NFL Week 14 Thread - Vikes Williams will play Sunday

[DeToxRox]

Lions FTW!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lions FTW!

Let's hope the Williamses don't get a court injunction against their suspensions!

That's the Lions' only hope.

It would also help for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to be injured. Jarred Allen too.

[DeToxRox]

Let's hope the Williamses don't get a court injunction against their suspensions!

That's the Lions' only hope.

It would also help for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to be injured. Jarred Allen too.

Kevin Smith will run for 324 yards and 6 scores, but the Lions will inevitably lose when when our defense continues to show up on the field.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm rooting for the Lions as well. The Chiefs need to stop this one game winning streak immediately. I'd hate to see a top 5 draft pick jeopardized by youthful effort.

[MikeVic]

So in terms of fantasy, would Kevin Smith be a better play now than Addai?

[DeToxRox]

So in terms of fantasy, would Kevin Smith be a better play now than Addai?

I am not sure I'd go that far because the Williams boys could still play pending an injunction, but the way I look at it is this:

Peyton was awful last week vs Cleveland, and now he is going to look to make a statement vs the awful Bengals.

Lions are awful every week, and desperate to win. Smith is their most effective player not named Megatron. If the Williams boys don't play, Smith, who will probaly aleady get 20 carries as it is, should be very capable of having a good day.

[flere-imsaho]

I anticipate 500 rushing yards and 12 TDs from Adrian Peterson against Detroit. Well, I would, except that he has Brad Childress as his head coach.

[DeToxRox]

Here is a shock for Lions fans:

Mayhew playing big role in Lions' draft preparation
by Tom Kowalski | Analysis
Wednesday December 03, 2008, 12:10 AM

ALLEN PARK -- Martin Mayhew might not be here in late April when the Detroit Lions enter one of their most important college drafts in years, but he will still have a profound impact on the draft.

The future for the Lions' interim general manager is uncertain, and a decision is expected in January. However, the most crucial draft information is being gathered now in anticipation of the final draft process that will begin in late February with the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

NFL scouts glean their most useful nuggets of material on college players from September to December and into the bowl season.

During the season, the scouts don't just go to the games, but they go to the schools, watch film and talk to people associated with the program.

This is where the scouting reports are first built and organized. Much is to be learned by watching the film and the games, but scouts are looking for the inside scoop on those who pay attention in meetings, or those who avoid the weight room or cut corners in practice.

Mayhew has tweaked this phase in the organization.

The Lions have made no changes to their scouting staff, but have adjusted how the department collects and processes information on players. (Mayhew denied a request for an interview.)

What's interesting is that Mayhew isn't just issuing the marching orders, he's doing a lot of the legwork himself. While he's not doing the job of the scouts on the ground, he has been visiting a lot of schools and getting a first-hand look at some of the college players.

According to two different Lions officials, Mayhew has done more in-season traveling this year than former president Matt Millen did in his seven years on the job combined.

This is a vitally important draft for the Lions for three significant reasons.

One, it's going to be the first major influx of talent for the new regime (and it still will be a new regime even if Mayhew gets the job). Two, the Lions likely will have the top pick in the draft and a total of four choices in the top 65. Third, this is expected to be one of the deepest and most talent-laden drafts, possibly ever.

The reason for the high volume of talent is because of the NFL's labor situation. Agents and representatives are getting the word out to underclassmen that they'd better declare for the draft now because if there's a new collective bargaining agreement in 2010, there is likely to be a severe rookie cap.

It's also possible that free agency, whether there's a new agreement or not, will be extended beyond the current four years. The sooner a player comes out, the quicker he'll reach unrestricted free agency and have a better opportunity to cash in.

So this could basically be a double-draft class at all positions while the 2010 draft could be extremely thin -- another reason why the Lions must strike it rich now.

The Lions already have eight picks this year and they're hoping to get another one: a possible mid-round compensatory pick for losing free agents, most notably tackle Damien Woody to the New York Jets.

One of Detroit's picks is a third-rounder they got from the Dallas Cowboys for receiver Roy Williams. If the Cowboys fail to make the playoffs, the Lions will have five picks in the top 85.

By making the right moves in the draft, the Lions could get well in a hurry just like the Atlanta Falcons did this season.

But before they can make the right picks, they've got to have the right information. That's why, whether he's here or not, Mayhew is going to play a big role in the Lions' future.

[DeToxRox]

I've grown attached to Mayhew somewhat. If I was told he'd be GM, but Lewand and the entire coaching staff would be gone, I'd be fine with him as GM.

Sadly, I don't see that as the case.

[Thomkal]

I'm rooting for the Lions as well. The Chiefs need to stop this one game winning streak immediately. I'd hate to see a top 5 draft pick jeopardized by youthful effort.

