NFL Discussion

[arkie]

I've never really been a fan of the NFL but this season I'm getting into it. I've watched a few games here and there of week 1 without still completely understanding the rules, but hey, I'm getting there.

Does anyone suggest which team to support throughout the season. At this point I'm thinking of following New England since I support the Boston Celtics in the NBA. What NFL team assimilates with and resembles WB the most?

:D

[Captain Groenewagon]

Depends on your definition of the Bulldogs.
If you want a club with a tortured history pick the Buffalo Bills.
If you want a club the community is completely wrapped up in pick the Green Bar Packers.
If you want a young team with a high powered offense, maybe the Houston Texans.
If you want a chance to win a Superbowl, stick with your original choice of the Pats.

[arkie]

Depends on your definition of the Bulldogs.
If you want a club with a tortured history pick the Buffalo Bills.
If you want a club the community is completely wrapped up in pick the Green Bar Packers.
If you want a young team with a high powered offense, maybe the Houston Texans.
If you want a chance to win a Superbowl, stick with your original choice of the Pats.

Do you support any particular team?

[hujsh]

I support the Cincinnati Bengals after i watched and NFL review on their season in 2006. They were an up and coming team who achieved some success but were brought down by a knee injury to quarterback Carson Palmer. They've never won a Superbowl. This reminded me of the Doggies struggles with knee injuries.

Since then they've only gotten worse.

[Superfan]

I support the Cincinnati Bengals after i watched and NFL review on their season in 2006. They were an up and coming team who achieved some success but were brought down by a knee injury to quarterback Carson Palmer. They've never won a Superbowl. This reminded me of the Doggies struggles with knee injuries.

Since then they've only gotten worse.

Personally I don't really understand the game but consider myself a Bengals fan. My husband and son are huge Cincinnati Bengals fans. Unfortunately they didn't get off to a good start last week with their first loss for the season.

I went to see New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins in New York last December. It was an amazing spectacle. Much different to watching it on television. Cindy Lauper sang the National Anthem and the crowd really get in to it. Then they just keep drinking and drinking. I've never had to stand up so much at a game before to let people through. My kids absolutely loved it especially when the guy sitting next to me commented on my daughters Western Bulldogs jumper she was wearing! Not many women or children attend games - mostly a male dominated crowd I thought. It was quite expensive and not so easy to get seats but I was lucky enough to get some and didn't care how much I paid. The experience was worth it.

Am hoping to travel to Cincinnati to visit the Paul Brown Stadium and watch a game there.

Go Bengals! Go Bulldogs! May both our futures be brighter!

[Happy Days]

I've never really been a fan of the NFL but this season I'm getting into it. I've watched a few games here and there of week 1 without still completely understanding the rules, but hey, I'm getting there.

Does anyone suggest which team to support throughout the season. At this point I'm thinking of following New England since I support the Boston Celtics in the NBA. What NFL team assimilates with and resembles WB the most?

:D

Aside from the colours, the Pats are nothing like the Dogs, in the sense that they are very successful, and very, very smug. Think Geelong.

If you want a team like the Dogs, go with the Bills. They lost the superbowl 3 years in a row despite clearly being the best team (a la the Dogs in 97-98), their colours are red, white and blue, and they recently picked up a talented, but very brash wide out in Terrell Owens (Aker). They also might not be too bad this season.

[The Underdog]

Whatever you do, don't support the Dallas Cowboys. That'd be like barracking for Collingwood.
Despite the fact that they are in the same division as my team (the Detroit Lions) and have caused them much pain over the years (who hasn't), the Green Bay Packers are a good choice. Based in a fairly small town and owned by the local community they are also on the way back up.
New England are a team who were a joke for years and turned it around to be one of the more successful teams of the recent era. They're also from Boston which is a great sporting town.
Other good reasons to support teams are the following:

New York Giants-regularly successful and the more stable of the NY teams
Cleveland Browns- a long history and they wear Brown and Orange (they lose a lot though)
Philadelphia Eagles - never won a Super Bowl but they do have the meanest supporters in the sport
Pittsburgh Steelers - Won the most Super Bowls in NFL history


Teams to avoid:
Detroit Lions -went 0-16 last year, enough said
Cincinatti Bengals - schizophrenic underachievers who always somehow find ways to lose
Oakland Raiders - the craziest, oldest, most meddlesome owner in NFL keeps them stuck to the bottom.

But hey watch some games see who you like but be careful, I fell in love with a running back named Barry Sanders and now I'm stuck with the worst team in the sport.

[GVGjr]

I've never really been a fan of the NFL but this season I'm getting into it. I've watched a few games here and there of week 1 without still completely understanding the rules, but hey, I'm getting there.

Does anyone suggest which team to support throughout the season. At this point I'm thinking of following New England since I support the Boston Celtics in the NBA. What NFL team assimilates with and resembles WB the most?

:D

Mainly because of the colors I jumped on the Patriots many years ago when they were the easy beats of the competition.

[Happy Days]

Cleveland Browns- a long history and they wear Brown and Orange (they lose a lot though)


1999 wasn't that long ago ;)

[The Underdog]

1999 wasn't that long ago ;)

The Ravens are good too :p

I never said there wasn't any gaps in the history.

[Captain Groenewagon]

[QUOTE=The Underdog;114672]Philadelphia Eagles - never won a Super Bowl but they do have the meanest supporters in the sport

Case in point - The only fan base that would boo Santa Claus (which actually happened at an Eagles game a few years ago.

I'm a Pats fan on the back of being a Boston Celtics fan in the Larry Bird era.
Subsequently have been dragged into the whole Red Sox, Pats, Celtics combination by my addiction to Sports Guy Bill Simmons' articles on the ESPN website.
Get on board!!

[shifty]

The Eagles are awesome, they have dirty fans and just signed an Mike Vick who just got out of jail.
The Bengals as suggested are full of criminals, they draft a guy in the 2nd (in a much deeper draft compared to the AFL) who was a rapist a couple of years ago, and while they have gotten better the last year or 2, they sill have quite a few arrests.

This round, summed up alot for Buffalo and the Bengals. The Bengals lost on a last minute miraculous deflection for a TD and Buffalo where up by 11 with 2 minutes left before losing 25-24

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Sentimental faves for me are the 49ers, as my late father grew up in the bay area and was a long suffering 9er's fan when they were the laughing stock of the league from the 50's all the way through to the early 80s'. When they won their 1st SuperBowl in 81, and remembering how much it meant to my father- it makes me envisage how I'll feel when the Dogs finally win one.

I kind went off them a bit when they became perennial contenders through the 80's to mid 90's, but I've warmed to them again as they've become the battlers.
They've had constant problems finding their next franchise quarterback ever since Steve Young retired a decade ago, and I liken it to our problem in drafting quality talls.
Only 4 or 5 years ago they had Number 1 picks and spent it on QB Alex Smith who to date has proved a total bust and is no longer starting.

They now have a Defensive Legend of the game in Mike Singletary as their head coach, and he was a fantastic middle linebacker during the 80's for the Bears during their Super Bowl year in 85, and their are hopes he is going to rebuild the club over the next few seasons.

I also have a soft spot for the Ravens and the Browns as both cities lost their clubs in the 80's and 90's.

Baltimore were originally the Colts, who moved to Indianapolis. Whilst the Browns lost their team in 96. The owner of the original Browns was granted a license to start a 'new' team in Baltimore, and Cleveland was promised a new team in 3 years when the new stadium was built. So both cities ended up reclaiming their place in the league.

I also don't mind the Packers given the fact that despite the fact they are a minnow in terms of city size (only just over 100,000 people in Green bay) and finances, they have (in part due to the equalisation policy of the league) still been able to carve a successful franchise and have promoted themselves as a community club. I think the club is actually a Publically owned company, and not owned by a rich benefactor like most (if not all) other clubs in the NFL.

[arkie]

So I kind of fell away with watching the NFL last season. I struggled to understand the game and gave up. It's so technical compared to footy, basketball and soccer. I'm going to try again. I've narrowed my team of support down to:

New England Patriots - Because I love the Celtics and they sound like a pretty good team
Green Bay Packers - Because they are a community owned team
Buffalo Bills - They are red, white and blue

I need to make a decision! Any ideas based on the upcoming season?

Also, does anyone know a good place to find information or a video that explains all the rules and technicalities of the game!

[Scraggers]

I worked with a bloke from Boston; since then I have always followed the Red Sox and New England Patriots. To the point that when My wife and myself went to America our trip was based around going to live games of both. (that was the year that the Red Sox lost to the Giants in the play-offs ... The slogan on the back of everyone's car was Reverse The Curse ... Being the curse of the Bambino ... Babe Ruth ... The Red Sox hadn't won the world series since selling Babe Ruth to New York)

when we watched the Patriots I was in awe of Tom Brady ... Absolute incredible arm with great accuracy and a sensational 'with-it-ness' to know exactly what was going on around him.

So needless to say, I recommend The Patriots ...

In saying all that I like the cheese heads too :D

[Scraggers]

As far as videos / DVDs for understanding the game. I started watching the game when Don Lane used to host it on Tuesday nights on the ABC ... that was brilliant because he used to explain the rules as he went ...

I tried to You Tube some of that footage, but could not find any. But while I was there, I found lots of entries on explaining the game including the rules, offence plays, defence plays etc.

Maybe that's a start anyway

[arkie]

Yeah I was checking out Youtube and have found some handy videos. The thing that keeps confusing me is the downs. So when the offense has the ball they get 4 downs right? So this means that have 4 opportunities to gain 10 yards. So if they gain say 12 yards and are tackled from this point they are given 4 new opportunities to gain 10 yards? Is that correct?

[Scraggers]

Yeah I was checking out Youtube and have found some handy videos. The thing that keeps confusing me is the downs. So when the offense has the ball they get 4 downs right? So this means that have 4 opportunities to gain 10 yards. So if they gain say 12 yards and are tackled from this point they are given 4 new opportunities to gain 10 yards? Is that correct?

Yep ... That's right ... You are given 4 chances to gain 10 yards if on the second down you gain 26 yards the next play is called 1st and 10 and you have four more shots at gaining 10 yards.

You might gain 2 yards on the first attempt ... The next play would be called 2nd and 8 ... Meaning it's your second attempt and you still have 8 yards to gain. The only time this changes if you are within 10 yards of the oppositions goal line. It's is then called 1st and goal etc.

If you get an offensive penalty that amount is added to your required yard gainage. For example, on your first down you get 5 yard penalty for a false start ... Your next down would be 2nd and 15. If the quarterback gets sacked and retains possession of the ball those yards are also added to the down.

[SonofScray]

I watch the NFL quite a bit but haven't really picked a team and run with it, I just like to watch and learn the game I suppose. That being said, I have on and off followed the Pats, and Cowboys for a long time for fairly superficial reasons.

The Pats due to being Boston's team, where I am a massive fan of the Bruins and Red Sox. The Cowboys because as a 12 year old I had an E. Smith starter cap.

However, on Thanksgiving this year I am going to the New Meadowlands for Bengals v Jets as part of my USA trip and I have a feeling it will be the start of a love affair with the Jets. Great luck for us in getting to this fixture, the Bengals are a side I am familiar with because of Superfan and family and I get to watch Hard Knocks featuring the Jets in the lead up.

[SonofScray]

As far as videos / DVDs for understanding the game. I started watching the game when Don Lane used to host it on Tuesday nights on the ABC ... that was brilliant because he used to explain the rules as he went ...

I tried to You Tube some of that footage, but could not find any. But while I was there, I found lots of entries on explaining the game including the rules, offence plays, defence plays etc.

