NFL Week 15 thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

Very similar thing happened last year after the hits by James Harrison vs Cleveland, but...


Look what you can buy from the NFL!

Colt McCoy Picture at NFL Photo Store (http://www.replayphotos.com/nflphotostore/2011-season-print/colt-mccoy_718746.cfm)

[JediKooter]

And it's gone...

[Suburban Rhythm]

And it's gone...

It wasn't even the hit. It was McCoy sitting on the turf, staring into space, with two trainers. Who even buys that anyway?

Other than James Harrison, who probably has a room full of photos of his "kills" like a hunter mounts animal heads.

[Rizon]

Tebow?

[JediKooter]

It wasn't even the hit. It was McCoy sitting on the turf, staring into space, with two trainers. Who even buys that anyway?

Other than James Harrison, who probably has a room full of photos of his "kills" like a hunter mounts animal heads.

That would definitely be an odd picture to want to have to begin with. Well, like you said, unless it was James Harrison.

Somehow, I would not be surprised if Harrison did have some kind of trophy room. :)

[Ksyrup]

Thanksgiving night game moves to NBC starting next year.

[Butter]

This thread needs more Tebow.

[Suicane75]

Thanksgiving night game moves to NBC starting next year.

Now if only they'd move the rest of the NFL Network games to a real network.

[mckerney]

This thread needs more Tebow.

Do not worry, it is only 11 more days to Tebowmas, when we will celebrate the birth of the man who would die in the 1st quarter only to be resurrected three quarters later in the 4th as the savior of all (the holiday we all know as Tebster).

[bronconick]

Now if only they'd move the rest of the NFL Network games to a real network.

No kidding. That network will always be screwed by not having a large collection of games to work with and because ESPN is already essentially a "NFL Network"

MLB shows a bunch of games on their network and they have games for 8 months to show highlights and live look ins from. NBA and NHL also have a decent quantity of games, and if you want "in depth" coverage into any of those three leagues, you really need to go to their channel, because ESPN is still breaking down summer NFL practices/NFL draft/NFL offseason.

[JediKooter]

Is it me or does the audio for NFL Network games the absolute worst? It's like they mic the crowd, but, don't do anything to enhance the play by play booth.

[RainMaker]

For all the faux-concern the league shows toward the health of players, they sure don't punish teams for playing injured guys. McCoy clearly wasn't in a position to go back on the field in that game. And earlier in the year I remember Vick being knocked unconcious and them letting him play.

[Ksyrup]

Something else about the new TV deals that I missed the first time around: Not sure of the details, but I read this morning that they will have more liberal flex scheduling, but between CBS/Fox, not necessarily moving games from one time slot to another. So for instance, if there are 2 big AFC games, Fox could grab one (or vice versa with NFC games that would normally be on Fox).

[RainMaker]

That's a nice move, although RedZone has almost made that obsolete for me.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That's a nice move, although RedZone has almost made that obsolete for me.

I agree. On Sunday afternoons I am either watching the Lions game or the RedZone Channel.

[RainMaker]

I'm also waiting for the inevitable price increase for RedZone. I currently pay $50 for the season which is an absolute bargain.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm also waiting for the inevitable price increase for RedZone. I currently pay $50 for the season which is an absolute bargain.

Yeah. I pay $8 month for the "sports package" that includes the RedZone Channel. I order it in September and cancel in it January. So, it comes to about $32 for the season.

I had the Sunday Ticket one year when I was living in D.C. Unless you live out of market for a team you really love, the RedZone Channel is really a better deal in every way.

[Ksyrup]

I'm stuck with NFLN's semi-red zone/game coverage.

[Ksyrup]

This Sam Hurd thing is out of control. Wow!!


Hurd accused of arranging multimillion-dollar drug deals

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on December 15, 2011, 3:15 PM EST
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/s-hurd.jpg?w=250 AP Sam Hurd (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4037/sam-hurd) was not a big name in pro football, but he sure sounds like a big name in the Chicago drug world.

The details of his arrest Thursday (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/15/bears-sam-hurd-arrested-on-federal-drug-charges/) reveal a man deep into drug trafficking. Playing in the NFL was Sam Hurd’s side job.

From a pop culture perspective, Hurd’s story plays out like a story arc on The Wire or a Ghostface Killah song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk44L0XnqZE).

Here are some details from the criminal complaint against Hurd, available publicly (http://www.scribd.com/doc/75786026/Hurd-Complaint).

1. Hurd told an undercover agent Wednesday night that he was looking to buy ”5 to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week for distribution in the Chicago area.”

2. Hurd negotiated to pay $25,000 per kilogram for the cocaine and $450 per pound of the weed. So Hurd had the cash flow to pay for $575,000-$700,000 worth of drugs per week. That’s well over $2 million per month. (We’ll let you imagine how much he was bringing in or planning to bring in.)

3. The money Hurd was willing to spend was on top of what he was already purchasing elsewhere. Hurd told the informant that he currently distributed ”four kilograms of cocaine per week in the Chicago area, but that the supplier could not supply him with enough quantity.”

Hurd was trying to take his operation to another level.

4. Hurd first came on the police’s radar in July. After receiving a tip, police found a man with a bag filled with $88,000 in a canvas bag. The man said the money and car belonged to Hurd. It was Hurd’s car, and the receiver still attempted to get the money back.

This should have raised a red flag, but Hurd was too foolish or in too deep to realize he needed to slow down.

