NFL Week 8 Thread

[Thomkal]

I don't think there is a thread yet for this weeks games, sorry if I missed it.

My beloved Cards are likely to get stomped into the soggy Baltimore turf today sadly.

[Lathum]

Giants should have an easy day coming off the bye week against the Lolphins. OF course, I thought we would have an easy day against Seattle. Giants have to win this game. Next 6 games are NE, Philly, Saints, Packers, Cowboys, and Niners. Not in that order.

[BillJasper]

We get the Miami game here today. Being a Dolphins fan, I don't know whether to be happy or sad?

[Lathum]

Here we go again...

[stevew]

Kevin Kolb is a statue. I didn't realize how bad this guy was until the last couple weeks.

[Matthean]

A rough selection of early games.

[frnk55]

We get the Miami game here today. Being a Dolphins fan, I don't know whether to be happy or sad?
Sad. Ya gotta listen to Dan Dierdorf. :lol:
How many times can Dan say "And Again" ?

[stevew]

A rough selection of early games.

Yeah, Matt Moore, Kevin Kolb, Joe Flaccod and Eli Manning are not an enjoyable bunch to watch.

[wade moore]

The Redskins finally get to play a QB who isn't obscenely mobile so I think they've got a chance to pull off the upset in Buffalo. Another notch in their favor is the 3-9 record of teams coming off the bye week with the new rules in place.

Skins defense should get a plus today as hopefully DeAngelo Hall has to sit the game out. The offense might get Trent Williams back, or Sean Locklear can continue to play well, and Ryan Torain has already shown he can play very well in this system so the loss of Hightower isn't that big of a deal. Maybe the lesser Shanahan won't completely handcuff John Beck this week and we'll start to see what he can do.

Just a hunch, but I think the Skins steal this one in Toronto, 28-24.

Wait.

You'd rather have Kevin Barnes out there than DeAngelo?

You crazy son.

[Lathum]

what the fuck

[BillJasper]

I say go for it!

[BillJasper]

Touchdown!

[stevew]

Matt Moore is running all over the Gnaints

[Lathum]

If the Giants go on to lose this game, and I think they will, I think it will be time to seriously start thinking about Coughlin getting the axe. I have always been an advocate of his, but losing to the likes of Seattle and Miami at home tell me he isn't getting his guys prepared mentally to play.

[RendeR]

I'm sorry Lathum, but umm..what did you say earlier?


Its kinda funny for me really as I'm in Buffalo where rooting for teh Phins is considered a hangable offense, but honestly as badly as the giants are playing right now I find myself cheering for the pathetic entity from Miami.

[BillJasper]

Fourteen points is a damned offensive explosion by the Dolphins current standards.

[RendeR]

If the Giants go on to lose this game, and I think they will, I think it will be time to seriously start thinking about Coughlin getting the axe. I have always been an advocate of his, but losing to the likes of Seattle and Miami at home tell me he isn't getting his guys prepared mentally to play.


This is the NFL son, if the COACH has to get you prepared to play you do not BELONG here.

[stevew]

What is with these return guys all taking it out from 6-8 yards deep and not getting to the 20. So dumb.

[Lathum]

This is the NFL son, if the COACH has to get you prepared to play you do not BELONG here.

If you don't think the coach plays a huge part in getting guys ready you don't know much about the NFL. It is the coachs job to build a culture, and right now the Giants look unprepared. That is on Coughlin.

[BillJasper]

If you don't think the coach plays a huge part in getting guys ready you don't know much about the NFL. It is the coachs job to build a culture, and right now the Giants look unprepared. That is on Coughlin.

I'll trade you Sparano for Coughlin straight up. In three years I know who'll be the obvious winner in that deal. :D

[stevew]

Brandon Jacobs sucks.

[Lathum]

Brandon Jacobs sucks.

Horrible, he would still be running with that ball if he made the catch.

[Lathum]

Jesus, Eli is getting no help from his receivers

[RendeR]

Matt Moore is the second coming Fran Tarkenton, right up until that sack ;)

[BillJasper]

That sack was ugly.

[Thomkal]

Both the Giants and the Ravens having a very scary Halloween. Cards just went up on the Ravens 17-3 on a Patrick Peterson Punt Return

[RendeR]

Both the Giants and the Ravens having a very scary Halloween. Cards just went up on the Ravens 17-3 on a Patrick Peterson Punt Return


I approve of this post.

[RendeR]

Must be almost halftime, the fans have turned on their team yet again.

[stevew]

The Ravens are having an assplosion.

[RendeR]

perfect time for a pick 6 right here.

[Bearcat729]

What the hell happened to Baltimore. They started the season looking like some scary monster of a team. Then last weeks loss and now they're losing to 1-5 Arizona.

And Arizona is going to blow their chance to get back into the Suck for Luck sweepstakes.

[Thomkal]

Make that 24-3 Cardinals. Ravens what the hell-you get the Cards at home in a 1 o'clock game and you play like this? (not that I mind of course ;) )

[Julio Riddols]

Evidently what Jacksonville did last week exposed something. Flacco is looking like an undrafted guy off the street forced into a start due to injury. Against the Cardinals.

[Radii]

Ponder was leading a really strong Minnesota drive but Carolina comes up with a huge strip/turnover inside the 10 yard line. After fumbling on the first offensive possession of the game Cam Newton has once again looked great, his 39 yard TD pass to Olsen was perfect.

[Thomkal]

Its Halloween for the Saints too in St Louis down 3-0 with Bradford not playing. I guess Chris Carpenter is playing QB for them ;)

[BillJasper]

Need to get Jimmy Wilson off the field. He'll single-handedly give the Giants the game.

[spleen1015]

It is bad when your punter is the best player on your team, right?

[stevew]

Flacco looks awful.

[Radii]

vikings force newton's second fumble and Peterson scores just a few plays later, bleh. 14-14.

[BillJasper]

Flacco looks awful.

Got to be honest, never got the Flacco love.

[Lathum]

What a strange day it has been so far.

