NFL Regular Season Week One Thread

[DeToxRox]

Thursday can't get here quick enough.

[spleen1015]

Looks like the Colts are going to be without Peyton Manning.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

The Detroit Lions: Giving other teams backup QB's game action since 2010!

[Thomkal]

Go Beloved Cards! (until/if you lose to an awful Carolina team at home against a rookie QB)

[BillJasper]

Henne's play in the preseason gives me a glimmer of hope going into the regular season. I'm sure that the Patriots will crush it on Monday night.

[Lathum]

Henne's play in the preseason gives me a glimmer of hope going into the regular season. I'm sure that the Patriots will crush it on Monday night.

Amazed the pats are only 7 point favorites.

[Matthean]

I think Tampa vs. Detroit could be the best game of the week. Only Pitt. vs. Balt. really has a chance.

[Chubby]

The Bills are still playoff contenders!

[TroyF]

I think Tampa vs. Detroit could be the best game of the week. Only Pitt. vs. Balt. really has a chance.

I actually like more than that on the schedule.

Saints @ Packers should be a good tilt opening night.

Falcons @ Bears should be interesting
Pitt @ Baltimore always good
Cowboys @ Jets should also be interesting to watch

Beyond those, some other games interesting just because of the teams. Colts/Texans (do the Texans take advantage of the Colts injuries?), Eagles/Rams (How do the Eagles start out), Vikins/Chargers (do the Chargers have their usual terrible start?), Seahawks/49ers (does either team look worth a crap?)

Looking forward to the Lions/Bucs as much as any of them though.

[whomario]

Could anybody give me a link (or more) for good season previews ? Really like watching the game, but don´t really read up on it online (so i don´t have an overview of good websites) and don´t really follow the off season at all. In short i wouldn´t mind a few good reads on how everything shapes up :)

[Doug5984]

Who Dat!!! So ready for Thursday night, I think I'm going to take off of work and cook all day and have some friends over.

It's a huge game, I hope we can win- I think we can, but not sure if we will. If we don't I won't be hugely upset, as long as they look good. No team has lost coming off the superbowl when opening the season on Thursday night yet (for the past few years we've been doing this)

[tucker rocky]

Looks like the Colts are going to be without Peyton Manning.

Oh noes! What will Colts fans do?!?
Panic in the streets, riots, looting, the apocalypse. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ilGGP9BDZs&feature=player_detailpage#t=19s

[Matthean]

I actually like more than that on the schedule.

Saints @ Packers should be a good tilt opening night.

I didn't see the Thursday night game listed until later. I put that at number one, but Tampa vs. Detroit is too young teams that have huge upstart potential to make waves this year and one of them is going to start with a loss.

[albionmoonlight]

As a Saints fan, I am happy to start against the champs. If the Saints win, then what a way to start the season.

If the team loses, well, losing to the Super Bowl champs at home (esp. a rocking Lambeau crowd) isn't something that makes you despair for the remaining 15 games.

Kind of a win/no-lose situation for a fan.

[stevew]

I cannot wait to hear all the tales about how Drew Brees single handedlt kept the team together all offseason. How he grabbed a backhoe and leveled a playing field for his team. Then chartered and flew a plane to pick all the guys up on his dime. How 26 of his teammates stayed in his guest house. And how Drew created a new offense from scratch this offseason.

[albionmoonlight]

Props to Kerry Collins, too. His personal demons almost took him completely out of the game years ago.

Now, he's the grizzled veteran QB that teams call when they need someone to keep the ship afloat while the starter recovers.

I'm sure that he never saw himself as lasting long enough and having the maturity to be the steady old guy on the team.

Good for him.

[RainMaker]

I cannot wait till Sunday (and Thursday to an extent).

[MacroGuru]

Props to Kerry Collins, too. His personal demons almost took him completely out of the game years ago.

Now, he's the grizzled veteran QB that teams call when they need someone to keep the ship afloat while the starter recovers.

I'm sure that he never saw himself as lasting long enough and having the maturity to be the steady old guy on the team.

Good for him.

+1

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I wouldn't worry in Indy. I mean, Tennessee maintained itself after Manning left, right?

[wade moore]

I wouldn't worry in Indy. I mean, Tennessee maintained itself after Manning left, right?

Well, I know you're being snarky, but they did win a national title after he left.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Well, I know you're being snarky, but they did win a national title after he left.

I was being snarky, but you are right!

PAGING TEE MARTIN... MR. TEE MARTIN, PLEASE PICK UP A BLUE & WHITE COURTESY PHONE.

[jbergey22]

Go Beloved Cards! (until/if you lose to an awful Carolina team at home against a rookie QB)

Wont happen. Newton is so far from NFL ready it is not even funny. I would be very surprised if he is starting after week 2.

Green Bay is in a nice situation. Defending SB champs hardly being mentioned because the Eagles are the flavor of the week right now.

[spleen1015]

My gut tells me that this deal with Manning is more serious than being let on.

I'm starting to think we may never see him on the field again. To early to say, but I am worried nonetheless.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My gut tells me that this deal with Manning is more serious than being let on.

I'm starting to think we may never see him on the field again. To early to say, but I am worried nonetheless.

I don't have quite that same feeling, but whenever you're talking about neck and back stuff, it's always a little more serious than a knee or shoulder.

[Thomkal]

Could anybody give me a link (or more) for good season previews ? Really like watching the game, but don´t really read up on it online (so i don´t have an overview of good websites) and don´t really follow the off season at all. In short i wouldn´t mind a few good reads on how everything shapes up :)

I can't think of a specific preview that gives it all in one package or story. I think the bigger sites out there-sbnation, sportingnews, bleacherreport, cbssports, and of course espn and nfl.com that have done previews for each team and stay up to date on the latest news are your best bet for this kind of thing (until someone posts something better ;) )

I really like sbnation.com. Every team has its own site, which of course is going to have a certain degree of bias, but fans from other teams come in and post and as long as they aren't clearly trying to be a nuisance are respected for their opinions and fanhood for the most part. I found it interesting to "compare and contrast" between teams when they make a big trade, or to follow the trail of one player like my guy Tyler Thigpen through each of the teams he's played for to see what they thought/are thinking of him. Most of the team sites are indepth and constantly updated, and there are "forums" at each one to post your thoughts or comments on others.

[Coffee Warlord]

Over under this year on how many games before Cutler gets injured behind the Still Terrible o-line?

I'm gonna put the line at 6.

[dubb93]

The most scary part of the Manning situation was the espn article that mentioned he has lost all of his strength in his triceps and as such can't throw the ball with near the velocity as pre-surgery. I have read that nowhere else, but after reading that I started to have serious doubts that we would be seeing him on the field this season.

[RainMaker]

I don't have quite that same feeling, but whenever you're talking about neck and back stuff, it's always a little more serious than a knee or shoulder.
I don't think it's career threatening at all, but I could see this turning into something that requires more time and the Colts just say "fuck it" and give him the whole season off to recover.

If the Colts start off 0-3 or something, is it worth bringing him back at 70%? Might as well call the season a wash, get a high pick, and bring him back 100% next year.

[Butter]

Over/Under on Bengals wins.

I would think to get any kind of action on both sides at all, you'd have to start at like 2.5.

And I'd probably take the Under. It's gonna be bad.

[RainMaker]

Over under this year on how many games before Cutler gets injured behind the Still Terrible o-line?

I'm gonna put the line at 6.
He will definitely get hurt. And of course Angelo doesn't bother to bring in a competent backup. This is already an embarrasingly bad offense with Cutler, imagine throwing a guy who should be a 3rd stringer out there.

[Coffee Warlord]

To be fair, competent backups are incredibly hard to secure. Almost everybody drops off pretty significantly (with a few exceptions for teams with no QBs at all) when their starter goes down.

No line and no reliable possession-type receiver (though I still think Earl Bennett looks more and more like he could be that kind of player - IMO he should be starting) is going to hurt. Again. Regardless of who is behind center.

[RainMaker]

I agree with that. But if you aren't going to invest in an offensive line or receivers, you have to at least plan for your QB getting hurt. I'd take a Derek Anderson over Caleb Hanie anyday.

