2012 NFL Regular Season Thread - We've move to weekly threads. Reply No Mo'!!.

[GrantDawg]

I don't think I saw any games last year involving the Browns, but I didn't get the impression that Colt McCoy performed that badly. Did he really do so bad that the Browns felt it was necessary to start a rookie QB this year?


Honestly, he ought to be starting just for the best QB name ever.

[kingfc22]

Locker and Nate Washington get knocked out in the same play. Titans chances just improved if Locker is out.

[DaddyTorgo]

Even better - an incomplete pass. So all that potential injuring for nothing.

[Thomkal]

I guess Mark Sanchez didn't like all that Tebow talk huh?

[Galaril]

Better for Titan WR's if he doesn't. He's been winging them high all day.

My thought too. geez they are all high.

[Lathum]

Chris Johnson still sucks

[Galaril]

Whoever is throwing passes to them but IF (big if) Britt can get his off the field shit together he and Kendall Wright are going to be a great WR tandem .

[Galaril]

Chris Johnson still sucks

Yup. Glad I didn't draft in Fantasy this year. The Titans line is shit too though. I got to give some serious credit to the Pats front 7 they they are playing like monsters.

[Matthean]

Another Lions game, and another stretcher on the field. This time Saffold of the Rams.

[jeff061]

For as bad the Pats D was last year, they were pretty stout against the run. Not surprised at all if they have a good run d this year.

[kingfc22]

There are a couple of BAD teams out there today.

[Matthean]

Once people get past the talk of RGIII, Shanny looks to have another late round(6th) RB steal. Morris has 90 yards and a TD.

[sabotai]

After the Eagles-Browns game, FOX is showing the 49ers-Packers. It'll be nice to watch 2 NFL teams play later today.

[sabotai]

Vick just threw his 4th INT, this time a pick 6.

[mckerney]

whos worse? gabbert or ponder?

Ponder. The answer is Ponder is worse.

[SirFozzie]

If the Patriots run this season the way they are today, it's going to be a very good season for them

[Matthean]

Ponder. The answer is Ponder is worse.

Weeden still "wins." Philly getting beat by the Browns is inexcusable on so many levels.

[sabotai]

A common theme for Andy Reid is that he calls way too many pass plays. So far today, Shady McCoy has 12 carries, Vick has 41 pass attempts (with 2 sacks and 3 scrambles, so 47 pass plays called so far).

[kingfc22]

Oh silly Jags. Looks like they were playing the Hail Mary, but the Vikes drop it underneath and out of bounds to set up the game tying FG.

[Rizon]

Tannenbum and the Celebrifins lookin gooooooooood.

[Matthean]

Lions score a TD with :10 left to go up 27-23.

[DougW]

Lions didn't deserve this win, but, nice final drive.

[Coffee Warlord]

First 5 minutes aside, Bears offense has looked pretty damn good. I take back some of what I've said.

[kingfc22]

RG3 is going to be exciting to watch this year.

[AlexB]

First 5 minutes aside, Bears offense has looked pretty damn good. I take back some of what I've said.

Ditto. The boos came out folwing the pick6, but they have been very good since

[wade moore]

Aside from my Redskins excitement.

The Saints seem a bit lost. Is it the lack of Payton? Just a bad game? Are they losing a step?

[kingfc22]

Worst thing about finally being a good team in the NFC = Joe Buck

[Radii]

Aside from my Redskins excitement.

DC area sports talk radio is going to be hilarious this week. OH THE EXPECTATIONS.

The Saints seem a bit lost. Is it the lack of Payton? Just a bad game? Are they losing a step?

I hope they remain a train wreck for 15 more games, its glorious.

[sabotai]

Looking at their stats last year, New Orleans didn't have a great defense. They were 3rd worst in the league vs the pass, and I'm sure a lot of that is because they were winning in most of their games, but they don't have impressive defensive stats in any area. Pretty much middle of the road or worse. Take away the head coach and the defensive coordinator, and I'm not surprised if their defense looks lost.

[kingfc22]

I hope they remain a train wreck for 15 more games, its glorious.

:+1:

Karma's a bitch

[bulletsponge]

Vick is trying to throw another pick

[DaddyTorgo]

Vick is trying to throw another pick

:+1:

Karma's a bitch

it is here too

[sabotai]

Are the Redskins letting the Saints hang in for too long....I'll laugh my ass off is New Orleans pulls off the comeback

[sabotai]

I know you don't want to destroy a rookie's confidence, but the Browns need to get the ball down the field and quickly. They really should just bring McCoy in for this drive.

[kingfc22]

Best game of the week has the worst replacement crew. Great...

[sabotai]

Weeden throws his 4th pick, and the game is over.

[Matthean]

Vick is trying to throw another pick

I see your Vick and raise you a Weeden.

[Thomkal]

ya know I'm not so sad that the Saints got embarassed by a rookie QB at home and Brees throwing an INT to end their comeback chances given his twitter posts and statements about "BountyGate". Hope they continue to struggle.

[Lathum]

Wow, really shaky personal foul call against Smith negates a nice sack.

[Thomkal]

If anyone is watching the Cards/Seahawks game, give me updates please. I've got Carolina/Tampa Bay and Mike Martz of all people doing color commentary. Pray for me. ;)

[Matthean]

Weeden finishes 12-35, 118 yards, 3.4 average, and with 4 INTs. Healthy or not, Trent isn't running anywhere if a QB has zero chance of being a threat.