[RendeR]

Rams up 17-0 on the Saints without a starting quality player on the field.


If this keeps up my pickem score is going to hit 300 =(

[mckerney]

St. Louis and Miami winning, a strong 2nd half from Carolina and it could be a good day in the suck for Luck campaign.

[wade moore]

Barnes actually plays the position consistently. Hall sucks ass 25% of the time, is okay 70% of the time, and has a great game 5% of the time. I'd take just about anyone over DeAngelo "I'll taunt you after I drop an easy pick 6 then get torched the rest of the day" Hall.

10000% disagree with you.

D. Hall is a play maker that botches it now and then.

Barnes is terrible 75% of the time.

[wade moore]

D. Hall has been beaten more than a kid in an orphanage the last 2 years. He'll have the occasional Chicago game, but he's nothing more than an average #2 CB at this point. His gambling blows up on him far more often than it works.

I don't completely disagree.

But if D. Hall is a #2, Barnes is a #4 on most teams.

I'm not saying D. Hall is great, I'm just saying Barnes is terrible.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Will somebody kindly explain to me WTF is going on with the Rams-Saints game?

Is this simply because I started Brees at QB in my fantasy league?

[Matthean]

Indy might be in the Suck for Luck lead after this week.

[Thomkal]

Cards just about to choke on that big halftime lead now 24-20. Boldin is just killing his former team.

[jbergey22]

These bad teams just struggle with leads. They are fumbling for TDs, throwing ints, not being able to run any clock. I guess that is why they are bad.

[cuervo72]

Awful OPI call against Marshall.

[sabotai]

Miami got royally screwed on that one.

[BillJasper]

I've yet to see a game this year that hasn't had at least one WTF call. Between bad officiating and bad tackling I'm slowly losing my love for the NFL.

[Thomkal]

and the choke is complete 27-24 Balt. Pathetic.

[BillJasper]

Does no one know how to fucking tackle anymore! Pathetic.

[BillJasper]

This just might be the time to get Reggie Bush off the field.

I don't understand why Bush wasn't back there to run the last kick back?

[sabotai]

As much as I find Joe Buck annoying nowadays (didn't mind him much before, but over the years, I'm ready for him to go away), having to listen to Dan Dierdorf for the last few hours have made me put my thoughts on listening to Buck into perspective. I hate Buck just a little less after today.

(I came to this conclusion after the "release the Kraken" line....)

[BillJasper]

Anyone explain to me why Brandon Marshall is even on the Dolphins roster at this point? He disappears when the team needs him to step up. :lol:

[BillJasper]

Why exactly is Miami not trying to just knife through with a quick passing game instead of 5-7 step drops and play fakes?

It seems they go to the same pound I keep getting retarded dogs from when picking offensive coordinators.

[Julio Riddols]

I think its about time for the Titans to bench Chris Johnson. What a waste of money.

[Lathum]

Giants defense steps up when they need to.

[BillJasper]

I think its about time for the Titans to bench Chris Johnson. What a waste of money.

I knew he was done as soon as he cashed the check.

[Radii]

Jesus Christ Olindo Mare just missed a 31 yard FG to tie the game up against Minnesota, after a ridiculously stupid hold by Steve Smith erases a great first down run by Newton... what an embarrassment to finish it.

[mckerney]

Suck for Luck is over for Minnesota as Peterson carries Vikings to victory in Carolina.

[mckerney]

Jesus Christ Olindo Mare just missed a 31 yard FG to tie the game up against Minnesota, after a ridiculously stupid hold by Steve Smith erases a great first down run by Newton... what an embarrassment to finish it.

Couldn't believe that hold. There's no way Chad Greenway is going to make a play there, didn't even need to block him.

[Glengoyne]

I think its about time for the Titans to bench Chris Johnson. What a waste of money.

I completely signed him to a long term contract in my keeper league last year. I figured the team would have the sense to sign him early to avoid any sort of hold out problems. Now I'm starting to wonder if his career is over, or if this is just a one year thing. Unbelievable.

[larrymcg421]

Hey the Rams backup QB looked good today. Maybe the Fins should trade a 2nd round pick for him.

[DaddyTorgo]

Man this Patriots "Defense" is fucking brutal.

[DaddyTorgo]

Man this Patriots "Offense" is fucking brutal.

Fixed for myself.

Ugh.

[Thomkal]

ah my "beloved" Cards-actually got to see the last 2 mins of the game and wish I hadn't. They were lucky to get a first down when Kolb ran on third and long, then he gets sacked on the next third and long. That allows the Ravens to take over at midfield after the punt, Flacco gets a big play from one of his receivers, unlike the Cards, and the Ravens win on an easy chip shot FG to end the game. It's going to be pretty scary and ugly for both management and the coaching staff in the offseason if Kolb doesn't start to turn it around.

[Julio Riddols]

I completely signed him to a long term contract in my keeper league last year. I figured the team would have the sense to sign him early to avoid any sort of hold out problems. Now I'm starting to wonder if his career is over, or if this is just a one year thing. Unbelievable.

I actually think he might be done. He has no more excuses for his non-production because the passing game has been solid and he has had plenty of time to get back into game shape since the holdout. I think BillJasper hit it on the head. He seems to have put money way above the game in terms of personal priority and that won't keep you elite for long.

[Crapshoot]

Watching 49ers / Browns - is Joe Haden the single best player on the Browns defense, or what? He's in on every play.

[Crapshoot]

I actually think he might be done. He has no more excuses for his non-production because the passing game has been solid and he has had plenty of time to get back into game shape since the holdout. I think BillJasper hit it on the head. He seems to have put money way above the game in terms of personal priority and that won't keep you elite for long.

More power to him. The Titans got him dirt cheap for a long time, and he was elite at it. Why not maximize his dollars?

[stevew]

This motherfucking Chrysler 300 commercial is pissing me the fuck off

[Julio Riddols]

This motherfucking Chrysler 300 commercial is pissing me the fuck off

The Honda Pilot "Crazy Train" commercial has done the same for me.