5. Hurd was looking for Mexican cell phones, because he believed authorities didn’t have the ability to track them.

6. This wasn’t a small operation. Hurd only dealt with “high level” deals; a co-conspirator handled more day-to-day stuff. Hurd allegedly had business as far away as California and had a fleet of vehicles.

We suspect this story is only getting started, and it’s one that could get increasingly uncomfortable for the NFL. If Twitter is any indication, it’s already big news.

Sam Hurd is the fifth-highest trending topic in the country right now.

[Rizon]

That explains why he is such an awful WR.

[Ksyrup]

Now if only they'd move the rest of the NFL Network games to a real network.


As for the NFL Network, the league-owned entity will expand the number of games it airs on Thursday beginning next year. The NFL has not yet announced how many games it will add, but two to four games is not out of the question. Of the 17 NFL regular-season weeks, there are eight Thursday night games.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told SI.com's Peter King last month the Thursday night package could expand "into a new network or a different package with another partner." Asked what network would be the favorite for that package -- NBC Sports Network and Turner are the networks most often cited -- Fox's Shanks said there were too many variables to handicap things at the moment.

"I don't think the NFL knows yet what that package is," Shanks said. "Is it an eight-game package, is it 12, is it 14 games? And if it's eight, where does it line up? Is a baseball [TV] deal going to get done or does a NASCAR [rights] deal get done before the Thursday night deal gets done? I think there are too many variables to figure out who is going to need what and who has already spent what by the time the Thursday package gets out to market."

[Coffee Warlord]

Word is the feds have a double digit list of NFL players Hurd dealt to.

[thesloppy]

Do you think Brian Billick constantly mispronounced the names of the players he was coaching? He seems smart and personable enough, but he obviously shouldn't be broadcasting games live.

[sabotai]

Word is the feds have a double digit list of NFL players Hurd dealt to.

Shit's about to hit the fan.

[RainMaker]

As for the NFL Network, the league-owned entity will expand the number of games it airs on Thursday beginning next year. The NFL has not yet announced how many games it will add, but two to four games is not out of the question. Of the 17 NFL regular-season weeks, there are eight Thursday night games.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told SI.com's Peter King last month the Thursday night package could expand "into a new network or a different package with another partner." Asked what network would be the favorite for that package -- NBC Sports Network and Turner are the networks most often cited -- Fox's Shanks said there were too many variables to handicap things at the moment.

"I don't think the NFL knows yet what that package is," Shanks said. "Is it an eight-game package, is it 12, is it 14 games? And if it's eight, where does it line up? Is a baseball [TV] deal going to get done or does a NASCAR [rights] deal get done before the Thursday night deal gets done? I think there are too many variables to figure out who is going to need what and who has already spent what by the time the Thursday package gets out to market."

Interesting. Seemed the Thursday Night games were always just a way to get the network on to all the cable packages. Now that they've achieved that, they can probably get more value for these games elsewhere. I was blown away at finding out ESPN pays $65 million per MNF game. Have to imagine a Thursday night game could garner $30-$40 million per.

My gripe though is that I like the NFL on Sundays. The Thursday games rarely hold any interest for me.

[Thomkal]

Word is the feds have a double digit list of NFL players Hurd dealt to.

I'm wondering if Jerome Simpson of the Bengals was one of these players. Earlier in the season he was involved in something having to do with a drug package delivered to his door. To date, I don't think anything more has come of it, and he was allowed to continue playing for the Bengals.

[stevew]

I was wondering about the Simpson connection as well

[Julio Riddols]

Damn, moving 1000 pounds of weed a week is VOLUME. Dude had to be pulling down some serious Tony Montana type cash.

[stevew]

Cops have been known to exaggerate in the past

[Matthean]

Did the Packers untying Ndamukong Suh’s shoes set him off? - Shutdown Corner - NFL*Blog - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Did-the-Packers-untying-Ndamukong-Suh-s-shoes-se?urn=nfl-wp13954)

[Julio Riddols]

Should have started the Falcons D this week.

[Danny]

How about Jones-Drew leading the league in rushing despite playing for that team

[cartman]

5 Simple Mistakes Sam Hurd Made Dealing Drugs That Prove He Never Watched 'The Wire' or 'Breaking Bad' (http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2011/12/5-simple-mistakes-sam-hurd-made-dealing-drugs-that-prove-he-never-watched-the-wire-or-breaking-bad/)

[JediKooter]

Sam Hurd must be the lowest paid player in the NFL or he throws THE best parties.

[Julio Riddols]

He was just living one of his lifelong dreams to be a super blow champion.

[BillJasper]

What a way to throw your life away...

[Autumn]

He was just living one of his lifelong dreams to be a super blow champion.

Dyslexia claims another victim.

[TroyF]

So the Chiefs come out and run twice up the middle against the Packers. I dunno, you are home with nothing to lose and want to pull off an upset? I don't think that's really the way to go. They did end up getting a first down on a nice throw by Orton. Then they ran a reverse, so maybe I'm just jumping on them too quick.

Texans fumble the ball against Carolina. Panthers have the ball in the red zone early.

[TroyF]

The Chiefs drive down the field, and the drive dies on the one yard line. They decide to kick the 19 yard FG, because of course FG will beat the Packers today. The drive did take off over 6 minutes and ended with points, now we'll see if they can do anything against Rogers.

