NFL Week 1 Discussion Thread - Revis signs, HBO rejoices

[DeToxRox]

Saints vs Vikings kick it off Thursday night.

All I can say is about fucking time.

Best part this year about opening week?

No Mike & Mike (to my knowledge) on MNF!

[DeToxRox]

So Rex tracked down Revis in Florida this weekend and convinced him to sign.

I bet HBO was on hand for it too.

Whole thing feels so staged at this point.

Also for Swaggs or stevew, Lions claimed Stefan Logan to be our return guy. I know that is all he is. What are your thoughts?

[JetsIn06]

Revis!!! WOOOO!

[DeToxRox]

Not sure the credibility of this source but JetsIn06 may know:

TheJetsStream

#Jets Darrelle Revis' deal: 4 years, $46 million with $32 million guaranteed, per source.

[MikeVic]

So Rex tracked down Revis in Florida this weekend and convinced him to sign.

I bet HBO was on hand for it too.

Whole thing feels so staged at this point.

Also for Swaggs or stevew, Lions claimed Stefan Logan to be our return guy. I know that is all he is. What are your thoughts?

Excuse me, I'm a Steelers fan AND sometimes watch the CFL. :mad: I likes Logan so I'm not very happy he's gone.

[DeToxRox]

Excuse me, I'm a Steelers fan AND sometimes watch the CFL. :mad: I likes Logan so I'm not very happy he's gone.

Damnit! I knew I forgot one.

He always had solid numbers average wise. I don't have it up but did he break a lot of long ones or was he just consistent?

[Swaggs]

So Rex tracked down Revis in Florida this weekend and convinced him to sign.

I bet HBO was on hand for it too.

Whole thing feels so staged at this point.

Also for Swaggs or stevew, Lions claimed Stefan Logan to be our return guy. I know that is all he is. What are your thoughts?

I thought he was pretty good last season. Pretty consistent with a few pretty long kickoff returns. He had a few fumbles, but I think his biggest problems are his size (he is like 5'5) and the fact that he doesn't really have a position outside of returner.

Going into the offseason, I would have bet that he made the roster again, but they brought in Randle El and Battle as free agents and drafted two receivers relatively high (and after seeing them in camp, it sounds like they held up well and look to be legit contributors and possibly starters down the road). Losing Holmes left a pretty big hole, as he was considered to be a cornerstone-type of guy, in my opinion. With Hines Ward aging, I think they probably decided they liked the long-term potential of the rookies (with the chance that one or both break out and become starters) vs the single facet contributions of Logan (who is also close to 30).

[tucker rocky]

"With the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select
QB, Washington, Jake Locker".

[Lathum]

"With the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select
QB, Washington, Jake Locker".

Please God no, I can't root for the Bills

[tucker rocky]

Please God no, I can't root for the Bills

"With the 2nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select
QB, FSU, Christian Ponder".

[Apathetic Lurker]

Please God no, I can't root for the Bills


Dont worry...you wont have to root for my team...Seattle will draft him 1st overall

Edit: But then again, Buffalo should tank their season just so we could draft him 1st overall just to force your sorry Gints lovin' ass to root for the Bills...

[B & B]

"With the 2nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select
QB, FSU, Christian Ponder".


Uhh, they already traded the farm for a young ACC QB with serious questionmarks.

BTW - Does anyone want to start up a dead pool for Hasselbeck. As in, pick the first game he starts that he doesnt finish due to injury.

[Thomkal]

ESPN is reporting Matt Leinart has signed a one year deal to be the backup for Houston's Matt Schaub. Think it was a mistake for Leinart to sign so quickly. Undoubtebly a team or two is going to lose their starting QB to injury and could want Leinart to replace them, and I can't see him ever replacing Schaub as the starter in Houston if he keeps playing at the level that he's playing at now.

[Bigsmooth]

Christian Ponder at 2? Kill me if that happens. Hawks are clearly in rebuild mode with their moves this weekend purging the crap left behind by Ruskell. No doubt they'll be battling for a top 3 pick. Fine by me.

Also, I'll take Week 1 for that dead pool. Patrick Willis, please have mercy on poor Matty. Just end his career, not his life...

[Apathetic Lurker]

ESPN is reporting Matt Leinart has signed a one year deal to be the backup for Houston's Matt Schaub. Think it was a mistake for Leinart to sign so quickly. Undoubtebly a team or two is going to lose their starting QB to injury and could want Leinart to replace them, and I can't see him ever replacing Schaub as the starter in Houston if he keeps playing at the level that he's playing at now.

Unless Schaub goes down with an injury....which is a possibility

Personally I think he signed so quickly because he wanted to prove to the Cardinals(Whisenhunt) that he was wanted.....

[JPhillips]

He's also guaranteed a full year's salary since he signed before the first game.

[Lathum]

I think the Seahawks would do whatever they could to get Locker, even if they have to trade up, he is a PR wet dream for this area.

As for the Revis deal, based on what he got and what he was asking for this stinks of a guy who knew he was never going to get what he was asking for and just wanted to skip camp.

[Lathum]

This makes me wonder about what is going on in the Steelers locker room and if there is going to be a problem long term with Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger not elected as one of Pittsburgh Steelers' captains - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5538955)

[Matthean]

This makes me wonder about what is going on in the Steelers locker room and if there is going to be a problem long term with Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger not elected as one of Pittsburgh Steelers' captains - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5538955)

I don't really see an issue with somebody not being a captain if they are getting suspended by the league.

[JPhillips]

I don't know. I think 32 guaranteed isn't bad and if there's a lock out next year he'll only have two more years before he's a free agent.

[Lathum]

I don't really see an issue with somebody not being a captain if they are getting suspended by the league.

Seems to me it shows a lack of support. If they were all behind him he would still be their guy and they would vote him captain.

It may be nothing, but just my take on it.

[stevew]

I think Revis had 3 years and 21M left on his deal, with basically none of it guaranteed. So 4/46 is a huge upgrade. Plus he'll be 29 when this deal ends, which should put him in the position for another 3 year deal for around 40m.

[stevew]

TJ Douche signs with the Ravens for 1 year.

[JPhillips]

Yeah, it's possible Revis ends up with two four year deals with a total of seventy to eighty million guaranteed instead of a ten year deal with thirty five to forty guaranteed.

[Thomkal]

He's also guaranteed a full year's salary since he signed before the first game.

ah money I should have realized that would play a factor in it. :)

[Swaggs]

This makes me wonder about what is going on in the Steelers locker room and if there is going to be a problem long term with Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger not elected as one of Pittsburgh Steelers' captains - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5538955)

He's never been particularly popular amongst his teammates. He's always kind of had that strange Kobe/McNabb thing going on, where you can tell, during celebrations or deflating moments, that he just doesn't fit in with the rest of his teammates. Hines Ward (who is the team leader of the offense) throwing him under the bus a couple seasons ago after his concussion pretty much sealed that for me. They still won the Super Bowl that year, though.

[Swaggs]

TJ Douche signs with the Ravens for 1 year.

Smart move. Now he can torch the Steelers for about 350 yards in two games, cruise the rest of the season, and get another fat payday at the end of the year. I wish we would have signed him, just so we wouldn't have to play him anymore.

[Butter]

Thomkal, you'll be pleased to know that Jerome Simpson made the cut for the Bengals this year with a really nice last couple of preseason games, though he is pretty much the #5/6 WR along with Quan Cosby.