Go Tyler Thigpen! Make it two wins in a row! :)

[DeToxRox]

Williams Boys in on Sunday

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF WILLIAMS AND WILLIAMS
Posted by Michael David Smith on December 3, 2008, 7:28 p.m.

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams have won a big victory in their efforts to avoid being suspended by the National Football League

KSTP-TV in Minneapolis is reporting that Judge Gary Larson has issued a temporary restraining order against the NFL. That means, for now, that Williams and Williams should be allowed to play Sunday. The Williamses said they were heading straight from the courthouse to the Vikings’ practice facility.

However, this is far from over. KSTP reports that another hearing is expected in the next few days.

[Greyroofoo]

Is the judge the same guy who made 'The Far Side'?

[Alan T]

I am rooting for the Steelers this week to beat the Cowboys.. For me to feel better about Atlanta's chances to make the playoffs, we need Cowboys to lose today.

[Alan T]

Bah.. stuck watching the Giants game yet again. Game choices in the Northeast always are pretty lousy. Should be at least a decent game, but I am pretty tired of seeing them every week.

[Thomkal]

well if my beloved Cards cannot clinch the West playing at home against the Rams today, then I'm almost rooting for the 49ers to win their remaining games and take the division.

[Neuqua]

Horrible call by the officials saying the fumbled ball hit the pylon. Lovie Smith challenges the call and hopefully the referees are not blind and will reverse it.

[Jas_lov]

The Lions are gonna win today, I can feel it. If Minnesota keeps jumping offsides it'll be smooth sailing.

[TLK]

The Lions are gonna win today, I can feel it. If Minnesota keeps jumping offsides it'll be smooth sailing.

Have you learned nothing from this season?

[Matthean]

The Lions are gonna win today, I can feel it. If Minnesota keeps jumping offsides it'll be smooth sailing.

Best chance all year for a Lion win was the first Minnesota game. It's a home game for the Lions this time and they had the extra time to prep for it due to the Thanksgiving game. Maybe the easiest Vegas line to pick against.

[Jas_lov]

Today is different. Culpepper gets the last laugh as the Lions ruin the Vikings playoff hopes and cost Brad Childress his job.

Lions driving again in the redzone! Great facemask call.

[EagleFan]

What the hell kind of play calling is this Reid? The Giants d-line has been in your backfield right after every snap so you call an end around on 3rd down? The defense was almost there to take the handoff from McNabb.

[Eaglesfan27]

Whew. Very lucky Hixon dropped that sure TD pass.

[EagleFan]

Thank you Burress.

[EagleFan]

What was that last timeout for?

[EagleFan]

Actually, what was the first timeout for too?

[Dr. Sak]

Actually, what was the first timeout for too?

The Giants' play clock was at 2 and in the Christmas Spirit of giving, Andy thought that he'd help them out.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice Block!

Except for 1 or 2 plays, I'm impressed with how well the Eagles' defense is playing today.

[Jas_lov]

The Packer defense is atrocious. Owen Daniels' fumble is just delaying the inevitable.

[EagleFan]

I'll go for the trifecta, I know he made the field goal but was was the 2nd timeout for?


1st timeout: middle of the 1st quarter using a timeout instead of Jackson coming out for one play

2nd timeout: at end of 1st quarter to kick a fieldgoal in the direction in which the announcers were saying Akers was stuggling kicking in the pregame, they even assumed it was the Giants calling the timeout to force Akers to kick that way

3rd timeout: I have no freaking clue why, after an incolomplete pass for the Giants and a 2nd and 10 play early in the 2nd quarter.


This timeout management makes Herman Edwards look like he has a masters in time management. Now you cannot challenge a damn thing the rest of the half until the 2 minute warning and it pretty much rules out any good chance at a last minute drive if the chance arises.

[EagleFan]

I have to say I am surprised he is running the ball (not a bad surprised). When they lost yards on the first rushing attempt I figured Andy was going to say "We tried and it didn't work".

[Matthean]

Best chance all year for a Lion win was the first Minnesota game. It's a home game for the Lions this time and they had the extra time to prep for it due to the Thanksgiving game. Maybe the easiest Vegas line to pick against.

And to add, Minnesota is 7-5 in a fairly weak division and 2-4 on the road. Outside of Arizona on the road, they might be the weakest playoff contender.

[Jas_lov]

Payback is a bitch, Jared Allen. Go Lions!

[Eaglesfan27]

How was that not pass interference?

[Eaglesfan27]

Great TD run by Westbrook!

[EagleFan]

Yeah!!!! I know it's early but YEAH!!!!