Maybe that's a start anyway

Play the console games, I learned the rules and terminology to most US sports through computer games! :)

[hujsh]

Play the console games, I learned the rules and terminology to most US sports through computer games! :)

It's pretty useful for NFL especially

[The Underdog]

Here's a video (albeit poorly edited) of the man who made me fall in love with the NFL and the Detroit Lions, only one of which I regret.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d80748016/Top-Ten-Elusive-Runners-Barry-Sanders

[Flamethrower]

Here's a video (albeit poorly edited) of the man who made me fall in love with the NFL and the Detroit Lions, only one of which I regret.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d80748016/Top-Ten-Elusive-Runners-Barry-Sanders

Barry was amazing - the back they could not tackle! Why do you regret falling in love with the NFL? j/k. I feel the same way at times being a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals. I am definitely a fan of the game first and the Bengals second, which is why I also love college football.

I started following the National Football League in 1981, when channel 9 showed some playoff games and the Superbowl. The first game I remember watching was the playoff game in Cincinnati between the Bengals and the Buffalo Bills. I was a casual fan until the mid 80s when TV coverage took off and I had more time to watch games. Since 1985 I have been a huge fan. It is such a complex, cerebral game and it takes years to fully appreciate exactly what is going on with the offensive and defensive formations.

It is like ice hockey in that once you fully grasp what is happening on each play that it is a lot easier to follow the ball (an puck), and follow the movement of each of the players. You also see the penalties before they are called, missed tackles and blown assignments.

Once you have a basic concept of the game, the best way to learn about the game behind the game is to read some of the many books out there, watch plenty of video analysis (ESPN shows heaps of this), and play Madden on the Playstation.

[shifty]

Season starts on Friday!

[mjp]

See the Cards have waived Leinart?

Warner's retirement has thrown the NFC west into Chaos...could a sub .500 team make the play-offs?

[SonofScray]

Anyone watch Hard Knocks? Only caught the first ep. but geez it looks a good series.

[mjp]

Anyone watch Hard Knocks? Only caught the first ep. but geez it looks a good series.

Where can you watch it? Can't even get the previous season DVD's as far as I can tell...

[The Underdog]

See the Cards have waived Leinart?

Warner's retirement has thrown the NFC west into Chaos...could a sub .500 team make the play-offs?

Well surely they can't win it with Derek Anderson and 2 rookies at QB.
I get the feeling Larry Fitzgerald is going to be an unhappy man.

I'd have thought San Francisco should at least be an 8-8 team as long as Alex Smith is adequate. Defence is good, they drafted 2 in the 1st round to strengthen the o-line and have decent starters at RB and WR. Plus they get 6 games against the Seahawks, Rams and Cards.

Where can you watch it? Can't even get the previous season DVD's as far as I can tell...

I saw the first ep on the NFL website but they only had that one up as far as I could tell.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Have to confess I'm more excited for the start of the NFL season tomorrow than our Semi Final this Saturday.

Having Favre as QB in one of my fantasy football teams might have something to do with it, although expecting him to get crushed by the Saints tomorrow

[The Underdog]

Have to confess I'm more excited for the start of the NFL season tomorrow than our Semi Final this Saturday.

Having Favre as QB in one of my fantasy football teams might have something to do with it, although expecting him to get crushed by the Saints tomorrow

I ended up with Brady and Eli Manning as my QB's which I'm not unhappy with.
I did manage to get Chris Johnson at pick 2 in my draft (albeit an automated draft). Bit disappointed Revis signed on this week as I've got Anquan Boldin who'll now be covered by the best back CB in the NFL rather than a rookie or Cromartie in Week 1.

If I get time later I might throw in my season predictions

[comrade]

Can anyone give me a recommendation on which teams I should follow?

* Note: I asked a similar question regarding the Premier League. I settled on West Ham who barely escaped relegation last year and are now dead last after 3 games. Best not to recommend your own team, then.

[mjp]

Can anyone give me a recommendation on which teams I should follow?

* Note: I asked a similar question regarding the Premier League. I settled on West Ham who barely escaped relegation last year and are now dead last after 3 games. Best not to recommend your own team, then.

I have followed the Steelers since the old Don Lane days when I fell in love with Barry Foster - who really was a one-season wonder. That has worked out well for me with three superbowls (2 wins) and a competitive team every year.

My favorite two places in the US are Austin and San Diego. As Austin doesn't have a team (well, the University of Texas may as well be a pro-team I guess!) I would support the chargers if I had my time again. They have a good - if arrogant qb (Rivers), a coach who calls pretty aggressive plays (though has a rep for choking in the playoffs) and a rookie running back (Matthews) tipped to win the ROTY award...they also have some key holdouts (Vincent Jackson) and key vets returning from injury...but they play in a crap division so will almost certainly make the playoffs. And it is a great, fun city where the weather is year-round beautiful (and the girls, oh my goodness).

My advice - go with the Chargers.

[comrade]

(and the girls, oh my goodness).

My advice - go with the Chargers.

That's good enough for me.

[The Underdog]

That's good enough for me.

mjp didn't mention their continual failure in playoffs and the rumours of potential relocation to LA, but both of those probably give you points to relate to :rolleyes:


I'd suggest watching a few games and deciding for yourself but avoid the following:

Dallas - Like barracking for Collingwood
Oakland - Like barracking for Carlton crossed with Richmond
Detroit - Like barracking for a disadvantaged child (that's my team)

One hd has a fantastic slate on Monday with New England vs Cincinnatti, Philly vs Green Bay & Dallas vs Washington. Disappointed they've lost access to Monday night football though.

[The Underdog]

The Underdog's Ill-informed pre-season NFL guesses.


Not many sports are as unpredictable or as prone to the fickle hand of fate and injury as the NFL, so in that spirit here's my predictions for the coming season.

AFC East-

1. NY Jets: Only real weakness is at QB, which is big, but like the Ravens in their SB winning year, competent QB play should be enough. Revis signing is huge. Should win with D and a coach with a huge mouth.
2. New England - Brady should get them to the playoffs and challenging the Jets but they've got major question marks at RB and on defense.
3. Miami - opportunity for them to jump up in the division if Henne can play well. The acquisition of Marshall is big and the running game should be solid. Will be in the mix
4. Buffalo - My tip for the worst team in football. Average to poor QB's, awful Offensive Line. Solid in the DB's but defense will spend a lot of time on the field.

AFC North -

1. Baltimore - early loss of Ed Reed will hurt, but have good depth all over and D should be traditionally dangerous. my pick for the SB
2. Cincinnatti - close call between them and Pittsburgh. Never completely confident pre-season with the Bengals but they look pretty good all the way across the team. Pressure is on Palmer.
3. Pittsburgh - Polamalu back is huge. He's the soul of the team. However the loss of Roethlisberger for 4 games and the trade of Holmes means they'll struggle early on offense. D is starting to look a little old.
4. Cleveland - should be improved but Delhomme is a wildcard who could make or break them and the division is too strong.

AFC South-

1. Indianapolis - Umm, Peyton Manning. Nuff said.
2. Houston - Should be therabouts with Schaub and Johnson. RB's are a worry as is the lack of depth at DB. Not convinced by the Texans at all.
3. Tennessee - Got a feeling they'll be a lot better this year. Losses on D concern me a little though. the progress of Vince Young will be interesting to watch.
4. Jacksonville - Inconsistent QB play from Garrard, little depth at WR and an average Defence means I think they'll be a sub .500 team

AFC West-

1. San Diego - I think they're on the downside but in a thin division, Rivers and a solid D should get them through.
2. Oakland - I like Campbell to not lose them games and I think there's enough pieces on the defence to make them competetive.
3. Kansas City - Should be improved. Cassel should be more comfortable, good depth at RB and should be at least average everywhere else.
4. Denver - Going backwards rapidly. Loss of Dumervil for the season means they'll struggle to rush the passer

[The Underdog]

The Underdog's Ill-informed pre-season NFL guesses (NFC Edition).

NFC East -

Hardest division in football to predict

1.Dallas - Have been awful in the pre-season but when did that ever matter. Looked to be building last year and despite queries over the offensive line particularly at LT, should be good enough to go deep into the playoffs.
2.NY Giants - Good offseason pickup in Antrelle Rolle. Think they'll bounce back from a poor end to last season.
3.Philadelphia - First season without McNabb at QB might be a case of be careful what you wish for for Eagles fans. Poor end to last year led to big change. Will still be solid but huge pressure on Kolb.
4.Washington - Can't believe the Eagles traded McNabb within their division. Shanahan should improve this team but year's of overspending and average drafts mean it will take more than one year to get out of the basement in a tough division

NFC North -

1.Green Bay - A poor O-line and the loss of Johnny Jolly won't help, but have excellent weapons and should get over the line in a division where they are clearly only challenged by the Vikes.
2.Minnesota- Not sure why I have them 2nd. the D is excellent, although the secondary is a little suspect, but the loss of Rice for the season and my belief that eventually Favre won't be able to recapture the lightning mean I don't believe.
3.Chicago - Spent big in the offseason. Cutler needs to step up. Peppers needs to justify the money. Probably won't be very good.
4.Detroit - Too thin at LB and DB to be a serious threat but Stafford, Best and Suh give Lions fans something to look forward to (at last).

NFC South -
1.New Orleans - Not convinced they'll do it again, but the division isn't great so they're my defacto division winners.
2.Carolina - No real reasoning for this. I like what Matt Moore showed last year, the RB depth is amazing and the LB's are excellent. I think John Fox will get them up & pad his resume for next offseason when he's job hunting.
3.Atlanta - Could win the division. Pretty solid all over. Need better pass rush and Turner to stay healthy.
4.Tampa Bay - Too inexperienced, not enough depth anywhere.

NFC West -

1.San Francisco - Win by default because they didn't get worse. If Alex Smith shows anything and Frank Gore stays healthy, should win the division easily.
2.Arizona - will struggle mightily with the loss of Warner. Can't believe they are going into the season with Anderson and 2 rookies at QB. Still solid enough elsewhere to be better than the Seahawks and Rams.
3.St. Louis - Will be improved. Should be solid on the O-line, better on the D-Line and Bradford will get the chance to QB. Unfortunately he has nobody to throw to. Look for Jackson to run A LOT.
4.Seattle - Not sure what's happening here. Could be as good as 2nd in the division (in the worst division in the NFL) but Carroll seems intent on turning over the roster before he moves forward.

AFC Wildcard- New England, Cincinnatti
NFC Wildcard - NY Giants, Minnesota
Superbowl - Baltimore vs Dallas
Winner - Dallas (in a Super Bowl at new Cowboy Stadium, Jerry Jones dies happy)

[wonnydog]

Whatever you do, don't support the Dallas Cowboys. That'd be like barracking for Collingwood.
Despite the fact that they are in the same division as my team (the Detroit Lions) and have caused them much pain over the years (who hasn't), the Green Bay Packers are a good choice. Based in a fairly small town and owned by the local community they are also on the way back up.
New England are a team who were a joke for years and turned it around to be one of the more successful teams of the recent era. They're also from Boston which is a great sporting town.
Other good reasons to support teams are the following:

New York Giants-regularly successful and the more stable of the NY teams
Cleveland Browns- a long history and they wear Brown and Orange (they lose a lot though)
Philadelphia Eagles - never won a Super Bowl but they do have the meanest supporters in the sportPittsburgh Steelers - Won the most Super Bowls in NFL history


Teams to avoid:
Detroit Lions -went 0-16 last year, enough said
Cincinatti Bengals - schizophrenic underachievers who always somehow find ways to lose
Oakland Raiders - the craziest, oldest, most meddlesome owner in NFL keeps them stuck to the bottom.

But hey watch some games see who you like but be careful, I fell in love with a running back named Barry Sanders and now I'm stuck with the worst team in the sport.

I had the pleasure once of seeing my beloved Chargers play Philly in San Diego. My god Eagles fans are evil.

