Does anybody have a clue what the Bears' strategy is this offseason? I'm assuming they are aware that the offensive line is by far our #1 deficiency. We have a lot of money to spend. Yet we've signed nobody significant so far and we just traded Greg Olsen for a 3rd round pick? All I hear is talk of them signing receivers like Roy Williams and Mike Sims-Walker. We certainly need receives (especially now that Olsen was tossed aside), but without an offensive line the offense will be just as bad as last year....you know, when the Bears yielded a league high 56 sacks and ranked 30th in total offense.
I hope it's not true. Roy Williams sucks. I've been wanting a premier WR for quite some time and this isn't the guy. It amazes me the Bears can't stumple upon a top WR in my lifetime.
I'm not sue what Olsen was owed. I liked Olsen. Every time they had a workout he was there this summer. Last year he only had 400 yds and 5 TD's. #21 in yards & 8th in TD's at his position. If he's not worth being on your roster that's another mismanaged 1st Round Draft Pick.
Bears Management comes through again: Adding to the disappointment of the evening was the timing of the cancellation. Fans, many of whom endured rush-hour traffic and Grant Park congestion from Lollapalooza, were waiting outside Soldier Field at 5:45 p.m. — 15 minutes past the scheduled 5:30 opening — when it was announced that the event was cancelled. Many of them found out from safety Chris Harris' Twitter feed.
Well at least it isn't a hassle to get to and from Soldier Field on a summer Friday night.
I find it hard to believe that Kreutz wouldn't take a $4 million one year deal. I wish him all the best.
Starting to get excited about the upcoming season. I don't there has ever been less talk about a Super Bowl Champion than the Packers this past season. The lockout pretty much made their victory a nonfactor in football discussions.
Quote from: Tom McManus on August 25, 2011, 05:53:44 PM
Starting to get excited about the upcoming season. I don't there has ever been less talk about a Super Bowl Champion than the Packers this past season. The lockout pretty much made their victory a nonfactor in football discussions.
Only a Packers fan (and Illinois resident, the worst kind of Packers fan) could possibly think there hasn't been enough Packers talk during the non-football season.
Here is a guarantee for you Tom. The Packers are going to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2012. It looks like the line on them varies from +500 to +700. Put down a couple hundo and enjoy a free Charlotte 2012 Worlds trip courtesy of my good advice.
They were absolutely hammered by injuries last year and were still the dominant team at the end of the year. They gave up the second fewest points and should probably be even better this year considering the youth they have on defense. Offensively they have Aaron Rodgers and thats all that matters. I can't imagine their running game being worse this year, so I'd expect things to be better on that side of the ball as well.
Expect the Bears to again have a terrible offense after spending most of their resources on washed up guys at the skill positions and ignoring the real problem that exists on the offensive line. Gabe Carimi alone is not going to take this group from horrendous to respectable.
In the AFC I like the Ravens to do what they were picked to do last year. I'm sure the Pats and Steelers will be tough as well. I predict the Eagles and Jets leave alot of fans disappointed. My sleeper team is the Chiefs.
I predict that my Bears flag will be flying at "half mast" after at least 9 games this year.
da bears !
seems like the CBA / lockout just caused more players
to be in transition from team to team
i say more injuries
Look for St. Rita high schook to be represented this year.
Philly back up qb (northwestern ) and lions back punter (iowa )
Quote from: Dan Michler on August 26, 2011, 05:28:32 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on August 25, 2011, 05:53:44 PM
Starting to get excited about the upcoming season. I don't there has ever been less talk about a Super Bowl Champion than the Packers this past season. The lockout pretty much made their victory a nonfactor in football discussions.
Only a Packers fan (and Illinois resident, the worst kind of Packers fan) could possibly think there hasn't been enough Packers talk during the non-football season.
Here is a guarantee for you Tom. The Packers are going to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2012. It looks like the line on them varies from +500 to +700. Put down a couple hundo and enjoy a free Charlotte 2012 Worlds trip courtesy of my good advice.
They were absolutely hammered by injuries last year and were still the dominant team at the end of the year. They gave up the second fewest points and should probably be even better this year considering the youth they have on defense. Offensively they have Aaron Rodgers and thats all that matters. I can't imagine their running game being worse this year, so I'd expect things to be better on that side of the ball as well.
Expect the Bears to again have a terrible offense after spending most of their resources on washed up guys at the skill positions and ignoring the real problem that exists on the offensive line. Gabe Carimi alone is not going to take this group from horrendous to respectable.
In the AFC I like the Ravens to do what they were picked to do last year. I'm sure the Pats and Steelers will be tough as well. I predict the Eagles and Jets leave alot of fans disappointed. My sleeper team is the Chiefs.
Flacco can't get that team to the Superbowl.
And how can the Chiefs be a sleeper Dan? didn't they win their division last year? They wont be a sleeper.
But the Detroit Lions will suprise alot of teams this year, and they are my sleeper team. If their QB stays healthy!?
This kickoff rule is stupid. I'm going to try to make a roster and get on the kickoff team. I believe there were 10 kickoff attempts last night. 6 of them were touchbacks *1 was a penalty and replayed*. 1 was an onside kick. Of 10 kicks 3 were returned. Lame.
The Saints play calling was ridiculous. How do you go for it 4th and 1 the first time instead of taking the 3 points? That final play was an embarassment. Brees had his way the entire game and you take the ball out of his hands. They line up in a power formation taking the pass out of the picture. That was a Ron Turner play call!
Doug, the Chiefs went 10-6 last year. They have the 17th highest odds on winning the title this year, ranging from 35:1 to 80:1 depending on where you gamble. So, yeah, they would definitely be a sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl.
If you are picking anybody other than Packers, Patriots, Eagles, Jets, Steelers, Chargers, Falcons, Ravens, Saints; its a sleeper pick.
my bad. I didn't know you meant sleeper to get to the superbowl. I thought you meant non playoff teams making the playoffs.
But yea, the Chiefs to the superbowl, would be a huge sleeper! ;)
Bears, Lions, and Packers all looked pretty good this weekend. Has anyone checked on Doug? The Steelers took a major beating yesterday.
Hard to tell much by one game, but the losers of the Super Bowl don't typically make it back to the playoffs.
I'm not sure what to take away from that 1st Bears game. We totally dominated the Falcons who had the #1 NFC seed last year, that is for certain. I think it shows our defense is still strong this year and can keep us in games. I think we learned Cutler is healthy and is still a great passer when he gets a little time and has somebody to throw to. I'd still like to see what Cutler can do if we had a legit #1 WR. I'm certainly not convinced the offense has turned a 180. We kept settling for FG's in the 1st half. At the end of the year we might look back and say this game was more about how bad the Falcons are than how good the Bears are. I thought the Bears offensive line was supposed to be bad, but the Falcons offensive line was flat-out embarrassing! And what was with the tackling on the Forte TD? Falcons fans are very very worried right now...
Im still here Tom. and yes, that was a hard ass whoopin to swallow. but when you turn the ball over 7 times, you should get your ass handed to ya!
All joking aside guys.
Condolences to Brian Urlacher and his family. He lost his mother at the young age of 51.
I respect this guy alot. He plays the game like it should be played every down. He plays like Butkus and Ditka did, ALL OUT!
I did not expect the Bears to win at New Orleans. I actually thought they'd be 0-3 to start the year. The Bears offensive line and WR's are some of the worst in the league. I do like Knox but he's not a #1 WR in this league. The Bears need to decide what they want to do. Cutler is a pretty darn good QB when he gets a little time. Either build this offesnive line or get this guy a weapon at the WR spot that can catch the ball. How about both. Not like we didn't see this coming.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 18, 2011, 04:37:08 PM
I did not expect the Bears to win at New Orleans. I actually thought they'd be 0-3 to start the year. The Bears offensive line and WR's are some of the worst in the league. I do like Knox but he's not a #1 WR in this league. The Bears need to decide what they want to do. Cutler is a pretty darn good QB when he gets a little time. Either build this offesnive line or get this guy a weapon at the WR spot that can catch the ball. How about both. Not like we didn't see this coming.
I fulll agree. Tom Brady would look like a D-Bag if he had this offensive line and these receivers. Embarrassing! Get prepared for another year of very little offense. So glad we took our $30M under the cap and spent none of it on the offensive line, but managed to acquire Roy Williams and Marion Barber. Great! Oh, and Devin Hester is an AWESOME #1 WR!!!
I feel bad for Jay Cutler. Put him on half the other teams and he's a pro bowler. On this team he looks worthless. We should do him a favor and trade him, because its clear that our team management puts no emphasis on having a good offense.
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 19, 2011, 05:12:34 AM
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 18, 2011, 04:37:08 PM
I did not expect the Bears to win at New Orleans. I actually thought they'd be 0-3 to start the year. The Bears offensive line and WR's are some of the worst in the league. I do like Knox but he's not a #1 WR in this league. The Bears need to decide what they want to do. Cutler is a pretty darn good QB when he gets a little time. Either build this offesnive line or get this guy a weapon at the WR spot that can catch the ball. How about both. Not like we didn't see this coming.
I fulll agree. Tom Brady would look like a D-Bag if he had this offensive line and these receivers. Embarrassing! Get prepared for another year of very little offense. So glad we took our $30M under the cap and spent none of it on the offensive line, but managed to acquire Roy Williams and Marion Barber. Great! Oh, and Devin Hester is an AWESOME #1 WR!!!
I feel bad for Jay Cutler. Put him on half the other teams and he's a pro bowler. On this team he looks worthless. We should do him a favor and trade him, because its clear that our team management puts no emphasis on having a good offense.
Since the Packers have been giving up over 400 yards passing per game, I expect Cutler to be pretty solid this week.
The Packers defense does look pretty abysmal. Fortunately for you, you guys have an offense. I expect next week to be a close game in Chicago. The Bears will probably have more urgency after the showing in New Orleans and they always play with more energy in Chicago. Still, it would be crazy not to expect Aaron Rodgers to pull out another win.
That Packers pass defense is a weakness Tom. If the offense ever has an off day, it could be trouble. As for the Bears, they totally suck! But we already suspected that.
I enjoyed watching those Bills highlights. Brady 4 picks! And the Lions coming back from 20-0? Lions and Bills 3-0. What is going on here?
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 25, 2011, 04:49:42 PM
That Packers pass defense is a weakness Tom. If the offense ever has an off day, it could be trouble. As for the Bears, they totally suck! But we already suspected that.
I enjoyed watching those Bills highlights. Brady 4 picks! And the Lions coming back from 20-0? Lions and Bills 3-0. What is going on here?
Agree about the Packers pass defense. I would be a lot more excited about the Lions if they were in another division. I would like to see Cleveland do well too. It is nice to see the Bills do well. Urlacher made a heck of a play on that interception.
The Lions comeback was pretty impressive on Sunday. Their defense stayed strong in the second half even with a couple of key players having to leave the game. I heard the second half on the radio driving through the northwoods. It was that or NPR.
I'm not much of a Lions fan, but it is fun to have winning team buzz in the air. Apparently the Lions' hot start is surprising everyone but diehard Lions fans. Before the season started there was a lot of talk among Lions fans that the Lions really had a team this year. The pre-season optimism just seemed a lot stronger than your traditional Charlie Brown optimism that all fans have before the start of the season.
Most of the Lions key players are very injury prone. If they keep those guys healthy, the sky is the limit in my opinion. Cutler should fake an injury to get out of this mess. His numbers are going to be so bad after playing for the Bears that he'll have a hard time getting another starting job in the NFL. As a Bears fan, I know alot about bad offenses, and this year's offense is BAD! I would love it if we could cut every player on the offense and start over from scratch.
My favorite sequence from Sunday....Urlacher interception in the 4th qtr...1st and 10 Bears...1st and 15 Bears...1st and 25 Bears....2nd and 23 Bears...3rd and 33 Bears...4th and 26....Punt
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
Yea that game was brutal last night. Ideally Pittsburgh and Indy both get removed from prime time slots for the rest of the season.
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
he has been hit like that for years. It's his style to hold on to the ball and make plays. He is big enough to play thru pain(not Cutler)
And that is a pipe dream if I ever heard one Tom. Look at the schedule. Houston, Tenn, Jax, Arizona, Pats, Balt, Cinn, K.C., Cinn, Clev, S.F., Rams, Clev. Besides Balt and Pats in October, looks pretty easy. The Browns and Bengals twice after the Patriots game. 11-5 will get in the AFC playoffs
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 26, 2011, 03:29:27 PM
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
he has been hit like that for years. It's his style to hold on to the ball and make plays. He is big enough to play thru pain(not Cutler)
And that is a pipe dream if I ever heard one Tom. Look at the schedule. Houston, Tenn, Jax, Arizona, Pats, Balt, Cinn, K.C., Cinn, Clev, S.F., Rams, Clev. Besides Balt and Pats in October, looks pretty easy. The Browns and Bengals twice after the Patriots game. 11-5 will get in the AFC playoffs
Not Cutler my ass! Cutlers one of the toughest in NFL and he does many things in the offseason for the less fortunate instead of raping girls. Many quarterbacks would already be gone this season because of the Bears High School line and zero recievers. And anyone who thinks Cutler went out of last seasons game because he quits knows nothing about the science of the knee. He already threw one interception before coming out because he couldn't plant. Many coaches in the league would love to have Cutler. It's just unfortunate that the Bears know nothing about drafting lineman and wide recievers!
cmon now Randy. Tell me who was found GUILTY of raping anyone? ;D
He beat his third rape charge but NFL suspended him for 6 games. Still its a slap on the wrist compared to jail time but he will lose over 2 million dollars in salary. Punishment does not match the crime and there may be more sanctions against Ben. Also Ben must get professional help -that means a shrink. I'm no fan of this guy but I do believe in to each his own. Good luck with this creep Doug.
>:D
as a Steeler fan, I will take his 3 Superbowl appearances in 7 years.
I feel cheated out of a great ending to a football game Sunday. That punt return was pretty awesome and the phantom flag was a joke. The Monday night ESPN crew were riding the officials pretty hard on that one. With a minute left to play it would have been a 3 pt game. I would have like to seen the onside kick. Anything can happen.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 26, 2011, 07:41:46 PM
I feel cheated out of a great ending to a football game Sunday. That punt return was pretty awesome and the phantom flag was a joke. The Monday night ESPN crew were riding the officials pretty hard on that one. With a minute left to play it would have been a 3 pt game. I would have like to seen the onside kick. Anything can happen.
I was thinking the same thing. For as bad as they played the Bears still had a shot at winning that one.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 26, 2011, 07:27:20 PM
as a Steeler fan, I will take his 3 Superbowl appearances in 7 years.
So if you take a rapist because of 3 Superbowl appearances, how many Superbowl appearances does a murderer need for you to become a sycophant?
Quote from: Jon Brakel on September 26, 2011, 09:00:25 PM
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 26, 2011, 07:41:46 PM
I feel cheated out of a great ending to a football game Sunday. That punt return was pretty awesome and the phantom flag was a joke. The Monday night ESPN crew were riding the officials pretty hard on that one. With a minute left to play it would have been a 3 pt game. I would have like to seen the onside kick. Anything can happen.
I was thinking the same thing. For as bad as they played the Bears still had a shot at winning that one.
You guys are nuts! I totally agree the Bears clearly got jacked on that play. But you really think there was some great ending coming after that?
If the TD counted, the Bears were still trailing by 3 with 50 seconds left, and I believe they still had 1 timeout. The odds of recovering an onside kick when the other team is expecting it is around 15% (about the same as the odds of Adam Dunn or Tyler Colvin getting a hit). If they recovered it, they'd be around the Bears 45 yd line. So, they'd need to go 20 yards to get in range for a 52 yd FG. The Bears 2nd half drives....-9 yds...-2 yds...-8 yds....+16 yds....+15yds....+32 yds....-16 yds....+20yds....+15yds. Thats an average of +7 yards per drive.
So, they'd have to beat the 15% odds, then beat the odds of them going 20 yards in under 50 seconds, then make the FG. Maybe they had around a 3% chance? We didn't miss out on anything.
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 27, 2011, 05:01:06 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 26, 2011, 07:27:20 PM
as a Steeler fan, I will take his 3 Superbowl appearances in 7 years.
So if you take a rapist because of 3 Superbowl appearances, how many Superbowl appearances does a murderer need for you to become a sycophant?
ask Ray Lewis fans!
but I'll bet because he was found not guilty, he's a great guy huh? I love the jealousy :D
All this arguing over bad teams, so silly guys. Let's talk about what is important - Colts getting another primetime appearance next Monday night!
they the ones trying to argue. I do find it very entertaining though. Grown men crying like little schoolgirls about a not guilty verdict.
Great start from your Lions Taylor. They were my sleeper team at the start of the season. They doing a little better than someones sleeper pick in Kansas City. ;D
dan. by no means did i say they had a realistic chance of winnning. i feel cheated from the suspense of an onside kick. im sure some gamblers feel cheated too.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 27, 2011, 06:00:15 AM
I love the jealousy :D
What would Tom be jealous of? His team has Aaron Rodgers, who is clearly light years ahead of Big Ben as a QB, and they beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl last year. Throw in the fact that his team is off to a 3-0 start, while the Steelers are 2-1 with a close call against the horrid Colts. Then consider that Roethlisberger has turned it over 8 times in 3 games. I don't think Packer fans are jealous of any other teams right now, certainly not the Steelers.
I do think the Steelers will squeak into the playoffs with their soft schedule. They have alot of talent at WR, but the offensive line has clearly taken a big step back this year. Mendenhall has just 149 yards in 3 games and is getting only 3.0 ypc. He had 18 for 37 yards against Indy. Rothelisberger threw just 5 picks last year and lost 3 fumbles. He's nearly surpassed those totals through 3 games, 2 of which were against soft competition. You'd be crazy not to be a little worried in Pittsburgh right now. The defense needs to be elite for them to win games.
Lions, yeah nobody had that for a sleeper ::)
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 27, 2011, 08:14:19 AM
dan. by no means did i say they had a realistic chance of winnning. i feel cheated from the suspense of an onside kick. im sure some gamblers feel cheated too.
That is a good point. The Packers were 4 pt favorites and the Over/Under was 46. If that counted, the Bears would have covered and the Over would have hit. I guarantee there are a ton of irate gamblers after that call. Glad I stopped gambling,
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 27, 2011, 08:35:15 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 27, 2011, 06:00:15 AM
I love the jealousy :D
What would Tom be jealous of? His team has Aaron Rodgers, who is clearly light years ahead of Big Ben as a QB, and they beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl last year. Throw in the fact that his team is off to a 3-0 start, while the Steelers are 2-1 with a close call against the horrid Colts. Then consider that Roethlisberger has turned it over 8 times in 3 games. I don't think Packer fans are jealous of any other teams right now, certainly not the Steelers.
I do think the Steelers will squeak into the playoffs with their soft schedule. They have alot of talent at WR, but the offensive line has clearly taken a big step back this year. Mendenhall has just 149 yards in 3 games and is getting only 3.0 ypc. He had 18 for 37 yards against Indy. Rothelisberger threw just 5 picks last year and lost 3 fumbles. He's nearly surpassed those totals through 3 games, 2 of which were against soft competition. You'd be crazy not to be a little worried in Pittsburgh right now. The defense needs to be elite for them to win games.
Lions, yeah nobody had that for a sleeper ::)
2 rings is better than 1. and I think Green Bay barely got by the Panthers with a rookie QB!
Light years ahead? who has more playoff wins? superbowl apprearnces? wins as a starter? superbowl rings?
just because they win 1 superbowl, they are the best team? cmon.
call me crazy, cause I'm not worried. they will be in the playoffs, winning yet again!
I got news for you. If the Packers GM calls up the Steelers GM out of the blue and offers Rodgers for Ben straight up, the Steelers are taking that deal every single time and twice on Sunday. You may disagree, but you would be 100% wrong.
If you are making a list of current NFL QB's, your top 4 has to be Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Rivers in some order. Anybody other than Doug disagree with that?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 27, 2011, 07:45:29 AM
they the ones trying to argue. I do find it very entertaining though. Grown men crying like little schoolgirls about a not guilty verdict.
Great start from your Lions Taylor. They were my sleeper team at the start of the season. They doing a little better than someones sleeper pick in Kansas City. ;D
3 not guilty verdicts and who knows how much he paid them off. I just hope he never gets his hands on any one of our family members Doug! That's one I hope we can all agree on.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 27, 2011, 09:00:41 AM
2 rings is better than 1. and I think Green Bay barely got by the Panthers with a rookie QB!
Light years ahead? who has more playoff wins? superbowl apprearnces? wins as a starter? superbowl rings?
just because they win 1 superbowl, they are the best team? cmon.
call me crazy, cause I'm not worried. they will be in the playoffs, winning yet again!
I don't even know why I'm bothering to reply, but I am. You can't compare rings because you didn't compare # of years. 7 complete years for Ben, 2 rings. 3 complete years for Rodgers, 1 ring. He has plenty of time to get ring #2, and he's still 2 years younger then Ben.
Green Bay won by 7 over Carolina who had a desperation touchdown near the end of the game with a failed onside kick to win it. It wasn't barely getting by the Panthers. Don't forget your Steelers were TRASHED by Baltimore and then really did squeak by the COLTS *without* Payton Manning.
Yes, the Packers need some work on their secondary, but they are ranked #1 right now, and BEAT your Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, so shaddup.
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 27, 2011, 09:24:07 AM
I got news for you. If the Packers GM calls up the Steelers GM out of the blue and offers Rodgers for Ben straight up, the Steelers are taking that deal every single time and twice on Sunday. You may disagree, but you would be 100% wrong.
If you are making a list of current NFL QB's, your top 4 has to be Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Rivers in some order. Anybody other than Doug disagree with that?
glad you know what the Steelers GM would do.
And I agree with your top 4 QB's, but Ben is #5!
Quote from: stpitner on September 27, 2011, 11:19:59 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on September 27, 2011, 09:00:41 AM
2 rings is better than 1. and I think Green Bay barely got by the Panthers with a rookie QB!
Light years ahead? who has more playoff wins? superbowl apprearnces? wins as a starter? superbowl rings?
just because they win 1 superbowl, they are the best team? cmon.
call me crazy, cause I'm not worried. they will be in the playoffs, winning yet again!
Green Bay won by 7 over Carolina who had a desperation touchdown near the end of the game with a failed onside kick to win it. It wasn't barely getting by the Panthers. Don't forget your Steelers were TRASHED by Baltimore and then really did squeak by the COLTS *without* Payton Manning.
Yes, the Packers need some work on their secondary, but they are ranked #1 right now, and BEAT your Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, so shaddup.
a win is a win, no matter the score Scott. But if I recall, Indy's offense scored 1 TD. failed to score a TD 2 times in the redzone. If not for Ben being Ben and holding onto the ball, that game isn't even close. But your pack was down 13-0 to a rookie QB in Carolina! ;D That's some funny shit!
And Baltimore is always a playoff team. So that loss means nothing. Let's see who wins come playoff time!
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 27, 2011, 09:24:07 AM
If you are making a list of current NFL QB's, your top 4 has to be Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Rivers in some order. Anybody other than Doug disagree with that?
Yes, I disagree with Rivers. Even if he was the 4th best, there's a steep drop after those other 3.
how many playoff games has Rivers won? I know Ben can win a big game.
Thought I might throw this out to all the HATERS on here. Steelers will lose this Sunday @ Houston. you can try to rub it in, but wont do any good since I am expecting a loss. That offense in Houston will be to much for that old defense.
Panthers had an opening drive for a TD. Cobb fumbled the kickoff return, and the Packers kept them to a field goal. I missed what happened for the other field goal. Oooooo, two scores, so scared! Ask the Patriots how they feel about facing a Rookie QB in Fitzpatrick and the Bills. Don't be surprised if the Steelers are back to .500 after playing in Houston this weekend. The Texans are a pretty good team now.