Hopefully the cockiness is getting them. The Giants were looking pretty cocky in their pregame pump up session so I hope karma is a bitch.

[Lathum]

This is the worst half of football I have seen the Giants play in a long time. The Eagles are trying to give this game away with penalties and the Giants can't execute.

just as I type this Smith drops an easy catch on 4th and 3.

[EagleFan]

I am surprised the red didn't all that last penalty on Westbrook for allowing the Giants player to hold him down after the play.

[sabotai]

Why did they stop the clock (in the Phi-NYG game)? The Eagles didn't have any timeouts and the Giants didn't take one.

Ok, nevermind. I'm glad they did now. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

:(

[EagleFan]

Are you freaking kidding me?

[Lathum]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


just what we needed!!!

[EagleFan]

Why did they stop the clock (in the Phi-NYG game)? The Eagles didn't have any timeouts and the Giants didn't take one.

Ok, nevermind. I'm glad they did now. :D

When? The catch? He went out of bounds.

[sabotai]

General observation, but it seems like there have been a lot more blocked FGs this year (and more safeties, for that matter) than I remember seeing in any other season. Maybe it's just that I never noticed, but it always seemed like a blocked FG and a safety were pretty rare occurences. Both seem to have happened quite a bit this year.

[sabotai]

When? The catch? He went out of bounds.

No, the play before that. Westbrook ran up the middle for a few yards and they stopped the clock with 11 seconds left.

[Lathum]

Kevin Dockery for MVP!

[sabotai]

Nevermind. I just looked on NFL.com's play-by-play and they said McNabb spiked it. I must have missed that.

[Lathum]

I am so turned on right now.

Watching the replay of the blocked kick for a TD my wife says " Philips threw a great block there, about time he did something since he missed that tackle earlier"

And she is wearing an Amani Toomer jersey.

[Lathum]

wOOt!!!

[Lathum]

this is not good.

Jacobs ( MVP) is down and you can hear a pin drop in the stadium.

[rjolley]

Ok, I have to say that I am very impressed with Matt Ryan. Being in Atlanta this year, I've seen all of his games this season. He has done extremely well for a rookie QB with his feel for the game and his reads. I thought he would be an average pro, maybe a starter only for a QB-starved team, but he's proving to be a very good talent. The Falcon's 3 WRs are improving every week and Turner and Norwood are great options in the running game.

If they continue to improve and stay relatively healthy, they could be in the hunt for the Super Bowl in the next 3-5 years.

[Cringer]

Having accepted the Packers 100% for what they are at this point, it is pretty entertaining watching them screw up so much. Houston screw ups have kept the Pack in the game, which includes an INT, a fumble and a missed FG. Should be 20-0 Houston at this point instead of 13-7.

Desmond Bishop has had a decent day at OLB for the Packers though, which is unexpected.

Hah. Fake punt for a first down for Houston. The boo's are funny to me. I think I would prefer all the fans to get up and walk out, but the boos are fine.

[hoopsguy]

This Jacksonville offense has been just pathetic today. I'm not sure if it is the cold, the crappy field, the lack of imagination in playcalling, or that Garrard just sucks but this has been painful to watch.

[DaddyTorgo]

I am so turned on right now.

Watching the replay of the blocked kick for a TD my wife says " Philips threw a great block there, about time he did something since he missed that tackle earlier"

And she is wearing an Amani Toomer jersey.

wOOt!!!

surprised you're still watching the game :p

[GrantDawg]

Ok, I have to say that I am very impressed with Matt Ryan. Being in Atlanta this year, I've seen all of his games this season. He has done extremely well for a rookie QB with his feel for the game and his reads. I thought he would be an average pro, maybe a starter only for a QB-starved team, but he's proving to be a very good talent. The Falcon's 3 WRs are improving every week and Turner and Norwood are great options in the running game.

If they continue to improve and stay relatively healthy, they could be in the hunt for the Super Bowl in the next 3-5 years.


I was just about to come on to post about this last drive. This is some of the best QB play I've seen in any game this year. He has hit amazing pass after amazing pass, with some acrobatic catches on a WR crew that would have been ranked near the bottom coming into this season. It is disappointing they didn't let him go ahead and throw for the TD on firtst or second and goal, instead backing him into a third and long and settling for the FG. But there were several plays on that drive that just had me going "how did he do that?"

[Cringer]

Actually, not a fake punt. Busted punt with a good run by the punter.

[Jas_lov]

So bad. The game shouldn't even be this close. The only thing worse than giving up 500 yards to the Texans is having Tavaris Jackson as your QB and losing to the worst team in NFL history.

[Cringer]

See...this is what I mean about Green Bay being interesting. Things are just odd for this team.

