NFL Week 4 Thread

[kingfc22]

Hopefully the Niners keep giving it to Gore tonight.

[Racer]

First free kick in NFL attempted since 2008. Cool to see. Would have been cooler if Phil Dawson had made it (71 yard field goal attempt).

[kingfc22]

Damn it. Hate seeing a guy go down in garbage time. Especially a key guy like Staley.

[RendeR]

It always lightens my heart when I come into a thread that only has a niners game to talk about and for the entire length of the game there are 3 posts.

[Matthean]

Ponder out, Cassel in.

[mckerney]

Ponder out, Cassel in.

After Ponder stated, "They told me yesterday I was injured," in Wednesday's press conference it didn't seem to likely he'd be playing.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Ponder out, Cassel in.


Will this make the Steelers OL better? No? Then it might not matter.

[bulletsponge]

woohoo the Ponder era is over! now if we suck we might draft a real QB

[Vince, Pt. II]

Navorro Bowman was fantastic last night. All over the field. I wonder if he's eclipsed Willis as a linebacker at this point.

[mckerney]

woohoo the Ponder era is over! now if we suck we might draft a real QB

We'll see. He'll probably be done in Minnesota after this season but I expect Ponder will probably see the field again at some point this year. He could help the Vikings get a draft pick high enough to get a QB if he does play again.

Playing Ponder is probably the best way to get a good draft pick for a QB next year as long as you can survive watching more of these.

http://i.imgur.com/6rIuq.gif

[Matthean]

woohoo the Ponder era is over! now if we suck we might draft a real QB

He's out due to injury and expects to be back after the bye week.

[DaddyTorgo]

We'll see. He'll probably be done in Minnesota after this season but I expect Ponder will probably see the field again at some point this year. He could help the Vikings get a draft pick high enough to get a QB if he does play again.

Playing Ponder is probably the best way to get a good draft pick for a QB next year as long as you can survive watching more of these.

http://i.imgur.com/6rIuq.gif

That's horrible. I often forget how lucky we are here in NE. I worry about what's going to happen in a few years.

[larrymcg421]

What? That looks like a perfect pass. Just out of the reach of the defender and right into the arms of his receiver.

[Kodos]

:D

[britrock88]

More about that GIF: It's 3rd and 12. Washington is rushing 4 against Minny's O-line. Ponder has 5 receivers on routes, with 7 defenders against them. Without pressure, he checks down... on 3rd and 12, remember. Also, given the placement of players in the GIF, he has 3 receivers against 4 defenders beyond the first-down sticks, where, ya know, he might want to consider advancing the ball beyond. Ugh.

[Matthean]

Yeah, but 4 is greater than 3. :D

[mckerney]

More about that GIF: It's 3rd and 12. Washington is rushing 4 against Minny's O-line. Ponder has 5 receivers on routes, with 7 defenders against them. Without pressure, he checks down... on 3rd and 12, remember. Also, given the placement of players in the GIF, he has 3 receivers against 4 defenders beyond the first-down sticks, where, ya know, he might want to consider advancing the ball beyond. Ugh.

And a lot of QBs also might not throw 2 six yard passes to the middle of the field while running a 2 minute drill, but really what else can you expect him to do?

[Matthean]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/191eulvlpbsosgif/original.gif

[MrBug708]

Is there an inside joke there I'm missing?

[Apathetic Lurker]

After Ponder stated, "They told me yesterday I was injured," in Wednesday's press conference it didn't seem to likely he'd be playing.


See, I woudnt have told him..I would have kept that a surprise for him....

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Is there an inside joke there I'm missing?

The fact that no one is surprised that Bradford is confused?

[albionmoonlight]

More about that GIF: It's 3rd and 12. Washington is rushing 4 against Minny's O-line. Ponder has 5 receivers on routes, with 7 defenders against them. Without pressure, he checks down... on 3rd and 12, remember. Also, given the placement of players in the GIF, he has 3 receivers against 4 defenders beyond the first-down sticks, where, ya know, he might want to consider advancing the ball beyond. Ugh.

In his defense, he did throw the ball beyond the sticks.

[albionmoonlight]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/191eulvlpbsosgif/original.gif

Whenever I've seen these shots during the game, the coaches and the backup QBs are also part of looking at and discussing the pics. I think that Fisher is a pretty good coach, but this gif seems to show a whole lot of dysfunction on that offense.

[EagleFan]

A little odd that he doesn't seem to even have the dexterity to turn a page.

[Julio Riddols]

When shit is going bad, shit is going bad. He was out there struggling, and then even something as simple as turning a page gave him problems, so he shook his head like wtf, then shut the binder. I've had days like that.

[Fidatelo]

A little odd that he doesn't seem to even have the dexterity to turn a page.

I'd like to know the context of that gif. Did he get lit up the series before? Wouldn't be so funny if he's concussed and no one knows it.

[EagleFan]

I'd like to know the context of that gif. Did he get lit up the series before? Wouldn't be so funny if he's concussed and no one knows it.

It almost seems like it.

[fantom1979]

I am starting to think that the .gif is being played in reverse. I took it apart and rebuilt it in the opposite order.
http://fantom1979.dyndns.org/bradford.gif

excuse the quality, i don't do this often.

[cuervo72]

Poor Lindsay Czarniak, joining Countdown and banished to Detroit.

[Grover]

Poor Lindsay Czarniak, joining Countdown and banished to Detroit.

That's what happens when you're terrible on SportsCenter, I guess.

[Thomkal]

no comments on the games yet today? You fail me FOFC. :) My beloved Cards started out very well against the rookie Glennon in Tampa-lot of pressure and sack for 3 and done on their first possession-then Mendenhall fumbled and the rookie took advantage with his first TD pass of his career.

[Matthean]

I've been skimming the games and taking notes. Odd that Indy is 1st and Goal at the four and throw three straight incompletions. I would have thought the RB you traded a first round pick for and somebody brought in for those types of situations would have gotten at least a carry.

[JPhillips]

Bengals missing #1 S and #1 and #4 CBs is really hurting them.

[mckerney]

London getting a fine display of punting from Steelers and Vikings in the first quarter.

[mckerney]

Also a few long TDs from Minnesota.

[Matthean]

Wilson has 7 yards passing with 6:11 to go in the half.

[Coffee Warlord]

God damn is Gabbert just awful.

[mckerney]

Wilson has 7 yards passing with 6:11 to go in the half.

