NFL Talk

[DemoDougie]

For those of you who have a love or an avid interest in the NFL and the start of the 2006 season!

[lonewolf]

Has anyone else played in a Fantasy Football league? A bunch of my friends recruited me for one based on how I have recruited them to play Heroscape. We did the draft last week.....I had the third pick and Larry Johnson was available, so I figured I had to pick him.

Any advice?

[Bannister]

Of that group I would have to say either the Ravens or the Dolphins.

Yeah, I've done the Fantasy football league before, but who has the time these days.

But if you can, get Peyton Manning

:D

Bannister

[DemoDougie]

Has anyone else played in a Fantasy Football league? A bunch of my friends recruited me for one based on how I have recruited them to play Heroscape. We did the draft last week.....I had the third pick and Larry Johnson was available, so I figured I had to pick him.

Any advice?

Excellent choice! Larry's going to be a quality back this year, barring injury, for the currently on injured-reserve Priest Holmes. Look for him to be the featured back for 3-5 games and for maybe a few more based on how quickly Priest is able to fold back into the offense. You might want to draft another back just in case Priest comes back early or at the beginning of the season. Someone you might want to look at, if he's available is Julius Jones with the Dallas Cowboys. He's often overlooked amongst the more prolific backs in the NFL right now. He looks good in the pre-season right now. In 21 career games, with 19 career starts, he has run for 1,812 yards (86.3 yards-per-game), including 1,780 in the 19 starts (93.7 yards-per game).

Good luck and have a great season!

[Wilkerson74]

Go Niners!

[deliverymanxas]

LJ was definately your best pick for #3. Who all else did you end up with?

As far as this Topic goes. I feel that the Saints are going to do pretty good, but Bush may need another year or two of help before he really blossoms into an elite back in the NFL.
The Dolphins still have a 'new' coach who needs another year or two to fully transform the 'fins into his own. Daunte Culpepper and Ronnie Brown could be an offensive force. With no 'real' talent at WR, Culpepper is probably going to be a little restricted.
Houston/Frisco are going to be sub-par again, mostly because their divisions are going to be pretty tough. SF still has a pretty good young QB, but look how D. Carr ended up in Houston. Both are supposed to be the saviors of each programs struggling offense (Carr basically started when Houston did). But Houston now has Rosenfels to add depth at QB.
Baltimore is going to be Baltimore...Defense Academy. Any defense led by Ray Lewis is going to be good...but once again, the big question is how is the Offense going to be? Can McNair make that much difference? And is Jamal Lewis still going to be healthy enough to carry his share of the load?
The Lions have probably the most talent on offense. They are yet to show it, but they have it. Look at the passing game, for one. Three of the most explosive young WR in the game, and neither had a real promising year. QB is again going to be the big question, with Kitna looking to be the starter (and Harrington going to Miami). Is this the year that Big-D shows up in the NFL?

Thats my 2 cents for now.

[Havokscry]

I wouldn't rule out Arizona. They could potentially be a team like the Bengals were last year and they play in a relatively weak division. I'd say out of the above picks though Miami and Baltimore have the chance for winning seasons and possibly wild card births. Both teams always seemed to have the defense and both teams always seemed to lack a decent quarterback. Now both teams have both.

[DemoDougie]

LJ was definately your best pick for #3. Who all else did you end up with?

As far as this Topic goes. I feel that the Saints are going to do pretty good, but Bush may need another year or two of help before he really blossoms into an elite back in the NFL.
The Dolphins still have a 'new' coach who needs another year or two to fully transform the 'fins into his own. Daunte Culpepper and Ronnie Brown could be an offensive force. With no 'real' talent at WR, Culpepper is probably going to be a little restricted.
Houston/Frisco are going to be sub-par again, mostly because their divisions are going to be pretty tough. SF still has a pretty good young QB, but look how D. Carr ended up in Houston. Both are supposed to be the saviors of each programs struggling offense (Carr basically started when Houston did). But Houston now has Rosenfels to add depth at QB.
Baltimore is going to be Baltimore...Defense Academy. Any defense led by Ray Lewis is going to be good...but once again, the big question is how is the Offense going to be? Can McNair make that much difference? And is Jamal Lewis still going to be healthy enough to carry his share of the load?
The Lions have probably the most talent on offense. They are yet to show it, but they have it. Look at the passing game, for one. Three of the most explosive young WR in the game, and neither had a real promising year. QB is again going to be the big question, with Kitna looking to be the starter (and Harrington going to Miami). Is this the year that Big-D shows up in the NFL?

Thats my 2 cents for now.

No "true talent at WR for the Dolphins you say? Chris Chambers led team with 82 receptions for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Reception total tied for sixth in the AFC and 13th in the NFL while his yardage figure was third in the conference 12th in the league ... Eleven touchdown catches tied for the second-highest figure in the AFC and third in the NFL, trailing only Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison (12) and Carolina’s Steve Smith (12) ... Chambers set career highs for both receptions and receiving yards, while his touchdown total equaled his career best that he first achieved in 2003 ... Over the final six games of the season, recorded 43 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns ... With 82 catches on the year, Chambers became the first wide receiver to increase his receiving totals in each of his first five NFL seasons since Muhsin Muhammad did it from 1996-2000 with Carolina ... In addition, he became just the second Dolphins wide receiver to do it, joining O.J. McDuffie (1993-97) ... He became the first Dolphin to record 1,000 or more receiving yards since Tony Martin had 1,037 receiving yards in 1999 ... Overall, it marked the 14th time a Dolphin had a 1,000 receiving yard season, and he is the sixth different Dolphin player to reach that plateau, joining Mark Clayton (five times), Mark Duper (four), Irving Fryar (two), O.J. McDuffie (one) and Martin (one) ... Also rushed for 92 yards on 12 attempts during the course of the season, as he was third on the team in rushing.

[AmishBurrito]

go dan marino!

[cbs42]

Has anyone else played in a Fantasy Football league? A bunch of my friends recruited me for one based on how I have recruited them to play Heroscape.
Hey, I'm in the same boat. I've not played in one before, but got recruited. Only bad part is, I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL, well besides the rules and such. I know nothing of the players at all.

Can anyone please post a decent draft list for me to work from? Our draft is this weekend, and I'm desperately seeking info.

[lonewolf]

QB - Carson Palmer (CIN) - A little worried he has the injury bug.
QB - Ben Rothlisberger(PIT)

RB - Larry Johnson (KC)
RB - Willis McGahee (BUF)
RB - Brian Westbrook(PHI)

WR - Steven Smith (CAR)
WR - Santana Moss (WAS)
WR - Dante Stallworth (PHI)

TE - Todd Heap (BAL)

Def - Carolina Panthers

K - Matt Stover (Who cares)

That is most of the top players that I got. I thought I did pretty good considering it was my first time. You can pick good players, but you never really know who is going to have an awesome year until they get on the field. I am going to keep a close eye on some of the unpicked players the first couple of weeks and see if there are any diamonds in the rough.

[netherspirit]

Go Colts! :D

[lonewolf]

Has anyone else played in a Fantasy Football league? A bunch of my friends recruited me for one based on how I have recruited them to play Heroscape.
Hey, I'm in the same boat. I've not played in one before, but got recruited. Only bad part is, I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL, well besides the rules and such. I know nothing of the players at all.

Can anyone please post a decent draft list for me to work from? Our draft is this weekend, and I'm desperately seeking info.

Go to this link:
http://msn.foxsports.com/name/public/Fantasy/draftGuide/home
and print out the the guide by position. Take it with you to the draft. This will be a good starting point. This is updated regularly, so if someone blows out a knee, they shouldn't be on any of these lists. That should help. I started with a RB and then a QB, and then tried to look for the best available player at the time, realizing that I need to fill all my positions. Don't draft your kicker until the last round or two, they are all about the same anyways unless you get one of the top two or three.

[DemoDougie]

QB - Carson Palmer (CIN) - A little worried he has the injury bug.
QB - Ben Rothlisberger(PIT)

RB - Larry Johnson (KC)
RB - Willis McGahee (BUF)
RB - Brian Westbrook(PHI)

WR - Steven Smith (CAR)
WR - Santana Moss (WAS)
WR - Dante Stallworth (PHI)

TE - Todd Heap (BAL)

Def - Carolina Panthers

K - Matt Stover (Who cares)

That is most of the top players that I got. I thought I did pretty good considering it was my first time. You can pick good players, but you never really know who is going to have an awesome year until they get on the field. I am going to keep a close eye on some of the unpicked players the first couple of weeks and see if there are any diamonds in the rough.

Very solid draft indeed! I maybe would have gone with Tony Gonzalez (KC) or Randy McMichael (MIA) at TE, but if McNair is healthy and the offense features the single and double-TE sets more, you should be in good shape!

[DoesntCompute]

Who cares who the surprise team is? The Seahawks are gonna win it all anyway!

[DemoDougie]

Has anyone else played in a Fantasy Football league? A bunch of my friends recruited me for one based on how I have recruited them to play Heroscape.
Hey, I'm in the same boat. I've not played in one before, but got recruited. Only bad part is, I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL, well besides the rules and such. I know nothing of the players at all.

Can anyone please post a decent draft list for me to work from? Our draft is this weekend, and I'm desperately seeking info.

Go to this link:
http://msn.foxsports.com/name/public/Fantasy/draftGuide/home
and print out the the guide by position. Take it with you to the draft. This will be a good starting point. This is updated regularly, so if someone blows out a knee, they shouldn't be on any of these lists. That should help. I started with a RB and then a QB, and then tried to look for the best available player at the time, realizing that I need to fill all my positions. Don't draft your kicker until the last round or two, they are all about the same anyways unless you get one of the top two or three.

Excellent advice, I was about to post the same thing!