Houston WR catches the ball and fumbles while being tackled. GB recovers but it had been whistled dead already as 'down by contact.' Next play the Houston RB fumbles and the Packers get this one.

Time to watch the offense doing nothing again.

[Dr. Sak]

For those watching the Giants/Eagles game. The Head Referee and the Back Judge, which is his brother...use to ref rec league basketball games that I played when I was a kid. They live no more than 5 miles from me.

[Cringer]

Finally a huge pass completed from Rodgers. He has been over-throwing wide open guys today on the long ones and got a nice huge one to Jennings. This could set up a lead taking TD.

[Jas_lov]

I can't believe the Packers are in position to take the lead. This game should have been over 2 hours ago. The Texans just don't want to win.

[Dr. Sak]

Way to go EAGLES!!

[EagleFan]

Woot!!!!!!

[Lathum]

This has been a brutal game for Giants fans. Minus the TD it's been dropped passes, awful playcalling, poor exectuion, Jacobs and Ross going out, missed tackels, and not taking advantage of sloppy play by the Eagles.

The Giants are lucky the Eagles aren't playing their best game because this would be a blowout right now.

[EagleFan]

What sucks is that if it weren't for the two blocked FG's that last one probably would have put the game away at 23-0.

[EagleFan]

dola: I forgot about the Eagles blocking one too. That has got to be close to a record for blocked FG's in one game.

[Lathum]

WTF was that throw by Eli?

[Dr. Sak]

WTF was that throw by Eli?

Looked like a duck and chuck.

[EagleFan]

Nice catch by Hixon.

[Dr. Sak]

Why would the Giants run the ball on 4th and 1 when they have such a good o-line? Didn't make sense to me.

[Lathum]

you have got to be kidding me.

4th and one and with the crap day Eli has had they decide to pass. Terrible call there.

[EagleFan]

Crap, forgot I had paued the game earlier and am still just a bit behind, at least I could tell by Lathm's post that I was about to like the next play. ;)

[EagleFan]

A nice 6 minute drive sounds good right about now...

[GrantDawg]

And Matt Ryan does his best Vick impression to take the lead back.

[Northwood_DK]

The Falcons - Saints game is great to watch

[GrantDawg]

I had a bad feeling once they said the KR man was filling in. He just got an 88 yard return to set the Saints up to score again.

[Jas_lov]

A phantom P.I. call cost the Lions their first win against the Vikings and now a bogus overturn of a 1st down catch by Megatron will cost them their 2nd win against the Vikings. The ref had no business overturning that call. There was not enough evidence.

[cmp]

A phantom P.I. call cost the Lions their first win against the Vikings and now a bogus overturn of a 1st down catch by Megatron will cost them their 2nd win against the Vikings. The ref had no business overturning that call. There was not enough evidence.

How the hell was that overturned? That was a horrible horrible call.

[GrantDawg]

Now we know why Boley isn't a receiver.

[Jas_lov]

How the hell was that overturned? That was a horrible horrible call.

It was a joke. There was not conclusive video evidence, not even close. The call cost the Lions the game just like that phantom P.I. call.

Packers tie it up but will probably let the Texans get the ball at midfield on the kickoff and let them drive down to the 10 and kick the FG with 30 seconds left, Packers lose again by less than a TD.

[GrantDawg]

Ryan couldn't keep the magic up, and now the Saints get the ball back with a 4 point lead with 3:15 left. The D hasn't been able to stop anything, so that was probably the ball-game.

[TLK]

The Houston-Green Bay game is insane. Complete big game feel to it.

[Jas_lov]

Rodgers to Driver, Packers now lead. Unbelievable.

[Jas_lov]

And then he gets sacked. No FG chance now.

[Lathum]

Giants were dreadfull today, they had no buisness only losing by 6 and now they have to hear all week about how they were distracted, need plax, blah blah blah....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Atlanta rookie head coach mistake in not going for it on 4th down. Defense wasn't stopping them and there was no reason to expect them to suddenly start doing so.

He hasn't made many this year that I can recall so I'm inclined to forgive it, especially in light of the far exceeded expectations, but it was still a bad decision.

[Thomkal]

yep I agree Jon you are playing the #1 offense in the league, you want to keep them off the field as long as possible. Should have gone for it on 4th down

[Cringer]

The Packers lose in tremendous style today. That was a fun game and we lock up at best an 8-8 record. Congrats to Thompson and McCarthy, I am sure this was their goal this year.

[Jas_lov]

Deserved to lose. The Texans should have put up 40 on the Packers. I wonder how they'll blame Aaron Rodgers for this one.