Brian Hoyer 11/14 134 yards and a TD.

[JPhillips]

I'd like to revise my max wins for the Steelers. Last week I said 6, now I say 4.

[Thomkal]

I've been skimming the games and taking notes. Odd that Indy is 1st and Goal at the four and throw three straight incompletions. I would have thought the RB you traded a first round pick for and somebody brought in for those types of situations would have gotten at least a carry.

yeah I figured that was the main reason he was brought in for.

[mckerney]

God damn is Gabbert just awful.

He's only bad if you expect him complete passes to his own team. If you don't care who catches the ball he's 5/8 for 72 yards and a TD, a decent for any QB.

[whomario]

Lions manage to make everything interesting, don´t they ? Even when things work out, it´s not exactly allways conventional :D

(Stafford lost it on a 1 yard run/jump, then recaught it with his left hand without missing a beat)

[Coffee Warlord]

Cutler having a rough one.

[whomario]

wait, why was that a TD by Johnson ? (serious question, what is the definition since it´s obviously not just "both feet" that counted here)

[Coffee Warlord]

Elbow and ass in bounds.

[Matthean]

If the Lions pull this one out, @GB is going to be an interesting game next week.

[SirFozzie]

The rare "sacked on 3rd and 5, the ball is recovered for a first down" play in MIN@PIT

[cuervo72]

Just got back from jogging (well, and steam cleaning dog piss off the carpet AGAIN)...holy shit, 30-10??

[Thomkal]

Just got back from jogging (well, and steam cleaning dog piss off the carpet AGAIN)...holy shit, 30-10??

new dog/puppy? and yes 30-10 :)

[Thomkal]

Cards losing 10-0 at the half to an 0-3 team in turmoil with a rookie QB making his first start...yeah Cards?

[Matthean]

Bush with 112 yards rushing in the first half. It sucks that Burleson is done, but the Lions have enough receiving threats with them using Bush to help compensate.

[cuervo72]

new dog/puppy? and yes 30-10 :)

Nope...a rather old one who never willingly goes outside. :)

[whomario]

what a stupid DPI for the Vikings. I realize it´s propably an impossible job, but unless the receiver makes a clear motion to catch it, why hack at his arms there ?

[Thomkal]

Nope...a rather old one who never willingly goes outside. :)

Time for some "Wee Wee Pads" :)

[General Mike]

Giants O Line is terrible.

[Thomkal]

Carson Palmer, who hasn't thrown a TD since the first quarter on the New Orleans game, just threw an INT in the end zone. :::sigh::: Glad he's only on a one year contract.

[BillJasper]

The Jags look like they have completely given up. Not a good sign for a first-year head coach.

[Lathum]

Terrible grounding call on Eli. Outside the pocket and past the sticks. WTF?

[Thomkal]

Ravens not looking good at Buffalo with Flacco throwing an INT in the end zone. Eli Manning just threw a "pop fly" INT to KC-was his hand hit or was that as bad a throw as it looked?

[General Mike]

highlight reel INT by the Giants.

[whomario]

that really shouldn´t count as INTs in a QBs statline, what a weird turnover.

[Thomkal]

Carson Palmer throws another INT. Revis gets his first one as a Buc. :::sigh:::

[Lathum]

Ravens not looking good at Buffalo with Flacco throwing an INT in the end zone. Eli Manning just threw a "pop fly" INT to KC-was his hand hit or was that as bad a throw as it looked?

Ruben Randall was supposed to keep going and he cut off the route

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL at Dexter McCluster taunting Cruz on that fantastic return. Honestly think his dance was better than Cruz.

[hoopsguy]

Jacksonville has 67 total yards after 3 quarters.

[Thomkal]

:::facepalm::: Bucs just fake punt for a first down against the Cards.

[Thomkal]

Ruben Randall was supposed to keep going and he cut off the route

ah

[BillJasper]

Terrible throw by Wilson.

[Desnudo]

Even worse throw by Schaub cements his status as good but not great

[Thomkal]

Matt Schaub...that was not good.

[Lathum]

JPP just got rolled up on, looks pretty bad

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Pierre-Paul down with a leg injury. Giants remind me of the Chiefs last year. Can't get a break to save their life.

[cuervo72]

I know they're legal, but I hate blocks like that. Such a bitch technique.

[Thomkal]

JPP just got rolled up on, looks pretty bad

oh man that's awful. Sorry Lathum and other Giants fans

[Thomkal]

hey would you look at that, Cards finally get an INT off Glennon-Patrick Peterson with the snag-might be a tie game shortly

[BillJasper]

The Bengals continue their decades long mission to confuse me. :lol:

[Thomkal]

And they do as Fitzgerald finally outsmarts Revis!

[Thomkal]

Giants 0-4 wow.

[Thomkal]

Nice to see the London fans get a competitive high scoring game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Seriously Eli????? Goodness me.

[cuervo72]

The heck is Prince jawing about?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL. Bowe does the Cruz dance as well on his long TD.

[whomario]

Big Ben puts the final nail in the coffin of their season right there...

[Easy Mac]

Why did Schiano call a timeout on defense when the clock wasn't running?

[miami_fan]

So how is that not a spearing penalty on the Bears' onside kick?

[Thomkal]

Cards get another Peterson INT to probably end the game. Very very lucky they escaped here.

[BillJasper]

Who else does Tampa Bay have that can play QB? :lol:

[Thomkal]

Giants 0-4 wow.

Pittsburgh 0-4 wow.

[Matthean]

AFC East still undefeated outside of their division.

[MIJB#19]

Kansas City 4-0 wow?

[Thomkal]

Holy crap what a stupid stupid play by Terrell Suggs!

[Thomkal]

Kansas City 4-0 wow?

definite wow there-you knew they would be better with Andy Reid and Alex Smith, but this much better?

[Matthean]

Browns tied for division lead.

[Solecismic]

What are the thoughts on protecting players with the ball?

Thought the spear at the end of the Bears game was a bad one. I'm not sure why that wasn't a penalty - even an ejection under the rules.

Then you have that situation where a defensive player is wrestling with a big receiver, stops him and finally throws him to the ground. Thought it looked worse than it was, but the whistle had blown so the call may have been a good one. Problem is, it's a result-changing 15 yards for Seattle. Add that to the questionable punt coverage penalty and I'm sure there will be plenty of complaints this week from Houston.

Going back to last week, what about a penalty on Cutler during his scramble when he knocked the defensive player out? The rules should also apply to offensive players who make life miserable for those trying to tackle them.