[DeToxRox]

Stephen Tulloch celebrated his sack of Tim Tebow by Tebowing.

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg877/scaled.php?tn=0&server=877&filename=ondtd.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

[stevew]

More power to him. The Titans got him dirt cheap for a long time, and he was elite at it. Why not maximize his dollars?

I honestly don't see how they can pay fairly. Ray Rice and Matt Forte are getting franchised cause it only costs 7M. They should have some common sense yardage incentives built into all the contracts or something. My guess is Johnson is hurt, and people are extra pissed since they drafted him early in FF.

[stevew]

I swear they activated Kevin Faulk because 1. He destroys the Steelers 2. To fuck with fantasy owners

[DeToxRox]

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/863332/tebowed.gif

[stevew]

I love that Big Ben finally learned to check down to his backs after 8 years.

[Lathum]

what a piece of shit Chris Johnson is. I honestly don't ever remember a player mailing it in so much after he got paid.

[Matthean]

The only question in the Lions game is how many points do the Lions score. Denver isn't doing anything.

[bulletsponge]

what a piece of shit Chris Johnson is. I honestly don't ever remember a player mailing it in so much after he got paid.

not even Haynsworth?

[stevew]

Guns don't kill people....Lamaar Woodley kills people.

[stevew]

This is the first time I can remember us pressing the Pats on the line. Normally we give Brady a nice 12 yard cushion.

[Lathum]

not even Haynsworth?

good comparison.

[DeToxRox]

John Fox is an idiot.

He just called a time out with 5 seconds left in the half, on fourth down on the Denver 28 just so Tebow could attempt a bomb. That is inexplicable.

[BillJasper]

Looks like Johnson lost a step. Maybe if he takes those gold teeth out he won't be weighed down so much. :lol:

[Lathum]

OMG

Dalton to Green, what a play!

[RomaGoth]

That's how you Suck for Luck Miami. Well done.

The Cardinals are giving it a run themselves, and it is especially funny since they just signed Kolb to that ridiculous contract. :lol:

[BillJasper]

OMG

Dalton to Green, what a play!

Pretty solid pitch and catch. Dalton did a good job avoiding pressure.

[BillJasper]

I wonder if there's anyway the Rams entertain taking Luck if they end up with the first pick?

[jeff061]

I swear they activated Kevin Faulk because 1. He destroys the Steelers 2. To fuck with fantasy owners

He's playing much better than I thought he would. I wasn't sure he'd ever even see the field again.

[Matthean]

I wonder if there's anyway the Rams entertain taking Luck if they end up with the first pick?

The problem is Bradford's contract makes it near impossible to trade him.

[mckerney]

The problem is Bradford's contract makes it near impossible to trade him.

And Miami and Indy are far too dedicated to sucking.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Scheffler did the Tebow thing after he scored his touchdown. He also did several salutes. I think he also ran through the end zone and took a dump on the Broncos mascot.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks certainly have a beef about the Bengals stalling to make the 1st half clock run out. With that said, seriously, how do you run the ball on 4th and 2 from the 3 with 12 seconds to go and NOT expect the clock to run out?

[BillJasper]

The problem is Bradford's contract makes it near impossible to trade him.

But Luck's contract would be minuscule in comparison, they might be able to afford to carry both.

If a new regime takes over in St. Louis, they might not be as committed to Bradford if Luck is sitting there.

[Julio Riddols]

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks certainly have a beef about the Bengals stalling to make the 1st half clock run out. With that said, seriously, how do you run the ball on 4th and 2 from the 3 with 12 seconds to go and NOT expect the clock to run out?

I agree with you a little, but Seattle didn't even try to line up after the play. Their O-linemen were standing around for a good 7 or 8 seconds not even trying to get set for another play. Otherwise, I think maybe you can call something on Cinci. They should have taken the 3 though. They needed the momentum.

[DeToxRox]

Denver is just so bad.

[rowech]

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks certainly have a beef about the Bengals stalling to make the 1st half clock run out. With that said, seriously, how do you run the ball on 4th and 2 from the 3 with 12 seconds to go and NOT expect the clock to run out?

If you're stupid enough to run it there, then you have to live with what might happen.

[Matthean]

I might be seeing the worst QBing in a Lions game ever and a Lions QB isn't involved. There's no way Tebow should be a starting QB.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I agree with you a little, but Seattle didn't even try to line up after the play. Their O-linemen were standing around for a good 7 or 8 seconds not even trying to get set for another play. Otherwise, I think maybe you can call something on Cinci. They should have taken the 3 though. They needed the momentum.
If you're stupid enough to run it there, then you have to live with what might happen.
These two things are pretty much what I'm trying to say. I can't fault the Seahawks if they complain about anything Cincinnati did at the end of that play, but their coach was stupid enough to put them in that position in the first place.

[DaddyTorgo]

Wow...Pats Defense is utter shit.

[stevew]

This is all going too well for the Steelers. Plus we're only up by 10 points.

[jeff061]

Pats are lucky as shit you are only up by 10 points(for now).

[DeToxRox]

Chris Houston 100 yard pick six. Sorry Timmy.

[DougW]

I might be seeing the worst QBing in a Lions game ever and a Lions QB isn't involved. There's no way Tebow should be a starting QB.

You're crazy. Tebow to Houston = TD. Was a perfect pass to him !

[Matthean]

Lions putting the "ow" in Tebow.

[Matthean]

Tebow has scored more for the Lions than he has for his own team.

[cuervo72]

OH BOY LOOKOUT HERE COME THE TIMMY COMEBACK

[jeff061]

Really really don't like that onside kick when a FG makes it a 2 score game.

[DaddyTorgo]

Really really don't like that onside kick when a FG makes it a 2 score game.

Really didn't like this game at all. Team played like dogshit.

Looking like another wasted year of Brady's career due to a shitty defense.

[tucker rocky]

A fumbled ball can be batted forward by a defensive player?