[kingfc22]

2 sacks already for the Niners D.

[wade moore]

DC area sports talk radio is going to be hilarious this week. OH THE EXPECTATIONS.

Oh god, you're telling me.

[cuervo72]

This is about the most excited I've been as a Skins fan in over a decade.

Skins looked really good today. And yes - they're an interesting team to watch. I watched more of them than the Eagles today.


Speaking of look - what's with the new jersey cut/fabric? THe two-tone makes every player look like they have sweaty backs/stomachs. Looks like crap, IMO.

[whomario]

OK, maybe i´m stupid and certainly didn´t see the whole game (but decent chunks) but didn´t Ponder play a pretty good game ?

[kingfc22]

Akers. We need less of that this year

[Matthean]

OK, maybe i´m stupid and certainly didn´t see the whole game (but decent chunks) but didn´t Ponder play a pretty good game ?

105.5 QB rating.

[miami_fan]

Being a Miami fan, it's nice to know my Sundays are going to be free this fall. :D

I may actually out-do my wife's honey-do list between not having to spend too much time with the Hurricanes on Saturdays and the Dolphins on Sundays.

Oh well, October 30th will be here soon.

[whomario]

oh man, Skelton had the choice of ramming it in, did a tricky shovle pass instead put puts it juuuuust high of the receiver ...

[Buccaneer]

whos worse? gabbert or ponder?

Ponder. The answer is Ponder is worse.

105.5 QB rating.

I guess the earlier posters were talking about a different Ponder.

[whomario]

i get that you are skeptical after last year, it just seems weird to write off a 2nd year QB like that (admittedly i didn´t see a second of preseason).

[Matthean]

(admittedly i didn´t see a second of preseason).

Because preseason means so much.

[Lathum]

And there is the make up call.

Alex Smith looks really composed.

[SirFozzie]

These are some stinky stinky refs in the GB-SF game

[kingfc22]

Niners offense looks so much more fluid than last year.

Big test now: Red Zone

[Shkspr]

These are some stinky stinky refs in the GB-SF game

No, that one was totally legit. The ref saw a play just like that last year in the big playoff between Valley and East Grove, and so knew just how to call it.

[whomario]

Wow, even i could see Moss wide open on that play, what an easy TD for the 49ers

[kingfc22]

TD Moss! :D

[Radii]

solid goal line stand for Carolina, but Tampa leads 13-0, Panthers offense looks pretty bad so far.

[Easy Mac]

Jesus Christ Skelton, its a 3 yard pass. He's missed like 3 goal line passes already.

[Lathum]

Jesus, what a dreadful call on the offensive PI in the Packers game.

[kingfc22]

This crew in the GB/SF game is in over their heads

[britrock88]

Thomas Davis with two strong tackles to keep Tampa out of the end zone last series. Will we see any signs of the Carolina offense before the half? (11 passes and 5 runs so far, grumble grumble.)

[Lathum]

This crew in the GB/SF game is in over their heads

they sure are, and in the worst possible game for the NFL.

[Lathum]

And Jermichael Finley gets hurt being a dumbass

[Matthean]

Jesus Christ Skelton, its a 3 yard pass. He's missed like 3 goal line passes already.

And still outplaying Wilson. :D

[kingfc22]

That ball was 10 feet over the receivers head and Finley instigated that crap.

WTF!

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - GB/SF refs are brutal.

Completely uncatchable ball.

[SirFozzie]

I sense a fine and or/suspension for that step on the leg.

[Glengoyne]

Jesus, what a dreadful call on the offensive PI in the Packers game.


Ahhh they made up for it.

[AlexB]

Looked bad in slowmo, but in real time thought it was accidental

[Lathum]

I sense a fine and or/suspension for that step on the leg.

I highly doubt it, if Finley hadn't been a douche by straddling him that never happens.

[bronconick]

Finley's a whiny bitch.

[Glengoyne]

Did Randy Moss just lay down?

[whomario]

Moss doesn´t even pretend to fight for yards nowadays, does he ? He better catch a lof of open passes ...

[Crapshoot]

Moss has been fine. We're not complaining.

But the officials in this game are awful, both ways. Staley jumped there.

[kingfc22]

Moss has been fine. We're not complaining.

But the officials in this game are awful, both ways. Staley jumped there.

Agreed

[Crapshoot]

they sure are, and in the worst possible game for the NFL.

"" - marquee matchip.

The NFL makes billions of $ each year, and insists on trying to screw its players and its officials. Just an all around run by dickheads league.

[kingfc22]

Hey Buck - Shut your trap. Niners offense is moving up and down the field just fine right now. Leave the personnel decisions up to the staff on the sidelines.

[britrock88]

Why fight for yards if you're past the sticks? (I didn't see to know whether that was the case for Moss.) That's when defenders pile on and strip the ball.

[Jas_lov]

Who could have predicted that the replacement refs would be a disaster. They missed 3 false start penalties on that 49er drive that led to 3 points.

[kingfc22]

They've missed about 10+ calls so far...on both sides.

[Solecismic]

It was nice for a few years having the score and some game information always on the screen.