Also, last year's 3rd round pick TE Chase Coffman gets cut and signed to the practice squad. He was never reliable as a pass catcher in any of the preseason games I saw, and was a horrible run blocker. Jermaine Gresham, OTOH, has been outstanding at both as far as I've seen.

Bengals also cut JT O'Sullivan, and instead signed Dan LeFevour to be the #3... making Jordan Palmer the #2. Aside from wondering if Jordan is the first brother to backup his brother at QB in the NFL, I also wonder if the Bengals have the 2 worst backups in the NFL. I'm going with "yes".

[JonInMiddleGA]

Aside from wondering if Jordan is the first brother to backup his brother at QB in the NFL

From an article back in 2008 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3222148) when Jordan was first signed According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no brothers have played quarterback for the same team during the Super Bowl era. Koy Detmer was on injured reserve for Philadelphia while his brother, Ty, played for the Eagles in 1997.

[Eaglesfan27]

Christian Ponder at 2? Kill me if that happens. Hawks are clearly in rebuild mode with their moves this weekend purging the crap left behind by Ruskell. No doubt they'll be battling for a top 3 pick. Fine by me.

Also, I'll take Week 1 for that dead pool. Patrick Willis, please have mercy on poor Matty. Just end his career, not his life...


I think Pete would pass on Ponder and stay in rebuilding mode to get Barkley at #1 the following year ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the Seahawks would do whatever they could to get Locker, even if they have to trade up, he is a PR wet dream for this area.

As for the Revis deal, based on what he got and what he was asking for this stinks of a guy who knew he was never going to get what he was asking for and just wanted to skip camp.


Being more serious, I agree that they go hard after Locker if at all possible.

[Swaggs]

Gresham was a great pick. I think he'll be, at worst (if he stays healthy), a long-time starter with the potential to be very good.

[Chubby]

"With the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select
QB, Washington, Jake Locker".

I can only hope.

Too bad I think Spiller wll screw this up and get them too many wins this season.

[Chubby]

I think Revis had 3 years and 21M left on his deal, with basically none of it guaranteed. So 4/46 is a huge upgrade. Plus he'll be 29 when this deal ends, which should put him in the position for another 3 year deal for around 40m.

No, a good chunk was guarenteed but he forfeited that guarentee by holding out.

[JPhillips]

Thomkal, you'll be pleased to know that Jerome Simpson made the cut for the Bengals this year with a really nice last couple of preseason games, though he is pretty much the #5/6 WR along with Quan Cosby.

Also, last year's 3rd round pick TE Chase Coffman gets cut and signed to the practice squad. He was never reliable as a pass catcher in any of the preseason games I saw, and was a horrible run blocker. Jermaine Gresham, OTOH, has been outstanding at both as far as I've seen.

Bengals also cut JT O'Sullivan, and instead signed Dan LeFevour to be the #3... making Jordan Palmer the #2. Aside from wondering if Jordan is the first brother to backup his brother at QB in the NFL, I also wonder if the Bengals have the 2 worst backups in the NFL. I'm going with "yes".

The good news is that they are no worse at backup QB than they were with O'Sullivan.

[Thomkal]

Thomkal, you'll be pleased to know that Jerome Simpson made the cut for the Bengals this year with a really nice last couple of preseason games, though he is pretty much the #5/6 WR along with Quan Cosby.

Also, last year's 3rd round pick TE Chase Coffman gets cut and signed to the practice squad. He was never reliable as a pass catcher in any of the preseason games I saw, and was a horrible run blocker. Jermaine Gresham, OTOH, has been outstanding at both as far as I've seen.

Bengals also cut JT O'Sullivan, and instead signed Dan LeFevour to be the #3... making Jordan Palmer the #2. Aside from wondering if Jordan is the first brother to backup his brother at QB in the NFL, I also wonder if the Bengals have the 2 worst backups in the NFL. I'm going with "yes".

Thanks Butter! I was anxiously checking the transaction lists with Cincy because I knew Simpson was on the bubble. Was happy to see him show some sparks of ability in the last couple of preseason games. Now of course is the question of how much playing time he gets, which is I'm guessing very little-though maybe they think he can return punts for them?

And yeah I would say the Bengals have the worst 2 backups, but my beloved Cards now have two rookies, one undrafted, backing up Anderson. :::shudder::::

[JPhillips]

Thanks Butter! I was anxiously checking the transaction lists with Cincy because I knew Simpson was on the bubble. Was happy to see him show some sparks of ability in the last couple of preseason games. Now of course is the question of how much playing time he gets, which is I'm guessing very little-though maybe they think he can return punts for them?

And yeah I would say the Bengals have the worst 2 backups, but my beloved Cards now have two rookies, one undrafted, backing up Anderson. :::shudder::::

He's not going to be a returner, both Jones and Cosby are well above Simpson. He has, though, been much better on special teams. Still, it's hard to see him dressed over Caldwell or Cosby.

[tucker rocky]

A link to 2011 draft prospects:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm sickened that 2011 draft prospects are out already, but I just looked at the list and was REALLY happy to see that despite the cancer and missing a year that Herzlich was ranked the #4 OLB and #32 overall.

Guy was pretty much a top 10 pick before the cancer, so it'll be great to see if he can get himself back into the upper half of the first round. Fuckin hope so!

[k0ruptr]

I think Herzlich will move up plenty still. I know I'm rooting for him along with plenty others.

One thing about this class so far, it screams WEAK. at least imo.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

for those in need of wr help in ff, mark clayton just got picked up by the rams. should supplant laurent robinson as the #1 there.

[tucker rocky]

A link to 2011 draft prospects:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings

One thing about this class so far, it screams WEAK. at least imo.

List doesn't include juniors who might declare themselves early for the draft.

This is a list of the juniors:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012

[ColtCrazy]

So glad the regular season is here. I may have a hemorrhage if I have to see Curtis Painter anymore.

Colts final roster looks solid, but I was a bit surprised they only kept 4 WRs (albeit very good ones) and also kept 4 TEs, considering how little they are used in the system.

I was hoping Blair White would make it. A personal favorite because of how quickly he responded to our annual autograph collection at our school, but also because he was the most consistent wideout of the preseason. Perhaps there's a limit to the number of white slot guys you can have on one team? :D

[Greyroofoo]

Is there even a point of having Painter taking up a spot roster? I mean surely we can find a nice spot on the bench or something to place his clipboard.

If he ever got in the game the Colts are screwed anyways.

[k0ruptr]

List doesn't include juniors who might declare themselves early for the draft.

This is a list of the juniors:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012

ahh ok, that makes much more sense ! thanks

[ColtCrazy]

Is there even a point of having Painter taking up a spot roster? I mean surely we can find a nice spot on the bench or something to place his clipboard.

If he ever got in the game the Colts are screwed anyways.

And Brandstater had looked much better than Painter during the preseason. I have no idea why Painter is still around. Did Purdue alum give a huge donation to help build Lucas Oil?

Yeah, I can't think of any of team that has a drop as big as the Colts do from Manning to Painter.

[k0ruptr]

I think Aaron Rodgers to Matt Flynn is pretty bad, but yea probably not as bad as Painter.

[henry296]

Brady to Hoyer is also a big drop-off.

[DaddyTorgo]

Brady to Hoyer is also a big drop-off.

it's a significant drop-off yes, but Hoyer has looked better so far than Cassell ever looked before he had to take over. Not that that necessarily means anything, but they've shown enough confidence in Hoyer to release all the other QB's they've drafted or brought in as UFA's since his arrival.