Go the Chargers! Great place and exciting team.

[comrade]

Has any other team had a 0-16 season?

[The Underdog]

Has any other team had a 0-16 season?

Nope the Lions were the first team since the league went to 16 games to do it.
They improved to 2-14 last year.
I'm guessing a 5-11 year this year. They haven't won a road game for about 3 years. They're actually on the improve though, they just have 5-6 years of awful drafting to make up for so they don't have great depth particularly with their linebackers and defensive backs.
I have an uncanny ability to back a loser when picking a team.

[comrade]

Nope the Lions were the first team since the league went to 16 games to do it.
They improved to 2-14 last year.
I'm guessing a 5-11 year this year. They haven't won a road game for about 3 years. They're actually on the improve though, they just have 5-6 years of awful drafting to make up for so they don't have great depth particularly with their linebackers and defensive backs.
I have an uncanny ability to back a loser when picking a team.

Are they likely to have a winning season within the next couple of years?

[The Underdog]

Are they likely to have a winning season within the next couple of years?

I'd hope they're building something. The development of Stafford, their 2nd year QB, will have a massive say. He was a No.1 pick and was inconsistent last year but he was in a bad situation and got injured. The current GM seems to be going about building the roster the right way and seems to be pretty savvy and their head coach is a youngish guy who should be successful if given the chance. They've just drafter a monster defensive tackle named Ndamukong Suh (first name translates to House of Spears) who looks mean. He was fined in the pre-season for pretty literally trying to rip a QB's head off as per below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhtLDG5JxUI

[mjp]

Nope the Lions were the first team since the league went to 16 games to do it.
They improved to 2-14 last year.
I'm guessing a 5-11 year this year. They haven't won a road game for about 3 years. They're actually on the improve though, they just have 5-6 years of awful drafting to make up for so they don't have great depth particularly with their linebackers and defensive backs.
I have an uncanny ability to back a loser when picking a team.

They will be fine this year. Most of the drafting under Millen was OK - it was just his fascination with picking suspect receivers in the first round that was bad.

When you compare them with St Louis - who don't have a single pick left from the 2007 draft, just 3 years ago - Detroit's recent drafting has been the work of a genius.

The Lions biggest issue might be that Green Bay are really good, and Minnesota are pretty good...

[Glove38]

Go Bears!

[mjp]

Go Bears!

That's fair enough, but Detroit were robbed. How that catch was overturned is anybodies guess....

[Glove38]

That's fair enough, but Detroit were robbed. How that catch was overturned is anybodies guess....

Don't get to watch as much NFL as i used, don't have Foxtel or a HD TV. Technically it was probably not TD, but i agree, should have been called a TD.

Who are the teams which will be pushing for the Super Bowl?

[The Underdog]

That's fair enough, but Detroit were robbed. How that catch was overturned is anybodies guess....

Referee was right, the rule was wrong.
Bet Calvin carries that thing all the way to the sideline next time.

[Captain Groenewagon]

That's fair enough, but Detroit were robbed. How that catch was overturned is anybodies guess....

Have no idea how that call is being received in the media in Detroit, but imagine if something like that happened in the AFL.

The Mike Sheahan, Patrick Smith, Hutchy & Caro would have a simultaneous infarct.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Don't get to watch as much NFL as i used, don't have Foxtel or a HD TV. Technically it was probably not TD, but i agree, should have been called a TD.

Who are the teams which will be pushing for the Super Bowl?

Favourites are Indy & New Orleans who played off in last years Superbowl.
Green Bay, Baltimore, New England, Minnesota & the 2 x New York teams probably round out the likely contenders.
I'd throw in Tennessee and Houston as smokies based on Week One performances

[shifty]

Have no idea how that call is being received in the media in Detroit, but imagine if something like that happened in the AFL.

The Mike Sheahan, Patrick Smith, Hutchy & Caro would have a simultaneous infarct.

It's more of a national media then each specific market, so seeing it happened to Detriots, no really cares as much as if it happened to the Colts.
Glad to see we've got a lions fan here, i was going to come here and suggests them. They are definitely on the way up. Stafford will be a gun if he can be protected (miles ahead of Sanchez IMO), you can build a D around a player like Suh and they've finally got a good Head coach (it always the D coaches that get it done.) Calvin on the other hand is a monster. Same height, yet heavier than Jono Brown ( doesn't at all look it) and has blazing speed, an amazing set of hands and a nice set of moves. Would have to be very close to the best athlete in the league, and one of the best I've seen in general for a long time. A lot of potential there.

On a side note, comparing the level of athleticism required, it's just no contest after i thought about it. Nic Naitunui had a vertical leap of 30inchs. He would have greater endurance than them, but a 30inch would be laughed off as a joke. Every year there consistently 110ks LBs are TEs jumping over 40, even the players criticized here for being obese, players weighing over 130kgs are jumping close to 35. As far as i know the record is from the great Randy Moss at 51inchs. 131cm:eek:

really blows the mind thinking about it

[mjp]

(it always the D coaches that get it done.)

Like Sean Payton???

[shifty]

Like Sean Payton???

haha, exception.
Other than him and Dungy (technically an D-coach aswell, just had really really offense that powered teams) the last 9 or so superbowls have been won off Defense.

[Glove38]

Dallas are struggling early on.

[The Underdog]

Dallas are struggling early on.

Struggling with injuries on the O-Line. Big surprise them losing to the Bears at home regardless. My pre-season picks of Baltimore and Dallas are looking shaky already.
Flacco is looking awful in B-more. They've put up 20 points in 2 games.

The Jets came to life in the 2nd half vs the Pats (who simultaneously lost the plot) and Sanchez looked good.
Braylon Edwards arrest for a DUI after he acted like a clown in the win could be trouble for them though. Although Santonio Holmes will be back for the Jets in week 5.
Big surprise is Tampa being 2-0, although not against the toughest opposition. Pittsburgh did a huge job on Chris Johnson and the Titans last week on defence. 34 yards and a fumble killed my fantasy team.

The Lions manage two close losses. No word on when Stafford will be back but Suh is killing it. Shame the DB's are so awful. Looking forward the the game against the Vikings this week. Favre could complete 40 passes or get killed.

[mjp]

Pittsburgh did a huge job on Chris Johnson and the Titans last week on defence. 34 yards and a fumble killed my fantasy team.


No-one runs on them when Polamalu plays...he covers for the linebackers and Woodley and Harrison just basically seem to tee-off. I think they had something like 25 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles between them (not to mention the head of Vince Young!).

That said, with Hampton missing I can understand why you didn't substitute CJ. Who knew they could hold it together on D without their Nose Tackle.

[nawrocki]

And I have Flacco in my DT.

Lucky he is currently my backup, but he is close to getting cut!

[The Underdog]

No-one runs on them when Polamalu plays...he covers for the linebackers and Woodley and Harrison just basically seem to tee-off. I think they had something like 25 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles between them (not to mention the head of Vince Young!).

That said, with Hampton missing I can understand why you didn't substitute CJ. Who knew they could hold it together on D without their Nose Tackle.

I didn't substitute because my back-ups are Fred Taylor and Felix Jones:eek:

I had the worst week ever in the history of Fantasy. Didn't play Brady but Eli had a shocker too. My receivers didn't crack 100 yards total and my backs had 70 yards and a fumble between them.

Has a safety ever been able to transform a team like Polamalu can? They were average without him last year, but the D is all of a sudden a force again.

[mjp]

Has a safety ever been able to transform a team like Polamalu can? They were average without him last year, but the D is all of a sudden a force again.

I dont think they were that bad last year.

Baltimore were tough, and the Bengals had a year of dreams...4 losses inside your own division right there. The Steelers haven't done much so far this year to prove that they are truly back, but the presence of Polamalu certainly allows the defense to roll the dice a fair bit because he is always there (or at least, always seems to be there) to pick up the pieces.

Doesn't always work out though - he was in coverage against Fitzgerald when the Card's went ahead in the 2009 superbowl on that simple seam.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Has a safety ever been able to transform a team like Polamalu can? They were average without him last year, but the D is all of a sudden a force again.

I actually made an observation to a mate during this season that Brian Lake was playing as close to Polamalu as anyone I've ever seen in AFL Football.

He was just everywhere mid-season, the ball seemingly attracted to him like a magnet.

I foolishly benched the Steelers DST in my fantasy team thinking CJ would run all over them. Never again!!

[The Underdog]

Well it's been a pretty funny season so far.
There's no really obvious best team in the NFC or AFC, although the Steelers, Ravens, Jets and Pats all look pretty good so far in the AFC. I honestly couldn't pick a best couple of teams from the NFC. The Cowboys have been surprisingly bad, killing themselves with penalties and poor O-Line work. Questions abound about Romo too and despite what Jerry Jones says surely Wade Phillips isn't far away from unemployment.
Biggest surprises are the Chiefs who started 3-0 before dropping a couple, the Rams who are somehow 3-3 despite blowing a game to the Lions by 38 points, and the Broncos who despite their record could, I honestly think, win the division if they can find someone to run the ball. Orton has been surprisingly good.
Chargers are struggling with injuries. The Bengals are not a patch on last season and Carson Palmer seems to have jumped the shark and honestly could have thrown 30 int's.

Was really disappointed with the Ravens against the Pats last week. Looked to have the game comfortably under control with a 10 point lead in the last quarter and then the D let the Patriots O get going and the Baltimore offense went incredibly conservative when they'd moved the ball pretty well in the first 3 quarters.
Watched the Colts-Redskins last week too and seriosuly was amazed that if the Skins DB's could have held onto the ball, manning would have thrown 3 or 4 int's in the first half. The Colts are winning but don't look the team they have been.
The Redskins are improved but don't look quite good enough to be a playoff team.

Looking forward to Minnesota vs Green Bay next week.

[mjp]

I honestly couldn't pick a best couple of teams from the NFC.

Surely the Eagles have dibs on this after crushing the Falcons?

[Greystache]

Well it's been a pretty funny season so far.
There's no really obvious best team in the NFC or AFC, although the Steelers, Ravens, Jets and Pats all look pretty good so far in the AFC. I honestly couldn't pick a best couple of teams from the NFC. The Cowboys have been surprisingly bad, killing themselves with penalties and poor O-Line work. Questions abound about Romo too and despite what Jerry Jones says surely Wade Phillips isn't far away from unemployment.
Biggest surprises are the Chiefs who started 3-0 before dropping a couple, the Rams who are somehow 3-3 despite blowing a game to the Lions by 38 points, and the Broncos who despite their record could, I honestly think, win the division if they can find someone to run the ball. Orton has been surprisingly good.
Chargers are struggling with injuries. The Bengals are not a patch on last season and Carson Palmer seems to have jumped the shark and honestly could have thrown 30 int's.

Was really disappointed with the Ravens against the Pats last week. Looked to have the game comfortably under control with a 10 point lead in the last quarter and then the D let the Patriots O get going and the Baltimore offense went incredibly conservative when they'd moved the ball pretty well in the first 3 quarters.
Watched the Colts-Redskins last week too and seriosuly was amazed that if the Skins DB's could have held onto the ball, manning would have thrown 3 or 4 int's in the first half. The Colts are winning but don't look the team they have been.
The Redskins are improved but don't look quite good enough to be a playoff team.

Looking forward to Minnesota vs Green Bay next week.

I'm heading off to New York next week for 3 weeks, I've got tickets to the Jets vs Green Bay on Halloween, can't wait. Any players I should keep an eye out for specifically?

[Captain Groenewagon]

I'm heading off to New York next week for 3 weeks, I've got tickets to the Jets vs Green Bay on Halloween, can't wait. Any players I should keep an eye out for specifically?

Green Bay - QB Aaron Rodgers is amongst the Top 4 at that position. Greg Jennings is his most electric receiver. Clay Matthews is a dynamic young defensive player.