My old CRT television still works just fine. But Fox sees fit to place the score box in the area only visible on wide-screen televisions or with letterboxing, which my television is too old to handle.

Thanks, Fox.

[whomario]

interesting play call by the 49ers

[Lathum]

David Akers, holy crap

[cartman]

Wow, 63 yard FG! Ties the all-time NFL record.

[Jas_lov]

I don't know what the Packers were thinking trying to start a drive from the 15 with 40 seconds left. All Rodgers had to do on that 3rd down was fall down and force SF to use its last TO. Instead, he threw it away and gave SF 3 points.

[whomario]

Awesome kick :)

[kingfc22]

Couldn't ask for a better first half from the Niners. Last year the coaching staff was always better after half with adjustments so I'm excited to see what they come out with.

[Crapshoot]

Why fight for yards if you're past the sticks? (I didn't see to know whether that was the case for Moss.) That's when defenders pile on and strip the ball.

He did nothing wrong. Its just pileon for the sake of it.

[MizzouRah]

I'll take that Rams game, we are about 1-2 years out from having a good team.

[kingfc22]

I was hoping for an improved offense. Damn. This has been machine like so far.

[kingfc22]

@richEisen: SF/GB is easily the worst reffed of the replacement week. McCarthy/Harbaugh might eat someone's young by game's end.
30 seconds ago

[whomario]

i actually think refs will call it a TD more leniently to start with in the future, that way they are sure to get a look at it to get it right either way. (whereas, as i understand it, if you mistakingly rule it not a TD only the coaches can challenge ?)

[whomario]

great catch

[kingfc22]

Alex Smith everyone.

[tucker rocky]

I see the GB defense has shown improvement. :popcorn:
Pass coverage still awful.

[Glengoyne]

He did nothing wrong. Its just pileon for the sake of it.


Not piling on here, Just seeing a receiver fall down of his own free will is not a common event in the NFL. Even considering that he picked up the first down.

[tucker rocky]

David Akers, holy crap

Wow, 63 yard FG! Ties the all-time NFL record.

Awesome kick :)

To bad he couldn't do that with Philly. :p

[BillJasper]

Niners look mean. But it was only a matter of time before having absolutely no rushing game caught up with the Packers.

[kingfc22]

I know it was said earlier by someone in the thread, but Finley is a whiny little bitch of a TE

[tucker rocky]

I predict SF will make the SB this year.
AFC team, not sure.

[Crapshoot]

That was a ridiculous call.

[tucker rocky]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000060023/article/matt-schaub-signs-houston-texans-contract-extension?module=HP11_headline_stack

What's the over/under on when Schaub gets hurt?

[kingfc22]

#56 with a clear block in the back on Dixon. Not sure why that one got picked up.

[Dr. Sak]

These guys (refs) are having a rough day.

[bulletsponge]

the Kevin Kolb era in arizona is about to begin..... again

[stevew]

John Skelton with a bad looking injury.

[tucker rocky]

SF INT's, GB defense showing how to wrap up and tackle.

[kingfc22]

Good bounce back from SF after that blown call on the PR

[tucker rocky]

John Skelton with a bad looking injury.

Garrard, McNabb, V.Young available for Arizona to sign.

[kingfc22]

God these officials are making a mockery of themselves.

[BillJasper]

God these officials are making a mockery of themselves.

So pass interference is dictated by how much the offensive player complains?

[BillJasper]

Never understand why defenses think its a good idea to quite rushing the QB in the fourth quarter. They almost always end up getting burned by it.

[Crapshoot]

The pass interference calls are basically responding to home pressure.

[kingfc22]

Never understand why defenses think its a good idea to quite rushing the QB in the fourth quarter. They almost always end up getting burned by it.

Yea. Horrible scheme on that last drive by the Niners

[stevew]

The Bucs were blacked out on opening day. What a disgraceful fanbase.

[stevew]

I really like the carbon fiber details on the Seahawks new helmets.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Didn't see the Eagles/Browns game, but by the stats it looks like it went like this:

Vick: Hey rookie, you might be old enough to be my father, but you showed no form on that interception. Here's how you throw a pick with style!

Weeden: Like this?

Vick: You're getting better, but not quite there. It's more like this.

Weeden: I see! So it's more like this?

Vick: No. Like this.

Weeden: Wow. That was a sweet pick. You sure can throw them pretty-like. How's this one?

Vick: Now you're getting the hang of it, grandpa! Next time put a little more air under it like this.

[Thomkal]

the Kevin Kolb era in arizona is about to begin..... again

:sigh:

[tucker rocky]

Looks like the discount double check title may be changing hands.

[Thomkal]

Garrard, McNabb, V.Young available for Arizona to sign.

None of which they want anything to do with.

[Crapshoot]

I'm sure the refs considered calling PI on that as well. :rolleyes:

[Matthean]

Arizona pretty much begging Seattle to win the game.

[tucker rocky]

I really like the carbon fiber details on the Seahawks new helmets.

Thought the Oregon Ducks were playing. :lol:

[Crapshoot]

Did the refs lose count of timeouts in this game?

[Thomkal]

solid goal line stand for Carolina, but Tampa leads 13-0, Panthers offense looks pretty bad so far.