[TroyF]

I just watched Yates run to his left and make a terrific throw against his body about 15 yards down the field. He's shown me more solid plays in two games than Gabbard has shown me all year.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Football on regular tv sucks...... Giants vs Washington and Jets vs Philly....Who the hell cares about those games in Buffalo? Why not NE vs Tebow? Shit, you show every other NE game for the past 13 weeks here and NOW you decide to show some crappy Jets Philly game?



I need more vodka.....sigh

[TroyF]

Chiefs force the Packers to go three and out, then a player runs free on the punt block, gets scared to rough the punter, makes a half ass effort for the ball and runs into the kicker. This thing should be 10-0 KC. Instead Rogers has it on the fifty with a new possession.

[TroyF]

Rogers just got CRUSHED. Lost the ball, but the Packers recovered. Rogers turned to run and was just smoked. He's fine despite the hit. The refs then screw the Packers over by blowing a play dead on an offside, negating a free play down the field.

[sabotai]

Whelp, looks like the Giants receivers have all come down with a bad case of the dropsies.

Catches by Giants receivers: 0
Catches by Giants defensive backs: 2

[whomario]

johnny knox carried off on a stretcher after not being able to move/get up, hope hes ok ...

[TroyF]

Rogers throws another incompletion (he's 1-5) Packers attempt a 59 yard FG and miss, but the Chiefs have 12 men on the field. Crosby gets a second shot from 54. Crosby misses again wide to the right. Chiefs with the ball near midfield, up three points.

[Lathum]

Nicks drops a 65 yard TD then the refs don't throw the flag on an obvious PI call. Giants continue to play down

[TroyF]

Chiefs drive right down the field until the red zone. Another FG attempt. They have dominated the first quarter (and I don't use that term loosely). They are up six points. This is not a blueprint for beating the Packers. Orton's biggest downfall in Denver was struggling in the red zone, that has continued to his first full game in KC.

[Lathum]

Giants are going to lose this game.

[TroyF]

If the Packers don't have an 80+ yard TD play on the first play of this drive, they will fail to score for just the 8th quarter this season. Wow.

[sabotai]

Pierre-Paul gets the sack, makes it 3rd and 17. Is the drive over? Not against the Giants defense. Redskins make it 4th and 1 on a play that probably should have been marked a first down, and then the Redskins go for it on 4th and 1 and convert.

This Giants defense is a traveshamockery!

[TroyF]

Giants are going to lose this game.

The effort on that 3rd and 18 play was pretty bad. Log way to go and you are against King Rex. I wouldn't worry quite yet.

[Grover]

The Bengals offseason focus is going to have to be getting better in the red zone.

[TroyF]

Just saw a commercial for an 80 inch TV. Who the hell has a room big enough to put that?

Great pass by Grossman, Skins up 10.

[Grover]

Great pass by Grossman

Does not compute.

[sabotai]

If the stats on teamrankings.com are accurate, the Giants defense has the worst 3rd down conversion over the last 3 games in the league at around 55%. They did play NO, GB and DAL in those games, but now the Redskins are 3 for 5 on 3rd downs. And really 4 for 5 since that 3rd and 17 got them to 4th and 1 (bad spot) which they converted....

Ok, that's it. I'm done bitching, which means unless another defense shows up and plays for the Giants, I won't be posting much in this thread anymore. :)

[TroyF]

Finley pulled the big boo boo. He bashed Tebow. I think he has three drops at this point. The Packers probably have 6 total. Rogers now 4-13.

[TroyF]

That was an amazing INT by Washington there. What a catch.

[Suicane75]

If the Giants lose today the Eagles will control their own destiny with the caveat that the Giants will have to beat Dallas in week 17. This is a thing that should not be.

[TroyF]

Rogers and Eli a combined 5-20 for 53 yards and an INT at the moment. Both dealing with drops.

The Chiefs have ran three screens against the Packers with unbelievable success. They continue to control the clock. They really need to finish off this drive with a TD though. YOu can't keep kicking FG and hoping Rogers WR and TE continues to drop passes.

Orton looks terrific right now by the way.

[TroyF]

A WR screen gets the Chiefs in the red zone again. They have called 4 screens (2 to RB, 1 to TE, 1 to WR) They have 4 first downs off of those screens and I'd guess about 70 yards total.

[stevew]

Just saw a commercial for an 80 inch TV. Who the hell has a room big enough to put that?

Great pass by Grossman, Skins up 10.

Anyone with a room that has at least a 7 foot wide wall?

:)

I can't go 5 grand on something like that, but I figure the pricing will drop within a year. Sure beats dealing with a front projector if you want a large screen.

[Grover]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2011-12/66852358.jpg

Good lord.

[SirFozzie]

So, this is the first set of NFL games that I've ever been outside the Eastern time zone: West Coasters, how do you put up with football at 10 am? :P

[Lathum]

If the Giants lose today Coughlin needs to go. That would be 2 losses to the Redskins, one to Seattle,and one to an Eagles team without Vick. If they had taken care of business where they should they would have the division locked up already.

[TroyF]

wow, that looks horrible. :( Prayers are with Mr. Knox right now.

[Lathum]

So, this is the first set of NFL games that I've ever been outside the Eastern time zone: West Coasters, how do you put up with football at 10 am? :P

I thought I would hate it but I love it.

[TroyF]

Packers stuff the Chiefs on 4th and 1 at the 3. The Chiefs continue to choke in the red zone. GB should be headed to its first loss right now, but the Chiefs just refuse to put them away. Amazingly bad.