I'd like to see better protection for players. Still some kinks to work out, but the change is necessary.

[Solecismic]

definite wow there-you knew they would be better with Andy Reid and Alex Smith, but this much better?

If Coughlin doesn't find a way to stop the Eagles next Sunday, he's probably not going to make it to week 6.

(looking at the schedule, it's a short week for them, so he probably gets one more shot in the Thursday night game, but with only two games over the following month, they would make the change).

[ColtCrazy]

Dominant Colts performance albeit against Jax. Curious to see how this new look fares against the Seahawks. Maybe they'll have a let down after Houston gifted them a win.

Screwed up in fantasy. Meant to put Reggie Bush back in for Bernard Pierce, but it didn't take. Not sure if I forgot to hit submit or what. So Bush scores 31, Pierce gets one, and I'm currently down 27. :banghead:

[cuervo72]

Yay, called DirecTV and can actually see the Eagles game now (or, boo?)

Also, lol@WAS punting unit.

[Thomkal]

Dominant Colts performance albeit against Jax. Curious to see how this new look fares against the Seahawks. Maybe they'll have a let down after Houston gifted them a win.

Screwed up in fantasy. Meant to put Reggie Bush back in for Bernard Pierce, but it didn't take. Not sure if I forgot to hit submit or what. So Bush scores 31, Pierce gets one, and I'm currently down 27. :banghead:

oof :::insert Picard facepalm:::

[miami_fan]

What are the thoughts on protecting players with the ball?

Thought the spear at the end of the Bears game was a bad one. I'm not sure why that wasn't a penalty - even an ejection under the rules.

Then you have that situation where a defensive player is wrestling with a big receiver, stops him and finally throws him to the ground. Thought it looked worse than it was, but the whistle had blown so the call may have been a good one. Problem is, it's a result-changing 15 yards for Seattle. Add that to the questionable punt coverage penalty and I'm sure there will be plenty of complaints this week from Houston.

Going back to last week, what about a penalty on Cutler during his scramble when he knocked the defensive player out? The rules should also apply to offensive players who make life miserable for those trying to tackle them.

I'd like to see better protection for players. Still some kinks to work out, but the change is necessary.

As someone who has been cast as anti player safety, this is my number one complaint. It was amazing how "cute" everyone made the Cutler situation out to me but there would have been calls for suspension if the roles were reversed. Someone on the board said it best during one of the many discussions on the topic. The league is not concerned with player safety, it is concerned with the safety of certain players.

[frnk55]

Browns tied for division lead.
Goin all the way baby!:D

[Lathum]

If Coughlin doesn't find a way to stop the Eagles next Sunday, he's probably not going to make it to week 6.

(looking at the schedule, it's a short week for them, so he probably gets one more shot in the Thursday night game, but with only two games over the following month, they would make the change).

No way Coughlin gets canned

[cuervo72]

That was all sorts of pathetic, Flynn.

[Lathum]

Yay, called DirecTV and can actually see the Eagles game now (or, boo?)

Also, lol@WAS punting unit.

what did they say? Screen is all black for me.

[cuervo72]

They sent out a signal to my box and it unlocked both that and the DAL/SD game. I'd also seen the blackout message earlier for PIT/MIN, but thought nothing of it when I realized that game had already finished. I don't know why we weren't getting it before (our box has had issues getting the guide for a while, but that is probably unrelated as I'd not had any issues prior to this week).

Oddly, Jets/Titans was coming in fine. I don't know if PIT was affected because we were being shown the BAL game, and DAL/PHI because of WAS?

[Matthean]

Goin all the way baby!:D

With the way the division is going, they will be in the mix for the divisional title.

[BillJasper]

No way Coughlin gets canned

This. I just don't see a two-time Super Bowl winner not getting to finish out the season. Who would they put in charge? Gilbride?

[BillJasper]

Locker just took a brutal hit and they're bringing out the cart. Should've been a flag.

[RedKingGold]

Looks like a dislocated hip for Locker.

[BillJasper]

Looks like a dislocated hip for Locker.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking as well.

[Solecismic]

This. I just don't see a two-time Super Bowl winner not getting to finish out the season. Who would they put in charge? Gilbride?

You could throw the blame on the front office for letting the offensive line get to this point. But this team is a mess. Not like Jaguar mess, where it's systemic and change would be simply for the sake of change. A team that should be competitive isn't even remotely competitive, and there's internal turmoil. Something has to be done.

What's the point of letting the oldest head coach in the NFL finish a season unless you're admitting the season is over? And that's not a given with poor competition. If Dallas were 4-0 and beating teams by 30, maybe. A blowout next week and you lose the team entirely. Do you risk that carrying over into 2014?

[rowech]

At some point, I hope the Bengals coaches will realize that throwing three to four yard patterns is not the same as running the ball and that a team has to commit to running the ball even if its not going unbelievably well.

Running 64 plays in a 17-6 game and only running it 16 times is unacceptable.

Having your captain say half your team ran the wrong play on 4th and 1 isn't all that good either.

[Lathum]

This. I just don't see a two-time Super Bowl winner not getting to finish out the season. Who would they put in charge? Gilbride?

Dont know, but the ownership is a very loyal group that will give Coughlin a chance to walk away. No way they embarrass the guy who has guided them through maybe the most successful period in team history.

[Danny]

It would be pretty bad for the Redskins to lose to a Raiders team without Pryor, McFadden and Reece.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

definite wow there-you knew they would be better with Andy Reid and Alex Smith, but this much better?

KC had SIX pro bowlers last year on a 2-14 team. It was very clear that KC could get turned around in a hurry if they just had someone who knew how to lead a NFL team. Sure, 4-0 is a bit surprising, but no one should be surprised that they were able to turn around this team in short order. They're honestly the least surprising surprise team.

[Lathum]

You could throw the blame on the front office for letting the offensive line get to this point. But this team is a mess. Not like Jaguar mess, where it's systemic and change would be simply for the sake of change. A team that should be competitive isn't even remotely competitive, and there's internal turmoil. Something has to be done.

What's the point of letting the oldest head coach in the NFL finish a season unless you're admitting the season is over? And that's not a given with poor competition. If Dallas were 4-0 and beating teams by 30, maybe. A blowout next week and you lose the team entirely. Do you risk that carrying over into 2014?

The O-line lost their best player to retirement and are down 2 more starter to injury. No one could have predicted Wilson would be so bad and Eli depends on play action to be successful.