[DemoDougie]

Who cares who the surprise team is? The Seahawks are gonna win it all anyway!

Not if they have to play the refs again!

:deadhorse:

[DoesntCompute]

Excellent choice! Larry's going to be a quality back this year, barring injury, for the currently on injured-reserve Priest Holmes. Look for him to be the featured back for 3-5 games and for maybe a few more based on how quickly Priest is able to fold back into the offense. You might want to draft another back just in case Priest comes back early or at the beginning of the season.

Priest is on the Physically Unable to Play list to begin the season. The earliest he could possibly return according to the rules is week 7. Even when/if he comes back, LJ will be the featured back with Priest spelling him.

[DoesntCompute]

Who cares who the surprise team is? The Seahawks are gonna win it all anyway!

Not if they have to play the refs again!

:deadhorse:

SOOOOoooo don't get me started. My blood pressure is finally returning to normal.

[DemoDougie]

Excellent choice! Larry's going to be a quality back this year, barring injury, for the currently on injured-reserve Priest Holmes. Look for him to be the featured back for 3-5 games and for maybe a few more based on how quickly Priest is able to fold back into the offense. You might want to draft another back just in case Priest comes back early or at the beginning of the season.

Priest is on the Physically Unable to Play list to begin the season. The earliest he could possibly return according to the rules is week 7. Even when/if he comes back, LJ will be the featured back with Priest spelling him.

Of what rules do you speak?

[lonewolf]

Excellent choice! Larry's going to be a quality back this year, barring injury, for the currently on injured-reserve Priest Holmes. Look for him to be the featured back for 3-5 games and for maybe a few more based on how quickly Priest is able to fold back into the offense. You might want to draft another back just in case Priest comes back early or at the beginning of the season.

Priest is on the Physically Unable to Play list to begin the season. The earliest he could possibly return according to the rules is week 7. Even when/if he comes back, LJ will be the featured back with Priest spelling him.

Of what rules do you speak?

Here is an article about Curtis Martin being on the PUP list.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2564968

[noodles]

My fantasy draft is tonight so I have no time to fully read this thread but I'm glad there's an NFL thread up. I'll check back tomorrow and catch up.

Cheers *raises my cyber-beer*

[DoesntCompute]

For the heck of it here's my team:
QBs
Warner, Leinart (handcuff), Rivers

RBs
LJ, C. Williams, Addai, A. Green

WRs
Steve Smith, R. Moss, R. Wayne, D-Jac, A. Bryant

TE
C. Cooley

K
Wilkins

Def
Will pick one up based on matchups

[DemoDougie]

[quote=DemoDougie]
Excellent choice! Larry's going to be a quality back this year, barring injury, for the currently on injured-reserve Priest Holmes. Look for him to be the featured back for 3-5 games and for maybe a few more based on how quickly Priest is able to fold back into the offense. You might want to draft another back just in case Priest comes back early or at the beginning of the season.

Priest is on the Physically Unable to Play list to begin the season. The earliest he could possibly return according to the rules is week 7. Even when/if he comes back, LJ will be the featured back with Priest spelling him.

Of what rules do you speak?

Thanks for the clarification! Wasn't sure it was week 5 or 7. Thanks!

[DemoDougie]

For the heck of it here's my team:
QBs
Warner, Leinart (handcuff), Rivers

RBs
LJ, C. Williams, Addai, A. Green

WRs
Steve Smith, R. Moss, R. Wayne, D-Jac, A. Bryant

TE
C. Cooley

K
Wilkins

Def
Will pick one up based on matchups

Nice choices! I hope Rivers has a better time than he's had in the pre-season. Is Philip Rivers ready for primetime?
He has thrown only 30 passes in regular-season play, with 17 completions, one touchdown and a 67.1 passer rating. He has the size, brains, maturity and arm to be a winner, but scouts have criticized his sidearm motion. However, Bernie Kosar had similar mechanics, and he won plenty of games for Marty Schottenheimer in Cleveland. He has two great safety valves in Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson -- who caught 100 passes in 2003 -- and a 10,000-yard target in Keenan McCardell. The offensive line is questionable and the receiving corps is thin, but if Rivers can hit receivers deep when defenses stack up to stop Tomlinson, Rivers could get off to a flying start.

[lonewolf]

For the heck of it here's my team:
QBs
Warner, Leinart (handcuff), Rivers

RBs
LJ, C. Williams, Addai, A. Green

WRs
Steve Smith, R. Moss, R. Wayne, D-Jac, A. Bryant

TE
C. Cooley

K
Wilkins

Def
Will pick one up based on matchups

Looks good to me! A little worried about your quarterback situation.....you will have to play Rivers on the Cardinals bye week. It was tempting for me to pick Curt Warner too. They have great wide receivers and you know Curt can get it done.....but the curse of the Bidwells is so strong. The Cardinals have so dissapointed me all these years that I have little hope in them. I have been a long time fan because I live here, but it can be hard work sometimes. I always tell people, it is easy to be a Patriots or Broncos fan, but hard work to be a Cardinals fan!

[DoesntCompute]

Yea QB was the last position filled out of RB, WR, and QB. The QBs I wanted got taken early so put my energy elsewhere. If Rivers struggles out of the gate, I will find another QB. At this point, I only need him for 1 game unless the wheels completely fall off in AZ.

As far as working hard to be a fan... I'm a lifelong Seahawks fan - I feel your pain. Jim Zorn and Steve Largent were my favorite players growing up.

[NiteRaider]

I only need him for 1 game unless the wheels completely fall off in AZ.I think the wheels fell off the Cards back when they were in Chicago. (slams head into wall) Why did the Cardinals have to be my hometown team?

[deliverymanxas]

LJ was definately your best pick for #3. Who all else did you end up with?

As far as this Topic goes. I feel that the Saints are going to do pretty good, but Bush may need another year or two of help before he really blossoms into an elite back in the NFL.
The Dolphins still have a 'new' coach who needs another year or two to fully transform the 'fins into his own. Daunte Culpepper and Ronnie Brown could be an offensive force. With no 'real' talent at WR, Culpepper is probably going to be a little restricted.
Houston/Frisco are going to be sub-par again, mostly because their divisions are going to be pretty tough. SF still has a pretty good young QB, but look how D. Carr ended up in Houston. Both are supposed to be the saviors of each programs struggling offense (Carr basically started when Houston did). But Houston now has Rosenfels to add depth at QB.
Baltimore is going to be Baltimore...Defense Academy. Any defense led by Ray Lewis is going to be good...but once again, the big question is how is the Offense going to be? Can McNair make that much difference? And is Jamal Lewis still going to be healthy enough to carry his share of the load?
The Lions have probably the most talent on offense. They are yet to show it, but they have it. Look at the passing game, for one. Three of the most explosive young WR in the game, and neither had a real promising year. QB is again going to be the big question, with Kitna looking to be the starter (and Harrington going to Miami). Is this the year that Big-D shows up in the NFL?

Thats my 2 cents for now.

No "true talent at WR for the Dolphins you say? Chris Chambers led team with 82 receptions for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Reception total tied for sixth in the AFC and 13th in the NFL while his yardage figure was third in the conference 12th in the league ... Eleven touchdown catches tied for the second-highest figure in the AFC and third in the NFL, trailing only Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison (12) and Carolina’s Steve Smith (12) ... Chambers set career highs for both receptions and receiving yards, while his touchdown total equaled his career best that he first achieved in 2003 ... Over the final six games of the season, recorded 43 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns ... With 82 catches on the year, Chambers became the first wide receiver to increase his receiving totals in each of his first five NFL seasons since Muhsin Muhammad did it from 1996-2000 with Carolina ... In addition, he became just the second Dolphins wide receiver to do it, joining O.J. McDuffie (1993-97) ... He became the first Dolphin to record 1,000 or more receiving yards since Tony Martin had 1,037 receiving yards in 1999 ... Overall, it marked the 14th time a Dolphin had a 1,000 receiving yard season, and he is the sixth different Dolphin player to reach that plateau, joining Mark Clayton (five times), Mark Duper (four), Irving Fryar (two), O.J. McDuffie (one) and Martin (one) ... Also rushed for 92 yards on 12 attempts during the course of the season, as he was third on the team in rushing.
Alright, when I say True talent, I mean more than one guy...
Stat Boy! I need names and stats from the last 3 years on every Dolphin WR other than Chris Chambers.

[deliverymanxas]

QB - Carson Palmer (CIN) - A little worried he has the injury bug.
QB - Ben Rothlisberger(PIT)

RB - Larry Johnson (KC)
RB - Willis McGahee (BUF)
RB - Brian Westbrook(PHI)

WR - Steven Smith (CAR)
WR - Santana Moss (WAS)
WR - Dante Stallworth (PHI)

TE - Todd Heap (BAL)

Def - Carolina Panthers

K - Matt Stover (Who cares)

That is most of the top players that I got. I thought I did pretty good considering it was my first time. You can pick good players, but you never really know who is going to have an awesome year until they get on the field. I am going to keep a close eye on some of the unpicked players the first couple of weeks and see if there are any diamonds in the rough.

Should have took Gates (Chargers). He was voted as the best TE in the game (yes over Tony Gonzalez).

[Agent Minivann]

I've never done a fantasy team in a league with a draft. I've done some of the salary cap style leagues, but I'm not a big enough football nut to do any good.

Just out of curiosity, how did TO do in the fantasy drafts?

[Venom]

Why did the Cardinals have to be my hometown team?

because... you live in AZ :shrug:

[noodles]

I've never done a fantasy team in a league with a draft. I've done some of the salary cap style leagues, but I'm not a big enough football nut to do any good.

Just out of curiosity, how did TO do in the fantasy drafts?

He fell to the 3rd round in our draft and my team is a monster......

