I hate to say it, but I'm beginning to think that neither the Chiefs or the Chargers may make it to the playoffs. I think for the wildcards it will be Jacksonville (very soft schedule, even with Leftwich out) and either the Steelers or the Bengals, whichever one doesn't take their division.
On the other conference, Seattle does have a history of inconsistency, but they look fairly consistent this year.
The Bears have a devastating defense, but sooner or later someone will break it down in the offense. A team that could score just three TDs on them would pretty much have the game locked up.
Carolina, man, we've gotta do better than this or it'll be one game and out in the playoffs.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I think two touchdowns is enough to beat the Bears on any given Sunday.
Jax? really? they lost to the Rams and had trouble with the Cards and Jets... even the Texans were within a TD of them...
I know they have an easy schedule, but with Leftwich out some of those close games against weak teams might start turning into "L"s and they have a near guaranteed Loss to Indy.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Jax's back up QB Gerrard can be pretty impressive. He's a bit like Volek or Schaub in that he's great coming off the bench. I've just got a feeling that Jax will be closer to the top than SD or KC by season's end.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
could be... there's not a lot of room for error there, each of them being one game back, and KC and SD both have a lot tougher schedule.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
One thing I know for sure is that my Redskins are meat. I have never seen a team lose the way they lost the last three weeks (giving up 7 point leads twice in the final quarter against tampa bay, choking the next week against Oakland with a 13-3 lead with only about 1 quarter left, and then choking yesterday with a 17-7 lead in the 4th quarter, three consecutive losses like that unbelievable). Suffice it to say, Gibbs cost the team three straight wins with moronic coaching down the stretch (run, run, incomplete pass, every series, every time, for the past three straight weeks in the 4th quarter, the height of predictability).
The Steelers are fully capable of taking out the Colts but I don't see it happening in Indy. If this game were in Pittsburgh, it would be Indy's first loss.
I hope the chargers (even if they did beat the Redskins yesterday) can make it somehow into the playoffs, they're playing better football than anyone save Indy right now. I think they might be able to do it, but it's gonna be incredibly tough.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Well........so........the Colts are the "team to beat" this year, huh?
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I think that's safe to say... and safer to say that no one's gonna do it.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
They got some tough games ahead, but I think they'll go far into the playoffs.
Homefield advantage is huge, but the problem I see is they'll face teams in the playoffs they've already beaten. They could get overconfident and get snuck up on.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
They always could, but they don't seem susceptible to it yet. If they bring their "A" game, it doesn't look like they can lose... and who doesn't bring their "A" game to the playoffs?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Everyone says they do, but I've seen teams frequently come out flat against a team they crushed earlier in the season.
Like say, the Pats. Colts killed them on Monday night in Foxboro. If they meet again that's a big time trap game.
I think Dungy and Peyton are both smart enough to keep that from happening, but that's the way I think they would lose, as opposed to just being outplayed by someone.
I also think the Chargers are the best shot at ruining the unbeaten season.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
I think they have the best shot left...
oh, and thanks for being gracious about the Broncos game... this guy here at work was predicting a blow out and said if he were a bookie the line would be Cowboys +11 who came in Monday going "what happened to your cowboys?" as if they didn't show up or something. heh.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
After the way the Saints are playing, I'd kill to be a Cowboys fan.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
hey... they beat the jets, right?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Yeah, in the second worst NFL game of the year (the first, of course, being the Sunday nighter between Arizona and SF in Mexico).
And they barely beat the Jets when the Jets were playing a QB I'm not confident would have started at my high school.
And I keep hearing they may have trouble attracting free agents since they don't have a home facility for next season yet. Which stinks, because they've actually made pretty savvy personnel moves in the last two years.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
just trying to find the bright side... Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
always look on the bright side of life {whistling}
LOL
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I hate to say it, but the Colts look kinda unstoppable. I really thought Pittsburgh had a shot at upsetting the applecart.
Whoever knocks them off has my vote for a shot at the Super Bowl. Wow.
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Unstoppable was my thought exactly. Their defense was all over the Steelers at times.
Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :
Im making the prediction now that, barring injuries, the Colts will be undefeated.
I think that if they get close enough (13-0, 14-0) to pull the starters at the end would be a sign of weakness and demoralize the team. You have to go for the record, chances like this don't come around every year.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Dungy's already said he doesn't care about the record, he wants the ring.