I would be shocked if you find a Giants fan who wants Coughlin fired and it will never happen this season, it just isn't the "Giants way."

TBH with where Coughlin took the Giants the last 8 years I would rather go 0-16 and see him be treated with class then treated the way the Phillies did Charlie Manual.

[Danny]

Has a team ever had 3 1000 yard receivers before? Denver seems a shoe in as long as Thomas, Decker and Welker stay healthy

[BillJasper]

You could throw the blame on the front office for letting the offensive line get to this point. But this team is a mess. Not like Jaguar mess, where it's systemic and change would be simply for the sake of change. A team that should be competitive isn't even remotely competitive, and there's internal turmoil. Something has to be done.

What's the point of letting the oldest head coach in the NFL finish a season unless you're admitting the season is over? And that's not a given with poor competition. If Dallas were 4-0 and beating teams by 30, maybe. A blowout next week and you lose the team entirely. Do you risk that carrying over into 2014?

I'm just not sure I see the point because you'll be running the same schemes and you'll still have the same poor talent on the offensive line. Plus, in season changes rarely change a teams fortune.

[chadritt]

Has a team ever had 3 1000 yard receivers before? Denver seems a shoe in as long as Thomas, Decker and Welker stay healthy

Its happened 4 times before, 5 if you include a tight end.

2008 Arizona Cardinals
2004 Indianapolis Colts with Manning
1995 Atlanta Falcons
1989 Washington Redskins
1980 San Diego Chargers

[bob]

Whatever happened to the post-week 1 over reaction of "the Eagles are gonna win the Super Bowl?"

[SnowMan]

Has a team ever had 3 1000 yard receivers before? Denver seems a shoe in as long as Thomas, Decker and Welker stay healthy

I think the Rams did with Bruce, Holt, and Faulk.

[Danny]

Has a team ever had 4? Its unlikely, but Julius Thomas isnt too far off the pace so far.

[BillJasper]

Whatever happened to the post-week 1 over reaction of "the Eagles are gonna win the Super Bowl?"

I thought they looked impressive but I said defensive coordinators would figure it out.

[Danny]

I thought they looked impressive but I said defensive coordinators would figure it out.

The bigger issue is their defense

[Matthean]

At the end of the day it is still about execution, and the Eagles are being executed.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What are the thoughts on protecting players with the ball?

Thought the spear at the end of the Bears game was a bad one. I'm not sure why that wasn't a penalty - even an ejection under the rules.

Then you have that situation where a defensive player is wrestling with a big receiver, stops him and finally throws him to the ground. Thought it looked worse than it was, but the whistle had blown so the call may have been a good one. Problem is, it's a result-changing 15 yards for Seattle. Add that to the questionable punt coverage penalty and I'm sure there will be plenty of complaints this week from Houston.

Going back to last week, what about a penalty on Cutler during his scramble when he knocked the defensive player out? The rules should also apply to offensive players who make life miserable for those trying to tackle them.

I'd like to see better protection for players. Still some kinks to work out, but the change is necessary.

As someone who has been cast as anti player safety, this is my number one complaint. It was amazing how "cute" everyone made the Cutler situation out to me but there would have been calls for suspension if the roles were reversed. Someone on the board said it best during one of the many discussions on the topic. The league is not concerned with player safety, it is concerned with the safety of certain players.


This type of thing is what is making the game more and more unwatchable for me, over the last 5 seasons. I find myself looking for a flag and/or something that went wrong but didn't get noticed until we see 300 replays.

Well, that and the Steelers slow death march.

[TroyF]

Broncos had a horrible start on defense. A KO return for a TD and a three and out exhausted them and they gave up some yards and points.

Then, the second half break kicks in and just like they've done all year, it was slaughter time.

Long, long season, but this is as dominant of an offense as I've ever seen. And if Von Miller comes back at his old level? Good lord this is going to be a dominant team.

[cuervo72]

It is dumb that the announcers have to keep saying "Helu Junior." I don't care about his lineage, just his last name. Thanks Ob-I mean, RG3.

[Radii]

Whatever happened to the post-week 1 over reaction of "the Eagles are gonna win the Super Bowl?"

Turns out it was an overreaction.

[cuervo72]

Turns out it was an overreaction.

I could have told everyone that. ;)

[Matthean]

I'm just curious to see how this Denver offense does once it gets cold. It's not like it is going to be warm and fuzzy inside of the Super Bowl.

[Racer]

Is there an NFL rule on TV blowouts? My local station was showing Philadelphia@Denver but switched to Dallas@San Diego. I guess I always thought a network had to stick with whatever game it chose to broadcast.

[TroyF]

I could have told everyone that. ;)

I really believe the Eagles have a dominant offense. In the first three games, Vick left TD after TD on the field with poor passes down the field and his usual turnovers.

Even today, they ran the ball better on Denver than anyone has all year and had open chances down the field. I really believe this offense will succeed in the NFL and that they will start throwing up 30 a game by the end of the year. An offseason to fix the QB problem and get more types of players like Kelly wants and I think they will be strong.

I guess what I'm saying is there was an overreaction and now I think the over reaction is sliding the other way. I fully expect them to be among the top 5 offenses by next year.

[Radii]

Is there an NFL rule on TV blowouts? My local station was showing Philadelphia@Denver but switched to Dallas@San Diego. I guess I always thought a network had to stick with whatever game it chose to broadcast.

I'm not sure what the official rules are, but I believe if its your local team then you're in til the bitter end, but if its not then there is some leeway.

[TroyF]

Is there an NFL rule on TV blowouts? My local station was showing Philadelphia@Denver but switched to Dallas@San Diego. I guess I always thought a network had to stick with whatever game it chose to broadcast.

As long as it isn't the home market, they can do what they want. They cannot change the game in the home market under any circumstance.

[cuervo72]

Sure, the offense itself isn't a problem.with the Eagles though it won't be enough to get past a) their defense and b) Vick's decision-making.

[TroyF]

Sure, the offense itself isn't a problem.with the Eagles though it won't be enough to get past a) their defense and b) Vick's decision-making.

Exactly.

[Solecismic]

It would be pretty bad for the Redskins to lose to a Raiders team without Pryor, McFadden and Reece.

Is it bad that I keep thinking Breaking Bad and the actor who has cerebral palsy?

Their quarterback is Terrelle Pryor....

"no, not Pryor any more, it's FLYNN."