[TroyF]

FOX is saying that Knox has a back injury, but full movement and will be ok. These guys are amazing. That would have ripped me in half.

[TroyF]

So with Knox out is there any chance the Bears sign Sam Hurd for next week?

[stevew]

Wow...really like watching Carolina's offense.

[Grover]

So with Knox out is there any chance the Bears sign Sam Hurd for next week?

That's a low blow.

[stevew]

Wow...that Carolina rushing TD was sweet.

[TroyF]

Yet another long third down completed by the Skins. Throw in a 15 yard personal foul and they turned a 3rd and 11 to a 1st and 10 inside the fifty. What a complete meltdown.

[Scoobz0202]

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/JOHNNY-KNOX-BROKEN-BACK.gif

[stevew]

They basically pulled a fumblerooskie

[Grover]

AJ Green injured after tripping himself up running a route. Headed to the locker room at the two minute warning, not moving his right arm very much at all.

[Dutch]

Just saw a commercial for an 80 inch TV. Who the hell has a room big enough to put that?

Just about everybody I would imagine. It's 6' of wall space, for reference. :)

[TroyF]

Rogers ends the half 6/17 for 59 yards and the Chiefs are shutting out the Packers at halftime.

[Grover]

Down 6-3 to the Rams. The Kellen Clemens led Rams.

[Scoobz0202]

Orton not looking too shabby.

He must have really hated playing in Denver.

[stevew]

Wow...the fox yellow line was literally off by a foot. Looks like the Panthers got screwed on a spot.

[mckerney]

Go Colts! Finish it today and make it the first of three in a row!

[mauchow]

Go Colts! Finish it today and make it the first of three in a row!

+1 that would be great - who gets the tie breaker between Vikes and Colts?

[Grover]

Bernard Scott finally gets the Bengals into the end zone.

[Racer]

+1 that would be great - who gets the tie breaker between Vikes and Colts?

It depends on the strength of schedule (as is the case with all non-playoff teams whether they play each other or not). Going in to today I believe the Colts had a four game lead on the Vikings and a seven game lead on the Rams as far as having a weaker strength of schedule is concerned.

[mckerney]

+1 that would be great - who gets the tie breaker between Vikes and Colts?

I would guess the Colts have it, the Vikings have probably had the tougher schedule having played NFC North teams twice and the NFC South, though I'd have to check to be sure.

Though still, RG3 with the 2nd pick would be nice too.

[Matthean]

So if the 1972 Dolphins break open the champagne when the last undefeated team losses, what do the 2008 Lions break open after the last winless team finally wins? :lol:

[SirFozzie]

"That's not fucking holding!"

Not only is it apparently holding, it's also an extra fifteen yards for swearing at an official (audible over the loudspeakers and the CBS feed)

First and 30 :)

[Grover]

Brilliant. Harvey Doll called for holding. Beougher calling the penalty, Doll in his face: "That's not fucking holding!" the mic picks it, everyone in the stadium and at home hears this quite clearly, and he gets another 15 yards tacked on.

[TroyF]

I'm stunned at the egg the Giants are laying today.

The Chiefs continue to suck on the goal line. They are about to choke in the red zone again. If they do, they'll be up 12-7 (assuming they hit the FG). They should be up 20 right now.

[SirFozzie]

Yeah, Gooddell is going to be levying fines left and right

[TroyF]

Packers offensive line is getting the hell beat out of it today. 2 right tackles are now on the sidelines. The second one is going to be a broken ankle and a year ender by my untrained eye.

[Grover]

So if the 1972 Dolphins break open the champagne when the last undefeated team losses, what do the 2008 Lions break open after the last winless team finally wins? :lol:

A case of PBR.

[TroyF]

This is a huge drive for the Chiefs. They sacked Rogers to end the drive, got a decent punt return and can really make it tough on the Packers with a score on this drive. A TD and I'd come close to calling the game over. Only problem is that TD will have to be from about 50 yards out because they can't score inside the five.

[TroyF]

Well, they drove to the four yard line. First and goal. Here is the tough part. I think they are just as likely to have a turnover GB takes back the entire way as they are to score a TD.

[TroyF]

3rd and goal from the 1.

[TroyF]

TD Chiefs. They will be up 19-7 after the extra point. Under five minutes left.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I thought this Packers team was good?

[tucker rocky]

Packers dream season of perfection slipping away.

[tucker rocky]

So if the 1972 Dolphins break open the champagne when the last undefeated team losses, what do the 2008 Lions break open after the last winless team finally wins? :lol:

http://www.ghettowine.com/pics/maddog/maddog.jpg

[TroyF]

0-16 goes away and 16-0 is about to go away. (Packers still have a shot though, Colts are close to a lock to win now.)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I didn't want to see the Colts go 0-16. It sucks. I especially didn't want Ernie Simms and Orlovsky to have to go through that again.

Good for them.

[tucker rocky]

Still life yet for GB.

[TroyF]

2:04 left, Packers have all of their timeouts. 19-14 now.

[tucker rocky]

3 TO's and 2 minute warning, why not kick deep GB?

[TroyF]

Packers try onside kick, it goes out of bounds. Chiefs will have the ball. Packers essentially have 4 timeouts with the two minute warning. If the Chiefs are stopped, the Packers will have well over 1:40 left. I'm surprised the Packers tried the onside kick there.