Your excuse is that Big Ben was being Big Ben? That's like a White Sox excuse of Ozzie being Ozzie or a Cubs excuse of Zambrano being Zambrano. What kind of joke excuse is that?
maybe you should look up some stats before spouting off Scott. Fitzpatrick is not a ROOKIE!
and I already stated that Pitt will lose this week.
listen to ESPN sometime, and you will hear them say, Ben holds onto the ball and makes plays better than ANY QB in the league. So it's not an excuse, it's the facts. Had he thrown those 2 balls away on the fumbles, Colts don't kick the FG or score the runback TD, and the game isn't close!
I really dont know why you Packers fans are singling me out? Tom made a comment about Doug after week #1, now out of the blue, here comes you?
I can understand why you hate the team with more Superbowl rings than any other team, but why be mad at me? I don't dislike you guys for rooting for the lowly Bears or the Packers. I feel for ya, but don't hold it against you ;)
wow, far from rookie, you're right. I wonder why I kept hearing stuff about the new rookies and Newton and Fitzpatrick mentioned in the same breath. I knew that Stafford wasn't a rookie. Who are the other rookie QB's that are starting now? Blaine Gabbert - anybody else?
you should be a Rams fan :P and I'm still picking Houston over Pittsburgh this weekend. Bears are too easy to pick on because we all know they suck.
The Packers are pretty good. The rapist isn't going to survive 16 games this year. Hester is pretty good.
with that offensive line, your right Tom. he boarded the plane last night in a walking boot on his left foot. the season may be over before November?
Doug- you can have one or the other this year- only one. Steelers Superbowl or Cardinals World Series? Which would it be?
I would want the Cardinals to win. The Steelers 6 trophys is not in jeopardy of being tied or passed so it's Cardinals all the way. Unless Tomlin can find a way to get Ben to THROW THE DAMN BALL, then I would like a repeat of 2006, when BOTH teams won the Championship!
I was up in Wisc over the weekend and with the Brewers and Packers that question came up. How about you Dan? Cubs or Bears? I am guessing Cubs for you.
It took 1 game for Doug to change his opinion on the Steelers offense. Last week he said "thats Big Ben's style of play. He holds on to the ball and makes plays. He can play through the hits." What happened? Didn't you predict the Steelers would lose this game but still go 11-5?
Bears with a less than impressive victory. A pick 6, a punt return TD, an 80 yd kickoff return to setup an easy TD, and a offensive pass interference that wiped 7 points off the board for Carolina....and we won by 5 points at home against a 1-3 team with a rookie QB. If this win pumps you up about our chances, then you must be the most optimistic person in the world.
I think next monday night in Detroit is huge. If the Lions destroy us (likely), and we drop to 2-3, its hard to see us rallying to win 8 of our last 11 to finish 10-6. I think this is a make or break game.
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 03, 2011, 06:10:17 AM
It took 1 game for Doug to change his opinion on the Steelers offense. Last week he said "thats Big Ben's style of play. He holds on to the ball and makes plays. He can play through the hits." What happened? Didn't you predict the Steelers would lose this game but still go 11-5?
Bears with a less than impressive victory. A pick 6, a punt return TD, an 80 yd kickoff return to setup an easy TD, and a offensive pass interference that wiped 7 points off the board for Carolina....and we won by 5 points at home against a 1-3 team with a rookie QB. If this win pumps you up about our chances, then you must be the most optimistic person in the world.
I think next monday night in Detroit is huge. If the Lions destroy us (likely), and we drop to 2-3, its hard to see us rallying to win 8 of our last 11 to finish 10-6. I think this is a make or break game.
I will be pulling big time for the Bears next week.
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 03, 2011, 06:05:25 AM
I was up in Wisc over the weekend and with the Brewers and Packers that question came up. How about you Dan? Cubs or Bears? I am guessing Cubs for you.
Is that a real question? I'd cut off a finger in exchange for a Cubs WS title. A Bears Super Bowl would be nice, but I just don't care about football even 1% as much as baseball. Another Bulls title would also rank well ahead of the Bears.
Brewers off to a good start. Hopefully they can finish off AZ quick and rest up while the Cards/Phils battle it out.
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 03, 2011, 06:10:17 AM
It took 1 game for Doug to change his opinion on the Steelers offense. Last week he said "thats Big Ben's style of play. He holds on to the ball and makes plays. He can play through the hits." What happened? Didn't you predict the Steelers would lose this game but still go 11-5?
If Ben can't play with his foot in a walking boot, they wont win too many more games. It is his style to make plays holding onto the ball, but when he has defenders in his face before he finishes his drop back, he has no time to get away. The left gaurd we have is horrible! they sit 2-2 now, lose to Pats and Balt makes 4 losses. The schedule after those teams look easy, but if Ben is not playing or that O-Line doesn't get fixed, I guess it's another plate of crow for me this year??
The only way I see the Bears winning next Sunday is if the Lions team comes down with the flu. Or the Bears suddenly learn how to block and catch and run and stuff!
Even with the Lions comeback on Sunday, they are still playing pretty sloppy. I've got $20 on them and a lot of trash talking, but if the Lions go down by more than 10 to the Bears, I don't see them coming back like they did against Dallas and Minnesota. If the Lions start out with the lead after the first few possessions each, they will retain it I think. It's safe to say that Green Bay will be able to get through Atlanta to be 5-0 next week considering they barely beat the phenoms that are the Seattle Seahawks yesterday.
I heard an inteview about WR Dane Sanzenbacher while eating lunch Sunday. One of the 5 undrafted rookies to make the Bears roster. He basially said the Bears were the best team to join to have a shot of making their roster. What a pathetic bunch of WR's.
The start the Lions and Packers are off to, going to be a meaningful Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit for once!
The night game looks interesting as well. S.F. vs Balt. Brother vs Brother as head coaches!
If Detroit can stay healthy with their key players, they are looking really nice this year. I think they are going to go 12-4 (losing to either the 49rs or the Panthers, @ Saints, against Chargers, and @ Green Bay) That means I think the Lions are going to beat Green Bay in Detroit (blargh). Calvin Johnson is just pretty stinking awesome, and it's going to be one stinking awesome shoot out on Thanksgiving day.
I think the Bears are in trouble. They needed the Lions to suck so that they could get 2 wins there - and I don't think they are going to get either of them. Bears snuck away with a win against Carolina - the blocked field goal and missed field goal in addition to Hester's return saved them. I wonder how many Bears fans were ticked about Carolina nabbing that last touchdown to cover the spread heh. My guess is that the Bears have at least 5 more losses on their schedule (@ Lions, @ Bucs in London, Lions, Chargers, @ Green Bay), and that means no better than 9-7. The Eagles might wake up by the time the Bears get there to play as well, so things are not going to be easy at all if the Offense can't figure out what in the world is going on. Right now the Bears are ranked 13th in points, 26th in yards, 25th in passing yards, and 19th in rushing yards. That's going to be tough to overcome! By comparison, Packers are 1st, 5th, 5th, and 14th in the same 4 categories. The Lions are 2nd, 11th, 7th, and 29th.
I doubt Bears fans were as bummed about the last second TD to cover the spread as non-Bears fans that picked the Bears to win and cover. At least Bears fans could be happy about the win!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 03, 2011, 06:18:41 AM
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 03, 2011, 06:10:17 AM
It took 1 game for Doug to change his opinion on the Steelers offense. Last week he said "thats Big Ben's style of play. He holds on to the ball and makes plays. He can play through the hits." What happened? Didn't you predict the Steelers would lose this game but still go 11-5?
If Ben can't play with his foot in a walking boot, they wont win too many more games. It is his style to make plays holding onto the ball, but when he has defenders in his face before he finishes his drop back, he has no time to get away. The left gaurd we have is horrible! they sit 2-2 now, lose to Pats and Balt makes 4 losses. The schedule after those teams look easy, but if Ben is not playing or that O-Line doesn't get fixed, I guess it's another plate of crow for me this year??
Just a sprained let foot. Nothing to worry about.
Playing with a foot injury wouldn't be new for Roethlisberger. He played part of last season with a broken right foot.
"You know me -- if I can be out there, I'm going to be out there. That's so for next week, too," he said Sunday. "If I can do it and if I have to cast it up -- we saw I had to do that last year. I casted up my foot for the last half of the year. If we have to do it, I'll do it."
R.I.P. 2011 Bears. Season done, box it up. Cutler played about as well as you can hope for last night. I thought Forte performed well too. I think if you switched Cutler and Stafford, the Lions would have put the Bears away early last night.
Same old story with the offensive line, TE's, and WR's. Not even worth discussing anymore.
I think our defense can be considered below average now. Jahvid Best hasn't been able to run against anybody his entire career. His best game ever was 78 yards rushing. Last night he repeatedly gashed the Bears running through gaping holes for 163 yards. We used defend our huge number of yards allowed by saying "we bend but don't break". Definitely can't say that anymore. The Bears actually held the ball for twice as long as the Lions last night (40 min to 20 min), yet we were still outgained.
Fire Angelo. Fire Lovie. Fire Martz (Why does he repeatedly call the same run play where Omiyale gets beaten by Suh? If it doesn't work, try something else you idiot!). Cut all of the WR's. Lets start over. We need at least 4 years of rebuilding to get this thing right, so we should start now.
I puked in my mouth watching that pathetic performance on offense. That was a very winnable game last night. The lack of an offensive line and vertical threat is killing this team. Teams can stack the box and tee off on Cutler. We have no recievers that can get open. It's a freaking joke!
I will not blame the coach or offensiver coordinator anymore. This has been a problem with the Bears forever. I called for the firing of Wannstedt, Jauron, Smith, and ever offensive coordinator.. It's the same story every year. The lack of drafting a decent WR is killing me. When is the last decent WR the Bears have had? To compound things this is probably the worst offensive line in Bears history. I actually have more respect for Lovie Smith now than I ever have. I've hated that bastard since he got to Chicago. He's won the NFC North with some of the worst offenses you could ever have.
Why Forte has not gotten a new contract is mind boggling to me. He is going to be worth a lot of money at the end of this season is he continues this pace. Another 151yds of offense last night. 50+% of the teams yardage on the year. If I were him i'd get out of this black hole of an offense and get out of town.
Brett is right. I don't understand how Angelo cam keep his job. The personnel issues are pretty much the same as before. No problems were solved and the linebackers are a year older. The team has a very good running back, quarterback, kicker and reteurner. They have aging but still decent linebackers, D
end and corner . Not much else.
arg !!!
anyone think the lock out has anything to do with the cr@@ppy play we have been witnessing
how about # 6 St Rita Iowa State product ?
nice game for a rookie punter
might be time to get younger and faster
Quote from: airspuds on October 11, 2011, 10:09:34 AM
arg !!!
anyone think the lock out has anything to do with the cr@@ppy play we have been witnessing
fans can only wish they could blame that! if that is the case, why are the Lowly Lions 5-0? weren't they part of that lockout?
I agree with Dan & Brett, let them all go, and start over! starting with the coaching staff!
Quote from: airspuds on October 11, 2011, 10:09:34 AMhow about # 6 St Rita Iowa State product ?
Arg!!!! Your haiku might be borderline bearable if you at least got your facts right.
Quote from: airspuds on October 11, 2011, 10:09:34 AM
arg !!!
anyone think the lock out has anything to do with the cr@@ppy play we have been witnessing
No Spuds. They were crappy last year only we didn't realize it. I think we all knew deep down last year was a fluke, but as a fan you never want to admit that to yourself. How does a 30th ranked offense have a home game for the NFC title?
1. They lost the opener to the Lions. The call to reverse Calvin's TD was an unbelievable break for the Bears.
2. They should have lost the game in Detroit also. A bad personal foul call against Suh gave the Bears the go-ahead TD.
3. It took a last second pass interference call and a team record # of penalties for the Packers to give the Bears the game in Soldier Field by 3 points.
I like to say the breaks usually even out over the long haul. Last year the breaks clearly went the Bears way. That was probably an 8-8 or 9-7 team that found themselves with an 11-5 record and 1 playoff win against a 7-9 team.
Brett, I think the consensus Bears fan agrees Angelo is enemy #1. However, don't tell me Lovie is doing a good job. Thats a joke. I agree there isn't much he can do with this team, but a bad job is a bad job. Did you see that 4th and 1 last night? WTF would you go for it? Even if you make it, the odds of you eventually scoring a TD on that drive are very low when you are still 30 yards out. It was only thanks to a bunch of Lions penalties that we even got into FG range.
Then Martz is so shocked that Lovie actually decides to go for it, that he can't get the play called in time and the Bears burn a timeout. Time management has been a joke ever since Lovie came to town, year after year after year of the same problems at the end of halves and at the end of games. He gives away points.
Then how about the Lovie decision to challenge the spot after Forte so clearly got stuffed behind the line? There was obviously nothing there, but he just throws the red flag in desperation. Lovie has ranked near the bottom every year of his tenure when it comes to success rate on replay challenges. He's just an idiot when it comes to game management and I can't take it anymore.
You need to hate this whole team. They are all terrible. And I actually can see why the Bears wouldn't want to give Forte a new deal. They can put the franchise tag on him and keep him for 1 more year. After 4 full seasons its possible Forte won't have much left. Running backs come in and out of this league faster than any other position. Look at Chris Johnson and Deangelo Williams this year. They both got a big pay day and now look like they're on fumes. Don't pay guys at the RB position. That has been a philosophy that has seemed to work for several other teams. We need to focus our resources on every other position. Its not fair to Matt Forte, but thats the system the NFLPA agreed to.
It was very difficult to watch that game last night. It has become painfully obvious that the Bears DO NOT have the players to run Martz's offense. He had a Pro Bowler/possible HOF player in Orlando Pace to anchor the line and protect Warner in St. Louis. The Bears have somehow decided that starting J'Marcus Webb at left tackle would be a great idea. FAIL!!!!
It's not much better on the other side. How many more seasons are they going to try and run the Cover 2 without a disruptive DT? Since Tommie Harris disappeared b/c of the long list of injuries, the Bears have not done much to replace him. Sure they got Peppers, but the Cover 2 needs a Pro Bowl level DT to be successful. >:(
I think between the Lions and the Bears, my loyalties are starting to run to the team that is having the good season. It was nice and different to see Ford Field sold out with more Lions' jerseys in the stands than Bears'. I think there were more Bears a couple of years ago when Jon and I went to the game.
I watched the entire game the other night. I don't have a problem with him going for it on 4th down. If you can't get 1 yard on 2 downs you aren't going to win many games this year anyway. I refuse to blame Lovie even with some of the decisions he makes. Tons of coaches make bad decisions during games. This guy has found a way to win the NFC North 3 times and make it to the super bowl with some awful offensive talent.
The constant has been offensive talent. The Bears are at the bottom of the list every year. Going into the offseason there were many areas that needed to be addressed. None of them were. They've scored 107 points which ranks last in the division. They've gone 5 years without addressing the offiensive line in the draft. Now the defense is getting old and isn't getting it done.
Dane Sanzenbacher leads the WR core with 16 receptions.
5 undrafted FREE AGENTS made this football team!!! It's all about the GM.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on October 12, 2011, 08:58:50 AM
I watched the entire game the other night. I don't have a problem with him going for it on 4th down. If you can't get 1 yard on 2 downs you aren't going to win many games this year anyway.
Teams like the Lions will stuff alot of good teams in that situation. Coaches that are dumb enough to go for it in that situation aren't going to win many games. 4th and 1 inside the 5 yd line I can see, because a TD is likely if you make it. 4th and a full yard at the 30 yd line is for fools. In the 1st quarter you take the 3 points every single time in that situation. Lovie is an idiot.
Quote
They've gone 5 years without addressing the offiensive line in the draft.
Actually they have tried to address the offensive line repeatedly in the NFL draft. They are just terrible at assessing offensive talent.
2007 4th and 7th rd picks were O.line
2008 1st round pick was an OT Chris Williams
2009 traded away 1st/3rd rd picks for Cutler picked Lance Louis OT in 7th rd
2010 again had no 1st/2nd rd picks. drafted Webb OT in the 7th rd
2011 1st rd pick Gabe Carimi OT
So, in the last 5 drafts we've only had 3 1st round picks, and 2 of them were OT's. We took a total of 6 offensive linemen in those 5 drafts, 4 of whom were supposed to be starters for us this year (Williams, Louis, Webb, Carimi). We should probably stop trying to address the line through the draft and just sign or trade for proven veterans, because we totally suck at drafting.
If you go back a little further we also spent a 1st rounder on Marc Colombo.
I would pay Forte but I wouldn't over pay him. I agree with getting rid of Angelo. I wouldn't disagree with getting rid of anyone on the coaching staff.
I thought that Cutler played a great game against the Lions. He was doing all the things in his power to play effectively given the personnel and plays called. Speaking of plays called...Forte off tackle to the right was working all night because the Lions DE was lining up so wide. Why not run that play until the Lions adjust? If that DE moves in then run to the outside and try to win the edge. If the Lions DE moves in it will also help the passing game. Nothing else was working. Sometimes you just have to go with what works. And also why aren't they getting Barber in more plays? If he's still nursing his injury I guess I understand but he's only gotten a couple of touches in the last two games.
I think most of the Bears WRs could be part of a team. Like the 3rd WR on a team. A team with 2 really good receivers would work well with any one of the Bears receivers because they wouldn't be up against the other teams best DBs. I understand why they have Hester on the team but they really need at least two GOOD receivers. Not college good but NFL good!
I have no idea what's happened to the defense. Were they just running on fumes the last couple of years and we didn't notice?
It's going to be a long season!!!
After watching the Colts, Jags, & Ravens I feel pretty good about the offense.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on October 25, 2011, 06:54:31 AM
After watching the Colts, Jags, & Ravens I feel pretty good about the offense.
How about the Browns/Seahawks 6-3 final too? And the Broncos/Dolphins? And OAK got shutout by the CHIEFS 28-0? There are some bad offenses out there!
Do you think Angelo is secretly hating all these monster games by Forte? I don't think he wants to swallow his pride and pay the man at this point. He's 2nd in the NFL in rushing, I'm not sure what other choice he has right now. You've got to pay him.
And if I'm a Lions fans right now I'd be out on the ledge. They are on the verge of returning to 'the same old Lions'.
Aaron Rodgers just about has the MVP award wrapped up after Week 7.
They should of signed him before the season. The MNF crew was talking about him last night. They said behind AP he's the best overall back right now. He can run, block and catch. He's on pace for career high in yards rushing and receiving. I checked out his stats and he has 14 rush/rec of 20+ yards. Pretty impressive. Open up the playbook Chicago. He's the best running back and receiver on this team.
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 25, 2011, 08:33:34 AM
And if I'm a Lions fans right now I'd be out on the ledge. They are on the verge of returning to 'the same old Lions'.
I think the Lions definitely started out better than most fans would have expected. I figured they would go about 9-7 and have a shot at a wild card spot this year, but with still a lot of growing to do. At this point they have exceeded initial expectations, but they also have had several key injuries obviously starting back in preseason with Leshoure and Fairley and are still/have always been a weak O line. They will still finish second in the division I do believe and the bye week can't come fast enough.
Chris Harris sure went from regular starter to not needed anymore faster than anyone without an injury that I can remember.
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 03, 2011, 05:58:20 AM
Doug- you can have one or the other this year- only one. Steelers Superbowl or Cardinals World Series? Which would it be?
ok. I guess I can face it! not the year for the Steelers. I already got my World Series win this year! ;D
Quote from: Jon Brakel on October 28, 2011, 04:24:26 PM
Chris Harris sure went from regular starter to not needed anymore faster than anyone without an injury that I can remember.
Thats funny Jon, I was thinking the same thing. I cancelled my Sirius and have been listening to alot of sports radio lately and all I heard early in the season was how the Bears defense is missing Chris Harris so badly and people underestimated how important Chris Harris is to this team...etc, etc.. They were even having him on as a weekly guest on some of the shows.
Then, the Lions game happened, and more specifically the play where he was burned by Calvin Johnson, and the story was immediatley 'Chris Harris has lost a step and is worthless', then 'Chris Harris is no longer starting', then 'Chris Harris demands a trade' then 'Chris Harris has been cut'. That was all within 3 weeks.
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 30, 2011, 02:34:24 PM
Quote from: Jon Brakel on October 28, 2011, 04:24:26 PM
Chris Harris sure went from regular starter to not needed anymore faster than anyone without an injury that I can remember.
Thats funny Jon, I was thinking the same thing. I cancelled my Sirius and have been listening to alot of sports radio lately and all I heard early in the season was how the Bears defense is missing Chris Harris so badly and people underestimated how important Chris Harris is to this team...etc, etc.. They were even having him on as a weekly guest on some of the shows.
Then, the Lions game happened, and more specifically the play where he was burned by Calvin Johnson, and the story was immediatley 'Chris Harris has lost a step and is worthless', then 'Chris Harris is no longer starting', then 'Chris Harris demands a trade' then 'Chris Harris has been cut'. That was all within 3 weeks.
It makes you think that it might have been something personal. Like when he publicly asked to be traded that he said something privately to someone that sealed his fate.
I don't know how you can listen to sports talk radio. Its not so much the hosts and guests but the callers that they put on the air. I really enjoy Steve Dahl's weekly sports guests on his show but that's as close as I get to sports talk radio.
With the NFL season about half over, there have been a lot of crazy things this year. I can't remember so many teams coming back from being double digits down in a game. I can't believe that St. Louis beat New Orleans yesterday. Or that San Francisco is 6-1 and earlier in the year absolutely demolished Tampa Bay. Buffalo in first place? Hard to believe. I am not surprised that after the Eagles win last night, that they are now anointed as going deep into the playoffs. I think the NFL East receives more undue praise than any other division. It is a joke. At the midway point there is only one undefeated team and one one-loss team. That is pretty surprising.
I would like to see some of the rules changed more in favor of the defense, the new numbers that the quarterbacks are putting up are ridiculous.
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 31, 2011, 06:05:27 AM
I would like to see some of the rules changed more in favor of the defense, the new numbers that the quarterbacks are putting up are ridiculous.
I think the NFL strongly disagrees with you. The explosion of the passing game has allowed for many of the crazy comebacks you were just referring to.
Bottom line: there is 1 elite team in the NFL. The Packers. Barring an injury to Aaron Rodgers, we should just anoint them Super Bowl champions right now. I said that after last season, I said it before this season, and it gets more true every day. You can still get almost 3:1 on your money, so place your futures bets now.
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3. you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 31, 2011, 11:57:14 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3. you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!
Doug, if you've learned anything recently in the NFL it should have been to not get ahead of yourself. I agreed with your original prediction of 11 wins for the Steelers and I still do. But don't suddenly think the Steelers are an elite team. It was a nice win at home over the Pats. Their other wins were against SEA, IND, TEN, JAX, and ARZ. Those teams are a combined 9-28. And Pitt hasn't exactly been blowing all these teams out. Everybody loves to overreact to 1 game in the NFL.
I like the Steelers, Pats, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, and Bills as the AFC playoff teams this year. And honestly I think any of those teams could come out of the AFC. Nobody has separated themselves as elite.
In the NFC I'd take the Packers, Giants, Saints, 49ers, Lions, and some miscelaneous team (Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, Falcons? I guess the Eagles are the most dangerous of those teams if they start to peak heading into the playoffs) to make the playoffs. The Packers with home-field advantage are the only sane choice out of this whole mess.
but even you have to admit, the Steelers O-Line is protecting Ben. and if he has time to throw, he is usually winiing those games.
I can't help it they have an easy schedule. they still have to win the games on the schedule, no matter how weak it is. I'm not over reacting. I knew the Steelers would come around, and they have. If they beat Balt at home this weekend, no team remaining on the schedule has a winning record but the Bengals. and we will beat that rookie QB, gauranteed!
Just remember though, once in the playoffs, Ben knows how to win!
but your NFC teams, I see the Bears mentioned. didn't you just right them off 2 weeks ago? ??? LOL
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 31, 2011, 12:36:19 PM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 31, 2011, 11:57:14 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3. you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!
Doug, if you've learned anything recently in the NFL it should have been to not get ahead of yourself. I agreed with your original prediction of 11 wins for the Steelers and I still do. But don't suddenly think the Steelers are an elite team. It was a nice win at home over the Pats. Their other wins were against SEA, IND, TEN, JAX, and ARZ. Those teams are a combined 9-28. And Pitt hasn't exactly been blowing all these teams out. Everybody loves to overreact to 1 game in the NFL.