Peyton, I guarantee you, wants the record. And even if they clinch they'll play the starters probably the first quarter of the last two games, which may be enough to win them. Considering that while the offensive stars will rest, the O and D line probably won't.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Ty Law just said, while on the hot seat, "There's one intangible Peyton Manning doesn't have, and that's a championship."
The sad part is that that statement didn't phase the interviewer, who apparently didn't catch it.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
I definitely think they'll try for the record. I don't really buy the rest the players argument. They've got a bye, they play at Seattle, then at home against Arizona. Start everyone against Seattle, if they win that (and win three games preceeding it), they can afford to rest guys during the 2nd half of the last game against Arizona which they should win easily at home. I really hope they pull it off, I cannot stand all those Dolphin morons who celebrate other teams going down late in the year (Redskins in '91, Broncos in '98 etc) to keep their faux-record (undefeated is undefeated, but they didn't beat anyone that entire year till the playoffs, and they needed to red zone interceptions by Jake Scott, and a goal post blocking a sure TD to Jerry Smith to beat the Redskins (who were without their stud, if old, QB, Jurgenson, due to injury). I would love to see the Colts end that nearly 35 year run those idiots have had. The only shame is the Colts being a dome team, hard to be a big fan of a team playing in an arena football environment, but at least they're loads of fun to watch.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
The only barrier to the record is the Seahawks, and it's not because it'll be a loss, it's because they might have home field wrapped up, and there's no sense risking a Peyton or Edge or Marvin or, heck, anyone in a meaningless game. The record doesn't mean anything without the ring, and that's what the Colts are about.
They've pretty well shown they can play any type of game and win. They're going all the way this year.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
They have to play San Diego as well, that could be the loss because San Diego absolutely has to have that game. San Diego may be able to get in at 11-5, but they can't afford to take the risk, and if the Colts don't bring their A game, and/or can't slow on LT2, that will be their loss, that or the Seattle game. 16-0 is definitely not a foregone conclusion when you realize Seattle and San Diego are two of the best five or so teams in the league right now.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I think the road before Indy now is going to be much more challenging than the road behind, that's for sure.
But, and it pains me to say it, the Colts just look so darned complete. Moreso than at any time in the past. It ain't just the triplets anymore.
Edit to add: And Wahoo! for the Panthers! It's nice to get past the Vick jinx!
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Man, are the Bills stupid. With a 21 point lead, they don't run the ball enough. With the fins nearing a comeback, and needing some first downs to keep them off the field, they roll over and run too much, apparently trusting it to their defense. Hello, who has your defense stopped this year? The Texans? Big frickin' deal.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
it's entirely possible, looking at the schedule, that all four teams vying for the NFC wild card spots could end up tied at 9-7. Quite a race.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Even my pathetic Redskins are in the race, more or less with their destiny in their hands (home games against Dallas, and New York, road game at Arizona, and season ender at Philly where they'll either be playing tough for pride, or wanting to get it over with). Hard to believe that they're still in it, but I imagine, they'll lose a game they should win, as they have always done over the past thirteen years and end up on the outside looking in yet again, but they'll be a definer, the records of NYG, and Dallas will be shaped in no small part by how they do at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium (forget Fed-Ex).
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Did anyone else watch the "Battle of the Losers," aka the Packers/Lions tussle? My good god, I've not seen a more fracked-up game of football in my many games. The second half was definitely the more... confusing... half.
A few of my favourite highlights (in my own words):
Gado throws the ball out of the endzone to save the safety, yet there's holding somewhere on the field. Only problem: the entire offense was IN the endzone, which equals safety. And yet... Gado-as-QB saves the day.
Two-minute drill becomes "Oops, sorry, the Packer WRs can't pay attention to where the ball's going" becomes "WTF are the Lions DOING? They have a minute and they're... running? Throwing? Does anyone actually KNOW?" becomes "Ten-second drill for the Packers, and Favre extends his INT lead" becomes Overtime...
And overtime becomes the Great Coin Caper: "I don't have a coin. Check your pockets." "Nope, none here." "Dagnabbit! Go ask the ball boys." "You! Boy! Gimme a coin!" "Sorry, haven't got one. Go ask the fans." Finally, someone emerges with a nickel and they're off.
And the Great Coin Caper becomes "Sorry, Mr. Interim Coach, I was just so angry at this running back who's half my size that I just had to throw him at our own bench, completely forgetting the fact that I basically lost us the game. We didn't want to win this, right?"