Jets - Pretty Boy QB Sanchez aka the Sanchise has been playing well. Future Hall of Famer RB Ladainian Tomlinson has been to the fountain of youth in the off-season and is firing. They also have some stars on defense and the most amusing coach in the NFL, Rex Ryan. Big loud mouth but his players are backing him at at this stage of the season.

I would expect Jets to win comfortably as GB has a number of players out injured at the moment, but certainly will be a spectacle at the new Stadium

[mjp]

Green Bay - QB Aaron Rodgers is amongst the Top 4 at that position.


Top 4?

Brees.
Manning.
Brady
Roethlisberger.
...
Surely those guys are the clear top 4?

Then there are the likes of Rodgers, Flacco, Ryan, McNabb etc etc.

Rodgers LOOKS exciting and racks up some numbers, but he hasn't actually won anything yet.

[Greystache]

Green Bay - QB Aaron Rodgers is amongst the Top 4 at that position. Greg Jennings is his most electric receiver. Clay Matthews is a dynamic young defensive player.

Jets - Pretty Boy QB Sanchez aka the Sanchise has been playing well. Future Hall of Famer RB Ladainian Tomlinson has been to the fountain of youth in the off-season and is firing. They also have some stars on defense and the most amusing coach in the NFL, Rex Ryan. Big loud mouth but his players are backing him at at this stage of the season.

I would expect Jets to win comfortably as GB has a number of players out injured at the moment, but certainly will be a spectacle at the new Stadium

Thanks for that, I'll keep an eye on them.

[The Underdog]

Surely the Eagles have dibs on this after crushing the Falcons?

Probably, I'm just not convinced they are particularly good. Admittedly I've seen their 2 losses so that doesn't leave a good impression and they only squeaked past the Lions and 49ers. I mean are they that much better than the Giants or Redskins? I guess time will tell.

[The Underdog]

I'm heading off to New York next week for 3 weeks, I've got tickets to the Jets vs Green Bay on Halloween, can't wait. Any players I should keep an eye out for specifically?

Can't argue too much with Captain Groenewagon's picks, particularly Clay Matthews if he's playing. He's a beast.
Packers have no running game so the pressure is on Rodger's to win with his arm

Jets Defense is worth watching as a whole, although the pass defense has struggled with Revis not at full fitness. Cromartie has stepped up pretty well though.
Keep an eye on Cromartie, he may have impregnated a cheer leader by half time :)

Oh and can I add how incredibly jealous I am? Have fun.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Top 4?

Brees.
Manning.
Brady
Roethlisberger.
...
Surely those guys are the clear top 4?

Then there are the likes of Rodgers, Flacco, Ryan, McNabb etc etc.

Rodgers LOOKS exciting and racks up some numbers, but he hasn't actually won anything yet.

I may be slightly biased to Rodgers due to his fantasy football numbers.
Individually he is certainly better than Big Ben, but obviously Ben's Superbowls wins put his career ahead of Rodgers.
Also he has only played one game this season which drops his current rank IMHO.

Put Rodgers in Pittsburgh, they're still the Superbowl favourites.
And the ladies in town can also sleep easier...........:)

[hujsh]

Chargers are struggling with injuries. The Bengals are not a patch on last season and Carson Palmer seems to have jumped the shark and honestly could have thrown 30 int's.

He's writing ridiculous story lines to the detriment of the show?

[Greystache]

Can't argue too much with Captain Groenewagon's picks, particularly Clay Matthews if he's playing. He's a beast.
Packers have no running game so the pressure is on Rodger's to win with his arm

Jets Defense is worth watching as a whole, although the pass defense has struggled with Revis not at full fitness. Cromartie has stepped up pretty well though.
Keep an eye on Cromartie, he may have impregnated a cheer leader by half time :)

Oh and can I add how incredibly jealous I am? Have fun.

Thanks Underdog,

I'll keep an eye on Cromartie, I like the cut of his jib!

[mjp]

I may be slightly biased to Rodgers due to his fantasy football numbers.
Individually he is certainly better than Big Ben, but obviously Ben's Superbowls wins put his career ahead of Rodgers.
Also he has only played one game this season which drops his current rank IMHO.


Ben can (and does) do things that no other qb can. He extends plays when protection breaks down (in Pittsburgh, pretty darn often) and is almost impossible for defenders to bring down. Rodgers has lost two o-lineman and basically collapsed under the pressure.

If you tried to tell me that Rivers was better than Ben as an individual, I might have bought it...might. But then you think back to the last drive in the 2009 superbowl and ask yourself who would have won the game if Rogers or Rivers (or anyone else - including Brees/Brady/Manning) was in charge and that much pressure was coming? They would have been brought down and the Cardinals would have won the game.

Roethisberger is a peanut off the field - no doubt. But he is a very, very good player who has proved it in big games. Rodgers? Not so much. Hits his targets when things are going well, but hasn't got the greatest record in big road games/playoff games.

[mjp]

Thanks Underdog,

I'll keep an eye on Cromartie, I like the cut of his jib!

And here is the legendary clip of Cromartie trying to remember the names of all his kids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5qzQ2HBh0s

[The Underdog]

He's writing ridiculous story lines to the detriment of the show?

While that was the original context for the saying, it has evolved to basically describe the point where something / someone is in decline.

One definition from Urban Dictionary is "The precise moment when you know a program, band, actor, politician, or other public figure has taken a turn for the worse, gone downhill, become irreversibly bad, is unredeemable, etc.; the moment you realize decay has set in"

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jump%20the%20shark

If you've seen Palmer play this year then it's pretty obvious the Bengals need to draft a new QB next year or at least come up with a back up who isn't Carson's brother.

[Greystache]

Went to the game yesterday, was a fairly lackluster affair it's fair to say. Jets went scoreless and only once were in position to score when the kicker missed a FG from about 35. Both defences were solid, Rogers was ok, but Sanchez was horrible. He's getting slaughtered over here. I've got a couple of photos to post when I get a chance.

[The Underdog]

Went to the game yesterday, was a fairly lackluster affair it's fair to say. Jets went scoreless and only once were in position to score when the kicker missed a FG from about 35. Both defences were solid, Rogers was ok, but Sanchez was horrible. He's getting slaughtered over here. I've got a couple of photos to post when I get a chance.

You really had terrible luck getting a game that poor, especially between 2 teams that have pretty high aspirations.
Hope you had a good time at least. How's the New Meadowlands stadium?

[shifty]

Yeh, that was a shocking game to watch, atleast you saw a massive fake punt and Clay getting another sack.

Strange day today, only 3 weeks after getting traded, in what many thought was a steal of a trade, Randy Moss is cut from the Vikings. Has to clear waivers but he is even a change to come back to the Pats. Childress is an absolute fool of a coach, and apparently this move lost him the support of the players. I would be very surprised if he lasts 20 minutes after their final game (their last coach found out about his firing through the owner's post game press conference to the media)

[The Underdog]

The Dolphins are benching Chad Henne and starting Chad Pennington. I've always been a fan of Pennington but my god at this stage of his career can he throw the ball further than 15 yards. Teams won't be worried about the deep ball, that's for sure.

Oh yeah, and my Lions leading by 10 points with 5 minutes left in the game managed to lose their QB, best CB and the game against the Jets. If following the Bulldogs doesn't kill me, following the Lions will.

[Greystache]

I'm back next week, Internet connections have been shite over here. Sanchez has been amazing the past 2 weeks, yesterdays win in OT for the 2nd week in a row was brilliant. I've got a few photos to post from New Meadowlands. Monday night football tonight, Michael Vick (who's a C-Bomb) is an amazing player, just killing Washington.

Have to say after a month watching the NFL, I love this game!!

[Captain Groenewagon]

Monday night football tonight, Michael Vick (who's a C-Bomb) is an amazing player, just killing Washington.

Understatement of the year - i.e the Killing of Washington, not the C-Bomb. (although I strongly believe he's a reformed C-Bomb)

The man threw for 4 TD's and ran for two himself as well as 80 yds on the ground.
One of the greatest performances in NFL history.

I am fortunate enough to have him in two fantasy leagues!!
Holy Cow he set some scoring records today

[Greystache]

Got back from the USA today, here are some photos from the Jets game a couple of weeks ago

259

260

261 (Yes that was the FINAL score!)

[Scraggers]

Got back from the USA today, here are some photos from the Jets game a couple of weeks ago

259

260

261 (Yes that was the FINAL score!)

It won't let me access the photos ... I don't have permission :(

[Greystache]

Take 2

http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z455/Greystache/043.jpg

http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z455/Greystache/042.jpg

http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z455/Greystache/045.jpg

[Sockeye Salmon]

The crowd looks like it was Port Adelaide v Freo in a NAB Cup match

[Greystache]

The crowd looks like it was Port Adelaide v Freo in a NAB Cup match

It was pretty much capacity, 78000 in an 80000 seat stadium, but they don't get there until the first kick off, and they leave as soon as their team can't win. The 2 pictures on the lower level were no more than 10 mins after the game, and the photo with me in it is 5 mins before it started!

The Jets average a tick under 78000 every game, the crowd support across the NFL is unbelievable.

[The Underdog]

Some big games this weekend. The Jags could kill of the Colts with a win and sew up a division they were roundly expected to come 3rd or 4th in. To be fair, they've become a solid unit with an excellent ground game.
A top slate of games one One Hd starting with the Saints and Ravens, followed by the slumping Jets against the Steelers and then the seemingly unstoppable Patriots against the Packers who will be without Aaron Rodgers which actually makes it a crap game but anyway...the Bears could most likely lock up the NFC North if they beat the Vikes on Sunday night outside in Minnesota (after the Vikes stadium roof collapsed, of which there's some awesome footage out there on the net).
My Lion's last week won they're 3rd game of the season, making it their most successful season in 3 years. Ah dreaming of a 4-12 season

[comrade]

Did anyone watch Philadelphia's comeback win against the Giants? They were down by 21 points at the start of the last but an awesome display from Vick, 4 touchdowns in half a quarter finished by an unbelievable 65 yard punt return with 14 seconds to that sealed the victory.

For all his flaws, Vick is an incredible quarterback.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Did anyone watch Philadelphia's comeback win against the Giants? They were down by 21 points at the start of the last but an awesome display from Vick, 4 touchdowns in half a quarter finished by an unbelievable 65 yard punt return with 14 seconds to that sealed the victory.

For all his flaws, Vick is an incredible quarterback.

Oh I watched it.
He seems to have an engine that goes into overdrive at the end of games.
Even more hilarious is that the punter on the final play was told to boot it out of bounds to prevent DeSean Jackson having any chance to run the ball back.
The kind of loss that kills coaches.
Also suspect that punter may be looking for a new job soon.

Vicks 4th quarter performance also led me into the final of two fantasy football league so just entirely delighted by the whole thing.

[shifty]

Did anyone watch Philadelphia's comeback win against the Giants? They were down by 21 points at the start of the last but an awesome display from Vick, 4 touchdowns in half a quarter finished by an unbelievable 65 yard punt return with 14 seconds to that sealed the victory.

For all his flaws, Vick is an incredible quarterback.

Amazing match, as someone who hates the Giants, that last quarter was one of the best passages of any sport i have ever seen. However, given his history of being an idiot, i was legitimately scared he would stop and turn to celebrate in the field of play and lose the ball in a hit from number 28 in the back.