[toddrew]

Can anyone please post a decent draft list for me to work from? Our draft is this weekend, and I'm desperately seeking info.

Here's my useless nugget: in the late rounds (how many rounds are you drafting?), like next to last, or even last, take Tony Scheffler TE from the Denver Broncos. I think he'll do well for your fantasy team, and I don't think anyone else will pick him.

As a corollary: Don't take any RB from the Denver Broncos. They have a great running game, but no featured back! 2 years ago Quentin Griffith gets about 160 yards and 2 TD's against KC in the opener and then 3 games later is replaced by Rueben Droughns (and not because of injury, mind you) who goes on to get 1200+ yards the rest of the season after having all of 300 yards his whole career. Of course he now plays for the Browns ?!

Also, before saying "should've taken X instead of Y" be sure they weren't already drafted - this isn't a pre-made army situation :)

[Bannister]

IMO, TO is a waste, in fantasy and reality. That guy is so wrapped up in himself that he couldn't care less about all the carnage he has left in his wake.

Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice those are my kind of receivers, talent and class.

Bannister

PS. Unfortunately I am a Titans fan. I don't really see them doing that great this year.

[lonewolf]

I've never done a fantasy team in a league with a draft. I've done some of the salary cap style leagues, but I'm not a big enough football nut to do any good.

Just out of curiosity, how did TO do in the fantasy drafts?

He fell to the 3rd round in our draft and my team is a monster......

Lets hear about the monster team...My curiosity is peaked!

[toddrew]

O, and as to the poll question, out of the teams listed I'll take the Dolphins (though if Saban's insistance on keeping Vick on the team is anything other than a motivational ploy to others on the team, I mean if it's to address a real need...)

But I think THIS is the year for the Cardinals. Not to win the Superbowl or anything, but to have the type of season that the Bears (go bears, rah) had last year (and 4 years ago, too.)

I'ld like to see the Ravens do well for McNair's sake, but few others on that team.

[Agent Minivann]

IMO, TO is a waste, in fantasy and reality. That guy is so wrapped up in himself that he couldn't care less about all the carnage he has left in his wake.

Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice those are my kind of receivers, talent and class.

No arguement from me there.

[vernz]

im going with carolina panthers there going all the way this year

[DemoDougie]

Can anyone please post a decent draft list for me to work from? Our draft is this weekend, and I'm desperately seeking info.

Here's my useless nugget: in the late rounds (how many rounds are you drafting?), like next to last, or even last, take Tony Scheffler TE from the Denver Broncos. I think he'll do well for your fantasy team, and I don't think anyone else will pick him.

As a corollary: Don't take any RB from the Denver Broncos. They have a great running game, but no featured back! 2 years ago Quentin Griffith gets about 160 yards and 2 TD's against KC in the opener and then 3 games later is replaced by Rueben Droughns (and not because of injury, mind you) who goes on to get 1200+ yards the rest of the season after having all of 300 yards his whole career. Of course he now plays for the Browns ?!

Also, before saying "should've taken X instead of Y" be sure they weren't already drafted - this isn't a pre-made army situation :)

Prime advice here!! And excellent point about Tony Scheffler!

[DemoDougie]

O, and as to the poll question, out of the teams listed I'll take the Dolphins (though if Saban's insistance on keeping Vick on the team is anything other than a motivational ploy to others on the team, I mean if it's to address a real need...)

But I think THIS is the year for the Cardinals. Not to win the Superbowl or anything, but to have the type of season that the Bears (go bears, rah) had last year (and 4 years ago, too.)

I'ld like to see the Ravens do well for McNair's sake, but few others on that team.

I think Saban has him on the team because he is a versatille player. He's listed as WR/QB/Kick-Return/Specialist. You can never be too deep at WR as the Dolphins learned this a few years ago (under Wandstadt) wen David Boston was out for the season and Chris Chambers missed half of the season. All they were left with was Orande Gadsden who was their primary 3rd down receiver. He had a good season because he was featured but it left them vulnerable alot as he was constantly double and triple-teamed. I agree with you about the Cards!

[toddrew]

I'ld like to see the Ravens do well for McNair's sake, but few others on that team.

Pardon me while I quote myself...

But driving into work I was thinking about this comment on my way into work. This team is the Sir Hawthorne of the NFL. Aside from McNair, there is no one to openly root for unless thugery is your thing (and if it is, no offense intended, really, I mean that, and no I don't live in Loveland,CO, that's all a ruse...) Between Billick, the Lewis's, Ed Reed, etc. etc. - lucky for them the Bengals are causing all the trouble they are :lol: Even Mike Anderson, the solid RB/FB they got from Denver (who really is a nice guy) got suspended a year ago for "inhaling his friend's marijuana smoke."

And while being of poor character may not be detrimental to a team (though that is very debatable) spending four months in the federal penn didn't do Jamal Lewis's ground attack much good last year...

[DemoDougie]

I'ld like to see the Ravens do well for McNair's sake, but few others on that team.

Pardon me while I quote myself...

But driving into work I was thinking about this comment on my way into work. This team is the Sir Hawthorne of the NFL. Aside from McNair, there is no one to openly root for unless thugery is your thing (and if it is, no offense intended, really, I mean that, and no I don't live in Loveland,CO, that's all a ruse...) Between Billick, the Lewis's, Ed Reed, etc. etc. - lucky for them the Bengals are causing all the trouble they are :lol: Even Mike Anderson, the solid RB/FB they got from Denver (who really is a nice guy) got suspended a year ago for "inhaling his friend's marijuana smoke."

And while being of poor character may not be detrimental to a team (though that is very debatable) spending four months in the federal penn didn't do Jamal Lewis's ground attack much good last year...

The Ravens had better improve if Billick wants to stay in Baltimore!

[DemoDougie]

How can this thread be dead now for almost 2 weeks when we had opening weekend of football since last Thursday!?!?!?!?!? Come on guys!!

[toddrew]

Too busy watchin' ;)

Plus it's the first week - dangerous to draw conclusions now :)

Here's my two:
Bears win the North
Jay Cutler starts week 5 for the Broncos

[geddy lifeson]

Bears win the North


I agree, but your statement is more of a fact than anything.

[toddrew]

Bears win the North


I agree, but your statement is more of a fact than anything.

I remember there being a few Bears fans on these boards ;)

[Hahma]

Da Bears !

[DoesntCompute]

Go Hawks! It was ugly but I'll take it.

[Drumline3469]

go dan marino!

Dolphins are stepping up. They've been my teams since I was a little boy and let me tell you that this the rebuilding year. This is our year. Culpepper is hot right now. He's got a good arm and good judgement. Our defense has always been superb. I think the only thing that's going to keep us out of the superbowl is out offensive line. They couldn't hold the DL if they were superglued to em. I'm spent

[django]

Da beer's!

[DemoDougie]

go dan marino!

Dolphins are stepping up. They've been my teams since I was a little boy and let me tell you that this the rebuilding year. This is our year. Culpepper is hot right now. He's got a good arm and good judgement. Our defense has always been superb. I think the only thing that's going to keep us out of the superbowl is out offensive line. They couldn't hold the DL if they were superglued to em. I'm spent

I am also a SUPER DOLPHIN FAN! Although I agree with most of your statement, after week one I have to disagree with one part - Culpepper's "good judgement." He totally showed poor judgement with the two interceptions late in the game. True the OL got tired by the end, but the INT's were not because he was rushed and forced to make bad throws, he had decent protection they were just poor decisions in tight coverage. I need to see him perform the next couple of weeks before I go shouting Super Bowl. If Daunte corrects this soon I feel as though we'll win the AFC East.

[toddrew]

Too busy watchin' ;)

Plus it's the first week - dangerous to draw conclusions now :)

Here's my two:
Bears win the North
Jay Cutler starts week 5 for the Broncos

Well, I'm not retracting my comments after week 2. We'll see what happens when the Bears play some teams with a future past december, though :lol:

Hopefully overtime was the real Broncos offense, cuz that game was almost as hard to watch as the Rams game.

[geddy lifeson]

I think the Bears have a solid team...great defense and special teams are good as well. It will be interesting to see how the offense does and if Grossman can stay healthy and actually play and if not wht will Griese do.

[toddrew]

It will be interesting to see how the offense does and if Grossman can stay healthy and actually play and if not wht will Griese do.

I think Griese would be a good fit for the Bears. Not a quarterback that can pull your team from the jaws of defeat, but he won't put the defense in a bad position with a costly interception on his end of the field either. His main problem with the Broncos was A) that he wasn't Elway and B) a perceived lack of leadership/detachment from teammates (whether that's real or not I can't say, not being a teammate and all :) ). Seems to me that Urlacher is the team leader, so B shouldn't be as big a deal, and he definitely won't be playing in the shadow of a great QB with the Bears.

Anyway, if Grossman does go down, the Bears are in much better position this year than last, IMHO. Orton got them to the playoffs, but one was just fooling one's self if thoughts of playoff supremecy were flashing about last season...

[DemoDougie]

It will be interesting to see how the offense does and if Grossman can stay healthy and actually play and if not wht will Griese do.

I think Griese would be a good fit for the Bears. Not a quarterback that can pull your team from the jaws of defeat, but he won't put the defense in a bad position with a costly interception on his end of the field either. His main problem with the Broncos was A) that he wasn't Elway and B) a perceived lack of leadership/detachment from teammates (whether that's real or not I can't say, not being a teammate and all :) ). Seems to me that Urlacher is the team leader, so B shouldn't be as big a deal, and he definitely won't be playing in the shadow of a great QB with the Bears.

Anyway, if Grossman does go down, the Bears are in much better position this year than last, IMHO. Orton got them to the playoffs, but one was just fooling one's self if thoughts of playoff supremecy were flashing about last season...