[stevew]

I think the proper call was NE ball at the 20 yard line(after a 10 yd penalty). They would have about 8 seconds left.

[rowech]

Bengals are 7 points away from being 7-0. Unfortunate they lost two games they could have won. Still don't think they're much more than an 8-8 team that has had a nice first half schedule but there are some real signs of a good TEAM.

[mauchow]

Vikings are a touchdown or less in all their losses except one..

[RendeR]

Bengals are 7 points away from being 7-0. Unfortunate they lost two games they could have won. Still don't think they're much more than an 8-8 team that has had a nice first half schedule but there are some real signs of a good TEAM.



Right there with you. I'm loving how the future looks for this team and the next 4 weeks will see just how good this team can be.

[Julio Riddols]

Haven't enjoyed a Bengals season in a long time, and this team doesn't play like a typical Bengals team. Excited about the tests coming in the next several weeks - If we can hang with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, I think there may be a playoff berth in our future.. Gonna be tough to grab that wild card spot though, lots of good teams in the AFC right now.

Loved what I saw from Dalton today even though he ended with fairly pedestrian numbers, he was harrassed all day and still played like a veteran. He did have one pretty bad throw though, when A.J. was open down the sideline late and he underthrew it resulting in a tipped pick.

[cuervo72]

OH!

[MizzouRah]

Here come the Rams!!!


:eek:

[EagleFan]

:D

[Desnudo]

Really didn't like this game at all. Team played like dogshit.

Looking like another wasted year of Brady's career due to a shitty defense.

Was Haynesworth actually playing today? I didn't see him on the field at all. And why is Woodhead not used at all this season and a 35 year old Faulk is out there. Why did it appear no adjustments where made on either side of the ball at any point in the game (a lingering problem over recent years? Why were secondary players all standing around in a big square watching receivers catch ball after ball straight down the middle? So many questions.

Belichick seems to get a free pass when it comes to preparing the defense and making good halftime adjustments. His recent track record is terrible. He really needs to bring in an effective DC that can do a better job of directly running the defense.

[RedKingGold]

Jim Harbaugh is worth every penny. If anything, we're underpaying him.

[Bearcat729]

Watching 49ers / Browns - is Joe Haden the single best player on the Browns defense, or what? He's in on every play.

If not for Joe Thomas I'd say Haden is the best player on the Browns team.

Though I must say the defense is looking much improved than it has the last few seasons.

[jbergey22]

That call was beyond awful. Eagles have to waste a challenge on something clearly obvious to everyone other than the officials.

[EagleFan]

I don't even know what to say about that call. It's not even close.

[RedKingGold]

Holy crap, Andy Reid getting challenges and time management right . . .in a single game?

My head just esploaded.

[Blackadar]

Was Haynesworth actually playing today? I didn't see him on the field at all. And why is Woodhead not used at all this season and a 35 year old Faulk is out there. Why did it appear no adjustments where made on either side of the ball at any point in the game (a lingering problem over recent years? Why were secondary players all standing around in a big square watching receivers catch ball after ball straight down the middle? So many questions.

Haynesworth is a bust, along with Chad Johnson. Too old, too under-motivated. Belichick rolled the dice on these guys and appears to come up with snake eyes.

Woodhead has been hurt.

The Pats can't cover the entire field and don't have the speed to keep up with the Steelers' WRs, so they have to play off. They're deathly afraid of the over-the-top ability of Mike Wallace, so the Safety has to play back. Playing off the ball and shading the outside go route is going to leave the middle of the field open. There's not really anything the Pats can do so long as Ben is accurate with the ball. A Steelers fan should know - it's what Brady did to our vulnerable DBs for years.

Belichick seems to get a free pass when it comes to preparing the defense and making good halftime adjustments. His recent track record is terrible. He really needs to bring in an effective DC that can do a better job of directly running the defense.

I don't necessarily think it's the adjustments in recent years. It's the talent. He keeps cutting talented DBs and now had a dearth of real talent in the backfield. Earlier this year they cut Merriweather and cut Bodden this week. How many good DBs has Belichick let go in recent years who are still making a living in the NFL? They appear too old up front and too young and thin in the back 7 to be effective.

[Dr. Sak]

It went 3 yards forward and they ruled it a backward pass? Where does the NFL find these incompetent twits?

In incompetent twits? Do you understand which officials are watching what? If you can tell me this I will not think of you as an idiot.

But since I know you have no freaking idea and just want to spout off how horrible the officials are because you THINK you know what the hell is going on, I'll educate you a little bit about what just happened and how it can happen.

You see when there are trips to one side or the other (as on this play), the wing officials are covering the 2nd receiver, the deep wings (FJ on this play) has the #1 WR, and the BJ has the tight end. So as the play progresses you have #2 going down field, the TE coming out to block and a pulling lineman. The Referee has the QB and the tackle on the side of the trips, while the umpire is looking at the center and two guards.

The HL reads screen so he has to make sure his guy does not block below the waist back towards the ball or hold a LB or CB...so while watching that the guy responsible for DeSean Jackson is the SJ and he's 30 yards down the field and has no idea if the ball is forward or backwards...and the HL who is ruling on the play is watching his key, plus has to peek at the pulling lineman coming his way...then all of a sudden he sees the ball on the ground and has no idea if it was forward or backwards. So he let's it go knowing that if he calls it incomplete and it was backwards, then he is in a world of trouble cause he knows that can't get challenged. So he does the right thing and lets the play go and let's replay decide it.

So in a nutshell that's how that can happen.

[cuervo72]

And if Philly doesn't have a challenge? Too fucking bad?

(That's not to say the refs didn't do their jobs, but that seems like a flaw in the methodology.)

[MizzouRah]

Thank you Philly.. always nice to see Dallas get smoked.

[Warhammer]

But Luck's contract would be minuscule in comparison, they might be able to afford to carry both.

If a new regime takes over in St. Louis, they might not be as committed to Bradford if Luck is sitting there.

I think you keep Bradford and trade the pick if you get it.

The Rams are not as bad as their record, but not as good as last year's record, actually they may be better with Lloyd on the team.