[Galaril]

Wow how bad are the Titans to get routed by Colts? Routed since the score is even half indicative of how one sided this was till late.

[TroyF]

Chiefs get a first down after the two minute warning. Packers down to two timeouts, Chiefs will be able to take this to under a minute unless they have Marion Barber on their team.

[TroyF]

Another first down, ballgame. They ran it right down their throats.

[Logan]

I hope Romeo Crennel survives that Gatorade bath.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good job, Chiefs!!!

Love it!

[Thomkal]

So Romeo Crennel gets the "interim" removed from his job title? :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Other than a bunch of Saints touchdowns, I didn't see any of the the Saints/Vikings game. But, after last week, how in the hell does Frazier go with Ponder over Joe Webb? What was the thinking there?

[Matthean]

Wow how bad are the Titans to get routed by Colts? Routed since the score is even half indicative of how one sided this was till late.

At some point pride kicks in and a winless team wins. This just hammers home how bad the Lions were in 2008 because you could see they were trying.

[TroyF]

In other news, Reggie Bush with over 200 yards today. As it stands now, he needs 27 yards to get to 1,000

[Julio Riddols]

Bush has been a different back with Miami.

[TroyF]

Bush has been a different back with Miami.

Yeah, it hasn't been a cheap 1,000 either. Averaging close to 5 yards a carry after today. He deserves the Pro Bowl on merit this year.

[TroyF]

Now for the main event. Pats/Donks. Broncos will receive the ball first.

[Noop]

Miami.

Nuff Said.

[mckerney]

Other than a bunch of Saints touchdowns, I didn't see any of the the Saints/Vikings game. But, after last week, how in the hell does Frazier go with Ponder over Joe Webb? What was the thinking there?

The fate of the front office and coaching staff has been tied to Ponder since they reached badly on him even though they should have known they'd have a high draft pick in 2012 and likely have a better QB class. They probably wanted to show any bright spot from him that they could to keep their jobs. So they called a bunch of short passes all game long and still only showed that Ponder might have the worst arm in the league.

[mckerney]

And it should go without saying that if personnel director Rick Spielman and director of college scouting Scott Studwell aren't fired and replaced by someone who will draft a QB with the Vikings first pick then I'll be furious.

[SteveMax58]

I'm stunned at the egg the Giants are laying today.

You know...us Giants fans have become numb to these types of showings. Surprised? A little, but its hard to be stunned any more since they do it so many times & every season.

Still the players there Coughlin? Sure it isn't anything else? Like maybe a ridculously soft zone coverage that CANNOT stop an offense without MASSIVE pressure upfront. No pressure upfront & its an easy pitch & catch day for ANY NFL QB. Even the ones sitting on the bench.

If I were 1 of the Marras (including Kate!), my level of disgust wouldn't even let me make it to the locker room before I would tell Coughlin to pack his shit & leave.

A good man? Yes. A competent NFL head coach? I suppose. Somebody that is smart enough to consistently win at the NFL level? Nope...not even close.

[TroyF]

WOW. What a run. TD Tebow.

[Danny]

TEBOW

[BillJasper]

Hell of a run by Tebow.

[cuervo72]

Why do defenders even bother trying to run back xp? Know the rules, gents.

[TroyF]

Broncos miss the PAT. Patriots think they really accomplished something by running it back all the way, he just wasted his breath in the thin air. I can't believe we have our kickers chasing a guy on a play like that though. Know the damned rules guys.

[Matthean]

I guess Tebow and the gang got the message.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/311565/saturday-night-live-tebow#s-p1-sr-i1 (http://www.hulu.com/embed/4noFzeoK5XxqUcCaId3Ylg?shared_ad_id=69420)

Bah. Embed code not working.

[TroyF]

What a catch by Hernandez. Great run as well. NE had a hands to the face on Miller, not called.

[TroyF]

TD Pats. Love the fact they called hands to the face on us, but didn't bother with the NE LT a couple of plays earlier.

[BillJasper]

Tebow looked a little concerned the Patriots moved the ball down the field that quickly. :lol:

[TroyF]

Both defenses looked bad there. Really bad.

[TroyF]

The Lions are unbelievable. Three straight plays with a penalty on this Raiders drive, the last being a horse collar personal foul. Idiots.

[tucker rocky]

I guess Tebow and the gang got the message.

http://www.hulu.com/embed/4noFzeoK5XxqUcCaId3Ylg?shared_ad_id=69420

Bah. Embed code not working.

Must be referencing the SNL skit?
I also hear deadmau5, "Ghosts and Stuff",after clicking on the link.

[Matthean]

Must be referencing the SNL skit?

Yep.

EDIT: Fixed the link again.

[cuervo72]

Gah, effing idiot.

[k0ruptr]

Lol broncos going beast mode.

[TroyF]

Tebow is throwing the ball very, very well lately. I can't believe how different he looks from the first game. That pass was perfect. Next play it's a TD. Unbelievable start to this.

[BillJasper]

Man that Patriot run defense is awful!

[whomario]

I though the Patriots problem was the pass defense ?? Broncos with a clinic rushing the ball here, everybodys blocking and the RBs really go hard into the holes.

Gotta go for 2 here now

[Grover]

The Lions are unbelievable. Three straight plays with a penalty on this Raiders drive, the last being a horse collar personal foul. Idiots.

Didn't Schwartz promise no more personal fouls?