Seems like the MVP is down to a two horse race between Vick and Brady, which would have been unimaginable even at the start of week 1. Back when he was just released from jail, i thought a team without a qb (the eagles still had McNabb) should take him, particularly Carolina. He wouldn't have as productive, but i assume Carolina would have been better than the 2 win mess they are right now

[The Underdog]

Well the playoffs are shaping up. The Pats have sewn up home field, the Chiefs have won the AFC West and the Chargers have been eliminated. The only spot left in the AFC should be locked up by the Colts next. The Packers will hopefully sneak in ahead of the Giants in the NFC after beating them by 28 points today. I say that only because the Giants are such a fundamentally flawed team and they don't deserve to be there. It'd be a shame if the Pack couldn't beat the Bears next week to get through. The Falcon's should lock up home field.
Watched the Jets and Bears this morning and it was hard to believe that either D is considered top flight, particularly the Jets who gave up 3 passing TD's to Cutler in the first 8 and a half minutes of the 3rd quarter. The Bear's return game is a massive advantage to them. They constantly got excellent field position.

Of course the big news is my Lions who are on a 3 game win streak including 2 away wins after a record setting 26 straight road losses. They may even beat the Vikes to finish at 3rd in the NFC North. Well it's big news to me.

[The Underdog]

See the Cards have waived Leinart?

Warner's retirement has thrown the NFC west into Chaos...could a sub .500 team make the play-offs?

Yes, yes they can. I was really pulling for the Rams to win last week so at least the team going in out of the West would be 8-8. Terrible division.

[Glove38]

Seattle beat the Saints, big winning touchdown from Lynch.

[arkie]

Greystache, have you always been a Jets fan?

[The Underdog]

Seattle beat the Saints, big winning touchdown from Lynch.

That game was nuts. Seattle caused one of the bigger upsets in recent times. Hasselbeck played the game of his life and a couple of his throws were just unbelievable. However the Saints (and Seahawks for that matter) were atrocious on defense. Lynch's run was an all time classic.

However saying that, I've got the Bears beating them by at least 10 points this week. Seahawks are an awful road team.
The 2 AFC match-ups this week are divisional rivalries and both should be crackers. Jets vs Patriots and Ravens vs Steelers, both games with a bunch of feeling.

Think the Steelers and Pats come out of it. Not sure about Falcons vs Packers. The Pack are looking pretty good but were a little lucky to get out of Philly. The Falcons probably get through playing at home I'd say.

[Greystache]

Greystache, have you always been a Jets fan?

No, only about 3 months. I was in New York in November and wanted to go to a game, the Jets were in town so I jumped on them. I'd watched quite a bit if NFL in the past but never had a team.

[The Underdog]

No, only about 3 months. I was in New York in November and wanted to go to a game, the Jets were in town so I jumped on them. I'd watched quite a bit if NFL in the past but never had a team.

Liked this "Tweet of the Week" in Peter King's column in SI.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/01/09/wild-card/index.html

"Jets should send Sanchez to Iran so he can overthrow Ahmedinejad.''

I know the Jets won but man Sanchez looked like he was aiming 3 feet above his receivers on half his throws.

[Greystache]

Liked this "Tweet of the Week" in Peter King's column in SI.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/01/09/wild-card/index.html

"Jets should send Sanchez to Iran so he can overthrow Ahmedinejad.''

I know the Jets won but man Sanchez looked like he was aiming 3 feet above his receivers on half his throws.

Pretty funny.

He's an interesting player, when he's hot he's hot, but when he's not he's terrible. If you looked at his season he'd have about 9 outstanding games and probably 7 bad ones. I thought the playoff was going to be another shocker, but his last 10 mins were pretty good.

[SonofScray]

The Jets season mirrors our past few years real close IMO. I saw them play the Bengals on Thanksgiving, the fans next to me were happy they were winning but frustrated they 1) we're beating up on nobodies and 2) never putting anyone to the sword. The went into the Pats game with huge wraps, both undefeated within the division and got belted. A lot like the Dogs v Cats down in Geelong.

Lucky to get through and now face the Pats again. Tough ask to come back from the sort of belting they gave them.http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1183.snc4/150522_472478157338_542957338_5953142_3394596_n.jp g

[shifty]

The Jets season mirrors our past few years real close IMO. I saw them play the Bengals on Thanksgiving, the fans next to me were happy they were winning but frustrated they 1) we're beating up on nobodies and 2) never putting anyone to the sword. The went into the Pats game with huge wraps, both undefeated within the division and got belted. A lot like the Dogs v Cats down in Geelong.

Lucky to get through and now face the Pats again. Tough ask to come back from the sort of belting they gave them.http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1183.snc4/150522_472478157338_542957338_5953142_3394596_n.jp g

The difference is, the Jets are just arseholes, i don't think i've ever heard a sports team talk as much shit as they have this year. Before the MN massacre, Rex had a whole heap of words about the pats (Bill was sarcastic?) , early in the game they were talking their shit (i remember LT running for 10 yards on 1st down, gets us and starts taunting our bench), not to mention Braylon's multiple taunts in round 2. Then heading in he, they claim it's the Pats who have been talking all the shit, and Brady was mean to them in the 4th quarter :rolleyes:

Also, a note to Cromartie. Everytime a defensive back, especially an average one, talks pre-game about how he is going to 'beat the shit' out of us and how Brady is an "asshole'' it doesn't really end well for them

[SonofScray]

The difference is, the Jets are just arseholes, i don't think i've ever heard a sports team talk as much shit as they have this year. Before the MN massacre, Rex had a whole heap of words about the pats (Bill was sarcastic?) , early in the game they were talking their shit (i remember LT running for 10 yards on 1st down, gets us and starts taunting our bench), not to mention Braylon's multiple taunts in round 2. Then heading in he, they claim it's the Pats who have been talking all the shit, and Brady was mean to them in the 4th quarter :rolleyes:

Also, a note to Cromartie. Everytime a defensive back, especially an average one, talks pre-game about how he is going to 'beat the shit' out of us and how Brady is an "asshole'' it doesn't really end well for them

Fair call from what I experienced and read about when we were over there. Definitely had that real arrogant streak and expectation, I thought it was New York thing but they take the piss out of the Knicks so I am not so sure.

I have flipped between a few teams over the years all my American sports teams are from Boston so naturally I always kept an eye on the Pats but I've jumped ship now on the grounds of having seen the Jets live. Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics... Jets. Wore a Jets scarf to a pub to watch the game where the Pats flogged NYJ - wished I'd kept my support in the family!

[DaDruid]

[QUOTE=The Underdog;114672]Philadelphia Eagles - never won a Super Bowl but they do have the meanest supporters in the sport

Case in point - The only fan base that would boo Santa Claus (which actually happened at an Eagles game a few years ago.

I'm a Pats fan on the back of being a Boston Celtics fan in the Larry Bird era.
Subsequently have been dragged into the whole Red Sox, Pats, Celtics combination by my addiction to Sports Guy Bill Simmons' articles on the ESPN website.
Get on board!!

That's what I'm like with Pittsburgh. I go for the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins to float my American sporting boat. Glad the city does not have an NBL team though, basketball sinks my sporting ships. Like mjp, I really embraced the game when Don Lane hosted it in the 80's. Read up on the 70's defence that was nicknamed 'The Steel Wall' and set records for least points against season after season.

Oh and lby the way,Look out Philly, the Steelers are coming, the Steelers are coming!!

[shifty]

Fair call from what I experienced and read about when we were over there. Definitely had that real arrogant streak and expectation, I thought it was New York thing but they take the piss out of the Knicks so I am not so sure.!

Well, it turns out just after i posted this a Jets player basically threatened to end Welker's career.
It's a long story, but basically it was discovered Rex Ryan not only has a foot fetish, but there is videos of men licking his wife's feet. Welker comes out in his press conference and happens to drop the words feet foot and toes a bit too much (clearly intentional, something like 12 in a short speech.) Mangold responds with a joke about Spygate on twitter, which was all a bit off fun, basically returning the shot. Then comes the big tough Bart Scott, saying his days of playing are numbered. Real classy. Rumor is there may be 'bounties' issued by the Jets (it's well known he had bounties to injury Hines Ward when he was at Balti and his dad practically invented them)

As they should, the league have responded with a warning, and basically if Scott does anything to Welker, he most likely will be fined, ejected and suspended


Great game in Pitt this morning, basically what is expected everytime these two meet, 6 sacks between Suggs and Harrison and a big physical game. Great to watch.

[Glove38]

Go Bears!

Jets win over the Patriots, apparently Brady had a shocker.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Top 4?

Brees.
Manning.
Brady
Roethlisberger.
...
Surely those guys are the clear top 4?

Then there are the likes of Rodgers, Flacco, Ryan, McNabb etc etc.

Rodgers LOOKS exciting and racks up some numbers, but he hasn't actually won anything yet.

Rogers now officially top 3 in the league after performance against the Falcons yesterday.
He has left Brees and Manning in his wake.

[Greystache]

Go Bears!

Jets win over the Patriots, apparently Brady had a shocker.

J.. E.. T.. S.... JETS... JETS... JETS

Brady didn't have a shocker, he just wasn't brilliant. He threw for 299 yards, 2 TD's, but did throw only his fifth interception of the year. I wouldn't blame him for their loss.

[mjp]

Rogers now officially top 3 in the league after performance against the Falcons yesterday.
He has left Brees and Manning in his wake.

Given Manning's post-season record, maybe. But Brees? Really? Has been the most consistent qb in the league for 3 years now and has a superbowl ring to show for it...sure, they lost to Seattle but they had no running backs left and I am still not sure exactly what everyone was expecting them to do in the second half? Pull a rabbit out of a hat!

When Green Bay win it all - and they have the talent to do it - and then make an impact in the playoffs NEXT year as well, then you can say he has passed the other guys.

All of that said, his performance yesterday was amazing...

[shifty]

I can't tell you who, but i know one Doggies player is a mad packers fan and has been for years. I was with him between the 07 and 08 seasons either when Brett Favre official retired (before the jets time) and he was completely shattered, almost to the point of tears (well, maybe that last bit is an exaggeration).

So for this unnamed player, get on the Packers, as i sure as hell don't want to hear 12 months of Rex Ryan or see Pitt get a 7th ring putting them 2 in front in total titles and seeing them as equal top as the best team of recent history. and well Chicago are just boring (also won't tip them to beat either AFC team)

[chef]

Very excited about Green Bay making the game(and I have Monday off:)), what time does it start?

[The Underdog]

Very excited about Green Bay making the game(and I have Monday off:)), what time does it start?

It's usually around 10am.
Pretty happy with Steelers and Packers as a matchup.
Feel bad for what Jay Cutler has had to endure in the wake of the Bears loss.

[Glove38]

It's usually around 10am.
Pretty happy with Steelers and Packers as a matchup.
Feel bad for what Jay Cutler has had to endure in the wake of the Bears loss.

The fact he has never been well liked, didn't help him out.

[chef]

Go Packers.

[chef]

Touch down:). Packers 14 - 0.

[Suz 32]

Bugger. We have relatives in Pittsburgh, so the Steelers are kind of our team. :(

[chef]

Whoooo. Go Green Bay:). What a tense last quarter.

[Glove38]

Huge play from Matthews, after poor coverage from the Steelers.

[Sockeye Salmon]

The Steelers would not go away, though, and four minutes later Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brought his side within three points with a 25-yard pass to Mike Wallace for the touchdown, before Antwaan Randle El ran for the two-point conversion.


What's a "two point conversion"?

[chef]

The Steelers would not go away, though, and four minutes later Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brought his side within three points with a 25-yard pass to Mike Wallace for the touchdown, before Antwaan Randle El ran for the two-point conversion.


What's a "two point conversion"?

Instead on taking the kick you can try and run it in to the end zone for two points instead of kicking for one.