Not sure about your assessment of Brian Griese's ability to "not put the defense in bad positions with costly interceptions." Griese was on teams with top 5 rated defenses with Tampa, Miami, and Denver, yet the last season he had more TD's than INT's was 2001 at 23/19; in 2002 also with Denver, 15/15, 2003 with Miami 5/6; 2004 and 05 with Tampa, 20/12 and 7/7, respectively.

[toddrew]

I'm lazy and usually don't check stats and just go with how I remember what I saw - but I did check the stats you're putting up there, and they are right, except that the last time he threw more TD's than INT's was 2004 when he had a good year for Tampa (20/12, as you reported ;) )

I haven't followed him closely since he left Denver, but while in Denver I remember the bulk of those interceptions coming later in games that the Broncos were behind in, when Griese would try to "bring them back" and force the ball trying to play above his abilities, which seem to be tailored to accurate short passing. He does have a decent enough arm, but when throwing across the field the ball would lose its zip and be picked off by well positioned defenders. Which happened a lot in 2002 and led to Shanahan going back on his Montana comparison, and dumping Griese for Plummer (who is soon to be dumped for Cutler - maybe even this year if things go south).

Since then he's been a back-up and/or injured. I think you are a Dolphin follower, didn't that offense as a whole stink while he was there? I think stat-wise Fiedler wasn't any better than Griese during that time.

But maybe I'm hanging on to the season before 2001, where Griese's TD/INT was 19/4 :!: Anyway, my (completely and totally from my ass, BTW :lol: ) point is that the Bears have a much more competent back-up in Griese than Orton this year, and that the Bears seem to have a team suited to Griese (as much as a team can be anyway.) We'll find out when Grossman's foot falls off in week 4 :lol:

EDIT: also, before my posting leads readers to believe I've a man-crush on Brian Griese - trying to say he's a good, not great by any means, quarterback, and give Bears fans some reason to relax and enjoy the little time Grossman has :lol: Also dabbling in reverse hexing :) /*sends up a little prayer for Rex :pray: */

[toddrew]

Well, the Bears prediction is holding up, and, fortunately, it looks like the Cutler prediction is at the very least on hold. Plummer's stats looked bad - I was watching the game and thinking he was playing pretty good, and he's 11 for 26 with 130some yards and 1 TD, but no interceptions, and lots of those incompletions were smart throw-aways as opposed to the crippling INT's. He completed his next 4 passes however and added 100 yards and a TD before running out the clock. The first TD to Javon Walker was a nice throw, but more a great (lucky?) play call. The second, however, was a great throw, getting blitzed and threading the cover 2 perfectly, 2nd DB missed his spot, and the dagger TD was scored. Shaping up like last season... (maybe possum loss in the first game is the way to go :lol: )

[DemoDougie]

I think you are a Dolphin follower, didn't that offense as a whole stink while he was there? I think stat-wise Fiedler wasn't any better than Griese during that time. */

Everything you said is pretty well on. However, I must make the following points: although it is true that neither Griese nor Fiedler led the league in passing, Jay had 8 wins in 11 starts and 11 TD's to 13 INT's while Brian had 4 wins in 5 starts with 5 TD's and 6 INT's; his last game against Washington saw him pulled late in the game for Fiedler to come in and win 24 - 23; one of Griese's wins was a 9 - 6 battle of field goals with Baltimore.

You know as I think about them both, they are almost a carbon copy of each other in their "hay-days" as starting "franchise" QB's. In 5 seasons with the Dolphins, Fiedler had 38W - 21L in 59 starts, 66 TD's, 63 INT's, 936 COMP in 1603 ATT at 59%. In 5 seasons with the Broncos, Griese had 26W - 25L in 51 starts, 71 TD's, 53 INT's, 1044 COMP in 1678 ATT at 62%. The only difference makers are the one that counts - winning percentage and Fiedler was a perfect 2- 0 in head-to-head match-ups vs. Griese.

Boy, that went a long way to basically say you're mostly right, huh? LOL
:passout:

[toddrew]

You know as I think about them both, they are almost a carbon copy of each other in their "hay-days" as starting "franchise" QB's.

Yeah, they're both "Wannstedt guys" :lol: damning praise...

I'll make this tangent brief, but I really wanted Wannstedt to succeed when he was coaching the Bears...(But I also wanted Jauron to succeed, and Ditka to keep on succeeding, and of course want Lovie Smith to keep succeeding... :) )

[happyjosiah]

I seem to have voted in this, but I can't remember for whom...

[toddrew]

Well, then you can claim to be one of the two that went for the Ravens as opposed to one of those that thought the Dolphins would continue their improvement arc in a weak division :unsure:

Seriously, though, I think the poll is closed, so everyone sees the results...

[netherspirit]

Go Colts?

[toddrew]

Go Colts?

Looks like they're primed for another terrific regular season...followed by a stunning loss in the post-season :?:

They just need to get their running game going, or not.

[Bannister]

1. Yeah Colts - Running Game = I don't think so.

2. Anyone else seeing the reports that TO tried suicide???

Any Dallas area folks have in upclose info on this one?

Bannister

[Buddy Lee]

What? No Falcons in the poll?

Bah, worthless thread.

:joke:

Buddy Lee

[Bannister]

Falcons got embarrassed down in the Big Easy!!

BL you seen anything on TO? I am suddenly really curious.

Bannister

[Buddy Lee]

BL you seen anything on TO? I am suddenly really curious.

Bah, football. Worthless sport.

This time I am not kidding.

Hockey on the other hand . . .

Buddy Lee

[Bannister]

:buttkick:

Get out!

No, I am serious! Get out!

:(

Bannister

[Bannister]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cowboys-tosuicideattempt&prov=ap&type=lgns

Surely some of you guys in Texas are listening to Sports Talk?

Help us out here.

Bannister

[toddrew]

seen anything on TO? I am suddenly really curious.


ESPN story on TO's reported suicide attempt (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2604395)

Knowning this guy's public history, definitely awaiting further details before much further comment besides a general I hope he's alright and truly feel sorrow for him if he is in a mental state where he prefers death over life.

[Bannister]

Yeah, with all his antics I am waiting for the punch line or the publicity stunt / twist.

I guess next we'll see Drew Rosenhouse(sp?) going "Next question".

Bannister

[toddrew]

Yeah, with all his antics I am waiting for the punch line or the publicity stunt / twist.

I guess next we'll see Drew Rosenhouse(sp?) going "Next question".

Bannister

Urrgh, I fell for it :!: Well, there's evidence to the staying power of my will power :lol: Initial reaction: No way Vegas was taking action on this turn of events, inevitable in his pursuit for attention, I don't think for a minute that he had any intention of ending his life.

TO definitely fosters my the cynical reaches of my brain. Other conspiricy theories running through the same noggin: he really did have an adverse reaction to the painkillers (what NFL player hasn't ingested a ton of these...) and leaked the suicide take to the press in order to later (after the requisite time peroid of the news cycle) vehemently deny the "attempt" and say it's another example of him being treated unfairly, etc., etc., to gain a sympathetic light as he takes down the 4th team on his way to systematically dismantling all 32.

Shanahan is looking smarter and smarter as the season progresses in passing on this guy.

[Bannister]

So, are the Chicago Bears the best team in football right now?

Bannister

PS. Could the Titans suck any worse?

[Aldin]

I dunno about the Titans, but I had MUCH higher hope for my poor 49ers.

As for da Bears... I'm not sure. They dismantled Seattle, but I can't quite bring myself to believe they could do it to Indy, even as vulnerable as they look this year.

~Aldin

[Havokscry]

Hail to the Redskins! Hail Victory! Braves on the Warpath! Fight for Old D.C.!

[Agent Minivann]

As for da Bears... I'm not sure. They dismantled Seattle, but I can't quite bring myself to believe they could do it to Indy, even as vulnerable as they look this year.

I'd like to see that game again with Alexander on the field. I'm not sure if the outcome would have been different, but if you're missing your stud running back, your opponent's job on defense just got a lot easier. I'm thinking the Bears are the real deal, but like I said before, I'd like to see that game again with Alexander on the field.

Oh, just a word of advice, don't bet on Indy during the playoffs :P

[Aldin]

Shoot! I don't bet on Indy during the season - a word to the wise, they've been having a hard time covering this year...

~Aldin, who doesn't really gamble, but likes to check his bets against the lines anyway

[player_of_volleyball]

yea panthers rock. we are going all the way despite our 2 losses. We are going to go on a 7 game winning streak!!!!!!!!!Look at out lineup

RB- Foster and Williams/awsome rookie and nice vet
QB-Delhomme/ can he be any better?
WR-Smith and Johnson/nuff said there
O-line= AWSOME!!!!


and thats just out offense, dont get me started on the D

[toddrew]

Thread's been dormant for too long :) I am happy to report that I just saw the longest play in NFL history. That was cunning.

[geddy lifeson]

Thread's been dormant for too long :) I am happy to report that I just saw the longest play in NFL history. That was cunning.

Go Bears! Hester is a great rookie, definite special teams monster.

[player_of_volleyball]

yea i saw that run. i was like OMG!!!!!!!!!! 108 yrd touchdown will be hard to beat.

[Aldin]

Heck, my Niners are on a two game winning streak! Couldn't be happier! (Okay, I lie, I would be a LOT happier if Cal had won v. AZ, but this is an NFL thread, not a NCAA one)

~Aldin, who also thought the missed field goal return was amazing

[toddrew]

Go Bears! Hester is a great rookie, definite special teams monster.
With Hester and Grossman balanced by that rock solid D (excepting that Tiki run), seems to be just the right mix of crazy and consistency that has my hopes rather high this year as opposed to their recent 12-4 seasons where I felt it was over once the playoffs started...

[Tiberius]

wow, Steelers got it together and won a game. Willie Parker had a great day with a series of long runs.

