The opener should be a good game. (Saints v. Packers)
The worst is not knowing if your team's game is going to be aired.
Go Chargers!
Go Browns!
Go Pack! Repeat champs!
Go Buckeyes!
Nope. If it were, Cleveland would have a good baseball team again. I'd say we'd like to get rid of the Brown's ownership but it seems Lerner finally gets it. Hired Holmgren to do the football stuff so he can stick with soccer. We'll see, though.
Go Browns!
Go Pack! Repeat champs!
Go Buckeyes!
Go Raiders! *sigh*
Go Huskers! (I actually have hopes for this one...
)Go Steelers.
Go, Browns.
I know I am. Now that the two-games too long pre-season is over, the real football (throwball) season is set to begin.
The opener should be a good game. (Saints v. Packers)
The worst is not knowing if your team's game is going to be aired.
Go Chargers!
It is going to be an awesome game. Both teams have an aggressive (and effective) aerial game.
Gonna be a shoot-out, just what the NFL needed after the summer of strike.
The opener should be a good game. (Saints v. Packers)
It is going to be an awesome game. Both teams have an aggressive (and effective) aerial game.
Gonna be a shoot-out, just what the NFL needed after the summer of strike.
You sure called that one. (42-34) Yeah, it was fun game to watch.
The opener should be a good game. (Saints v. Packers)
It is going to be an awesome game. Both teams have an aggressive (and effective) aerial game.
Gonna be a shoot-out, just what the NFL needed after the summer of strike.
You sure called that one. (42-34) Yeah, it was fun game to watch.
And right down to the last play. Sure, that Pass Interference call in the endzone was kinda chintzy, and I can understand why they ran instead of passing, but what an awesome game!!
I actually stayed up late to watch the finish. With 9 mins left and a 15 point lead, I wouldn't bother in most cases but with Drew Brees running the opposing O, that's really not enough points and way too much time. Glad they stuffed Ingram after that sorta BS call on Hawk. He hit the ball with his hands. It was just good D. But whatever, the Pack won and that's what counts. Whoever has Brees or Rodgers as their fantasy QB has to be pretty damned happy. Both had epic stat lines. Too bad we have no idea about either team's D just yet. They both got eviscerated but, really, that's almost to be expected considering the offensive talent on field. At least we know the Pack can still run the ball. Let me take a moment to express the thought of everyone else in that division: ruh roh. 
EDIT: They do need to work on punt coverage, though. I mean, Sproles is awesome an' all but damn. Gotta either kick the ball away or cover better. Just not good. At least they got it back on a kickoff - though he should have kneeled it. Running it out from 8 yards deep in the preseason to impress coaches is one thing. To do it in a shootout of a first game is quite a different story.
How was I to know that the Saints D would forget that they are supposed to stop plays from happening and allow Rodgers/Jennings to rack up 47-odd points in my PPR league. FORTY-FREAKING-SEVEN!!
The mocking via twitter was somewhat impressive last night.
) but the 'Skins are pretty terrible. It may work out ok.No love for my cats RH?
I like to see any team that's down on its luck do well.
Well, as long as they don't beat the Steelers... who are, by the way, going to the Super Bowl... again... this year.
Go teams!! :D
I like the Niners too, but I would have preferred the Chargers game. I never understand what criteria they use to decide which games are selected for airing. The area I live in is not usually subject to lame blackout rules, but the Chargers will get bumped for Raider games. (even though I live way closer to San Diego)
Oh well...looks like I will be spending my Sunday afternoon in a bar.
SD fans are rabid enough to sell out the stadium even in a slump... I don't get it.
Yeah SD does have a good fan base. The game is not under blackout in SD. (They did have a couple games blacked-out last year though.)
I guess I am just in an area in between nocal and socal, so with the Sunday games I never know which games are going to be shown until Friday.
Is this the one where he pulls out the Brett Farve bobble-head and fireballs everybody?
I posted that years ago, but it is still funny!
EDIT: Yeah, that's it!
Is it just me or does it seem like the Texans are ROFL stomping the Colts? 34-0 by half time!
It was expected without Manning. I'm more surprised by how badly Baltimore's beating Pittsburgh.
If missing 1 player is the difference between winning a game and losing by 40 points then it just points out how crappy the team is.
Yup. Read the article. It was written by an Indianapolis native.
Something seems to be horribly wrong. Buffalo is up 41-7 ! It's Buffalo! They don't know how to win.
I noticed that too. I'm a bit confused by it.
If missing 1 player is the difference between winning a game and losing by 40 points then it just points out how crappy the team is.
Yup. Read the article. It was written by an Indianapolis native.
I read the article and I enjoyed the insight on how bad a team the Colts are.
And so does Arizona!
That was a heart attack waiting to happen all the way through.
I think we have a Playoff caliber team.
SF coaching: not impresed.
Alex ****ing Smith: Why is he still on the team?
So the owners can reuinte Harbaugh and Andrew Luck next year.
SF coaching: not impresed.
Alex ****ing Smith: Why is he still on the team?
Ted Ginn: w/o him I think Seattle wins the game.
I hate my team you cannot hang your fate on a QB who in 6 seasons has a losing record. The commentators keep blaming the fact he's had so many coaches / coordnitators... No **** he really is that bad.
Yeah smith kinda sucks and any point it looks like he might be playing better he gets enjured. He has no record to show for and IMO is a bit of a health liability out on the field. Time for the 9ers to get a new QB. I can understand the commentators with Smith because trying to learn a new offensive style each year must blow, however if you've tried 6 and they've all failed then well it's probably not the offensive coordinators/coaches at that point.
Ted Ginn: Wow. Just wow! 2 touchdowns and 150 yrs returned within a 59 second time span. I agree, without him the 9ers lost that game.
They better shape up or risk looking like Carolina did last year.
Also, Whitlocks Manning article makes perfect sense really. Though the organisation should never have catered to him that hard.
I think the Steelers, have to rethink their Defense. That was absolutely horrible playing on their part. They still have a couple of great players on the Defensive end, of the ball but really? The bulk of them looked like old slow drunks compared to the Ravens, and this year is all about speed and aggressiveness on the offensive side of the ball.
They better shape up or risk looking like Carolina did last year.
Also, Whitlocks Manning article makes perfect sense really. Though the organisation should never have catered to him that hard.
Whitlock is my absolute favorite sports journalist, and the only one I read regularly. He used to write for the KC Star, and quit last year to write full-time for FoxSports. RIGHT AFTER I MOVED TO WHERE I COULD GET THE STAR. *sigh*
Re: Steelers: They are old. The oldest defensive unit in the NFL, in fact.
Re: Manning: If they hadn't catered to him that hard, do you think he'd have still been in Indy a couple years ago when they (finally) won the Super Bowl?
All they had to do was put their foot down on him early on, and cut the other backup QB instead of King.
Even now, I don't think many teams would pick up Peyton. Peyton's older now, and hasn't shown nearly the resilience that Favre has at this point in his career. I don't think Peyton has more than three years left in him right now.
Also, the Bengals are meh. But the Browns looked Bad.
Oh yeah, Browns suck!
And oh yeah, way to barely pull it out against Toledo, Ohio State!
Talk about a shootout. Hell both Defenses looked good. (Carolina started looking tired at the end of it, but our team has always been odd that way. Start of the season they look abit winded at the end of the games Defensively, but after the first four games if we have any kind of team they seem to be able to wear the other teams out if necessary)
But had to deal with alot of weapons on the field.