[shifty]

For everyone (anyone?) interested it's almost time.
The lockout is nearing it's end, they've sorted the rookie pay scale and there is no monetary issues left to be discussed. The only issues left are some Free Agency qualms (rights of refusal and accrued years before UFA/RFA)
Expected to be done very soon, they'll be news within the next few days.
However, while that's good news that they will have a deal soon, there has to be a deal very soon or there will be trouble.
There's currently a schedule of events (opening of FA and such) set out assuming the CBA is ratified on the 21st, their time. If they miss that date, giving atleast a day between a verbal agreement and official ratification, then games will be scrapped.
Either way, it's going to be a hectic month the day the CBA is done. Free Agency processes usually taking a few months will be done in about 20 days and training camps are going to be under a lot of pressure.
To be honest, i can't see the first 5 or 6 weeks of the season being at the usual standard and the team complex systems are really going to struggle much more.

[mjp]

I am interested and have been paying close attention...the James Harrison is insane stuff was also entertaining this week. One website got hold of his journal:

http://www.tauntr.com/content/james-harrisons-journal

Reading this, and in particular the 'If she isn't being mouthy' comment, reminded me of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm2l0pxYw-4

I guess there were some pretty tough ladies playing offensive tackle back in the late 70's!

[shifty]

I am interested and have been paying close attention...the James Harrison is insane stuff was also entertaining this week. One website got hold of his journal:

http://www.tauntr.com/content/james-harrisons-journal

Reading this, and in particular the 'If she isn't being mouthy' comment, reminded me of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm2l0pxYw-4

I guess there were some pretty tough ladies playing offensive tackle back in the late 70's!

Just very strange stuff from Harrison.
Not often you see a player rip the commissioner of the league let alone his own team-mates so hard.
If an AFL player tried that on Demetriou he would be banned for life for game into disrepute.

I'm disappointed it isn't closer. There is still some stuff they have to sort out and then 3 players (Mankins, VJax and Osi) have personal issues they want fixed in the court settlement makes me think they won't make the Wed/Thursday deadline and preseason games are going to have to go.

[The Underdog]

Just very strange stuff from Harrison.
Not often you see a player rip the commissioner of the league let alone his own team-mates so hard.
If an AFL player tried that on Demetriou he would be banned for life for game into disrepute.

I'm disappointed it isn't closer. There is still some stuff they have to sort out and then 3 players (Mankins, VJax and Osi) have personal issues they want fixed in the court settlement makes me think they won't make the Wed/Thursday deadline and preseason games are going to have to go.

Yes but at he moment the commissioner can't do anything and Harrison probably figures he's going to be fined for something at some point anyway. But everything else about it was freakin crazy.
The court settlement will be pretty much sorted if they agree to make restricted free agents a once off thing so that it can't be applied again to those players.
I'm remaining positive, hell the Lions could be good this year, they have to sort it out.

[The Underdog]

So the owner's agree to ratify a proposal the player's haven't agreed to yet and then try to force them into a timeline the player's also haven't agreed to yet. Thus pissing off the players and dragging this crap out even longer.
This is getting so boring, especially as I've been ramping up for it to finish. Hopefully the players get to voting on it by Monday so they can recertify, then go to camp then collectively bargain the rest of it and we don't lose any freakin games.
Plus I'm hanging out for free agency to begin.

[Glove38]

Anyone looking for NFL gear, there is a shop in Footscray mall called Touchdown.

Sells a heap of NFL stuff, as well as some other American sports. There is some dodgy stuff in there, but also a lot of official licensed stuff as well. I picked up a Chicago Bulls hat & Chicago Bears long sleeve t-shirt for $45, both official gear.

[westdog54]

Anyone looking for NFL gear, there is a shop in Footscray mall called Touchdown.

Sells a heap of NFL stuff, as well as some other American sports. There is some dodgy stuff in there, but also a lot of official licensed stuff as well. I picked up a Chicago Bulls hat & Chicago Bears long sleeve t-shirt for $45, both official gear.

Thats a rock-bottom US dollar for you.

[Greystache]

Anyone looking for NFL gear, there is a shop in Footscray mall called Touchdown.

Sells a heap of NFL stuff, as well as some other American sports. There is some dodgy stuff in there, but also a lot of official licensed stuff as well. I picked up a Chicago Bulls hat & Chicago Bears long sleeve t-shirt for $45, both official gear.

Any idea what a jersey costs?

[The Underdog]

Looking very likely that the lockout ends effectively tomorrow and that everything is tidied up by the end of the week with training camps open and free agency up and running by Saturday.
All I can say is, bout freakin time.

[Glove38]

Any idea what a jersey costs?

Around $40.

Not sure how official they are, but some actually look ok & for that price, who really cares if its not 100% official.

They have got nice hoodies & jackets as well, i will be going back in a few weeks.

[Greystache]

Around $40.

Not sure how official they are, but some actually look ok & for that price, who really cares if its not 100% official.

They have got nice hoodies & jackets as well, i will be going back in a few weeks.

That's a good price. I bought an official Jets Jersey at a game last year for $90 and the number and name started to come off after 2 washes.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Looking very likely that the lockout ends effectively tomorrow and that everything is tidied up by the end of the week with training camps open and free agency up and running by Saturday.
All I can say is, bout freakin time.

And seeing as our AFL season is essentially now over all I can say is, BRING IT ON!!
Will most likely be the most exciting pre-season trade period in NFL history.
I think all deals need to be done within 7 days.

[Glove38]

That's a good price. I bought an official Jets Jersey at a game last year for $90 and the number and name started to come off after 2 washes.

The place isn't bad, go in & have a look :)

[Glove38]

Lockout over :D

[shifty]

Glad that's over.
Relatively big day, tomorrow should be even better.
Deal in place to send McNabb to the vikes, Paul Pozkunski off to the Jags, while the seahawks are going to have a qb competition between 3 of the biggest joke quarterbacks in the league.
As usual Washington seem to enjoy blowing money. Santana Moss gets a huge deal that essential rules them out of the Holmes race then they send a bunch of money on Cofield, another talented lineman who can't play the 3-4.
Ike re-signs with Pit and Cromart is in talks with the Raiders, while Asomoah claims he might take a pay cut to go the Jets. Even with a huge pay cut, if they sign Aso, all 3 FA receivers will go and they are going to have to try and win games 3-0

Roy Williams and Marion Barber are also out of Dallas.

[shifty]

Back-to-back posts, woooo.

Huge day and the AFCE is clearly setting itself to be the dominate division. The Dolphins trade for Reggie Bush and Kyle Orton giving a serviceable offence but not enough to catch the other two.
The pats had a surprising day. Trade low and low future picks for both Fat Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. Haynesworth could be brilliant, low risk as he has no guaranteed money and two years ago he was the best lineman in the game. If it works out it a massive win, otherwise he's easy to cut.
Ocho adds another weapon in. Again, he needs a bit of a rejuvenation, but the pats have always seemed a good team to do that. A 3 wide set of Ocho, Branch, Welker, Gronk and Vereen is trouble.

Then, to balance that... the Texans sign Jonathan Joseph, while a hell of a player in his own right, he pulls them out of the Nnamdi race, leaving the Jets favourites. Not done yet, but if he signs there, it has to one of the best corner duos of all time.

Right now, they are possibly the top 2 teams in the league

[The Underdog]

Back-to-back posts, woooo.

Huge day and the AFCE is clearly setting itself to be the dominate division. The Dolphins trade for Reggie Bush and Kyle Orton giving a serviceable offence but not enough to catch the other two.
The pats had a surprising day. Trade low and low future picks for both Fat Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. Haynesworth could be brilliant, low risk as he has no guaranteed money and two years ago he was the best lineman in the game. If it works out it a massive win, otherwise he's easy to cut.
Ocho adds another weapon in. Again, he needs a bit of a rejuvenation, but the pats have always seemed a good team to do that. A 3 wide set of Ocho, Branch, Welker, Gronk and Vereen is trouble.

Then, to balance that... the Texans sign Jonathan Joseph, while a hell of a player in his own right, he pulls them out of the Nnamdi race, leaving the Jets favourites. Not done yet, but if he signs there, it has to one of the best corner duos of all time.

Right now, they are possibly the top 2 teams in the league

Orton trade is still speculation. He trained with the Broncs today (and apparently was far better than Tebow).
Someone described the Pats as an "isle of misfit toys". Interesting trades though.
Nnamdi to the Jets is looking very likely.

Apparently NO have signed Sproles to replace Reggie which is an upgrade from my perspective. Don't really know how much Reggie helps the Dolphins.

Some interesting QB trades. McNabb to the Vikes after a horrible season in Washington is wierd and the Cardinals completely overpaid for Kolb in every way.

[mjp]

Some interesting QB trades. McNabb to the Vikes after a horrible season in Washington is wierd and the Cardinals completely overpaid for Kolb in every way.

Someone has to play there!

If they believe in him - and remember, he has had a couple of pretty special games (and a couple of shockers) - they had to do it...and he does have Fitzgerald to throw it too.

I would have done it...what was plan B? Go with Hall or Anderson?

[The Underdog]

Someone has to play there!

If they believe in him - and remember, he has had a couple of pretty special games (and a couple of shockers) - they had to do it...and he does have Fitzgerald to throw it too.

I would have done it...what was plan B? Go with Hall or Anderson?

I'm not against them doing it but a proven CB and a 2nd round pick was a high price as was signing him for 5 years and 63mill (21.5 mill guaranteed) when from my understanding he was under contract.
Look he may work out and he's better than the alternatives on the team but I think they paid overs for him. I also worry about how good some QB's look as Eagles and then when they get "paid" on other teams they turn out to be not so good.
I would prefer Orton for a lesser price but maybe he's not as easily available as reported.
It's better than Tarvaris Jackson or Charlie Whitehurst for 2 years though (Seattle).

Meanwhile Philly signed Vince Young to be their back-up for a year and essentially have gained a CB, a draft pick and lost very little. Good day for them.

[shifty]

Asante and DRC have to be the worth tackling corners in the league.
If they run a 2v1 tackling drill with those two against Noel Devine (UDFA back they signed) i don't think there would be contact at all.
I still can't believe Tampa Bay. Word was they had to spend around to 40million just to reach the salary floor. Now that it sounds like they won't get Aso, it's becoming a hard task to simply spend that money

Agree on the Reggie Bush/Sproles things there, the Saints did well there.

The Jets could have an interested D next year if they get Aso. Assuming he uses up the rest of cap, Ellis will go and Eric Smith and Coleman are in doubt. Those two Dbacks aren't amazing players, but they are very important. If they lose Coleman and Ellis, they have to rely on Wilson in the nickel and the rookie Wilk at end. Will be an amazingly interesting match come week 5.

Colts have lost Clint Session to the Jags. With Manning having some neck issues and a couple losses, they are actually vulnerable this year.

edit: and as i say about that about Tampa, they are finding the ways.
Just paid 20 mil including nearly 7 guaranteed over 6 years for Koenen. A good, but not amazing punter

[mjp]

I also worry about how good some QB's look as Eagles and then when they get "paid" on other teams they turn out to be not so good.


Who? McNabb was there for 10 years - looked terrible at Philly in 09 and was traded with Kolb anointed the new starter. He opened the season OK - got concussed, Vick went ballistic and that was that.

McNabb looked similar for Washington in 10 as he did for Philly in 09.

[The Underdog]

Who? McNabb was there for 10 years - looked terrible at Philly in 09 and was traded with Kolb anointed the new starter. He opened the season OK - got concussed, Vick went ballistic and that was that.

McNabb looked similar for Washington in 10 as he did for Philly in 09.

I should have specified backup QB's. A.J Feeley was the main example I was thinking of. I thought there was another who'd trod a similiar path but research would seem to indicate I was wrong.

[The Underdog]

OK so who guessed Nnamdi as an Eagle? Nobody?
So they now have 3 above average CB's earning a lot of cash. My guess is Samuel gets traded.

[mjp]

I should have specified backup QB's. A.J Feeley was the main example I was thinking of. I thought there was another who'd trod a similiar path but research would seem to indicate I was wrong.