I've always liked Bennett. Not real flashy but he catches whatever you throw at him. But in true Bears fashion, players who perform on the field in that offense don't get playing time. This is the same group that has relegated Knox to the 2nd team while he's clearly their most skilled receiver. I remember Aromashadu having a nice game last year and not seeing any playing time for weeks following. Heck, I used to think Rasheed Davis was a nice receiver who did what you asked of him.

But they are still firm on trying to make Devin Hester a starting WR. And forcing a washed up receiver like Roy Williams into their #1 (who looks horrible out there). And they traded away their best pass catching threat this offseason.

Not real optimistic about the Bears chances this season. Hopefully we can end this stupid Mike Martz experiment. The offense is 10 years past its time.

[albionmoonlight]

Hopefully we can end this stupid Mike Martz experiment. The offense is 10 years past its time.

After the 1999 Rams, we all thought that Mike Martz was a football genius who made Kurt Warner look like a Hall of Fame quarterback. Now, we realize that Kurt Warner was a Hall of Fame quarterback who made Mike Martz look like a football genius.

[Coffee Warlord]

On a side note. I'm rooting for Rexy over in Washington. I still say he got way way WAY more flak than he ever deserved in Chicago. (That's not to say he was without fault, but he didn't deserve to be treated nearly as vile as he was).

[RainMaker]

Yeah, Rex got a bad rap here in Chicago. They didn't make it a priority to put talent around him at all. He never had a good WR while he was here and they sort of decided to dismantle the running game after the Super Bowl season. Then blamed him for not being able to put up huge numbers when they were constantly 3rd and long.

I still blame him for too many turnovers though. He made some really dumb decisions and I still don't understand how an NFL QB mishandles so many fucking snaps.

[stevew]

I was being snarky, but you are right!

PAGING TEE MARTIN... MR. TEE MARTIN, PLEASE PICK UP A BLUE & WHITE COURTESY PHONE.

I'm so glad my team drafted Tee Martin instead of Tom Brady. It seems to be working out well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Over under this year on how many games before Cutler gets injured behind the Still Terrible o-line?

I'm gonna put the line at 6.

Maybe we should target Week 5. Monday night.

[RainMaker]

I turned Tee Martin into a competent backup in Madden for what it's worth many years ago.

[DataKing]

Maybe we should target Week 5. Monday night.

Just out of curiosity (and I really don't mean to imply anything here), when is the last time Detroit hosted a Monday Night game?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just out of curiosity (and I really don't mean to imply anything here), when is the last time Detroit hosted a Monday Night game?

I believe they hosted a pre-season Monday night game against the Rams ij 2005. It was the debut of their black uniforms. The Lions got destroyed.

The last time I believe the Lions were even on Monday was back in 2001, again, against the Rams. Not sure if they hosted it or not, but I am pretty sure they lost. I remember watching the game on a small TV in my office.

Well, DETROIT hosted the Vikings-Giants "Monday" night game last year that was cancelled because of the Metrodome's roof collapsing.

[DataKing]

I believe they hosted a pre-season Monday night game against the Rams ij 2005. It was the debut of their black uniforms. The Lions got destroyed.

The last time I believe the Lions were even on Monday was back in 2001, again, against the Rams. Not sure if they hosted it or not, but I am pretty sure they lost. I remember watching the game on a small TV in my office.

Well, DETROIT hosted the Vikings-Giants "Monday" night game last year that was cancelled because of the Metrodome's roof collapsing.

Week 4, 2001 - Rams 35, Lions 0

[Lathum]

Just heard on SVP show Garrard released by the Jags

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Just heard on SVP show Garrard released by the Jags

Yeah. Good for him. Think he'll look good in a Colts uniform?

[spleen1015]

Yeah. Good for him. Think he'll look good in a Colts uniform?

No thanks. We have Kerry Collins.

[Ksyrup]

Hey Jags, I have a Tebow for you!

[stevew]

Makes some sense to cut him now and eliminate the guarantee. I'd take him over Batch and Dixon if he will play for league min.

[stevew]

Dola-
Not often that a Pro Bowl QB gets cut like that, though.

[Logan]

Not often that a Garrard is a Pro Bowl QB.

[stevew]

we don't have a tongue in cheek smiley. :)

Anyways, the fact that the Jags can let their franchise QB go like this, just 2 days before the start of the season, shows that they probably need to leave Jacksonville. There's no market for a team there.

[BillJasper]

I think this is just a move by Del Rio to try and buy more time. Who lets their starting QB go six days before the season starts?

[spleen1015]

Maybe they didn't want anyone else to use him against them? :D

Is Del Rio the GM too?

I think I would fire Del Rio if I had the power.

[Crapshoot]

Garrard is a pretty good QB - he's not elite, but in a league where Alex Smith, Kerry Collins et all are starting, a guy who's solid really ought to be snapped up quickly. Heck, this is a case of Jacksonville just being cheap and not wanting to pay him $9M - and its pretty damn cruel of the team to do this out of the blue, limiting his chance to catch on with another team as the starter.

[spleen1015]

Garrard is a pretty good QB - he's not elite, but in a league where Alex Smith, Kerry Collins et all are starting, a guy who's solid really ought to be snapped up quickly. Heck, this is a case of Jacksonville just being cheap and not wanting to pay him $9M - and its pretty damn cruel of the team to do this out of the blue, limiting his chance to catch on with another team as the starter.

Especially when they are $33 million under the cap after this move. Maybe they are hurting that much for $$$.

[tucker rocky]

Miami, Washington, and Seattle could be interested.

[spleen1015]

I don't think Washington is interested if the Shanny's liking Beck is true.

[tucker rocky]

Looks like the Texans are the favorites in their division.
Season hasn't started, so who knows.
This very well could be the ugliest division, with a sub .500 team making the playoffs.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

No thanks. We have Kerry Collins.

When's the last time Ol' Man Collins made it thru a season? Right now you can't count on Manning at all. You're one hit away from Painter being THE man. Unless you're ready for a top five pick in April...

[stevew]

The irony of a Lions fan talking sense into a Colts fan.

The Lions QB has Staffordifhestayshealthy on his jersey nameplate

[tucker rocky]

I see the Jaguars have named Luke McCown as the starting QB.

"May the force be with you Luke." :D

[tucker rocky]

I see the Jaguars have named Luke McCown as the starting QB.

"May the force be with you Luke." :D

Better yet, Luke McCown may have to perform Jedi mind tricks to win a game.

[DeToxRox]

And another one down for the Gmen. Jonathan Goff tore his ACL and is out the season.

[Lathum]

Youve got to be kidding me

[M GO BLUE!!!]

The irony of a Lions fan talking sense into a Colts fan.

The Lions QB has Staffordifhestayshealthy on his jersey nameplate

Tell me about it...

I'd still rather have Hill/Stanton starting than Collins/Painter.

[Lathum]

I liked the Skins chances at home against the Giants even before all the injuries, but this is just sad. I'm actually feeling sorry for them.

The Skins 8-8 season starts Sunday.

Other than having home field the Giants have so many more talented players. Everyone is focused on the Giants injuries, but they still have a pro bowl QB, pro bowl caliber players in the secondary and D-Line and a deep core of running backs, plus a pro bowl caliber receiver.

People are focusing so much on the injuries, but the Giants still have enough talent to handle the Redskins, and should do it easily. If they don't it will be a very long season.

[Crapshoot]

Other than having home field the Giants have so many more talented players. Everyone is focused on the Giants injuries, but they still have a pro bowl QB, pro bowl caliber players in the secondary and D-Line and a deep core of running backs, plus a pro bowl caliber receiver.

People are focusing so much on the injuries, but the Giants still have enough talent to handle the Redskins, and should do it easily. If they don't it will be a very long season.

pro-bowl QB? What now? Eli Manning is David Gerrard, more or less. Being a mediocre QB on a winning team may get you into the pro bowl, but is there anyone who thinks Eli is one of the top 5 QB's in the game? Top 10?

[Lathum]

Eli Manning made the pro bowl in 2009. Just stating what is a fact.

[Crapshoot]

Eli Manning made the pro bowl in 2009. Just stating what is a fact.

David Garrard made the Pro Bowl in 2010. When you're saying that Eli-Manning is a pro-bowl QB, you're suggesting (or strongly implying) he's one of the 10 best QB's in the game (8 best I suppose). That's just not true. Anyway, just picking nits.