Who's Drew Brees' backup??

[k0ruptr]

Brunell still? dunno

Yea think its Brunell, and then Chase Daniel 3rd string.

[wade moore]

Chase Daniel...

Brunell is Sanchez's backup now.

[k0ruptr]

Daniel is the back up? Wow, ok we found the biggest drop off. Thats a clear winner.

[Greyroofoo]

Have you SEEN Curtis Painter?

[Passacaglia]

Brunell is on the Jets. Saints signed Patrick Ramsey, I think.

[wade moore]

Brunell is on the Jets. Saints signed Patrick Ramsey, I think.

They released Ramsey on cut-down day, it's just Brees and Daniel on the roster now.

[kingfc22]

In other backup QB news...Niners dump Nate Davis in favor of Troy Smith.

[Danny]

That's 3rd stringer news

[Danny]

I'd rank the Drop offs Colts, Saints, Packers and then Patriots.

[GrantDawg]

I don't know how a opening away game versus one of the most storied franchises in the game becomes a "must win," but the Falcons versus the Steelers is right there. Steelers starting a third string qb (but honestly, I'd rather face Leftwich) has turned this game into one Atlanta really needs to pull out to live up to expectations.

Should they? Yes. Will they? I'm not as sure. It won't actually end their season or anything to lose, but the bandwagon will definitely get lighter.

[stevew]

Most recently, whenever the Steelers play the Falcons, bad things happen to the steelers. a 41-38 loss in 2006, a 34-34 tie the game before that. I'm banking on Gonzalez having a big receiving game and the Falcons winning approx 31-14.

Anyways, the funny thing was that I checked, and lifetime the series is steelers 11, falcons 2, tie 1.

[JS19]

What's the purpose of the NFL blackout policy?

[Passacaglia]

What's the purpose of the NFL blackout policy?

To get people to go to games instead of watching them on TV.

[JPhillips]

What's the purpose of the NFL blackout policy?

To maximize a team's revenue by forcing people to fill the stadium if they want to see the local team or buying the NFL package.

In the NFL network TV money is fixed and evenly distributed among teams, so a blackout doesn't cost a team any revenue. In a perfect world fans would get tired of not seeing their team and would instead buy tickets or would purchase the NFL package, increasing a team's revenue. (I believe, but I'm not certain that NFL package money is also evenly distributed among teams.)

I'm not sure this actually works in the long term anymore as a fan can find highlights for any team they want, but that's the theory.

[Galaril]

So, the Redskins are talking with the Titans about a trade with Haynesworth. It sounds like the Redskins want two draft picks, which I doubt they get unless it is a 4th and 6th rounders. This would be a good deal for the Titans since most of his contract has already been paid and Fisher always was able to keep this goof ball playing.

http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/23235508409
Sources: Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans discuss Albert Haynesworth - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5542035)

[wade moore]

So, the Redskins are talking with the Titans about a trade with Haynesworth. It sounds like the Redskins want two draft picks, which I doubt they get unless it is a 4th and 6th rounders. This would be a good deal for the Titans since most of his contract has already been paid and Fisher always was able to keep this goof ball playing.

http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/23235508409
Sources: Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans discuss Albert Haynesworth - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5542035)

Unless the Redskins get a way higher than expected pick, I'd just assume keep the fatass and hope he starts playing. The money is already committed.

[Doug5984]

It was Ramsey and Daniel in the preseason, we cut Ramsey so now it's Daniel as the # 2, if the unthinkable were to happen I have a feeling we'd sign Ramsey to come in for a long stretch but Daniel could finish out a game if we needed.

[Galaril]

Unless the Redskins get a way higher than expected pick, I'd just assume keep the fatass and hope he starts playing. The money is already committed.

I totally agree from a Skins fans stand point and to be honest as a Titans fan I would rather go with what we got already which is one of the better dlines in the NFL at this point.

[Lathum]

Maybe something has changes, but aren't local games blacked out even on the NFL Package?

[Galaril]

Unless the Redskins get a way higher than expected pick, I'd just assume keep the fatass and hope he starts playing. The money is already committed.

I think the Skins have finally reached the point where they have to cut ties with Haynesworth. The team's relationship with him has basically deteriorated to nothing at this point. The team spent the weekend basically bashing him and saying that he won't play for them.

If the Titans can negotiate down to something like a conditional 5th rounder (that rises to a 4 or even a 3 if certain conditions are met), then I think they need to do the deal. It might even be possible to get Albert for less than that.

On the other hand, two draft picks is too much to give up (unless it's a 6th and a 7th or something like that).

Kuharsky said this mroning they were talking one pick not two but whjo really knows. Also, some rumors on the Redskins baord said there was a discussion of haynesworth for a mid round pick and Kenny Britt,WR. One thing to keep in mind is Shannahan and Fisher are "BFFs" and they would certainly make the deal fair for both sides I think.

[Lathum]

Britt is a first rounder entering his second season with a ton of upside. I see no way they trade him for Fat Albert.

[Galaril]

Britt is a first rounder entering his second season with a ton of upside. I see no way they trade him for Fat Albert.

Yes me too.

[Passacaglia]

It was Ramsey and Daniel in the preseason, we cut Ramsey so now it's Daniel as the # 2, if the unthinkable were to happen I have a feeling we'd sign Ramsey to come in for a long stretch but Daniel could finish out a game if we needed.

So there's only 2 QBs? And you call it 'unthinkable' but it sounds like all you're describing is an injury to Brees, which seems pretty thinkable to me. I can't see them wanting Ramsey to come in fresh and play a long stretch without having him with the team before that (unless he's on the practice squad or something).

[stevew]

Ramsey was likely cut so that his salary wouldn't be guaranteed for the entire season. I'm sure he will be back. This is a Vested Veteran 101 type move.

[Passacaglia]

Ramsey was likely cut so that his salary wouldn't be guaranteed for the entire season. I'm sure he will be back. This is a Vested Veteran 101 type move.

Doesn't seem like it. A little googling on it makes it seem like the Saints were planning to carry only 2 QBs, and also that the Seahawks are looking to sign Ramsey.

[JPhillips]

Too bad for the Titans that Shanahan's involved. Snyder would have given you Haynesworth and next year's first for a second rounder.

[Kodos]

Guess Pat White is out in Miami.

[Galaril]

Too bad for the Titans that Shanahan's involved. Snyder would have given you Haynesworth and next year's first for a second rounder.

:)

[Passacaglia]

Guess Pat White is out in Miami.

Yep. Pretty bad move to draft him IMO. The wildcat ran so well with Ronnie Brown, why get someone else to do it?

[Logan]

Britt is a first rounder entering his second season with a ton of upside. I see no way they trade him for Fat Albert.

Britt has had a terrible offseason (on field and off) and Fisher has publicly blasted him numerous times and threatened to deactivate him. He definitely has maturity issues. I would be surprised if they dealt him based on what else they have at WR plus his promise, but it's not crazy.

[Galaril]

Britt has had a terrible offseason (on field and off) and Fisher has publicly blasted him numerous times and threatened to deactivate him. He definitely has maturity issues. I would be surprised if they dealt him based on what else they have at WR plus his promise, but it's not crazy.

This says alot about the Titans but the WR group is one of stronger groups they have had in the last 18 years. The kid out of Montana Mariani looks like a Welker clone and Damian Williams also appears to be a steal. They had Nate Washington and Justin Gage who are nice pieces but really would only be 3rd and 4th Wrs on a passing team like New England.