[player_of_volleyball]

ya Panthers play tonight! we gonna win

[LordCharos]

woo hoo the packers beat the vikings!!!! maybe we can actually make second in the north this year

[markwars]

I'm enjoying the fleeting feeling of victory while it lasts here in Dallas. We play Indy next week.

[netherspirit]

We play Indy next week.

Go Colts!

[markwars]

Somebody's got to beat them, it may as well be Romo.

[LordCharos]

im definately pullin for the colts in that one. down with dallas

[markwars]

Gee...I wonder why?

[LordCharos]

M # 1 team is green bay but Washington is definately mt number 2 so anytime i can see dallas lose is a good day in my book

[player_of_volleyball]

YEA PANTHERS BEAT THE BUCS!!!!!!!!!! great game. 17 points in the third quarter 8) down with dallas and washington that settles that.

[LordCharos]

boo not down with washington. i need them for my fantasy team

[player_of_volleyball]

yea redskins suck this year. 3-27 was their last game and they were the team that scored three points might i add

[LordCharos]

yeah i know but i think they'll do better this coming week

[player_of_volleyball]

psh i hope not i hate the skins just as much the cowgirls and new england. GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!

[geddy lifeson]

Go Bears! Hester is a great rookie, definite special teams monster.
With Hester and Grossman balanced by that rock solid D (excepting that Tiki run), seems to be just the right mix of crazy and consistency that has my hopes rather high this year as opposed to their recent 12-4 seasons where I felt it was over once the playoffs started...

I am definitely pumped about this year. Lets just hope Grossman can get into a better groove and quit making poor decisions under pressure. I still picture them going down within a game or two into the playoffs though.

[toddrew]

I am definitely pumped about this year. Lets just hope Grossman can get into a better groove and quit making poor decisions under pressure. I still picture them going down within a game or two into the playoffs though.

Well, fortunately they won't see the dolphins or the cardinals in the playoffs :lol: Seriously, though I like them against anybody in the NFC, especially at Soldier field, which, barring any collapse, that win against the giants pretty much locked up.

Granted, I didn't see the dolphins game, but the pick Grossman threw in the giants game was him trying to do too much, but he can make that throw when he doesn't get crushed like he did on that play. In most games I've seen this year he has made up for his mistakes by making an exceptional play later. I think the bears overall gameplans are suited for him. They've a running game that's good enough to control the ball with a lead and an offense that's explosive enough to come back from deficets that it causes from its (Grossman's) mistakes, and a defense to prevent those deficets in the first place.

Still almost half a season to go, but I'm already sold on this team - fully emotionally vested, I am :lol:

[toddrew]

nether, is it more or less enjoyable to watch NFL regular season games without the "can they pull it off" tension :lol:

Don't know if it's the Cowboys, but Colts' run defense is excellent today. That was about their only weakness...

[netherspirit]

Looks like they are going to lose. :(

[player_of_volleyball]

yea panthers won again. woot woot

[LordCharos]

sadly the packers lost but already knew that was gonna happen

[player_of_volleyball]

sadly the packers lost but already knew that was gonna happen

not only did they lose they got crushed :wink:

[Aldin]

Hunh, well whaddayaknow? Go Niners!

~Aldin

[markwars]

Go Cowboys! :D Suddenly the air smells sweeter.

And to you Skins fans....I hope you enjoyed that. :P

[LordCharos]

w/e at least the steelers won

[markwars]

I love the Jaguars today. :) Thank you thank you thank you. :D

[toddrew]

Looks like I was 6 weeks off - word on the street is Jay Cutler starts for the Broncos next week. And this time I believe it. Early on in the season the national announcers would proport that the vast majority of Denver fans were calling for Jay over Jake, but that was not the case. Majority thought that as long as the defense held up, Jake + experience was better than Jay + potential. Now though, after getting beat at home by Indy and San Diego...

[markwars]

Next Sunday the Cowboys are going to New York to play the Giants. I will be glued to my TV.

[LordCharos]

and hopefully the giants will destroy them

[markwars]

:rofl:

The Giants need to figure out how to beat the Titans first. They seem to be really good at beating themselves though. I think Coughlin is not long for his job right now.

[markwars]

That Cowboys/Giants game was freakin' su-weet! :D

[Tiberius]

w/e at least the steelers won

Yeah, what are they, bi-polar? They seem to do really well about every other game. It was too little too late for them this year I think.

[player_of_volleyball]

i cant wait for the game tonight. We need this win so we can get the wild card spot.

[Velenne]

Must-win game for panther's fans. Actually, they all are from this point forward.

Cowboys: making a run for that NFC #2 seed baby!

[Bannister]

GO TITANS!

I think I am developing a man crush on Vince Young.

That's right, I said it! I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit it.

Bannister

[Kepler]

Cowboys: making a run for that NFC #2 seed baby!

Their #2 seed hopes end next week when my Saints knock them off.

[markwars]

Sunday's night game is going to be awesome. There are going to be a lot of points scored that's for sure.

[Kepler]

Sunday's night game is going to be awesome. There are going to be a lot of points scored that's for sure.

I am looking forward to it.

It looks like two of the Saints defensive linemen will be out (Hollis suspended for substance abuse and Will Smith injured) and maybe both starting receivers. Good thing our 2nd RB (Bush) is a great receiver.

It should be a pretty high scoring game.

[markwars]

That sucks that the Saints will be without so many starters. It always colors a game when people are out.

[toddrew]

Did anyone stop 'scaping long enough to see Bush's catch/run? This is the first time aside from highlights and spots of the Falcon game that I've got to see the Saints. They look pretty, pretty, pretty good.

EDIT: oof. That was unfotunate for the Saints. Gotta know what the situation is and just knock that ball down. Why couldn't 4th downs have gone like that for the Broncos :lol:

EDIT: well, that's how you bounce back. And follow it up with an incredibly well constructed onside kick when you're up 35-17. The Saints are sticking it to the Cowboys.

[Havokscry]

That sucks that the Saints will be without so many starters. It always colors a game when people are out.

yeah, it really sucks that the Saints didn't have all their starters in there to really run the score up. :lol:

coughjadedredskinsfancough

[Kepler]

:banana: :toast: :headbang: :rimshot: :rock:

[toddrew]

That sucks that the Saints will be without so many starters. It always colors a game when people are out.

yeah, it really sucks that the Saints didn't have all their starters in there to really run the score up. :lol:

coughjadedredskinsfancough

The rubbing it in is not lost on me, but aside from Hollis being suspended for steroids, everybody else came to play (well, Horn is still out - but he is no longer their no. 1 receiver; Colston was in when it mattered).

[Kepler]

:banana: :toast: :headbang: :rimshot: :rock:

A note to Chicago, don't falter because the Saints are coming up fast.

[markwars]

The Saints are GOOD. This Cowboys fan found out the hard way last night. :(

[Kepler]

The Saints are GOOD. This Cowboys fan found out the hard way last night. :(

This was definitely THE game that has everyone finally noticing how good the Saints are.

Last night Al Michaels said something like "I guess the Saints are a legitimate contender."

On ESPN after the game someone (Salisbury?) said "before this game the Saints were a cute story, but now they are legitimate contenders."

Then several people in my office this morning commented on how good the Saints are (I am the only Saints fan in the office).

After a lifetime of disappointment and after the disaster of last season this really feels good. My only regret is that my Dad passed away last year and he hated the Saints. I would have loved to give him a hard time about this season (like he did to me every other season). :D

[Kepler]

The Saints are GOOD. This Cowboys fan found out the hard way last night. :(

I still see the Cowboys as the second best team in the NFC (behind the Saints of course) and I would not be surprised to see a Saints/Cowboys rematch in January.

[toddrew]

Assuming this game doesn't send the Cowboys into a tailspin, the NFC should shape up to be the Saints and Cowboys in the Superdome for the rights to play at Chicago for the Championship.

[Kepler]

Assuming this game doesn't send the Cowboys into a tailspin, the NFC should shape up to be the Saints and Cowboys in the Superdome for the rights to play at Chicago for the Championship.

That's a very real possibility.

[toddrew]

I took the time to look at the remaining schedules for the division leaders, and NO has the toughest remaining schedule, but still 3 winable games - @NYG probably their only loss leaving them at 11-5, which should be good enough for #2 playoff spot.

Cowboys have next toughest, but again 3 winable games, especially if they are "the second best team in the NFC" (which makes them about the 7th best team in the NFL :lol: ). But look out if they drop that game at Atlanta, then choking when Philly visits is a real possibility before their laugher against visiting Detroit to finish out the season. If Dallas drops even one game they will be the #4 playoff team (if they drop 2 or 3, they may not even be the wildcard), if they win out they will be the #3 team because:

Seattle has the 2nd easiest remaining schedule behind the Bears. But, they will lose to San Diego at home, because SD will need that win to assure themselves of home field advantage throughout the playoffs in the AFC. So Seattle will end up 10-6, and depending on Dallas either #3 or #4 (they currently are even in the tiebreaker over Dallas, better conference record, but all of Dallas' remaining games are in conference, and Seattle's likely loss will be to another AFC team).

Chicago can go 14-2 fairly easily, but doesn't need to, so likely (unfotunately, because I think it's a recipe for disaster) will tank the last 2 games. But they are about as much of a lock for #1 spot as can be.

[markwars]

If the Cowboys can win their first playoff game in over a decade I would be happy. Anything else will be utter disappointment.

[Kepler]

If the Cowboys can win their first playoff game in over a decade I would be happy. Anything else will be utter disappointment.

I will be happy if the Saints can get their 2nd playoff win EVER!!!