I think the Browns and the Steelers might be comparable this year though!
I think that he would still be there.
All they had to do was put their foot down on him early on, and cut the other backup QB instead of King.
Even now, I don't think many teams would pick up Peyton. Peyton's older now, and hasn't shown nearly the resilience that Favre has at this point in his career. I don't think Peyton has more than three years left in him right now.
That's why I didn't say now, I said a few years ago.
Whenever his last contract was up, he probably would have bailed if Indianapolis hadn't been willing to give him everything he wanted. Plus, I'm pretty sure Dungy was the only coach in Indy that could exert anything even resembling control of him.
What really pisses me off, though, is the friggin' OSU-Miami game that's coming up. OSU has players that will still be suspended for that game and a coach and player in the NFL that are still suspended over a scandal that involved some kids selling stuff that was theirs for a grand total of a few grand and some lying - nothing illegal. Miami's kids? They took money, booze, drugs, hookers and abortions from this booster that also happened to be the perpetrator of a billion dollar ponzi scheme. Illegal stuff. Their punishment? They had to donate some cash to charity and they got a one game suspension. How the hell does that add up? And Oregon? The team that broke NCAA rules for scouting by having a hired gun acting as a recruiter? Them and the players that came in because of that little deal? No action at all. Nothing. So yeah, I'm really sick of NCAA football. It's a buncha crap.
Tampa also looked utterly pathetic. I can't wait till we Faceroll them.
Players on the Colts didn't have to fit into the Colt system, they had to fit into Manning's system, and woe betide the receiver (or, to a lesser extent, TE and RB) who didn't click well with Manning on a personal level.
It sucks that this happened now, because the first couple of weeks of this season, when the defences are still getting in sync, are a great quarterback's dream to play in. Lots of room for some impressive stats to be had (see Rodgers, Brees) and lots of room for OK QBs to look really good (Newton).
Holy **** the Panthers look great.
I think we have a Playoff caliber team.
You are stoked on Cam Newton!
Overall a lot of suprises on the first Sunday, it is going to make the week 2 picks even harder.
I was glad to see the Chargers finally win a first game of the season, but it took them most of the game to figure out the Vikings defense. Unfortunately they no longer have a field goal kicker with Kaeding tearing an ACL first play of the game, and they have less than a week to find new one. Also Castillo on the defense broke his leg and 3TD Tolbert (from Carolina) injured his knee and may miss the game v. Patriots.
I don't watch football, but I picked teams anyway. Mostly I went with emotional reactions to the teams (I will always vote for the Eagles, for example, regardless of who's playing), but some I just went with randomness.
Go teams!! :D
I just thought I'd point out that "emotional reactions" and "randomness" outscored everyone in the OTTer Pigskin Picks.
I don't watch football, but I picked teams anyway. Mostly I went with emotional reactions to the teams (I will always vote for the Eagles, for example, regardless of who's playing), but some I just went with randomness.
Go teams!! :D
I just thought I'd point out that "emotional reactions" and "randomness" outscored everyone in the OTTer Pigskin Picks.
Well I think some of the big sports fans here picked with emotional reactions but I'm sure those were biased reactions towards or against teams. sports fans tend to do that.
And ZB for getting 3 of 3 picks correct is good. Probably best just to catch up with the "oops i missed the first week" excuse rather than having ended up something like 5-11 if ya had gotten all the picks or whatnot.
Well I think some of the big sports fans here picked with emotional reactions but I'm sure those were biased reactions towards or against teams. sports fans tend to do that.
I should have gone with an emotional reaction. Then I would have gotten the Raiders right.
I don't watch football, but I picked teams anyway. Mostly I went with emotional reactions to the teams (I will always vote for the Eagles, for example, regardless of who's playing), but some I just went with randomness.
Go teams!! :D
I just thought I'd point out that "emotional reactions" and "randomness" outscored everyone in the OTTer Pigskin Picks.
) keep up yer trends and I keep up mine (no losses, yo ) I'll be in first in no time.
You are stoked on Cam Newton!
.
Not just Cam, but also the new coach and staff. They did a really good job of making an actual playbook for us this year instead of just "either throw to smith once a game... or give the ball to Steward or Williams".
Lot's of dynamicism on the field in game one. Cam's ability to read the field was strong too. The O-line needs abit of work in protecting Cam, but the Cardinals look like they've finally straightened out their Defense issues.
I am, however far more stoked on Cam than I ever was Jimmy Boi, and Jake The Shake Gohomme.
What really pisses me off, though, is the friggin' OSU-Miami game that's coming up. OSU has players that will still be suspended for that game and a coach and player in the NFL that are still suspended over a scandal that involved some kids selling stuff that was theirs for a grand total of a few grand and some lying - nothing illegal. Miami's kids? They took money, booze, drugs, hookers and abortions from this booster that also happened to be the perpetrator of a billion dollar ponzi scheme. Illegal stuff. Their punishment? They had to donate some cash to charity and they got a one game suspension. How the hell does that add up? And Oregon? The team that broke NCAA rules for scouting by having a hired gun acting as a recruiter? Them and the players that came in because of that little deal? No action at all. Nothing. So yeah, I'm really sick of NCAA football. It's a buncha crap.
I agree, although I'd go farther back and punish the program more for their footBrawl game with FIU a few years back. This might have something to do with it, though. If Goodell is going to start punishing NFL players for their college actions, he needs to appoint a disciplinarian, pronto. I recommend Mike Singletary.
You hate America's Team?!?!?! Pinko!!!
I will pick anyone over Dallas just because I hate them.
I'm a Niners fan so I'm obligated to dislike Dallas and any Niners fan that likes Dallas isn't a real Niners fan. However, I would choose them for a pick if I'm sure they'd win. ex: If Dallas plays the Browns.* ;)
_________________
*Romo would probably find a way to lose that.
Mr College coach can go back and take Smith with him... Nothing like throwing a game.
I told you the front office was trying to make a play for Luck.
Also, it looks like a return to the Raiders that I know and love...
I told you the front office was trying to make a play for Luck.
Also, it looks like a return to the Raiders that I know and love...
Luck has nothing to do with it.
Andrew Luck has everything to do with it.
Andrew Luck has everything to do with it.
Let me guess; some overrated college dweeb? We don't need something next year which might be a band-aid but nothing more, we need a change now while this season may still have a chance.
Hell they allowed a dude with cracked ribs to out play them. That is throwing away a game. They weren't even subtle about it. Between the play calling and failed execution I'm surprised it went to OT.
Luck was considered to be the best quarterback in this year's draft, period. He chose to stay in school for another year, instead. He plays for Stanford, so I'm surprised you haven't heard of him.
To put up those kind of numbers against Greenbay is impressive.
I think Cam and the boys just shut up any doubters in Cat Country.
To put up those kind of numbers against Greenbay is impressive.
I dunno. That's two weeks in a row the GB secondary got torched. Badly. It may be there's an issue there. I personally am not sold on that yet, though. The guys they have there are really good - or at least were last year. So, it may be a combination of Cam's talent and GB's issues with that part of the defense. Not sure yet, too soon to tell.
Cam does seem to be promising, though. Ridonkulous numbers, man. Too many pics, but that's kinda ok right now. They aren't really contending so let the kid learn and if ya end up gettin' to the playoffs, still let him do his thing even if it means an early exit. Cuz next year he'll be better. I have to admit I wasn't expecting him to do as well as he has been. Long way to go yet but he's off to a good start.
My picks were terrible, including teams squandering away large leads.