I like the Steelers, Pats, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, and Bills as the AFC playoff teams this year. And honestly I think any of those teams could come out of the AFC. Nobody has separated themselves as elite.
In the NFC I'd take the Packers, Giants, Saints, 49ers, Lions, and some miscelaneous team (Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, Falcons? I guess the Eagles are the most dangerous of those teams if they start to peak heading into the playoffs) to make the playoffs. The Packers with home-field advantage are the only sane choice out of this whole mess.
I think it is still too early to make any predictions about the AFC side of the playoffs. I like your picks, but I wouldn't count out Kansas City or Oakland. I don't have much faith in San Diego. I wouldn't count out the Jets either, although it doesn't look good for them right now. I agree with you about the NFC, there about six teams that can be eliminated from contention right now, the rest of the teams have at least an outside shot at making the playoffs.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 31, 2011, 11:57:14 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3. you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!
Yes I do Doug.
The throws Rodgers was making yesterday were ridiculous. How many P.I. penalties has Charles Woodson committed this year?
So Doug, your team is 1-3 against above .500 teams this year. Tell us all again why we are supposed to believe they are so awesome! The Steelers proved again they are just another team in the big jumble that is the AFC. Anybody could come out of that conference this year between the Texans, Jets, Steelers, Pats, Ravens, Bengals, Bills and Chargers.
Bears/Eagles game tonight is impossible to predict. First, you have no idea what Bears team will show up. Coming out of the bye you'd hope for a solid effort, but this is the Bears so who knows. Second, you have no idea what Eagles team will show up. They are 3-4 for a reason.
For the Wild Card chances, the game is huge. Right now for the 2 spots you have Atlanta (5-3) Bears (4-3) Dallas (4-4) Tampa (4-4) Philly (3-4). If Philly loses they'll be a full 2 games out and they'll lose the tiebreaker to the Bears and Falcons. Thats just about dead.
After this the Bears have: Lions, SD, @Oak, KC, @Den, Sea, @GB, @MN. A lot of very winnable games.
Both the NFC and AFC are wide open regarding playoff spots. I don't see how teams can be so good one week and so bad the next. If the Bears can win tonight I would agree with Dan that Philly has about zero percent chance of making the playoffs. The AFC west stinks, and the NFC west isn't much better besides the 49ers.
The Packers defense needs to toughen up. The amount of passing yards they are giving up is crazy.
Quote from: Dan Michler on November 07, 2011, 05:43:26 AM
The throws Rodgers was making yesterday were ridiculous. How many P.I. penalties has Charles Woodson committed this year?
So Doug, your team is 1-3 against above .500 teams this year. Tell us all again why we are supposed to believe they are so awesome! The Steelers proved again they are just another team in the big jumble that is the AFC. Anybody could come out of that conference this year between the Texans, Jets, Steelers, Pats, Ravens, Bengals, Bills and Chargers.
Bears/Eagles game tonight is impossible to predict. First, you have no idea what Bears team will show up. Coming out of the bye you'd hope for a solid effort, but this is the Bears so who knows. Second, you have no idea what Eagles team will show up. They are 3-4 for a reason.
For the Wild Card chances, the game is huge. Right now for the 2 spots you have Atlanta (5-3) Bears (4-3) Dallas (4-4) Tampa (4-4) Philly (3-4). If Philly loses they'll be a full 2 games out and they'll lose the tiebreaker to the Bears and Falcons. Thats just about dead.
After this the Bears have: Lions, SD, @Oak, KC, @Den, Sea, @GB, @MN. A lot of very winnable games.
Talk to me in January!
remember, 1 game doesn't make the season! as you said last week!
but I will say that prevent defense only prevents you from holding onto the lead. stupid
and why punt instead of trying the 47 yd FG to go up 7? Kundiff doesn't kick at that stadium alot but he nailed a 51 yarder. even if he misses, they still needed the touchdown to win. not a smart call on Tomlins part.
Impressive win by the Bears last night. We just ran the ball down their throats. We even gave them a free touchdown on that Forte fumble and still won by 6. The Bears are in solid position to make the playoffs with 5 games left against severely struggling teams. I'm not fully converted to a believer though. If we can win at home against the Lions next Sunday, then I'll get excited. Until then, we're just another midpack NFC team.
I give the Bears lines the credit. Finally zero sacks. Cutler looks good with a little time. And a familiar receiver.
http://youtu.be/2-2yd_EPqB8
Honestly I thought Cutler looked like trash even with time. How many throws with no pressure is he going to throw behind players or low? Still a well played overall game by the Bears though, would be pretty sweet to have 3 teams out of the NFC North make the playoffs.
Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?
Quote from: tacimala on November 09, 2011, 07:30:55 AM
Honestly I thought Cutler looked like trash even with time. How many throws with no pressure is he going to throw behind players or low? Still a well played overall game by the Bears though, would be pretty sweet to have 3 teams out of the NFC North make the playoffs.
Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?
Why don't you let sleeping dogs lie?
Cutler had a 97 QB rating on the road against Philly with average receivers and line. Hardly trash in my opinion.
Quote from: tacimala on November 09, 2011, 07:30:55 AM
Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?
well no worries then, cause they get Balt and Pittsburgh 2 games each!
I'll bet you $20, the Bungles dont make the playoffs Taylor!
oh, and they still got Houston on their schedule as well!
Bears are laying down 2 1/2 againt the Lions this week. Are you putting down a big Lions bet on the moneyline Taylor?
Sr - I guess I have much higher expectations of Cutler with his general demeanor and attitude, along with the aggressive expectations that were set forth when he came over that the media provided. You are right though and I agree that 97 is not a bad passer rating. It should have been much higher with the ball control and clock control that the Bears seemed to exhibit throughout the game.
Dan - Lions and Bears are always a good matchup it seems like regardless of when one team is doing a lot better or not. I'm actually glad that the Bears won so that it will be a better game this week, and potentially setting up an even better game on Thanksgiving. I will be taking the Lions straight up and with the points (obviously if I'm taking them straight up), but I don't do betting outside of the leagues I'm already in as it would make me go crazy. I haven't done that well with spread picks this year, but no one really has with all of the crazy upsets.
I will unfortunately be on a plane for the second half of the game on Sunday. :(
Cutler made several big 3rd down throws that were key to the victory. But I somewhat agree with Taylor, its not as if he put up a monster game.
That being said, the WR play is still a major disappointment. Hester was his usual terrible self. We have no red zone target. Bennett definitley provided a lift, but he doesn't have #1 WR speed or size. Knox has pretty much disappreared off the face of the planet. Sanzenbacher let a ball go through his hands and legs. Roy Williams just looks awkward when he runs (not a good sign for a WR). Give Cutler a couple of the Packer WR's and I think you'd see him stretch this offense vertically alot more often and put up some better statistical performances.
I saw a stat Monday night that just amazed me. Why doesn't Mike Martz let Jay out of the pocket to pass?
As a Bronco he had 26 TD's while rolling out to right or left. as a Bear he has 4. Jay is not a pocket passer. Let him scramble more, and the offense puts up more points, therefore the defense wouldn't always have to be so dominant?!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 09, 2011, 11:26:26 AM
I saw a stat Monday night that just amazed me. Why doesn't Mike Martz let Jay out of the pocket to pass?
As a Bronco he had 26 TD's while rolling out to right or left. as a Bear he has 4. Jay is not a pocket passer. Let him scramble more, and the offense puts up more points, therefore the defense wouldn't always have to be so dominant?!
Because thats completely not a part of Martz's offense and he's a stubborn SOB. This is his last year as offensive coord. Perhaps our next laughably bad O.Coordinator will let Cutler run around more, especially in the red zone. Until then, we're probably headed to a wild card berth and a 1st or 2nd round exit, which will inevitably prolong the career of Jerry Angelo to the detriment of the Chicago Bears.
At the halfway point of the season, I would like to make a prediction...
If the Packers are still unbeaten after week 11, (and they should be) if the Lions don't beat them in week 12, (Turkeyday) they lose week 13 @ the Giants.
They may win it all, but the 1972 Dolphins will remain the one and only.
Quote from: tacimala on November 09, 2011, 09:25:08 AM
Sr - I guess I have much higher expectations of Cutler with his general demeanor and attitude, along with the aggressive expectations that were set forth when he came over that the media provided. You are right though and I agree that 97 is not a bad passer rating. It should have been much higher with the ball control and clock control that the Bears seemed to exhibit throughout the game.
Dan - Lions and Bears are always a good matchup it seems like regardless of when one team is doing a lot better or not. I'm actually glad that the Bears won so that it will be a better game this week, and potentially setting up an even better game on Thanksgiving. I will be taking the Lions straight up and with the points (obviously if I'm taking them straight up), but I don't do betting outside of the leagues I'm already in as it would make me go crazy. I haven't done that well with spread picks this year, but no one really has with all of the crazy upsets.
I will unfortunately be on a plane for the second half of the game on Sunday. :(
Hopefully you were on a plane when Western Michigan gave up 804 yards and 66 points the other night.
Don't care if the Packers go undefeated or not if they win the Super Bowl. I would love to see back to back wins. All of the phone calls and mockery after losing the 2nd trip back in the 90's really sucked.
that should probably happen Scott. I am just tired of hearing all the people on ESPN talking perfect season at the halfway point. There is still at least 11 games to win, and everyone remembers New England a few years back.
Things have changed fast since the Lions destroyed the Bears on Monday night to go to 5-0. Stafford appears to be regressing and the Lions have no running game. They are no longer a lock to make the playoffs. They still have GB, @NO, @Oak, @GB on the schedule.
The Bears, on the other hand, are back to winning with special teams, running the ball, and defense. They are looking very probable for a wildcard spot at this point.
Yes, very pleased that I was able to miss watching that game. Pretty brutal for sure. i would be excited to see the Bears and Lions pick up the two wild card spots, that would be pretty cool. Obviously defense and special teams are not an issue for the Bears, but I do wonder about games when the offense needs to play. On the Lions side, the running game is definitely a big concern, especially when you pick up Kevin Smith off his couch's waivers. Nice to see Suh get a flag for playing football against Cutler again looking at the recap.
Semi-interesting sidenote from this week's action: the Colts now have a full 2 game 'lead' for worst record. If they hold that spot for 6 more games, the speculation about the Colts trading Peyton Manning and drafting Andrew Luck will overwhelm the sports media universe, Favre-style. So be ready to be annoyed by that. The only things that can stop it are the Colts somehow winning 3 of their final 6, or Manning announcing his retirement before the end of the season.
Quote from: Tom McManus on November 07, 2011, 03:05:10 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on October 31, 2011, 11:57:14 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 26, 2011, 02:34:57 PM
I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year. The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.
still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3. you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!
Yes I do Doug.
wow! and all these years I was under the impression that you were one of the smarter ones here?
In Tom's defense, I don't think he realized that the entire AFC would blow this year, which indirectly makes the Steelers rise up with the cream.
what a fool!!
say what ya want, but the 2 best divisions in football are the NFC & AFC North!
Ok well the Broncos put Orton on waviers so I hope the bears can pick him up but also the Texans ate gonna go for him hard also with schub being hurt palso
Quote from: StanK on November 22, 2011, 01:09:08 PM
Ok well the Broncos put Orton on waviers so I hope the bears can pick him up but also the Texans ate gonna go for him hard also with schub being hurt palso
Not happening Stank. The Bears would have to pay him a decent portion of his $7+ million salary just to rent him for a few games. I guarantee they aren't even considering that. What I've heard is they are likely to sign Josh McCown to backup Hanie. There is hope Cutler will be back for the playoffs. We just need to go 3-3 to get there. We've got a cake schedule.
I guess I was wrong Stank. I heard the Bears put in a waiver claim for Orton, although they are close to last on the waiver list, so there is no guarantee we will get him. I thought the Bears were way too cheap to pay a guy $3M to come in and be the backup QB for 6 games. I guess I was wrong.
My thing is, what does having Orton gain us? With Cutler, we have the 22nd ranked passing offense in the NFL. We suck. Yet we are 7-3 which shows that our passing game is not what brings us success. The loss of Cutler won't dramatically change the performance of our team like what you saw with the Colts/Manning this year.
We've got home games against the Chiefs and Seattle. Thats 2 wins whether Hanie, Cutler, McCown, or Orton is our QB. Then we've got road games @DEN and @MN. All we need is 1 of those games to guarantee us a wildcard spot at 10-6. I'd be willing to gamble that we can win 1 of those games with Hanie or some other minimum wage guy back there. Lovie said he expects Cutler to be back by playoff time, so I'm not sure why you'd need Orton at all. I think Hanie can limp this team into the playoffs.
And lets not get carried away on how good Orton is. I don't recall too many people being sorry to see him leave Chicago the 1st time. He doesn't have much of an arm, so all you get is short to intermediate passes. All you are hoping for from Orton is 180 yds and 0 INT. Thats what he can do for you. He won't win you the game, but he won't lose it for you. Hanie can run around better than Orton and maybe keep some plays alive, so I'm more interested to see Hanie get a shot at this to be honest with you. That GB game last year we had no offensive movement whatsoever with Cutler, then with Collins. When Hanie came in suddenly we came alive, although he clearly threw the game away with the interceptions. I'm willing to see him get another shot at this.
I agree Dan
Orton got benched for the pathetic excuse for an NFL QB Tebow! that says it all right there. Haine did a fine job in last years NFC Championship game, and actually gave them a chance to win. with that weak of a schedule, why even bother signing anyone? if they can't win 3 of their next 6 games, they don't deserve to be in the playoffs.
but, if they want to sign someone?? go sign the dude that would love a chance at beating the unbeaten Packers on Christmas Day(if they win the next 2 weeks) Brett Favre! he would be much better than Orton. Why not Bulger? he ran Martz's offense, so not like he would need to learn it!
Quote from: Dan Michler on November 23, 2011, 08:10:54 AM
I guess I was wrong Stank. I heard the Bears put in a waiver claim for Orton, although they are close to last on the waiver list, so there is no guarantee we will get him. I thought the Bears were way too cheap to pay a guy $3M to come in and be the backup QB for 6 games. I guess I was wrong.
My thing is, what does having Orton gain us? With Cutler, we have the 22nd ranked passing offense in the NFL. We suck. Yet we are 7-3 which shows that our passing game is not what brings us success. The loss of Cutler won't dramatically change the performance of our team like what you saw with the Colts/Manning this year.
We've got home games against the Chiefs and Seattle. Thats 2 wins whether Hanie, Cutler, McCown, or Orton is our QB. Then we've got road games @DEN and @MN. All we need is 1 of those games to guarantee us a wildcard spot at 10-6. I'd be willing to gamble that we can win 1 of those games with Hanie or some other minimum wage guy back there. Lovie said he expects Cutler to be back by playoff time, so I'm not sure why you'd need Orton at all. I think Hanie can limp this team into the playoffs.
And lets not get carried away on how good Orton is. I don't recall too many people being sorry to see him leave Chicago the 1st time. He doesn't have much of an arm, so all you get is short to intermediate passes. All you are hoping for from Orton is 180 yds and 0 INT. Thats what he can do for you. He won't win you the game, but he won't lose it for you. Hanie can run around better than Orton and maybe keep some plays alive, so I'm more interested to see Hanie get a shot at this to be honest with you. That GB game last year we had no offensive movement whatsoever with Cutler, then with Collins. When Hanie came in suddenly we came alive, although he clearly threw the game away with the interceptions. I'm willing to see him get another shot at this.
I think you are jumping the gun on Seatle. They are playing some decent football right now.
From what I've read Orton's agent talked to the Bears after it was announced that Cutler's thumb was broken. After that discussion his agent talked to the Broncos about releasing Orton. USA Today said that Orton has been trying to get the word out to the Chiefs that he won't report to any team except the Bears.
My thought is that the Bears pick up Orton and it gives them an alternative to signing Hanie for next year. Hanie is a free agent after this year. Maybe Orton is ok with being the number two QB but would rather be in Chicago. In my theory the Bears sign Orton as the number two QB for next year and don't sign Hanie as a free agent. This then gives the Bears a solid backup QB in Orton. Orton is the kind of guy that at a moments notice can go out and not screw up a game. Then Martz, assuming he's still with the Bears next year, can keep his long term Enderle development project as his number 3 QB.
Alternatively the Bears will let Hanie get his shot this weekend and if he does well then good. If he sucks they can go with Orton and Orton will get a chance to showcase his talents with a winning team and possible playoff exposure if Cutler isn't ready to go by then. That will get Orton some good pub to get signed on as a starter somewhere for next year.
The Bears see Hanie every week in practice so maybe they have a feeling that things aren't going to go well for him on Sunday. Guess we'll find out soon enough.
NFL.com just posted that Orton was picked up by the Chiefs.
Bears signed backup QB Josh McCown to a one year deal. McCown last threw a pass in the NFL in September of 2009. I might want to put Enderle in the game before a guy who hasn't thrown a pass in a game for more than two years. But that's just me, I guess.
I think the Bears will need more than Hanie before it's over. We are about to find out how tough Jay Cutler was this season and or how good our offensive line really is. There is no sure win in the NFL. As banged up and bad our offensive line has been, my guess is Hanie gets hurt quick and we have to rely on third string before the end of season. I hope I'm wrong.
I think Cutler is as tough as QBs come. He comes off sometimes as a smarky, spoiled child/athlete but I haven't seen a tougher quarterback.
Quote from: Jon Brakel on November 24, 2011, 09:46:20 AM
I think Cutler is as tough as QBs come. He comes off sometimes as a smarky, spoiled child/athlete but I haven't seen a tougher quarterback.
Ever seen a guy named Brett Favre play?
Roethlisberger is by far a tougher QB! He has a fractured throwing thumb and is playing this week. Not to mention the broken nose last year and the broken bone in his foot. He has taken way way too many sacks in the last 5 years, I would guess more than any other QB.
Hell Stafford has a broken throwing index finger and is still playing.
Jay is not in the top 5 toughest QB's.
Tom is right as well, Favre played with all kinds of injuries.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 24, 2011, 02:27:59 PM
Roethlisberger is by far a tougher QB! He has a fractured throwing thumb and is playing this week. Not to mention the broken nose last year and the broken bone in his foot. He has taken way way too many sacks in the last 5 years, I would guess more than any other QB.
Hell Stafford has a broken throwing index finger and is still playing.
Jay is not in the top 5 toughest QB's.
Tom is right as well, Favre played with all kinds of injuries.
C'mon man. They are different injuries.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-21/sports/ct-spt-1122-cutler-injury--20111122_1_jay-cutler-thumb-fracture
different or not, his throwing thumb is still broke, and he finished the game it happened in and won, now he is still playing. He needs to watch other games than just the Bears games.
Attacking Cutler's toughness or comparing injuries is just dumb. Nobody but Cutler knows what his broken thumb feels like. And certainly nobody on this forum can say for sure whether Brett Favre or Ben Roethelisberger would play effectively through Jay Cutler's injury.
I mentioned Favre only because Jon mentioned that he hasn't seen a tougher quarterback. There is no way to compare injuries. I will mention that Cutler has played through two seasons without missing a game, while the rapist has only played one full season in the league up to this point in their careers. Also, I don't think that there is a quarterback in the league who has his injuries more discussed in the media than the rapist. Supposedly he is always hurt, is that being tough, or being prone to injuries?
of course he will be injury prone when he wont throw the ball away Tom. But to play thru all of those injuries, yes that proves his toughness. Even you mentioned his piss poor O-Line earlier this year.
and Dan, I broke a thumb playing baseball as a 15 yr old. it was not my throwing thumb, but I batted with it broke. I did not need surgery, just needed set back in place. So I do know what a fractured thumb feels like. But like Tom mentioned, Jon said no QB tougher than Cutler. I will argue that point all day, as I think alot of Bears fans would. Stating that Jay is the toughest, now that is dumb.
It pains me to say it, but I do agree with Doug on Roethlisberger being able to grind it out better than Cutler. He's been sacked more than any other QB in their first 7 seasons and he's missed many games and season 7 isn't even over yet. Also Cutler cried last week, and like the Miller Lite commercials says, that's just not manly.
So back on Steelers hating though, great win last night against the Chiefs, I bet they could have really opened it up and scored two whole touchdowns had they given up a 5th turnover.
Insert Doug response: Hey, a win is a win.
Insert everyone else response: Yes, Doug, we know.
Quote from: tacimala on September 26, 2011, 02:48:42 PM
Yea that game was brutal last night. Ideally Pittsburgh and Indy both get removed from prime time slots for the rest of the season.
This still holds true.
you still get to see them on a Thursday against the Browns, and a Monday night aginst the 49ers! ;D
Quote from: tacimala on November 28, 2011, 07:49:54 AM
It pains me to say it, but I do agree with Doug on Roethlisberger being able to grind it out better than Cutler. He's been sacked more than any other QB in their first 7 seasons and he's missed many games and season 7 isn't even over yet. Also Cutler cried last week, and like the Miller Lite commercials says, that's just not manly.
So back on Steelers hating though, great win last night against the Chiefs, I bet they could have really opened it up and scored two whole touchdowns had they given up a 5th turnover.
Insert Doug response: Hey, a win is a win.
Insert everyone else response: Yes, Doug, we know.
as long as you know it!
8-3, best record in the AFC!
I can't believe that Suh originally said that he lost his balance and that was why Dietrich-Smith was kicked during the Packers game Thursday. What a terrible player. I heard that the suspension might only be 2 games. He should be done for the season based on all of the infractions incurred this season. If the league doesn't do it, Detroit should do an in-house suspension. What a joke.
The Hanie experiment...this week will be the first time that Hanie will sit down after a start and look at film with his coaches and discuss what he did wrong. I guess the next game is when we see if he's made improvements and learned from his mistakes or not. I think this next game is more important for Hanie than his first start. Now we find out if he has potential to grow or if what we saw is all he can deliver. I'm not saying that her has to win or that he has to be great; he just has to improve.
wow, just heard this stat: the Packers have not been behind in the 4th quarter for 17 straight games. That is a holy cow statistic. Let's just hope it doesn't end this weekend or any of the following weekends for quite some time!
Agreed Jon, if you're the Bears staff you have to at least give Hanie this start at KC and see how he does before making any changes. The bottom line, there isn't any good options available at QB. @OAK was a tough matchup. At home vs KC had better look a lot better or its time to ditch Hanie in favor of anybody else with a pulse.
Vikings released McNabb. he is a Chicago boy. Go sign him. he's better than anyone on their bench.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 01, 2011, 11:58:58 AM
Vikings released McNabb. he is a Chicago boy. Go sign him. he's better than anyone on their bench.
If they put in a claim on Orton, then this one seems like a no-brainer. He's certainly better than Hainie and he's got loads of experience. The Bears should be ahead of Houston in the waiver order this time around, so I like our chances.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys pick him up since they also went after Orton. Based on what it says on nfl.com, Cowboys still have a higher waiver spot than the Bears. It's a definite blocker move, but you do whatever you can to secure a spot in the playoffs, do you not?
I think the Bears will land him. Why the Cowboys put the waiver in on Orton suprised me, just like I will be suprised if the Cowboys claim McNabb!
The Bears season is officially over.
Now now Brett, I know the Bears bandwagon is easy to jump up and down on, but everyone said the same thing after the loss to Detroit earlier in the season and then everyone hopped back on a few weeks later.
Get ready for McNabb though.
Quote from: tacimala on December 05, 2011, 07:54:22 AM
Now now Brett, I know the Bears bandwagon is easy to jump up and down on, but everyone said the same thing after the loss to Detroit earlier in the season and then everyone hopped back on a few weeks later.
Get ready for McNabb though.
Forte/Cutler out. 90% of the offense gone. Season over!
Hanie is terrible, that is for sure. Can't quite call the season done yet. Thats because out of this selection of teams, 3 must make the playoffs:
Dallas 7-5 They look terrible.
Chicago 7-5 Terrible
Atlanta 7-5 They look terrible and the Bears hold the tiebreak over them.
Detroit 7-5 Sinking fast.
Giants 6-6 Lost 5 in a row?
Seattle 5-7 Both Seattle and AZ just about need to win out.