Sheesh. At least the proper team emerged victorious.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Yup, I went to the game. The whole safety situation was mass confusion, but unfortunately we didn't catch the coin bit. I wish I had taped the game at home to see that.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
And maybe coach your team not to take BLATANT cheap shots... I'd be embarrased if guys I coached pulled that crap.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
You know, on the one hand, I'm glad teh colts didnt go 16-0. I dislike the colts (new england, born and raised). On the other hand, I REALLY REALLY REALLY hate the 1972 dolphins team. They are, seriously, one of the biggest groups of jerks in sports. Drinking a champagne toast every year when the last undefeated team loses? "Unsportsmanlike conduct, team is removed from the record books."
My pats have looked GOOD in recent weeks. Look out indy, you're gonna get derailed by belichek again Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
That's such a bunch of crap.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
I'm still having trouble absorbing the fact that my freaking redskins clowned the cowboys on sunday. I have no idea how that happened. None whatsoever. Also wondering when someone can finally got 16-0 and shut those arseclowns up, can't stand those miami swine and the bunk record they built on a charlatan schedule. 16-0 is 16-0, but they did it against the weakest schedule faced by a super bowl champion in history as of a few years ago, barely .400 from what i remember.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
Man, I'm grouchy about the Chargers game. Losing sucked, but oh well. But 4th and one, goal line, and you risk your QB like that? And now Peyton has swelling in his knee?
That play killed the crowd. We didn't get back into it until Brackett's INT. And that made two games where the Colts were 4th and Goal, a field goals would have helped, (In Jax case, made the end of the game less exciting, and against SD, would have let them retain the lead longer in the end, and maybe allowed them to approach it differently) and the Colts went for stupid trick plays that didn't work. I hope Dungy takes the 3 in the playoffs
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
And rightfully so, as they wafflestomped the Broncs last year in the playoffs.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
wafflestomp... never heard of it before, but a pretty apt description! Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Didn't Indy "stomp them like a narc at a biker rally" in the '03 and '04 playoffs, not just last year alone? Last year was the easiest money ever. Nevermind how much I lost on that Patriots title stomping of the Colts a little while later . At least having a ton of money on the Patriots to win it all (bet in the summer of '04 when the odds were a very sweet 8-1) took the edge off that foul up.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
You bet against the Colts? BLASPHEMER!
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
Anyone heard any more on Tony Dungy's son?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
They have to wait on the autopsy results. But for now the info is sketchy at best. Did he have heart problems? Did he OD? No way to tell from what I've read.
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Still in shock that the Redskins actually really did reel off five consecutive wins to make the playoffs after looking six feet deep five+ weeks ago. utterly astonishing. too bad the team is so damn injured that they don't have much shot at doing much damage.
How do we see the playoffs going? I believe seeds aren't reshuffled. So if they aren't. Here's how I see the first round going and the playoffs as a whole, and then maybe we can predict who we like, week by week as well.
Round 1:
Redskins 24 Buccaneers 20 (maybe Bias coming through here)
Patriots 24 Jags 20 (I could see the Jags pulling a monster upset here, as they have a nice defense, but I just can't see the Patriots crashing out this early)
Giants 27 Panthers 20 (This game could go either way, and i think the Giants would get stomped if they had to play on the road, but somehow, i see them pulling it out).
Steelers 20 Bengals 17 (smart and tough steelers win).
This is the first ever first round in which I see no leadpipe locks, period. Bucs or Redskins are a coin flip. Jags are fully capable of beating the patriots. Giants and Panthers are both mediocre. Steelers can lock down Bengals, but I could see the Bengals just putting a ton of points up on the Colts as well.
If you know if the seeds are reshuffled or not, please let it be known in the thread as I'd love to do a full playoff prediction, and a weekly one but I'm not sure about seedings. If they are preset (so Seattle faces the winner of 4/5 no matter what, or if Seattle gets the lowest seed of the weekend, regardless as to which game the seed advances out of.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Seeds are "reshuffled," in that if #4 beats #1, #4 is still seeded #4 the next week, not #1.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
I'm just completely floored that the Bears not only made playoffs this year but managed to get a first round bye. Seems like the entire NFC North decided to go on vacation this year.
And it took me a few moments to realize that XL was Roman for 40... I saw a picture of a commemorative helmet and my first thought was "Super Bowl Extra Large? Whafuh?"
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
By reseeding I mean this:
If Redskins beat Bucs this weekend, and Giants beat the Panthers. Who do the seahawks play? Do they play the Redskins, because the Redskins are the lowest seed left? Or do they play the winner of the Giants/Panthers game because that's preset as the 4/5 game?