[Lathum]

I have this discussion here every year. I think Eli is a top ten QB, Eli has made a pro bowl, he certainly could cut down on the picks and improve from last year. He is also light years better than Rex Grossman.

[Lathum]

dola- Eli aside, the Giants have so much more talent than the Redskins.

[Rizon]

Henne's play in the preseason gives me a glimmer of hope going into the regular season. I'm sure that the Patriots will crush it on Monday night.

Amazed the pats are only 7 point favorites.

Reggie Bush will probably chip in with 7 carries for 2 yards.

edit: and 4 catches for 30 yards, one being a 20 yarder.

[tucker rocky]

Jaguar fans react to the release of David Garrard.

http://cache.ohinternet.com/images/6/67/Jags_guy.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ilGGP9BDZs&feature=player_detailpage#t=19s

[Lathum]

With Rexs sketchy decision making I would be surprised to see a 20-12 ratio for TD's.

I will admit Eli is a borderline top 10 QB and certainly not on the level of the top guys, but a lot of his picks last year weren't his fault, but he really needs to clean it up this year. I am much more worried about the revamped O-Line.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cassel was just on local radio this afternoon. Says no pain or issues. 100% that he'll start on Sunday.

[BillJasper]

I have this discussion here every year. I think Eli is a top ten QB, Eli has made a pro bowl, he certainly could cut down on the picks and improve from last year. He is also light years better than Rex Grossman.

I thought he was Rex Grossman last year. :lol:

[Passacaglia]

I think this is just a move by Del Rio to try and buy more time. Who lets their starting QB go six days before the season starts?

Maybe we should ask Byron Leftwich?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

If any team likes McCown, he might be released in a few weeks when they move on to Gabbert.

Seriously... You have to think that knowing how the team treats its players like this that it will affect morale.

[stevew]

Cassel was just on local radio this afternoon. Says no pain or issues. 100% that he'll start on Sunday.

I heard Drew Brees touched him and healed his pains.

[Matthean]

I heard Tim Tebow touched him and healed his pains.

Fixed.

[stevew]

Tebow heals with Jesus Force Lightning, but draws the line on divisional foes.

[Abe Sargent]

What the fuck!!!

[tucker rocky]

What the fuck!!!

Jaguars released David Garrard, 2 hours after Garrard was introduced at their yearly luncheon.
Luke McCown is now the starter, Blaine Gabbert is the backup.

[RedKingGold]

Blaine Babbert is a bad porn star name.

[tucker rocky]

Blaine Babbert is a bad porn star name.

fixed sir. :)

[Kodos]

If L.A. gets a team, it should be the Jags.

[RedKingGold]

If L.A. gets a team, it should be the Jags.

Disagree, the Bucs get less fan support than the Jags. I think the Bucs are more likely to move to LA, if they don't move to London first.

[Butter]

Hey, if LA is going to take anybody it's going to be the Bengals.

Got it? Good.

[spleen1015]

Here you go my friends.

the506.com - 2011 week 1 (http://the506.com/nflmaps/2011/wk1.html)

[stevew]

Fucking figures that the cunty Youngstown station is going to show the Browns. I might have to get the PS3 version of the ticket instead of watching shitty SD coverage of the Steelers. So bullshit.

[Abe Sargent]

I hate it when my team makes stupid decisions like this. It's like they all take stupid pills sometimes. Byron Leftwich was no longer the right guy, but they went through an entire offseason and preseason before cutting him. We were lucky that Garrard had a banner year. We're not going to be lucky twice. WTF? If you want to drop Garrard for Luke/Blaine, then do it the fuck before camp! Get them maximum playing time. Get them confidence. If this works again, I'll happily paint my ass yellow and sing "O Happy Day!" Idiots.

[spleen1015]

It is offically official, Peyton Manning is out this Sunday.

Sad.

[Matthean]

Introducing Grantland's Bad Quarterback League - The Triangle Blog (http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/3686/introducing-grantlands-bad-quarterback-league)

Grantland's Bad QB league.

[Thomkal]

well at least I'll get to hear the broadcast debut of Chad Pennington when my beloved Cards play Carolina in what should be an absolutely thrilling game. (sarcasm intended)

[Radii]

well at least I'll get to hear the broadcast debut of Chad Pennington when my beloved Cards play Carolina in what should be an absolutely thrilling game. (sarcasm intended)

I'm thrilled that its a 4pm game so i can watch it without missing the much, much better 1pm games!

[stevew]

woot....Joe Fuck and the Giants/Skins at 4pm FML.

[Thomkal]

I'm thrilled that its a 4pm game so i can watch it without missing the much, much better 1pm games!

me too! :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Here's how my Sunday looks: I'll be glued to NFL Red Zone hoping for the Buffalo/Kansas City game, just so I can hear Rich Gannon say "ow-fense" over and over. When all the games get to the fourth quarter, I'm going to turn off my TV's sound and call the games myself using my best Gus Johnson impression. Then my wife will kill me and I'll come back and haunt you all as Gus Johnson or perhaps as Terry Bradshaw.

So if I were you, I probably wouldn't plan on a good night's sleep Sunday night.

[DataKing]

Here's how my Sunday looks: I'll be glued to NFL Red Zone hoping for the Buffalo/Kansas City game, just so I can hear Rich Gannon say "ow-fense" over and over. When all the games get to the fourth quarter, I'm going to turn off my TV's sound and call the games myself using my best Gus Johnson impression. Then my wife will kill me and I'll come back and haunt you all as Gus Johnson or perhaps as Terry Bradshaw.

So if I were you, I probably wouldn't plan on a good night's sleep Sunday night.

Please, please, please choose to haunt me as Gus. If you choose to haunt me as Terry I am very likely to kill myself, and that won't be much fun for anybody.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Here's how my Sunday looks: I'll be glued to NFL Red Zone hoping for the Buffalo/Kansas City game, just so I can hear Rich Gannon say "ow-fense" over and over. When all the games get to the fourth quarter, I'm going to turn off my TV's sound and call the games myself using my best Gus Johnson impression. Then my wife will kill me and I'll come back and haunt you all as Gus Johnson or perhaps as Terry Bradshaw.

So if I were you, I probably wouldn't plan on a good night's sleep Sunday night.

Here's how my Sunday looks: I'll be glued to the Lions/Bucaneers game. When that game is over, I am going to run out to the store, buy a potter's wheel, a bunch of clay and a "Best of The Righteous Brothers" CD. When all the games get to the fourth quarter, I am going to start making clay pots while listening to "Unchained Melody" over and over again, until Pumpy's ghost comes to my house, inhabits my wife's body and we re-create that famous scene from "Ghost".

So if I were you, I probably wouldn't plan on a good night's sleep Sunday night, because that shit's gonna be sexy hot.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just felt a little joy on the inside... but mostly on the outside.

[stevew]

Oh, wait....sweet I got the rules backwards. Browns aren't on, but the Steelers are. Nice.

[DanGarion]

Reports are saying Manning is out for the season!
The latest on Colts QB Peyton Manning. Jake Query, a radio host on WNDE in
Indianapolis is reporting that sources are telling him that Peyton Manning
is out for the year.

Query posted this on his twitter feed today:

"What I (Query) said: A source I consider reliable told me he is out for the
season. I do believe that the actual diagnosis is still being determined"

Query then followed that with: "I (Query) was also told the 3rd procedure has
taken place, either Sun or Monday."

Understand that this is not official by any stretch. This is a radio host in
Indianapolis (that I don't know much about) saying this is what his sources
are telling him.

[johnnyshaka]

Reports are saying Manning is out for the season!

Wow, that's huge.

[Abe Sargent]

Enter the Texans

[Logan]

I've had the suspicion for at least a month now that Manning may not end up playing this year, but I don't see any way he could officially or unofficially be out for the season already. If he went back in for more surgery and it actually works this time, he could be back in a couple months.

[stevew]

Is he still able to get a PUP exemption, or is IR his only roster option.

[Matthean]

ESPN, SI, and Yahoo all have articles on him just missing game one.

[ColtCrazy]

I really feel that if Manning was even at 75%, he would play this Sunday. Now that he's out, I'm thinking he's out at least 3-4 games. The season thing scares me to death, but considering another surgery is at least a possibility from what I've read, then season ending injury is at least on the table.