Do you mean Detmer (the older one)? He was pre-McNabb I think and didn't really 'get paid' when he left.

Feeley didn't have two 'Offensive Player of the Week' awards in the trophy cupboard when he moved on...

[The Underdog]

Do you mean Detmer (the older one)? He was pre-McNabb I think and didn't really 'get paid' when he left.

Feeley didn't have two 'Offensive Player of the Week' awards in the trophy cupboard when he moved on...

Yeah I realised Detmer was pre-Reid/McNabb and his younger brother never left the Eagles. Feeley looked a lot better at the Eagles than he ever looked after Miami took him. But I get your points. Anyway, call me unconvinced about Kolb but I figure it 's probably 50/50 about which way he goes and Larry Fitzgerald has to be at least happier about who'll have the ball.

[shifty]

I should have specified backup QB's. A.J Feeley was the main example I was thinking of. I thought there was another who'd trod a similiar path but research would seem to indicate I was wrong.

Were you thinking of Garcia?
Got a big boost to the career there but he kept it up after he left

Very surprised to see Philly get Asomugha. Were one of the top 2 teams rumoured during the lockout for him, but once FA started it seemed they had no interest at all.

Neither DRC nor Asante are inside corners and it seems Asante been placed on the trading block.

After losing out on Joseph, Ike and Aso, there is going to be a big scramble to secure Cromartie from the few teams. Done himself a lot of good by being the last big corner left and he sure needs the money to pay child support

[Captain Groenewagon]

Can I interest anyone in an NFL fantasy league?
10 team. Auto draft. got a few spots left
Got a few rookies who haven't played fantasy NFL before.
PM your email address if interested

[The Underdog]

Well Week 1 as usual throws up a bunch of surprises. Too small a sample size to know much apart from Green Bay are going to be very good again. A few other things:

-My Lions may just be as good as I hoped
-Kolb may be as good as the Cards hoped but his own secondary may be too much to overcome
-The Steelers turned the ball over 7 (yep 7) times and got killed, which won't happen again this season
-McNabb threw for 39 yards in a whole game of football
-The Giants are going to struggle to overcome all of the injuries they've got

I've still got a couple of games to get through watching, interested to watch another Romo meltdown.

[comrade]

Well Week 1 as usual throws up a bunch of surprises. Too small a sample size to know much apart from Green Bay are going to be very good again. A few other things:

-My Lions may just be as good as I hoped
-Kolb may be as good as the Cards hoped but his own secondary may be too much to overcome
-The Steelers turned the ball over 7 (yep 7) times and got killed, which won't happen again this season
-McNabb threw for 39 yards in a whole game of football
-The Giants are going to struggle to overcome all of the injuries they've got

I've still got a couple of games to get through watching, interested to watch another Romo meltdown.

So the Lions won't be shit this year?

[The Underdog]

So the Lions won't be shit this year?

They may just be pretty good. They've got 2 winnable games coming up. The whole season hinges on Stafford not getting hurt.

[The Underdog]

So the Lions won't be shit this year?

Yes I'm quoting this again, but only to point out the Lions beat the Chiefs 48-3. True the Chiefs are seemingly a rabble and lost Charles in the 1st Quarter but I sat through a winless season (and some other pretty stark ones) from this team and man i'm going to rejoice in this shit while I can.

[shifty]

Weiss' importance at KC must have been even bigger that thought, they've scored 10 points in two games and had over 100 scored against.
Now that they've lost Charles and Berry and TJ looks over the hill, it could be a very long season, but hey, Luck to Bowe week 1 2012 will suit them just fine and it looks like they're the early frontrunners to snare him

As long as Stafford's shoulder can stay healthy, they could compete in one of the hardest divisions in the league which is good, i've always kind of liked the lions. Even in their winless year, i recon they were better than the fins the year before, at least they competed some games and you're a long way ahead of them right now

[The Underdog]

Weiss' importance at KC must have been even bigger that thought, they've scored 10 points in two games and had over 100 scored against.
Now that they've lost Charles and Berry and TJ looks over the hill, it could be a very long season, but hey, Luck to Bowe week 1 2012 will suit them just fine and it looks like they're the early frontrunners to snare him

As long as Stafford's shoulder can stay healthy, they could compete in one of the hardest divisions in the league which is good, i've always kind of liked the lions. Even in their winless year, i recon they were better than the fins the year before, at least they competed some games and you're a long way ahead of them right now

Seahawks might also be in the running for Luck. I don't know how they thought T-Jax was a good option when everyone else on earth knew he'd be this bad.
Chiefs also lost Moaeki (sp?) so it could be a truly awful season given the rate they're losing their best players.

After watching this week's OneHD games was mightily impressed at Trent Cole's game for Philly. Still not sure how the Falcon's managed to pull that game out.
Jay Cutler may not be the best QB but the Bears are going to get him killed at this rate.
The game is just brutal at the moment and the amount of injuries seems to be out of hand.

[SlimPickens]

Anyone catch the Steelers (my team) this morning, was surprised that the colts held on for as long as they did. Big Ben was on fire early but really struggled later in the game. Nice to get the chocolates in the end.

Any other Steelers fans on Woof?

[Greystache]

Anyone catch the Steelers (my team) this morning, was surprised that the colts held on for as long as they did. Big Ben was on fire early but really struggled later in the game. Nice to get the chocolates in the end.

Any other Steelers fans on Woof?

I didn't know you followed the NFL!

I originally followed the Steelers, an American guy put me onto them, he said they were like the Bulldogs but they actually won stuff. But I switched over to the Jets last year when I was in New York and went to a game, the Jets were actually terrible that day, they lost to Green Bay 9-0, but all the local fans were really nice and it seemed an ironic fit for a Bulldogs supporter.

Anyway, yes I saw the game today, I kept waiting forthe Steelers to blow them away but it never happened.

[Scraggers]

My Pats got knocked off by the Bills ... Haven't watched the game yet ... Not happy, don't mind losing, but to the Bills ?? :eek:

[mjp]

Anyone catch the Steelers (my team) this morning, was surprised that the colts held on for as long as they did. Big Ben was on fire early but really struggled later in the game. Nice to get the chocolates in the end.

Any other Steelers fans on Woof?

Me.

Just not looking good this year though...

[SlimPickens]

Me.

Just not looking good this year though...

Really disappointing start in Baltimore but were good against the Seahawks. Yesterday i expected us to win comfortably but in the end ws just happy to get the points.

Hopefully its just early season cobwebs and they can build to be in playoff contention again,

[Captain Groenewagon]

I didn't know you followed the NFL!

I originally followed the Steelers, an American guy put me onto them, he said they were like the Bulldogs but they actually won stuff. But I switched over to the Jets last year when I was in New York and went to a game, the Jets were actually terrible that day, they lost to Green Bay 9-0, but all the local fans were really nice and it seemed an ironic fit for a Bulldogs supporter.

Anyway, yes I saw the game today, I kept waiting forthe Steelers to blow them away but it never happened.

Can I tell you, Jets fans are nothing like Dogs fans.
Despite their pathetic history, they are some of the most unbearable fans in the US.
Agree with the Steelers fans analogy, working class all the way

[shifty]

Please don't compare the Jets and the Dogs.
The Jets are quickly becoming the most despised team in the league. Since they got their new 'loud' coach, they talk a lot of shit and recruited a lot of 'low character ' guys including Plax who just got out jailed for literally shooting himself.
Thankfully they placed a lot going for short term success last year and have once agan mortgaged their future with a lot of huge backloaded deals which, without a huge salary cap jump in a few years (very possible) will be in a world of trouble.

[Greystache]

Can I tell you, Jets fans are nothing like Dogs fans.
Despite their pathetic history, they are some of the most unbearable fans in the US.
Agree with the Steelers fans analogy, working class all the way

Perhaps it was just the fans I met at New Meadowlands, but they were unbelievably friendly. I was walking through the (massive) car park when a stray ball came my way, so I picked it up and kicked it to the owners. They couldn't believe someone could drill a ball 50m straight to someone, so they came over to speak to me, found out I was Australian, and invited me to their trailer for a few beers before the game.

When I got to my seat, I was sitting next to a guy called Kenny, he was so keen to make sure I enjoyed myself he insisted I ask anytime I didn't understand something and he'd give me a full explanation. He also rang a friend who owned an Italian restaurant on the upper west side to tell him he was sending a friend there and he wanted him to give me "the $40 cap deal". Which translated means you owe me a few favours, look after this guy and charge him next to nothing.

My experience of Jets fans was they were incredibly friendly, I perhaps optimistically hope Bulldogs fans would be that welcomung to a potential new supporter.

[KT31]

Perhaps it was just the fans I met at New Meadowlands, but they were unbelievably friendly. I was walking through the (massive) car park when a stray ball came my way, so I picked it up and kicked it to the owners. They couldn't believe someone could drill a ball 50m straight to someone, so they came over to speak to me, found out I was Australian, and invited me to their trailer for a few beers before the game.
.

With that you may have got a game with the Doggies this season.:D

[The Underdog]

Tony Romo with a 24 point lead against the Lions decides to pay tribute to the 2011 Boston Red Sox by throwing 2 pick 6's and another interception to collapse epically

[The Underdog]

8 minutes left in the 2nd Q of Jets vs Ravens game and the Ravens are killing the Jets o-Line. Sanchez has 4 fumbles, 3 of them lost.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Tony Romo with a 24 point lead against the Lions decides to pay tribute to the 2011 Boston Red Sox by throwing 2 pick 6's and another interception to collapse epically

Romo just having an incredible season of highs and lows.
Hard to understand how bad luck just follows him everywhere.
Surely the coach has to take some responsibility for the play calling.
Why don't they just run the ball with a lead like that?

Detroit have now come from behind 3 games out of 4 and look almost certainties to make the playoffs (kiss of death?!?)

[The Underdog]

Some amazing results this week. The 49ers beat the Bucs 48-3, The Seahawks beat the Giants in NY with T-Jax playing well and when he went down a solid performance by "Clipboard Jesus". Philly lose to Buffalo to be 1-4. They must be about to tear Philly down.
And the Raiders won for Al with a last minute interception stopping the ever disappointing Texans. It's a pretty interesting looking season at this point.
My Lions are hosting their first Monday night game in forever against the Bears today, trying to go 5-0.

[SlimPickens]

Anyone see the Roelisthberger/Wallace 95 yard TD...AMAZING??!!

[westdog54]

Anyone see the Roelisthberger/Wallace 95 yard TD...AMAZING??!!

I just did.

Absolutely brilliant.

[KT31]

Anyone see the Roelisthberger/Wallace 95 yard TD...AMAZING??!!

Brilliant.

Here is a link

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Video-Mike-Wallace-8217-s-95-yard-touchdown-ca?urn=nfl-wp10193

[The Underdog]

My god, the Lions are frickin' awful against the Bears today. I honestly think we'll be lucky to get to 9-7 given the run home. Bears and Packers to make the playoffs from the North. Stafford is simultaneously killing my fantasy team and my actual team.

Can the Broncos really keep winning with Tebow throwing 2-8 for 69 yds and a TD. Didn't throw a completion until the end of the 3rd Quarter. And they won? Lost 2 RB's.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Top 4?

Brees.
Manning.
Brady
Roethlisberger.
...
Surely those guys are the clear top 4?

Then there are the likes of Rodgers, Flacco, Ryan, McNabb etc etc.

Rodgers LOOKS exciting and racks up some numbers, but he hasn't actually won anything yet.

So happy to find this old post, from October 2010.
Hilariously Rodgers grouped with the "only plays well at home" Flacco, the under-achieving Ryan and the unemployed McNabb.

Let's just reset the list with Rodgers on top and everyone else in his wake.
His final drive yesterday to go down the field with less than 60 seconds remaining was watching a master at work, a man in complete command of his craft.