[Matthean]

Lions now have to take on Indy, NO(although NO is 1-5 on the road), and end with the ever sinking 5-8 Packers and The Streak. The Packer game has the potential to be glorious. Since it's at GB, hopefully it will be televised for those in MI missing out on Detroit's weekly epic failing with games being blacked out.

[tucker rocky]

The Jacksonville Police are cracking down on speeders heading into
Jacksonville. For the first offense, they give you two Jags tickets. If
you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.


Q. What do you call 47 millionaires sitting around a TV watching the
Super Bowl?
A. The Jacksonville Jags.


Q. How do you keep the Jacksonville Jags out of your yard?
A. Put up a goal post.

Q.Where do you go in Jacksonville in case of a tornado?
A. To the Alltel Stadium - they never have a touchdown there!

Q. What do you call a Jag with a Super Bowl ring?
A. A thief.

Q. What's the difference between the Jacksonville Jags and a dollar
bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. How many Jacksonville Jags does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out.

Q. What do the Jacksonville Jags and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.

[EagleFan]

Way to quit on the route Owens!!!

[Matthean]

The Jacksonville Police are cracking down on speeders heading into
Jacksonville. For the first offense, they give you two Jags tickets. If
you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.


Q. What do you call 47 millionaires sitting around a TV watching the
Super Bowl?
A. The Jacksonville Jags.


Q. How do you keep the Jacksonville Jags out of your yard?
A. Put up a goal post.

Q.Where do you go in Jacksonville in case of a tornado?
A. To the Alltel Stadium - they never have a touchdown there!

Q. What do you call a Jag with a Super Bowl ring?
A. A thief.

Q. What's the difference between the Jacksonville Jags and a dollar
bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. How many Jacksonville Jags does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out.

Q. What do the Jacksonville Jags and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.

Want the Lions instead? They are priced to move this year. :lol:

[Thomkal]

chiefs out early on denver 10-0 after an int returned for a TD

[kingfc22]

Niners moving the ball at will against the Jets early. Only a Robinson fumble stopped the first drive.

[Cringer]

Deserved to lose. The Texans should have put up 40 on the Packers. I wonder how they'll blame Aaron Rodgers for this one.

Rodgers gets part of the blame for the fact the Packers are horrible on 3rd down plays. More if that falls on play calling and pass blocking though. Rodgers isn't perfect though, so don't defend him to the death or anything. ;)

[Thomkal]

Cards hopefully ahead for good against the Rams 7-0 and driving for another score

[Cringer]

I had to steal some of these for my team...



Q. What do you call 47 millionaires sitting around a TV watching the
Super Bowl?
A. The Packers.

Q. What do you call a Packer with a Super Bowl ring?
A. A New York Jet

Q. How many Packers does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A. None, but it takes 1 New York Jet. ;)

Q. What do the Packers and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.

[Jas_lov]

Rodgers gets part of the blame for the fact the Packers are horrible on 3rd down plays. More if that falls on play calling and pass blocking though. Rodgers isn't perfect though, so don't defend him to the death or anything. ;)

Not perfect but better than most expected. He'll get much more blame than he deserves. The defense has been historically bad the last 3 games, very tough to overcome. At least they cut Frosty.

[DaddyTorgo]

pats injury woes continue - bruschi + wilfork both questionable to return to the game, vrabel is off (no word)

it's really almost a black-comedy at this point

[Thomkal]

man the Steelers/Dallas game is pretty awful so far-injuries, turnovers, 2 fourth down attempts for the Cowboys that don't work

[Thomkal]

I think that is the 5th Dallas injury in the game so far

[Thomkal]

Broncos have another RB go down-Hillis in the locker room, Tatum Bell in

[SirFozzie]

The Pats are going to have to bring in fans from the stands to complete the game :P

[Thomkal]

and now Pitt fumbles it away, unbelievable.

[Jas_lov]

Tony Romo is terrible. What a horrendous throw for that INT.

[Jas_lov]

This game is a trainwreck which seems to favor the Steelers. Let's see how they manage to blow this 1st and goal.

[DaddyTorgo]

Tony Romo is terrible. What a horrendous throw for that INT.

+1

people like to get down on their knees and fellate him, but i think it's largely because he's the QB of the Cowboys. If he was the QB of say...the New Orleans Saints he wouldn't be thought of 1/2 as highly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Broncos have another RB go down-Hillis in the locker room, Tatum Bell in

:( :( :(

(started on one of my fantasy teams today and on both of my son's teams)

[hoopsguy]

+1

people like to get down on their knees and fellate him, but i think it's largely because he's the QB of the Cowboys. If he was the QB of say...the New Orleans Saints he wouldn't be thought of 1/2 as highly.