Panthers offense looked like what we expected it would look like last season with Cam Newton in his first NFL game. Looked very tight.

[stevew]

Arizona is getting screwed on a fake timeout

[Crapshoot]

Is anyone else laughing at this Arizona - Seattle thing? They may have screwed Arizona out of the game.

[kingfc22]

Did the refs lose count of timeouts in this game?

Late game officials doing their best to get noticed

[Lathum]

This is getting worse...

[Thomkal]

whew

[kingfc22]

Edwards with a drop pass. Where's my "shocked" face?!

[Thomkal]

Hey Commisioner, I hope you were watching this fiasco with the refs....

[stevew]

Seahawks coming up short with 2 PI inside the redzone, a fake timeout, basically 6-7 chances to win the game there. Fuck off Pete Carroll

[tucker rocky]

Maybe Seattle should've stuck Matt Flynn in there at the end.

[Thomkal]

surprised the refs didn't give SF another timeout there. :)

[bulletsponge]

Pete carroll "wernt the refs supposed to call a pass interference there?"

[stevew]

You can correct bad reffing, you can't correct the sanctimonious prick nature of the old guys.

Pereira included.

[Matthean]

I wonder how bad Simmons wants to rewrite his QB article. Not that Wilson played bad, but 1st and 10 at the 13 and another PI to get it at the four and yet they get nothing for it. They must of had at least 6 shots from the 13 on in.

[DaddyTorgo]

I was only half paying attention - did the Seahawks call two straight fade routes, three straight passes, and no swing passes or anything there?

Bad play-calling IMO.

[Radii]

Panthers offense looked like what we expected it would look like last season with Cam Newton in his first NFL game. Looked very tight.

Yep, and they still had a legit shot to win, too bad. So many mistakes all over. Also Williams and Tolbert combined for 7 rushing attempts only, they gave up on running waaaaay too easily in such a close game.

[Lathum]

You can correct bad reffing, you can't correct the sanctimonious prick nature of the old guys.

Pereira included.

You can't correct it on the job while fans are subject to some dreadful calls

[stevew]

I'm not betting on these games, I couldn't care less.

[Lathum]

I'm not betting on these games, I couldn't care less.

Betting on the game is arbitrary, any bad call that screws one better inevitably helps someone who took the opposite bet. It's more about skewing the competitive balance.

[Thomkal]

Yep, and they still had a legit shot to win, too bad. So many mistakes all over. Also Williams and Tolbert combined for 7 rushing attempts only, they gave up on running waaaaay too easily in such a close game.

Yeah that's pretty miserable on the rushing attempts. I suppose it hurt with Stewart not playing, but they still should have been able to do more there.

[tucker rocky]

So Tom Brady suffered a blow to his nose, hope a penalty wasn't called for roughing. :lol:

[tucker rocky]

Faith Hill looking good in the short black dress. :)

[BillJasper]

Faith Hill looking good in the short black dress. :)

Indeed. :D

Anyone else notice the NBC live feed stuttering?

[Lathum]

I'm excited to see how badly the refs botch things up on a national stage

[tucker rocky]

I'm excited to see how badly the refs botch things up on a national stage

These refs (Pitt vs. Den), were hand picked from the Ed Hochuli gene pool. :lol:

[wade moore]

Skins looked really good today. And yes - they're an interesting team to watch. I watched more of them than the Eagles today.


Speaking of look - what's with the new jersey cut/fabric? THe two-tone makes every player look like they have sweaty backs/stomachs. Looks like crap, IMO.

I'm with you 1000%. The two tone stomach thing is absurd.

[Logan]

Alex Smith played really well today.

[tucker rocky]

Alex Smith played really well today.

I hear State Farm is looking for a new spokesperson for
"Discount Double Check".

[Desnudo]

I wonder how bad Simmons wants to rewrite his QB article. Not that Wilson played bad, but 1st and 10 at the 13 and another PI to get it at the four and yet they get nothing for it. They must of had at least 6 shots from the 13 on in.

Better call it a career. Clearly no good.

[DaddyTorgo]

One small thing I like about the replacement refs - they're actually calling delay-of-game and enforcing the play-clock, unlike the regular refs.

[Pumpy Tudors]

One small thing I like about the replacement refs - they're actually calling delay-of-game and enforcing the play-clock, unlike the regular refs.
Of course, as soon as you say that, they grant a timeout that was called after the back judge had already thrown a delay of game flag. :)

[Dr. Sak]

One small thing I like about the replacement refs - they're actually calling delay-of-game and enforcing the play-clock, unlike the regular refs.

They are taught by the same people...there's a philosophy difference that the replacement refs aren't following.

[DaddyTorgo]

Of course, as soon as you say that, they grant a timeout that was called after the back judge had already thrown a delay of game flag. :)

Yep - lol

They are taught by the same people...there's a philosophy difference that the replacement refs aren't following.

Which is good - I like that they're not following it. If the league wants the rule to be called differently then they should change it.

[Dr. Sak]

Which is good - I like that they're not following it. If the league wants the rule to be called differently then they should change it.

Well if they continue to ref in this league they will learn the philosophy and not call it like they are.

[DaddyTorgo]

Well if they continue to ref in this league they will learn the philosophy and not call it like they are.