The problem they have is their OL is crap. With McDaniels throwing the ball all over and not trying to establish the run, their OL has not gotten into any rhythm and it lets teams tee off on Bradford after they get down.

Today, they established the run and looked pretty darn good.

[Dr. Sak]

And if Philly doesn't have a challenge? Too fucking bad?

(That's not to say the refs didn't do their jobs, but that seems like a flaw in the methodology.)

I think that the NFL should use more of the college replay style, especially since the refs are taught to let plays go in the gray areas like fumbles/no fumbles and forward/backward passes.

I understand that officials make mistakes but what set me off is calling them incompetent twits. Should it have been an easy forward pass call, probably yes. But it isn't as simple as one know it all thinks. Had there been two WR instead of trips, it is a much easier call for the HL cause he does not have a WR as a key.

[Butter]

Loved what I saw from Dalton today even though he ended with fairly pedestrian numbers, he was harrassed all day and still played like a veteran. He did have one pretty bad throw though, when A.J. was open down the sideline late and he underthrew it resulting in a tipped pick.

That was a bad throw, but AJ Green didn't help him at all. Didn't even try for the ball.

The second pick was also not a good throw into double coverage. But they were both like punts, so frankly neither was a game killer type of pick like Carson used to throw all the time. You could count on him for like 5 pick-6's a year.

That throw near the end of the 1st half to Green downfield was as pretty as you're going to see. Stepping to his left then turning his shoulders and throwing a perfect 40-yard rainbow just before getting nailed... that was NICE. He still has a ways to go, but liking the team so much so far.

We'll see what the Bengals are really like as they get into the meat of their schedule. I am excited about 5-2 also, but the teams they have played have been... poor. That's one thing I like about the NFL scheduling. If you had a crap year last year, you can count on a weak schedule the next to help your team get their footing back. It may not last, but at least Dalton & Co. have some confidence built up.

[Ksyrup]

TheFakeESPN (http://twitter.com/#!/TheFakeESPN) The Fake ESPN
Tim Tebow must have found a loophole in his conservative Christian theology that still allows him to suck balls.

[Butter]

Stephen Tulloch celebrated his sack of Tim Tebow by Tebowing.

That's awesome.

[MizzouRah]

But Luck's contract would be minuscule in comparison, they might be able to afford to carry both.

If a new regime takes over in St. Louis, they might not be as committed to Bradford if Luck is sitting there.

There is no way they draft Luck, they would trade that pick for multiple picks.

Bradford is plastered everywhere around here. I also think you'll see Spags here next season.

[Rizon]

Oh those crazy Dolphins.

Last win: December 12, 2010.

[Julio Riddols]

Teams get away from the run way too fast these days. If I had a back averaging 9 yards a pop, I would run him regardless of whether we were up 7 or down 21. It slows the game down, gives the defense time to rest a bit, and at 9 yards a pop is more effective than the passing game usually would be. Giving Murray 8 carries last night when he was performing that well should result in the loss of a job for someone.

[JediKooter]

Chargers/Chiefs at Arrowhead...
Chargers always have a hard time winning in Kansas City - Check
Chargers have zero wins against an opponent with a .500 record better - Check
Chargers still coached by Norv Turner - Check

Chargers 17 - Chiefs 21

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://blogs.indystar.com/varvelblog/files/2011/10/103011c.jpg

[larrymcg421]

That's worse than razorblades.

[tucker rocky]

A fumbled ball can be batted forward by a defensive player?

Here's the answer from NFL.com.

link:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823a6659/article/steelers-polamalu-violated-nfl-rule-by-punching-ball-forward?module=HP11_headline_stack

Curious as to why a batted, fumbled, ball is non-reviewable.

Even if NE got the ball back, it would still take a miracle play to win.

[tucker rocky]

http://blogs.indystar.com/varvelblog/files/2011/10/103011c.jpg

http://product.images.dreamsretail.com/35-74/35-74714-Y.jpg

[Aylmar]

Here's the answer from NFL.com.

link:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823a6659/article/steelers-polamalu-violated-nfl-rule-by-punching-ball-forward?module=HP11_headline_stack

Curious as to why a batted, fumbled, ball is non-reviewable.

Even if NE got the ball back, it would still take a miracle play to win.

I think it comes down to the fact that a penalty wasn't called on the field and you can't throw a flag as a result of a review. The fumble was clear, the non-possession inside the endzone became clear on review, but there is no option for assessing a penalty once under the hood.

[stevew]

I wonder why they didn't declare it Pittsburgh ball on the spot where Troy touched it. Seems like a more correct call than a safety anyways.

[Aylmar]

I wonder why they didn't declare it Pittsburgh ball on the spot where Troy touched it. Seems like a more correct call than a safety anyways.

The Steelers never recovered the fumble in the field of play. How can you give them the ball when they never established possession?

[JediKooter]

Ed Hochuli would have given possession to the Broncos, where they would then score a last second touchdown and two point conversion...

[Matthean]

Chargers/Chiefs at Arrowhead...
Chargers always have a hard time winning in Kansas City - Check
Chargers have zero wins against an opponent with a .500 record better - Check
Chargers still coached by Norv Turner - Check

Chargers 17 - Chiefs 21

Wins by the Chiefs: Minn(2-6), Indy(0-8), and Oakland, who was so QB deprived they threw 6 picks in the game. The Minn and Indy wins were by a combined 9 points. Against the only two teams they have played with a pulse outscored them 89-10. Good luck find a less impressive .500 team.

[JediKooter]

Wins by the Chiefs: Minn(2-6), Indy(0-8), and Oakland, who was so QB deprived they threw 6 picks in the game. The Minn and Indy wins were by a combined 9 points. Against the only two teams they have played with a pulse outscored them 89-10. Good luck find a less impressive .500 team.