My team looked like idiots against New England, seeming to believe scoring from the red zone is a bad idea.
And my football (soccer) team got schooled by Man U.
So who's playing this week.
I think Cam and the boys just shut up any doubters in Cat Country.
To put up those kind of numbers against Greenbay is impressive.
I dunno. That's two weeks in a row the GB secondary got torched. Badly. It may be there's an issue there. I personally am not sold on that yet, though. The guys they have there are really good - or at least were last year. So, it may be a combination of Cam's talent and GB's issues with that part of the defense. Not sure yet, too soon to tell.
Cam does seem to be promising, though. Ridonkulous numbers, man. Too many pics, but that's kinda ok right now. They aren't really contending so let the kid learn and if ya end up gettin' to the playoffs, still let him do his thing even if it means an early exit. Cuz next year he'll be better. I have to admit I wasn't expecting him to do as well as he has been. Long way to go yet but he's off to a good start.
Even if we went 0-16 this year I'm happy. The Cats are definitely not the dorks we had last year. (so bad the Browns... THE BROWNS beat them!!!!)
Cam does seem to be promising, though. Ridonkulous numbers, man. Too many pics, but that's kinda ok right now. They aren't really contending so let the kid learn and if ya end up gettin' to the playoffs, still let him do his thing even if it means an early exit. Cuz next year he'll be better. I have to admit I wasn't expecting him to do as well as he has been. Long way to go yet but he's off to a good start.
Have I ever mentioned that I love reading this guy's columns? See number 7.
3. Tony Romo’s decision to play with a broken rib — or two — is why football players reacted so passionately to Jay Cutler’s decision to take a seat in last year’s NFC Championship Game with a bad knee.
Not that I like T. Homo but he humiliated my team with broken ribs... It doesnt, get worse than that.
Edit: One of the talking heads says there was a punctured lung involved as well... Damn my team sucks.
Of course it takes Romo broken ribs or a punctured lung before he can play well.
As much as I like the author, I think he missed the games. There's more to Cam's 'accuracy problem' than himself. Most of it has to do with inconsistent protection. Every game he's played so far he's also had to square off against some of the best teams going heh. We'll see what happens this weekend.
As much as I like the author, I think he missed the games. There's more to Cam's 'accuracy problem' than himself. Most of it has to do with inconsistent protection. Every game he's played so far he's also had to square off against some of the best teams going heh. We'll see what happens this weekend.
Steve Young dealt with a horrible O-Line for years. Actually, pretty much every year except the SB one, when they were awesome, but under-sized. Manning has had a porous O-Line for much of his career. Inconsistent protection only provides so much of an excuse. I think Cam has the potential to be one of the greats, I just don't think he's there yet. Unfortunately, he's like every other top-drafetd QB in years and thrown right into the spotlight.
Steve Young dealt with a horrible O-Line for years. Actually, pretty much every year except the SB one, when they were awesome, but under-sized. Manning has had a porous O-Line for much of his career. Inconsistent protection only provides so much of an excuse. I think Cam has the potential to be one of the greats, I just don't think he's there yet. Unfortunately, he's like every other top-drafetd QB in years and thrown right into the spotlight.
Yeah but in the case of young, that was abit of a different time in football. Manning, is the coach and qb of his team, so he literally built the team around himself. Also, I really don't feel Manning is the 'best of all time'. (I also don't think Brady quite deserves that accolade either) Manning is a guy that literally got everything he wanted to build a team and make plays with. While it speaks volumes about his ability to be a team and franchise builder, his ability at QB I don't think is as good as his stats would say.
I think Cam needs some work too, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying he's in the Legendary category yet but there is definite potential there. Especially with the current team package he has. Cam also is getting attention too I think due to the entire rework of the Panthers in general. I do wish people would talk more about some of our other guys though. The team really is more than just Newton, and Steve Smith. It's Williams, Stewart, Beason, Gamble, Mullarnin (sp), both Tight Ends, and Kasey too.
Steve Young dealt with a horrible O-Line for years. Actually, pretty much every year except the SB one, when they were awesome, but under-sized. Manning has had a porous O-Line for much of his career. Inconsistent protection only provides so much of an excuse. I think Cam has the potential to be one of the greats, I just don't think he's there yet. Unfortunately, he's like every other top-drafetd QB in years and thrown right into the spotlight.
Yeah but in the case of young, that was abit of a different time in football.
It was different, but not as different as you think. His SB winning O-Line had an average weight of ~285-290, with the heaviest weighing in at ~300-305. They were routinely outplaying D-lines that averaged ~305 with 330-lb monsters lining up against them. They were just that good.
Manning, is the coach and qb of his team, so he literally built the team around himself. Also, I really don't feel Manning is the 'best of all time'. (I also don't think Brady quite deserves that accolade either) Manning is a guy that literally got everything he wanted to build a team and make plays with. While it speaks volumes about his ability to be a team and franchise builder, his ability at QB I don't think is as good as his stats would say.
Agreed. I still think the greats of the '80s-'90s are the greatest QBs of all time (Montana, Moon, Cunningham, et al), though the greats of the '60s-'70s come close.
I think Cam needs some work too, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying he's in the Legendary category yet but there is definite potential there. Especially with the current team package he has. Cam also is getting attention too I think due to the entire rework of the Panthers in general. I do wish people would talk more about some of our other guys though. The team really is more than just Newton, and Steve Smith. It's Williams, Stewart, Beason, Gamble, Mullarnin (sp), both Tight Ends, and Kasey too.
Potential, yes. I just hope he's not getting over-hyped, for his sake.
Meh, he's a rooster. I don't care if he faceplants because of it, too.
Meh, anyone that says that he's not happy with how he played (due to the team losing) despite throwing 800+ yards in two games, and scoring Multiple Touch Downs can't be all that bad.
Now if you wanna talk total Roostering, look no farther than Jake The Shake. That ***** would celebrate like he just won the team the superbowl by throwing a TD to steve smith.
He'd jump around screaming and pointing to himself with both hands going "MEEE MEEEE MEEE".
I am not joking.
Then he'd promptly throw 4 interceptions that each resulted in touchdowns.
C'mon Goodell, these guys aren't superstar QBs; you can do whatever you want to 'em.
Meh, anyone that says that he's not happy with how he played (due to the team losing) despite throwing 800+ yards in two games, and scoring Multiple Touch Downs can't be all that bad.
Now if you wanna talk total Roostering, look no farther than Jake The Shake. That ***** would celebrate like he just won the team the superbowl by throwing a TD to steve smith.
He'd jump around screaming and pointing to himself with both hands going "MEEE MEEEE MEEE".
I am not joking.
Then he'd promptly throw 4 interceptions that each resulted in touchdowns.
Did you see anything about how he was behaving before he was drafted? Like how he ran his workouts and everything? He's a rooster. There's even a good chance that he's saying that because he knows it's what he's supposed to say. Cam is creating a product - himself. Sorta like LeBron (though I don't think Cam's that much of a rooster). The image is crafted to get him money. At least that's the way it seems. Time will tell. And if LBJ taught us anything it's that if you consistantly put up ungodly numbers and win, nobody cares how big a rooster you are so, all may be well no matter what.
Er, until the Giants get tired of Eli being Eli (or the Jets get tired of Sanchez being Sanchez) and decide to go after him and he decides that the brighter lights of the bigger city mean more endorsement money. A note for all the not-so-great defenses out there: when you're getting beaten (badly) by the no-huddle offense, be sure to fake an injury. Or two.