[Coffee Warlord]

Whee. I have a bet with my boss, the Steelers fan. He thinks they'll go at least 3-1 in their first four games.

[Galaril]

Whee. I have a bet with my boss, the Steelers fan. He thinks they'll go at least 3-1 in their first four games.

He is homer if thinks that considering who they play in the first 4 games.

[Izulde]

for those in need of wr help in ff, mark clayton just got picked up by the rams. should supplant laurent robinson as the #1 there.

Thanks for the tip! I'm #1 on the waiver list because I had 12th pick in first round, so I dumped my panic pick that I screwed up and grabbed Clayton.

[Swaggs]

Yep. Pretty bad move to draft him IMO. The wildcat ran so well with Ronnie Brown, why get someone else to do it?

I'm a big Pat White fan, but I agree. I'd add that expecting much out of him in his first or second season was pretty foolish, no matter how productive he was in the wildcat (short-term). He was never going to be polished enough to be an NFL quarterback after two training camps and one season (if ever).

Hopefully he can find another job, but I have a feeling he won't get any more looks as a QB and I don't know if he is willing to move to receiver or returner. Maybe he could find success in the CFL, as he certainly has the intangibles if not the skills. In any case, I'm glad he made a million or two and got a shot.

[Doug5984]

So there's only 2 QBs? And you call it 'unthinkable' but it sounds like all you're describing is an injury to Brees, which seems pretty thinkable to me. I can't see them wanting Ramsey to come in fresh and play a long stretch without having him with the team before that (unless he's on the practice squad or something).

Unthinkable meaning- I (and all other Saints fans) don't want to think about it, it could def happen, we just pray it won't.

The Saints do a lot of roster shuffling so it wouldn't surprise me if someone gets hurt Ramsey is added during the week for practice. Basically what it boiled down to was if we cut Ramsey he isn't likely to be picked up, if we had cut Daniel we might have lost him and I think they like him as a young backup with good potential.

[DaddyTorgo]

Thanks for the tip! I'm #1 on the waiver list because I had 12th pick in first round, so I dumped my panic pick that I screwed up and grabbed Clayton.

He was a $1, late-round pickup for me. Sittin pretty now I hope!

[RendeR]

Whee. I have a bet with my boss, the Steelers fan. He thinks they'll go at least 3-1 in their first four games.



Seriously, up the ante while you still can. This is like taking money from a moron...no wait, this IS taking money from a moron.

[MikeVic]

I think 3-1 is do-able... but I wouldn't put money on it. I'm hoping for 2-2.

[Swaggs]

I think 3-1 is do-able... but I wouldn't put money on it. I'm hoping for 2-2.

I'm with you. I think 2-2 is the most likely outcome, but 3-1 would not be a surprise.

If Polamalu comes back healthy (as it appears), I'd be surprised if they aren't favored by a reasonable amount over Atlanta (at home) and Tampa Bay (on the road). Tennessee and Baltimore will be tough, but how well do you trust Vince Young against the Steelers defense? And, Dennis Dixon started against Baltimore last season and we lost in overtime (I believe on the road, while this one is at home).

If they play well against Tennessee and can sneak a win out there, I would be sweating that bet a little going into week 3.

[GrantDawg]

I'm with you. I think 2-2 is the most likely outcome, but 3-1 would not be a surprise.

If Polamalu comes back healthy (as it appears), I'd be surprised if they aren't favored by a reasonable amount over Atlanta (at home) and Tampa Bay (on the road). Tennessee and Baltimore will be tough, but how well do you trust Vince Young against the Steelers defense? And, Dennis Dixon started against Baltimore last season and we lost in overtime (I believe on the road, while this one is at home).

If they play well against Tennessee and can sneak a win out there, I would be sweating that bet a little going into week 3.

They are 2.5 to 3 point home dogs against Atlanta right now.

[Swaggs]

They are 2.5 to 3 point home dogs against Atlanta right now.

I'm surprised! ;)

In any case, I like their chances to pick up 2 wins out of these first 4 games. If they drop their first one to Atlanta, they will have a serious uphill climb, though.

[Swaggs]

Reportedly no NFL interest for Pat White and, since he played in so many games last season, he is not eligible to be on a practice squad. Kind of a bummer. The 44th overall pick from two seasons ago could already be out of the NFL for good.

[Galaril]

So, I see Moss has turned on New England or vice a versa. This is no surprise of course considering the parties involved. I guess the white QB can bitch about his contract but not the black WR?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Huh?

[Matthean]

So, I see Moss has turned on New England or ice a versa. This is no sirprise of course considering the parties involved. I guess the white QB can bitch about his contract but not the black WR?

Drugs are bad.

[JS19]

Jets are starting to piss me off.

Cromartie: Jets 'are the Miami Heat of football' - CBSSports.com (http://nfl-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/24416175)

Being a Giants fan, I've always been told I'm supposed to hate the Jets, but I never really did simply bc they have always sucked and were never really a rival. I don't understand where all this "we're the greatest team ever" nonsense is coming from. Big deal, they made it to the AFC Championship game last yr, I'm pretty sure 2 teams do that every yr, one of which actually wins it. They have a suck ass QB, gave up their leading rusher, complimented that with a washed up RB, and their best WR is suspended for a 1/4 of the season. I understand they have a solid D and are a good team, but I'm just not understanding where this "we are the best" is coming from.

[Cuckoo]

Just read that Fox's OKC station is going to show the Cards and Rams. I don't have NFL Sunday Ticket, so this is very good news for me. I'm excited to see how Bradford does in his first start, and the fact that he now has another former Sooner, Mark Clayton, to throw to is really cool. There will be plenty of growing pains, of course, but I'm not sure I've ever wanted to see a guy do as well in the NFL as I do for Bradford. I'm jumping on the St. Louis bandwagon long before there is one.

[DaddyTorgo]

So, I see Moss has turned on New England or vice a versa. This is no surprise of course considering the parties involved. I guess the white QB can bitch about his contract but not the black WR?

LMAO.

Or maybe it's that the QB's skill-set is less prone to the rapid decline-with-age that accompanies the WR's skill-set?

Or that there's only 1 starting QB, but there are multiple starting WR's?

FWIW - I love Randy Moss. Fucking man-crush on the dude. And I want to see him paid and returning (as does Brady BTW, as he has gone on record as saying today). But it is a business decision (as Moss said in his earlier comments talking about the Pats and paying older players).

That being said, I still think he can cut it for a while longer and I'd like to see them bring him back. Hell, I'm not even averse to overpaying him a bit to get it done.

So I'm far from trying to run him out of town. But nobody...at least nobody that I've heard of here in the media, is trying to paint this as a race-thing. Hell - I bet even Noop wouldn't try to do that.

That's ridiculous.

[DaddyTorgo]

Jets are starting to piss me off.

Cromartie: Jets 'are the Miami Heat of football' - CBSSports.com (http://nfl-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/24416175)

Being a Giants fan, I've always been told I'm supposed to hate the Jets, but I never really did simply bc they have always sucked and were never really a rival. I don't understand where all this "we're the greatest team ever" nonsense is coming from. Big deal, they made it to the AFC Championship game last yr, I'm pretty sure 2 teams do that every yr, one of which actually wins it. They have a suck ass QB, gave up their leading rusher, complimented that with a washed up RB, and their best WR is suspended for a 1/4 of the season. I understand they have a solid D and are a good team, but I'm just not understanding where this "we are the best" is coming from.