[Solecismic]

This type of thing is what is making the game more and more unwatchable for me, over the last 5 seasons. I find myself looking for a flag and/or something that went wrong but didn't get noticed until we see 300 replays.

Well, that and the Steelers slow death march.

Now that I'm aware that there are serious after-effects from concussions, possibly including strong suicidal thoughts and an inability to concentrate years later, I have a harder time seeing someone lead with his head or get knocked silly. I can understand someone making choices that will lead to early arthritis or other aches and pains. You play contact sports, you know that cost. These concussions are something else, though.

A friend of mine has a son who's my son's age. The kid is a talented hockey player, but had a moderate concussion last winter. They held him out the rest of the season, which was good. Just months later, when the Red Wings were having all those playoff battles with the Blackhawks, she posted one of those stupid meme pictures on her Facebook that showed a Red Wing standing over an obviously shaky Chicago player lying on the ice and a caption essentially making fun of getting knocked out. I blocked her feed.

I don't think the game is becoming unwatchable. I think it's only course that can save the game. These changes need to go all the way down past high school. Once they do, players will come up knowing safer tackling. They will police themselves and the flaggable hits will be more obvious.

This is an uncomfortable transition stage that's probably near the peak of uncomfortable.

[DaddyTorgo]

Stupid Pats giving Manning another weapon...what were they thinking????

They're not making it past Denver this year unless something changes significantly. Sure hope I'm wrong about that, but that's how I see it.

[Solecismic]

I'm just not sure I see the point because you'll be running the same schemes and you'll still have the same poor talent on the offensive line. Plus, in season changes rarely change a teams fortune.

I think the alternative is a full-scale house-clearing of players during the off-season. What we're hearing out of Giantland runs deeper than losing. It's a leadership issue.

Coughlin is a fantastic coach when he has a team. He's proven that many times. If he loses this team, though, which may have happened, his style will exacerbate this problem.

But I agree that the fans aren't ready. It would have to be a retirement, and it would have to come with Coughlin's blessing. That may not be possible.

They have enough talent that if they play hard, they can win a few games. Eli has to adjust, play safer. And he's best when he's the tall, cool gunslinger. So it won't be easy.

[Solecismic]

Sure, the offense itself isn't a problem.with the Eagles though it won't be enough to get past a) their defense and b) Vick's decision-making.

I'm sure blabbing a lot this evening, but...

They make a point out of claiming they don't give a damn about time of possession. Is this a "good" offense? Well, it speeds up the game, meaning more plays are run. They score a decent amount of points per play. But in doing so, they make every opponent score more points - they have more plays, too. Which puts a lot of pressure on the defense. And that defense isn't very good.

Granted their strength of schedule is high, but they're being outscored 138-99 this season (34.5-24.8 per game). The record is 533 for a 16-game season. I don't think time-of-possession is overrated in the slightest, and Kelly's choice of an offense that minimizes it is absolutely relevant when evaluating how good it is.

As for Vick, he's perfect for this offense (or would be if he made better decisions throwing into coverage). His running ability means that an offense that gets him out of the pocket nearly every time he throws cannot account for a back leaving pass protection. This offense doesn't work nearly as well without his speed and ability to throw outside the pocket.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Now that I'm aware that there are serious after-effects from concussions, possibly including strong suicidal thoughts and an inability to concentrate years later, I have a harder time seeing someone lead with his head or get knocked silly. I can understand someone making choices that will lead to early arthritis or other aches and pains. You play contact sports, you know that cost. These concussions are something else, though.

A friend of mine has a son who's my son's age. The kid is a talented hockey player, but had a moderate concussion last winter. They held him out the rest of the season, which was good. Just months later, when the Red Wings were having all those playoff battles with the Blackhawks, she posted one of those stupid meme pictures on her Facebook that showed a Red Wing standing over an obviously shaky Chicago player lying on the ice and a caption essentially making fun of getting knocked out. I blocked her feed.

I don't think the game is becoming unwatchable. I think it's only course that can save the game. These changes need to go all the way down past high school. Once they do, players will come up knowing safer tackling. They will police themselves and the flaggable hits will be more obvious.

This is an uncomfortable transition stage that's probably near the peak of uncomfortable.

I wonder about the severity of concussions in the NFL as compared to concussions you'd see elsewhere, and also what effect those helmets has on them. I have the pleasure to have been concussed on four separate occasions, and I'm 32. Three of them happened during childhood.

1. Fell off a slide (~7 feet, maybe?) onto my head into tanbark.
2. Ran into another kid at full speed, heads first (not sure how we accomplished this, neither of us saw the other).
3. Took a softball line drive to the face, fracturing my cheekbone in the process. Hit me pretty much on the left eye socket...no damage to the eye itself. Left a nice bloody mark in the shape of stitches on my forehead though.
4. Took a golf ball to the dome from about 30 yards away (short chip).

1-3 happened between the ages of 5 and 15, 4 happened two(ish) years ago. I have seen absolutely no side effects after the immediate headaches/disorientation. Following along with the NFL's concussion discussions, I wonder if I will notice anything long-term or if the concussions I've had just don't even register on the same scale as these sort of things.

[Coffee Warlord]

Tell you what, making a waiver claim for whatever defense has been playing Jacksonville for the past 2 weeks has been quite profitable.

[Alan T]

I swear, I am so tired of Atlanta's anemic red zone offense thus far this season.

Every game they drive down the field with amazing ease but can't do anything once inside the 20.

[cuervo72]

Solder, you pronounce your name wrong.

[Galaril]

Stupid Pats giving Manning another weapon...what were they thinking????

They're not making it past Denver this year unless something changes significantly. Sure hope I'm wrong about that, but that's how I see it.

Yeah your not wrong. They are rolling.

[DaddyTorgo]

Ugh.

SUCK ASS PATRIOTS!!!!

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm going to watch Homeland in a minute and then come back and catch back up on the game in an hour.

[BishopMVP]

How is that not 15 yards and an ejection against Davis? Pats blocker dis-engaged and he launched himself shoulder first into Edelman 2 seconds before the ball got there.

[Racer]

How is that not 15 yards and an ejection against Davis? Pats blocker dis-engaged and he launched himself shoulder first into Edelman 2 seconds before the ball got there.

Thought it was fair catch interference as well but unless that's an automatic ejection, I don't think the Falcons player should have been ejected. It didn't really look intentional. The guy was coming off a block.