C'mon Goodell, these guys aren't superstar QBs; you can do whatever you want to 'em.
Did you see the flop in that one college game last year? Truly epic. Play is well over, next is about to begin. You see a D-lineman looking toward the sidelines and then he suddenly collapses grasping his leg. Can't remember the team that did it (for some reason I think Cal) but it was against Oregon. Yeah, it's so totally soccer it's hilarious.
Oh, here it is:
Did you see anything about how he was behaving before he was drafted? Like how he ran his workouts and everything? He's a rooster. There's even a good chance that he's saying that because he knows it's what he's supposed to say. Cam is creating a product - himself. Sorta like LeBron (though I don't think Cam's that much of a rooster). The image is crafted to get him money. At least that's the way it seems. Time will tell. And if LBJ taught us anything it's that if you consistantly put up ungodly numbers and win, nobody cares how big a rooster you are so, all may be well no matter what.
Did you see the flop in that one college game last year? Truly epic. Play is well over, next is about to begin. You see a D-lineman looking toward the sidelines and then he suddenly collapses grasping his leg. Can't remember the team that did it (for some reason I think Cal) but it was against Oregon. Yeah, it's so totally soccer it's hilarious.
At least he's not so much of a rooster that he knows that he's not supposed to say "my team let me down" (another Jake Quote by the way). :p Well our team owner decided to open his wallet (which is why we have a good team finally), and we are still the second biggest banking city in the country. Charlotte as alot more revenue than people realize. It's not some podork clown town like Cleveland.
I think we're safe with Cam not moving out for now. We tend to hang onto QBs down here, even when we shouldn't.
I'll take the win but damn that was an ugly game.
Yes it was. I'm surprised I watched the whole thing. I didn't expect all those points in the 4th quarter. I was seriously expecting the game to end 3-0 Bengals. God both teams suck. Bleh. Were there over 20 penalties in that game?
We don't live in a flood prone area either.
It was coming down so hard, that at times you couldn't even see the football on the camera.... with the camera looking right at it.
The field was a swamp even after it quit raining.
I'm happy that my teams won and happier yet that I got to watch both the Browns show some Colt McCoy moxie to pull it out and the Packers show why they're still a favorite - even with a D that isn't quite there yet. Man, good stuff. I am sad, though, at my picks. I did not do so well. I didn't do terrible, but not great. I have to be better, dammit!
Both my teams won - all three if you count the Buckeyes. But damn, the Bucks can't pass. Like, literally. The kid can't even manage a spiral. Whatever.
Interesting. Huskers fans travelling to Madison for UNL's first Big 10 game are asked to Pack Black and cheer "Go Big Red!". And then the week after we'll be setting up a memorial at Memorial Stadium for OSU.
Interesting. Huskers fans travelling to Madison for UNL's first Big 10 game are asked to Pack Black and cheer "Go Big Red!". And then the week after we'll be setting up a memorial at Memorial Stadium for OSU.
Ohio State fans can only hope that the Badgers beat the hell out of the Huskers before they head to cornville. Braxton Miller can run, that's a fact. But he can't throw a spiral. Not a big deal for a running back or receiver. Kind of a big deal for a QB. Boo.
Week 6 tends to be my favorite, teams that are all hype will show it by then. To get a grip on the playoff picture Weeks 10 & 11 are very telling.
Well I'd picked the Bears to lose as Cutler sucks. However when the defense wins the game as often as they do I should have known better.
Yeah, that guy rushing for 200+ yards had nothing to do with it.
You mean they gave the ball to their runningback? Maybe they found a way for Cutler to not suck... The only thing I'd heard of during the game was what'shisnames 11th punt return for a TD.
Devin Hester is the guy you're thinking of.
Da Bears didn't even attempt a pass until the second quarter.
espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7074380/oakla...
Does anyone know what will happen with the ownership? I am assuming they will finish off this season under present management, albeit without Al Davis' presence and influence.
I wonder who any prospective new owners might be.
Does anyone know what will happen with the ownership? I am assuming they will finish off this season under present management, albeit without Al Davis' presence and influence.
I wonder who any prospective new owners might be.
YAY! THE CRYPT KEEPER HAS FINALLY DIED!!!
And before anyone goes off half-cocked about that statement, I say it as a die-hard Raiders fan of ~30 years. Al Davis was the single worst thing to happen to that team for the last ~15-20 of them. He never figured out how to let his coaches coach.
I imagine one of the other owners will step up and be the "face" of the consortium now. *shrug*
About five minutes into the third, my brother and I were talking about how much we hate Taylor Martinez. Five minutes into the fourth we were like, "Maybe he's not so bad..."
I think your starter is a better Taylor Martinez, though.
So close, so very very close.
Hey at least now it only gets easier for Carolina. They had the toughest opener in my opinion out of any team this season.
Carolina has had a tough schedule, they have had to play both the Packers and Saints already. They are putting up the numbers, I'm going to pick them this week over Atlanta.
My Chargers have some tough games ahead, Green Bay, Buffalo, Detroit and Baltimore. I am also not counting out their two games against the Raiders. They lost both those games last year. The Chargers are winning, but not looking good doing it.
I could kinda see him as a TE or LB... except that he's a whiny little (female dog).
And this is more than a "little misunderstanding". Douchebag.
Looking forward to Dallas at New England this week. What game are you looking forward to?
I always look forward to Oakland games.
The Niners/Lions game could be great,
The Niners/Lions game could be great,
That was a hard game to pick on. I can only hope it's a good game.
Yeah, that's the game I am going to watch this weekend. I am still feeling guilty about picking Detroit, I would have picked the Niners if it was at Candlestick. I will be pleasantly humbled if Niners win.
Go Niners! (Niners get all my attention when Chargers have a bye
)That's cuz you're a Raider Hater.
Last game of the season, Chargers v. Raiders at the Coliseum.
LeBron is.
I could kinda see him as a TE or LB... except that he's a whiny little (female dog).
And this is more than a "little misunderstanding". Douchebag.
Oh dear god. I think Romo's not in a position to talk right now. He's been greivously injured and maimed. There's no way he's thinkin straight.
For the second article, I motion that even taking your kid to a Browns game in the first place is cruel and unusual treatment of one's children.
For the second article, I motion that even taking your kid to a Browns game in the first place is cruel and unusual treatment of one's children.
Except the poor kid's a Fin fan. That part was actually a nice thing to do. I mean, how often are you going to be able to watch a game that the Fins have a chance of winning?
.......... 
Cats suck.
The Buckeyes finally won a game. They beat an undefeated, ranked Illini at home. They got their best RB back from suspension and he put up 114. Their QB completed a pass for 17 yards and a TD. Yes, that was the only one. Considering they only attempted 4 passes, that wasn't too bad. Oh wait, that's still only a 25% completion rate. Nevermind.
Anyhoo, how do you lose to a team that's that one dimensional at home?! Illinois, you suck - and I thank you for it. But yeah, the Big 10? All about Wisconsin.EDIT: Just realized I didn't talk about my NFC team. Considering they annihilated the Rams - as expected - that makes sense. More excellence for a team of excellence. Go Pack go!
Pick alert: New Orleans' center, Olin Kreutz, just quit. Out o' the game. Some mess about not havin' the same fire anymore so he don't wanna take a check for nothin' or whatever. Why he bailed means less than that he did. Drew Brees is not having a Drew Brees like season and now his man in the middle is gone. Anyone rethinking their pick?