Bunch of loud-mouthed egotists who haven't earned the right to even be in the beginning stages of the conversation as the "best ever" at this point.

I think it stems mostly from the massive chip on Rex Ryan's shoulder?

But yeah - I wouldn't be averse to seeing all 22 starters break their legs in week 1.

[Galaril]

LMAO.

Or maybe it's that the QB's skill-set is less prone to the rapid decline-with-age that accompanies the WR's skill-set?

Or that there's only 1 starting QB, but there are multiple starting WR's?

FWIW - I love Randy Moss. Fucking man-crush on the dude. And I want to see him paid and returning (as does Brady BTW, as he has gone on record as saying today). But it is a business decision (as Moss said in his earlier comments talking about the Pats and paying older players).

That being said, I still think he can cut it for a while longer and I'd like to see them bring him back. Hell, I'm not even averse to overpaying him a bit to get it done.

So I'm far from trying to run him out of town. But nobody...at least nobody that I've heard of here in the media, is trying to paint this as a race-thing. Hell - I bet even Noop wouldn't try to do that.

That's ridiculous.


No I didn't think the media is consciously making it race thing more me just being a troll:devil:

In anycase, since I am not a Pats fan I hope whoever is doing what to not pacify this ego continues to topple the Pats apple cart. I think Edelman and Welker are great slot receivers but at 5-10 180 will get killed on the outside with some of the big CBs. Moss success on the field is a big deal despite what WEEI and it's brethren there are saying.

[DaddyTorgo]

No I didn't think the media is consciously making it race thing more me just being a troll:devil:

In anycase, since I am not a Pats fan I hope whoever is doing what to not pacify this ego continues to topple the Pats apple cart. I think Edelman and Welker are great slot receivers but at 5-10 180 will get killed on the outside with some of the big CBs. Moss success on the field is a big deal despite what WEEI and it's brethren there are saying.

I don't think the WEEI guys are unappreciative of his contributions on the field. Maybe the moron-callers are. But they're just verbal-trolls.

They do absolutely need an outside threat - and I really like having a tall one. Price may end up having the speed for it, but he's also small. I always like having a guy who can run like a gazelle and can also go up and get it.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

NBC in Boston reporting that Tom Brady in a fairly serious car accident this morning and has been taken to the hospital. "Pretty banged up". Not more much to go on.

[wade moore]

I'm a Tom Brady hater (as a Manning fan) in some ways, but that's terrible news if true.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Apparently its not that bad - some players have said they expect him to be at practice later? Story has not developed - apparently the jaws of life were used at the accident, but no idea on whose car or anything.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Eh, Mike Reiss (ESPNBoston reporter, probably best Pats beat writer) says Brady refused transport to the hospital and is on the way to Gillette. Much ado about nothing perhaps.

[wade moore]

WEEI report: Tom Brady involved in car accident | ProFootballTalk.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/09/weei-report-tom-brady-involved-in-car-accident/)


WEEI report: Tom Brady involved in car accident

Posted by Mike Florio on September 9, 2010 8:22 AM ET
Two years ago, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=1163)'s season was derailed during the first quarter of the first game. Today, Brady may have avoided one or more injuries that could have kept him from playing at all in 2010.

WEEI radio in Boston reports that Brady was involving in an automobile accident in Boston on Thursday. Brady reportedly was "shaken," and the jaws of life reportedly were used to free the driver of another vehicle.

Another source told WEEI that Brady went to a local hospital, but WEEI is now reporting that Brady did not go to the hospital. WEEI also reports that Brady has contacted the Patriots and will be heading to the team's facility.

Per WEEI, Brady's Audi apparently struck a Ford minivan. Though the Audi reportedly had significant front-end damage, Brady reportedly was out of the car and walking around after the accident.

[DaddyTorgo]

Much ado about nothing.

Here's a link to local news video of his car being loaded onto the flatbed tow truck

WHDH-TV - Tom Brady involved in 2-car accident (http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12002173077017/tom-brady-involved-in-2-car-accident/)

Think that speaks for itself. Car doesn't look that bad off at all.

[Easy Mac]

Was his hair injured?

[RedKingGold]

I hope Gisele wasn't chasing the Audi with a golf club.

[Ksyrup]

Don't need no hospital doctor checking for a concussion. Just head over to the Pats complex so you can be cleared to play Sunday.

[DaddyTorgo]

Don't need no hospital doctor checking for a concussion. Just head over to the Pats complex so you can be cleared to play Sunday.


Yep. I'm sure they'll check him for a concussion internally though. No sense risking your investment and all. But much better in a controlled environment, can be done much faster too.

[Ksyrup]

So I see the headline "Giants release Rashad" on my RSS feed, and the following stream of thoughts instantly hit me:

"Holy crap, the Giants cut Bradshaw!"
"Wait... that's Ahmad, not Rashad."
"Holy crap, the Giants cut Ahmad Rashad?!"

[watravaler]

Britt is a first rounder entering his second season with a ton of upside. I see no way they trade him for Fat Albert.

Upside, yes, but I'm hearing/reading things that point to him not having what it takes to ever reach that potential...time will tell...

[watravaler]

Was his hair injured?

It's not his real hair anyway...without the plugs he got 5 years ago, he'd be in Matt Hasselbeck company by now...with that being said, he has pretty much the best looking "rug"/fake hair of any celeb who chooses to go in that direction...congrats to the doc...

Sorry for the digression...lol

[Kodos]

Huh?

Some people are paying closer attention to his follicles than I am, I guess.

[Ksyrup]

Bill B. had to do something with all of that surveillance equipment, so he turned it on his own players.

[albionmoonlight]

couple thoughts about tonight based on my sense of the Saints (haven't really followed the Vikings to see how this might play into their tendencies).

(1) Reggie Bush will have a bigger game than people expect. I'm actually starting him as my fantasy RB3 over Ricky Williams. Hope that's not a mistake.

(2) AP will have a really big game. I am not sold on the Saints against the run. And Minnesota has every incentive to try and keep the ball away from the Saints offense and feed the best (or 2nd best) back in the league.

(3) Minnesota will benefit from one big special teams play. The Saints have not played will this preseason in kick coverage. And that isn't the kind of thing that results from coaches hiding things in preseason. That just comes from bad players/coaching on special teams.

(4) The Saints will attack through the air. For the first time in, like, forever, Drew Brees has healthy weapons. Expect them to all get a workout.

(5) Putting (1) and (4) together, I don't see enough footballs to keep Pierre Thomas' fantasy owners happy. Thomas won't have a horrible game, but I don't see him getting a huge number of touches.

[BishopMVP]

So, I see Moss has turned on New England or vice a versa. This is no surprise of course considering the parties involved.Its posts like these that make me wonder if people bother reading what Moss actually said or just the (sensationalistic) headline. "When you have done so much and put so much work in, it kind of feels like I am not wanted. I am taking that in stride and playing my final year out and whatever the future holds is what it holds ... I am a little older and understand the nature of the business -- the older you get the more your skills supposedly diminish, but I think I am getting wiser in how to use my physical skills."

It's a minor cry for attention - Brady reached out, took him to dinner that night, and it's smoothed over. If Moss or the team had really turned on each other, he'd be holding out (like that other white all-pro Logan Mankins) or traded/cut before week 1 like "noted headcases" Richard Seymour, Lawyer Milloy and Willie McGinest in past years. There's nothing to see here.