Which would stink. :(

[stevew]

Manning is getting hit a lot more than I remember him taking

[Dr. Sak]

Which would stink. :(

The reasons for these Philosophies are to not have a foul every play of the game. They are the gray area...that take the Rulebook (which is black and white) and introduces guidelines to make the game run smooth without either team getting a significant advantage or disadvantage by (for lack of a better term) bending the rules.

[DaddyTorgo]

The reasons for these Philosophies are to not have a foul every play of the game. They are the gray area...that take the Rulebook (which is black and white) and introduces guidelines to make the game run smooth without either team getting a significant advantage or disadvantage by (for lack of a better term) bending the rules.

So why not just add 2 seconds to the play clock and inform teams that it will be called strictly? It's an arbitrary amount of time - if they want it to be longer they should just make it longer.

It's a rulebook - it should be black and white. They're RULES not suggestions. It's in the name.

//grumpy old man rant

[tucker rocky]

Manning is getting hit a lot more than I remember him taking

Age.

[stevew]

Illegal formation penalties really chap my ass

[stevew]

They teach lining up properly to like 8 year olds

[stevew]

Just show the hat home fans the play clock delayed by a second or two

[Dr. Sak]

So why not just add 2 seconds to the play clock and inform teams that it will be called strictly? It's an arbitrary amount of time - if they want it to be longer they should just make it longer.

It's a rulebook - it should be black and white. They're RULES not suggestions. It's in the name.

//grumpy old man rant

You complain about the amount of flags and if you want the game called by the letter of every rule then you will have a flag on 3 out of every 4 plays and you will complain even more.

With the play clock the Back Judge will watch it and when it hits zero his eyes go to the snap and if it is snapped immediately after the play is fine. This is used when time is not critical. When time is critical the rule is called tighter so one team doesn't get that advantage.

[Dr. Sak]

They teach lining up properly to like 8 year olds

Those tackles are trying to gain that edge because they are getting beat by the speed rush.

[DaddyTorgo]

You complain about the amount of flags and if you want the game called by the letter of every rule then you will have a flag on 3 out of every 4 plays and you will complain even more.

With the play clock the Back Judge will watch it and when it hits zero his eyes go to the snap and if it is snapped immediately after the play is fine. This is used when time is not critical. When time is critical the rule is called tighter so one team doesn't get that advantage.

So why don't they change the rules then?

Okay...I guess that makes sense.

[stevew]

Those tackles are trying to gain that edge because they are getting beat by the speed rush.

I actually thought they were going to call it on the 2WR that were both on the line there.

[cartman]

Broncos Receivers Keep Forgetting They Can Run Farther Than 5 Yards Downfield On Passing Plays | The Onion - America's Finest News Source (http://www.theonion.com/articles/broncos-receivers-keep-forgetting-they-can-run-far,29483/)

[TroyF]

You complain about the amount of flags and if you want the game called by the letter of every rule then you will have a flag on 3 out of every 4 plays and you will complain even more.

With the play clock the Back Judge will watch it and when it hits zero his eyes go to the snap and if it is snapped immediately after the play is fine. This is used when time is not critical. When time is critical the rule is called tighter so one team doesn't get that advantage.


They brutalized Tebow on those calls last year. Never gave him a half second, much less two. That said, MOST of the time they give two, so I'm not really bothered by that non call.

The replacement refs in the Packers game were terrible, but it isn't like there hasn't been missed calls on block in the backs on punt returns from the "real" refs. (I remember a KC/Denver game where a blatant block in the back led to a 95+ yard return.

The time out thing was horrible as well and could have screwed the Cardinals. That said, I consider NFL refs to be almost as bad as NBA refs most of the time. They miss countless calls each week. I hope the guys who are focusing so hard on their mistakes come back and hammer the real refs when they get back.

My observations so far:

1) Wasn't surprised Dallas beat NYG. Not even a little surprised.
2) Lots of good QB's struggled, I wonder how much of that deals with how little most starters played in the preseason this year.
3) It's really hard to make judgements on most of the games this early. A lot of blowouts, but history has shown a blowout on opening day doesn't doom you. (NE vs. Buffalo in the Bledsoe game anyone?) It will be interesting to see which of the blowout teams come back next week with good efforts.
4) As an OK State guy, I love Weeden. I mean, I love what he did for OK State. I never watched him and thought to myself (I sure hope he QB's my team) Quite the opposite actually. I really don't know what the Browns were doing. They have so many other holes that need addressing. A 30 year old rookie QB always seemed to me like a wasted pick.
5) It's only one game, and you can't make snap judgements, but Wilson looked really poor for most of the day. He REALLY struggled in the pocket with batted down pass after poor throw. His TD pass was high and could easily have been a tip/int type play. Just wasn't really impressed. We'll see how he bounces back next week.
6) 18 of the 26 teams to play full games put up 20 or more points. In fact, teams who scored under 20 matched those who scored over 30 (8)

[Dr. Sak]

That said, I consider NFL refs to be almost as bad as NBA refs most of the time. They miss countless calls each week. I hope the guys who are focusing so hard on their mistakes come back and hammer the real refs when they get back.



With all due respect you are wrong unless you consider getting 98% of the plays right a game a failure.

[stevew]

Ah..Willie Colon is back. How I've missed his dumbass penalties.