4-12 here we come. :banghead:

[Honolulu_Blue]

If Manning misses a significant amount of time it will be really interesting to see what unfolds. I assume, like most, that the Colts will really struggle to win games. I imagine this will be because of a combination of just how good/valuable Manning is and just how poorly the Colts have planned for this eventuality.

It's not like this neck thing came out of the blue is it? They had to know that this could be serious and the best they did was Orlovsky and Painter until a week or so ago?

I wonder how the Colts would perform if they even had a decent back-up or is Manning just /that/ good and the team that reliant on him that if he goes down... Kaput.

While I like Peyton Manning, I will find the Colts much more interesting to watch (well, maybe not watch, but keep tabs on) if he misses significant time.

[spleen1015]

At a Labor Day cookout I was telling everyone his career was over. Some of the reactions I got from some folks was pretty comical.

I hope I was wrong.

[spleen1015]

I have some faith in Collins. He is 11th in all time passing yards and he was the QB of the Giants when they lost the SB to the Ravens.

He's not a bum. He's old and he's not Peyton Manning, but he's not Rex Grossman either.

I have some optimism.

[DanGarion]

Hey Colt's I heard Brett Favre is available!

[JAG]

I have some faith in Collins. He is 11th in all time passing yards and he was the QB of the Giants when they lost the SB to the Ravens.

He's not a bum. He's old and he's not Peyton Manning, but he's not Rex Grossman either.

I have some optimism.

How many career passing yards does Favre have? And one of your reasons for optimism is he started a SB he lost 11 years ago? By that standard, Rex Grossman is your man, he lost one more recently than Collins.

He's going to have a rough go of it with a poor pass blocking OL and a substandard running game, though better passing game targets than in Tenn.

[Julio Riddols]

I think Polian may have a master plan to get Andrew Luck so Manning can mentor him for a year before he retires prematurely after next season in the interest of self preservation. That would mean Manning being out for the year is not necessarily a bad idea. Otherwise, why haven't they brought in Garrard?

[Matthean]

I think Polian may have a master plan to get Andrew Luck so Manning can mentor him for a year before he retires prematurely after next season in the interest of self preservation. That would mean Manning being out for the year is not necessarily a bad idea. Otherwise, why haven't they brought in Garrard?

They would either have to have the worst record in the league and even with Manning gone, that's a hell of a drop, or they would have to get close enough to trade up and get him. Even with the new rookie cap, I think the next draft could be rather difficult to trade up to get Luck. Garrard, while having good moments, can be outright awful.

[bronconick]

I think Polian may have a master plan to get Andrew Luck so Manning can mentor him for a year before he retires prematurely after next season in the interest of self preservation. That would mean Manning being out for the year is not necessarily a bad idea. Otherwise, why haven't they brought in Garrard?

He's going to have to fight San Francisco for that, and I don't think Indy is going 1-15.

[Abe Sargent]

I just honestly don;t see how a 30 year old career backup is better option than David Garrard. This HAS to be about the 9 million. With an abbreviated off season, there is no way you can sell me on Garrard looked poor in practice so he got fired.

[Julio Riddols]

One thing is for sure if he is out: We will finally see how good Manning really is this year. My opinion is that he is responsible for about 80% of that teams success over the past couple years. His neck likely is having issues from having to shoulder the weight of the entire team over that period. I predict without him returning, they finish 2-14.

[JAG]

I thought this was interesting:

How Many Wins Is Peyton Manning Worth? | The Big Lead (http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/06/how-many-wins-is-peyton-manning-worth/)

How Many Wins Is Peyton Manning Worth?

[UPDATE: At 12:30 Wednesday, Manning was officially ruled out for Sunday's opener against the Texans by general manager Bill Polian.]

Let the national freak out begin. Peyton Manning is not likely to play this week unless he has a miraculous turnaround from the effects of his neck surgery. The speculation is growing that he will miss multiple games. A few weeks ago, the line for the Colts opener at division rival Houston was close to a pick em, with the Colts a 1 point favorite in many places.

With yesterday’s news, and the likelihood that 39-year old Kerry Collins will start for Indianapolis, the line has swung to the Texans favored by 8.5 points to 9 points, almost a 10 point swing. Now, that line was already moving before the news about Manning (though we’ve known for a month that he was not participating in preseason, and that likely was already having some impact). Is Peyton Manning really worth 10 points per game? And how much of a win total drop should we expect for the Colts if Manning misses time?

I ran a quick twitter poll, where I asked people to assume the Colts were a 10-11 win team with a healthy 16 games from Manning, and then project a 16 game win total without. The average response was 5.6 wins, with a range from 3 to 8 wins. Let’s see how that nearly 5 win drop matches up with historical data.

To try to look at this question, I went back and looked at every Hall of Fame quarterback since 1978 who missed at least 2 starts in a season. I then added a couple of qualifiers. I limited it to ages 27-37, and I excluded any seasons that were the final two seasons as a starter (to avoid any decline phase). I also excluded any season where another Hall of Famer was the backup (Steve Young and Joe Montana in 1988 and 1989).

The goal here is to at least get a list of comparable players to Peyton Manning, so we can then mentally adjust for the Colts’ situation from a reasonable baseline. A few years ago, Doug Drinen of pro-football-reference did a study on what a starting quarterback was worth. The answer was about 2.3 points a game and 1 win over the course of a 16 game season. Now, that was an average starting quarterback, not a Hall of Famer, and Doug went on to estimate (before Brady’s injury that season) that the Patriots would be a solid 10 or 11 win team if Brady were hurt all year and an unknown backup was pressed into duty. A few weeks later, Brady did get hurt, and everyone was freaking out about the Patriots’ collapse without the irreplaceable Tom Brady, which prompted this response. Consider this my “reports of the Colts demise are greatly exaggerated” pre-emptive strike. (and yes, I did write this, so I wasn’t expecting the Colts to win 12 or 13 games anyway).

So anyway, back to our Hall of Famers and their backups. My list includes 3 seasons each of Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Dan Fouts, Warren Moon, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly; 2 seasons of John Elway; and a season each from Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Bob Griese (lest you complain about these last two, they don’t hurt the numbers, and the difference between Bradshaw and a young Mark Malone were among the largest dropoffs). I then looked at the average points for and against both with the Hall of Famer starting and without, as well as wins and losses.

When the Hall of Famers started, their teams averaged 24.0 points, 19.5 points against (+4.5 point difference per game) and won 61.5% of their games, which would equate to 9.8 wins.

When their backups started, those teams averaged 22.3 points, 21.4 points against (+0.9 point difference per game) and won 45.1% of the games, which would equate to 7.2 wins.

The differences between the Hall of Famers and the backups was a +3.6 point differential per game, and 2.6 wins prorated over 16 games.

Now, that 2.6 wins could be the difference between a playoff appearance and not for a team like the Colts. Let’s talk about some adjustments. The backups, since I excluded two seasons of Steve Young, would not be any better than a 39 year old Kerry Collins, and arguably worse on average. The most accomplished as starters after their relief role were either Scott Mitchell or Elvis Grbac or Don Strock. The rest were either career backups or former starters at the end of their careers. I don’t see any reason to downgrade that projection based on Collins compared to the typical backup.

As for Manning, yes, I think he’s an above average Hall of Famer and one of the best at his position of all-time. I think he’s a little more important than even the typical Hall of Famer, even though he is a little older than the average Hall of Famer I used for this study. Even if we bump him up, though, over the average dropoff between Hall of Famer and backup, we can’t get crazy with it. There’s no way he’s worth more than double the composite average of every other Hall of Famer versus his backup.

So I think if you want to assume the Colts were a 10.5 win team with a completely healthy Manning (the 9.5 to 10 win Vegas totals necessarily had a slight chance of Manning missing games already built into the line, so that’s reasonable), then I think the average projection for this roster should be about 7.5 wins. That should be enough to swing them from the favorite to win the AFC South to an underdog, but still a viable playoff contender if things break right in the AFC South.

Collins still has a well above average receiving group to throw to, with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. The defense still has Freeney and Mathis. If this team is significantly worse than 7 wins, it will be because other things–Wayne and Clark declining, Freeney or Mathis getting hurt–caused them to fall further.