Pick alert: New Orleans' center, Olin Kreutz, just quit. Out o' the game. Some mess about not havin' the same fire anymore so he don't wanna take a check for nothin' or whatever. Why he bailed means less than that he did. Drew Brees is not having a Drew Brees like season and now his man in the middle is gone. Anyone rethinking their pick?
Nope. Aren't they playing some craptastic team this week anyway?
I am glad I didn't change my NOLA pick. Holy crap what a disaster. I do wish I would have changed my Raiders pic. Two QBs, six interceptions and no points. Jason Campbell is really that good? Oh yeah, that's right - my hope for the team got hurt early. No Campbell, no McFadden, no joy. Gotta keep that in mind ...
I do wish I would have changed my Raiders pic. Two QBs, six interceptions and no points. Jason Campbell is really that good? Oh yeah, that's right - my hope for the team got hurt early. No Campbell, no McFadden, no joy. Gotta keep that in mind ...
Kyle Boller is really that bad.
On the bright side, it's starting to look like they won't be giving away two first-round picks...
It's unfair to judge Palmer on this performance, though. He could still be good but it'll take a bit of time to determine that still.
Whether or not there's enough contact in practice to properly teach this guy how to play his position at the NFL level has no bearing whatsoever on how he behaves after an opponent is injured. It has nothing to do with what comes out of his mouth. Trying to excuse it in that way is the worst kind of stretch and has me wondering just what sort of man this author is.
Suh isn't as classy as he once was. It's that simple. It isn't because of a lack of full contact practice, either. It's cuz he may be a dick.
Whether or not there's enough contact in practice to properly teach this guy how to play his position at the NFL level has no bearing whatsoever on how he behaves after an opponent is injured. It has nothing to do with what comes out of his mouth. Trying to excuse it in that way is the worst kind of stretch and has me wondering just what sort of man this author is.
But how does he go from winning a sportsmanship trophy to (allegedly) this, in under two years?
Whitlock (usually) doesn't excuse, just explain. Heck, the title of the article is enough to suggest that he's not trying to excuse the behavior. But 14 full-contact practices in a 17-week season is a bit... absurd.
But how does he go from winning a sportsmanship trophy to (allegedly) this, in under two years?
Whitlock (usually) doesn't excuse, just explain. Heck, the title of the article is enough to suggest that he's not trying to excuse the behavior. But 14 full-contact practices in a 17-week season is a bit... absurd.
How did Ryan Leaf go from top prospect to coke addicted washout? How did I go from a straight A student to college dropout raver? People change, man.
I have to disagree that this was an explanation cuz 'there aren't enough full contact practices' can't in any way shape or form be linked to 'he said something only a dick would say'. Seriously man. How does that follow? And you've seen the hits he's putting on guys after the whistle. Hell, he facemasked the ever lovin' **** out of Ryan in that same game. Obviously he's changed for some reason. Maybe it's the fame, maybe it's that he almost single handedly transformed the Lions defense from joke to pretty good. I have no clue. I will tell you what didn't do it, though: soft practices. Those don't make you say stupid stuff. Character flaws do. Moments of exaggerated passion do. But practice? You talkin' 'bout practice? Wake up and smell the excuse, homey.
That's enough of a stretch that d00d should probably switch from NFL articles to the NBA. He's got the writer's equivalent of a Center's wingspan.
I need to stop. I don't know what's gotten into me today but I can't help but try and say something silly and it ... well, it's just not working (though I am truly and honestly proud of that 'Penny Proletariat' line I crafted in the group. damn, yo. it's all literarical an' ****.). Yeah, I can't explain myself. *hangs head in shame*
EDIT: Wait! I've got it! I'm bein' an ass cuz I didn't kick anyone in the head hard enough at martial arts practice on Thursday! Don't blame me, blame those damnable point fighting rules!
Seriously, though? Blame me. I can't stop. Need to walk away from all things that I can communicate with ... it's a good thing my meetings are over for the day ... whoa ...
Impressive but he's from Florida. Odds are the U will get him or the Gators will. Maybe Ohio State. Does Nebraska have much recruiting presence in Florida?
Also, still not particularly nice, but not bad sportsmanship.
Suh said he and Avril were not near Ryan while he was being treated, and Ryan did not say anything in his postgame comments about being taunted.
Suh also disputed any notion that Avril kicked Ryan's legs.
"I know for a fact of the matter, if Cliff or anybody kicked an opposing quarterback, there would have been a fight broken out real quick," Suh said. "If Matt (Lions quarterback Matt Stafford) had been on the ground and somebody kicked him, all hell would have broken loose.
He's got a point...
Suh got a penalty early in the game for grabbing Ryan's facemask as Suh broke through up the middle and sacked the quarterback. Suh's hand hit Ryan's mask, but Suh did not pull it.
Don't know if that last part is true or not (it's Detroit's FoxSports site) since the only football games I've watched this year were Nebraska's conference games. There are two different facemasking penalties, though.
Regarding Nebraska's Florida presence: not much, though chances are they're getting better. Lavonte David, from Miami, is in the running for the Butkus award this year.
There are two different facemasking penalties, though.
This is no longer the case. Were there two different penalties I think it would have been the 5 yard one for incidental contact.
What the...? GAH! I need to get to the point where I can watch football more often.
Anyone know where I can get a Philip Rivers voodoo doll?
Old Town San Diego, maybe?
Anyone know where I can get a Philip Rivers voodoo doll?
Old Town San Diego, maybe?
Good call...I'll probably visit there over Christmas. Maybe from a shaman? I was thinking Ebay, but I guess I can wait.
*RH proceeds to have an uncontrollable fit of rage*
STOOPID STEELERS!!!!
*RH proceeds to have an uncontrollable fit of rage*
At least they lost to a good team. My beloved Huskers lost to NORTHWESTERN!
And the Raiders lost to Tebow Denver.
I'm ready for another niners win.
I'm down. It imight be a rainy game.
I live 250 miles south of SF, and it is pouring here, and it is supposed to rain all day. (no golf for me today
)Niners would have to screw up big time not to own NFC west. Anyone seen AFC west, what a cluster-funk.
Edit: it looks like it might clear up by the time the game starts in SF... but it is pouring here.
''Garrett... wanted to be a Razorback forever."
''He got to live that dream.''
So apparently my local colleges kick ass in football? No one told me this?
aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-2...
Is it just me, or does that tackle not look that accidental.
aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-2...
Yeah, he stuck his arm out like her 100lb rear could stop his momentum. Looks like he wanted to take a roll to me. Can't say I blame 'im.
The one that got me steamed was the Detroit D-lineman who was knocked out of the game with a knee injury after getting hit with an uncalled cut block by a Green Bay RB at the goal line.
Meh, after Suh 'accidentally' pushed that GB lineman's head into the turf and then cleated him when he stood up while 'trying to get out of the situation', we'll call it karma.
Seriously, I don't know what's worse about that play - Suh's dirty behavior or his **** excuse. Guess I'm not a true 'fan' since I don't believe him. ;) Dood is dirty. Like, really, really dirty.
EDIT: Don't get me wrong, I loved that play. Suh not only took himself out of the game, he started the GB rout all by himself. Instead of a chip shot field goal that they would have taken (the game was only 7-0 at the time so a FG was the smart play) he gave GB first and goal from the 1. Gotta love that. At least his rage didn't get the better of only him, it got the better of his team and potentially their playoff hopes. I did like that play. A lot. I was actually cheering when he got ejected. Hell, I was cheering before that cuz I knew he gave GB a TD.