[Swaggs]

Dwyer looks like a pretty solid option for the Steelers, but I hope they quit throwing to him. He has some of the worst hands on an NFL RB that I have seen in quite some time.

[DaddyTorgo]

NFL refs are FAR better than NBA refs

[Swaggs]

Ha... just I say that, he finally catches one for a loss. :)

[stevew]

Fat fuck Colon

[Swaggs]

Fat fuck Colon

He's trying to piss me off, Rod Barajas-style.

[stevew]

I think both of the incorrect spots neutralize each other. Maybe.

[stevew]

He's trying to piss me off, Rod Barajas-style.

Barajas is the ultimate troll

Don't like that free shot on Ben there.

[stevew]

Jesus christ

[TroyF]

With all due respect you are wrong unless you consider getting 98% of the plays right a game a failure.

I don't think they get even close to 98%. Part of it is due to the fact that each crew enforces their own set of rules and nobody really goes by the book. They use the excuse that if every call was made, the game would be a flagfest. . . but the resulting mess ends up being holding calls that are different from week to week and crew to crew, PI being called differently and blown call after blown call.

To each their own. I still watch, so it obviously does not bother me as much as some people think it does, but some of the calls are brutal and I don't believe for a second officials make less than 5 mistakes in an average game (what they would need to do to hit 98 percent.

[stevew]

How many more years of LeBeau's dumb shit do I have to deal with.

[TroyF]

I don't know if I should be happy, or if I should feel really frightened about how our exhausted defense is going to do on this next drive.

[mauchow]

Missed obvious hold (because that particular ref was worried about running down the sideline to ensure he can get his hands up for the TD call) but I don't care because I'm a fan of Manning tonight.

[stevew]

If a guy is out because of a helmet to helmet concussion, they should eject the defender as well.

[TroyF]

I hope the league suspends Moore for multiple weeks for that cheap shot. Idiotic and 100% unnecessary.

[TroyF]

If a guy is out because of a helmet to helmet concussion, they should eject the defender as well.


I don't care if the WR is out or not. A hit like that should have been an immediate ejection and multiple game suspension. That was as cheap as it gets.

[stevew]

One week is dreaming, but I'd guess he loses 10-25K. Seriously though, he should have been tossed there

[DaddyTorgo]

Not that it matters or anything, but I always thought Dumervil was white. I think i was getting my mental picture of him confused with Jason Allen or something.

[dubb93]

I don't care if the WR is out or not. A hit like that should have been an immediate ejection and multiple game suspension. That was as cheap as it gets.

Looked to me like the defender was low. Looked like Sanders saw him out of the corner of his eye and went down to hit him resulting in the helmet to helmet.

[SirFozzie]

Steelers with 25 plays in the third quarter. Broncos with 2

[TroyF]

This drive is about as bad as it gets from a defensive perspective.

1) 2 INT's slip through fingers.
2) 3rd and 10 results in first down on blow to the head after an incomplete pass
3) Allow a 3rd and 18 conversion
4) Personal foul after a tackle for a loss that would have made it 2nd and long.
5) 3rd and 7 turns into an easy first down

This is the perfect handbook on how not to play D. Steelers will be up six in a few moments.

[stevew]

Amazing that we figured out that TE and RB were eligible recivers

[TroyF]

Looked to me like the defender was low. Looked like Sanders saw him out of the corner of his eye and went down to hit him resulting in the helmet to helmet.

There was zero need to hit the player there. That wasn't bang/bang. he didn't make an effort to lay off, instead he simply lowered his head. I don't care if he'd hit him in the stomach with the crown of the helmet, it was cheap and not necessary.

[Dr. Sak]

I don't think they get even close to 98%. Part of it is due to the fact that each crew enforces their own set of rules and nobody really goes by the book. They use the excuse that if every call was made, the game would be a flagfest. . . but the resulting mess ends up being holding calls that are different from week to week and crew to crew, PI being called differently and blown call after blown call.

To each their own. I still watch, so it obviously does not bother me as much as some people think it does, but some of the calls are brutal and I don't believe for a second officials make less than 5 mistakes in an average game (what they would need to do to hit 98 percent.

Whether you believe it or not, the 98% is a fact.

Part of me is curious what calls you think are blown since in your opinion there are so many. But after reading the bolded statement above, I know no matter what I say you will still say I am wrong...so I am just going to leave it be.

[britrock88]

The Bucs were blacked out on opening day. What a disgraceful fanbase.

Those that were in attendance got loud at all the appropriate times, if the Fox broadcast is any indication.

[stevew]

No reason to wait that long for a challenge.

[tucker rocky]

Oh my goodness, Mr. Goodell needs to get the real refs back immediately.

[mauchow]

These refs are getting run over so easily by coaches.

[larrymcg421]

This new Broncos QB is pretty good.

[tucker rocky]

It's also a waste of a challenge, as Denver was stopped on the play anyway.

[TroyF]

Whether you believe it or not, the 98% is a fact.

Part of me is curious what calls you think are blown since in your opinion there are so many. But after reading the bolded statement above, I know no matter what I say you will still say I am wrong...so I am just going to leave it be.