Now, I think it’s unlikely that Manning would miss all season, so I think the Colts win projection should be somewhere between 7.5 and 10.0 wins, depending on how many games you think he misses. Here are my predictions for the Colts while/if Manning is out:

* The Colts will not be nearly as bad as people think, as we tend to overestimate the value of the elite quarterback (flashback to the line for New England/Green Bay jumping 9.5 points when Rodgers was ruled out with a concussion, when I said the Packers would keep it close)
* Kerry Collins will put up near league average passing numbers. I don’t think he is what he was, obviously, at age 39. What he has been, for all of his career, is a guy that avoids sacks and gets rid of the ball quickly (not Manning quick, but way better than a typical QB, which is why he is a good fit here). When you factor that in, he has been a league average passer, throwing to inferior receivers compared to the Colts, but behind a better offensive line.
* I will be taking the Colts +8.5 on Sunday, though I expect that line to move even more as the public panics.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Is he still able to get a PUP exemption, or is IR his only roster option.

He was on the PUP, moved when he was reported to be making progress. I believe you must be on the PUP at the start of the league year calendar, and assuming this was Saturday when 53-man rosters went into effect.

He was put on the active roster because 1) if they felt there was any chance he'd be prepared at all to play week 1-6, he needed removed from PUP before season started and 2) that 53rd spot was between him and their version of Steve McClendon, so roster wise it didn't mean a thing.

[Rizon]

Ben Roethlisberger Close To Completing Offseason Without Committing Sex Crime | The Onion Sports Network (http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/ben-roethlisberger-close-to-completing-offseason-w,21311/)

[Shkspr]

In retrospect, when Manning drafted Aaron Rodgers in his fantasy league, that should have been a dead giveaway he wasn't too confident in his chances of playing.

[Lathum]

Mort reporting on espn Manning had another surgery today

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Will Carroll (yeah, yeah) just tweeted that if its a cervical fusion procedure it is potentially a career-ender.

[DanGarion]

Breaking.
The speculation on Peyton Manning is over. ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that it's official: Peyton Manning had his 3rd neck surgery today and will be out 2-3 months. Here's what Mortensen posted on his Twitter feed:

"Official: Sources say Manning had surgery this am - cervical fusion with 2-3 month minimum recovery. No word on whether he will be put on IR."

[stevew]

Will Carroll (yeah, yeah) just tweeted that if its a cervical fusion procedure it is potentially a career-ender.

It's not like he's an injury expert.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Let the 2011 Indianapolis Colts experiment begin!

[bronconick]

Let the 2011 Indianapolis Colts experiment begin!


The league is going to retroactively award past MVP trophies to Manning after this season.

[DanGarion]

The league is going to retroactively award past MVP trophies to Manning after this season.

Or the league might award Manning the MVP after this season, when they realize how important he is to the Colts...

[JAG]

Will Carroll (yeah, yeah) just tweeted that if its a cervical fusion procedure it is potentially a career-ender.

Pretty sure that's the surgery that ended Daryl Johnston's career. Granted Peyton Manning doesn't typically play the lead blocker role.

[ColtCrazy]

Kill me now. 6-10, at best. *sigh*

I would think the Colts will hold off on placing him on IR unless he absolutely can't come back. If the Colts are somehow 4-4 at the midway point, they may try to bring him back for a playoff push. But if they are 2-6, which is possible with only the Bengals being a "bad" team in the first 8 games....I say they shelf him for the year.

Either way, what was a hopeful season with the Super Bowl in Indy turns into a disaster quickly. Just hope the Pats don't win it all...I plan on spending 3-4 days in Indy just hanging out for the festivities...the Pats would put a damper on that.

It's the Texans division to lose now. No Manning. Jags in disarray. Titans in transition.

[JAG]

Two years in a row the team that hosts the Super Bowl sees their starting QB miss significant time due to injury.

[Draft Dodger]

Colts will be better than people think. If I was a betting man, I'd be really tempted by the 8 or 9 points they are getting this week.

[molson]

I really don't think if the Colts tank this year it proves they would have tanked every year of Manning's career without him. Your team talent level is going to go down when you blow 5 drafts in a row. They did used to have more talent around him. They may have leveled off this year even with Manning.

[stevew]

The Colts have several elite players, but have drafted really shitty. Defense is essentially the Stud DE's and replacement level guys. Most of the line is garbage on offense.

I'm going 4-5 wins, but they will probably win this weekend due to emotion.

[stevew]

Triple jinx

[bronconick]

Dilfer/Young/Herm/Keyshawn on Audibles just agreed that the Colts have a bottom 5 talent roster outside of Manning. I don't go that far, but they don't have a great roster by any means.

In all honesty, other than Peyton, how many Colts start for most other teams?

I'd say Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, and Dwight Freeney, but then it gets sketchy. I'm not sure about Gary Brackett and I don't know if Jeff Saturday or Ryan Diem have enough left in the tank. I don't know enough about their DBs to be sure.

I think it's a combination of Manning able to make meh receivers good and that the offense has always been high flying enough that teams end up passing more to keep up because Indy hasn't been good at stopping the run in forever. I'm not overwhelmingly impressed with their post-Dungy coaching staff, either.

[Tigercat]

As long as you aren't a Saints fan hoping for halfway decent defense.... Worst half I have ever seen out of a GW Saints defense. Ugly.

[Mustang]

Might be first to 45 wins.

[ColtCrazy]

Dilfer/Young/Herm/Keyshawn on Audibles just agreed that the Colts have a bottom 5 talent roster outside of Manning. I don't go that far, but they don't have a great roster by any means.

In all honesty, other than Peyton, how many Colts start for most other teams?

I'd say Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, and Dwight Freeney, but then it gets sketchy. I'm not sure about Gary Brackett and I don't know if Jeff Saturday or Ryan Diem have enough left in the tank. I don't know enough about their DBs to be sure.

On defense you have 4 that could start for other teams. Freeney and Mathis of course. Brackett is very underrated...there's a reason he's the only LB the Colts have signed to a big contract in the last 15 years. The other would be Antoine Bethea. Extremely overshadowed by Bob Sanders. Didn't have Sanders' intimidation factor, but he is a solid at the run and pass. When he got hurt, you could see the drop in the defense more so than when Sanders went down. Jerraud Powers and Melvin Bullitt are good players as well, maybe not starter caliber for better teams.

Offensively, you'd have Clark, Wayne, and Collie. Collie led the league last year in catch % off balls thrown to him. Best hands I've ever seen with the Colts, and that counts Marvin Harrison. If he puts in a full year with Manning, you'd see Welker numbers but with more TDs. Saturday has an outside shot at the hall and is still a very good center. After him, though, the line is weak. Diem has never been much more than above average.

[SirFozzie]

Holy shit, that's a freaking barrell roll on the KR for a TD

[SirFozzie]

We all slammed madden cuz we wanted it to be more like the NFL.

Meanwhile the NFL is becoming more like Madden

[JAG]

Both teams are calling plays at at least a 67-33 pass-run ratio.

[EagleFan]

If you saw the punch to call the penalty how is it not an ejection?

[Radii]

Huge defensive stand by Green Bay. If you don't have the confidence to run up the middle for that first down take the FG imo!

[RainMaker]

I know the Packers offense is great, but the Saints defense is pure horseshit.

[Mustang]

I know the Packers offense is great, but the Saints defense is pure horseshit.

Hard to take anything away defensively for this game for either team.

[RainMaker]

Hard to take anything away defensively for this game for either team.

I can take away that New Orleans can't tackle.

[Mustang]

I can take away that New Orleans can't tackle.

Packers have had bouts of looking like crap tackling too.

[bronconick]

I can take away that New Orleans can't tackle.

I took that away after Marshawn Lynch went Super Tecmo Bowl on them last year.

[Lathum]

Wow, really bad play on third down for the pack there

[Lathum]

wow, what a finish

[RainMaker]

That was a fun finish.

[Jas_lov]

Refs tried to rig that game for the Saints and they still couldn't beat the Pack. Should have at least reviewed Bush's catch of the punt at the one and that was not PI on Hawk. He jumped over Sproles and knocked the ball down, no contact at all.