Oh man, I know and I keep telling myself that, BUT (and it's a big one), the Chargers no matter how good of a team they have and the Chiefs, no matter how bad of a team they have...it's always been difficult for the Chargers to beat them in Kansas City. The Chargers barely beat them this year in game 3 and had the Chargers not shut out the Chiefs in the first half, they very likely would have lost the game. Plus, I just have zero confidence in Norv Turner's ability or willingness to finish a team and put the game away. Teams always seem to be able to creep back late in games against the Chargers since he's been their head coach.

[bhlloy]

I feel exactly the same way about this Chargers team. For whatever reason, I think they are going to lose to divisional opponents while Norv Turner is the head coach. Against a big out of division opponent I know they'll put in a good performance and against a mediocre division opponent I know they are going to do the opposite.

Almost to the point where I'd be stunned to see a Chargers win tonight.

[JediKooter]

I feel exactly the same way about this Chargers team. For whatever reason, I think they are going to lose to divisional opponents while Norv Turner is the head coach. Against a big out of division opponent I know they'll put in a good performance and against a mediocre division opponent I know they are going to do the opposite.

Almost to the point where I'd be stunned to see a Chargers win tonight.

Yup exactly. They barely beat a lousy lousy Dolphins team, a lousy Vikings team and almost lost to Tebow and the Broncos. And really, I place a lot of the blame on Turner's shoulders. He doesn't put teams away, period. At least Marty wasn't afraid to keep piling it on. I wouldn't trust Turner to run a marathon...he'd quit at the 23rd mile.

[ColtCrazy]

Really didn't like this game at all. Team played like dogshit.

Looking like another wasted year of Brady's career due to a shitty defense.

Welcome to the Peyton Manning era in Indy! As someone that sat through some over-hyped Colts' defenses, even I must say I'm shocked they haven't done more in New England to give Brady a good defense to help them out. Or a running game for that matter.

[ColtCrazy]

http://blogs.indystar.com/varvelblog/files/2011/10/103011c.jpg

Saw that in the Indy Star today...even I had to laugh. Wonder if the old story of putting 2 tickets on your car windshield will result in 4 being there when you return?

[jbergey22]

Wow Rivers. Forcing things tonight?

[jbergey22]

What a poor call. What was the dback suppose to do there?

[RainMaker]

15 yard penalty for playing defense.

[jbergey22]

Refs have ruined this game.

Id like to know how a ball can go 7-8 yards forward without it being a forward pass and the defense not hitting it from behind? That was obviously an incomplete pass. His arm obviously was moving it forward for it to land 7-8 yards forward. If not it would have landed behind him or went straight up in the air.

Then they turn around and call some make up PI on Gates.

Just call the game right and you dont need makeup calls. Just cant stand when refs take over games.

[bhlloy]

Shitty play on the field. Shitty refs. Story of the 2011 NFL season. At least the players were locked out of training camp, what's the ref's excuse?

[Jas_lov]

Both teams have been screwed by the refs. The Chiefs had two replay challenges go against them. Haley's challenge on the fumble looked like a lock to be overturned and it stood for whatever reason. Gruden is a joke and just needs to go back to coaching, he's not good in the booth.

[Ksyrup]

Shitty play on the field. Shitty refs. Story of the 2011 NFL season.

Yep.

[kingfc22]

I can't recall watching Rivers throw so many ducks in a single game.

[SunDevil]

Rivers is injured. There has to be something wrong with his arm.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

chargers have 2 6'5 wr's and a terrible red zone offense. it make no sense.

[kingfc22]

I'd say no good from the live look.

[Scarecrow]

McNeil has more yards in penalties than the Chiefs have rushing.

[stevew]

Is there a net KR stat(like the punters one?). For returns that don't make the 20.

[kingfc22]

Wow...

[sabotai]

Wow....

[Danny]

Yes, wow!

[Scarecrow]

HOLY SHIT

[bulletsponge]

now i see why SD fans are atheists.

[Lathum]

err, what happened?

[Scarecrow]

err, what happened?

Rivers fumbled on the 25 with 35 seconds left.

[bhlloy]

lolchargers

[Lathum]

Rivers fumbled on the 25 with 35 seconds left.

haha, awesome. I bet he blamed it on someone else also.

[bronconick]

haha, awesome. I bet he blamed it on someone else also.

Considering it was a snap exchange where he closed his hand, I wish him luck in that.

[kingfc22]

McNeil should have stayed in SD for this game.

[bhlloy]

I'd probably be in favor of a completely new coaching staff right now. Enough blame to go around, so just can all of them and start again. Shame Spanos is far too cheap to think about doing that.

[jbergey22]

Awful Chargers!

Its one thing if a team like that comes out and beats you its another if they dont even play that great and you still lose to them.

[Antmeister]

Damn Chargers. Yet not surprising. That has to be the most creative way to lose a game.

[Antmeister]

chargers have 2 6'5 wr's and a terrible red zone offense. it make no sense.

LOL! Thank you Norv.

[Antmeister]

By the way, this is the second straight game where Marty Schottenheimer was in attendance to watch the Chargers. Last week was because he was supporting his son on the Jets and this week he was honored by the KC Chiefs. He's got to be loving this (although he would never say it).

[bronconick]

These guys post game are speechless.

[bhlloy]

and the one good thing to come out of this week (somebody who actually looks like a real RB and can break a tackle) is broken as well, as Brinkley has a concussion

[stevew]

I wonder if the Chargers would just fire everyone and cede operations to Cowher. I think he would be a good fit, plus I think he could get Rivers in line.

[Butter]

err, what happened?

Yeah, I turned it off thinking the Chargers had it won and I had work tomorrow. Little did I know how far the Chargers would go to blow the game.

[Ksyrup]

I couldn't watch this game, from the 2nd quarter on. What shit football. And when someone did make a play, they were called for an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Of course, according to our World Series game standards, this one should be on NFL Network's "Instant Classic" series tonight, right?

[gstelmack]

I wonder why they didn't declare it Pittsburgh ball on the spot where Troy touched it. Seems like a more correct call than a safety anyways.