The one that got me steamed was the Detroit D-lineman who was knocked out of the game with a knee injury after getting hit with an uncalled cut block by a Green Bay RB at the goal line.
Meh, after Suh 'accidentally' pushed that GB lineman's head into the turf and then cleated him when he stood up while 'trying to get out of the situation', we'll call it karma.
The injury happened the play before, IIRC. I'll watch that part again to make sure, but... yeah. Assuming I'm right, I'd call Suh's frustration understandable. Not excusable, but understandable.
Seriously, I don't know what's worse about that play - Suh's dirty behavior or his **** excuse. Guess I'm not a true 'fan' since I don't believe him. ;) Dood is dirty. Like, really, really dirty.
EDIT: Don't get me wrong, I loved that play. Suh not only took himself out of the game, he started the GB rout all by himself. Instead of a chip shot field goal that they would have taken (the game was only 7-0 at the time so a FG was the smart play) he gave GB first and goal from the 1. Gotta love that. At least his rage didn't get the better of only him, it got the better of his team and potentially their playoff hopes. I did like that play. A lot. I was actually cheering when he got ejected. Hell, I was cheering before that cuz I knew he gave GB a TD.
**** you, man.
I'm a Husker fan from birth until death, and I just... don't like GB. Admittedly, it's not the hot, hot, hate that I reserve solely for "America's Team", but I still don't like 'em. I was really hoping the Lions would win this, but they shot themselves in the foot over and over and over again.
The injury happened the play before, IIRC. I'll watch that part again to make sure, but... yeah. Assuming I'm right, I'd call Suh's frustration understandable. Not excusable, but understandable.
Yeah, that would at least give some sort of reason for his implosion. His 'explanation', though? Yeah, makes me think he's just really dirty. I mean, even Haynesworth apologized after cleatin' that Cowboy. When you go to a level beneath Haynesworth, you've gone pretty far down.
**** you, man.
I'm a Husker fan from birth until death, and I just... don't like GB. Admittedly, it's not the hot, hot, hate that I reserve solely for "America's Team", but I still don't like 'em. I was really hoping the Lions would win this, but they shot themselves in the foot over and over and over again.
Stafford was a lot to blame. Losing pretty much every RB and DB was a lot of it, too. They went in with a guy they picked up of the street carryin' the ball (granted, he was awesome last week) and then even he got hurt. That's tough. I do think a lot of it is their attitude, too. They're so happy about not sucking that they think they're better than they are. I have not seen a team that strikes me as that arrogant before. And what are they arrogant about? Not sucking? Whoo hoo!
Seriously, though, once they calm down and find a balance between confidence and play they'll be ok. And once Stafford has been around a little longer, that'll help too. The Lions are a team that's really on the rise, IMO. They just need to slow themselves down and catch up with reality. They're not as good as they think they are and they're not entitled to anything. Playing like they are is what's hurting them most right now.All that out of the way, I really am a big GB fan. They're my NFC team and I've liked 'em since Majkowski so I ain't no frontrunner.
The injury happened the play before, IIRC. I'll watch that part again to make sure, but... yeah. Assuming I'm right, I'd call Suh's frustration understandable. Not excusable, but understandable.
Yeah, that would at least give some sort of reason for his implosion.
Plus the horrible officiating that happened throughout the first half. There were a lot of bad calls and obvious missed calls, and THEY ALL WENT GB'S WAY. There should have been a roughing the kicker penalty on the first punt of the game. It was so obvious that I was screaming at the TV. That roughing the passer on Vanden Bosch? Complete hogwash. There was no way you could consider that "roughing", unless the goal is to protect the big name QB...
EDIT: Just wanted to add that it's hard enough to play the currently undefeated defending champs. You shouldn't have to be playing against the NFL and the officiating crew at the same time.
aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-2...
Not Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco Season Killers.
HAHAHAHAHA nice!
Not Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco Season Killers.
Meh, those teams just weren't very good. They got exposed and - as teams that start off playing above themselves do - faded down the stretch. Not to take anything away from the Niners, though. I mean, I'm likely to pick them over most teams right now no matter what I think about that blog. The Niners are pretty real. Great D and Gore. Sometimes that's all you need. Oh, and Smith being really mistake free helps a lot, too. To me, they're playing on the edge, though. Basically in the same category as those three teams mentioned in the blog. They just haven't had a really terrible performance by any of their integral links yet. It's the Tebow formula, really. Medicore QBing that's supported by a dominant D and a good ground game. If either of those falter, it's unlikely that the mediocre QBing will be able to compensate (see Chicago and Hanie). Fortunately for the Niners, they haven't had to test that yet. If they don't, they'll be a dangerous team in the playoffs (cuz their division is all theirs) because a good D and ground attack makes a good team. Not great, but good. And it's the perfect style of team for late season play, too. Meh, I'm still with 'em. For now.
bleacherreport.com/tb/bcaD5
Seriously, though, he's a great coach. Pittsburgh is lucky to have had him and even luckier to have immediately found out how excellent Tomlin is. Guess I can't complain too much, though. I mean, the Browns did have Belichick.
That's pretty amazing, actually. I think I like Raheem Morris. If only Schwartz would start doing that to Suh, the Manbeastchild might actually learn something.
I don't think Favre would come back for anyone he didn't think capable of winning a ring.
And the Bears are years away from being ready for that.
Maybe then the little glimmers of Cam's potential can be recognized and utilized fully then. Cam lacks discipline, and the ability to deal with pressure. His first response when the pocket collapses on him, is "RUN WITH IT ZOMG I AM IN TROUBLE" which more often than not has led to him getting his ass sacked and down on the ground than big gains.
He needs to be made to understand you don't just run the ball yourself, and when to hand the ball off to some of the best runners in the league, in the dept of Stewart and Williams.
And to not get so rattled by even minimal pressure.
I do realize the joke of the Carolina O-line is partly to blame, but that only goes so far.
Maybe Favre as a coach...
I don't think Favre would come back for anyone he didn't think capable of winning a ring.
And the Bears are years away from being ready for that.
I'd like to see Farve as a QB coach. Man as 21 seasons of experiance to show them.
But that's 21 years of experience being allergic to developing the backup QB. He might know how and have the ability to play QB, but IMO he hasn't shown any ability in his carrier in knowing how to develope a QB. Heck part of the reason for his long carreer is him not helping his team develope another QB and is part of the reason why he was eventually let go. Now I'm not saying he can't be good at it. Just that he's not shown an ability to do so.
Favre as a QB coach would be a disaster, I think. Well, at least for now. He's still got too big of an ego. He wants to be on the field and hates the idea that he's too old. Then again, he did help Colt McCoy in the offseason so maybe that's going away. Even then, his 21 years really don't mean as much as ya'all seem to think they do. He played for two teams in one style of offense. That's it. Two teams, one style of offense. If he ain't coachin' West Coast, he won't know nearly as much as someone with 21 years should. If he is coachin' WC, though, he'd be of major benefit so long as he can communicate his experience properly and in relation to the people he's got to work with. A lot of experience is not the only prerequisite required to be a good coach. Some of the most knowledgeable people on the planet are worthless teachers because they never learned to teach. It's not as simple as just showing up and talking.
Are the Cats West Coast? Something tells me 'no', but I don't follow 'em enough to know. Anyhoo, Cam is so different from Favre that it doesn't really matter. 'Hey Brett, what do I do when the pocket collapses and my guys are covered? Should I run for it?' And the Gunslinger's reply: 'No Cam, you should force a pass into triple coverage and then act surprised when a corner, safety or linebacker picks you off'.
we're a bunch of ground pounders. Hell the team is still built around that concept.