[Desnudo]

How is that not a penalty?

[Desnudo]

Power rushing!

[JPhillips]

Now that I'm aware that there are serious after-effects from concussions, possibly including strong suicidal thoughts and an inability to concentrate years later, I have a harder time seeing someone lead with his head or get knocked silly. I can understand someone making choices that will lead to early arthritis or other aches and pains. You play contact sports, you know that cost. These concussions are something else, though.

A friend of mine has a son who's my son's age. The kid is a talented hockey player, but had a moderate concussion last winter. They held him out the rest of the season, which was good. Just months later, when the Red Wings were having all those playoff battles with the Blackhawks, she posted one of those stupid meme pictures on her Facebook that showed a Red Wing standing over an obviously shaky Chicago player lying on the ice and a caption essentially making fun of getting knocked out. I blocked her feed.

I don't think the game is becoming unwatchable. I think it's only course that can save the game. These changes need to go all the way down past high school. Once they do, players will come up knowing safer tackling. They will police themselves and the flaggable hits will be more obvious.

This is an uncomfortable transition stage that's probably near the peak of uncomfortable.

Well said.

[BishopMVP]

Thought it was fair catch interference as well but unless that's an automatic ejection, I don't think the Falcons player should have been ejected. It didn't really look intentional. The guy was coming off a block.Ejection might be an overreaction given that it looked like he just concussed our best remaining receiver, but after Talib pulled off him that gunner absolutely lowered his shoulder and launched himself into someone who's in a more defenseless position than any receiver will ever be. Official missed him lowering the shoulder and FCI is a judgment call? Fine, but that'd better be more of a fine than whatever Lavonte David got for pushing Geno Smith during a run.

[BishopMVP]

Sweet, another blatant missed call and another injured WR (albeit, in this case, the two had little to do with each other).

[TroyF]

Sweet, another blatant missed call and another injured WR (albeit, in this case, the two had little to do with each other).


There have been some major league missed head shots today. Schaub was hit helmet to helmet on a play late in the Texans game that would have set up a GW field goal attempt.

on the play you are talking about, a clear cut missed holding call and what could have been a head shot.

Horrible.

[TroyF]

Now that I'm aware that there are serious after-effects from concussions, possibly including strong suicidal thoughts and an inability to concentrate years later, I have a harder time seeing someone lead with his head or get knocked silly. I can understand someone making choices that will lead to early arthritis or other aches and pains. You play contact sports, you know that cost. These concussions are something else, though.

A friend of mine has a son who's my son's age. The kid is a talented hockey player, but had a moderate concussion last winter. They held him out the rest of the season, which was good. Just months later, when the Red Wings were having all those playoff battles with the Blackhawks, she posted one of those stupid meme pictures on her Facebook that showed a Red Wing standing over an obviously shaky Chicago player lying on the ice and a caption essentially making fun of getting knocked out. I blocked her feed.

I don't think the game is becoming unwatchable. I think it's only course that can save the game. These changes need to go all the way down past high school. Once they do, players will come up knowing safer tackling. They will police themselves and the flaggable hits will be more obvious.

This is an uncomfortable transition stage that's probably near the peak of uncomfortable.


Jim,

I agree with everything you said here, multiplied by 2000.

I'm sick of the whining with the head shots. Enough. You don't need to do it. I understand you are never going to eliminate concussions from the sport, but I think a much harder line needs to be taken. I think the NCAA ejection policy is a good start to that. I think it needs to be increased.

If football is to survive, those type of hits will have to be eliminated. They can be eliminated. They should be eliminated.

[cuervo72]

This game seems so sterile and boring. Maybe it's just the dome.

[BishopMVP]

There have been some major league missed head shots today. Schaub was hit helmet to helmet on a play late in the Texans game that would have set up a GW field goal attempt.

on the play you are talking about, a clear cut missed holding call and what could have been a head shot.

Horrible.I was actually going to absolve Moore of blame on the Dobson injury... Dobson was going to the ground awkwardly (because of the hold) and the ball was thrown at the ground. But then Moore just tried to decapitate Thompkins (and luckily only got him with the elbow and not his helmet), so fuck him.

This is part of the reason why I hate the emphasis on "late hits" near the sideline... I don't know if implementing the NCAA targeting rule will have any effect unless the NFL starts showing they actually care about concussions by fining players more for targeting players in the head than shoves near the sideline or wearing the wrong color visor clips.

[DaddyTorgo]

All caught up!

[DaddyTorgo]

Monster game by Kenbrell tonight.

[DaddyTorgo]

PICK!!!

[DaddyTorgo]

Great hands by Boyce there....nicely done.

Some serious big plays helping the Pats tonight.

I can't believe Blount can run as fast as he did on that TD BTW. That was crazy.

[BishopMVP]

This game seems so sterile and boring. Maybe it's just the dome.It could be the dome + Atlanta crowd, but a lot of that's just the Patriots this season. Win ugly and boring until Amendola and Gronk (and now Wilfork - fingers crossed on that one) get healthy.

Oh, PS I'll add the question I ask once every year (in this case after Gostkowski's 1st FG) - why doesn't the NFL build goalposts 10 yards higher? Or if we want to get crazy, use the same system tennis uses for challenges to tell by radar whether it went in. I'm not asking for it on 1st downs, but FG's would seem to be pretty easy.

[cuervo72]

Probably all that, yes. Damned Pats sleeper hold.

[BishopMVP]

Probably all that, yes. Damned Pats sleeper hold.Yup. Time to allow a late score or two so we can keep sneaking up on people. (There's #1 as I type this!)

Btw, replay equipment not working? Classic NFL conspiracy against the Patriots, or more Goodell incompetence :D (I think it was probably a catch + fumble anyway.)

[DaddyTorgo]

Awesome - way to not recover the onside kick guys.

[DaddyTorgo]

Time for the defense to man up

[DaddyTorgo]

That ought to be a first down - that's such bullshit.

[Solecismic]

Why bother with the review if they're not going to use convincing evidence?

[DaddyTorgo]

Ugh - what a fustercluck.

Nice breaks for Atlanta there.

[DaddyTorgo]

You're fucking kidding me.

[BishopMVP]

Which had more close/outright bad calls go against the Patriots in the 2nd half, this game or last year's early season night game vs. the Ravens?

W's a W. Sign Talib to an extension now.

[DaddyTorgo]

Why bother with the review if they're not going to use convincing evidence?

I know right?