I thought that they should have awarded New England a touchback. You can't give the penalty retroactive, but you can surely decide no safety since the safety was caused by the illegal play.

Not that it mattered one whit, New England wasn't going 80 yards in one play.

[stevew]

I thought that they should have awarded New England a touchback. You can't give the penalty retroactive, but you can surely decide no safety since the safety was caused by the illegal play.

Not that it mattered one whit, New England wasn't going 80 yards in one play.

yeah, I agree with this or the illegal touching penalty enforced at, say, the 15 yard line. I forgot that the steelers guy never recovered in bounds.

[JediKooter]

now i see why SD fans are atheists.

It's an eye opener watching this team isn't it? They went from a hard nosed team to a passive, always looking woefully unprepared team when Turner took over. And it only gets better...the Chargers play the Packers next week.

It's nice to see the Norv Turner curse still working...every team he has been the head coach of, their record has gotten worse and worse each (pretty much each year) year until he is finally fired.

Just a month and about 2 weeks from now and it will be a year since the Chargers have beaten a team with a winning record.

Well, I was off on the score, but, right on the amount the Chargers would lose by.

[RendeR]

I thought that they should have awarded New England a touchback. You can't give the penalty retroactive, but you can surely decide no safety since the safety was caused by the illegal play.

Not that it mattered one whit, New England wasn't going 80 yards in one play.


Actually according to Perreira or whatever his name is, they can actually call penalties after a review of a play. or reverse penalties that were called. Tehre are limitations though. Things like Pass Interferance aren't reviewable because they are judgement calls.

This one should have been Pats ball at the 20 because the Steelers never gained possession. I think the illegal touching penalty only mattered if the Steelers had actually recovered the ball.

And if there were any team that I thought COULD go 80 yards on the last play of the game, I'd make my bet on the Pats because god knows their luck IS that good.

[MacroGuru]

When Rivers fumbled the ball...I laughed my ass off....only because I pictured JediKooter throwing something through his T.V. and Lorena going all Hulk on hers...

[Rizon]

When Rivers fumbled the ball...I laughed my ass off....only because I pictured JediKooter throwing something through his T.V. and Lorena going all Hulk on hers...

Yeah, how sad* is it that when I saw that fumble I thought "I wonder how JediKooter is reacting ...."


* too much time on the interweb

[JediKooter]

When Rivers fumbled the ball...I laughed my ass off....only because I pictured JediKooter throwing something through his T.V. and Lorena going all Hulk on hers...

Play by Play in the JK house last night:
JK: "Hey now, don't score too fast. Your prevent defense couldn't stop molasses."
JK: "Cool. Definitely in field goal range, but, watch, something is going to happen where once again, they snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory." I was actually thinking it would be a blocked field goal that would be taken back for a touchdown.
JK: "I need a beer."
JK gets beer...get back to my tv...
JK: "WTF do you mean it's Chiefs ball and 1st down!?!?!?!?!? How'd they get the ball? There's no way Norv has the balls to throw the ball down there."
JK sees the replay...
JK turns the channel to Hoarders.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Regarding the play where Polamalu punched the ball through the back of the end zone, the only reasonable outcome I can see besides a safety is a 10-yard penalty against the Steelers, but I'm not a rules expert. These are my thoughts:

1) The penalty would be an illegal bat for pushing the ball toward the opponent's goal line. That's a 10-yard penalty.
2) Maybe this is just semantics for the sake of this discussion, but illegal touching is a completely different penalty, so it wouldn't be that. Off the top of my head, I don't think there's such a thing as illegal touching against the defense.
3) I don't think you can call a touchback there because the Steelers never gained possession of the ball. The Steelers didn't fumble the ball through the back of the end zone. Technically, the Patriots did. That's why the safety was called in the first place.
4) I can't see them calling a penalty on Polamalu through review because that's as much a judgment call as pass interference or holding would be. Sure, it's pretty obvious that he punched the ball on purpose, but they didn't call it that way on the field, and it doesn't make sense for them to assess his intent through an instant replay. On the field, through the officials' judgment, it must have looked like an accident. They couldn't possibly give him a penalty afterwards.

To me, the only possible calls on the field could have been an illegal bat or a safety. They didn't see the illegal bat, so they went with the only call they could. The Patriots fumbled the ball through the back of the end zone, so it's a safety. I'm not sure if Mike Pereira said that they could've called an illegal bat through review, and he's the expert, but that would go against the logic in my head. To me, you could use a review to assess/reverse an illegal touching penalty (going out of bounds, coming back in, and being the first to touch the ball), 12 men on the field, and illegal forward pass. I can't really see it possibly changing any other type of penalty call.

[Dodgerchick]

When Rivers fumbled the ball...I laughed my ass off....only because I pictured JediKooter throwing something through his T.V. and Lorena going all Hulk on hers...

I stopped watching when KC ran through the gigantic hole the Chargers D left for the RB. He was stopped at the 1 yard line and I said, screw it, I ain't watching anymore. I can't handle it man... I can't. I do enjoy listening to San Diego Sports Radio after every loss though... it's very entertaining.

[RomaGoth]

I stopped watching when KC ran through the gigantic hole the Chargers D left for the RB. He was stopped at the 1 yard line and I said, screw it, I ain't watching anymore. I can't handle it man... I can't. I do enjoy listening to San Diego Sports Radio after every loss though... it's very entertaining.

The good old days of Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton......

[Desnudo]

Welcome to the Peyton Manning era in Indy! As someone that sat through some over-hyped Colts' defenses, even I must say I'm shocked they haven't done more in New England to give Brady a good defense to help them out. Or a running game for that matter.

I think Belichick overrelies on the "system" too much and doesn't emphasize that athletic talent and continuity is important. Either they're drafting poor talent (like the Colts recently) or they aren't patient or good enough with young player development. Teams like the Steelers and Ravens seem to be able to plug and play a lot of lesser known players despite drafting late in the rounds. Belichick's "system" really stopped producing against elite teams right around the time the talent started dropping off due to retirements / aging of the core team members that won all the hardware.