Hmm, or it could his numbers in his first three years as a starter are:
76-40 TD/INT ratio
Completion %: 64.6
Yards Per Attempt: 8.4
QB Rating: 98.2

Compare that to any of the other young QBs in the game, including Rodgers and Cassel (the guys fellated by the two people calling out Romo) and then see if you still think Romo sucks.

[DaddyTorgo]

lol - oh i'm anything but fellating cassel

[Jas_lov]

I said the INT by Romo was a horrendous throw and it was. He's having a terrible game and if you can't see that then you haven't been watching the game. Rodgers and Cassel haven't even started 3 years in the league yet so I don't see how you can compare them.

[hoopsguy]

He is having a terrible game against the best D in the game. No doubt about it.

[digamma]

Let's go TASHARD!!!

[EagleFan]

He is having a terrible game against the best D in the game. No doubt about it.

I see he's getting into post season form early, just in case.

[Izulde]

It appears I made the right call in starting Ryan so far.

Not so much my RB and WR choices. :( I'm losing 49-45 right now, but that can get turned around quickly I think, especially since the other guy had Hillis.

[Scoobz0202]

Tashard Mother Fucking Choice.

Thank You Georgia Tech.

[hoopsguy]

I see he's getting into post season form early, just in case.

Yep, his playoff numbers are way down from his regular season numbers (75.8 rating, predicated mostly on his much lower YPA average). More importantly, he is 0-2 in those games.

My argument was that he is not some kind of media-based fraud. He is a very, very productive NFL QB and the type of guy that probably 25-30 teams in the league would love to build around.

[Thomkal]

argh, Chiefs get down to the 5 yard line on 4th down, and Thigpen comes up one yard short on a run. :( of course they probably should have gone for the FG, plenty of time left

[SirFozzie]

Pats lead! HYOOGE!

[Scoobz0202]

Larry Johnson has killed me on fantasy this year... hasn't done a fucking thing for me all year.

[Tasan]

Freaking Alan Ball overrunning the return man. We didn't need that.

[DeToxRox]

Rememeber two weeks ago how the Jets were the new guys on the block?

[Cringer]

Not perfect but better than most expected. He'll get much more blame than he deserves. The defense has been historically bad the last 3 games, very tough to overcome. At least they cut Frosty.

Frost being cut was great. It was funny when the new kid shanked his first punt though. He made up for it later I guess, except for the defense not taking advantage of it. ;)

Rodgers gets some blame though, he is the QB. Some people, the ones who take things a little too far and hate him simply because of what the people in charge did to Favre, will blame him too much. I agree they go too far. Still, look at GB on 3rd down for the year, part of that is him as I said. He will get better though. I think the unseen and really the unknown part is removing the effect Favre had on the whole team just being himself. Rodgers is a good guy and I have no doubt his teammates like him, but he is not the leader Favre was.

Another thing I was thinking about today in the Favre to Rodgers move. One big reason the Packers kept giving for having to move on without Favre was because Rodgers was the starter all offseason, that they had changed the offense to fit Rodgers more, blah blah blah. Well, it seems those changes sucked balls. They should have kept things the way they were last year if the scheme was changed that much. I know they don't do the slants as much as they did last year and wish we saw more it.

[SirFozzie]

That was the best blitz I've ever seen. BALL GAME, PATS! :D

[Alan T]

Larry Johnson has killed me on fantasy this year... hasn't done a fucking thing for me all year.


Larry Johnson hasn't really helped my fantasy team much this year... of course neither has Plaxico Burress... I likely would say though that Tom Brady has mostly killed my fantasy team this year!

[Thomkal]

woot! for the first time since 1975 I can say my beloved Cards have won their division!

[RedKingGold]

I do not get to watch a lot of 49ers football on the East, but San Francisco played very well today.

Although there's still three games to play, I'm starting to turn the corner in thinking Mike Singletary could be a good NFL coach. The team played hard and relatively well today (although we still need a QB).

[Jas_lov]

LOL! INT by Romo costs his team the ballgame. A fitting end to a horrendous game.

[DeToxRox]

Did Romo think it was the playoffs already?

[Eaglesfan27]

Love seeing this collapse by Dallas. :)

[Scoobz0202]

Turnovers..man...Turnovers...

We did everything we needed...

I wanted to win this so bad. Choice deserved the game ball.....

[hawk4669]

Rememeber two weeks ago how the Jets were the new guys on the block?

As a long suffering Jets fan, I honestly knew as soon as someone (namely the media) started jumping on the bandwagon, they'd collapse.

Ugh.

Cheers!

[Cringer]

I maybe wrong but I am pretty sure Madden just called Flacco "Joe Fat Flacco." Even if not, that is what I heard and it made me laugh. The fat part was him starting to say his name wrong....could have been Flat, but I heard fat.