[markwars]

For every Saints fan out there - and I know you guys are a long suffering lot - I truly hope something wacky and Saints-like doesn't happen to you this year. It would be so typical for the Saints to have something Brees going down in the first quarter of their first playoff game and losing to some crappy wildcard team like Minnesota or Philly or someone else like that.

I sincerely hope your curse is lifted. ;)

[Kepler]

For every Saints fan out there - and I know you guys are a long suffering lot - I truly hope something wacky and Saints-like doesn't happen to you this year. It would be so typical for the Saints to have something Brees going down in the first quarter of their first playoff game and losing to some crappy wildcard team like Minnesota or Philly or someone else like that.

I sincerely hope your curse is lifted. ;)

I appreciate it. That's basically what happened in 2000. In the second half of the season/playoffs the starting QB (Jeff Blake), starting RB (Ricky Williams), and #1 receiver (Joe Horn) all get injured. They managed one playoff win that year but lost in the division round.

Last night Colston and Smith returned. Here's hoping Horn can return soon and then Hollis Thomas will be back for the playoffs.

[Havokscry]

I'd love to see a Saints/Chargers Super Bowl.

[Kepler]

I'd love to see a Saints/Chargers Super Bowl.

I agree, but I would settle for a Saints/[insert AFC team] Super Bowl.

[Velenne]

If the Cowboys can win their first playoff game in over a decade I would be happy. Anything else will be utter disappointment.

QFT.

Also:

Look at the original poll. The Dolphins are coming on strong. The Ravens came back. But the biggest surprise by far is the rampaging Saints. I love the NFL because there's just so much disparity from year to year. A bottom-of-the-barrel team can suddenly be considered a Super Bowl contender, while the previous year's champs are a total flop (granted, they were last year's bottom seed).

And if you play Fantasy football? Fugghedaboutit. One year's MVP is the next year's lemon and some rookie you've never heard of is lighting up the end zone.

What a game...

[toddrew]

But the biggest surprise by far is the rampaging Saints.

I hope this post doesn't come off as contrary or revisionist, but if one stops and thinks about, the Saints aren't that big of a surprise: They picked up Bush, about as sure thing as there was in the draft to have an impact this year (but with everyone labeling just about every other first round pick both a sure thing and a sure bust, these are murky waters); Brees' only question was his shoulder; accurate, quick decision making QB's are a receiver's best bet for great stats, that it's Colston instead of Horn is a bit of a surprise, but when Colston went out of the Cowboys game, Somebody Jones made the catches (Fullback Mike Karney had his first two TDe catches of his career, for Pete's sake); Defense has solid front that is able to cover up for an underated secondary, no namers, but solid players at linebacker. Last year was something that had never happened to a NFL team, so their last season underperformance was imminently understandable. They statistically had only seven home games and realistically had zero home games. They had Aaron Brooks at QB :lol:

Seriously, 34 of the 53 man roster weren't on the team last year, new coach (Bill Parcells protege) did leave a lot of questions, but I don't think any of it is out of the blue. The biggest surprise to me is how the other three teams in the south have underperformed. Carolina and Tampa Bay both made the playoffs last year and were expected to improve on those seasons. If Atlanta hadn't limped out the end of last year they would have been in as well, and also were expected to improve. Last years Saints 3-13 couldn't really be used as a measuring stick, aside from the fact that that team was completely demoralized by the end of last season - so kudos to management for making the right moves.

Historically a bad team, but Haslett did have them pointing in the right direction before the natural disaster sabotaged the growth. He took them to the playoffs in his first year, then each of the next two years they went the route of the Broncos and couldn't sustain strong starts, followed by 2004's muddling start a winning streak that begun a week too late, which lead to the promise of last season...but I suppose that's been the story of the duration of the franchise :(

-Fan of historical dogbutt teams everywhere (Go Clips! Go Cubs!)

[Kepler]

Thank you Dallas. The Monday night loss helped my Saints clinch the #2 seed. Now is Dallas getting the #3 seed so that we can get a Dallas/Saints rematch in the divisional round?

[markwars]

Dallas is going to settle for 5th or 6th.

[toddrew]

Dallas is going to settle for 5th or 6th.

Either game is going to be tough for them, though I think they will fare better as the 5 seed and play in Seattle. I saw the Seahawks game against Denver, and though they won, it was not pretty. The Broncos kept trying to hand them the game and they wouldn't take it until the end, or maybe it was the other way around :lol: regardless, clinching your division at 8-7 and losing the game, ugh.

[Havokscry]

Dallas is going to settle for 5th or 6th.

Either game is going to be tough for them, though I think they will fare better as the 5 seed and play in Seattle. I saw the Seahawks game against Denver, and though they won, it was not pretty. The Broncos kept trying to hand them the game and they wouldn't take it until the end, or maybe it was the other way around :lol: regardless, clinching your division at 8-7 and losing the game, ugh.

I have to disagree with having better odds against Seattle. As a fan of the Redskins, I've watched quite a bit of the NFC East this year. If the Giants win, chances are there will be three teams from the NFC East playing in the opening round of the playoffs. Each of these three teams have looked pretty shakey this season. The Seahawks are only one year removed from the Super Bowl. Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselback haven't really played much together this year due to injury. If those two can gell, along with a better receiving corp, they could be the dark horse in a wide open NFC. Their defense is a little shakey and their offensive line is average at best, however.

Personally, I want all the NFC East teams in the playoffs to get their butts whopped out of jealousy and pure hatred. :D

[geddy lifeson]

As a long time Chicago fan who rarely gets to see games I am so pumped to see them squeeking by with some "wins". Bears win Superbowl, hands down. Yes, I am heavily medicated now and will choose not to spout out any more crazy statements.

[toddrew]

As a long time Chicago fan who rarely gets to see games I am so pumped to see them squeeking by with some "wins". Bears win Superbowl, hands down. Yes, I am heavily medicated now and will choose not to spout out any more crazy statements.

The season from demoralizing the Giants on has been Lovie's masterplan to obtain the "nobody believes we can do it" card, while still having home field through the NFC championship with a 13-3 record (yes, they will drop the game to the Packers, in the hopes of seeing them again in the divisional round...)

A little tongue in cheek above, but the Bears are the only team in the NFC to have won every "must win" game they've faced this season. Of course there were only 2 (maybe only 1) such games, both @ NY: Jets and Giants. And the reason there were only 2 is because of the schedule and the fact that no other team in the NFC can win when they must.

[markwars]

No one can deny how weak the Bears schedule is though. Out of 13 wins only 2 have been against teams with winning records.

[geddy lifeson]

No one can deny how weak the Bears schedule is though. Out of 13 wins only 2 have been against teams with winning records.

Those teams should have tried a little better throughout the season then :wink:

Seriously, I still don't get how their schedule worked out. For finishing 11-5 last year (5-1 in a weak division and 10-2 in conference) I would have expected a way different schedule for 2006. I still think they would have done good (not quite a 13-2 record at this point) with more competition.

[toddrew]

No one can deny how weak the Bears schedule is though. Out of 13 wins only 2 have been against teams with winning records.

Hey now, they've beaten 3 teams with winning records :lol: EDIT: Nevermind, two it is - I had erroneously counted the Giants as a winning team :oops: Besides, near the same could be said about every NFC team, as the NFC stinks, or is ripe with parity, however one choses to view it. When five 7-8 teams are battling it out for the last wild card spot...

And to answer your question, Geddy, the Bears played a first place schedule, just like all the other division winners, but due to the rotating intra- and inter-conference scheduling and the fact that last year's NFC division winners are stinking it up, the Bears ended up with a laugher schedule: own division: patsies (though the Vikings looked good for a few weeks and Green Bay may eek into the playoffs), NFC West: patsies (Seattle is the weakest division leader in the NFL), AFC East: pretty solid (Bears almost beat the Patriots @ Foxborough (inspite of Rex Grossman's awful game), grinded the Jets, blewout the Bills, and brainfarted throughout the Dolphins game), the two division winners: patsies (Giants and Tampa Bay, both injury riddled).

EDIT II: Since I've nothing better to do :lol: :
Here's the # of teams that the other division leaders have beaten that are above .500:

Philly - one team (Dallas twice)
Dallas - 2 teams (one is Tennessee who they beat in week 3)
NO - 2 teams (Dallas and Philly)
Seattle - 1 team (Denver, in a game they had no business winning)

Conclusion: the NFC stinks. As comparison, the Broncos, who depending on this weekends results (and who, thankfully, gets to play a NFC team at home) will either get one of the two wild card spots or be out of the playoffs altogether, has beaten four teams with winning records.

What the Bears have done that these other teams haven't is not lose to teams with losing records :lol: (Save Miami, of course.)

[Bannister]

I guess this is really "College football" talk because I am viewing it from an Alabama stand point (Roll Tide) but, Nick Saban leaving the Dolphins to go coach the Tide.

Good move or bad??

Bannister

PS. With the amount of money they are throwing at him, he better be the guy.

[toddrew]

~$40 Million is a lot to commit for instant credibility...I think it smacks of desperation.

[player_of_volleyball]

well my panthers didnt make it. so im going to pull for the bears this year in the playoffs. I would love to see and bears/chargers superbowl. That would be the best super IMO in the past few years.

Im sure yall heard about Darrent Williams. This truly sucks for the bronco fans and sucks even more for the broncos. Even tho i didnt see him play im sure he was a great player by the stats i saw on him.

[markwars]

Darrent Williams came from the DFW area as a highschooler. That was indeed sad.


My Cowboys are in, but boy do they suck right now.

[toddrew]

Im sure yall heard about Darrent Williams. This truly sucks for the bronco fans and sucks even more for the broncos. Even tho i didnt see him play im sure he was a great player by the stats i saw on him.

I still am very shocked by this. My prayers are with his family and friends, and hope this has some (I'm not terribly optimistic) impact on the idiocy that people engage in. Man, I'm in that area a few times each month, and have friends that live right there. It's not an out of the way place...