Arizona 5-7
All these teams have major issues. The Bears are terrible, but its not inconceivable for them to get 2 more wins and finish 9-7. 9-7 probably has a better than 50% chance at the playoffs for the Bears. I've got the Bears pegged for 8-8 and missing the playoffs.
must be nice to play in the conference where 9-7 gets into the playoffs!! Weak!
oh don't worry, the last seed in your conference too could very well be a 9-7 team. The AFC could have 2 seeds that are 9-7 (4 and 6) and NFC could have 3, big whoop. The team that matters right now is 12-0, that's all I care about.
maybe the winner of the AFC West will have 7 losses, but that's it.
I think the only team left able to beat the Pack is the Saints. they have the offense just like the Packers. That would be a great NFC Championship game.
Rodgers only needed 58 seconds to get yesterdays game! WOW
Doug, what are you talking about? The last wildcard spot in the AFC is 7-5, just like in the NFC. 9-7 has a chance in both conferences. I can't believe we're discussing which conference is better overall. Who cares? There is no big advantage either way. The AFC leads head to head 24-22 so far. There is 1 thing for sure, the Packers are way ahead of everybody.
I think the Saints would have a decent chance to beat the Packers in New Orleans. But the Packers will earn the right to have that matchup played in Lambeau, where it'll be quite a bit tougher to pull off the upset.
I'm stil not sure what to think of the 49ers. Their defense has put up some impressive performances, but their schedule has been easy and Alex Smith is their QB. Good chance the Saints will have to travel to San Fran in the playoffs. That could be an interesting matchup.
Nobody has established themselves as elite in the AFC. That conference is wide open. Whoever gets hot in the playoffs.
I love how Lovie is standing by Hanie as his QB. Sweet! Yesterday's game rated very highly on the unintentional comedy scale. Hester can't field a punt. Hanie can't hit Bennett when there is nobody within 10 yds of him. Roy Williams was Roy Williams. Barber can't line up correctly. Gould is missing FG's now. Hanie doesn't understand the concept of throwing the ball away to avoid a sack. Plus the Hail Mary pass? Priceless.
I can't believe we got topped by Dallas though, who iced their own kicker! Not even Lovie has pulled that off!
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 05, 2011, 02:02:08 PM
Doug, what are you talking about? The last wildcard spot in the AFC is 7-5, just like in the NFC. 9-7 has a chance in both conferences. I can't believe we're discussing which conference is better overall. Who cares? There is no big advantage either way. The AFC leads head to head 24-22 so far. There is 1 thing for sure, the Packers are way ahead of everybody.
whoa, hang on. never once did I say the AFC was better this year! I just said it must be nice to get into the playoffs at 9-7. The piss poor AFC WEST has to have a playoff team(remember the 7-9 Seahawks last year) That will be the only AFC team that makes the playoffs at 9-7. The NFC will most likely have 3 in at 9-7
And yes, if Rodgers stays healthy, they should repeat!
Let's face it. Even if the Bears happen to stumble into the playoffs they aren't going to make a run anyway.
They should go out and hire Farve. Their one and only goal the reast of the season should be to beat Green Bay with Farve. That would make this season a success to me ruining their 16-0 run. Far fetched yes but how awesome would that be.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on December 06, 2011, 08:07:22 AM
Let's face it. Even if the Bears happen to stumble into the playoffs they aren't going to make a run anyway.
They should go out and hire Farve. Their one and only goal the reast of the season should be to beat Green Bay with Farve. That would make this season a success to me ruining their 16-0 run. Far fetched yes but how awesome would that be.
What a sad pathetic way to go through life, wishing misery on someone else.... but if the Bears were headed towards 16-0 I would hope that the Packers could bring Sid Luckman back from the dead to beat the Bears.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on December 06, 2011, 08:07:22 AM
Let's face it. Even if the Bears happen to stumble into the playoffs they aren't going to make a run anyway.
Very true. Even if Cutler and Forte were never injured, this would still be true...unless we played in the AFC.
Do you think the Packers will rest Rodgers at all in the final couple games?
maybe after they have a 21+ point lead late in the game. I think they are determined to do what the Patriots couldn't do a few years back! 19-0
and LMMFAO at unless the Bears were in the AFC!! Funniest thing ever!
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 06, 2011, 11:04:40 AM
Quote from: CEValkyrie on December 06, 2011, 08:07:22 AM
Let's face it. Even if the Bears happen to stumble into the playoffs they aren't going to make a run anyway.
Very true. Even if Cutler and Forte were never injured, this would still be true...unless we played in the AFC.
Do you think the Packers will rest Rodgers at all in the final couple games?
I think the Packers are going to go for 16-0. I think that if they have a comfortable lead in the last game they may rest Rodgers. It seems like they are approaching it in the right way and saying the right things. It would be brutal if he got hurt after they got home field wrapped up.
I am not sure about Rodgers being on the field when Suh is on the field, that guy appears to be a real head case after reading what is going on with his latest incident.
Favre released a statement an hour ago. The title on the story: "No comeback: Favre harbors 'no plans to play football' again" for his sake, I'm glad. I can handle #4 in purple and gold, but blue and orange? don't make me puke!
Quote from: tacimala on November 28, 2011, 07:51:12 AM
Quote from: tacimala on September 26, 2011, 02:48:42 PM
Yea that game was brutal last night. Ideally Pittsburgh and Indy both get removed from prime time slots for the rest of the season.
This still holds true.
Hey Taylor? just a friendly reminder..
Tune in to NFL Network tonight to watch the Steelers become the 1st team in the AFC to reach 10 wins! and oh yea, and not make the playoffs!! LOL
anybody want to question Bens toughness as a QB now? didn't think so!
does anybody care? didn't think so.
Anybody want to continue to question the NFL's decision to put horrible games on primetime featuring the Steelers? Congrats on the big wins against the dominant Browns, Chiefs and Colts. Best hope they can take one of the top two seeds so they can make it to the second round of the playoffs!
if they get the #5 seed, they will beat either Denver or Oakland! Palmer is petrified of the Steelers! and Ben was hobbled the entire 2nd half. was painful to watch. so of course they didn't put up 30 points. but they didn't need to when the Browns only scored 3 ;D
and Brett probably cares. I'm sure he started him in his fantasy league last night?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 09, 2011, 09:35:52 AM
and Brett probably cares. I'm sure he started him in his fantasy league last night?
eh, no. despite a strong finish and an impressive WR core, he has once again been eliminated before the playoffs as I seek my 2nd consecutive title :D big ben screwed me too in my other league. he sucked this year.
fantasy wise, I'm sure he did, as their are just a handful of QB's that have great fantasy years.
that's why big ben is sitting on my bench. Although it does help that I took Aaron Rodgers first overall in the draft... only 8-team league, but I have a 3-game lead on the rest of the league, 2 weeks left before playoffs (annoying that we're doing weeks 16 and 17) nice to already have the #1 seed locked up and have a 100 point lead on most points scored, woo!
and since no one cares about my fantasy team... is it worth buying Packers division champ gear? It's almost like congrats, you tried, but couldn't win it all. I kinda feel bad for the Steelers fans that wear AFC Champs stuff. The one shirt I do NOT want to see getting printed this year is another 18-1 shirt. THAT would hurt!
Quote from: stpitner on December 10, 2011, 09:28:28 PM
I kinda feel bad for the Steelers fans that wear AFC Champs stuff.
I never buy that until they win the SB! I will get the division shirt or hat though!
No one has anything to say about yesterday's games?
haha, guess I shouldn't be mad that they pulled Rodgers early preventing him from getting some more stats to keep his string of 100+ QB rating games going. Oh wait, you weren't talking about that game...
Quote from: stpitner on December 12, 2011, 06:50:14 AM
haha, guess I shouldn't be mad that they pulled Rodgers early preventing him from getting some more stats to keep his string of 100+ QB rating games going. Oh wait, you weren't talking about that game...
I was talking about any game. The Packers dismantle Oakland and Rodgers doesn't play in the fourth quarter and all anyone wants to talk about is Tebow's fourth quarter. It is pretty amazing.
someone wrote in to Mike and Mike this morning on ESPN complaining about the Tebow talk vs 13-0, and Mike and Mike's response was essentially the game was a blowout, there was really nothing to talk about other than Jennings hurting his knee.
If it was the Patriots 13-0? I guarantee you Tebow would be getting practically no mention at all. Stupid east coast bias - and Tebow isn't even on the east coast!
My guess is that everyone simply expected them to kill the Raiders, so there's nothing to talk about since it's business as usual. Lots of weirdness yesterday, which is par for the course this year I guess. I was about ready to break the TV yesterday watching the Lions/Vikings game. Also can't understand how Philly can be so up and down and being that the Giants won yesterday, it puts Philly back in the playoffs race for a moment. Atlanta also had a really good comeback. Watching Tebow was like watching the Lions come back on the Cowboys back in week 3. You felt like it was going to happen, but couldn't believe that it was actually going to.
Oh booo hooo Packer fans. Nobody wants to talk about the fact you blew out Oakland at home....because its boring! This was one of the few Packer games I didn't even bother turning on this year. To every non-Packer fan this was a total snooze fest! Oakland got blown out last week against Miami too. This game was over before it started. The 7 games that came down to the final possession yesterday were alot more interesting headlines.
I believe there is an East Coast bias also, but you two Packer fans are way off-base here. The Tebow story has actually become interesting to casual fans across the country, including myself. This many 4th qtr comebacks in 1 season by a team that by all accounts, is otherwise terrible, is extremely improbable. Throw in the fact that Tebow is one of the more polarizing figures in sports over the past few years and its a no-brainer headline story for the sports news companies.
I the the Pats getting to 16-0 in 2007 was more of a story because it hadn't been done before. Plus the Pats faded late and had three 3 pt victories late in the season. They were barely winning games. The Packers seem to be getting stronger. Now we've seen teams get to 13-0 quite often in recent history. Its not captivating to the casual fan. When they are going for an undefeated record in the Super Bowl, thats when the story will take hold.
what games do you want to talk about? I'll bite!
How about the fact that Houston just keeps winning despite the fact they lost Schaub? Wish the Bears could have done the same...I think most are taking Houston lightly now, but the AFC is wide open enough that I think they still have a chance. I also can't believe the Pats just about lost to Rex Grossman. Their defense is terrible.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 13, 2011, 06:48:25 AM
How about the fact that Houston just keeps winning despite the fact they lost Schaub? Wish the Bears could have done the same...I think most are taking Houston lightly now, but the AFC is wide open enough that I think they still have a chance. I also can't believe the Pats just about lost to Rex Grossman. Their defense is terrible.
I think the combination of forte and cutler is too much, one or the other and they would have been more competitive. You are right about the AFC, a bunch of good teams, no one stands out.
Houston wont win out. Baltimore has to play a rejuvanized S.D. team, and Cincy again. Pittsburgh has easiest schedule of those 4 teams, and has already beaten the Patriots. Pitt will win their last 3 to finish 13-3 (if Ben plays Monday @ S.F.)? Rams, Cleveland. That would mean Ravens would have to come to Pittsburgh to TRY to win for a 3rd time? remember they had to win in the last seconds at Pittsburgh earlier in the year! hate em all you want, but they will make another run!
I don't hate the Steelers at all - I have respect for them similar to how I have respect for the Red Sox while I am a Cubs fan. It's a different dynamic Cubs/Cards ;) I think you're a little over confident on how your team will perform though. I was just looking at their schedules as well before I saw you post this. I think both Ravens and Steelers will go 2-1 in their final 3 games. The Texans look like they could also go 2-1 leaving NE with the #1 seed (@Den, Mia, Buf is NE's remaining schedule).
I'm thinking this will be the seeding:
1. NE
2. Houston
3. Baltimore
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
6. Jets
That would mean Pitt/NE and Balt/Hou Round 2. I'm not confident that the Steelers can get past NE again. If it is an AFC championship game Pitt/Balt - odds are it will be in Baltimore, and regardless it will be one crazy good game. They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
San Fran just lost to Arizona! you think Arizona is better than Pittsburgh? cmon Scott! ::)
have you seen Patriots defense, or I mean lack there of? Redkins lit them up or 27 points!
I'm telling you, if Ben plays Monday, that game wont be close! and you think the Rams or Browns will beat us? Put that pipe down!
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
now who's over confident in their team? You act like Green Bay already a lock on the SB! What if Rodgers goes down, just like Jennings did with his MCL? It'd be over then, cause Flynn wont get it done!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 08:12:18 AM
San Fran just lost to Arizona! you think Arizona is better than Pittsburgh? cmon Scott! ::)
whoa Doug. Don't start using that logic, because it doesn't work. I'll tell you who I think is better than Arizona...San Fran! They lost the 1 game, but just about every team has taken a bad loss this year. That game could go either way whether Ben plays or not. And if Pitt loses, we can then say that Pittsburgh is worse than Arizona according to your statement.
They are not that good! They wont be able to cover the speedy WR's the Steelers have! and if 49ers couldnt score against Arizona, how they going to score against the Black & Golds defense that just gives up 9 pts a game in their last 4 games? use some common sense you guys! why all the hate against the Steelers Dan? how many rings do they need before you will give them the credit they deserve? Ben is Elite, as is his team!
Pitts 3 losses are to division leading teams! they dont lose the games they are suppose to win. I'm sure the 49ers 3 losses are to teams with a losing record! excluding Dallas, who sucks as well!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 09:11:43 AMI'm sure the 49ers 3 losses are to teams with a losing record! excluding Dallas, who sucks as well!
Dallas 7-6 (exclude, they suck)
Baltimore 10-3
Arizona 6-7
Overconfidence is spilling over to your "facts"
I really didn't go look it up Tyler, was guessing. Overconidence? we will see in 6 days!
Doug do the big wins against Indy, Cleveland and Kansas City concern you for the Steelers at all? I mean I know they won, but I'm guessing these are the top tier teams you are referring to? I think the reason people like to talk trash with you on here is because you make up "facts" about things like I make putts...aka not very well.
No. my only concern is that Ben stays healthy. oh nevermind, he's a man, he plays while hurt! And I don't make up facts, just tell it like I see it! I may guess at a few things that I state, but that's not making shit up! I can't help the jealousy that runs rampid on this forum. and that it does, pretty bad!
Hate all ya want, but none of yours and Dans so called Elite QB's have won or been to as many SB's as Ben. Except Brady! FACT! I THINK he is like 83-35 as a QB since he came into league in 2004.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 12:55:51 PM
And I don't make up facts, just tell it like I see it! I may guess at a few things that I state, but that's not making shit up!
Hahahahaha
Quote from: Steven Jacobs on December 13, 2011, 03:06:27 PM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 12:55:51 PM
And I don't make up facts, just tell it like I see it! I may guess at a few things that I state, but that's not making shit up!
Hahahahaha
yea, I realized what I typed after it was too late. This is why I shouldn't ost stuff at work! ;)
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 04:55:07 PM
yea, I realized what I typed after it was too late. This is why I shouldn't ost stuff
fair enough, I'll leave the forum. Only Chicago people should be able to talk sports
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 08:16:48 AM
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
now who's over confident in their team? You act like Green Bay already a lock on the SB! What if Rodgers goes down, just like Jennings did with his MCL? It'd be over then, cause Flynn wont get it done!
Just like Charlie Batch will get it done for the Steelers if "Big Ben" goes down? Oh wait, he always plays even if hurt. You're suggesting that Rodgers can't play hurt? The only game he was out was due to a concussion, and the Packers haven't lost since that game (which will be one year ago in 5 days). So I think I have a good basis to be proud of my team :)
And woo, Jennings should be back well in time for the first playoff game.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 04:55:07 PM
Quote from: Steven Jacobs on December 13, 2011, 03:06:27 PM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 12:55:51 PM
And I don't make up facts, just tell it like I see it! I may guess at a few things that I state, but that's not making shit up!
Hahahahaha
yea, I realized what I typed after it was too late. This is why I shouldn't ost stuff at work! ;)
Post?
On SI.com there is a good article about Rob Gronkowski and comparing him to Mike Ditka.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 09, 2011, 03:39:10 PM
At the halfway point of the season, I would like to make a prediction...
If the Packers are still unbeaten after week 11, (and they should be) if the Lions don't beat them in week 12, (Turkeyday) they lose week 13 @ the Giants.
They may win it all, but the 1972 Dolphins will remain the one and only.
Any more predictions?
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 16, 2011, 02:38:13 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 09, 2011, 03:39:10 PM
At the halfway point of the season, I would like to make a prediction...
If the Packers are still unbeaten after week 11, (and they should be) if the Lions don't beat them in week 12, (Turkeyday) they lose week 13 @ the Giants.
They may win it all, but the 1972 Dolphins will remain the one and only.
Any more predictions?
Only team that has a small chance of beating them is the lions in the regular season. The playoffs will be very hard they will play saints in the 2nd round I believe and brees have been amazing also this year. If they beat them then they will play a very physical 49ers defense so it will be a tough road still to the super bowl
I agree with all of that Stan, except I wouldn't be surprised if Cutler comes back to play the Packers.
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 16, 2011, 05:58:20 AM
I agree with all of that Stan, except I wouldn't be surprised if Cutler comes back to play the Packers.
If I was lovie I won't play Cutler
I disagree with Stan on his projection of how the playoffs will go. SF and NO are going to be the 2 and 3 seeds. Its still to be determined who will be the 2 and who will be the 3, but its going to be those 2 teams. So, I'm not sure how Stan is projecting the Packers to play the Saints in the 2nd round. The 2 will play the 3 if the 3 beats the 6 in the wildcard round. And the NFL playoffs re-seed after each round, so the Packers will have a home playoff game in Round 2 against the lowest seed left.
Potential 2nd rd opponents are Dallas, NYG, Lions, Falcons, or Bears. The Packers win any of those games in Lambeau in a blowout. Then they would face the winner of Saints/SF in Lambeau for the NFC title game. Either of those teams have a chance, but the Packers are certainly the heavy favorite.
I like the Packers to go 19-0 this year. Its bound to happen eventually, and this will be the year.
Rodgers' first off-day in forever. Shocking to see him complete such a low % of passes. This was probably a good thing for the Packers chances to win the Super Bowl. Now there is no discussion about sitting anybody next week. They have to win still to clinch home-field and they'll probably have a little more of an edge now that they've been knocked down a couple pegs.
They'll have an easy W next week against the laughable Chicago Bears.
If I were a Packer fan I'd be very concerned right now about the potential for a bad weather game in Lambeau in January that produces a low scoring game like today. This team would be better off with a roof over Lambeau.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 18, 2011, 03:18:21 PM
Rodgers' first off-day in forever. Shocking to see him complete such a low % of passes. This was probably a good thing for the Packers chances to win the Super Bowl. Now there is no discussion about sitting anybody next week. They have to win still to clinch home-field and they'll probably have a little more of an edge now that they've been knocked down a couple pegs.
They'll have an easy W next week against the laughable Chicago Bears.
If I were a Packer fan I'd be very concerned right now about the potential for a bad weather game in Lambeau in January that produces a low scoring game like today. This team would be better off with a roof over Lambeau.
Can't blame that loss on the weather, the Packers were outplayed. It was pretty nice in KC today. If someone said the Packers would be 13-1 at this point in the season, I would be ecstatic.
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 16, 2011, 02:38:13 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on November 09, 2011, 03:39:10 PM
At the halfway point of the season, I would like to make a prediction...
If the Packers are still unbeaten after week 11, (and they should be) if the Lions don't beat them in week 12, (Turkeyday) they lose week 13 @ the Giants.
They may win it all, but the 1972 Dolphins will remain the one and only.
Any more predictions?
nope, it held up. 1972 Dolphins! :o
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 16, 2011, 03:38:44 PM
I like the Packers to go 19-0 this year. Its bound to happen eventually, and this will be the year.
he has to be the biggest JYNX ever! everytime !!
it will never happen again. way to hard!
a friend of mine has 2 tickets to Packers/Bears $150.00 each. 25yd.line 40 rows up
anyone interested, IM me
Who wants to watch that exhibition game? Cutler, Forte, & Knox. That is 99.9% of the offense. Deduct into the negatives with Hanie throwing TD's to the other team. Wow this team sucks!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 18, 2011, 05:21:34 PM
it will never happen again. way to hard!
Doug, this is a ludicrous statement. If not for a 4th and long miracle catch by the Giants, the Pats were 19-0 just 3 years ago. Clearly its not impossible. Its just improbable. If enough seasons go by eventually the odds will be overcome.
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 18, 2011, 05:09:17 PM
Can't blame that loss on the weather, the Packers were outplayed. It was pretty nice in KC today. If someone said the Packers would be 13-1 at this point in the season, I would be ecstatic.
But if someone told you that in Week 15 the Packers would lose ugly to a 5 win team that just fired their head coach, and the offensive line would get hit wtih 2 more injuries leaving it pretty much decimated, you would not be so ecstatic. Rationalize all you want, this was not a good sign for the Pack.
And I realize the weather wasn't bad in KC, but I still think a bad weather game will be to the disadvantage of the Packers. They have won by outscoring everybody all year long. Running and defense isn't in their vocabulary. If San Fran gets through to the NFC title game, I'm sure they'll be hoping for a windy 0 degree game in Lambeau.
2 of the preseason favorites, the Chargers and the Eagles, have finally looked like the best 2 teams in the league lately. It'll be interesting if either of them finds the back door into the playoffs.
The Eagles actually have a realistic chance. They just need to win their last 2 games (@DAL, vs WAS) and hope Dallas loses the season finale @NYG. Thats not too much of a longshot.
The Chargers on the other hand, need Denver to lose @BUF and vs KC, and they need to win @DET and @OAK. Its not impossible, but it seems like a longshot.
Detroit may have needed that big comeback against Oakland. They finish with SD and GB. Still, if they lose both of those games and either Arizona or Seattle wins their next 2, Detroit could still miss the playoffs.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 19, 2011, 05:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 18, 2011, 05:09:17 PM
Can't blame that loss on the weather, the Packers were outplayed. It was pretty nice in KC today. If someone said the Packers would be 13-1 at this point in the season, I would be ecstatic.
But if someone told you that in Week 15 the Packers would lose ugly to a 5 win team that just fired their head coach, and the offensive line would get hit wtih 2 more injuries leaving it pretty much decimated, you would not be so ecstatic. Rationalize all you want, this was not a good sign for the Pack.
And I realize the weather wasn't bad in KC, but I still think a bad weather game will be to the disadvantage of the Packers. They have won by outscoring everybody all year long. Running and defense isn't in their vocabulary. If San Fran gets through to the NFC title game, I'm sure they'll be hoping for a windy 0 degree game in Lambeau.
I am much more concerned with the injuries than with the loss. I am glad the undefeated talk is over as much as it would have been nice to see. I am not rationalizing anything. To go a full year without a loss is amazing. Two teams that had new coaches won yesterday. Kansas City plays tough at home and were playing hard for a new coach, and they just plain out beat the Packers. The Packers were outplayed, first time in over a year it has happened. We will see what happens, the Packers don't look as invincible as they did a couple of weeks ago, but I still like their chances. Finley does need to do a better job of holding on to the easy catches, he makes the tough ones and drops the easy ones.
You're glad the undefeated talk is over? A week ago on this forum you stated that it was 'amazing' how people only want to talk Tebow even though the Packers just chalked up a blowout over Oakland. At 13-0, you thought there wasn't enough Packer talk, but at 13-1 you are okay with the loss because at least the talk is over.
I think you should check the definition of rationalizing, Tom. As one you rationalizes countless Cubs losses every year, I know it when I hear it.
But I agree with you, the Packers are still the team to beat. And any talk of the Saints stealing home-field advantage next week will be squashed when the Packers blow out the Bears 45-0.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 19, 2011, 05:03:38 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 18, 2011, 05:21:34 PM
it will never happen again. way to hard!