[chef]

Not looking good for the Packers:(, down 20-10 at half time. We are going to need a huge second half.

[westdog54]

Not looking good for the Packers:(, down 20-10 at half time. We are going to need a huge second half.

Snaffled an intercept late in the half only to fumble on their own 40 and gift them a F/G.

Then they hit the money on a hail mary with the last play of the half.

[westdog54]

Snaffled an intercept late in the half only to fumble on their own 40 and gift them a F/G.

Then they hit the money on a hail mary with the last play of the half.

And as I post, GB fumble again when they have a bit of momentum on offense.

Brilliant defensive work by NY

[Captain Groenewagon]

So many parallels to the Pats season of 2007.
Both almost perfect, with Eli and the Giants defensive line the spoilers on both occasions.

Giants were 15-1 to win Superbowl before this game.
Wish I had a piece of that.

[mjp]

So happy to find this old post, from October 2010.
Hilariously Rodgers grouped with the "only plays well at home" Flacco, the under-achieving Ryan and the unemployed McNabb.

Let's just reset the list with Rodgers on top and everyone else in his wake.
His final drive yesterday to go down the field with less than 60 seconds remaining was watching a master at work, a man in complete command of his craft.

So happy to find this post today!

Rodgers MASSIVE playoff choke at home - a man in complete control of his craft heh? Maybe he and Brees should be in their own category of amazing numbers in the regular season and occasional playoff winners?

Fair enough for you to take a shot at me not drinking the Rodgers cool-ade pre super bowl win, but he was completely outplayed by Manning today and you can't argue that he didn't have the better supporting cast.

[westdog54]

So happy to find this old post, from October 2010.
Hilariously Rodgers grouped with the "only plays well at home" Flacco, the under-achieving Ryan and the unemployed McNabb.

Let's just reset the list with Rodgers on top and everyone else in his wake.
His final drive yesterday to go down the field with less than 60 seconds remaining was watching a master at work, a man in complete command of his craft.

oops...

[Sockeye Salmon]

Seriously starting to like Alex Smith.

49ers never looked like being able to score until they did twice.


One of the great games.

[Axe Man]

Seriously starting to like Alex Smith.

49ers never looked like being able to score until they did twice.


One of the great games.

I haven't watched much NFL, but caught the second half of this game yesterday. Four touchdowns in the last 4 minutes, with the lead changing each time! Just wow.

[Raw Toast]

Almost lost in the (admittedly compelling, sadly San Diego free playoffs), was this piece on the culture of "secrecy, fear and intimidation" at the Kansas City Chiefs: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/14/3371495/arrowhead-anxiety-turnover-off.html

[KT31]

Almost lost in the (admittedly compelling, sadly San Diego free playoffs), was this piece on the culture of "secrecy, fear and intimidation" at the Kansas City Chiefs: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/14/3371495/arrowhead-anxiety-turnover-off.html

Wow, if it is true.
Big Brother works at the Chief's.

[Captain Groenewagon]

So happy to find this post today!

Rodgers MASSIVE playoff choke at home - a man in complete control of his craft heh? Maybe he and Brees should be in their own category of amazing numbers in the regular season and occasional playoff winners?

Fair enough for you to take a shot at me not drinking the Rodgers cool-ade pre super bowl win, but he was completely outplayed by Manning today and you can't argue that he didn't have the better supporting cast.

Totally agree.
Manning was exceptional.
The Giants Defensive line gave him fits.

Packers were completely out of synch. Passes dropped everywhere.
One of the rare occasions the week off didn't help the higher seed.
Rodgers also rested in Week 17. Jennings missed the last two games injured as well.
History does not treat well those teams that rest their starters.
Similar thing happened to Indy a couple of years back.

I'll still take Rodgers ahead of any other QB in the league on a neutral field

[The Underdog]

Seriously starting to like Alex Smith.

49ers never looked like being able to score until they did twice.


One of the great games.

The great thing about Smith has been his ability not to turn the ball over. The 49er D is so good that he really doesn't need to be a star most of the time (except in the last 5 minutes last week). He was so reviled coming into this year in SF that the fact they're looking to sign him for another 3 years would have been unthinkable.
It's going to be interesting this week, with the physicality & speed of the Giants D-Line, he'll probably be under pretty constant pressure. Interested to see if he can keep the ball safe.

[mjp]

Brady missed practice...Ravens any chance???

[The Underdog]

Brady missed practice...Ravens any chance???

It's his left shoulder apparently, you can't imagine him not playing and frankly, the Ravens aren't very good. Certainly not good enough to be an AFC Championship team. If the Texans had of had any semblance of a QB last week then they would have killed them.
Pats D is a mish mash but killed Denver last week. Can't see how the Ravens stop Brady and no way they can score enough to keep up.

[The Underdog]

It's his left shoulder apparently, you can't imagine him not playing and frankly, the Ravens aren't very good. Certainly not good enough to be an AFC Championship team. If the Texans had of had any semblance of a QB last week then they would have killed them.
Pats D is a mish mash but killed Denver last week. Can't see how the Ravens stop Brady and no way they can score enough to keep up.

So currently the Ravens are making me eat my words with a four point lead near the end of the 3rd. I kind of hope they don't win. I think either NFC team would eat them alive in the Super Bowl, but apparently I could be wrong on that too.

[SlimPickens]

Massive choke by Baltimore. They should have scored a TD in that final drive and to miss the very gettable field goal, bloody hell. I'm a Steelers fan so have a natural hatred for both these sides but geez i feel for the Raven fans.

People thoughts on the 2nd game? I going Giants by 7+ pts. Eli's experience to get them over the line. Looks pretty wet in San Fran.

[Scraggers]

Totally agree.
Manning was exceptional.
The Giants Defensive line gave him fits.

Packers were completely out of synch. Passes dropped everywhere.
One of the rare occasions the week off didn't help the higher seed.
Rodgers also rested in Week 17. Jennings missed the last two games injured as well.
History does not treat well those teams that rest their starters.
Similar thing happened to Indy a couple of years back.

I'll still take Rodgers ahead of any other QB in the league on a neutral field

Tom Brady says hello (currently waving as he's on his way to the Superbowl).

[SlimPickens]

Tom Brady says hello (currently waving as he's on his way to the Superbowl).

Tom Brady was very ordinary today, lucky his defence stood up! That coupled with the Ravens inability to capitalise, i'd say Tom can count himself very lucky to be going to Indy in a fortnight.

[Scraggers]

Tom Brady was very ordinary today, lucky his defence stood up! That coupled with the Ravens inability to capitalise, i'd say Tom can count himself very lucky to be going to Indy in a fortnight.

That may be the case (I'm yet to watch the game ... Recorded it, watching it tonight), but the fact remains he has had a monster season, and it is on his back that the Pats were in the AFC championship game to start with.

[SlimPickens]

Another great NFC game. Tied at full time and now moving into OT. Giants have first possession

[Captain Groenewagon]

Tom Brady says hello (currently waving as he's on his way to the Superbowl).

I'm sure Rodgers will wave back from the MVP podium.

Never was it said that Brady was inept.
He was merely #2 on the Mt Rushmore of QB's behind Rodgers.

Eli just bumped his big brother off it too this post season

[Sockeye Salmon]

Kyle Williams should lock his doors and sleep with a light on.

Someone in the Bay area will come around and shoot him tonight.



And no judge in San Francisco would convict them. That would fall under 'justifiable homicide'

[The Underdog]

Is it just me or was the play call by New England to throw deep to a guy who'd made one catch all year (in double coverage) directly after they'd intercepted the ball off Baltimore and stolen back momentum, the worst possible call? I know they were going for an immediate kill, but they had the running game going, Brady killing them on short throws and they had a 3 point lead. so they go and give Baltimore the ball back. Terrible play call and Brady should have never tried to throw it to him. New England were very lucky.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Superbowl Prediction time

Winner - NY Giants 31 Patriots 24
MVP - Victor Cruz 150+ yds and 2 x TD's. (smoky - Jason Pierre-Paul if the G-Men win)

Best random prop bets (courtesy of Grantland.com)
What will the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach be? (I like yellow)
Will Kelly Clarkson's bare belly be showing when she sings the national anthem? (God, I hope not)
Will Chad Ochocinco catch a pass? (not a chance in hell)

[SlimPickens]

Superbowl Prediction time

Winner - NY Giants 31 Patriots 24
MVP - Victor Cruz 150+ yds and 2 x TD's. (smoky - Jason Pierre-Paul if the G-Men win)

Best random prop bets (courtesy of Grantland.com)
What will the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach be? (I like yellow)
Will Kelly Clarkson's bare belly be showing when she sings the national anthem? (God, I hope not)
Will Chad Ochocinco catch a pass? (not a chance in hell)

Winner- NY 24 Pats 17
MVP- Eli (Can anyone else actually win it?)- If Pats win Rob Gronkowski (only player for the Pats i like)


What will the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach be? RED

Will Kelly Clarkson's bare belly be showing when she sings the national anthem? To cold, even if it is an indoor stadium

Will Chad Ochocinco catch a pass? He may catch a cold

[Captain Groenewagon]

Tom Brady says hello (currently waving as he's on his way to the Superbowl).

Did someone say WAVING??

[SlimPickens]

Did someone say WAVING??

What did you think of the game? Eli really stood up when it counted, he should definitely be thought of as one of the modern greats.

I thought Brady's game was indifferent, he started horribly but worked into nicely in the second and third qtrs. The last qtr was the Eli show so Brady didn't really figure.

Eli deserved the MVP but i though Hakeen Nicks was excellent as well.

[Captain Groenewagon]

Brady very stiff with a couple of late drops by Welker and Hernandez.
Eli has proven time and again this season he can win games late.
His legacy as a Number 1 draft pick is now unquestioned.
Definitely a better playoff performer than his bro.

Pats really took Cruz out of the game and Nicks & Manningham stood up as needed.
That late sideline catch will be replayed for decades

[mjp]

For anyone who has been following the Saints 'cash for injuries' scandal, the NFL have now passed judgement.

In a judgment of unprecedented scope, Payton was suspended without pay for one year, Williams was put on indefinite suspension and Loomis was suspended for eight games, with a loss of $500,000 due to missed salary or fines added to his penalty. Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt was docked six games, with the franchise itself being fined $500,000 and forced to forfeit a second-round pick in 2012 and 2013.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/03/21/suspensions/index.html#ixzz1pqeg4Brg

[SlimPickens]

For anyone who has been following the Saints 'cash for injuries' scandal, the NFL have now passed judgement.

In a judgment of unprecedented scope, Payton was suspended without pay for one year, Williams was put on indefinite suspension and Loomis was suspended for eight games, with a loss of $500,000 due to missed salary or fines added to his penalty. Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt was docked six games, with the franchise itself being fined $500,000 and forced to forfeit a second-round pick in 2012 and 2013.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/03/21/suspensions/index.html#ixzz1pqeg4Brg

Must admit a little surprised at this outcome, yes the penalties are harsh and quite strong but I was expecting life bans. This is a massive blight on the NFL and I thought the commission would come down on these guys a lot stronger!

[mjp]

Must admit a little surprised at this outcome, yes the penalties are harsh and quite strong but I was expecting life bans. This is a massive blight on the NFL and I thought the commission would come down on these guys a lot stronger!

Harsher?

Those penalties are completely over the top...coach suspended for a year, General Manager suspended...can you imagine if that happened in the AFL??

[SlimPickens]

Harsher?

Those penalties are completely over the top...coach suspended for a year, General Manager suspended...can you imagine if that happened in the AFL??

Dangerous territory, really thought the NFLwould come down extremely strong. Even if the current penalty is harsh I see this as major blight on the reputation of the game.