So fucking stupid. They might as well just say "the spot of the ball is unchallengeable" for all the times I've ever seen a spot adjusted.

[DaddyTorgo]

Phew.

[Solecismic]

They could have called interference on the first Gonzalez pass there, so not everything went against them. Huge win for them. Really a statement to go into Atlanta and play so well.

Anyway, hello TiVo... time to see what happens to Walt.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Really a statement to go into Atlanta and play so well.

Against a 1-3 team that appears to be going nowhere fast ... other than to about 6-10 this season.

[Matthean]

Against a 1-3 team that appears to be going nowhere fast ... other than to about 6-10 this season.

I would only list the Miami game as a surprise loss. 4 out of their next 5 are highly doable. No, they won't win the division, but there is going to be a scramble for at least one of the wild card spots with teams like San Fran and GB being lower than expected.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I would only list the Miami game as a surprise loss. 4 out of their next 5 are highly doable. No, they won't win the division, but there is going to be a scramble for at least one of the wild card spots with teams like San Fran and GB being lower than expected.

Just not seeing this team as being able to win consistently.

I see them winning the next two (Jets, Bucs), then losing 3 straight (at 'Zona, at Carolina, vs Seattle) to fall to 3-6.

Then it's a win at Tampa maybe, a loss to the Saints at home, then losses at Buffalo & Green Bay. By then it's a 4-9 team. Beat Washington at home, lost at SF, beat Carolina (in by then an upset) at home to finish 6-10.

[Solecismic]

New Orleans is showing some D, so that division lead may hold up, but I think Atlanta's good for 10 this season. Three one-score losses to teams that otherwise haven't lost - two on the road. Just a rough schedule so far. Some fine-tuning in the red zone will fix the offense. I think this is a playoff team.

[Danny]

You think Atlanta will lose at Arizona? I think they win the next 3 and pranks at Carolina as well

[Logan]

Vince Wilfork reportedly tore his achilles last night.

[Desnudo]

Vince Wilfork reportedly tore his achilles last night.

Flipping field turf.

Report -- Vince Wilfork of New England Patriots has torn Achilles - ESPN Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/9747219/report-vince-wilfork-new-england-patriots-torn-achilles)

[CleBrownsfan]

Browns are in first place
Indians are in the playoffs
Steelers are 0-4

Have a great Monday FOFC!

[spleen1015]

Browns are in first place
Indians are in the playoffs
Steelers are 0-4

Have a great Monday FOFC!

This is awesome. :D

[Dr. Sak]

Browns are in first place
Indians are in the playoffs
Steelers are 0-4

Have a great Monday FOFC!

If you throw in the Pirates being in the playoffs too, you truely have a bizzaro world full circle.

[gstelmack]

Its happened 4 times before, 5 if you include a tight end.

2004 Indianapolis Colts with Manning


But I thought this was his best group of receivers EVAH!

Just the usual moronic sportscaster meme of this season - can you really rate this batch that much higher than Harrison, Wayne, Stokely, Clark, and maybe some of the others that came through the Colts system?

[DaddyTorgo]

Flipping field turf.

Report -- Vince Wilfork of New England Patriots has torn Achilles - ESPN Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/9747219/report-vince-wilfork-new-england-patriots-torn-achilles)

FML

Oh well - didn't think they had more than an outside shot at a SB this year anyways, at least now maybe they can use the year to bring the rookies up to speed.

[Logan]

What else is new?

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 3m

League is discussing whether to suspend Buccaneers S Dashon Goldson for his latest helmet-to-helmet hit Sunday vs. Arizona.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Now that I'm aware that there are serious after-effects from concussions, possibly including strong suicidal thoughts and an inability to concentrate years later, I have a harder time seeing someone lead with his head or get knocked silly. I can understand someone making choices that will lead to early arthritis or other aches and pains. You play contact sports, you know that cost. These concussions are something else, though.

A friend of mine has a son who's my son's age. The kid is a talented hockey player, but had a moderate concussion last winter. They held him out the rest of the season, which was good. Just months later, when the Red Wings were having all those playoff battles with the Blackhawks, she posted one of those stupid meme pictures on her Facebook that showed a Red Wing standing over an obviously shaky Chicago player lying on the ice and a caption essentially making fun of getting knocked out. I blocked her feed.

I don't think the game is becoming unwatchable. I think it's only course that can save the game. These changes need to go all the way down past high school. Once they do, players will come up knowing safer tackling. They will police themselves and the flaggable hits will be more obvious.

This is an uncomfortable transition stage that's probably near the peak of uncomfortable.

Well said.

Jim,

I agree with everything you said here, multiplied by 2000.

I'm sick of the whining with the head shots. Enough. You don't need to do it. I understand you are never going to eliminate concussions from the sport, but I think a much harder line needs to be taken. I think the NCAA ejection policy is a good start to that. I think it needs to be increased.

If football is to survive, those type of hits will have to be eliminated. They can be eliminated. They should be eliminated.

Just to clarify my original statement.

I don't find it unwatchable because of the increased focus on concussions. I'm all for safety first.

I find it unwatchable as a byproduct of the changes I guess. The officials have a very difficult job. I couldn't do it. But we keep adding additional rules that are interpreted and applied in a very inconsistent manner. And maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't enjoy 49-45 games. If the launching tackles are taken out of the game (and should be), something has to give the other direction.

I always think back to an article I read in, I think, SI a couple years back. A league official was asked about why cut blocking was acceptable, and the reason was "it's tremendously difficult to run the ball in this league. That tactic is needed to make it fairer" (paraphrasing). Not equating knee injuries to headshots, but it's sure difficult to stop a WR when you can't touch him.

In hockey, the refs are pretty solid about letting a defending player tie up a player heading into the corner, given the alternative is launching the guys into the boards. Allowing some contact with the receiver keep the defender closer, and lessens the amount of times another defender is coming in for a kill shot. IMO.

[albionmoonlight]

Falcons could be 4-0 right now. Every loss came down to the end against three good teams. I think that they will be in the playoff picture come December. This will, however, be a good test of Mike Smith's and Matt Ryan's leadership. There is a chance that the wheels could come off at 1-3. I don't think that they will, but we've certainly see it before, where a bad start ends up revealing/expanding underlying team dysfunction.

[Chief Rum]

FML

Oh well - didn't think they had more than an outside shot at a SB this year anyways, at least now maybe they can use the year to bring the rookies up to speed.