[Lathum]

Not a fan of the playcall at the end there, I think you need to spread it out and give Brees a chance to make a play

[Mustang]

Not a fan of the playcall at the end there, I think you need to spread it out and give Brees a chance to make a play

Ya.. you don't trust him to get a few inches in what, the 3rd, but you trust him with no time left on the 1?

Odd.

[EagleFan]

Refs tried to rig that game for the Saints and they still couldn't beat the Pack. Should have at least reviewed Bush's catch of the punt at the one and that was not PI on Hawk. He jumped over Sproles and knocked the ball down, no contact at all.

gotta love a sore winner... :eek:

[EagleFan]

Not a fan of the playcall at the end there, I think you need to spread it out and give Brees a chance to make a play

Tell me about it, either have Brees throw it or give the ball to Thomas...


(this post may be influenced by The Birds of Prey... ;) )

[Arles]

I'll take the W. Nice win for the Pack.

[TroyF]

Refs tried to rig that game for the Saints and they still couldn't beat the Pack. Should have at least reviewed Bush's catch of the punt at the one and that was not PI on Hawk. He jumped over Sproles and knocked the ball down, no contact at all.



Huh? The Bush catch maybe should have been reviewed, but that was a clear PI on Hawk. He got him with his lower body on the way over the top of him. That was one of the more obvious calls you will ever see in that situation.

And then of course the same refs who rigged the game for the Saints allowed Charles Woodson to stay in the game after a clear close fist punch, a punch that should have had him ejected. Woodson happened to be one of the guys flying over the top who prevented the Saints from scoring on the final play BTW.

[Mustang]

I'll take the W. Nice win for the Pack.

Hopefully Tramon isn't too bad off. Don't need to start this season with more injuries..

[TroyF]

They DID review the punt play. Al Michaels doesn't know the rules and had to explain that he was wrong and that sliding in is a continuation play and a touchback. I've known that for decades, I'm not sure how the play-by-play guy for SNF doesn't know that.

The PI call was bad, but the ref who threw the flag was behind the play and could reasonably think there was contact before the ball was batted down. There was contact with Sproles shoulder, just not before the contact with the ball.


look at it again, there was contact with Sproles shoulder before the ball got there. Unless he's incredibly good at faking it.

[Lathum]

I'll take the W. Nice win for the Pack.

certainly no hang over tonight for them

[EagleFan]

look at it again, there was contact with Sproles lower back and that's what caused him to buckle under.

Was there a push to the lower back on the way up? Didn't see it in the angle that I saw but something looked odd, like a push happened.

[Arles]

Hopefully Tramon isn't too bad off. Don't need to start this season with more injuries..
It wouldn't be a Green Bay season without injuries early on. Hopefully, it's not too serious.

[Arles]

look at it again, there was contact with Sproles shoulder before the ball got there. Unless he's incredibly good at faking it.
There's no way he could have pushed his back before the ball as his entire body was to the side until he hit the ball. The only place contact could have happened was on the shoulder pad.

Any rate, didn't matter - Pack won :banana:

[TroyF]

Was there a push to the lower back on the way up? Didn't see it in the angle that I saw but something looked odd, like a push happened.

I meant shoulder and edited the post. He clearly buckled before the ball got there. If that was an adjustment to the ball or a strange gyration by him acting, I don't know how a ref could have figured that out.

[Mustang]

It wouldn't be a Green Bay season without injuries early on. Hopefully, it's not too serious.

Would think dislocated. Wouldn't think season ending... who knows. Next few games are Carolina, Chicago and Denver so... you'd think they could get by.

[Arles]

I just don't see how it's PI. Even if there was contact, it's almost exactly when Hawk hit the ball - he even contorted his body to avoid contact. It didn't matter, thankfully, but that was a nice play by Hawk that probably shouldn't have been flagged.

[Mustang]

*L* On Cobb's TD reception he ran the wrong route. Rodger's said he read his body language to throw it to him.

[Radii]

It seemed like a super obvious PI when I watched the replay, so obvious I didn't think about it again until I came here just now. Regardless, really exciting opening to the season.

[MrBug708]

Well thank goodness I didnt face either QB in FF

[TroyF]

Looking back on the game after some time to think about it, it becomes even more fascinating to me. New Orleans lost the game because of their Red Zone play and ridiculous tackling. Yet they also outgained the Packers by a good margin and had a chance to tie it up late despite those flaws.

The Packers on one hand looked like the most dominating team in the league for parts of the game. But when you look at the overall picture, they were wildly out gained on their home turf and struggled to hold on despite a lot of things going their way.

It looks like two very, very good teams, either of which could be holding the Lombardi trophy at the end, but also two teams who really need to tie up their weaknesses.

[Mustang]

they were wildly out gained on their home turf

Not a big red flag.

Had more to do with 2 factors. Saints trying to play catch up where the Packers were trying to grind out 1st downs and run the clock down in the 4th and then in the 3rd, the Saints had a long drive, the Packers with the kickoff for a TD and then the D got right back on the field so, Saints had it for a huge chunk in the 3rd quarter.

[RainMaker]

I do agree that the yardage was overblown. The Packers seemed to dominate a large portion of that game.

However, I did think the secondary of the Packers looked poor. Brees was sharp but there were a lot of open guys downfield.

[Doug5984]

We lost by 1 touchdown, with the ball on the 1 yard line with no time left and a chance to tie.....To the superbowl champion, opening night, in their stadium. I would've loved to win, but I'll take it. There are a lot of good things that came out of this game.

1) Sproles > Reggie.
2) Our offense continues to be great
3) Running game looked good at times, just not when we needed the 1 yard (although I would've let Brees make the play)
4) We don't have to play the packers O again unless we meet up in the playoffs.
5) Defense can't go anywhere but up, although I was happy with the pass rush and blitzes we were able to throw at them...against a lesser team I think the D would've had a good game.



If Colston doesn't fumble that ball early I think it's a completely different game, going down 14-0 so quickly just gave Green Bay all the momentum and it took a long time for us to get going right again.

[MizzouRah]

The Rams could have used Sproles.. what a nice pick in Cobb.. WOW.

Great game I thought! Would have passed on that last play I think.

Great start to the NFL season!

[Arles]

Up to the punt at the 5 minute mark, I felt like the Packers dominated the game. They were up 42-27 and seemed to start to let up. On offense, they got extremely conservative (when New Orleans was stacking the run) and played pretty soft on D (ie, prevent). I think they just thought the time would run out with 5 min left and a 15-point lead.

I also think that the last 5-10 minutes is hard for these first few weeks when everyone has had a smaller offseason and no one has played a full game left. All things considered, I think the Pack got gassed at the end and didn't have a ton of urgency until the last play. The positive is they won't have to face many teams like New Orleans offensively for the rest of the season (outside of maybe Atlanta) and their defense should be in better condition at that point.

One final point, up until 5 minutes left in the game, the D had only allowed 20 points to the Saints with Brees playing as well as he possibly could. For a first game, that's not too shabby.

[bhlloy]

It came down to running it straight into the teeth of one of the best interior lines in the game three times, not great playcalling IMO but I guess the time they tried to go back to the playaction that didn't work either. Just very good defense by the Packers when they really needed it.

I do wonder if it has to be a run, why more teams don't run off tackle. You at least give the back the option to cut it back or bounce it outside and your point of attack is a DE who is probably much weaker against the run, whereas with the run up the gut if you can't blow the DT's off the line you are pretty much toast.

[jbergey22]

I thought the game sucked personally. Reminded me of an NFC East game from 2 years ago. I like when teams can actually play some defense.

I expect the Packers defense will improve a lot over the year as they have so much talent on that side of the ball. Id be a little worried if I were the Saints.

Packers looked dominate at times on offense and the Saints showed they wont quit so both teams have positives going into week 2.

I wonder if this is going to be the trend this week? High scoring games with very little defense as teams werent properly prepared coming into this season.

[Lathum]

I thought the game sucked personally. Reminded me of an NFC East game from 2 years ago. I like when teams can actually play some defense.



3-0 games at the half where Jay Cutler has been sacked 9 times are much better to watch...

[MikeVic]

I thought the game sucked personally. Reminded me of an NFC East game from 2 years ago. I like when teams can actually play some defense.