Doug, this is a ludicrous statement. If not for a 4th and long miracle catch by the Giants, the Pats were 19-0 just 3 years ago. Clearly its not impossible. Its just improbable. If enough seasons go by eventually the odds will be overcome.
the best chance of it happening was when the Patriots lost in the SB. 40 years and counting. it may happen Dan, but we wont see it! again, way to hard
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 13, 2011, 07:23:22 AM
Houston wont win out. Baltimore has to play a rejuvanized S.D. team, and Cincy again. Pittsburgh has easiest schedule of those 4 teams, and has already beaten the Patriots. Pitt will win their last 3 to finish 13-3 (if Ben plays Monday @ S.F.)? Rams, Cleveland. That would mean Ravens would have to come to Pittsburgh to TRY to win for a 3rd time? remember they had to win in the last seconds at Pittsburgh earlier in the year! hate em all you want, but they will make another run!
what a genius!
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
I don't hate the Steelers at all - I have respect for them similar to how I have respect for the Red Sox while I am a Cubs fan. It's a different dynamic Cubs/Cards ;) I think you're a little over confident on how your team will perform though. I was just looking at their schedules as well before I saw you post this. I think both Ravens and Steelers will go 2-1 in their final 3 games. The Texans look like they could also go 2-1 leaving NE with the #1 seed (@Den, Mia, Buf is NE's remaining schedule).
I'm thinking this will be the seeding:
1. NE
2. Houston
3. Baltimore
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
6. Jets
That would mean Pitt/NE and Balt/Hou Round 2. I'm not confident that the Steelers can get past NE again. If it is an AFC championship game Pitt/Balt - odds are it will be in Baltimore, and regardless it will be one crazy good game. They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
better re shuffle these Scott!
Balt is the #5 seed as of now!
your team still hasn't played yet this week, so hush. I said both Balt and Pitt will each go 2-1, it just means that Balt needs to win the next 2. Pitt's going to have a tough game tonight against SF, especially with the Packers loss.
I was talking to my brother's last night about the Packers O-Line. Sherrod broken leg, done. Bulaga sprained a knee again. Sitton is back though, Clifton should be back before the playoffs, and hopefully Bulaga can recover quickly and not get hurt again. If they can shore the O-Line back up, they'll be fine. Otherwise they will be hard pressed to let Aaron do what he needs to do. There's only so much support that a TE or RB can give!
I love the talk of how the Chiefs laid out a blueprint for how to beat the Packers. I'm pretty sure every team has the blueprint, its all about execution. You dominate a team 36 to 23 min in time of possession, put pressure on their QB, prevent big plays, and don't turn the ball over. Thats ground breaking stuff!
Honestly, the Chiefs could have easily won by a lot more. They settled for FG's from inside the 5 yd line on 2 occassions.
I do find it humorous that Kyle Orton is the QB that stopped the Packers from making history. 23/31 passing kept the chains moving and kept the ball out of Rodgers' hands. I think they need a healthy Greg Jennings more than most people originally thought. Jordy Nelson didn't look so hot as the #1 guy.
That play he almost made for the onside kick was pretty sweet though! Wasn't all that close since he went out of bounds, but was still exciting to almost watch unfold.
Quote from: stpitner on December 19, 2011, 08:01:08 AM
your team still hasn't played yet this week, so hush. I said both Balt and Pitt will each go 2-1, it just means that Balt needs to win the next 2. Pitt's going to have a tough game tonight against SF, especially with the Packers loss.
what does the Packers loss have to do with S.F.? Packs 1 loss already has homefield throughout the playoffs. 49ers will be a #3 seed, Saints #2.
Ben is playing. he knows that a win tonight means the road to Indy in the AFC will go through Pittsburgh! ;D
if they stop Gore, should be an easy win!
better explain my statement.
Pack will win 1 of next 2 games to secure homefield throughout!
Hey Dan? since you are the sports GURU here. has the 2 teams in the previous SB ever been the #1 seeds the following year?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 19, 2011, 09:04:37 AM
Hey Dan? since you are the sports GURU here. has the 2 teams in the previous SB ever been the #1 seeds the following year?
The Cowboys and Bills played in the '92-93 Super Bowl, then were the top seeds in the '93-94 season and ended up rematching in the Super Bowl.
ok, tough or not, after watching pre game warmups, Ben should NOT play tonight!! why get hurt worse and miss the playoffs? he wont be able to get away from trouble. 49ers will probably have 10 sacks. Dixon could beat this team! 49ers cornerbacks can't hang with Wallace and Browns speed!
Doug, do I still need to reshuffle those standings?
Its official. The Arizona Cardinals are much better than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now now I'm sure there are plenty of facts, figures, reasons, opinions and excuses as to why the 49ers didn't not lose and why the Steelers are still the better team. As I've commented on after every primetime Steelers game though this season, ideally the NFL takes notice and stops playing them in those slots. Just brutal showings every time. My guess is that even the power company in SF knew they played boring football so they shut it off a few times just to spark some excitement.
refer to my post at 6 something last night Taylor. I will eat my crow for today though. but get used to Steelers in primetime! when your as storied as a franchise as they are, they will always get primetime games! they are not the 0-16 Lions of a few years ago, and never will be!
Quote from: stpitner on December 19, 2011, 09:27:42 PM
Doug, do I still need to reshuffle those standings?
I'm going to say yes. there is still 2 weeks to play.
S.D. will be the #4 seed, not Denver
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 20, 2011, 09:22:30 AM
refer to my post at 6 something last night Taylor. I will eat my crow for today though. but get used to Steelers in primetime! when your as storied as a franchise as they are, they will always get primetime games! they are not the 0-16 Lions of a few years ago, and never will be!
I'm actually better with the Steelers in primetime than the Packers. I get sick of hearing about how great their fans are. A fan base that is stupid enough to buy fake stock should not be proud of itself. :D
Doug I'm not trying to take the Doug stance that means anytime I bring up a point that I'm actually trying to talk about the team that I root for. While the Lions have been much more exciting and enjoyable to watch this season compared to seasons past and would be a better team in primetime compared to the Steelers, I wasn't saying that they should be featured instead. I was just simply stating that the Steelers should not be and insert most other teams instead that aren't Indianapolis, Cleveland or Jacksonville. Pretty much every other team is more interesting to watch at this point.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 20, 2011, 10:17:45 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 20, 2011, 09:22:30 AM
refer to my post at 6 something last night Taylor. I will eat my crow for today though. but get used to Steelers in primetime! when your as storied as a franchise as they are, they will always get primetime games! they are not the 0-16 Lions of a few years ago, and never will be!
I'm actually better with the Steelers in primetime than the Packers. I get sick of hearing about how great their fans are. A fan base that is stupid enough to buy fake stock should not be proud of itself. :D
If the Bears were 28-12 against the Packers since 1992 I wouldn't want to watch the Bears either. Actually the Bears are 12-28 against the Packers in the last 20 years, and I still don't want to watch them. It has nothing to do with the fans, I would rather watch good football.
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 20, 2011, 10:45:41 AM
If the Bears were 28-12 against the Packers since 1992 I wouldn't want to watch the Bears either. Actually the Bears are 12-28 against the Packers in the last 20 years, and I still don't want to watch them. It has nothing to do with the fans, I would rather watch good football.
That 28-12 record is deceiving. Its too small a sample size and the Bears really haven't played their best football in those 40 games. Lets wait until at least 2050 before we make any determinations about who is winning this rivalry.
At least you aren't defending the fake stock. When they recently decided to sell more fake stock and I had to hear about how unique the Packers are for being 'publicly owned', it made me want to puke.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 20, 2011, 09:23:27 AM
I'm going to say yes. there is still 2 weeks to play.
S.D. will be the #4 seed, not Denver
Lets bet on this Doug! I'm taking Tebow. You get the Chargers. If Oakland wins the division, there is no action. $50.
Quote from: tacimala on December 20, 2011, 10:24:12 AM
Doug I'm not trying to take the Doug stance that means anytime I bring up a point that I'm actually trying to talk about the team that I root for. While the Lions have been much more exciting and enjoyable to watch this season compared to seasons past and would be a better team in primetime compared to the Steelers, I wasn't saying that they should be featured instead. I was just simply stating that the Steelers should not be and insert most other teams instead that aren't Indianapolis, Cleveland or Jacksonville. Pretty much every other team is more interesting to watch at this point.
I don't know what neck of the woods you are from, but last I checked it was the National Football League, not the EXCITING Football League. No matter how exciting, impressive ,points out the ass, whatever, a win is a win, no matter what. Score more points than the opposition. and the Steelers have done that 10 times this year. the goal is the playoffs, not pleasing Taylor! get over yourself, PLEASE! noboday cares what you think, especially the NFL, and Steelers Fans!
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 20, 2011, 11:14:35 AM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 20, 2011, 09:23:27 AM
I'm going to say yes. there is still 2 weeks to play.
S.D. will be the #4 seed, not Denver
Lets bet on this Doug! I'm taking Tebow. You get the Chargers. If Oakland wins the division, there is no action. $50.
I'm at work Dan. let me get home and look at those 2 remaining games. I will get back to ya.
can't really believe you believe in Tebow enough to bet $50. that dude couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat, let alone hit his wide open WR's. but that running game is tremendous. and he does play 2 weak teams. and holds the tie breaker over S.D.
S.D. has to go on the road for the next 2 games, where they are 2-4 on the year. but they have scored 30+ points in 3 straight games, 1 against Balt, a much better defense than Denvers. I don't think Tebow can score 30 points. But odds are against me big time here. just give me until tomorrow to decide?
I'd fully support one buying the other $50 worth of Paper or Plastic Sports stock... er uhm, I mean gift certificates ;)
Breaking NEWS:
A drunken Green Bay Packers fan was charged with child abuse after police say the woman grabbed her 11-year-old daughter by the neck and choked her on Sunday after becoming angered by the Packers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Post-Crescent of Appleton reported.
The 36-year-old Grand Chute, Wis., woman was charged Monday in Outagamie County Circuit Court with felony child abuse and misdemeanor counts of bail jumping and disorderly conduct, and is being held in jail on a $2,500 cash bond.
Police were called to a Grand Chute hotel at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, roughly five hours after the Packers' 19-14 loss to the Chiefs ended Green Bay's chance at a perfect season, according to the Post-Crescent.
According to the criminal complaint, the girl said that after the Packers lost her mother choked her with enough force that she could not breathe.
The woman's husband also told police she threw her dinner on the floor, broke a lamp and tried to punch him in the face because she was upset about the game, according to the report.
Pam likes to watch the Packer's with me, thank goodness it has been a year between dinners ending up on the floor.
no food was thrown, or children choked Monday night. guess I'm not an ultimate fan?? ;D
okay Dan, how's this? not very comortable betting $50.00 on something I have no control over. but I will take S.D. to win that division, you get Tebow, and like you said, if Oakland wins, no money changes hands. I will do half o your initial bet, so $25.00?
how's that? and do you want a check after the fact, or can we pay up on the golf course this spring/summer?
$25. Game on Doug. You can give me my money on the golf course next spring, if you wish. I have full faith in the Tebow.
sounds like Elway finally does too. he made a statement yesterday that, Tebow is not going anywhere
Tebow would be a perfect QB for the Bears. I say that knowing full well he can't throw the ball efficiently. He does, however, make a few big plays per game that produce points. He also seems to have a positive effect on the team's overall play and he hasn't been turning the ball over. We suck so bad with the offensive line and the WR's that we might as well have a guy like Tebow and try to win with defense and special teams. Lets trade Cutler for some picks and go get Tebowed.
Ha how funny would that be to trade Cutler back to Denver?
I was a fan of Dan Marino as a little kid. I can't believe his passing yds record stood for so long. Something to keep in mind when it gets broken this year by Brees and probably Brady as well.
In 1984 there were 3 QB's that threw for 4000 yards. This year there will be 10 over 4000. Marino threw 48 TD that year when there was only 1 other QB that had 30 TD. This year there will be at least 5 QB with 30 TD. He did it in 564 pass attempts that year. 5 guys will fly by that number this year. Brees is already at 583 pass attempts.
I would still rate Marino's '84 season as the greatest passing season of all-time when you consider how far he separated himself from the rest of the league.
Coincidentally Eric Dickerson's single season rushing yards mark from that season also still stands at 2105 yards. Thats going to be a tough one to break.
we also need to remember that Marino NEVER had a reliable RB. that's why he was a passing machine. I still feel, if he had a RB like Ray Rice or McCoy, he would have a SB Ring!
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 22, 2011, 05:58:14 AM
I was a fan of Dan Marino as a little kid. I can't believe his passing yds record stood for so long. Something to keep in mind when it gets broken this year by Brees and probably Brady as well.
In 1984 there were 3 QB's that threw for 4000 yards. This year there will be 10 over 4000. Marino threw 48 TD that year when there was only 1 other QB that had 30 TD. This year there will be at least 5 QB with 30 TD. He did it in 564 pass attempts that year. 5 guys will fly by that number this year. Brees is already at 583 pass attempts.
I would still rate Marino's '84 season as the greatest passing season of all-time when you consider how far he separated himself from the rest of the league.
I agree, and I feel that Roger Maris had the greatest season hitting home runs. I say this with no sarcasm.
I still have Marino's rookie card. Sits right next to Peyton Manning's and all 24 rookies of Ben. Marino's used to be valued at over $100, but has went down considerably over the last 10 years. Damn throwing league now a days! :(
ebay killed the card industry (among other things). unless it's graded or autographed, there's even less interest out there. That's why I stopped buying cards. It also used to be anything older than 80's cards were good to have, but because of eBay, etc, it's now cards from the 50's and earlier than that now that are the key ones to have. That applies to all of the sports too. so frustrating!
Quote from: stpitner on December 22, 2011, 11:36:54 AM
ebay killed the card industry (among other things). unless it's graded or autographed, there's even less interest out there. That's why I stopped buying cards. It also used to be anything older than 80's cards were good to have, but because of eBay, etc, it's now cards from the 50's and earlier than that now that are the key ones to have. That applies to all of the sports too. so frustrating!
Any hobby you get into you should do it because you want to, not to make money. If you are in it for the money that is fine, but if you go into it thinking you are going to make money chances are you will be disappointed.
I used to do card shows Scott, and set up tables. I kept the rookies I thought would be of some value for the grandkids. I sold my entire table one card show for a #1 of 5 Kordell Stewart GOLD, that booked for $800 and $200 cash. needless to say I lost money on the Kordell card,, but after seeing the interest get lost, I knew I had to do something.
I now collect old discs. And that value has went thru the roof, even on Ebay. look sometime at the old bullet stamp XD's or Big Bird San Marino Rocs. used they sell for $30 on ebay.
heh yeah, I stopped doing card shows when I realized that the majority of the people there were just trying to take the most advantage of those taking the largest loss, or they were trying to offer you 50% of what you could sell it for on eBay just so that they could go on eBay and sell it themselves. It was pretty lame. My worst card show I think I sold $7 worth of stuff? for a $40 table I was raking it in! lol. I still have a 2004 topps chrome gold xfractor uncirculated Big Ben though ;) I won a box of topps chrome and that was the box topper. Not too shabby :)
wanna get rid of it?
Aaron Rodgers is good.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FMMafWSMM&h=AAQHsC6M9AQETfjoYUjbZidkGmCT67bJuj3p8E-PNZOmuzA
I was stoked when I heard the Aaron Rodgers comment - until he allowed it to be called frolf and called it as just a hippie sport. However, at least he throws backhand! It would be really cool to play a round with the guy. I wonder what it would take to run a charity disc golf event and get Aaron to show up at it... ;) I'd have to go north of the border to host it for sure!
I saw Terry post something online that he's been trying to get something together like that. Would be pretty neat for sure.
Sam Hurd could run a non pdga event !
Quote from: Tom McManus on November 27, 2011, 07:50:04 AM
I mentioned Favre only because Jon mentioned that he hasn't seen a tougher quarterback. There is no way to compare injuries. I will mention that Cutler has played through two seasons without missing a game, while the rapist has only played one full season in the league up to this point in their careers. Also, I don't think that there is a quarterback in the league who has his injuries more discussed in the media than the rapist. Supposedly he is always hurt, is that being tough, or being prone to injuries?
Eight years in the NFL and the Rapist has only been able to make it through one season by playing all 16 games. That doesn't seem particularly tough to me. At least by NFL standards. He actually hurt his team by staying in the game last week. If his coaches had any sense they would have benched him.
Like I said before the game. His pregame warmup told me he wasn't ready to play. If they needed to start him fine, but after his 2nd INT and knowing he was not able to scramble away from the defense, YES they should have pulled his ass. But like the announcers said, he is BIG BEN, and he has proven time after time that he can play through injuries. But this was one he couldn't play through. Just get him healthy for the playoffs that they are already in. we all know what he is capable of come playoff time! ;D
That flip over the defender in getting into the endzone by Jerome Simpson, of the Cincinnati Bengals was one of the most amazing plays I have ever seen an NFL player make. It was unreal.
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 26, 2011, 07:07:54 AM
That flip over the defender in getting into the endzone by Jerome Simpson, of the Cincinnati Bengals was one of the most amazing plays I have ever seen an NFL player make. It was unreal.
that it was Tom. just unreal! The commentators all gave him a 10, but said the German judge only saw it as a 9.5. :o
that has got to be the #1 play on the NFL Networks top 5 plays of the week!
Kind of a stupid idea though too even though it looked cool. That goes slightly differently and he goes from a sportscenter top 10 TD to an it was good playing with you TD. Bummer about AP, hopefully he comes back 100% from that injury, such a fun (and sometimes hard) player to watch. Nice to see the Lions take care of business from start to finish as well. Kind of surprised to see Buffalo play like weeks 1-5 as well, will be interesting to see if Oakland or Denver gets the playoff spot.
Unfortunately the guy that did the flip is the same guy that tried his best to be an NBA player with this flop earlier in the season http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmT_28N4_Mo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmT_28N4_Mo) it will be near the end of the video and draws a penalty flag.
Doug's prediction back on page 9 of this thread:
"The piss poor AFC WEST has to have a playoff team(remember the 7-9 Seahawks last year) That will be the only AFC team that makes the playoffs at 9-7. The NFC will most likely have 3 in at 9-7."
First of all, Doug thinks the Seahawks are in the AFC West, so he's got that going for him. In the NFC, there will not be more than two 9-7 teams in the playoffs. The Falcons are 9-6, but have clinched, so I'm not sure how hard they'll try to get win #10.
The AFC is likely to have two 9-7 teams in if Cincy loses to Baltimore, and if Oakland and Denver both lose there will be an 8-8 team in. Got any more predictions?
Doug's other 2011 predictions:
Steelers were supposed to win the Super Bowl.
Anybody that thought Pujols would leave the Cardinals was an idiot.
Got any words of wisdom for 2012?
1st of all I was saying the AFC West might have a 9-7 team make it (referring to the Seahawks who made the playoffs last year, cause ALL divisions have to have 1 team in the playoffs) you goof ball. I know what teams are in each conference.
and Cincy will beat Baltimore, so only 1 team at 9-7 in AFC. Mark it down! ;D Pitt gets a bye!
Pittsburgh made it to the SB, but faced a better team. at least they were there.
my words of wisdom for 2012? I actually think you should not make any predictions at all. I may be off on a few, but I know every year, your Chicago predictions always fall through. I know you predict with your heart, but cmon!
Dan - I think Atlanta will probably want a win on Sunday, but it will depend on the outcome of the Lions/Packers game. If the Lions win, Atlanta gets 6 seed no matter what. If the Lions lose and the Falcons win, then Atlanta would get the 5 seed. A first round matchup against Dallas or NYG is much more favorable than the Saints.
Now the question is what kind of Packers team is going to show up on Sunday. The way that the Lions played the Chargers it could be a shootout either way, but that is only one game of greatness which has not been the case all season.
I would expect the Packers to sit Rodgers for at least the 2nd half, although Matt Flynn has shown he is pretty functional. I agree that the Lions and Falcons both probably want that 5 seed if possible. As a Lions fan, what sounds more daunting right now, a game in the Superdome or a game in Lambeau?
does that really matter? they wont win either game!
Saints @ Packers NFC Championship game!
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 28, 2011, 07:35:10 AM
I would expect the Packers to sit Rodgers for at least the 2nd half, although Matt Flynn has shown he is pretty functional. I agree that the Lions and Falcons both probably want that 5 seed if possible. As a Lions fan, what sounds more daunting right now, a game in the Superdome or a game in Lambeau?
I would think going to the Superdome might be tougher. I can see the Packers, 49ers, Lions, or Saints come out of the NFC. Regarding predictions Dan has picked the Packers from Day one this year, so I would say his prediction skills have been pretty good.
he also said this was the year or perfection! how'd that work out? :D
Quote from: Tom McManus on December 28, 2011, 08:07:22 AM
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 28, 2011, 07:35:10 AM
I would expect the Packers to sit Rodgers for at least the 2nd half, although Matt Flynn has shown he is pretty functional. I agree that the Lions and Falcons both probably want that 5 seed if possible. As a Lions fan, what sounds more daunting right now, a game in the Superdome or a game in Lambeau?
I would think going to the Superdome might be tougher. I can see the Packers, 49ers, Lions, or Saints come out of the NFC. Regarding predictions Dan has picked the Packers from Day one this year, so I would say his prediction skills have been pretty good.
and they haven't won the SB yet Tom! don't count them chickens before they hatch!
I was discussing this last night actually and I think that the Lions match up better with the Packers than the Saints, regardless of the location. If the Lions got the 5 seed and won the first game and somehow Atlanta beat the Saints, I would be very excited for them to play the 49ers in the second round. I feel like they peaked around week 10 or so. Granted that's all pretty idealistic and not probably going to happen.
I think any team in the NFC will beat the 49ers. just not enough offense to beat the high scoring teams, except maybe the Giants. 49ers will be 1 and done!
and no matter who the #5 seed is in the AFC, they will beat the Broncos or the Raiders!
Sounds like the NFC will be the champion again this year using Doug logic!
that's what I'm saying. as much as it hurts to say. Patriots can score alot of points, but that defense is the worst against the pass. unless the Giants get in, then upset everybody and make it to the SB, yes an NFC team will be Champs this year!
December 28th, 2011 is a day that will live in infamy based on reading that response!
Even though it came with little fanfare, that the NFC won the inter-conference rivalry over the AFC on Christmas Eve was significant.
You have to go back to 1995 to find the last time the NFC won a season against the AFC. Sure, there have been ties, but the AFC has had a pronounced edge. It was interesting that this year the series went down to the final two games. The Giants' victory over the Jets and the Lions' thumping of the Chargers were the clinchers, giving the NFC a 33-31 edge.
The NFC has made great strides since 2004, when they lost to the AFC 44-20, and 2006, when they lost 40-24. Quarterbacks are a big reason. The Packers' Aaron Rodgers and the Saints' Drew Brees are the top two candidates for MVP. Eli Manning of the Giants is probably in the top five.
Cam Newton of the Panthers exploded onto the scene with record-breaking numbers. The depth at quarterback was so great that Matthew Stafford of the Lions has thrown for 4,518 yards and is no better than a second alternate for the Pro Bowl.
There is no need for the NFC to get cocky about this year's success because it could be fleeting. Peyton Manning's neck injury helped change the balance. Because Manning's no-huddle offense is a matchup nightmare for NFC teams that see Indianapolis only once every four years, the Colts usually go 3-1 or 4-0 against the NFC. This year they were 0-4. Plus, the AFC South was in a quarterback transition and went 5-11 against the NFC North.
Since the great quarterback draft class of 1983, when the AFC landed John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly, the NFC has often had to play second fiddle. Since 1970, the AFC has won the season series against the NFC 26 times, losing nine and tying seven. In the past 16 years (including 2011), the AFC is 13-1-2.
The quality of quarterbacks in the NFC should keep this rivalry balanced. It's a quarterback-driven league and the NFC has built up its stable of throwers.
John Clayton espn
WOW :o Matt Flynn Throws 6 TD's and 480 yds. Both ALL TIME Green Bay records. who would have thought that?? I'm eating crow once again. The QB's in Green Bay look very good Tom! Congrats!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 01, 2012, 01:45:22 PM
WOW :o Matt Flynn Throws 6 TD's and 480 yds. Both ALL TIME Green Bay records. who would have thought that?? I'm eating crow once again. The QB's in Green Bay look very good Tom! Congrats!
Stafford threw for 520 and 5 TD in the same game. Apparently defense was optional.
DET@NO next week. I think thats the most interesting 1st round playoff matchup.