Wasn't Rodgers a back up for him for a couple of seasons?
Correct, but from what I understand Favre did squat to help develop Rodgers.
Yup. Favre is about Favre. He was the original LeBron James.
Nah, LeBron hasn't been caught sexting interns. Broadway Joe is the original LeBron.
Just something I found interesting.
Big Ben, is kind of a walking tank complete with cannon of an arm. I don't think he's got too many seasons left in him though.
Well at least it's not like the 49ers need to win anymore games in order to get to the playoffs, but still sucks to see them to lose a game in such a bad way.
Bleh, or like that time when the fake field goal was called dead after it was started for a few seconds and junk. not for a timeout or anything but to challenge an overly obvious play and the review equipment is broken giving AZ their 2 min timeout back. So they successfully saved themselves from a touchdown, iced the kicker and got a free time out because the play was called dead after the fact for something that should have been done before the snap (and you know not in the middle of the play).
Well at least this wont help AZ win the division or anything ;)
Or like that time where the AZ guy walked over the line during a fieldgoal. Like pushed off and stepped on and over the guy. As in he was standing on another dude and pushed off of him to get past the line. It gets called and the after the reffs talk they say there was no penalty on the play.
Well at least it's not like the 49ers need to win anymore games in order to get to the playoffs, but still sucks to see them to lose a game in such a bad way.
Bleh, or like that time when the fake field goal was called dead after it was started for a few seconds and junk. not for a timeout or anything but to challenge an overly obvious play and the review equipment is broken giving AZ their 2 min timeout back. So they successfully saved themselves from a touchdown, iced the kicker and got a free time out because the play was called dead after the fact for something that should have been done before the snap (and you know not in the middle of the play).
Well at least this wont help AZ win the division or anything ;)
Yes all of that and more.
Yeah, but they're still playing for the NFC's second seed and a first-round bye...
espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7345810/miami...
wait miami has a football team? Let alone one with a coach?!
Not this year. We had some over-paid little girls. Still... they managed to ruin on of your pics for week 13 of the first annual OTTer pigskin picks... Oakland vs Miami.
I mean surely Indy has ruined one pick for me by now?
Meh when you throw enough crap at the wall you are bound to get one.
I mean surely Indy has ruined one pick for me by now?
Miami has won what? 4 games? I'll bet you they ruined 4 of your picks.
vs Indy for example.
Much like the Can'ts.
As for the Colts, I think Manning has a triangle choke locked in on the owner and/or GM. They won't take a good QB this year. They'll either take Luck in a draft & trade, or trade the pick away... or just completely waste the pick. Sadly, I'm betting on the third option. They're too scared of Manning to do anything but what he says. I wish they had the gumption to trade him to the Jags for MJD, trade their pick away for one slightly lower in the first round and a second-rounder, and take Grifffin 3.
Frankly Manning isn't -that- good to put up with the organizational headaches he's caused.
They do need to trade up most of that team though okay all of that team. They only know how to operate and take orders from manning.
And that's a huge problem.
By the way, if someone wants Cam you guys can have him and take our coach with you.
Dood, I'm sorry but Manning really is that good. There's even simple numbers to prove it. Something like 10 out of 12 years with him the Colts made the playoffs, he's got a Superbowl and the team is 0-13 or whatever without him. As far as the Colts are concerned, Manning is the team. Some people even think he should be the MVP this year since the team is so terrible without him. He's obviously incredibly important to their success. So yeah, Manning is that good and when it comes to QBs, if your choice is between a proven MVP and a rookie that may be incredibly good, you go with what you know.
I have no doubts that Manning was that good; I have grave doubts about Manning's ability to reamin that good. And I think now would be the perfect time to trade him.
New Orleans at SF is interesting. NO doesn't play as well on either side of the ball when outside and off the fast track. That said, they've got all the momentum you can find this postseason, the attitude, the experience, the depth and the health. SF has a great D - no doubt about it - but it isn't the best D in the history of the game and it's not even the best D this year. NO, though, has a QB that's besting records that stood for nearly three decades and is averaging a massive amount of points. I think that wins here. I don't see them putting a 50 spot on SF, but I see them scoring enough to make it impossible for SF's one dimensional and not point crazy O to keep up.
It was more like NO's offense trying to keep up with the lead that the SF defense was able to give the niners. I really liked the glorified passes that the niners had due to the punt returner not being able to hold onto the ball.
The niners offense of 2nd and 3rd quarter was horrible. That was like last years offense. Glad they woke up at the end and started playing like they did all this year. Almost had me worried for a few minutes.
The niners might not be number 1 defense as far as stats go with yards allowed per game however they are tied for second in the regular season for interceptions and tied for first with recovered fumbles. Both can give teams good positions offensively despite sometimes giving up quite a few yards defensibly. And despite what people might want to think the team that leads with turnovers wins something like 80% of the time. To me it looks like GB and SF are about tied for turnovers during the regular seasons. With the last stat I spouted out it is no wonder that the season ended with them being the two best teams. I mean GB's defense is horrible, however with 31 interceptions in the regular season you practically have to win all your games statistically speaking. Especially when you have such a good offense.
Turn overs might not weigh in at all with yards allowed but they are probably more important. For instance against NO the niners gave up 535 passing yards and only 37 rushing yards. The niners only had about 400 yards. yard wise NO should have won, however they turned the ball over about 4 more times than the niners.
Now if the niners didn't force them turnovers they would have had to play catch up more than likely, but that is what the niners defense does. they force turn overs and do so often. They tackle well and turn the ball over and to me that's something that makes them the best defense this season.
we'll think of something but I'd prefer no ties because ties are unamerican and football is american.
New Orleans at San Fransisco NO - Much as I would like to pick the Niners, the NFL's rules have been so altered that they gimp a good D and reward an average O
I would say it has less to do with rules. Most defenses today don't wrap when they tackle. Most just try and go for a huge hit and miss most of the time. Or at least give the ball holder at least an extra 5 years because of a bad hit. Niners on the other hand wrap almost always and because of it a person usually doesn't get extra yards once they catch it and often can't run worth jack. There is a reason why the niner's run defense is worlds better than the second best run defense this year.
5th best running defense of regular season gave up 96 yrds/game. the second best (baltimore) gave up 92. Not much of a difference. The niners gave up 77 yrds/game. Huge difference. Mostly due to wrapping when one tackles. The defenders stick like glue. If a niner touches you then you ain't goin' anywhere.
As for post season the second best running defense is houston with 81 yrds/game. niners right now have 37 yrds/game given up. huge huge difference.
But that ain't it. Part of the wrapping also is stripping the ball. If you wrap then most of the time your hands are near the ball. It's a huge reason why niners have been forcing about 2 turn overs per game this year and why NO turned the ball over 5 times this last weekend with several close calls (not quite stripped out before NO guy was down).
IMO it's not that rules limit defenses but rather all defenses suck now days. It often comes down to hope you can stop the run and hope you can prevent guys from catching the ball.