[gstelmack]

I think Belichick overrelies on the "system" too much and doesn't emphasize that athletic talent and continuity is important. Either they're drafting poor talent (like the Colts recently) or they aren't patient or good enough with young player development. Teams like the Steelers and Ravens seem to be able to plug and play a lot of lesser known players despite drafting late in the rounds. Belichick's "system" really stopped producing against elite teams right around the time the talent started dropping off due to retirements / aging of the core team members that won all the hardware.

I also think he's suffering from an assistant drain. Losing Crennel and Weiss hurt some, but then the guys he had groomed to replace them left, and so he's constantly training up new assistants. He's lost Pioli and other personnel guys as well. I think the early magic was the entire staff and player set, and much of both is gone and taken the magic away.

[Dodgerchick]

The good old days of Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton......

He's bleeping brilliant!!

[JediKooter]

He's bleeping brilliant!!

Hacksaw and Billy Ray Smith!!

[Dodgerchick]

dola,

Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton One Man's Opinion (http://www.xx1090sandiego.com/pages/hacksaw_one_mans_opinion)

[Dodgerchick]

Hacksaw and Billy Ray Smith!!

Where's the love for Scott Kaplan? The Cannons? Actually, I can't stand the Cannons... or I should say Steve Hartman.

[RomaGoth]

He's bleeping brilliant!!

Hacksaw and Billy Ray Smith!!

dola,

Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton One Man's Opinion (http://www.xx1090sandiego.com/pages/hacksaw_one_mans_opinion)

Hmmm, I thought he died a while back. Clearly I was mistaken. :eek:

[JediKooter]

Hmmm, I thought he died a while back. Clearly I was mistaken. :eek:

Nope, he's still kicking. Last I heard he went to Seattle, unless I'm confusing him with someone else.

[heybrad]

The good old days of Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton......

RANCHO PENASQUITOS... PICK UP THE PHONE! GIVE US A CALL!

[RomaGoth]

RANCHO PENASQUITOS... PICK UP THE PHONE! GIVE US A CALL!

Show us your lightning bolt!!!!

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

i run hot and cold on belichik but i love the way he treats the media like the cunts they are.

'do you have any comment on-'
'NOPE'

getting-an-answer-out-of-bill-belichick-is-fucking-frustrating (http://deadspin.com/5855831/getting-an-answer-out-of-bill-belichick-is-fucking-frustrating)

[flounder]

The Patriots had an abysmal stretch in the draft for a while. I think they only have 3 players left from their 2006-2008 drafts and one of those is their kicker.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

oh i agree. his obsession with 'value' has created a team of homogenous 3rd rounders. but his his interpersonal skills get an A++

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bYNwfq84hJU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Dodgerchick]

Nope, he's still kicking. Last I heard he went to Seattle, unless I'm confusing him with someone else.

I listen to his Best 15 minutes everyday. Thumbs up

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319967_270239186328768_114580145228007_1091381_1550050738_n.jpg

[RomaGoth]

I listen to his Best 15 minutes everyday. Thumbs up

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319967_270239186328768_114580145228007_1091381_1550050738_n.jpg

Which one is he? I'm confused.....

[Pumpy Tudors]

Exactly who the hell is this Hacksaw dude you're all talking about?

(cue some smartass lmgtfy link or something, I guess)

[Dodgerchick]

Which one is he? I'm confused.....

Hah, exactly :D

Exactly who the hell is this Hacksaw dude you're all talking about?

(cue some smartass lmgtfy link or something, I guess)

He's won awards, has a national reputation, and has built a sports talk empire. He's bleeping brilliant, has the Best 15 minutes in radio, and the ladies love him... and his 'stache.

[Antmeister]

Hacksaw is still, to me, the best announcer the Chargers ever had. He made a low scoring game sound sound it was an epic defensive battle. When watching the game, we would often turn down the volume and listen to the radio broadcast.

[Dodgerchick]

Hacksaw is still, to me, the best announcer the Chargers ever had. He made a low scoring game sound sound it was an epic defensive battle. When watching the game, we would often turn down the volume and listen to the radio broadcast.

ahh the good ol' days

[Pumpy Tudors]

welp sucks to be me

[Suicane75]

Plumpy Goobers you keep your head high. That's where the sunshine comes from.

[Suicane75]

Unless it's cloudy, then you're just straining your neck. And go see a Gynopractor for that neck.

[JediKooter]

Which one is he? I'm confused.....

He's the one with the facial hair.

[JediKooter]

I listen to his Best 15 minutes everyday. Thumbs up

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319967_270239186328768_114580145228007_1091381_1550050738_n.jpg

San Diego has the two best 'Saws' in the business. There's Lee 'Hacksaw' Hamilton and of course, Cookie 'Chainsaw' Randolph...oh my!!!

[Dodgerchick]

Yes indeed!

[molson]

oh i agree. his obsession with 'value' has created a team of homogenous 3rd rounders. but his his interpersonal skills get an A++

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bYNwfq84hJU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

LOL....that thing has been on my DVR forever I need to watch it.

[Desnudo]

I also think he's suffering from an assistant drain. Losing Crennel and Weiss hurt some, but then the guys he had groomed to replace them left, and so he's constantly training up new assistants. He's lost Pioli and other personnel guys as well. I think the early magic was the entire staff and player set, and much of both is gone and taken the magic away.

That's a good point too. He likes to promote from within and he's lost a lot of talent over the years. Maybe he should hire a Ryan.

[JPhillips]

i run hot and cold on belichik but i love the way he treats the media like the cunts they are.

'do you have any comment on-'
'NOPE'

getting-an-answer-out-of-bill-belichick-is-fucking-frustrating (http://deadspin.com/5855831/getting-an-answer-out-of-bill-belichick-is-fucking-frustrating)

But without the media the NFL isn't as popular and if the NFL isn't as popular Belichick doesn't make the same kind of cash. My biggest problem with Belichick is that he thinks he's above all the rules. He's a hell of a coach, but he's also an egotistical bully.