Stafford went over 5000 yards this season with that performance. 3 QB in 2011 with 5000 yards. This is basically a completely different game than what was played 15 years ago.
Calvin Johnson with 1680 yds 16 TD this season. Alot of talk about Brees as the runner-up MVP to Rodgers this year, but I think Calvin Johnson should be in the discussion. He is by far the most dominant WR in football.
It is a completely different game. And not one I am a fan of, but it isn't going back in the other direction. I think Rodgers is the MVP, not that I am biased or anything. I wonder if Flynn's performance today hurt Rodger's chances of winning the MVP.
I was talking about MVP runner-up Tom. Rodgers has the MVP on lock. There is no question about that.
Doug, that's twenty-five bones buddy! Denver wins the AFC West.
yep, I got ya.
Is it PIttsburgh and Denver next week?
I smell another 25 dollar bet Doug! I'll take Denver and the points (Pitt is the obvious favorite). You in? I'll post the line later this week.
Brees with 5 more TD's today. Backup QB at Green Bay with 6? How hard could it be to QB in GB? Brees for MVP.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 01, 2012, 09:23:00 PM
Brees with 5 more TD's today. Backup QB at Green Bay with 6? How hard could it be to QB in GB? Brees for MVP.
I'm assuming thats a joke. Matt Flynn a free agent next year. Expect him to get a pretty good deal from somebody, similar to Kevin Kolb who got paid based on his success in a couple games as backup in Philly.
Brees had another great year. But Rodgers is going to win the award in a landslide. It will not be close.
real men don't need the points in a bet! I'll take Pitt straight up tho! it's in Denver, that should be as good as getting points!
Steelers are favored by 8 points. If Ben was 100% and Mendenhall was playing, I would take the bet. But since Mendenhall is out with a ACL tear, and Ben is only about 70%, I will give you 3 points?? you in? your already up $25, the worst you could do is break even, you wont owe me anything, but could be up $50!
Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 01, 2012, 09:23:00 PM
Brees with 5 more TD's today. Backup QB at Green Bay with 6? How hard could it be to QB in GB? Brees for MVP.
Why so bitter?
Rodgers called the plays in the first half for the Packers. Peter King in SI made a good case for Rodgers for MVP. Rodgers threw about 150 less passes, and played 8 less games indoors. I think that Rodgers will win, but I think it will be closer than Dan believes.
Tom, it will be a total landslide, trust me. It wasn't even a discussion 3 weeks ago, and any discussion now is manufactured for the sake of drama.
When it comes to MVP voting in any sport, the voters always lean heavily toward those who play on the best team. This is why Ryan Braun won over Matt Kemp this year and why Joey Votto won over Albert Pujols the year before. The Packers were 15-1 this year. The Saints were 13-3. The Saints have to play a Wild Card game. The Packers have home-field throughout the playoffs. The Packers beat the Saints in Week 1.
Also,
1. The Packers defense is generally considered well below average, if not terrible, ranking dead last in terms of yardage.
2. The Saints defense is not considered to be good, but not nearly as bad as the Packers, ranking 24th in yardage
3. The Saints rank 6th in the NFL in rushing yardage.
4. The Packers rank 27th in rushing yardage.
5. Rodgers had the most efficient season at QB of all-time, with a 122 QB rating.
6. Brees had a 110 rating, which is a long ways from 122 for this statistic.
So, basically the Packers were a better team than the Saints, and they relied much more heavily on their passing game than the Saints do. I don't see any logical case for Brees over Rodgers. This vote will not be close. I guarantee it.
No Doug, I'm not in. I will take Denver against the spread using the sportsbook.com line of +9, not your bogus 3 point line. I don't really care about your perception of what a real man should do.
I have no confidence in Denver, but figured I'd give you a chance to win back your 25 bucks. If you'd like to buy a few points, I'll give you the Steelers -6, but you'll be putting up $45 to my $25. If you can point me toward a sportsbook that will give you better value for your bet, I'll consider it.
5dimes has the moneyline for Pittsburgh at -380. I'll give you a better deal than that at -340 if you want to bet straight up on Pittsburgh winning the game. So you have to put up $85 to win back your $25.
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 21, 2011, 10:50:47 AM
I have full faith in the Tebow.
what happened to this faith? 9 points is to many to give at Denver. So I guess no bet!
but I will take a $25 bet in round #2, if we play Baltimore!?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 02, 2012, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: Dan Michler on December 21, 2011, 10:50:47 AM
I have full faith in the Tebow.
what happened to this faith? 9 points is to many to give at Denver. So I guess no bet!
but I will take a $25 bet in round #2, if we play Baltimore!?
I had full faith in the Tebow when all he needed was 1 win in 2 games OR 1 loss by San Diego. I think alot of Denver fans probably lost their faith with that performance on Sunday against the Chiefs.
A Round 2 bet does sound interesting if it does turn out to be Pitt @ Balt, although it could just as easily be Pitt @ NE since they re-seed after each round. Cincy has to win @Houston to setup Pitt @ Balt. That Cincy game is a bit of a toss-up. Round 2 could have some other interesting matchups. I'm looking forward to NO @ SF, if the Saints get it done at home against the Lions. The Packers are getting either Atlanta, the Giants, or the Lions. I'd be most scared of the Lions if I was a Packer fan.
unless Arian Foster is unstoppable, I don't think Delhomme will beat the Bengals, so that would set up Pitt @ Balt! and I wont even want the points! ;)
How about the Colts GM getting canned? How the fuck does Jerry Angelo still have a job.
Because everytime we get to a make-or-break season, we get lucky as hell and end up with 11-13 wins somehow and the entire staff gets contract extensions. Next year will be a big year for Angelo and crew. We've got to get back to the playoffs, or I think big changes are on the horizon. The excuse this year was that if Cutler didn't go down, we would have been a contender. Next year they'll have to prove it. This team is built to win now, not 3 years from now, so if we can't win next year it would be the perfect time to clean house and start over again.
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
I don't hate the Steelers at all - I have respect for them similar to how I have respect for the Red Sox while I am a Cubs fan. It's a different dynamic Cubs/Cards ;) I think you're a little over confident on how your team will perform though. I was just looking at their schedules as well before I saw you post this. I think both Ravens and Steelers will go 2-1 in their final 3 games. The Texans look like they could also go 2-1 leaving NE with the #1 seed (@Den, Mia, Buf is NE's remaining schedule).
I'm thinking this will be the seeding:
1. NE
2. Houston
3. Baltimore
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
6. Jets
That would mean Pitt/NE and Balt/Hou Round 2. I'm not confident that the Steelers can get past NE again. If it is an AFC championship game Pitt/Balt - odds are it will be in Baltimore, and regardless it will be one crazy good game. They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
ok, so I was a smidge off - Baltimore moved UP to the 2 seed and the Jets blew it allowing the Bungles to get in. We have:
1. NE
2. Balt
3. Houston
4. Denver
5. Pitt
6. Cin
The Bengals went 0-7 against teams that finished over .500, but the Texans didn't beat the Colts or Titans at the end of the season. I could see a win for the Bengals there. Pitt over Denver would mean another Ravens vs. Steelers matchup. Not sure if Doug wants to see that or not, so maybe there will be a lot of rooting for the Houston team this weekend in the Payne household? It's a tough matchup to play NE or Baltimore though as long as they avoid Tebow power!
And wow - I almost picked up Flynn for my fantasy team when I benched Rodgers. I picked up Ryan Fitzpatrick instead (who had a great first half... and that's it), but squeaked out a Superbowl W my first year playing fantasy football, woo :) Glad I'm not kicking myself for not adding flynn!
It's a good morning. Jerry Angelo fired.
Wow. I didn't think this day would ever come. The future suddenly seems much brighter.
Quote from: stpitner on January 03, 2012, 07:03:00 AM
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
I don't hate the Steelers at all - I have respect for them similar to how I have respect for the Red Sox while I am a Cubs fan. It's a different dynamic Cubs/Cards ;) I think you're a little over confident on how your team will perform though. I was just looking at their schedules as well before I saw you post this. I think both Ravens and Steelers will go 2-1 in their final 3 games. The Texans look like they could also go 2-1 leaving NE with the #1 seed (@Den, Mia, Buf is NE's remaining schedule).
I'm thinking this will be the seeding:
1. NE
2. Houston
3. Baltimore
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
6. Jets
That would mean Pitt/NE and Balt/Hou Round 2. I'm not confident that the Steelers can get past NE again. If it is an AFC championship game Pitt/Balt - odds are it will be in Baltimore, and regardless it will be one crazy good game. They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
ok, so I was a smidge off - Baltimore moved UP to the 2 seed and the Jets blew it allowing the Bungles to get in. We have:
1. NE
2. Balt
3. Houston
4. Denver
5. Pitt
6. Cin
The Bengals went 0-7 against teams that finished over .500, but the Texans didn't beat the Colts or Titans at the end of the season. I could see a win for the Bengals there. Pitt over Denver would mean another Ravens vs. Steelers matchup. Not sure if Doug wants to see that or not, so maybe there will be a lot of rooting for the Houston team this weekend in the Payne household? It's a tough matchup to play NE or Baltimore though as long as they avoid Tebow power!
And wow - I almost picked up Flynn for my fantasy team when I benched Rodgers. I picked up Ryan Fitzpatrick instead (who had a great first half... and that's it), but squeaked out a Superbowl W my first year playing fantasy football, woo :) Glad I'm not kicking myself for not adding flynn!
read up Scott. I would so love to get the rematch with the Ravens. But I really don't care who we play in rd#2 as we have already beat the Patriots. made Brady look bad even! I wont root or any AFC team except Indy with Manning at the helm!
and what Tebow power? haven't they lost 4 straight now? that dude is a joke, and he is not a NFL QB! yea he was great in college playing with kids, but this is the Big Boy league! Elway will find another QB!
Deep down I think you are rooting for a Steelers Ravens matchup in Round 2, Doug. I don't think the Pats are anywhere near unbeatable, but don't count on shutting down that Pats offense for a second time. They are a good bet to score 30 points at home against anybody, and the way the Steelers offense looks I'm not sure they can keep up.
Steelers vs Ravens is much more likely to be a low scoring affair that will be decided by 1 or 2 big plays, the type of games Big Ben seems to find a way to win historically. You don't want Rothelisberger to have to score 30+ on that ankle with Mendenhall out for the season (although I don't think Redman is much of a downgrade).
I do think Houston is going to beat Cincy setting up Pitt/NE. Cincy is 1-7 against winning teams this year. Houston is on the skids, but I think they have enough in the tank to beat Cincy in Houston. And they could have easily won that game last week against Tennessee, a game Tennessee had to have and meant nothing to Houston. Houston was down 7, scored a TD and then went for 2 pt conversion to end the game instead of taking it to overtime.
What made it laughable to me was that Houston was called for a false-start on the 2 pt try, backing them up to the 7 yd line. They still went for the 2! Thats pretty much like forfeiting the game. The odds of converting a 2 pt try from the 2 1/2 yd line is around 45%. The odds of converting from the 7 yd line? Not good!
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 03, 2012, 08:59:57 AM
Wow. I didn't think this day would ever come. The future suddenly seems much brighter.
Martz is gone too.
Quote from: Tom McManus on January 03, 2012, 12:35:14 PM
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 03, 2012, 08:59:57 AM
Wow. I didn't think this day would ever come. The future suddenly seems much brighter.
Martz is gone too.
That doesn't do much for me. As a whole we've probably over-achieved on the field, despite Martz' seemingly insane playcalling at times. Either way, its the talent evaluation that is severely lacking in Chicago. Our drafts are a joke. We only have 4 players that Angelo drafted before 2008 that are still on the roster (Tillman, Briggs, Hester, Corey Graham) and none of them are true offensive players. In 11 seasons at the helm he hasn't produced 1 long-term success on the offensive side of the ball. That is terrible.
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 03, 2012, 12:28:30 PM
Deep down I think you are rooting for a Steelers Ravens matchup in Round 2, Doug. I don't think the Pats are anywhere near unbeatable, but don't count on shutting down that Pats offense for a second time. They are a good bet to score 30 points at home against anybody, and the way the Steelers offense looks I'm not sure they can keep up.
Steelers vs Ravens is much more likely to be a low scoring affair that will be decided by 1 or 2 big plays, the type of games Big Ben seems to find a way to win historically. You don't want Rothelisberger to have to score 30+ on that ankle with Mendenhall out for the season (although I don't think Redman is much of a downgrade).
Yes, I do want the Ravens 1st Dan. to lose twice to them still stings a bit, especially losing at home in the final seconds. But I do want to face New England again. the last 2 times they were knocked out of the playoffs, it has been on their home field, so they can lose at home. and it helps the wife is a Patriots fan! love rubbing it in when we beat them! ;D
I think Ben can score 30, with those WR's Wallace and Brown, Pats Corners can't cover that speed. and everyone will see, Redman is not an easy RB to tackle, to where Mendenhall likes to get down before he gets hit(Lewis must still be in his head) I say bring on whoever, cause everyone knows Ben is a different QB come playoff time!
And throw all records out the window, Bengals will beat Houston. a team that has NO playoff experience!
I should have typed "Tebow power" in quotes to help emphasize some sarcasm with that remark. Either that or pointed out the *stunning* performance this past weekend that netted him 6 for 22, 60 yards, and 16 total rushing yards. WOOHOO.
Should Lovie get fired and put Mike Tice in at head coach?
You are citing the Texans playoff experience when they are facing the BENGALS? I'm not loving their rookie QB in a road playoff game.
I think the Bengals could win, but it won't be due to playoff experience.
Ok honestly, I know no one cares...
but I am sooo tired of hearing about Luck being the #1 pick. ESPN said tonight that Indy will owe Peyton 28 MIL on March 8th or something for a bonus. If they keep him, thats 7.5MIL more for his yearly salary. Luck is gauranteed 15MIL as the #1 pick with bonuses. That's 50 MIL for 2 guys at the same position. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!! They are saying CUT Manning and move on with Luck!? :o Crazy talk. but if that is going to happen?
Here ya go Bears fans, here's your chance!
Sign Bill Polian as your new GM. Go get Manning( if he can play), trade Cutler for a #1 WR, and a pick somewhere, 2nd or 3rd round. With that defense, and a healthy Forte, and draft some OL players, Bears can be contenders. What better GM is available??
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 03, 2012, 08:03:34 PM
Ok honestly, I know no one cares...
but I am sooo tired of hearing about Luck being the #1 pick. ESPN said tonight that Indy will owe Peyton 28 MIL on March 8th or something for a bonus. If they keep him, thats 7.5MIL more for his yearly salary. Luck is gauranteed 15MIL as the #1 pick with bonuses. That's 50 MIL for 2 guys at the same position. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!! They are saying CUT Manning and move on with Luck!? :o Crazy talk. but if that is going to happen?
Here ya go Bears fans, here's your chance!
Sign Bill Polian as your new GM. Go get Manning( if he can play), trade Cutler for a #1 WR, and a pick somewhere, 2nd or 3rd round. With that defense, and a healthy Forte, and draft some OL players, Bears can be contenders. What better GM is available??
Manning is done. Cutler is going nowhere! Getting rid of Martz makes Cutler better already. I'm thrilled with the changes.
I agree Randy, Cutler is probably better off without Martz there. And the more I thought about it, Manning probably wouldn't be as good having to play outside in the weather all year. He does play half his games in a dome. I think it was more the alcohol I was drinking last night, and a silly cousin of mine putting that thought in my head. But I wouldn't be suprised if Polian gets the Bears GM job??
Manning to the Bears sounds nice. We would need a third team willing to give us a couple 1st rd picks for Cutler, then we'd probably have to ship those picks and some other assets off to Indy to end up with Manning. Thats alot of moving pieces. I think Lovie likes Cutler, so Cutler is staying put. The Bears are going to have to improve through the draft.
Doug, I actually completely agree with your statement about Luck and Manning being on the same roster. That would be a ton of money to have wrapped up in a position where only 1 guy can play. It just doesn't seem like a smart move. I think the Colts have to make a choice, Luck or Manning. You could probably get quite a few draft picks in exchange for Luck, which could help you rebuild the entire roster very quickly. I think this is the easiest of the 2 choices, and probably the one the Colts go with.
If the Colts can convince Manning to restructure his contract they could do it. I don't know if the new CBA would allow for that but its the only way I see them getting both on the team. I also see Manning as an Elway kind of player and go from playing for the Colts to their front office so he might be willing to restructure.
I think I could be a good Bears GM. In my Madden league I just traded Urlacher to Green Bay for their 1st through 7th draft picks! :D
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 02, 2012, 12:54:03 PM
Tom, it will be a total landslide, trust me. It wasn't even a discussion 3 weeks ago, and any discussion now is manufactured for the sake of drama.
When it comes to MVP voting in any sport, the voters always lean heavily toward those who play on the best team. This is why Ryan Braun won over Matt Kemp this year and why Joey Votto won over Albert Pujols the year before. The Packers were 15-1 this year. The Saints were 13-3. The Saints have to play a Wild Card game. The Packers have home-field throughout the playoffs. The Packers beat the Saints in Week 1.
Also,
1. The Packers defense is generally considered well below average, if not terrible, ranking dead last in terms of yardage.
2. The Saints defense is not considered to be good, but not nearly as bad as the Packers, ranking 24th in yardage
3. The Saints rank 6th in the NFL in rushing yardage.
4. The Packers rank 27th in rushing yardage.
5. Rodgers had the most efficient season at QB of all-time, with a 122 QB rating.
6. Brees had a 110 rating, which is a long ways from 122 for this statistic.
So, basically the Packers were a better team than the Saints, and they relied much more heavily on their passing game than the Saints do. I don't see any logical case for Brees over Rodgers. This vote will not be close. I guarantee it.
I think you are going to be right on this one Dan. I didn't think so before, but every FB writer at SI picked Rodgers.
Dan? what is considered a landslide to you? Rodgers going to get 90% of the votes? I am down $25.00
The New England Patriots cruised to a 13-3 record on their way to the AFC's top seed, but Tim Britton of the Providence Journal uncovered a disquieting fact for Pats fans: the team only played two games against franchises that finished with winning records, and lost them both -- to the Steelers in Pittsburgh and at home against the Giants.
that's what I'm talkin about!
So you're saying I shouldn't have had them so high in the playoff confidence pool? Honestly I have no clue in the AFC. At first I was thinking Baltimore, but then I changed it up. I guess I have no confidence in Flacco to beat Brady on the road. I don't think Pitt wins on the road against either of those teams. NE has a history of going out early the last few years.
I am not saying anything. I just pointed out what someone else pointed out that NE hasn't beaten a team with a winning record this year.
I would like to think that the Packers are the favorite to win it all, but with the way the NFL is this year it seems like it is wide open. I think anyone of 9 teams could win it. I don't think Denver, Houston, or Cincinnati will be able to win it, but who knows.
If the all-pro team is any indicator of the NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will run away with it, which Dan has been saying all along.
Aaron Rodgers was the quarterback for the first time, easily beating New Orleans' Drew Brees, 47 1/2 to 2 1/2. Rodgers led Green Bay to a league-best 15-1 record, maintaining the brilliance he showed in taking the Packers to the Super Bowl title last February over the highly overated Pittsburgh Steelers.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/01/06/nfl-all-pro.ap/index.html#ixzz1iiIzWqfr
Rodgers was 14-1, Flynn was 1-0. let's get our facts straight!
and highly overrated? cmon. it was a 1 score victory, not a blowout! The best AFC team last year was represented in last years superbowl!
The Lions did not beat a team with a winning record too.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 06, 2012, 02:12:58 PM
The Lions did not beat a team with a winning record too.
The Patriots were 7-0 against teams that finished 8-8 and the Lions were 5-1, so I think that stat is more than a little deceiving.
The Lions got smoked in their game @NO a month ago. I'm expecting the same result this weekend, but with Calvin Johnson out there I give them a puncher's chance. Their defense just hasn't been as good as advertised. They can't afford to fall behind against the Saints as they have so often this season.
I love how Doug is defending the Steeler's performance in the Super Bowl last year by saying it was a 1 score game, but on this thread he also said the Steelers dominated the Pats and made Brady look bad. That was also a 1 score game Doug.
Dan, overrated would mean the Packers blew them out and they didn't deserve to be there, which wasn't the case.
And Brady threw for 200 yds, that's not Brady like #'s. he was confused and baffled, not playing like he usually plays.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 03, 2012, 09:10:56 AM
Quote from: stpitner on January 03, 2012, 07:03:00 AM
Quote from: stpitner on December 13, 2011, 07:54:34 AM
I don't hate the Steelers at all - I have respect for them similar to how I have respect for the Red Sox while I am a Cubs fan. It's a different dynamic Cubs/Cards ;) I think you're a little over confident on how your team will perform though. I was just looking at their schedules as well before I saw you post this. I think both Ravens and Steelers will go 2-1 in their final 3 games. The Texans look like they could also go 2-1 leaving NE with the #1 seed (@Den, Mia, Buf is NE's remaining schedule).
I'm thinking this will be the seeding:
1. NE
2. Houston
3. Baltimore
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
6. Jets
That would mean Pitt/NE and Balt/Hou Round 2. I'm not confident that the Steelers can get past NE again. If it is an AFC championship game Pitt/Balt - odds are it will be in Baltimore, and regardless it will be one crazy good game. They can feel free to knock each other out so that neither one is ready to play the Super Bowl ;)
ok, so I was a smidge off - Baltimore moved UP to the 2 seed and the Jets blew it allowing the Bungles to get in. We have:
1. NE
2. Balt
3. Houston
4. Denver
5. Pitt
6. Cin
The Bengals went 0-7 against teams that finished over .500, but the Texans didn't beat the Colts or Titans at the end of the season. I could see a win for the Bengals there. Pitt over Denver would mean another Ravens vs. Steelers matchup. Not sure if Doug wants to see that or not, so maybe there will be a lot of rooting for the Houston team this weekend in the Payne household? It's a tough matchup to play NE or Baltimore though as long as they avoid Tebow power!
And wow - I almost picked up Flynn for my fantasy team when I benched Rodgers. I picked up Ryan Fitzpatrick instead (who had a great first half... and that's it), but squeaked out a Superbowl W my first year playing fantasy football, woo :) Glad I'm not kicking myself for not adding flynn!
read up Scott. I would so love to get the rematch with the Ravens. But I really don't care who we play in rd#2 as we have already beat the Patriots. made Brady look bad even! I wont root or any AFC team except Indy with Manning at the helm!
I went back to page 13 and never saw where I said Pitt dominated the Pats?? This here says they beat N.E. and made Brady look bad!
I knew you were putting words in my mouth over the last 4 years! ;)
page 5 has the post after they beat the Cheaters, and again, no domination talk! just the fact they beat them.
I think 'dominated' was just inferred from your last 4 years of posting. I guess you've tamed down. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 06, 2012, 05:04:42 PM
I think 'dominated' was just inferred from your last 4 years of posting. I guess you've tamed down. :rolleyes:
I am going to have to use the word inferred, it sounds much better than assumed. I also like the fact that Brady was "confused and baffled". I am surprised he was able to get up to the line of scrimmage and find his center against the highly over rated Steelers.
This weekend's results:
Houston 23
Cincy 18
Steelers 23
Broncos 3
Saints 38
Lions 22
Atlanta 28
Giants 27
Cincinatti wins at home.
Steelers by less than 10.
Saints by more than 10.
Giants by less than 7.
Tom, Cincy is a longshot to win at home this weekend when the game is scheduled to be played in Houston.
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 06, 2012, 06:51:35 PM
Tom, Cincy is a longshot to win at home this weekend when the game is scheduled to be played in Houston.
Thanks for the update. I guess I haven't been paying much attention. I inferred by your previous post that they were the home team. But I should have known that the conference champs get the home game no matter the record.
Quote from: Tom McManus on January 06, 2012, 07:19:46 PM
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 06, 2012, 06:51:35 PM
Tom, Cincy is a longshot to win at home this weekend when the game is scheduled to be played in Houston.
Thanks for the update. I guess I haven't been paying much attention. I inferred by your previous post that they were the home team. But I should have known that the conference champs get the home game no matter the record.