Tradin' field goals for TDs is a recipe for losin'. That said, the D usually doesn't allow that trade to happen. Still, I think NY can beat 'em cuz they don't put up a lot of points and NY can. Like I said, they should have blown NO out and barely won. That doesn't make me confident. Play that game another four times and I think NO wins three of 'em. Turnovers are not a guarantee - let alone five. If they play that game 3 more times I'm sure the Niners will some of them. Turn overs is what the niners do. To teams that like to pass they intercept and just normally the niners strip a lot of balls. Forcing turn overs is the one thing the Niners have done very consistantly this year. But more so than that if they played 3 more times the Niners would show up with a better offense because they've just not played that bad this year except for like maybe week 2 or something (IIRC that is a game they lost but im not going to check).
And with the matchup of the Niners vs Giants this next week it's not a matter of Giants having a good offense. A part of their "goodness" is the taking big risks. That sort of stuff really only works against bad defenses. After watching manning the last few weeks he's just does a lot of very stupid and risky throws. For every one time it works he also throws an (near) interception, but half the time it just doesn't work. More so it seemed like the main thing that got the giants through the last two games was their running game and I know that it wont help them against the niners.
If the giants want to win they have to play a much more conservative passing game, because bad throws will get picked off. And manning is going to have to get rid of it quick because the Niners can put a huge amount of consistant pressure on the QB with 3-4 guys all game long. For instance against the saints with a 3 man rush the niners were rushing brees play after play, even managed to get some hits and sacks in. the saints were really only able to do the same with a 7 man blitz on 3 and long. But something that stuff like a screen pass can **** and I'm kind of surprised the niners didn't do any agains those obvious NO blitz plays. anyways I doubt, and it doesn't seem like, the giants have as good as an offensive line as NO does and by second half manning is going to being hit just about every play. Has been happening to almost every team so far. The niners defense is also in much better physical shape now than they were at the biggening of the season. I see the Niners defense outlasting the Giants offense.
As long as the niners don't start some trend were their offense is retarded in the post season then I think they win the giants during their second meeting.
Point is The Niners are probably the best team this year (I'm sure the only reason why they are even recognized as a good team is because of their W-L ratio because the only other measuring stick people seem to have is offensive stats and that's it) and wont get credit for their talent until they win the superbowl. And I hope it's against NE too, or else people will probably just shrug their shouldn'ts and say, "they got lucky and didn't really have to play against any real teams". And the Niners winning will open people's eyes to the idea of a good defense being, well, good. That there is more to football than a good quarterback. Like for isntance cheerleaders. mmmmmm hawt womenz...
I'm sure I had a point but I lost my train of thought.
Normally I'd pick the D - and in a way, I am (er, other than the Baltimore/NE game). The Giants have a really good D, can stuff the run and get pressure with four man rushes. Who would you trust more this year? A pressured Alex Smith that has to throw or a pressured Eli? I'll take the guy that's the second best QB still playing right now. I think the Ds make the game a wash from that perspective and I'm takin' Eli, Nicks, Cruz and Ballard over Smith, Davis, Crabtree and ... uhh ...
Crabtree is ok, but I've never seen him as one of the top 3 names to remember on the Niners. I guess he does have one of thsoe weird catchy got to remember names though. I mean I sure did remember it quick.
Ginn hasn't been anything great since he left Ohio State. Tee hee. Yeah, havin' your place kicker lead the team in points isn't all that awesome.
I thought you were a Green Bay fan?
Paul Hornung was (before Brett Favre, IIRC) the all-time leading scorer for the Pack. And he was a place-kicker. Add in Morten Anderson (all-time leading scorer in NFL history, IIRC)...
Plus you're thinking about it all wrong. A place-kicker scores almost every single time the team does...
I thought you were a Green Bay fan?
Paul Hornung was (before Brett Favre, IIRC) the all-time leading scorer for the Pack. And he was a place-kicker. Add in Morten Anderson (all-time leading scorer in NFL history, IIRC)...
Plus you're thinking about it all wrong. A place-kicker scores almost every single time the team does...
That's a wholly different situation. We're not talking about a kicker's career, we're talking about a season. Of course it makes sense for a kicker to eventually lead the team in points. I mean, they can kick for like 20 years whereas a good RB maybe makes it 5. A good WR maybe makes it what, 8? This is about one season. When the kicker is your leading scorer for one season, it means you don't put up as many points as you could because you either never make it to the red zone or, once there, fail to put it in. A field goal is points left on the field. If your placekicker leads the team in points it says something about your offensive efficiency - and it's not really a great thing.
In many ways the Niners now are a lot like the Niners then with the exception of having a good running game. These Niners can do the same as the Niners of Ol' whome started the Niners dynasty.
Teams can win superbowls with their kicker being their leading scorer.
Nuf said.
I'm not sayin' it can't be done or has never been done or whatever. Lookin' at only one of the two teams in the game, though, means you're missin' a lot of important stuff. If good D plus meh O wins, why on earth would you think it's a lock to beat good D plus good O?
Niners > Giants.
Who won the pigskin pick?
That's right me.
I think I know what I'm talking about.
Point and case.
Go Niners!
I could answer your question and stuff but I don't feel like doing the 5-10 minutes of research required to give at least a decent response, so I instead decided to respond as an irrational and devoted fan.
Go Niners!
And I appreciate that, sir.
I coulda won the damned thing if I didn't miss those first 13 picks! Grrrr!
Anyhoo, I won't be surprised in the least if SF rolls right over the Giants. I hate pickin' an Eli Manning/Tom Coughlin team for a reason, after all. ;)
Yeah, havin' your place kicker lead the team in points isn't all that awesome.
I thought you were a Green Bay fan?
Paul Hornung was (before Brett Favre, IIRC) the all-time leading scorer for the Pack. And he was a place-kicker. Add in Morten Anderson (all-time leading scorer in NFL history, IIRC)...
Plus you're thinking about it all wrong. A place-kicker scores almost every single time the team does...
I thought you were a Green Bay fan?
Paul Hornung was (before Brett Favre, IIRC) the all-time leading scorer for the Pack. And he was a place-kicker. Add in Morten Anderson (all-time leading scorer in NFL history, IIRC)...
Plus you're thinking about it all wrong. A place-kicker scores almost every single time the team does...
That's a wholly different situation. We're not talking about a kicker's career, we're talking about a season. Of course it makes sense for a kicker to eventually lead the team in points. I mean, they can kick for like 20 years whereas a good RB maybe makes it 5. A good WR maybe makes it what, 8? This is about one season. When the kicker is your leading scorer for one season, it means you don't put up as many points as you could because you either never make it to the red zone or, once there, fail to put it in. A field goal is points left on the field. If your placekicker leads the team in points it says something about your offensive efficiency - and it's not really a great thing.
In many ways the Niners now are a lot like the Niners then with the exception of having a good running game. These Niners can do the same as the Niners of Ol' whome started the Niners dynasty.
Teams can win superbowls with their kicker being their leading scorer.
Nuf said.
I'm not sayin' it can't be done or has never been done or whatever. Lookin' at only one of the two teams in the game, though, means you're missin' a lot of important stuff. If good D plus meh O wins, why on earth would you think it's a lock to beat good D plus good O?
Niners > Giants.
Who won the pigskin pick?
That's right me.
I think I know what I'm talking about.
Point and case.
Go Niners!
I could answer your question and stuff but I don't feel like doing the 5-10 minutes of research required to give at least a decent response, so I instead decided to respond as an irrational and devoted fan.
Go Niners!
And I appreciate that, sir.
I coulda won the damned thing if I didn't miss those first 13 picks! Grrrr!
Anyhoo, I won't be surprised in the least if SF rolls right over the Giants. I hate pickin' an Eli Manning/Tom Coughlin team for a reason, after all. ;)