[stevew]

2008 James Harrison is the best steelers backer I've ever seen.

Nice to see romo throw a critical pick 6

[JonInMiddleGA]

ESPN - Steelers' win gives Streak for Cash player big 25 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3752917)

With the Pittsburgh Steelers' 20-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, a fan who registered himself as Bigsam1122 has reached 25 straight wins in ESPN's Streak For The Cash game.

Pending verification of eligibility, the pick would be worth $1 million.
...
Bigsam1122 has worked methodically. He won his 23rd straight game on Nov. 24, and got his 24th win last Sunday when Tampa Bay beat New Orleans 23-20 on a field goal in the final two minutes.

He was able to wait for the right opportunity as several players with streaks in the low 20s lost games within the last week.

Bigsam1122's 24-pick streak began with a Tampa Bay Rays victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series. Since then, Bigsam1122's wins have come exclusively on college football, NFL and NBA action.

Ironically, he started the Streak For The Cash game with five straight losses.

Earlier in the contest, two other players got to 24 wins, but failed in their attempt to win the 25th.

If verification holds up and Bigsam1122 does indeed win the big prize, remember to keep on playing and trying to build your streak. There is still the $10,000 prize for the longest overall streak before Dec. 31.

[RainMaker]

If the suspensions on the Williams cheaters goes through for next week, does that mean they'd be ineligible for the first playoff game? Seems kind of weird they wouldn't take the suspension now and have them for the playoffs.

[miami_fan]

Hmmmm I wonder. If the safety had blasted Todd Heap instead of going for the ball, would he have gotten a penalty for hitting a defenseless receiver?

[DeToxRox]

2008 James Harrison is the best steelers backer I've ever seen.

Nice to see romo throw a critical pick 6

I love seeing my man Woodley dominating too. Was my favorite player at Michigan his four years there. I knew when he got taken he'd be a monster.

[Jas_lov]

ESPN - Steelers' win gives Streak for Cash player big 25 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3752917)

With the Pittsburgh Steelers' 20-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, a fan who registered himself as Bigsam1122 has reached 25 straight wins in ESPN's Streak For The Cash game.

Pending verification of eligibility, the pick would be worth $1 million.
...
Bigsam1122 has worked methodically. He won his 23rd straight game on Nov. 24, and got his 24th win last Sunday when Tampa Bay beat New Orleans 23-20 on a field goal in the final two minutes.

He was able to wait for the right opportunity as several players with streaks in the low 20s lost games within the last week.

Bigsam1122's 24-pick streak began with a Tampa Bay Rays victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series. Since then, Bigsam1122's wins have come exclusively on college football, NFL and NBA action.

Ironically, he started the Streak For The Cash game with five straight losses.

Earlier in the contest, two other players got to 24 wins, but failed in their attempt to win the 25th.

If verification holds up and Bigsam1122 does indeed win the big prize, remember to keep on playing and trying to build your streak. There is still the $10,000 prize for the longest overall streak before Dec. 31.

That must have been one hell of a sweat for that guy. Look at the top link on the right side. Some other guy got to 24 and lost it all when he picked the Packers over the Saints with no spread. I hope he hedged his bet and put everything he had on the Saints to win.

[Tigercat]

I feel really blessed that I got to see Ed Reed play when we were in high school together. Being able to see him throw passes, catch passes, run back kicks, and intercept passes back then was a real treat on its own. But to see him develop as one of the great safties of all time since? Just awesome.

[Tigercat]

Dola, and the second best player on the field tonight, Laron Landry I got to watch as a player for our rival school across the river. (Though he played right after I left HS.) The home Parish is representing tonight!

[Arles]

Rodgers gets some blame though, he is the QB. Some people, the ones who take things a little too far and hate him simply because of what the people in charge did to Favre, will blame him too much. I agree they go too far. Still, look at GB on 3rd down for the year, part of that is him as I said. He will get better though. I think the unseen and really the unknown part is removing the effect Favre had on the whole team just being himself. Rodgers is a good guy and I have no doubt his teammates like him, but he is not the leader Favre was.
Rodgers (3,169 - 22 - 11 - 92.1) has had a better season than Favre (2,845 - 20 - 15 - 88.2), and that's with a worse OL, worse running game and much tougher schedule. You take out the Arizona game and Favre has had 14 TDs and 14 INTs - all this against a soft schedule that has seen Cassel, Pennington and Edwards put up QB ratings in the 85-93 range.