[JPhillips]

I think the Pats treat their stars poorly, but in this case they'd be foolish to sign Moss now. There may not be football in 2011 and who knows if would be able to play at a high level in 2012. Players over thirty with expiring contracts at the end of the year aren't going to find work until the CBA gets sorted out.

[wade moore]

So glad meaningful NFL games are back!

[Lathum]

I like Dave Mathews as much as the next guy but I want nothing more than for him to not be on my TV right now

[wade moore]

Idano - thought it was pretty sweet hearing him do "burning down the house".

[Lathum]

Drinking a beer, wife picking up pizza, football on the TV...

all is right with the world.

[k0ruptr]

millions of people just said Hell yea! footbaLL season is here!

[k0ruptr]

Drew Brees is so good.

[Lathum]

That didn't take long

[Radii]

I'm so happy right now. HOORAY NFL!

[GrantDawg]

Hey, Asher Allen is starting! Hey, he just got burned for the first TD of the season!

[k0ruptr]

Damnit Minn call a damn pass play. pussies.

[Radii]

Hey, Asher Allen is starting! Hey, he just got burned for the first TD of the season!

Did you notice he went with Tucker HS instead of UGA in the introductions? :D

[k0ruptr]

welp. thats about all of the game I get to watch. have fun guys I'm headed to work :(

[MrBug708]

Is Brett Farve any threat to run?

[TroyF]

Saints getting every call early on. They had a very similar holding on the TE on Jared Allen on a Bush 8 yard gain on the TD drive that wasn't called. The PI was pretty meh as well. Vikings secondary looks horrible. Even worse than last year.

[RainMaker]

I will buy a Reggie Bush jersey if he scores a touchdown and does the Heisman pose.

[wade moore]

I will buy a Reggie Bush jersey if he scores a touchdown and does the Heisman pose.
lol

[SirFozzie]

Man, the Vikings are on the GRIIIIIIIIND

[wade moore]

That's the Favre we know!

I get the feeling that this is going to be a bad season for Favre.

[sovereignstar]

That's the Favre we know!

I get the feeling that this is going to be a bad season for Favre.

derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[JPhillips]

Quick quiz.

Are there any white receivers that aren't a clone of Wes Welker?

[DaddyTorgo]

Quick quiz.

Are there any white receivers that aren't a clone of Wes Welker?

Finneran?

[DaddyTorgo]

Brady's new contract announced by Peter King - 4 years approx. $80mil. Makes him the highest paid player in NFL history on a per-year basis (at least until Irsay gives Manning a deal paying him $1 more).

[Bigsmooth]

As much as I want to hate Favre, he is really amazing. Hasn't lost any zip and can make all the throws still.

[JPhillips]

Finneran?

Incorrect. All white receivers are clones of Wes Welker.

[ColtCrazy]

Incorrect. All white receivers are clones of Wes Welker.

I'll take Steve Largent, Bambi, and Easy Ed for my White Fantasy WRs.

[spleen1015]

Who was the guy the Bears had who always got knocked out? He was nothing like Welker.

[PraetorianX]

Are Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez classified as clones of Welker?

I mean, you know, they aren't midgets or anything (both around 6').

[Bigsmooth]

Ed McCaffrey and Joe Jurevicious come to mind. I can't really think of any current players though...

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

This game is exhilarating.

[Coffee Warlord]

Who was the guy the Bears had who always got knocked out? He was nothing like Welker.

I miss Tom Waddle.

[Tigercat]

If two different refs saw two different opposite things, can't we theoretically use replay to make a deciding call without inconclusive evidence? I know the rules don't allow for that now, but I think that would work well in certain instances. Ref made the right call off of replay, but think the Vikes had a catch there.

[Tigercat]

Dola, surprised this is such a defensive struggle. Both defenses have played smart, solid football throughout.

[TroyF]

Sometimes I just shake my head at officials and TV commentators. That wasn't even questionable, he caught the ball. His hands were under it, the second bounce clearly didn't hit the ground.

The Vikings were screwed on a replay call last year in the NFC title game and just got screwed again. The Saints are starting to become the new look Patriots, they can do no wrong and get EVERY break they need.

[TroyF]

FWIW, I don't think it's been a defensive struggle. I think the Vikes defense has been horrific for most of the game. The Saints are dropping passes, just overthrowing passes, tripping over their own two feet. . . and have now missed two FG. The Vikings got screwed on the replay call, but they are really lucky to be in this.

[Lathum]

Jesus Meachem

[Tigercat]

The Vikings were screwed on a replay call last year in the NFC title game and just got screwed again. The Saints are starting to become the new look Patriots, they can do no wrong and get EVERY break they need.

That was just a tough break, hard to even see on replay if the bounce was off the ground or not, much less live.

As far as calls, doesn't help when Vikings players protest up and down the field, claiming PI, when they are the ones that intitiate and do almost all the pushing. :p

$@#$@#!! Hartley can't kick in the regular season!

[TroyF]

Sorry Tigercat, to me it wasn't close on the replay. He clearly had his hands under that football.

[Lathum]

This has been a brutal game

[Suicane75]

That pretty much puts the frosting on the turd.

[Tigercat]

Brees and the receiving corps just aren't as in sync tonight. Thats what a timing passing attack, using many different receivers, but only practicing with limited playing time over the course of 3 preseason games will do, I guess.

I think Brees has just been a little off his normal game tonight too.

[bhlloy]

Brees and the receiving corps just aren't as in sync tonight. Thats what a timing passing attack, using many different receivers, but only practicing with limited playing time over the course of 3 preseason games will do, I guess.

I think Brees has just been a little off his normal game tonight too.

Yeah what a terrible 75% completion, 237 yards with 0 interceptions night for Brees. How will he live with himself :p

I do know what you mean, they've been just off on a couple of big plays. Still pretty impressive and if it wasn't for Hartley missing a couple of gimmes would have been a decently comfortable win in the end against a very, very good defense.

[spleen1015]

Vikings are toast without Rice from the looks of it.

[bhlloy]

Vikings are toast without Rice from the looks of it.

Yeah when you are so not open that even Brett Favre won't throw you the ball, you know you aren't doing a good job of runnning your routes. Once the Saints cottoned on to the fact that the only Minnesota players being open were the TE's, they pretty much shut the passing game down.

[Izulde]

Nice si.com typo here:


Adrian Peterson , who rushed for 122 yards and three TDs in the last meeting, rushed for 87 yards on 219 carries against New Orleans' stingy defense.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

HYPEgame

weak sauce. all around.

[Groundhog]

Nice si.com typo here:

lol... was just about to post that. Sheesh, New Orleans really have their run D in order, but man, maybe the Vikes should look to mix it up a little with some passes!

[Scoobz0202]

Damn. 0.39 ypc. I knew his ypc had been decreasing the past few seasons but DAYUM :p

[Mustang]

Nice si.com typo here:

Hmm.. 219 carries? Sounds like they need to adjust some sliders and go to a 25 second accelerated runoff.

[Ksyrup]

That was a pretty boring and not well played game. I found myself turning to the Auburn game as there seemed to be more tension, excitement, and energy going throughout that game (although predictably, MSU couldn't pull out the win). But that's been my trend the past few years (college over pro), so I guess I shouldn't be surprised by my choice.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree. Pretty dull game. I turned to the Auburn game as well. Also, "Sure Thing" was playing on one of those Encore channels. I watched quite a bit of that during the game as well. I forgot how much I enjoyed that movie.