In some professional league playoffs, the matchup is preset accoring to the seeds going into the playoffs, in some leagues, they reshuffle after each round so the highest seed always plays the lowest until the Championship. I can't remember if the NFL reshuffles after reach round, or if it is preset.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
It's the second, I think.
I like the Pats, the Bucs, the Steelers, and the Giants in this round, but like gray I don't see any walks. They should all be good games.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Title Games: Seahawks beat Redskins Colts beat Steelers
XL: Colts beat Seahawks
Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
Can I just say:
5 IN A ROW! 5 IN A ROW!
Dallas? GOODBYE! NYG? GOODBYE! Philly? GOODBYE!
Tampa Bay? BRING IT!
--j_k
[and I forgot to log rCX off the first time. Ooops.]
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Well, it turns out the playoffs are reseeded, so a pox on CBSsportsline.com for setting up an inaccurate bracket last week. I went 3-1 picking the games. Not too bad. Whoops on that Giants pick though.
This week: Seahawks over Redskins (24-13) Patriots over Broncos (27-24) Panthers over Bears (20-17) Colts over Steelers (31-17)
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
quote:I like the Pats, the Bucs, the Steelers, and the Giants in this round.
Well, 50% on the NFL ain't bad.
I'll go Skins, Broncs, Panthers, and Colts in this round.
And has anyone seen Jim-me around lately?
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
I can't see the Panthers scoring 20 points on that Bears defense.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Okay, I was four for four last week. Let's see how I do this time around...
Denver Broncos 28 New England Patriots 24 Pittsburgh Steelers 21 Indianapolis Colts 17
Washington 24 Seattle 14 Carolina 24 Chicago 6
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
I think the Bears Panthers game will be close, The guys in the office are predicting 17-14 Bears. And they're really really hoping for a full repeat of XX, just for the fun of it, even though they're pretty sure it'll be the Colts that make it all the way to Detroit.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
My only thing with the Bears game is that the line is Bears (-3). The weather should be a non-factor, Grossman is a playoff rookie (see last week's rookies), and the Panthers have revenge motivation.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Too many of the pundits are calling the Bears/Panthers game as a close contest. Bet the higher score, chances are it'll break loose rather than get bogged down in the trenches.
Posted by rCX (Member # 8503) on :
quote:Seahawks over Redskins (24-13)
Don't forget the "Joe Gibbs effect"! If you switch the scores around it will probably be more accurate. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Denver Broncos 21 New England Patriots 24 Pittsburgh Steelers 21 Indianapolis Colts 17
Washington 17 Seattle 10 Carolina 7 Chicago 9
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Excellent call on that Steelers game Sopwith, missed the final score by a 2 point conversion, same as well to you Dagonee. Damn, you could have really gotten paid if you put some $$$ on that ML, and by "margin of victory" betting.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Yeah, but I'd have lost it and more on the other games.
I was really pulling for Indianapolis at the end.
BTW, none of the announcers understood the call on the reversal of that interception in the fourth quarter. It was a Bert Emanuel rule call - he lost control while he was still down on the ground, therefore it wasn't a catch.
Oh, and here's where I for Redskins. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Well..I love the Pats, but they sucked.
5 turnovers?
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
"Here we go Steelers...here we go"
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Things are looking a little rough for Denver.
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fusiachi: Things are looking a little rough for Denver.
A bit of an understatement, neh?
Posted by socal_chic (Member # 7803) on :
As a diehard Broncos fan I now offer my congratulations to the Steelers for the awesome game they played today. I would like to invite them to go kick butt in the Superbowl!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Seahawks and Steelers. Any predictions? I'm rooting for Seattle.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by adam613: Steelers.
The Seahawks are overrated.
What he said.
Plus, I don't really like Mike Holmgren.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Go Steelers!
I TOLD you Denver wasn't good enough!
The Pats had to hand them the ball within the 20 4 times to lose to them, for God's sake....
[ January 23, 2006, 08:07 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
STEELERS!!!!!!
Finally. Aerin is very excited for her first Super Bowl. She's a huge Steelers fan.
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
I considered hanging up on a Steeler's fan at work this morning.... My poor Colts... I'll go ahead and start our war cry, "Maybe Next Year!" Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Prediction: Steelers 28, Seahawks 24.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Worst Super Bowl in my lifetime, and there have been some bad one's. Blech! Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
Why? just because both teams played like crap, and the commercials sucked?
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
hmmm................yep Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Who said the discussion stops after the Super Bowl?