Another thing I was thinking about today in the Favre to Rodgers move. One big reason the Packers kept giving for having to move on without Favre was because Rodgers was the starter all offseason, that they had changed the offense to fit Rodgers more, blah blah blah. Well, it seems those changes sucked balls. They should have kept things the way they were last year if the scheme was changed that much. I know they don't do the slants as much as they did last year and wish we saw more it.
2007 Packer offense - 27.2 points per game
2008 Packer offense - 27.3 points per game

2007 Packer defense - 18.2 points per game
2008 Packer defense - 24.5 points per game

The loss of their DL to injuries/FA and the injuries at LB and DB are why GB has not been very good. The injuries forced ST guys to be starters and that cause their ST coverage to go down the toilet as well. You can blame Ted for having no depth at OL or on defense, but Favre wasn't going to change much this season. This team just could not make stops on defense or cover kickoffs to save their lives.

Just look at the close losses to Houston, Carolina, Minnesota, Atlanta and Tennessee (1-4 points each), Rodgers led 8 scoring drives for 44 points in the 4th quarter. The defense/st allowed 9 for 51 points and that's why GB lost.

[Matthean]

Steelers comeback (http://steelers.fandome.com/video/107299/Steelers-Stunning-4th-Quarter-Comeback-Vs-Cowboys-To-Win-20---13/)

[MikeVic]

Good game!

[EagleFan]

I have to say, this was probably the best week of the season!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

[k0ruptr]

and a huge game in the NFC tonite to top it off... GO PANTHERS!

[Hurst2112]

If I was Ray Sherman, I would have got in TO's face and told him to sit the f*ck down.

[Cringer]

Rodgers (3,169 - 22 - 11 - 92.1) has had a better season than Favre (2,845 - 20 - 15 - 88.2), and that's with a worse OL, worse running game and much tougher schedule. You take out the Arizona game and Favre has had 14 TDs and 14 INTs - all this against a soft schedule that has seen Cassel, Pennington and Edwards put up QB ratings in the 85-93 range.


2007 Packer offense - 27.2 points per game
2008 Packer offense - 27.3 points per game

2007 Packer defense - 18.2 points per game
2008 Packer defense - 24.5 points per game

The loss of their DL to injuries/FA and the injuries at LB and DB are why GB has not been very good. The injuries forced ST guys to be starters and that cause their ST coverage to go down the toilet as well. You can blame Ted for having no depth at OL or on defense, but Favre wasn't going to change much this season. This team just could not make stops on defense or cover kickoffs to save their lives.

Just look at the close losses to Houston, Carolina, Minnesota, Atlanta and Tennessee (1-4 points each), Rodgers led 8 scoring drives for 44 points in the 4th quarter. The defense/st allowed 9 for 51 points and that's why GB lost.

Not sure why a defense of Rodgers was needed. I said he gets a small part of the blame, as any QB would get IMO. I like the guy a lot and think he will only get better. As far as my statement on the offense, I stand by it. They are down some in several categories. It doesn't look like a lot, but in the NFL every little bit helps. 6.0 yards per play last year had them near the top of the league, 5.5 this year has them near the middle of the league.

Then again I never said Rodgers sucked so I don't care to argue it much. I like the guy, he is good, but I do think the change effected the offense and team, in the stats and in the leadership/experience/attitude. And from what McCarthy said it changed how the offense works some. The QB change is more then stats is all I am saying.

[Hurst2112]

SO NOT SAFE FOR WORK:

hxxp://deadspin.com/5103817/fox-broadcasts-some-viking-locker-room-dong?skyline=true&s=x

[Scoobz0202]

Jerry Jones calling out Barber???

Why don't you fucking call out Romo you mother fucker.


:(

[Radii]

There have been a couple very impressive INTs by Tampa tonight, ugh.

[Radii]

Damn, how bout that rushing attack!!!

[RainMaker]

I think it's easiest just to blame the Packers defense for the entire mess. That may not be fair. The Packers running game has been much worse than last year. It means less control of the clock and a defense on the field more often.

As for why the running game has been bad may bring up some debate. Grant has clearly not been as good. Not sure if that is the line or him. I also don't underestimate the fact that Favre was a bigger threat deep and perhaps forced safeties to respect his arm a little more.

[stevew]

I'd take Williams and Stewart before any of the gnats backs


Time for radii to start pimping deangelo for MVP. :)

[Radii]

holy shit what a catch by Bryant.

[Radii]

SPECIAL TEAMS FTW

[stevew]

MVP
MVP


Boomer just said "he popped a big one,"

[k0ruptr]

yay for panthers!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sad day here in KC. After 45 years, the Tony Dipardo Pack Band has been told that their gig is up.

Chiefs' Arrowhead changes will send TD Pack Band packing - Kansas City Star (http://www.kansascity.com/703/story/928611.html)

I think Carl Peterson has officially screwed up the whole franchise now. The team is terrible and he's removing a mainstay of the franchise. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Carl.