[jbergey22]

Vikings need to get a reciver. Favre played horrible tonight and Im thinking it is because he had no options to throw to once they started covering Shiancoe. Childress screwed the pooch in the 2nd half by not going to AP who looked like he was set up for a 150 yard game in the first half.

All in all I think last nights game gives me a good outlook on the season. They played the Saints to a 5 point game while just playing completely horrible. The defensive backs played a great game which I cant remember saying once last year.

Congrats to the Saints. Very nice win to start the season.

[Tigercat]

The defensive backs played a great game which I cant remember saying once last year..

I think the Vikes DBs did pretty well as well, but I think a lot of it had to do with schemes too. Some very good zone coverages were thrown out there to take away many of the medium and long distance routes that Brees likes to connect on.

[DeToxRox]

Pat White signs a baseball deal with the Royals.

[albionmoonlight]

Vikings need to get a reciver. Favre played horrible tonight and Im thinking it is because he had no options to throw to once they started covering Shiancoe. Childress screwed the pooch in the 2nd half by not going to AP who looked like he was set up for a 150 yard game in the first half.

All in all I think last nights game gives me a good outlook on the season. They played the Saints to a 5 point game while just playing completely horrible. The defensive backs played a great game which I cant remember saying once last year.

Congrats to the Saints. Very nice win to start the season.

I totally expected Harvin to be the man this season. Clearly, Favre does not trust him at all.

[bhlloy]

I dunno, I don't think expecting Harvin to be a true #1, every situation WR is very realistic. A guy who will catch a lot of short passes in the hopes he can break a big one, and a guy who is a massive downfield threat, sure. But he really doesn't have the route running, the size or the great hands to be a guy that you look for to be the go-to-guy in obvious passing situations IMO. Rice was becoming that guy, but the Vikes don't have anybody else who is even close to that on the roster. Camarillo looked like the best receiver on Thursday IMO and for some reason Childress didn't have him in the game all that much.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

obviously minny dosesn't feel great about the wr's or they wouldn't be scouring the waiver wire. still, i think it was a perfect storm of shittiness last night and would expect their passing game to get better.

[Greyroofoo]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/NFL-Players-Union-decertification-vote-091110


NEW YORK (AP)

The NFL Players Association is handing out voting cards to the players that could lead to decertification of the union.

A person familiar with the union's plans tells The Associated Press that players from all 32 teams will be asked to consider decertification, which could prevent the owners from locking out the players after the collective bargaining agreement expires in March.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the union has not announced its plans.

Should the union decertify, it could have the right to sue the league under antitrust laws if the players are locked out.

The story was first reported by the Sports Business Journal.


:popcorn:

[k0ruptr]

I still have hope that Harvin will turn into a number 1 the more the season goes on. I def think he can still be a deep thread, but maybe only 60-70 catches? i dunno

[sabotai]

What would be the drawbacks for decertification?

[Young Drachma]

Pat White signs a baseball deal with the Royals.

A former 4th round pick, he's been drafted consistently each year after that. Still young, so if he can hit at all...you'd have to like his chances in a few years.

[RedKingGold]

What would be the drawbacks for decertification?

Profootballtalk.com breaks it down pretty accurately:


NFLPA decertification vote could ensure NFL football in 2011

Posted by Mike Florio on September 11, 2010 3:51 PM ET
With fans celebrating the return of the NFL season, the NFLPA is providing us all with regular reminders that the league and the players are on a collision course for a potential work stoppage.

But the news this time is good, at least for the fans.

The union believes that the owners will lock the players out and/or unilaterally impose the league's last, best offer as new work rules. And so the NFLPA reportedly is laying the foundation for a move that would set the stage for another class-action antitrust lawsuit, and that necessarily would allow football to continue, while the lawyers clean up all details.

Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal reports that all players will be asked to vote to authorize decertification (http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/66916). Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that the Saints already have voted (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5558815&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines) unanimously to allow decertification.

Decertification would be used either to block a lockout or to combat the unilateral imposition of work rules by the league. Put simply, if the NFLPA decertifies, the league would then be required to promulgate player acquisition and retention rules on an across-the-board basis. The union then would sue the league, arguing that the imposition of standard rules regarding player acquisition and retention among 32 different businesses constitutes a violation of antitrust laws.

The union applied the same approach after the failed strike of 1987. And the union's ability to at least attempt the move was validated by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling earlier this year in the American Needle case. Though the lengthy written opinion of the Court contains language suggesting that the NFL could defeat an antritust challenge in the context of labor relations, the outcome preserves the ability of the union to pursue the antitrust route.

Still, the move likely would prevent a work stoppage. And if the NFL were to attack the move by calling it a sham (Mullen points out the league has done this before), it would be very easy for the union to point out to the fans that they are doing everything they can to ensure that football will continue -- and that the NFL is trying to take it away.

Either way, as we get ready to enjoy Week One of the 2010 regular season, this development encourages us that there will be a Week One in 2011.

NFLPA decertification vote could ensure NFL football in 2011 | ProFootballTalk.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/11/nflpa-decertification-vote-could-ensure-nfl-football-in-2011/)

[Chubby]

Bills still undefeated this season

SQUISH THE FISH!

[Coffee Warlord]

And we commence Lovie's triumphant march to unemployment.

[Greyroofoo]

And we commence Lovie's triumphant march to unemployment.

I love the beginning of an NFL season!

Fans are always so full of optimism...

[DaddyTorgo]

Aaron Hernandez for the Pats!!!

45yd catch-and-run on the Pats 3rd play!

[Coffee Warlord]

Cutler did have an absolutely gorgeous TD bomb pass that was horribly dropped.

[DaddyTorgo]

TD pats on their 5th play!!

Gronk and Crumpler blocked for Welker on a WR screen out to the left. That's going to be lethal...having 2 TE's able to block for Welker on those screens...they'll just eat up DB's.

[fpres]

Field goal for the Texans...up 3-0 on Indy.

Houston gets the ball inside the 10, but (once again) cannot punch it into the endzone. :banghead:

[kingfc22]

And Cutler throws his first INT of the season. LOL

[Coffee Warlord]

Hell, he got lucky that 2 balls earlier weren't picked off, too.

[fpres]

Rackers hits a 49-yarder. Texans up on Indy, 6-0.

It's early of course, but Rackers is looking like a definite upgrade over Kris Brown from last season.

[DaddyTorgo]

And Cutler throws his first INT of the season. LOL

:lol:

Why are Denver fans so angry that McDaniels got rid of him again?? I don't get it.

[ColtCrazy]

So Polian rips the Colts line after the SB...then does little to upgrade it. Manning may get sacked and hit more than ever this year.

[DaddyTorgo]

FUMBLE...RECOVERED BY THE PATS!!

Dude was never touched by a Bengal - that play shoulda still been live.

[Coffee Warlord]

Attention Greg Olsen - Cutler is supposed to turn it over in the red zone, not you.

[Bearcat729]

Hopefully no one started Harrison on their fantasy team this week. Mangini hasn't given him a carry today

[ColtCrazy]

Hopefully no one started Harrison on their fantasy team this week. Mangini hasn't given him a carry today

Thankfully, the guy I'm playing did.

[fpres]

Beautiful 80-yard TD drive capped off with a Schaub TD strike. 13-0 Texans.