In last years Steeler/Bronco game in the playoffs, there were 6 blown (and I mean BLOWN) calls that I can think of right off the top of my head. Two Tebow face masks missed. A Big Ben face mask missed. Multiple missed spots and some clear holding penalties on the Broncos (again, obvious holds that were let go)

For 98% to be accurate, there would have to be less than 5 mistakes a game. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen a game in years with less than five officiating mistakes.

[Swaggs]

Wonder what the Colts would look like if they had kept Manning and taken a Godfather deal on pick 1.1...

[tucker rocky]

This new Broncos QB is pretty good.

Only for a couple seasons, or until the next aging QB comes along.

[stevew]

Nobody can tackle

[kingfc22]

When are players going to learn to not lower their heads 90 degrees into oncoming hits?

[stevew]

Wow. Retarded throw.

[Lathum]

Peyton Manning doesn't look like a guy who has missed over 600 days. Broncos fans have reason to be very excited.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Tracy Porter does a damn good Tracy Porter impression.

[Swaggs]

Hopefully, the refs come back soon so we don't have to keep hearing Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth bitch about the replacements.

[bhlloy]

They're right though. I actually think the replacements did a decent job most of the postseason, but from catching the last half of the 49ers-Packers game and the late game tonight, they were pretty terrible.

[Daimyo]

Really happy for Manning. Rooting for him as a Bronco was much easier than I expected it would be. He looks really weird in those colors though.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

rg3 looked really good. peyton looked good. jets d looked good (or fitzpatrick is awful. both are likely)

good job cleveland drafting/starting a 28 yr old project qb from a gimmick offense. colt mccoy throwing left handed would have won the game. hell, they coulda punted on first down every time and let the eagles beat themselves

[Ksyrup]

Looks like SI.com and ESPN.com both have the same pic of Manning on their home page/main story.

[gstelmack]

For 98% to be accurate, there would have to be less than 5 mistakes a game. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen a game in years with less than five officiating mistakes.

I think it depends on what the 98% is compared to. If you consider the number of possible penalties on any given play, it could be right. Is it "98% of all penalty calls are correct"? How are no-calls when there should have been a penalty handled? As with any studies, it is important to know the details of what should have been measured.

Were there any truly game altering missed calls yesterday, a la Ed Hochuli in the Denver / San Diego game a few years ago, or the blown Jerome Bettis Super Bowl coin toss? I know there was the potential for one in the Seattle / Arizona game, although the clock had been stopped so the impact of the extra timeout was minimal (plus Seattle threw incomplete on the next play).

[Ksyrup]

The other thing with the extra TO is everyone is pointing to the running play, and certainly having the extra TO gave them the opportunity to run a running play there, which is in and of itself an advantage, but people arguing that more time would have run off are missing the obvious - they probably wouldn't have run the ball there if they knew they didn't have a TO. So while it was an advantage in that it gave them the flexibility of calling a run, without the TO, the clock still wasn't going to be much of a factor because they likely would have thrown on every play.

[gstelmack]

I know there was the potential for one in the Seattle / Arizona game, although the clock had been stopped so the impact of the extra timeout was minimal (plus Seattle threw incomplete on the next play).

And according to Peter King, a fourth timeout happened not too long ago with the "real" officials:

This isn't the first time a team mistakenly got four timeouts in a half; it happened in a Browns-Ravens game in 2009.

[BillJasper]

Good to see the media is already fitting RGIII for his Hall of Fame jacket...

[Matthean]

Good to see the media is already fitting RGIII for his Hall of Fame jacket...

People fornicated over Cam after his first game as well and yet he seemed rather human yesterday. Lets see what happens after more games and against a team that didn't lose it's head coach and defensive coordinator during the offseason.

[Ksyrup]

Forgot to mention... I was in the car yesterday listening to the GB feed of the game on XM, and one of the GB announcers called Aaron Rodgers A-Rod. Seriously. Maybe I heard it wrong and he called him A-Rodge, but either way, that is stupid. You may hate the guy, but there's only one A-Rod. Retire that stupidity, now.

[spleen1015]

Good to see the media is already fitting RGIII for his Hall of Fame jacket...

At least he has some what earned a certain bit of fornication, unlike some others the media likes to fornicate over.

The Colts game was a little hard to watch. They lost at least 5 first downs on plays that were as dumb as they come. Luck over threw Wayne twice. Donald Brown dropped 2 passes that were right in his hands and Fleener did the same damn thing. That interception that Luck threw in the 2nd quarter was a tad underthrown but the DB made a damn good play to make the interception. He gets more credit for the INT than Luck gets for a bad thrown, IMO.

I am glad the Redskins beat the Saints and RG3 looked good doing it.

I am excited NFL football is back!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even double Pulitzer winning cartoonist Mike Luckovich is getting in on the act. Not a LOL, but I'll concede that I smiled at this one for a moment

http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/files/2012/09/mike090912.jpg

[gstelmack]

People fornicated over Cam after his first game as well and yet he seemed rather human yesterday.

The Panthers O-Line was just manhandled by the Bucs' D-Line. I admittedly did not get to watch a ton of the game, but what I did see was Cam Newton running for his life, and a Panthers team that abandoned the run game completely. I don't think you can blame Cam or even the defense (who were the scapegoats last year) for yesterday's loss.

On the other hand I was happy that the Patriots stole the Panthers' running game, that was nice.