[TroyF]

For those who haven't watched the Broncos full games, look at the intensity of all the players on the team. You look at the replay of the TD run and there are 3 offensive lineman charging down the field after the runner. It's amazing how often that has happened during this run and how rarely it happened before it.

[Julio Riddols]

Final score prediction: Denver 54, New England 51. (Or something equally ridiculous.)

[Galaril]

I though the Patriots problem was the pass defense ?? Broncos with a clinic rushing the ball here, everybodys blocking and the RBs really go hard into the holes.

Gotta go for 2 here now

Yeah and this is with a 3rd and 4th string RBs as well as McGahee.

[Matthean]

Didn't Schwartz promise no more personal fouls?

Post whistle, ie late hits, etc. If a player is called for one, they are done for the game.

[whomario]

someone explain to me why you would kick the XP here instead of going for 2 points ?

[k0ruptr]

I feel John Fox could of been pretty successful with the Panthers this season a well. I'm happy where Carolina is at progress wise. But Cam,JStew and Williams woulda been fun to see in this offense

[tucker rocky]

In other news, Peyton Manning will not play this season, according to
Bill Polian.

Did Colts fans really expect him to play this season Polian?

[TroyF]

someone explain to me why you would kick the XP here instead of going for 2 points ?

I think the theory is you don't want to start too early in the game just in case you miss. Let's pretend we actually had two teams that wouldn't put up a lot of points today. If you missed the extra point, the Pats could score a TD and go for two. If they made it, you could only tie the game. Dropping points early is scary for NFL coaches.

If it's me, I go for two a majority of the time. I think the odds are in their favor to do that.

[TroyF]

DAMNIT. You have to pick that one off. That'd have been huge.

[tucker rocky]

How long until Brady starts picking apart the Denver secondary?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Didn't Schwartz promise no more personal fouls?

No.

He promised no more post-whistle personal fouls.

[tucker rocky]

someone explain to me why you would kick the XP here instead of going for 2 points ?

I think the theory is you don't want to start too early in the game just in case you miss. Let's pretend we actually had two teams that wouldn't put up a lot of points today. If you missed the extra point, the Pats could score a TD and go for two. If they made it, you could only tie the game. Dropping points early is scary for NFL coaches.

If it's me, I go for two a majority of the time. I think the odds are in their favor to do that.

Maybe because it's not the 4th quarter and Tebow Time? :D

[TroyF]

How long until Brady starts picking apart the Denver secondary?


I could be wrong, but I think he already did the first possession. The Broncos aren't getting any pressure at all now and still forced a punt. You can look at it in two ways: They are lucky Brady isn't doing more. OR the Pats have to be concerned that they had to punt even though Denver didn't get any pressure on Brady. Your call.

[Autumn]

Just about everybody I would imagine. It's 6' of wall space, for reference. :)

But the issue is the depth of the room. How far back would you have to sit from a 80 inch TV to be able to watch it? And how many people have a room with that much extra space (since all the space in between would be essentially empty).

[Fonzie]

The Packers were absolutely brutal today. There's so much to be mad about that I'm not even sure where to begin. So I won't.

[BillJasper]

The Packers were absolutely brutal today. There's so much to be mad about that I'm not even sure where to begin. So I won't.

They cost me dearly in my fantasy playoff game.

[TroyF]

197 total yards for the Broncos thus far. This is a big third down. This is where Beli will try to confuse the hell out of him and get a turnover.

[k0ruptr]

Wow. They are running through around and all over them so far

[kingfc22]

They cost me dearly in my fantasy playoff game.

You and I and everyone else with Rodgers. What's worse is my opponent had Brees :banghead:

[TroyF]

I actually like the run call there. The Pats took a timeout, Beli was cooking up something. Run it and be safe. No problems with that call, even if he's stuffed. Gotta say that was a good first quarter for the Broncos.

[BillJasper]

Patriots look lost on defense.

[tucker rocky]

So when does Belichick start with the Jedi mind tricks on Denver?

[whomario]

So when does Belichick start with the Jedi mind tricks on Denver?

this is his mind trick, confuse Denver by letting them score points early.

[bulletsponge]

In other news, Peyton Manning will not play this season, according to
Bill Polian.

Did Colts fans really expect him to play this season Polian?

as a Vikes fan, i was praying he would

[TroyF]

Patriots going hurry up.

[Matthean]

Philly up 21-0 on the Jets. Oakland up 14-7 on Detroit. If those scores hold, Oakland has the tie breaker over the Jets for the 6th spot in the playoffs.

[TroyF]

Philly up 21-0 on the Jets. Oakland up 14-7 on Detroit. If those scores hold, Oakland has the tie breaker over the Jets for the 6th spot in the playoffs.

Yup. And worse for the Jets, the Broncos also own the tiebreaker over them. If they can't come back, this could be the killer loss. Denver not getting a lot of heat on Brady. That doesn't bode well for the rest of the day.

[BillJasper]

Not a TD.

[tucker rocky]

What happens next season for Oakland when Jason Cambell comes back from injury?
Trade possibly?
Can't see Oakland letting Palmer go, after giving up to high draft picks.

[TroyF]

What happens next season for Oakland when Jason Cambell comes back from injury?
Trade possibly?
Can't see Oakland letting Palmer go, after giving up to high draft picks.

No question he'll be dealt.