I expect the Packers defense will improve a lot over the year as they have so much talent on that side of the ball. Id be a little worried if I were the Saints.

Packers looked dominate at times on offense and the Saints showed they wont quit so both teams have positives going into week 2.

I wonder if this is going to be the trend this week? High scoring games with very little defense as teams werent properly prepared coming into this season.

That's the first thing that comes to mind for Steelers/Ravens. ;)

[larrymcg421]

Still don't understand the logic of New Orleans kicking the XP with 2 minutes left instead of going for two. As I've always argued, it would make sense to find out earlier if you're gonna need an extra score or not. If you get the two, then that's great. If you miss it, then you know you still need two scores and try for an onside kickoff right away. On the flipside, let's assume the Saints scored on the final play of regulation, but then missed the two point conversion. Game is over.

I just don't understand why going for two point conversions earlier has become such a taboo thing in this day and age.

[jbergey22]

3-0 games at the half where Jay Cutler has been sacked 9 times are much better to watch...

Actually yes, I love seeing Cutler get sacked:)

But seriously, when teams can go up and down the field without the defense having a chance to stop them is like watching arena football or high school 9 man football.

I really think if the Packers didnt go to a more conservative gameplan in the 2nd half they could have put up 60. Saints had no answers for Rodgers and the Packers spread offense.

Im giving the Packers the benefit of the doubt as I think they were comfortable most of the game but they were horrid on defense as well.

[jbergey22]

That's the first thing that comes to mind for Steelers/Ravens. ;)

Might not be your cup of tea but them teams play defense with a lot of heart and they hit. I enjoy when them 2 teams play.

[MikeVic]

Might not be your cup of tea but them teams play defense with a lot of heart and they hit. I enjoy when them 2 teams play.

Oh yeah, I meant of all the game, that one won't be an offensive slug-fest.

[Arles]

I thought the game sucked personally. Reminded me of an NFC East game from 2 years ago. I like when teams can actually play some defense.
There are maybe four total teams with QBs capable of making the throws/decisions Brees and Rodgers made into coverage last night - and 2 of them were playing. I think last night was more about great QB play and OLs/WRs/TEs that had been together for years than poor defense. Both teams hit the opposing QBs a bunch, they just still made the perfect throw.

I think that defenses may get a little more tired these first few weeks (ie, GB in the 4th last night), but the QB play for most teams isn't capable of making the throws and decisions Brees and Rodgers did last night. So, I wouldn't expect Cincy-Cleveland to be 42-34 ;)

[JAG]

Dallas signs Ratliff to a 5 yr $40M contract. Please explain why it's a good move to sign a 30yr old DT to a new huge contract when he's coming off a down year and has two years left on his existing contract? (caveat of not knowing contract details).

[DataKing]

Dallas signs Ratliff to a 5 yr $40M contract. Please explain why it's a good move to sign a 30yr old DT to a new huge contract when he's coming off a down year and has two years left on his existing contract? (caveat of not knowing contract details).

Because Jerry Jones, that's why.

[MikeVic]

Their playoff game was 31-24 last year.

That series has had a few 23-20 type games as well the last few years.

Ok, maybe I should re-word. Even if the game is 31-24, you don't leave feeling that the offenses could run over the defenses like with the Packers/Saints game. At least I don't get that feeling out of Steelers/Ravens games.

[stevew]

I'm guessing the contract is secretly shitty, and it involves guaranteeing existing base salaries as part of the overall salary guarantee. So it's like an overall 7/48M deal, with lower cap hits the next couple years and crazy out years. Or, they may have done it in order to use up some of the cap room they freed from cutting Guroade, as I'm unsure if you can carry over money anymore.

[bronconick]

LaGarrette Blount apparently has a death wish.

“Almost game time, son!” Blount wrote on his Facebook page, per BucsCentral.com. “Let’s get this!! Aye Suh! Figured I should give ya a heads up and let you know I’m runnin right through you Sunday. Practice all you want but you can’t stop LGB.”

[stevew]

He should probably go by the nickname LGBT in order to not be exclusive. Transgenders count.

[Julio Riddols]

Blount certainly talks like a Buccaneer. Aye, Suh.. Yer a stout lad, but ye be hoggin the middle no more when me cutlass charts a path through the Lions armada n seizes the 6 point booty! Arr..

[Radii]

Blount certainly talks like a Buccaneer. Aye, Suh.. Yer a stout lad, but ye be hoggin the middle no more when me cutlass charts a path through the Lions armada n seizes the 6 point booty! Arr..

well done! :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Blount certainly talks like a Buccaneer. Aye, Suh.. Yer a stout lad, but ye be hoggin the middle no more when me cutlass charts a path through the Lions armada n seizes the 6 point booty! Arr..
My co-workers are wondering why I'm applauding right now, but screw them. This is fantastic work on your part.

[Epi_862]

SO if Tramon is out for any period of time, does that mean the pack will have to abandon that 2-4 nickel set they seem to be using as a base defence going back to last year?

Bush is a helluva special teamer, but has never been solid as a corner. Theres nothing behind him. If the pack are forced to play a straight up 3-4 set, good qb's might be able to exploit woodson's declining speed.

Of course, just speculation, but losing Williams for any period of time would be a really huge blow to the team's chances.

[Doug5984]

SO if Tramon is out for any period of time, does that mean the pack will have to abandon that 2-4 nickel set they seem to be using as a base defence going back to last year?

Bush is a helluva special teamer, but has never been solid as a corner. Theres nothing behind him. If the pack are forced to play a straight up 3-4 set, good qb's might be able to exploit woodson's declining speed.

Of course, just speculation, but losing Williams for any period of time would be a really huge blow to the team's chances.

I don't think losing him would hurt their chances too much. If they get into a shoot-out, I like their chances as much as anyone (including my Saints)

[Logan]

I'll wait til Blount shows he can handle Boise St., and the "rowdy" fan base there, before listening to him fail at the English language while attempting to call out Suh.

The 110 yards and a score on 15 carries (7.3 a clip) against Suh and DET last year wasn't enough?

[SirFozzie]

Wait.. the contract is good for three more years after 2013.. but if he's on the roster after 2013, the three extra years are void?

I may have to call Shenanigans on this..

Sources -- Dallas Cowboys rework Tony Romo deal for cap - ESPN Dallas (http://espn.go.com/dallas/conversations/_/id/6948529/sources-dallas-cowboys-rework-tony-romo-deal-cap)

[stevew]

Wait.. the contract is good for three more years after 2013.. but if he's on the roster after 2013, the three extra years are void?

I may have to call Shenanigans on this..

Sources -- Dallas Cowboys rework Tony Romo deal for cap - ESPN Dallas (http://espn.go.com/dallas/conversations/_/id/6948529/sources-dallas-cowboys-rework-tony-romo-deal-cap)
The skins do this all the time. It's a "cap out" plus it adds on 3 fake years to split the converted bonus out even further.

[Arles]

SO if Tramon is out for any period of time, does that mean the pack will have to abandon that 2-4 nickel set they seem to be using as a base defence going back to last year?

Bush is a helluva special teamer, but has never been solid as a corner. Theres nothing behind him. If the pack are forced to play a straight up 3-4 set, good qb's might be able to exploit woodson's declining speed.

Of course, just speculation, but losing Williams for any period of time would be a really huge blow to the team's chances.
This from the Journal Sentinel beat reporter: "CB Tramon Williams has a shoulder bruise and nothing more. McCarthy called the news positive. Unsure if he'll practice Wednesday"

To the other point, I'm guessing as long as the team has 3 healthy CBs dressed, they will run a lot of nickel.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Troy Polamalu and*Steelers agree to contract extension - NFL - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/09/10/polamalu.steelers.contract.extension.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a5&eref=sihp)

[tucker rocky]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8221a792/article/petersons-extension-includes-36-million-guaranteed?module=HP11_headline_stack

Yet another $100M given to a player.

[RedKingGold]

NFL.com news: Peterson's extension includes $36 million guaranteed (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8221a792/article/petersons-extension-includes-36-million-guaranteed?module=HP11_headline_stack)

Yet another $100M given to a player.

It's not a $100M deal. I thought we learned from the Vick deal and others before?

[spleen1015]

For the last 6 seasons, the team hosting the Super Bowl has lost their starting QB.