[Dutch]

People fornicated over Cam after his first game as well and yet he seemed rather human yesterday. Lets see what happens after more games and against a team that didn't lose it's head coach and defensive coordinator during the offseason.

I think it's okay to get excited about rookie performances, but yes, let's keep it in perspective. He's a rookie and there are still so many directions for him to take. In any event...it's a very promising start to his career.

[Logan]

The Panthers O-Line was just manhandled by the Bucs' D-Line. I admittedly did not get to watch a ton of the game, but what I did see was Cam Newton running for his life, and a Panthers team that abandoned the run game completely. I don't think you can blame Cam or even the defense (who were the scapegoats last year) for yesterday's loss.


I was watching that game with a few other Rutgers grads...Schiano's effect on that team is very clear. From the blitz schemes, to the punt block, a couple of running plays right out of the playbook...

[cougarfreak]

I think people forget how shitty the real refs are as well. I chuckled every time yesterday I heard an announcer complaining about replacements refs. I'd love it if they did the real thing to the real refs as well, but that won't happen.

[spleen1015]

I think people forget how shitty the real refs are as well. I chuckled every time yesterday I heard an announcer complaining about replacements refs. I'd love it if they did the real thing to the real refs as well, but that won't happen.

Just wait until they come back and everyone talks about how good they are. :D

[Vince, Pt. II]

Am I the only one in the world who didn't think the refs were all that terrible in the 49er game? The block in the back was ridiculous, and they missed a false start or two, but for the most part they missed calls on both sides. It looked like the 49ers may have gotten away with a little PI as well.

What standard are we holding these replacement refs up to? Obviously every missed call has an effect on the game, but the only real game-altering one in that game was the punt return, and even then I'm pretty sure it was an unnecessary block, because I don't think Dixon had an angle on the return man.

[Ksyrup]

I didn't watch a ton of NFL yesterday, but I didn't notice much that was glaring. Then again, I watched about 13 hours of college football on Saturday, so maybe I was used to the lower competence level.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Also, put me in the "real refs are very good at what they do" line. They're a step behind MLB umpires for best officials in sports. They're not even close to NBA ref bad.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

I think it's okay to get excited about rookie performances, but yes, let's keep it in perspective. He's a rookie and there are still so many directions for him to take. In any event...it's a very promising start to his career.
it's also the redskins. so the hype will be turned up to eleven

[Ksyrup]

Very conflicted about Snyder and Angelos doing well. And that's nothing geographic, just 2 assholes who don't need any success that they will then use to validate their assholishness.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Even double Pulitzer winning cartoonist Mike Luckovich is getting in on the act. Not a LOL, but I'll concede that I smiled at this one for a moment

http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/files/2012/09/mike090912.jpg

Yeah. You know it's a replacement ref because the penalty is actually an illegal formation, only one man on the line of scrimmage.

[Ksyrup]

Also a Roger Goodell $50K fine for the center's uniform number being illegal.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Also a Roger Goodell $50K fine for the center's uniform number being illegal.

It's ok if he started off as a QB & ate his way into being a center. Anybody seen Jamarcus Russell lately?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

... the center's number on the arm & front don't match either.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

Very conflicted about Snyder and Angelos doing well. And that's nothing geographic, just 2 assholes who don't need any success that they will then use to validate their assholishness.
+1

enjoy it now fans. before the ticket price gouging kicks in

[Passacaglia]

you just cant give up the big plays in the passing game the Giants did and win

It was nice for a few years having the score and some game information always on the screen.

My old CRT television still works just fine. But Fox sees fit to place the score box in the area only visible on wide-screen televisions or with letterboxing, which my television is too old to handle.

Thanks, Fox.

While watching the Bears game and keeping an eye on the Lions game, I found it was showing way more 'fantasy updates' then scores of actual games. So I don't think you missed much.

[JediKooter]

Tonight...I hope will be the beginning of the end of the Norv Turner era in San Diego. I hate to say this, but, I really don't care if the Chargers beat the Raiders. I will gladly sacrifice this game in the name of the greater good.

[Rizon]

http://i.imgur.com/SOK3k.jpg

[JediKooter]

I will not miss that one bit.

[CleBrownsfan]

I think it's time to change my name on this forum :banghead:

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

they need to shitcan aj smith. dudes o-fer his last 6 or 7 drafts. he's like a rock band that tours for 20 years off one good album

[JediKooter]

they need to shitcan aj smith. dudes o-fer his last 6 or 7 drafts. he's like a rock band that tours for 20 years off one good album

Pretty much the whole front office needs to go. AJ and his ego especially and his wannabe mafioso hair.

[Sun Tzu]

Scott Ostler had a great article in the Chronicle today covering Alex Smith. There was one quote in particular that stood out for me...

"Really, if Smith didn't have all that weird baggage from his first six NFL seasons, people would be hailing him as a really good quarterback and leader."

I couldn't agree more. Smith just broke the 49ers franchise record for consecutive passes thrown without an INT (previously held by Steve Young). Granted he was playing against a terrible pass defense, but he still looked very confident and very comfortable in front of 70,000 Packers fans, in a stadium that the 49ers haven't come away with a win in 22 years. Alex has been playing very, very good football for a while now, and quite frankly, I'm happy for him.

[spleen1015]

I like stories like Alex Smith. Give the guy some stability and this is what happens.