[ColtCrazy]

Beautiful 80-yard TD drive capped off with a Schaub TD strike. 13-0 Texans.

Grrr. No protection. No defense. No Sanders...again. I know they'll be good, but I have a feeling the Texans get us today.

[Izulde]

I'm happy to have both Brady and Welker on my fantasy team and starting. :)

I'd love to win this week over my fraternal big brother who is a Bills fan.

[DaddyTorgo]

Unsuccessful challenge by Lewis - 17-0 Pats early in the 2nd quarter.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm happy to have both Brady and Welker on my fantasy team and starting. :)

I'd love to win this week over my fraternal big brother who is a Bills fan.

I've got Welker, not Brady though. :(

[Noop]

Dolphins look decent.

[ColtCrazy]

I wanted Welker, he went a couple spots before I was ready to jump on him. Hate him, but he's good in fantasy.

[Coffee Warlord]

Are you fucking kidding me!?!? ANOTHER drive killing fumble, this time by Forte.

[Neuqua]

Yeah, I'm pretty much done on the Bears season already. Their offense was fun to watch but another turnover in DET territory, just hurts.

[Bearcat729]

Harrison just broke a 39 yard run. Nice to see Cleveland playing well to start the season.

[Coffee Warlord]

The killer is, aside from Cutler throwing the Bad Rex pick, they've looked decent on offense. Brutal fumbles.

[sabotai]

So far in the Carolina - Giants game, Manning has been picked twice. Once by Charles Godfrey (Assist: Hakeem Nick) and by James Anderson (Assist: Ahmad Bradshaw).

Manning would be 100% completion right now if his receivers would stop letting the ball bounce off their hands.

[DaddyTorgo]

So far in the Carolina - Giants game, Manning has been picked twice. Once by Charles Godfrey (Assist: Hakeem Nick) and by James Anderson (Assist: Ahmad Bradshaw).

Manning would be 100% completion right now if his receivers would stop letting the ball bounce off their hands.

:D

[DaddyTorgo]

INT...GARY GUYTON...60 YD RETURN FOR A TD!!!

[DaddyTorgo]

lmao - and apparently that was Cincy's first snap in Patriots territory all game.

Oops.

[Bearcat729]

Nice, Browns had 12 men on the field, but Freeman didn't snap the ball in time so the penalties offset

[Greyroofoo]

Bungles!!!!!!!!!!!

[fpres]

I have a feeling Indy will pull this one out. They always do against the Texans.

[Izulde]

Grr. channelsurfing.net keeps conking out on the Miami/Buffalo game.

[Chubby]

Forte!

[ColtCrazy]

T.O. + Ochocinco + washed up Carson Palmer = self-destruction. Glad I avoided that trainwreck in fantasy.

Same here..I like palmer, but he looked shot last year. Shame.

[Bearcat729]

Mike Adams with the INT to kill a solid drive by Tampa

[Izulde]

Only Bengal I have in fantasy is Gresham, because all the top TEs went pretty early and he was the only one I thought worthy of doing something this year.

[Bearcat729]

And Delhomme does what he does best and gives up an INT that almost goes for 6

[Chubby]

For those watching the Bears/Lions is Megatron not playing or just not getting any balls thrown at him?

[DaddyTorgo]

No way that was a catch by Moss - if they give that to the Pats it's a blown call.

edit: okay good. They made the right call. Not sure why it took so long.

[Coffee Warlord]

For those watching the Bears/Lions is Megatron not playing or just not getting any balls thrown at him?

THe latter.

[Thomkal]

oh brother Owens and Johnson went into the lockerroom before the half ended, and it turned out the Bengals needed them for a hail mary at the end. Ah well at least Jerome Simpson got in the game :)

[fpres]

The Texans are clinging to a 13-10 lead at the half, and they're very fortunate to be in this position. The momentum of the game has shifted and 86 yards through the air from Schaub is not going to get the job done.

[cuervo72]

FUMBLE...RECOVERED BY THE PATS!!

Dude was never touched by a Bengal - that play shoulda still been live.

Touched by a Bengal - this fall, on CBS.

[Thomkal]

Matt Moore makes up for a horrible decision earlier that led to an INT in the endzone with a nice pass to Steve Smith for a TD at the end of the half.

[DaddyTorgo]

Touched by a Bengal - this fall, on CBS.

well played

[DaddyTorgo]

Reggie Wayne with a TD makes my fantasy team happy

[Galaril]

Wow. Titans whipping the Raiders 24-6 at the half. Any questions of if Chris Johnson was fluke last year he just broke one for 77 yard TD 13 rushes for 113 yards. LOL.

[Coffee Warlord]

Stafford may be out for the game. Still waiting on word.

[DaddyTorgo]

Wow. Titans whipping the Raiders 24-6 at the half. Any questions of if Chris Johnson was fluke last year he just broke one for 77 yard TD 13 rushes for 113 yards. LOL.

Not saying i think he was, but one game does not an un-fluke make...

[Bearcat729]

Yay for Peyton Hillis fumbling for the 2nd time today

[DaddyTorgo]

TD PATS. Brandon Tate on the opening kickoff of the 2nd half

[Galaril]

Not saying i think he was, but one game does not an un-fluke make...

I think anyone that thinks he was a fluke doesn't know football much;)

[fpres]

Houston trying to establish the running game to start the 3rd. Six straight run plays...

[PraetorianX]

I would hesitate to judge the Colts offensive line based on a game against the Texans, they always seem to find Manning at least once a game.

Still, it's not looking particularly great. The running game doesn't look like it will be any better this year.

And Bob Sanders should be wrapped in bubblewrap. Seriously, the wind blows too hard and he'll get injured.

No problem though, we've got Melvin Bullitt. At this point I wouldn't say no to just letting Sanders go if we get any offers. Free up some money to help pay for Peyton's new contract and keep Bullitt (who is a free agent after this season).

[Galaril]

So, do we really think the Pats are this good or rather the Bengals that bad.

[fpres]

Houston trying to establish the running game to start the 3rd. Six straight run plays...

Nine straight run plays...

[Coffee Warlord]

Please stop fumbling, Bears. 3 fumbles, 2 lost.

[MikeVic]

I think I'll find it hard to watch more than one full game a week right now. I think the World Cup spoiled with in terms of commercials. Is there really a need to go FG-commercial-kickoff-commercial?

[DaddyTorgo]

Shipley saved Palmer from another INT by pulling the ball away from the Pats.

[SackAttack]

Shaun Hill is looking horrible.

[Izulde]

Nine straight run plays...

Foster feeding makes my fantasy team happy. :)

[Alan T]

So, do we really think the Pats are this good or rather the Bengals that bad.


Bengals look to be this bad.

[fpres]

Foster feeding makes my fantasy team happy. :)


Foster TD. :)

[MikeVic]

So, do we really think the Pats are this good or rather the Bengals that bad.

I think it's pretty widely regarded that the Pats D won't be great this year. Combine that with the fact that the Bengals were supposed to have a great offense, and that they've only scored 3 points so far on that D... and to me it means either the Bengals offense will self-destruct by week two or maybe the Pats D is better than thought?

[Chubby]

Only Bengal I have in fantasy is Gresham, because all the top TEs went pretty early and he was the only one I thought worthy of doing something this year.

ask and ye shall receive

[kingfc22]

Can't wait for TO to blow up as it won't take long at this rate. Get your popcorn ready! :popcorn:

[Karlifornia]

Shaun Hill is horrible.


Fixed that for you