Interesting.

[stevew]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8221a792/article/petersons-extension-includes-36-million-guaranteed?module=HP11_headline_stack

Yet another $100M given to a player.

It's 5/65, and once you take out the fact that he was already signed for 10m this season, it's more like 4-54. Big money, but not 100 million big. They could cut him at any point after the 3rd year.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

For the last 6 seasons, the team hosting the Super Bowl has lost their starting QB.

Interesting.

Rodgers seems fine.

What's your source? More info?

[spleen1015]

Rodgers seems fine.

What's your source? More info?

Rich Eisen mentioned it on NFL Netowrk this morning.

Manning this year, Romo last year, I don't remember who else he said. :(

[spleen1015]

I guess I should have said the city hosting the SB has lost their starting QB.

[johnnyshaka]

Rodgers seems fine.

What's your source? More info?

What does Rodgers have to do with his statement?

[GrantDawg]

I have been out of the loop, but it is sad to be looking at a "Peyton free" season. His neck problem is much like what I am dealing with (except he had a single fusion, and I am looking at a triple fusion with a stabilizing plate). Fusions are tricky. He could possibly come back, but he if he tries to rush back this season it could be bad. It takes a full year generally for a fusion to fully "take." One good shot three months after the surgery can completely ruin the surgery, and lead to serious and permanent problems. Coming back this season might be the end of his career (and lead to even worse consequences than that).

[spleen1015]

I have been out of the loop, but it is sad to be looking at a "Peyton free" season. His neck problem is much like what I am dealing with (except he had a single fusion, and I am looking at a triple fusion with a stabilizing plate). Fusions are tricky. He could possibly come back, but he if he tries to rush back this season it could be bad. It takes a full year generally for a fusion to fully "take." One good shot three months after the surgery can completely ruin the surgery, and lead to serious and permanent problems. Coming back this season might be the end of his career (and lead to even worse consequences than that).

I don't think he'll be coming back this year. That's just the way this all feels to me.

[GrantDawg]

I don't think he'll be coming back this year. That's just the way this all feels to me.


I honestly don't think so, either. There just won't be a reason if they are out of the playoff race (which they should be). Even if they are, it would be crazy for him to try it.

[Doug5984]

I am thinking the Colts get off to a slow start, and put him on IR in a few weeks.

I was just telling that to my girlfriend- anyone who is under 18 or so probably can't remember ever watching a Colts game without Manning.

[Thomkal]

Good luck to "your" team this season guys. May the injuries be slight and the stats high. :)

[Lathum]

Feels like Christmas morning!!

[spleen1015]

God bless the USA!

Let's play some football!

[PilotMan]

And Colt McCoy makes the first catch of the year for the Cleveland Browns. There's an odd stat.

{caught his own tipped pass, loss of 5}

[fpres]

Schaub throws his first pick of the year. Ugh.

[kingfc22]

Getting ready to head out to the 'Stick.

I'm putting the over under at two incompletions before the boos rain down on Alex Smith today.

[hoopsguy]

First TD of Sunday goes to Ravens, up 7-0 early on Steelers.

[Chubby]

Bills cause fumble on opening KO, recover it, drive for a TD on ensuing drive!

[hoopsguy]

Forte had 3 receptions on Bears opening drive, which results in a field goal. 2nd and 10 call to give ball to rookie WR Sanzenbacher didn't work well, killed what had looked like promising drive up to that point.

[fpres]

Both Ward and Tate have seen some action already for Houston. Texans are moving the ball well...just have to avoid turnovers.

[PilotMan]

Pit slow to start as usual.

[Thomkal]

well done by the NFL on the 9/11 tribute at the start of each game-especially in Chicago where I got goosebumps from the guy doing the National Anthem there, especially when he pointed to the flag they had unfurled on the field.

[hoopsguy]

Rams first drive was pretty good against Eagles. Jackson 47 yard TD run on first play.

[kingfc22]

well done by the NFL on the 9/11 tribute at the start of each game-especially in Chicago where I got goosebumps from the guy doing the National Anthem there, especially when he pointed to the flag they had unfurled on the field.

+1

[hoopsguy]

well done by the NFL on the 9/11 tribute at the start of each game-especially in Chicago where I got goosebumps from the guy doing the National Anthem there, especially when he pointed to the flag they had unfurled on the field.

That guy, Jim Cornelison, is awfully good. He has done the Black Hawks games for a couple of years, and has an opera background. I think the Bears started borrowing him last season.

[Bearcat729]

Ugh this Browns game is ugly.

[PilotMan]

Never heard that penalty before. Unsportsmanlike on the bench for knocking the official down. Weird.

[fpres]

Ward punches it in for the Texans' first TD of the season. Up 10-0.

[fpres]

Ben Tate picks up his first career TD. 17-0 Houston.

[hoopsguy]

Yeah, things not going so well for Colts without Manning.

Does Collins have two fumbles? Haven't seen that in boxscore, but I'm seeing more and more negative points every time I refresh.

[hoopsguy]

56 yard TD reception for Forte on a screen pass, pretty bad tackling by Falcons.

[fpres]

Yeah, things not going so well for Colts without Manning.

Does Collins have two fumbles? Haven't seen that in boxscore, but I'm seeing more and more negative points every time I refresh.

Yeah, two fumbles. It looks like he dinged his hand on the last one, but he just completed a nice pass so he seems fine.

[hoopsguy]

Tillman punches the ball out from Turner, he sure seems to create a lot of fumbles.

[Raiders Army]

Well I guess moving that offensive line coach to be your defensive coordinator worked well, Philly.

[hoopsguy]

Tillman punches the ball out from Turner, he sure seems to create a lot of fumbles.

Wanted to check this out, since he has a rep in Chicago of doing this. Over the last ten years, he has forced the most of any CB in NFL with 24, two ahead of Charles Woodson.

http://www.playerfilter.com/nfl/most-forced-fumbles/#/g,u;ffum,desc,r;deftd;dintc;dsack;tot&s=t&gtf=2001_2010&limit=180

[Philliesfan980]

Well I guess moving that offensive line coach to be your defensive coordinator worked well, Philly.

Probably them completely ignoring the LB position has a lot more to do with it.

Quite frankly, they should be down in this game, probably 14-0 or even worse. Of course, the Rams are the Rams, and they make game killing mistakes. Even worse, can the Rams fans stop feeling sorry for themselves? At the beginning of the game, when the dome was rocking, the Eagles had a tough go at it - but ever since that fumble, they've been quiet. It's only 14-7 guys, your team needs you.

[hoopsguy]

Not much discussion yet on these games, but Bengals up 10-0 on everyone's sleeper Cleveland and Bills up 14-0 @ Kansas City.

[Julio Riddols]

Who Dey?

[Suicane75]

Browns look like crap. Utter crap.

[Raiders Army]

Probably them completely ignoring the LB position has a lot more to do with it.

Quite frankly, they should be down in this game, probably 14-0 or even worse. Of course, the Rams are the Rams, and they make game killing mistakes. Even worse, can the Rams fans stop feeling sorry for themselves? At the beginning of the game, when the dome was rocking, the Eagles had a tough go at it - but ever since that fumble, they've been quiet. It's only 14-7 guys, your team needs you.

It's not only that but many of them after the plays are looking really lost.

[Julio Riddols]

Andy Dalton is looking like he will be a successful QB in this league. He's making good throws, and not all of them are easy. He also has more poise now than Carson Palmer ever had.

[Bearcat729]

Not much discussion yet on these games, but Bengals up 10-0 on everyone's sleeper Cleveland and Bills up 14-0 @ Kansas City.

Wait the Browns are a sleeper team? I've just been hoping that this is a 8 win team.

[Swaggs]

Steelers' run defense is getting carved up early.

Not a good sign, in the first game, from a veteran (re: old) defense.

[hoopsguy]

Wait the Browns are a sleeper team? I've just been hoping that this is a 8 win team.

I've heard a bunch of people in past week talking about their super-soft schedule, coupled with expectations of McCoy being a capable QB. Outside of the Steelers/Ravens game, it sounds like they have a bunch of winnable games.

[JPhillips]

Who Dey?

JINX!

[Bearcat729]

Wow 9 penalties before half time for the Browns