He was an electric player, if not great (only his second season). He was a great public person - candid and caring, kids loved him and rightfully so it seemed.

[Havokscry]

Please lose Dallas. :pray:

[player_of_volleyball]

Please lose Dallas. :pray:

i hear that. i hate the cowboys with a capitol H

[netherspirit]

I only have to work a few weekends during the year, usually right before a semester starts. Of course I had to work today and couldn't watch the Colts game!

[toddrew]

It took a first round victory for you to pipe up :?: :poke: :joke:

That game was awful: Here's to the Colts having that be their terrible playoff game so they can get to the Super Bowl.

I'm in for a Colts vs. Bears matchup.

[player_of_volleyball]

i wanna see a bears vs chargers game myself

[toddrew]

Monumental reversal in the Dallas/Seattle game. That game was over.

EDIT: and now it is over. How was that for a stomach punch to Dallas, Havokscry :!:


EDIT II:

Wasn't that a first down by Romo? On the fumbled snap? Why aren't they talking about that :?:

[Havokscry]

Monumental reversal in the Dallas/Seattle game. That game was over.

EDIT: and now it is over. How was that for a stomach punch to Dallas, Havokscry :!:


EDIT II:

Wasn't that a first down by Romo? On the fumbled snap? Why aren't they talking about that :?:

:banana: :mrgreen: :neener: :buttkick: :nkick: :drunk: :headbang: :excited:

[player_of_volleyball]

hahahahahahahahahaha i laugh at Romo. he lost them the playoffs

[Havokscry]

Now after tomorrow there will be only one NFC East team left. :D

I know the Redskins are pathetic, but seeing the Cowboys lose makes me HAPPY!!!

[Havokscry]

As for the missed field goal, Romo was stopped at the one and a half. He needed to get to the one to get the first down.

[toddrew]

EDIT II:

Wasn't that a first down by Romo? On the fumbled snap? Why aren't they talking about that :?:

I guess he was about a half yard short, but they didn't slow-mo it or check the spot like they did on the third down catch. (That was a first down, by the bye, the catch I mean.)

[Havokscry]

I just find it funny that the golden child turned into the golden goat.

[toddrew]

I just find it funny that the golden child turned into the golden goat.

Man, I knew it was going to be a hard fall after that month straight of unbridled praise. He played pretty good, save that snap - which he almost turned into 6 points...

[Havokscry]

I'm loving the Bill Parcells' press conference right now. He makes my skin crawl. I disliked him in the 80's when he coached the Giants. He was tolerable, yet still slimey when he coached the Pats. He turned Benedict and went to the the hated Jets. Now he coaches my most hated sports team right next to the Yankees. I love seeing him squirm.

[Havokscry]

With a banged up secondary, the Seahawks better hope they play the Bears next weekend and not the Saints.

[toddrew]

With a banged up secondary, the Seahawks better hope they play the Bears next weekend and not the Saints..

How could Owens not have had 200 yards?

[Havokscry]

With a banged up secondary, the Seahawks better hope they play the Bears next weekend and not the Saints..

How could Owens not have had 200 yards?

I was surpised the Cowboys really didn't go for many big plays. Terry Glenn was matched up against a loan officer who hasn't played all year. I think it's just Romo's inexperience.

[Kepler]

Markwars my condolences on your loss, but it was a fun game to watch.

Now tomorrow decides who the Saints sacrificial lamb will be to get to the NFC Championship game.

[TyG17]

Go Bears!!!!!

[Doc_Savage]

Go seahawks!

That had to be one of the most exciting 4th quarters I have seen in a long time.

Sorry Cowboys fans...

[Supergeek]

I'm loving the Bill Parcells' press conference right now. He makes my skin crawl. I disliked him in the 80's when he coached the Giants. He was tolerable, yet still slimey when he coached the Pats. He turned Benedict and went to the the hated Jets. Now he coaches my most hated sports team right next to the Yankees. I love seeing him squirm.

When it comes to "hating" teams, the Cowboys are it when it comes to football for sure, or the NFC at least. Way to go Seahawks! I'm not that big of fan of Holmgren either but, Seneca Wallace (Iowa State) is a stud for a short QB. Speedy little ba$tard.
While I'm hating teams, the NY Rangers, Phillidelphia fliers and Detroit Redwings come to mind.
Atlanta Falcons & New Jersey Devils for ever!:rock:

[Havokscry]

Going to the Indy/K.C. game for a minute, I thought it was interesting after the game when they asked Herm Edwards if he's going to be cheering for the Colts to win the AFC. He said that he had to go that way and he will be in their corner. This coming after only a year removed from coaching the Jets. I know he and Dungy are friends, but imagine what all his former players must be thinking.

[Havokscry]

One New York team down, one to go. :D

[Havokscry]

:banana:

Well at least you New York fans have the Knicks. Wait a minute.....

[TyG17]

I seem to hate the Dynasty teams... I hate New England, I hate USC in college football, I hate Duke in college Basketball, I hate the Yankees, and I hate the NBA period but that is a different subject.

All in all I believe it will be the Bears and the Chargers in the SB with ther Chargers winning. The Charger's offence is way too explosive all over for the Bear's defence to stop (especially missing their starting Defensive Line.)

Here's how I see this next weekend unfolding...
This week the Home Teams went 4-0 and I see much of the this weekend.

Seattle barely beat Dallas at Qwest field. Without the 12th man Seattle doesnt stand a chance in the Midway.

Philly squeeked by the Giants as well. The dome down in New Orleans is going to be rocking, as well as Colston, McAllister, and Brees. The Saints will win at home.

SD has been monster all year especially with their undefeated record at home. LT will have his usual week 3+ TDs with Philip Rivers using this game to settle into the playoff enviroment. Rivers will be SD's only weakness.

Peyton may be a great QB and sure he will end up in the HoF BUT... Baltimore's Defence will swarm to the ball like they always do and McNair will score just enough to win this Game.

So to wrap it up fellas... Home teams will be 8-0 in the postseason after this weekend. Enjoy the games.

Oh and btw look out for Green Bay next year... Go Pack.

[toddrew]

I'm hoping for another Indy vs. NE playoff meeting. I love rivalries.

I think it will be Bears and Saints in the NFC game. If I wasn't a Bears lifer, I'd be rooting for the Saints.

Bears vs. Indy in the Super Bowl is my guess.

[TyG17]

I would love to see Midwest vs Midwest for the Superbowl but there is one thing stopping that... Indy's run defence. Sure they may have stopped LJ this weekend but LJ definately did not have the season he had last year. That and KC couldnt capitalize on anything yesterday. I mean Manning had 3 INTs so I dont see Indy making it to the super bowl with Lewis and LT or Dillion still to go through.

The Bears/Saints game will be a good one though. AS long as Grossman doesnt have an off day I think the bears will pull out of it but it is not going to be easy.

[markwars]

Markwars my condolences on your loss, but it was a fun game to watch.

Now tomorrow decides who the Saints sacrificial lamb will be to get to the NFC Championship game.

It was just an amazing game. It was almost like Tony Soprano told both Parcells and Holmgren that they'd better find a way to lose. I've never seen such a match of Hot Potato in the playoffs before. Neither team wanted to win.

And if I could have one wish for next year's Cowboys it would be to have a new head coach. Big Bill is a New Jersey conman that hates life and everything in it. How on earth can he motivate anyone to do anything other than be like him? Bye bye Big Bill. I want Switzer back at this point.

Now that my team is out I'll be rooting for the following teams next week:

Saints - Go Saints! Anyone playing the Eagles is my favorite team.

Bears - How can you not root for the Bears? The Seahawks certainly aren't inspiring either.

Chargers - LT all the way! He played college ball in my back yard so I've been a fan for years. The Pats have had their day, give me the Bolts this year.

Ravens - I would love to see anyone beat anybody related to Eli Manning.

[Havokscry]

I'm glad to see the Colts win. Now if those pesky Eagles will lose, life will be good.

p.s. where's Nether?

[netherspirit]

p.s. where's Nether?

Watching the game!

[Havokscry]

p.s. where's Nether?

Watching the game!

Imagine what will happen if Peyton finally gets going. They've been carrying his arse for two games now.

[Havokscry]

I know the Redskins are pretty lacking when it comes to cornerbacks, but if they dare sign Fred Thomas, after the Saints release him in the offseason, I'm going to find a new team. What is wrong with that guy? I know he had a broken hand earlier in the season, but every Saints game I've seen, he's been torched numerous times.

[Havokscry]

Congrats Saints fans!! HA HA Eagles fans!! (still bitter)

[Kepler]

I know the Redskins are pretty lacking when it comes to cornerbacks, but if they dare sign Fred Thomas, after the Saints release him in the offseason, I'm going to find a new team. What is wrong with that guy? I know he had a broken hand earlier in the season, but every Saints game I've seen, he's been torched numerous times.

He used to be pretty good, but he's at the tail end of his career at this point. The Saints need to draft a corner or two very early in the draft.

But right now come on Seahawks. I want the Saints to host the championship game next week.

[Havokscry]

I know the Redskins are pretty lacking when it comes to cornerbacks, but if they dare sign Fred Thomas, after the Saints release him in the offseason, I'm going to find a new team. What is wrong with that guy? I know he had a broken hand earlier in the season, but every Saints game I've seen, he's been torched numerous times.

He used to be pretty good, but he's at the tail end of his career at this point. The Saints need to draft a corner or two very early in the draft.

But right now come on Seahawks. I want the Saints to host the championship game next week.

I hear ya. At first I was neutral on the second NFC game, but I'd love to see it go through New Orleans. I think the Saints are the only ones left in the NFC that I would actually cheer for in the Superbowl, unless they played the Patriots.