[Suburban Rhythm]

When Carter hurt his knee and was put on the cart, several Broncos went over to him to give him a little tap. When Tebow tapped his helmet, am I the only one expecting Carter to jump off the cart and begin dancing?

[Galaril]

Yup. And worse for the Jets, the Broncos also own the tiebreaker over them. If they can't come back, this could be the killer loss. Denver not getting a lot of heat on Brady. That doesn't bode well for the rest of the day.

Brady is getting rid of the ball so fast on 2 or 3 step drops it is just about impossible to get to him in that time.

[TroyF]

OK, so how about a back foot pass to the guy Champ is covering and he can maybe run 101 yards for a TD. Watson isn't there, so he should get in without controversy this time. :)

[Comey]

Shady! Harrisburg CYO pride, baby!

[TroyF]

Eagles are simply mauling the Jets. 28-0 now. 9:57 left in the second quarter.

[jeff061]

When Carter hurt his knee and was put on the cart, several Broncos went over to him to give him a little tap. When Tebow tapped his helmet, am I the only one expecting Carter to jump off the cart and begin dancing?

Ha, awesome.

And damn it Denver, stop injuring our good players.

[henry296]

What happens next season for Oakland when Jason Cambell comes back from injury?
Trade possibly?
Can't see Oakland letting Palmer go, after giving up to high draft picks.

Campbell is a free agent.

[tucker rocky]

28-0 Eagles now.

[MIJB#19]

Yeah, it hasn't been a cheap 1,000 either. Averaging close to 5 yards a carry after today. He deserves the Pro Bowl on merit this year.It'll be tough to get in the mix with Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice and Arian Foster out there in the AFC.

[tucker rocky]

Campbell is a free agent.

Oh, ok.


Thought he had a year left.

[Chubby]

people watching the Pats game: is Gronkowski out, getting doubled, or what?

[tucker rocky]

people watching the Pats game: is Gronkowski out, getting doubled, or what?

He's playing, unsure if he's being doubled.
Hernandez scored the latest TD for NE though.

[TroyF]

Getting doubled I'm sure. He is on the field.

[TroyF]

Crap. Horrible turnover there.

[Chubby]

at least he isn't hurt. I saw he has no catches and Hernandez got a td so wasn't sure what was going on. Thank goodness for Brees :D

[TroyF]

How do you not challenge that? I'm not sure if it goes as a TD, but how the hell do you not take the chance?

[tucker rocky]

NE should've reviewed that play, looked like ball never touched the ground, as Hernandez's hands were under the ball.

[k0ruptr]

Damn. Brady and Hernandez on fantasy team. I needed that

[TroyF]

OK, so we can all figure out this is going to be a slant and go here in a few minutes, right?

[SteveMax58]

Battles of the disappointments Christmas Eve.

Jets/Giants...somebody has to win!! (RIGHT?!)

[k0ruptr]

Broncos going with the Tebow gameplan again. Lol

[whomario]

Broncos setting things up for another comeback. You have to be down first to do it.

[TroyF]

Denver cannot afford those. I'm not sure why they aren't being a little more conventional here. He's being accurate and carving up the secondary. Stop the option stuff for now. Just pound em for awhile.

[kingfc22]

Somebody needs to tell that clown Santonio Holmes that his team is down 18 pts and it shouldn't even be that close.

[BillJasper]

Patriots have no faith in their kicker? It's only a 47 yard attempt.

[TroyF]

Patriots have no faith in their kicker? It's only a 47 yard attempt.

It's a foot, you have Brady, you have a bad defense. It was the right call there.

[sabotai]

Battles of the disappointments Christmas Eve.

Jets/Giants...somebody has to win!! (RIGHT?!)

Technically, no.... :)

[SirFozzie]

With the Pats getting the second half kickoff, a TD here could be huge.

[sabotai]

The Eagles are beginning their collapse earlier than scheduled.

[TroyF]

You have 1:12 left and 3 time outs if this is held up. You have to try to move down the field here. Drop back and throw the ball.

[tucker rocky]

Wasn't Brady getting mugged there? :D

[TroyF]

Ugh. I would try to go deep on the first play. The Pats are going to expect the underneath stuff. Run the slant and go now.

[SirFozzie]

Broncos better get a first, or the Pats could do it again..

[BillJasper]

You have 1:12 left and 3 time outs if this is held up. You have to try to move down the field here. Drop back and throw the ball.

Not sure you want to leave Brady :45 seconds on the clock.

[TroyF]

Ugh. Try to throw exactly where NE expects it and then run. Denver could easily be down 27-16 now with the Pats getting the ball first in the second half. That's not good.

[TroyF]

Not sure you want to leave Brady :45 seconds on the clock.

I was thinking either safe screens/swings or a deep ball. I'd still rather them do that than take a knee.

[Matthean]

One problem with the Tebow comeback is the B & B "F U" score. You know they won't let up.

[BillJasper]

I was thinking either safe screens/swings or a deep ball. I'd still rather them do that than take a knee.

Don't have to take a knee. You have three timeouts and have been gashing them in the ground all day.

[TroyF]

Have to disagree on the three stop drop thing with Brady. Denver just isn't getting pressure, period. The D isn't good enough to stand up if the two outside guys aren't getting heat. They aren't getting close to him now.

[SirFozzie]

Oh WOW. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!

[TroyF]

unbelievable.

[Pumpy Tudors]

WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO RETURN THE PUNT

[BillJasper]

Way to hand the Patriots three points.