I will take Cincy on the road.
Bengals 24
Texans 16
Saints 35
Lions 32
Falcons 31
Giants 13
Steelers 24
Broncos 9
I don't know why anyone listens to this Doug Payne dude,he is nothing but a Douchebag punk.
coming from somebody who has to hide behind his computer is pretty funny!
I have watched football for a long time, but can't remember ateam losing scoring just 2 points! Ryan can't play outdoors, when weather is below 55.
If the Giants can put pressure on Rodgers, they know how to beat a GREAT team. Ask the Patriots.
They also know how to lose to bad teams as shown by this season, should be an interesting game to watch at least if the right Giants team shows up. I don't see San Fran beating New Orleans though unless the refs take a break from giving Brees every call possible.
Don't be fooled by the Giants, they've been pulling this Jekyll and Hyde act all year. With the home crowd making things tough on a mediocre Falcons team, they looked great. On the road next week will be a different story.
Tebow magic in full effect right now in Denver, 14-6.
The NFL is happy about this game. The rest of the 1st round was a snooze fest.
Playoff Overtime! To see who gets to lose in New England next week!
I love the strategy the Broncos employ with Tebow. Throw it deep, throw it deep, and throw it deep again. You don't see a lot of pick 6's on a deep ball, and you see a ton of defensive pass interference. There is a lot good that can happen, and not a lot bad. I don't know why more teams with inaccurate QB's incapable of consistently moving the chains don't employ this strategy.
As Sheed would say, both teams played hard
Doug, what happened? You just got Tebowed!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 03, 2012, 09:22:08 AM
and what Tebow power? haven't they lost 4 straight now? that dude is a joke, and he is not a NFL QB! yea he was great in college playing with kids, but this is the Big Boy league! Elway will find another QB!
Is this mean?
yes we got Tebowed.
no, Tom, not mean at all. I still believe it, a blown coverage ended the game. No safety in middle of field. He hit his man in stride. Kudos to him.
A blown coverage ended the game. Alot of blown coverages actually. 316 yards worth of blown coverages against a team that only managed 60 yards passing at home in a must-win game.... against KANSAS CITY!
Is it possible McManus was right and Pittsburgh was incredibly overrated this season? I did not have this happening today. Tebow caught me off-guard again, which has become his forte.
Next week I'll be expecting the Broncos to be destroyed by the Patriots, as they were a few weeks ago. But you never know when someone is about to get Tebowed....
but the 80 yarder ended the game, the big one.
#1 defense can't be overated, just outplayed tonight. when Kisel and Hampton went out, the game changed.
My last football prediction of the year,,,,, Saints win the Superbowl.
Doug's top posts of 2011:
1. February 5: I Think I have done pretty good so far about being quiet. If the Steelers were playing the Bears, this topic would have about 5-6 pages, not just 1. I respect the Packers and always have. They have a great WR in Jennings, 1 not afraid to go across the middle(Driver), and a great Cornerback in Woodson. But enough is enough....
I am soooooo tired of hearing that Rodgers is one of the best QB's in the league. He is good, yes, but what has he really done besides this year? I mean hell, he lost to Chad Henne and the Dolphins. Along with Drew Stanton and the Lions, yes Drew mother f'n Stanton He has not seen a defense like he will see tomorrow. And yes, last year he threw for 3td's and 383 yds against Pitt, but if I recall, Pitt didn't make the playoffs last year, and didn't have the #1 defense in football, more like 8th. Besides Green Bay's rookies, it's the same defense!!! and Ben lit them up for 503 yds, matching Rodgers 3 td's, with the game winner. Ben's losses came to Brees, and the Saints. Brady and the Patriots, and Sanchez and the Jets. all 3 playoff teams. In this BIG of a game, on that BIG of a stage, Pittsburgh has 25 guys returning from 2009's superbowl team, Packers have 2 guys with superbowl experience. This will be the ultimate deciding factor in the game. Ben knows how to win the BIG games, like him or hate him!!! Green Bay will not handle the pressure, and Pitts defense will rattle Rodgers. Everyone knows, the Pack will not be able to run at all, so Lebeau will bring the house. I just hope Pitt doesn't do what they did against the Jets, and shut it down in the 2nd half.
I think Mike Wallce has a game like last years, well over 100 yds, and 2 TD's. He is too fast for any of the corners. And he wins MVP, if Ben doesn't.
And please, I mean pretty please. don't come on here and blame the refs this time. Rodgers probably doesn't finish the game, but the hit will be Legal!
2. February 8, 2011: By the time Ben is done playing in Pittsburgh he will have probably 20+ playoff wins, and I'm sure he didn't just play in his last Superbowl. He will probably win at least 1 more.
3. September 27 2011: a win is a win, no matter the score Scott. But if I recall, Indy's offense scored 1 TD. failed to score a TD 2 times in the redzone. If not for Ben being Ben and holding onto the ball, that game isn't even close. But your pack was down 13-0 to a rookie QB in Carolina! That's some funny shit!
And Baltimore is always a playoff team. So that loss means nothing. Let's see who wins come playoff time!
4. October 31, 2011: but even you have to admit, the Steelers O-Line is protecting Ben. and if he has time to throw, he is usually winiing those games.
I can't help it they have an easy schedule. they still have to win the games on the schedule, no matter how weak it is. I'm not over reacting. I knew the Steelers would come around, and they have. If they beat Balt at home this weekend, no team remaining on the schedule has a winning record but the Bengals. and we will beat that rookie QB, gauranteed!
Just remember though, once in the playoffs, Ben knows how to win!
5. November 7, 2011: Talk to me in January!
remember, 1 game doesn't make the season! as you said last week!
but I will say that prevent defense only prevents you from holding onto the lead. stupid
6. December 5, 2011: must be nice to play in the conference where 9-7 gets into the playoffs!! Weak!
7. December 9, 2011: if they get the #5 seed, they will beat either Denver or Oakland! Palmer is petrified of the Steelers! and Ben was hobbled the entire 2nd half. was painful to watch. so of course they didn't put up 30 points. but they didn't need to when the Browns only scored 3
8. December 13, 2011: They are not that good! They wont be able to cover the speedy WR's the Steelers have! and if 49ers couldnt score against Arizona, how they going to score against the Black & Golds defense that just gives up 9 pts a game in their last 4 games? use some common sense you guys! why all the hate against the Steelers Dan? how many rings do they need before you will give them the credit they deserve? Ben is Elite, as is his team!
9. December 14, 2011: fair enough, I'll leave the forum. Only Chicago people should be able to talk sports This self imposed ban lasted until December 18.
These posts are a precursor to the completely insane post that Doug will come up with, in which he tops all the previous crazy posts. (See #1.) Facts are facts, the Steelers were overrated this year, led by an injury prone rapist.
wow. I only had 9? not bad for almost a calendar year!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 03:04:54 AM
wow. I only had 9? not bad for almost a calendar year!
I didn't bother with the Cardinal/Pujols stuff, I think that there was probably double that in those threads.
oh yeah. I guess you were right though. you asked the question.... only 1 team can win in a year, would I want the Cardinals or Steelers win. I answered the Cardinals, cause no football team was close to passing or even tying the Steelers 6 rings. Guess I have to live with that for the year. That's good enough.
Its gotta suck when you make 9 months of posts about 'wait until the playoffs' and then you get knocked out by an 8-8 team with one of the worst offenses in football. #1 defense? Yeah right! When you have 6 games against the offense of the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns offense I guess you can rack up some nice regular season stats. But as you said, the playoffs is where we find out the truth.
As for your comment about nobody being close to 6 Super Bowls: The Niners have 5 (thats 1 less than 6 Doug), and unlike the Steelers, they are playing in the 2nd round of the playoffs.
2-2 last week.
My predictions for next week, no upsets:
Saints 31
Niners 9
Packers 28
Giants 21
Patriots 44
Tebows 17
Ravens 14
Texans 13
but like the Steelers, they will also be 1 and done!
like I said b/4 this Doug Payne is a big Douchebag!
Some other Tebow Stats for the Payne Trayne to chew on this offseason while he tries to convince himself his Steeler defense isn't old or overrated...
• Tebow completed four passes of at least 30 yards in the second quarter alone. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no other player has had four completions for 30-plus yards in the same quarter of a playoff game in the NFL expansion era (since 1960). In fact, no one has done it in a regular season game since Warren Moon of the Houston Oilers in 1990.
• In addition to the 30-yard pass plays, Tebow had three completions of at least 50 yards. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Tebow became the only quarterback since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 to pull off that feat in a single postseason game.
• Tebow finished with a Total QBR of 97.3, not far from a perfect mark of 100. In the QBR era, beginning in 2008, that's the highest mark in a single playoff game, just besting the 97.2 by Aaron Rodgers in last year's Divisional Round game against the Atlanta Falcons.
• Tebow's 316 passing yards came on just 10 completions, giving him a yards per completion of 31.6. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no player has ever averaged more yards per completions in a postseason game with a minimum of 10 completions.
• Tebow threw for 185 yards in the second quarter alone on Sunday. Entering the day, he had thrown for 204 yards in the second quarter ... for the rest of his NFL career combined.
Thats some bad defense!!!!
Game probably wouldn't have gone to OT had the refs called the facemask on Tebow late in the 4th.
ok, I usually don't make up excuses, but if you guys insist??
Hampton went out of the game early, then Kisel went out due to injury. The entire defensive line last night were all replacememnt players, not starters! Our leading tackler on the year, Ryan Clark couldn't play, because last time he played in Denver, he almost died from a blood disorder. He lost his spleen and gall bladder that game. Had he been playing, that 80 yd TD in overtime never happens. I never said they weren't old Dan, but over rated is stretching it. I didn't say they had the #1 defense, ESPN told me that. #1 vs pass, #8 vs run= #1 overall. Does it really make sense that you say well they play Ravens and Bengals 2 games each?? They both made the playoffs.
I can go to bed tonight knowing that Pittsburgh has more superbowl rings than ANY other team, and that fact will remain true, even after next season is over. And better yet, Steelers made the playoffs at 12-4! Where were your Bears? oh yea, golfing already like your Cubs every year come playoff time! ;D But here come your excuses, Cutler and Forte were hurt! But I expect this from all you guys. I am a true believer in the Black & Gold, now and forever. 1 FLUKE of a game from Tebow wont discourage me.
I'm just waiting for some idiot to say Ben is overrated! How many other QB's made it to 3 SB's and won 2 of them in his first 8 years in the league? I will answer that for ya, ZERO!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 01:40:17 PM
ok, I usually don't make up excuses, but if you guys insist??
Hampton went out of the game early, then Kisel went out due to injury. The entire defensive line last night were all replacememnt players, not starters! Our leading tackler on the year, Ryan Clark couldn't play, because last time he played in Denver, he almost died from a blood disorder. He lost his spleen and gall bladder that game. Had he been playing, that 80 yd TD in overtime never happens. I never said they weren't old Dan, but over rated is stretching it. I didn't say they had the #1 defense, ESPN told me that. #1 vs pass, #8 vs run= #1 overall. Does it really make sense that you say well they play Ravens and Bengals 2 games each?? They both made the playoffs.
I can go to bed tonight knowing that Pittsburgh has more superbowl rings than ANY other team, and that fact will remain true, even after next season is over. And better yet, Steelers made the playoffs at 12-4! Where were your Bears? oh yea, golfing already like your Cubs every year come playoff time! ;D But here come your excuses, Cutler and Forte were hurt! But I expect this from all you guys. I am a true believer in the Black & Gold, now and forever. 1 FLUKE of a game from Tebow wont discourage me.
I'm just waiting for some idiot to say Ben is overrated! How many other QB's made it to 3 SB's and won 2 of them in his first 8 years in the league? I will answer that for ya, ZERO!
Ben is not overrated, the Steelers are overrated. Ben is an injury prone rapist.
Actually I had no excuse for the Bears. They suck. I'm not going around pretending that if Cutler and Forte were healthy we had a chance in hell of beating the Saints or Packers. Injuries are a part of the game. Every team has them every single game. The Steelers had their 2 best players on defense, Harrison and Polamalu, available. Ike Taylor is a starting CB and he couldn't cover Demarius Thomas to save his life. They also had their 2 best offensive players, Ben and Mike Wallace, available. The bottom line, they didn't get it done in a must-win game against an 8-8 team. If the Steelers were a great team as we were lead to believe, they would have overcome all of these issues. Now we all know. The Steelers are not a great team.
Baltimore ranks 16th in offense, Cincy 20th, and Cleveland 29th. That is how the Steelers defense became overrated.
this goes back to you never being wrong, and Doug is always wrong, no matter the truth.
But a 65% Ben wont win too many games. He should of sat after the Cleveland game that he got hurt. we were already a playoff lock. he needed to be healthy
They were not a great team this year, I'll admit that. But this picture tells the truth. They are the GREATEST in the Superbowl Era!
now let's hear how I'm wrong! ;)
This thread is for NFL 2011
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 03:05:24 PM
this goes back to you never being wrong, and Doug is always wrong, no matter the truth.
Actually for most of the people who post on this thread, this is all about the truth. I thought the Steelers would crush the Broncos, so I'm certainly wrong too. But, I didn't tout Big Ben as elite all season long, claim the Steelers knew how to win in January and would get the top seed, etc...
If the Steelers had won the Super Bowl or if Albert Pujols had signed with the Cards, I guarantee you would have been first in line to tell everybody about it. So, when it goes the other way you've gotta be ready for whats coming Doug!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 03:05:24 PM
They were not a great team this year, I'll admit that. But this picture tells the truth. They are the GREATEST in the Superbowl Era!
This is true. But what about the Doug Payne football watching era? You said you can play Masters this year, so you were born in 1972 and for whatever reason decided to be a Steeler fan in Illinois so you could talk smack to EVERYBODY you will ever come across. You were only 7 years old when the Steelers won their 4th Super Bowl. Certainly not old enough to really recount the 70's dynasty with firsthand accounts. I certainly don't claim to have relished in the dominance of the '85 Bears at age 5. I would say I start to have vivid sports watching memories from about age 10-12. So, as far as most of your personal memories go, the Steelers have just 2 titles in 30+ years. Meanwhile the Niners have won 5, and the Pats, Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys 3 each.
At least talk smack about something that happened after you lost your baby teeth!
You know what I miss more than the Bears from '85 Dan? The Chicago Cardinals. Boy those were the glory days!
okay Taylor, then 12-5 can't be overrated if Dan says 6 games in our division are easy games! they only won 4 of those 6. 8 other wins. and again, they can't help what teams are on their schedule, weak or not! when the schedule was made, Indy had Peyton Manning, the Chiefs were defending division winners, as was Seattle. The 5 other wins were Tenn(9-7), Jax(5-11), Zona(8-8), Patriots(13-3), and the Rams(2-14) 2 teams with a losing record.
Out- Mendenhall, Clark, Hampton, Kisel, Pouncey, maybe 70% Ben.
Overinjured, yes. far from overrated!
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 09, 2012, 03:58:34 PM
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 03:05:24 PM
this goes back to you never being wrong, and Doug is always wrong, no matter the truth.
Actually for most of the people who post on this thread, this is all about the truth. I thought the Steelers would crush the Broncos, so I'm certainly wrong too. But, I didn't tout Big Ben as elite all season long, claim the Steelers knew how to win in January and would get the top seed, etc...
If the Steelers had won the Super Bowl or if Albert Pujols had signed with the Cards, I guarantee you would have been first in line to tell everybody about it. So, when it goes the other way you've gotta be ready for whats coming Doug!
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 03:05:24 PM
They were not a great team this year, I'll admit that. But this picture tells the truth. They are the GREATEST in the Superbowl Era!
This is true. But what about the Doug Payne football watching era? You said you can play Masters this year, so you were born in 1972 and for whatever reason decided to be a Steeler fan in Illinois so you could talk smack to EVERYBODY you will ever come across. You were only 7 years old when the Steelers won their 4th Super Bowl. Certainly not old enough to really recount the 70's dynasty with firsthand accounts. I certainly don't claim to have relished in the dominance of the '85 Bears at age 5. I would say I start to have vivid sports watching memories from about age 10-12. So, as far as most of your personal memories go, the Steelers have just 2 titles in 30+ years. Meanwhile the Niners have won 5, and the Pats, Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys 3 each.
At least talk smack about something that happened after you lost your baby teeth!
ok, now this is great.
of course I will be the first one here to let you all know. but it's you all that talk the nonsense about both teams! You expect me to just sit around and not reply to what you guys post? your always the first with a comeback about the Cubs when I post in that topic. what comes around goes around huh? cause you post some ridiculous stuff with predictions and such. Taylor just likes to jump on your wagon, cause we all know his teams! :D
Now to be honest here, it is about the truth right?
I have an older brother of 6 years, someone I looked up to, as the little brother. He was 13 in Jan of 1980, so over your range of sports memories. Yeah I was just 7 on their 4th SB Victory, but I remember watching the game, clear as a bell. So if we are getting technical, its 3 of the 6 wins, I recall baby teeth or not. I knew who the Steel Curtain was, and remember Franco, Stallworth, Swann, Bradshaw. Not to mention the other 2 they lost(Cowboys, Packers) so I have witnessed 5 of the 8 played.
Again, don't hate because I cheer for winners. Hate because I'm not a Chicago fan because I live just as close to St. Louis! :'(
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 09, 2012, 04:13:50 PM
okay Taylor, then 12-5 can't be overrated if Dan says 6 games in our division are easy games! they only won 4 of those 6. 8 other wins. and again, they can't help what teams are on their schedule, weak or not! when the schedule was made, Indy had Peyton Manning, the Chiefs were defending division winners, as was Seattle. The 5 other wins were Tenn(9-7), Jax(5-11), Zona(8-8), Patriots(13-3), and the Rams(2-14) 2 teams with a losing record.
Out- Mendenhall, Clark, Hampton, Kisel, Pouncey, maybe 70% Ben.
Overinjured, yes. far from overrated!
Excuses, excuses. The Packers won the Super Bowl with 15 players on injured reserve. To paraphrase Dennis Green: The Steelers are who we thought they were. Overrated.
Alright, enough picking on Doug...for now. I saw the Saints are only 3 1/2 pt favorites against the Niners. I'm a little surprised by this. Does anybody have the Niners covering that?
The Saints have won 9 in a row. They've scored 42, 45, 45, 45 their last 4 games.
The 1 bright spot for the Niners. The Saints have played 10 of their last 11 games on turf. The 1 game on grass was @TEN and they scored only 22 points. Its possible we see a different Saints offense on the grass where their WR's can't make the same cuts and get the same separation they are used to.
Brees' grass/turf splits for QB Rating
2011 Grass 95.7 Turf 118.7
How much do you want to see the Niners win this game, Tom?
I would rather the Packers play the 49ers than the Saints 100 out of 100 times. Hopefully the Packers can get past the Giants. These playoffs seem to be as wide open as any in the last few years. I think that I am more suprised to see the Giants as 8.5 point dogs against the Packers, than the 3.5 point spread with the Saints/49ers.
Hopefully tebow can work some magic to keep the game close. There is a chance for all four games to be good games.
Tom, I was raised to respect my ELDERS, so I'll just say this. Your opinion is your opinion, but The Judge's verdict means everything, not some old dudes. ;)
2-2 last week
This week:
Saints 21
49ers 19
Denver 13
New England 34
Houston 14
Baltimore 24
Giants 27
Packers 35
Let's just be clear Doug - I've been a Detroit fan the whole time, but my commentary has nothing to do with the teams I root for. The only bandwagon I'm jumping on is "respond to overly stupid comments" and not Dan's bandwagon. Although he is also in that group I believe, so I guess I did jump on, or he jumped on.
Taylor, there is clearly a pretty broad ranging conspiracy against Doug Payne here. That is the only way to explain why supporters of different teams seem to unanimously disagree with his viewpoints that are presented in a semi-offensive manner. I guess we are both a part of the Payne Conspiracy Bandwagon, or "PayCon" as we've been referring to it at the meetings.
of course Taylor. you have nothing to cheer for being a Detroit supporter. and if they were such stupid comments, wouldn't somebody as smart as you just ignore them, like all the other mature people here? It's always the same 3 people, you, Dan and Tom. i you don't like what I post, don't comment. it's that simple brainiac!
semi-offensive Dan? really?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 10, 2012, 09:23:20 AM
semi-offensive Dan? really?
I said semi, because they don't offend me, but I've seen some of your 'queers on ice' comments about hockey and I'm pretty sure your goal was to offend somebody.
As far as not commenting if I don't like what you said....are you serious? Is that what you do? I thought this was a message forum, not a blank space for people to dump their thoughts.
I have never used hockey terms on this forum. facebook, yes, but that was directed at 2 PFC league members(friends of mine)
not anybody at this forum. I only have 1 friend here, and he knows how to read and not go google to find out where I was wrong!
I understand this is a forum, but it's usually you who comments about my posts, long beore I laugh at yours. I may laugh or joke around, but I never go to extremes to pinpoint how you are wrong. but you on the other hand make it a point to why I am always wrong.
I apologize now for cheering for the Cardinals and the Steelers. Sorry I don't cheer for the Bears, Cubs, or any hockey team. I will try to find some time to root for your teams. I mean hell, all people living in Illinois should like Chicago teams. My bad. You wont hear nothing else about the Steelers or Cardinals for awhile. Maybe October? here that is. If you stumble upon my facebook page, I can't say the same for that!
But can I talk about the Bulls? or is that all just a bunch of horse doo doo as well?
I have no problem with any of your posts Doug. I understand you like to stir things up and let everybody know who you root for. I do the same thing. It seems you can dish it out, but sometimes you can't handle it coming back at you.
if it came back to me from somone other than you, Taylor, or Tom, I could deal with it. and if it was somewhat true, I wouldn't have to respond with idiotic posts as you guys think. but to just try to get under my skin with overrated talk? of course I will respond with why you guys are wrong.
enough said though. this is the 2011 NFL Thread.
good luck to all teams playing this weekend.
My predictions are that the favored teams win all 4 games. I also think that the Patriots would beat the Steelers had they not gotten smoked by the Tebows. The same Tebows that the Detroit Lions of Detroit, Michigan beat by a lot. In Denver. Where the Denver Tebows play.
Doug, I'm dying to lose this $25 back to you so you can regain your message board swagger. The Broncos are 13 1/2 point dogs this weekend. I'm willing to take the Broncos with just 12 points since I apparently crossed the line in my attacking of the Steelers overrated-ness with facts from google. You get the Pats -12. Whaddya say Doug?
The best weekend of the year for the NFL. I hope that all the games are competitive.
Quote from: Dan Michler on January 10, 2012, 12:48:27 PM
Doug, I'm dying to lose this $25 back to you so you can regain your message board swagger. The Broncos are 13 1/2 point dogs this weekend. I'm willing to take the Broncos with just 12 points since I apparently crossed the line in my attacking of the Steelers overrated-ness with facts from google. You get the Pats -12. Whaddya say Doug?
Oh believe me Dan, I don't try to have this so called message board swagger! ::) whatever that even is??
but considering I have alot of suckers down in this part of the state that like to throw away money on the Bears and Cubs, I have enough of theirs over the last 5 years that giving you $50 wouldn't be a problem, knowing it's probably going to get used for a golf tournament, so all is good. And IT'S ON!!! So to be sure on this, if Pats only win by 12, is that a push, so I would still just owe $25? don't know how you do that. but Denver lost by 18 at home, earlier in the year so it probably wont even matter!
Saints 35
49ers 16
Broncos 17
Patriots 38
Unbelievable. 3 lead changes in the last 4 minutes. Instant Classic for sure! 5 turnovers. Can they play like that in the cold next week is now the question? But Impressive for sure today!
Looks like we're back to even Doug. No money owed. Brady 6 TD's game over.
I had to leave at halftime on the other game. Can't believe all the points that got tossed up. You turn it over 5 times, you're chances of winning are not good. Still, Niners had go 7 plays 85 yards on the last drive to pull it off. Unreal. I still don't like the chances for the Niners to go on the road and score enough points to beat the Packers, not that tomorrow's game against the Giants is a foregone conclusion. Feels like we're headed for a Packers vs Patriots Super Bowl. In the dome in Indy with those 2 offenses and those 2 defenses, we could be looking at a college bowl game type score. 67-56 or something crazy.