How about the offseason moves? Can Brees hack it in the Big Easy? Will Daunte have better luck in Miami? How much crack did Randy Moss' agent give his client - or was he hoarding it all himself?
I'm having a lot of fun watching the moves this offseason, for some reason. I guess I've not seen the "controversies" blown up to these proportions recently - what fun!
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Well the 2006 season is 24 hours from starting so as Carrie put forward, the NFL Discussion thread continues, all be it after a six month hiatus.
So whose winning tomorrow? I'll go with Miami. Culpepper-Chambers-McMichael-Brown and Defense trump Charlie Batch and defense. Who will help you in fantasy. Who will dominate this year and who will suck? Thoughts?
My Division Winners:
Cowboys (uggh, I'm a Redskins fan with zero faith in Brunell and our OL) Vikings Panthers Seahawks
Wild Cards: Eagles Bucs
AFC:
Patriots Bengals Colts Broncos
Wild Cards: Dolphins Steelers
NFC Title Game: Panthers Beat Seahawks (or Eagles)
AFC Title Game: Colts beat Bengals
Super Bowl: Colts beat Panthers
General thought: That's stupid, Peyton's never won the biggest game in his season ever, not in five years of winning with the Colts, not in three years as a starter at Tennessee, no way will I believe he wins until he actually wins.
Revised Super Bowl Pick: Bengals Beat Panthers
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Culpepper didn't look all that great last night. And Charlie Batch looked surprisingly good - the Steelers are hopefully a bit more confident in their backup.
Fun game to watch, though.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
I was proud of Batch. The team did very well without The Bus and Big Ben.
You gotta love Porter, kissing the coach. Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Will the shiny new flying saucer,money pit, er, stadium improve the Cardinals performance? How about the new QB?
It may be time to find another team to root for. Posted by B34N (Member # 9597) on :
How bout them Boyz!
Posted by graywolfe (Member # 3852) on :
Overrated, two headcases at WR, and a half good half horrible QB and unsettled RB situation and yet people say super bowl bound. Quite silly to me. Dallas will or should make playoffs, beyond that, I think they'll run out of steam.
Damn, disappointing performance by dolphins, there goes one pick, as for the cards, they have the worst owner in the league and they regularly make arses of themselves on draft day. That's why they stink, but they've made rapid improvements under Green, Green is alot like Dungy, he comes in, and can turn you around, but like Dungy, to win it all you need someone else. Once the cards improve their line and their D some more and get Dansby back they should be playoff contenders. If they can have two fine offseasons in a row they could contend for a division crown by '07/'08.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
DaBears do it again... handed the Packers their first shut-out since 1991... and 'twas DaBears that did it the last time too.
Seriously, though, I thought the Bears were looking pretty durned good for being from Chicago. I'm feeling a little better about Rex Grossman than I did a few weeks ago, although I'd still like to see Griese starting instead. Shutting down the Packers on Packer turf was just the icing on the cake.
I'm kind of watching the Manning/Manning game... which means it's on the TV and I'm in the same rom doing stuff. LOL.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
quote:Originally posted by Derrell: Will the shiny new flying saucer,money pit, er, stadium improve the Cardinals performance? How about the new QB?
It may be time to find another team to root for.
While 460 Million is a lot to pay for a stadium, they're going to get their money's worth out of it. Look at it this way, the last estimate I heard for the new baseball park in NYC had topped a billion dollars. Besides on TV, even if you don't like the Jiffy Pop look on the outside, the inside is spectacular. Even lighting, perfect grass, and actual crowd noise makes it more enjoyable.
And aside from that, why would you choose another team NOW? They just got what should be a decent team together. Good WRs (all four), great RB, amazing passing QB with expirience, great rookie passing QB with a Superbowl champ to train under. The defense was the only thing passable last year, and while they were lackluster in the last three quarters today, they were the only high point last year and most of them are back.
Heck, I'm actually looking forward to watching them, and probably getting into a suite for one of the games later in the season.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I just watched a show on Discovery on that stadium, it's freaking cool. Want to host a concert? No problem, just wheel the grass outside to get some sun.
I feel pretty positive watching the Bills and Pats. JP has definitely progressed, the O-line is improving, and the young guys were making plays. Once the D has some time to gel, I think they'll surprise a few teams, especially at home. A safety is a terrible way to lose, but I think JP was trying to make a play so I wouldn't get too mad. I think he can be great, if they just stick within him all year and let him learn this stuff.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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Hi Jim-Me!
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T.O. ![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
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for Redskins.