[Thomkal]

ugh that was stupid

[Pumpy Tudors]

UP YOURS BILL COSBY

[BillJasper]

Really wasn't a smart end of half, time management by Denver.

[PilotMan]

just a lack of mental focus there.

[tucker rocky]

unbelievable.

WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO RETURN THE PUNT

ugh that was stupid

Way to hand the Patriots three points.

Belichick's jedi mind trick.

[tucker rocky]

UP YOURS BILL COSBY

http://images.quickblogcast.com/37665-34875/10ComedianBillCosby2011.jpg?a=8

[Arles]

This loss will probably be good in the long run for Green Bay. For the first time in a while, the media is going to be extremely critical of them. Hopefully, that motivates them out of the funk they were in today.

[Danny]

COme on Raiders! Come on Fantasy Teams! I have a chance (pretty good chance based on results so far) to go to the finals in 4 of my 5 leagues including both money leagues.

[bhlloy]

This loss will probably be good in the long run for Green Bay. For the first time in a while, the media is going to be extremely critical of them. Hopefully, that motivates them out of the funk they were in today.

Definitely agree with this. I think the Packers were starting to believe the hype and thought they could just show up and roll over anybody. The record is nice but obviously not the end goal.

[TroyF]

First time Brady has really been thumped all day. That has to happen a lot more this half if Denver is going to come back.

[TroyF]

Son of a bitch. These bastards let the Patriots get away with it on the first possession and then have called two on us. Go to hell refs.

[SirFozzie]

Someone should tell Fox that it's his own guy he should be yelling at, not the refs.

[BillJasper]

Ayers might have gotten away with it if he hadn't tried to twist the LT's head off. :lol:

[TroyF]

Someone should tell Fox that it's his own guy he should be yelling at, not the refs.

Despite the last post, I'm pissed at Ayers. But it sucks when those calls go one way. The ref didn't bother to look at it when it happened the other way, but has decided to look for it twice on the Broncos. Pure garbage. Either call it or don't.

[SirFozzie]

edit: Ok, Troy acknowledges it ;)

Never give the Pats a chance to get off the canvas. I'm not going to count Tebow and the Broncos out till all 0:00, but a score here could be bad..

[SirFozzie]

and they manage to stop it before it could become points.

Now the Broncos need a long clock chewer to give their defense a chance to rest

[TroyF]

A lot more pressure this half. That's what Denver needs if it wants to keep this in touch. Now it comes down to the offense. Gotta move the football.

[TroyF]

and they manage to stop it before it could become points.

Now the Broncos need a long clock chewer to give their defense a chance to rest

Nah, they just need points. I don't care how they get it. Big play, long drive, penalties, it doesn't matter. They have to score here.

[BillJasper]

Man do the Broncos have some ugly uniforms! I miss the Orange Crush days.

[tucker rocky]

35-13 Eagles

[TroyF]

This play scares me. If Tebow isn't running it, we have a tough time converting these third and shorts.

[TroyF]

Told ya. This is going to be close here.

Edit: WHEW

[SirFozzie]

Pats line beginning to get pressure on Tebow. One thing I've noticed so far is the Broncios aren't running a ton of option plays. Time to switch gears?

[BillJasper]

Tebow still looks lost when under pressure. Like he doesn't know who his hot read is.

[TroyF]

Pats line beginning to get pressure on Tebow. One thing I've noticed so far is the Broncios aren't running a ton of option plays. Time to switch gears?

Yeah, they need to switch gears. It's time to spread the Pats out and throw the ball on first down. The ball control gameplan does nothing at this point. Open it up and go.

[SirFozzie]

So we're up 11, driving with a big face mask foul, and there's only 1:30 left in the third..

so why am I starting to get nervous?

[BillJasper]

And that should be the ball game.

[SirFozzie]

And that should be the ball game.


YOU FOOL!

We've seen this script too many times for me to say anything like that.

[tucker rocky]

Notice:

Tebow Time has been cancelled today due to Denver being 1 dimensional.

[Grover]

I do not miss Quan Cosby in Cincinnati.

[BillJasper]

We've seen this script too many times for me to say anything like that.

Thing is, the Patriots don't take their foot off of the gas.

[TroyF]

So we're up 11, driving with a big face mask foul, and there's only 1:30 left in the third..

so why am I starting to get nervous?

Not sure, Denver is in trouble. The D can't stop the Pats. The Broncos O has to open things up now. (I have no idea why it wasn't opened up on the last possession) This is what Fox has been doing. Tebow hasn't been perfect, but he hasn't been bad either. Yet Denver has passed on first down 4 times in the game. Tebow is 3-4 for 50 yards on those four throws. It's predictable and it has helped put Denver in the position they are in.

By the way, there have been 17 called runs on first downs compared to the 4 passes. All it takes to shut down a Denver drive in the first three quarters is to stop them on first down. I don't get it.

[SirFozzie]

Thing is, the Patriots don't take their foot off of the gas.

Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots - Box Score - December 04, 2011 - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=311204017)

Objection! Assumes Facts not in evidence!

[ColtCrazy]

I so hate the Patriots. I'm getting that feeling they'll make it to the Super Bowl..which means I'll need to avoid Indy for 2 weeks.

[TroyF]

Run on first down. Penalty, 1st and 14, run on first down again.

At some point, you have to let the kid play. The playcalling is a joke and has as much to do with Denver's failings in the first three quarters of every game as Tebow does.