[toddrew]

Sometimes it's good to be the kicker.

Can't feel good about having the Saints coming in after that performance though. Bears should've crushed Seattle. Maybe I'm not all that objective though and it was a great game?

I've never seen a game where I thought Alexander was special, but in this game I came to appreciate his running. It always seems like he is jogging and he just takes shots and keeps moving forward - effortless runner, not my favorite to watch, but wow is he effective. I guess he is the difference between Seattle getting blown out and (should've) winning it.

[netherspirit]

Go Chargers.

[Havokscry]

Go Redskins!! Wait a minute......

Is it sad that I've already been looking all over for mock drafts to see who the Redskins are projected to take with the #6 pick? I guess April is my Super Bowl. :(

[toddrew]

Go Chargers.

A little fear in that cheer? :lol:

[netherspirit]

Go Chargers.

A little fear in that cheer? :lol:

I think we will lose to either team that wins. I just hate the Patriots.

[netherspirit]

At least we get to play in the RCA Dome...

[Havokscry]

Sunnava b#%ch!!! I got so wrapped up into the ending of the football game that I lost track of time and missed the first 15 minutes of 24.

:x

[toddrew]

I think we will lose to either team that wins. I just hate the Patriots.

I think that the Colts are going to win this time. I don't think they would against the Chargers in San Diego, Chargers are just too good. They should've won the game today, just some fluke plays that kept NE in it. LDT would've tore up the Colts. There are a few things that can be pinned on Schottenheimer (challenging that interception cum fumble, not throwing one out to the sidelines to get closer for the last kick), but I think it was just destined for another chance for Peyton to buck the monkey. (Though, I was watching the game with a friend who was routing for the Chargers, and early in the game, just before the half I think, Phil Simms made a note of Marty not wearing a headset because he had given complete play calling authority to his coordinators. I told my friend that it wouldn't stay that way, that Marty won't be able to help himself. I was mostly razzing him, but sure enough, late in the fourth, shot of Schottenheimer yelling into a headset :lol: My friend just buried his head in his hands. This was with the Chargers still up by 8, mind you.)

[markwars]

I can't believe the Chargers lost that game. Ouch. :shock:

[Bannister]

That was the best weekend of football since.... well since New Years weekend I guess, but wow!!!

Almost none of them went down the way I thought they would.

I actually like the Colts chances against the Patriots. The Colts defense is designed for the indoor turf and to attack teams who are having to throw. Well, they are home so they have the turf and the Pats don't have a running game to speak of so...? I think they have a shot.

I for one can't wait till this weekend.

Bannister

[toddrew]

That was the best weekend of football since.... well since New Years weekend I guess, but wow!!!


All of the games in the playoffs have been good games, maybe not great play all the time, but great drama. I was watching that whole second half/overtime of the Bears/Seahawks game with the dread of "O no, not again" after the last two division home games that the Bears had.

Even the Patriots/Jets and Indy/KC games were one possession games in the fourth quarter.

[markwars]

If you guys want a laugh look at this thread's poll results in light of the way the season ended.

I wonder if those Detroit voters want a do-over? :P

[toddrew]

If you guys want a laugh look at this thread's poll results in light of the way the season ended.


I voted for the Dolphins, and the only game of theirs that I saw was at Chicago. I have no idea why they didn't have Jet's type results. Unless Saban began lobbying for that Alabama job in week 2 ;)

I would have voted for the Saints, but I didn't want to jinx them :lol: Seriously though, I thought they would be a good team, but get beat up by the NFC South. A bit off in that estimation, was I.

The Ravens whole season I thought would be like their playoff appearance - solid defense that would allow them to dominate poor offensive teams enough to eak out 7 or 8 wins, but wouldn't be able to come through reliably against good offensive teams. I still don't know how they won 13 games.

Texans were done when Casserly made his deal with the NFL to not draft Bush in order to get a cushy league office job :joke: maybe :shock:

Detroit: ugh, they've gotta win 10 games before I'll even consider them in the following season as a threat, let alone 5 games.

San Francisco I thought would be more like what the Saints accomplished, due to their weak division and improving team, something like 9-7 wildcard team, which they almost were.

[toddrew]

Kinda dicey not overturning that "fumble". So far everything's going Chicago's way. We'll see if Grossman can calm down enough to take advantage.

[netherspirit]

Kinda dicey not overturning that "fumble".

Yeah that was crap.

[netherspirit]

That was an awesome pass.

[Havokscry]

Talk about a momentum swing. That was a heckuva move by Bush when he cut back. Too bad about the showboating though. :roll:

[Havokscry]

Fred Thomas continues to be a mess out there.

[toddrew]

Fred Thomas continues to be a mess out there.

It didn't matter when Grossman was closing his eyes before each throw :lol: , but he finally settled down. And I'm not sure if that was simply good fortune on Berrian's part, but on the TD catch, it looked like he intentionally faked Thomas into going high and right for a ball that he fell into low and left - no matter what, helluva grab.

Vasher just iced the game.

[markwars]

Go Bears! Very nice game.

Now who are they going to play....

[netherspirit]

Go Bears! Very nice game.

Now who are they going to play....

Colts.

[markwars]

I honestly think the Bears will have an easier time playing the Pats....if the Colts win today I will be picking them to win it all. If the Pats win today I'm going with the Bears.

[ZBeeblebrox]

Go Bears! Very nice game.

Now who are they going to play....

Colts.

Are watching the game tonight Nether, I think this is Peyton's year!

[netherspirit]

Go Bears! Very nice game.

Now who are they going to play....

Colts.

Are watching the game tonight Nether, I think this is Peyton's year!

Am I watching the game? :shock: What kind of question is that? I've had a Colts avatar since the playoffs started what do you think?

[Havokscry]

I'm not sure about that. The Colts are very similar to the Saints. The both have high powered offenses with suspect defenses. The Pats have a decent defense and a couple of work horse backs, just like Chicago. The main difference is that the Pats have Brady, an experienced playoff quarterback. Don't forget, the Pats played Chicago this year and forced Grossman into several turnovers. Brady played like crap in that game as well.

Regardless, I'll be cheering for AFC this year.

[Havokscry]

Go Bears! Very nice game.

Now who are they going to play....

Colts.

Are watching the game tonight Nether, I think this is Peyton's year!

Am I watching the game? :shock: What kind of question is that? I've had a Colts avatar since the playoffs started what do you think?

and all this time I thought a horse kicked you in the head... :lol:

[GaryLASQ]

Go Bears! Very nice game. Now who are they going to play....woo hoo! 21 years later. i remember it like it was yesterday... :grandfather:

[netherspirit]

Its not looking good for the Colts so far. :(

[toddrew]

Go Bears! Very nice game. Now who are they going to play....woo hoo! 21 years later. i remember it like it was yesterday... :grandfather:

Up until I moved to the Denver area, the only pro game I'd been to was the Bears opener against Tampa Bay that year. My love of football had much to do with Walter Payton, still my all-time favorite player.

[netherspirit]

FRACK! :brickwall:

[Havokscry]

If the Pats do win this year, they would have to go down as the greatest franchise in NFL history. I know the Steelers won 4 titles in a shorter time period, but with the era of free agency and the salary cap, what the Pats are doing is simply incredible.

[toddrew]

Tide is turning...big drive for the Pats here. This game is following the NFC's plotline closely.

[Hahma]

Go Bears! Go Colts!

[netherspirit]

We got the 3 and out we needed, now lets got that TD!

[toddrew]

We got the 3 and out we needed, now lets got that TD!

Gotten. Plus the greedy 2 pt conversion :) The game has now deviated from the NFC version.

[netherspirit]

Stupid 80 yard return!!! Suck.

[Havokscry]

what a strange game.

[netherspirit]

Go SATURDAY!!

[toddrew]

what a strange game.

What a great game. Man, I hope these two can keep it up to the end - overtime, perhaps?

[netherspirit]

what a strange game.

What a great game. Man, I hope these two can keep it up to the end - overtime, perhaps?

NO! I have to watch The Dresden Files at 11!

[Havokscry]

Looked like pass interference in the end zone.

[toddrew]

what a strange game.

What a great game. Man, I hope these two can keep it up to the end - overtime, perhaps?

NO! I have to watch The Dresden Files at 11!

I was so engrossed that I forgot! Thanks for the reminder ;)

This will suck if Manning can't go after smacking his hand on Glenn's helmet :(

[toddrew]

Looked like pass interference in the end zone.

Reche "drops" Caldwell initiated the contact - good no call IMHO.

[Havokscry]

New kicking hero in New England?

[Havokscry]

One first down and it's over. :)

[netherspirit]

Crap Crap Crap!

[netherspirit]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[Havokscry]

It may come down to Adam V.!!!

How fitting is this ending?

[Havokscry]

BSG is on!!

[netherspirit]

I almost crapped myself when that ball flew out his hands like that!

[netherspirit]

BSG is on!!

I know....arg!!!

[Havokscry]

The INSANITY!!! :lol:

[toddrew]

whoop-whoop-Reggie Wayne :lol: wouldn't have mattered with the roughing the passer, but that was close.

[Havokscry]

whoop-whoop-Reggie Wayne :lol: wouldn't have mattered with the roughing the passer, but that was close.

That was the weakest roughing the passer call I've ever seen. I think they should put skirts on qb's. (no offense ladies)

[netherspirit]

:excited::excited::excited::excited:

[Havokscry]

Looks like they finally got the monkey off their backs.

[Havokscry]

I can't believe they just killed her off on BSG!!! :shock:

[netherspirit]

I can't believe they just killed her off on BSG!!! :shock:

:nkick:

[Havokscry]

I can't believe they just killed her off on BSG!!! :shock:

:nkick:

:lol:

I couldn't resist!

[netherspirit]

YES!!!!!!!111111111