Starts by Tim Tebow next year...Over/Under 8?
I am rooting for Tebow, but I don't think he can sustain winning with these kind of passing #'s.
I think it depends a lot on their division deciding whether or not they want to be competitive football teams or not. He's kind of fun to watch so I hope he keeps on trucking too.
I was pretty close with my predictions for the Ravens (14-13) and Pats (44-17) games. The Ravens offense is just not very good. I think New England has emerged as the dominant team in the AFC. Baltmore will make it tougher on them, but Flacco isn't going to keep up with Brady.
Question for you Tom. The Packers gave up more yards this season than any team in the history of the NFL. How did they go from being a top rated defense last season to the worst this season? The secondary looks brutal. In my opinion Charles Woodson has no business playing CB. He has lost his quickness and simply gambles on big plays at this point in his career. His instincts are good enough that I think he'd be a good safety, similar to Rod Woodson at the end of his career.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 08, 2012, 01:18:54 PM
If the Giants can put pressure on Rodgers, they know how to beat a GREAT team.
oooops I meant OVER RATED teams! lmao Go Giants!
Giants vs Niners. Who had that one? This thing has setup great for the Pats to pick up their 4th Super Bowl.
I really did want to see the Saints vs Packers showdown, but neither could figure out how to hold on to the ball. This weekend emphasized the point that turnovers usually tell the story. Major choke jobs by both teams.
Giants seem to have a knack for sucking all year and then getting some momentum right before the playoffs begin. Giants vs Patriots Super Bowl rematch? Or the Niners have a good shot at getting that 6th title to tie the Steelers.
The Giants played one hell of a game. 14 points were donated to GB by the Zebras. There were a few GB calls that I couldn't believe. How about going for it on 4th down when you could have pinned them back.
Disappointing. That is as bad as the Packers have played in 3 years. Oh well. Hopefully the Giants and 49ers will be a good game. I don't think the Ravens will be able to keep up with the Patriots.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 15, 2012, 04:52:16 PM
The Giants played one hell of a game. 14 points were donated to GB by the Zebras. There were a few GB calls that I couldn't believe. How about going for it on 4th down when you could have pinned them back.
I actually thought McCarthy made the right calls. He was being super aggressive because of how bad the Packers defense is. Every time it was 3rd and long, Eli would hit a wide open WR for an easy 1st down. The Packers zone defense was a joke. I could have hit those WR's, especially with the nonexistant Packers pass rush. And that was the easiest Hail Mary TD I've ever seen. Nicks just caught the ball clean. Charles Woodson is simply overrated at this point in his career. He was blowing coverages left and right out there.
You're right about the referee calls. The Jennings catch was clearly a fumble and the personal foul at the end was more than a little questionable. When you consider the Giants squandered some opportunities early, this game really wasn't even as close as the score indicated. Just total domination by the Giants on the road.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on December 28, 2011, 01:13:51 PM
that's what I'm saying. as much as it hurts to say. unless the Giants get in, then upset everybody and make it to the SB, yes an NFC team will be Champs this year!
ok after that discount double CHOKE, I now say the AFC will be Champs. Patriots! as long as it is not the Ravens or 49ers. Would love to see the Giants win it again though in all honesty! Nobody likes a cheater!
I would think the Packers defensive coord. would need to be fired. You just gave up more yards than any team in history in a 16 game season and then allowed 37 points on your home turf to a team that finished 9-7, which was the most points the Giants scored in a game all year. All the Packers fans pinning blame on Finley and the receiving corp for the drops are looking in the wrong place. Your receivers did not play up to their potential, but your defense is just plain awful.
As for next weekend:
(-7 1/2) Pats 31
Ravens 23
Niners 16
(+2 1/2) Giants 28
Super Bowl 42 rematch! I'm rolling with the hot teams. The Giants last 4 games, 29-14 @Jets, 31-14 vs DAL, 24-2 vs ATL, and 37-20 @GB. That is a hot streak! The Pats have won 9 straight themselves. The Ravens offense looks terrible. Take out that gift TD last week on the punt return fumble at the 1 yd line, and they produced 13 points. Thats CalebHanie-esque. Houston damn near won that game despite losing the turnover battle 0-4 and having TJ Yates as their QB.
I would not want to be in the same division as Houston for the next few years. That team is loaded. It's too bad Schaub got hurt this year. I like the Pat's and 49ers.
Defense is showing in Playoffs. San Fran and Baltimore in Super Bowl. Cali has weed party with Super Bowl win.
Quote from: Sr. on January 16, 2012, 01:59:42 PM
Defense is showing in Playoffs. San Fran and Baltimore in Super Bowl. Cali has weed party with Super Bowl win.
If this is the case I guess I will have to order Jimmy John's for my Super Bowl party as Jim and John Harbough will face off in the Sibling Rivalry Bowl.Archie Manning can provide color commentary and the Osmonds, Isley Brothers, the remaining Jacksons and the Bee Gees can be the halftime entertainment. We can then watch Drew Brees and Aaron Rogers play the game on Madden. Hey, this may be more exciting than the offensive display we would see in the actual game.
Hey Rodgers... Discount double choke!
How could I forget to add the image.
Too funny Tom. I had to use that one on facebook.
I didn't have a picture, but I was saying it to my wife after it happened. ;D
Tim Tebow is one tough SOB.
At the start of the third quarter, Tebow tore cartilage on his first rib where it attaches to his sternum, bruised his lung and had fluid buildup in his pleural cavity,
Here is a part from the ESPN show covering his high school career.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AQWaQkArpE
__________________________________
Peyton Manning is as good as gone. They had a clip on the radio today where the new GM said they haven't discussed Mannings future witht he Colts. That cracked me up. If he ends up being able to play I hope he doesn't end up playing for the Vikings.
I will just say this Brett. keep your fingers crossed! He will play for a Dome team I'll bet, if it's not the Colts. He has proven he can't play outside in cold weather, just look at his record in New England. but Minnesota has a future star in Ponder, so wouldn't really understand that move.
But on the other hand, the 2 mock drafts I have seen, has Redskins moving up to the #1 pick, while the Dolphins are picking 2nd! The Colts had the 5th pick. RG3 or Luck will not last 5 picks. I can't see Manning playing anywhere else but Indy, if he plays again at all?? And we all know the Sakins will pay ungodly amounts of money for players, good or bad!
Tebow will never be consistent and word is Manning will never play again. Rumor is his condition is hereditary. Someone in his family has something similar.
keys words to that phrase are, word is, and rumor is!
Rob Lowe just tweeted that Manning is retiring. It's on Yahoo's front page. But Archie came in and said, he is NOT retiring. I'll bet if he does, it's after March 8th, the day he gets his 28 million payday. ;) If the Colts get rid of him, they deserve the years of losing that they will experience!
Quote from: Sr. on January 18, 2012, 03:38:19 PM
Tebow will never be consistent and word is Manning will never play again. Rumor is his condition is hereditary. Someone in his family has something similar.
He has an older brother that had to give up football because of that condition. The Colts paid him $28 million this year for not playing. I doubt that they plan on doing it again.
retired
they did not pay him 28 million for this year, yet! They have until March 8th
This was an article from Jeff Diamond from Inside the NFL, someone who has a legitimate clue about this!
believe there's a strong argument that it's in the best interest of the Colts and Manning to restructure his contract before March 8. Then he would remain a Colt through at least the 2012 season and pair with Luck to form potentially the NFL's best quarterback tandem (and this season again proved how important a strong backup quarterback is... see Indy, Chicago and Kansas City and their lost seasons).
A restructuring can't happen unless the Colts' doctors first deem Manning NFL-ready by early March. If they don't, the Colts will terminate the contract before the bonus is due and release Manning. That would result in a $16 million salary cap hit for Indy in 2012 due to acceleration of the final four years on Manning's $20 million signing bonus (part of the five-year, $90 million extension signed last July). Then Manning would retire or try to catch on with another NFL team if he can pass its physical.
If, as expected, Manning is cleared medically by the Colts, things get a lot more complicated. The bull's-eye will then be on the $28 million bonus. It is very unlikely the Colts would ever pay that bonus. If they do and Peyton can't fulfill the five-year deal, they'll have more signing bonus accelerating into their salary cap if he is released or traded. For example, if the Colts pay the $28 million and Peyton gets hurt again and is forced to retire after the 2012 season or if the Colts wanted to trade him, they would have dead money of $33 million hit their cap ($12 million from his original signing bonus plus $21 million from the option bonus). That just won't fly for the Colts.
Manning can't be traded before the March 8 bonus date since trading does not begin until the start of the 2012 League Year, on March 13. Releasing him doesn't free up a bunch of money for the Colts to sign other free agents because of the $16 million cap hit on his signing bonus.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jeff_diamond/01/03/colts.andrew.luck/index.html#ixzz1jrOouEiM
I just heard Forte is playing in the pro bowl. I think that is a really bad idea.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on January 20, 2012, 08:42:36 AM
I just heard Forte is playing in the pro bowl. I think that is a really bad idea.
Forte is desperate to get paid immediately. The Bears would be foolish to pay him. No other team will give him the contract he wants. There is no market for feature RB's anymore. Passing wins games now, not running the ball. Abuse your RB's for 2 or 3 years and then say goodbye. Its a bitter pill to swallow for Matt Forte, but if he's smart he'll accept the franchise tag next year, get paid $7M, and not count on ever getting a big payday.
As awesome as Adrian Peterson is, he didn't win a hell of a lot of games for the Vikings last year. I'd trade Matt Forte for a #1WR for Cutler to throw to in a heartbeat.
Forte is going to the Pro Bowl to enjoy the beach with his family. Nothing more.
MY IDOL
RENO, Nev. (AP)—Lawyers for Ben Roethlisberger and a woman who accused him of raping her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino in 2008 have reached a settlement that ends her civil lawsuit against the Steelers quarterback.
Cal Dunlap, the Reno lawyer representing the woman, confirmed the settlement on Friday but declined to discuss the terms of the agreement.
"The matter has been resolved and I have no further comment," he told The Associated Press.
The Reno Gazette-Journal first reported the settlement on its website. It also dismisses claims against Harrah's employees whom the woman had accused of covering up the alleged sexual assault in Roethlisberger's penthouse suite in July 2008.
Dunlap first told Washoe District Court Judge Brent Adams in papers filed last Nov. 30 that his client wanted to have a stay lifted so the case could be dismissed because a settlement was pending.
"All parties have reached a resolution of all claims and counterclaims," he wrote.
Adams formally dismissed the case Dec. 27 but neither side had publicized it until now.
David Cornwell, Roethlisberger's lawyer, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment on Friday. His agent, Ryan Tollner, said neither he nor Roethlisberger would have any comment.
The Nevada Supreme Court had ruled against the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback's request in August to have the case moved from Reno to Carson City because it was closer to where the alleged incident had occurred at Harrah's in Stateline.
The woman was a VIP casino hostess at Harrah's when she said Roethlisberger allegedly lured her to his room under the pretense of fixing his television. Roethlisberger was in town at the time to play in a celebrity golf tournament.
Roethlisberger denied the allegations.
The original lawsuit filed in 2009 sought a minimum of $440,000 in damages from the quarterback, at least $50,000 in damages from the Harrah's officials and an unspecified amount in punitive damages.
The woman said she never filed a criminal complaint because she feared Harrah's would side with Roethlisberger and she would be fired.
Pats 31
Ravens 17
Giants 23
49ers 20
If the Ravens were ever going to beat the Pats on the road in the playoffs, that was definitely the game.
Brady 22/36 230 yds 0 TD 2 INT...and they win? Weird game. He missed a lot of open receivers from what I saw.
it's Joe "Can't Get To The Big Game" Flacco. ;D how do you miss a 32 yd FG? lol
Yes, I can't believe they let Joe Flacco kick that field goal to try and tie the game!
not what I was saying Taylor. The Ravens wont win a SB or even get to one with Flacco at QB was my point! Baltimore has and always will be a defensive team.
Come on Giants. don't let the cheaters win their 4th! you already beat the over rated Packers, now in 2 weeks beat the over rated coach and his team!
Pro Bowl Today
Hockey All Star Game
Bulls
if you are not out disc 'n
Anybody else watch this Peyton interview with Trey Wingo on ESPN today? Very strange interview. He was extremely elusive about anything relevant to his current situation and repeatedly tried to turn the conversation to how great Gatorade is. My gut feeling is that he's frightened to death that his career might actually be over.
didn't see the interview, but if it is over, I'm glad to have gotten to see his entire career. No one player changed any position more than he changed the QB position, IMO. All these QB's now that want to run a hurry up and change the play, are just trying to be Peyton. Only a few actually pull it off. I will miss him on Sundays if this is it?
Quote from: pdga#7648 on January 31, 2012, 04:36:33 PM
didn't see the interview, but if it is over, I'm glad to have gotten to see his entire career. No one player changed any position more than he changed the QB position, IMO. All these QB's now that want to run a hurry up and change the play, are just trying to be Peyton. Only a few actually pull it off. I will miss him on Sundays if this is it?
No matter when he retires I think he'll be remembered as one of the greatest NFL QBs of all time but I don't think he'll be remembered as someone who reinvented the position.
not too many QB's have the right to change plays all the time, and it was hardly ever done in the past. now alot o the QB's are trying to do what Peyton has been doing for years. that is changing the position Jon.
Quote from: pdga#7648 on February 01, 2012, 09:43:36 AM
not too many QB's have the right to change plays all the time, and it was hardly ever done in the past. now alot o the QB's are trying to do what Peyton has been doing for years. that is changing the position Jon.
I disagree.
and you have that right, no matter how wrong you are! just sayin
Rodgers earned 48 votes to two for New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. The Packers star is the first Green Bay player honored since Brett Favre concluded a run of three straight seasons as MVP in 1997.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/02/04/aaron.rodgers.mvp.ap/index.html#ixzz1lSwtriZg
You were right Dan. Not even close.
Those 2 must have been a couple Saints homers. Or maybe they only saw the last 3 weeks of the regular season. Rodgers was just completely dominant for pretty much the entire regular season, home and away. His record for QB rating might stand for awhile.
I think Calvin Johnson and Tom Brady had pretty good arguments for why they should have been MVP runner-ups. Brady got his team to a #1 seed while Brees had to play on Wild Card weekend. I think you can make a pretty convincing argument that Brees had a better team around him too.
Brees QB Rating 110.6 46TD 14 INT
Brady QB Rating 105.6 39TD 12 INT
Calvin Johnson 1681 yds 16 TD
CJ put up the 7th most rec yards in a season all-time and the most anybody has had in 8 years. He was doubled frequently and it just didn't matter. I thought he really carried that team offensively through a lot of games. Its hard to be more 'valuable' than a QB though, so I probably would have voted Brees, then Brady, then Calvin.
I thought that was a great game last night. Brady and Eli both played exceptionally well on the big stage. Felt like it flew by because there were so few incompletions and very few big offensive plays to stop the clock. Giants dominated time-of-possession, which perhaps was their gameplan to keep the Pats offense off the field. They kept failing to put up points or convert TD's though, which I thought would come back to haunt them. They also got lucky with a couple fumbles that happened to bounce right back to them.
2 plays I thought cost the Pats the game.
1. Brady's interception. It was on 1st down and the Pats were about to enter Giants territory. There was no reason to throw that ball up for grabs. If he throws it away or runs for a couple yards, its 2nd down and the Giants hadn't been able to stop the Pats offense for quite some time. Good chance they go up 2 scores right there and win the game.
2. Obviously the Welker drop. Pretty clear the Pats were about to put the game on ice with 4 min to go if Welker makes that catch.
I understand Belichick choosing to let Bradshaw score on that last drive. What I do not understand is the Giants telling Bradshaw to take a knee. If you don't want to score, then why hand it off and risk a fumble? Just have Eli take a knee after the snap.
It was 2nd down. If they take a knee, NE burns their last timeout with 57 sec left. They take a knee on 3rd and the clock ticks down to about 20 sec. Kick the chip shot FG to go up 1 pt and there is about 16 sec left. What is less likely, the Pats scoring a TD with 57 sec and 1 timeout, or scoring a FG with 16 sec and no timeouts? I'm actually not sure on that one. There is always the chance that the Giants squib kick out of bounds or something ridiculous and Brady only needs 1 solid completition to setup a 55 yd FG indoors, which is very makeable. I think scoring the TD was the safest play. And you take a botched FG out of play (which already saved NE once in this playoffs).
I agree about being a great game. Much more fun to watch a game like this one then some crazy shoot out with only one or two punts.
The play where Bradshaw scored was similar to what happened in Super Bowl 32 where the Packers basically let Denver score at the end of the game to get the ball back. Didn't work out for the Packers either.
Giants running game was amazing. Hinoski, or however his name is spelled made some spectacular blocks. All around a great game, very fun to watch when you don't have a vested interest in either team and you are just hoping for a good game. The NFL delivered big time.
Quote from: Dan Michler on February 06, 2012, 05:34:37 AM
Felt like it flew by because there were so few incompletions and very few big offensive plays to stop the clock.
Yeah, that seemed like the 'shortest' SB I can remember, time-wise.
It was hard to get into since I really didn't care who won, although I'd prefer anybody vs. the Patriots except Dallas. Interesting last quarter though.
Commercials were largely lame, and I didn't really watch the halftime. What, they gonna get Cher next year?
I was amazed at how low the score was given how efficient the quarterbacks played. Brady made a couple of errors but was generally very good and Manning could have lowered his score at the Fox Valley Ice Bowl as he was in the hula hoop on every throw. I thought the QB's put on a clinic. The commercials were lame. I usually like the commercials better than the game. This year the game was way more interesting. I had no rooting interest and could watch the last two minutes with my mind rather than my heart racing. I especially enjoyed halftime...what? you may inquire. Rather than watch Madonna try to writhe her way back to relevance, we watched the trailer for the upcoming Three Stooges movie that our host had on his computer. I will go see that even if its bad. nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.
I think it gets the nod as one of the best super bowl contests. Maddisen even watched the whole game and commented that it was a well played game. Maddisen and I did our typical rip job on the halftime show. I don't really ever enjoy the halftime show but the last one that I thought was ok was the last time the Bears were in it and Prince played.
Had Gronkowski dove and caught that Hail Mary, would that have been the greatest finish in sports history?
What is your vote for most exciting Super Bowl ever? There have actually been a ton of really exciting finishes in recent memory. Bills/Giants ending on the missed Norwood FG. The Titans coming up 1 yard short against the Rams. The Pats winning on a last second Vinatieri FG against the Rams. The Pats/Eagles game where McNabb was vomiting on the last drive and they lost by 3. Giants Patriots Part 1. Definitely that Steelers/Cardinals game from a few years ago would be near the top.
Personally for me it was the Saints over Colts game in 2010. My wife and I agreed to put down sizeable wager on the Saints to win straight up at +300 and go on a spring break trip to AZ only if we won. We were on the edge of our seats right up until that Tracey Porter pick 6 that capped it. Very exciting.
Titans/Rams. Making a tackle to preserve a win was outstanding.
Objectively, I agree with Tom. Subjectively (being a long-ago New Orleans resident), I agree with Dan. ;)
The Bears have the opportunity to go out and address the WR needs. The free agency list is loaded with WR's.
Dwayne Bowe
Vincent Jackson
Marques Colsten
Wes Welker--He'll probably be tagged.
DeSaun Jackson
Stevie Johnson
Reggie Wayne
Brandon Lloyd
Mario Manningham
I think the Chargers either tag V Jax or sign him to an extension. Same for Colston and obviously Welker. Dwayne Bowe, Steve Johnson, and Manningham would all interest me as a Bears fan. I'm not sure how effective Desean Jackson would be for the Bears where he'd be the focus of the defense. Can he make plays in double coverage? He seems like more of a pure speed threat and I could see him being a bust for somebody.
Clearly this is a position that the new GM has to address immediately.
I don't think Desean Jackson would be a good fit on the Bears either just because of his toxic attitude. A few games in a row with him not getting the results he prefers and that could make a bad situation worse.
If for whatever reason the Chargers don't want Vincent Jackson back, he'd be my clear #1 target. That guy has proven he can make plays down the field regardless of the coverage. He has that knack for timing his leap and coming down with the ball in traffic. He's the guy Cutler is missing. I think he could transform the Bears offense.
I would agree Dan - at first I was thinking Brett had listed Brandon Marshall as opposed to Brandon Lloyd, which would also be an awesome fit. Lloyd would be better than on paper for the Bears only because of the history with Cutler though if I recall correctly. Getting to watch Vincent Jackson against Calvin Johnson a few times of year would be an interesting stat matchup.
Randy Moss is available! ;)
I thought this article was hilarious. Seems it might have been google translated...perhaps more than once!
Bears have 14 players scheduled to hit at no cost agency this offseason (Bears)
There is usually a tremendous possibility which the Chicago are going to manage their own in the first.As far as everyone knows the Chicago Bears have got a extraordinary offer of bedroom in their income cap to go out and sign the absolutely free agents from other teams. The Chicago Bears have 14 players organized to hit the 100 % free company this offseason also. The massive names for the Chicago Bears this year are Pro Bowl jogging back again Matt Forte, Israel Idonije and Tim Jennings.Caleb Hanie, who is the quarterback belonging to the workforce, started out 4 games to the Bears in 2011 with no expections. Caleb Hanie needed to come in for the reason that back up simply because of an injury to Jay Cutler. A great deal of lovers for the Chicago Bears ended up optimistic that Hanie could do a serviceable project as the starter in the Chicago Bears. Nevertheless, it is unlucky for the Chicago Bears, that's not what occurred.The supporters of the Bears will ideally not search ahead to the Chicago Bears to re-sign Caleb Hanie for your explanation that he turned out last 12 months that he should not ever start off for an NFL team at any time. Probably it was the schemes of Mike Martz that doomed the youthful kid. Yet, he's been while in the technique for two many years so that is not a legitimate excuse. Josh McCown, who's the quarterback with the group, commenced the very last two games in 2011 for Chicago and he looked sturdy. That will happen to be as being a result belonging to the simple fact that anybody could have looked incredibly good adhering to the functionality of Caleb Hanie, but he nonetheless was a great third alternative.Josh McCown appears to have been to the roster for more or less a year, as we all know that he received signed in the 2011 time and he played perfectly in two emergency starts. Josh McCown is going to be a wonderful 3rd quarterback on any depth chart, and just after the catastrophe the Bears knowledgeable last time, they probably hope to carry 3 viable quarterbacks subsequent yr.But nevertheless, there's a big risk the Chicago Bears Joe Montana Jerseyare likely to go out and acquire a back up quarterback in f-r-e-e agency or perhaps the draft. The Chicago Bearshas also advised the media a great deal of instances that the group likes Nathan Enderle like a younger quarterback particularly a lot. Nathan Enderle along with a pick up this off time of year will be the correct back-up quarterback, within the wake of Jay Cutler. Still, Josh McCown is simply not looked at producing the ultimate roster.
The Saints tagged Brees. Looks like Colsten will be on the market.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on March 03, 2012, 01:28:03 PM
The Saints tagged Brees. Looks like Colsten will be on the market.
Unreal. Not sure what Brees wants, but I heard they offered him the same money that Manning and Brady make per season. Seems fair to me. Seems risky for Brees to turn down the guaranteed bigtime $$ and risk getting hurt this season.
Colston would be a nice add for the Bears. My personal opinion is Cutler would benefit much more from a big target possession receiver like Colston than from a speedy deep threat WR. Johnny Knox can fill the deep threat role. Earl Bennet is a functional slot receiver.
Desean Jackson was tagged this week. I read Bowe is likely to be tagged as well. Vincent Jackson would still be my #1 target as Bears GM if he ends up a free agent, followed by Colston. If we end up signing 64 year old Hines freaking Ward instead of those other guys, I'm giving up on this new Bears GM immediately.
I would agree. VJax would be my #1 target to get.
Take Colston off the list. Back with the Saints. V Jax is really looking like the only bigtime WR out there now. Free agency starts today, should be interesting.