Lol... you know, DT, if I am ever just way over the moon optimistic for some reason, I know I could always turn to you to keep me grounded.

Don't worry. I think the Pats will still be fine.

[Kodos]

You're running out of Brady years!

[Matthean]

'NFL Films Presents': Horsin' around with Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry - NFL Videos (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/0ap2000000250293/NFL-Films-Presents-Horsin-around-with-Eric-Berry)

[BishopMVP]

They could have called interference on the first Gonzalez pass there, so not everything went against them.Oh, I know - the 50/50 calls downfield ended up split, you just had 2 really bad no-calls early (the Edelman fair catch and the hold on Dobson in the end zone), and just when you think the Pats have sealed the game up you get a really bizarre challenge "ruling" (I don't even think it would have been overturned, but considering how vague the definition of a catch is, those are always a crapshoot) against the Pats that's almost amusing because the game's almost over, until the wheels keep falling off and all of a sudden the refs hand the Falcons a chance to tie on a play ~95% of viewers at home would've said he got the first down.Lol... you know, DT, if I am ever just way over the moon optimistic for some reason, I know I could always turn to you to keep me grounded.

Don't worry. I think the Pats will still be fine.Nobody claims the sky is falling after an opening 3 and out like DT does, and I laugh at him when he does that, but he's pretty spot on here. You don't just lose an All-Pro D-Lineman without it being a big blow (same thing with the Bears and Henry Melton). We still get enough turnovers and have improved enough in the secondary that we've got a chance to win in any postseason game, but this does weaken our run defense and open up the chance for a Houston or Baltimore to dominate us with a power running game.

Btw, keep it classy Falcons fans booing Wilfork when he was down. Even if we're desperate to slow down a no-huddle, we're not going to have Vince Wilfork faking an injury in a goal-to-go situation.

[DaddyTorgo]

Lol... you know, DT, if I am ever just way over the moon optimistic for some reason, I know I could always turn to you to keep me grounded.

Don't worry. I think the Pats will still be fine.

10-6 fine, 11-5 fine yeah. SB-bound...I doubt it. Like I said - it was going to be tough against the Broncos before, this just makes it that little bit tougher.

Hey...I hope they prove me wrong, just trying to manage my own expectations.

[DaddyTorgo]

You're running out of Brady years!

Don't remind me. :(

[DaddyTorgo]

Oh, I know - the 50/50 calls downfield ended up split, you just had 2 really bad no-calls early (the Edelman fair catch and the hold on Dobson in the end zone), and just when you think the Pats have sealed the game up you get a really bizarre challenge "ruling" (I don't even think it would have been overturned, but considering how vague the definition of a catch is, those are always a crapshoot) against the Pats that's almost amusing because the game's almost over, until the wheels keep falling off and all of a sudden the refs hand the Falcons a chance to tie on a play ~95% of viewers at home would've said he got the first down.Nobody claims the sky is falling after an opening 3 and out like DT does, and I laugh at him when he does that, but he's pretty spot on here. You don't just lose an All-Pro D-Lineman without it being a big blow (same thing with the Bears and Henry Melton). We still get enough turnovers and have improved enough in the secondary that we've got a chance to win in any postseason game, but this does weaken our run defense and open up the chance for a Houston or Baltimore to dominate us with a power running game.

Btw, keep it classy Falcons fans booing Wilfork when he was down. Even if we're desperate to slow down a no-huddle, we're not going to have Vince Wilfork faking an injury in a goal-to-go situation.

I didn't say the sky was falling with the 3 and out ;) . Just not used to seeing those from this team and they're frustrating is all.

[miami_fan]

Btw, keep it classy Falcons fans booing Wilfork when he was down. Even if we're desperate to slow down a no-huddle, we're not going to have Vince Wilfork faking an injury in a goal-to-go situation.

Not saying that it is right but I think fans see this along the same lines as they see baseball players and steroids or soccer players and diving. The players have sort of lost the benefit of the doubt when it comes to faking injuries. If teams (because I don't think the players are doing it without the coaches' approval) stop faking injuries, they will be less booing.

[TroyF]

Just to clarify my original statement.

I don't find it unwatchable because of the increased focus on concussions. I'm all for safety first.

I find it unwatchable as a byproduct of the changes I guess. The officials have a very difficult job. I couldn't do it. But we keep adding additional rules that are interpreted and applied in a very inconsistent manner. And maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't enjoy 49-45 games. If the launching tackles are taken out of the game (and should be), something has to give the other direction.

I always think back to an article I read in, I think, SI a couple years back. A league official was asked about why cut blocking was acceptable, and the reason was "it's tremendously difficult to run the ball in this league. That tactic is needed to make it fairer" (paraphrasing). Not equating knee injuries to headshots, but it's sure difficult to stop a WR when you can't touch him.

In hockey, the refs are pretty solid about letting a defending player tie up a player heading into the corner, given the alternative is launching the guys into the boards. Allowing some contact with the receiver keep the defender closer, and lessens the amount of times another defender is coming in for a kill shot. IMO.

If it gets 100% out of line, they'll start making changes to allow the defense to do more. Now, it really isn't that far out of line. 4 teams are averaging 30 or more points, one of which will most certainly not be within a few weeks (Bears).

Having 2 to 3 teams above 30 a game isn't a real shock. The Broncos obviously look pretty damned good now, but we'll see if they stay over 40 a game when they go through the stretch of @SD, KC, @NE, @ KC before we go too crazy.

[BishopMVP]

Not saying that it is right but I think fans see this along the same lines as they see baseball players and steroids or soccer players and diving. The players have sort of lost the benefit of the doubt when it comes to faking injuries. If teams (because I don't think the players are doing it without the coaches' approval) stop faking injuries, they will be less booing.Shurg... I really don't see it as an epidemic. Have some teams done it to Chip Kelly, and is it becoming more pervasive at the college level? Probably. But it really hasn't been a big deal at the NFL level - and the Patriots have run more no-huddle than anyone else the past couple years, so I feel like I would've noticed. Secondly, you need to consider the players and the game situation a little bit - if the Patriots are reeling defensively and Marquice Cole and Michael Buchanon are going down with cramps on consecutive plays, maybe, but we aren't trying to take Vince Wilfork out of the game when the other team is inside the 10 yard line.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

'NFL Films Presents': Horsin' around with Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry - NFL Videos (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/0ap2000000250293/NFL-Films-Presents-Horsin-around-with-Eric-Berry)

Funny stuff. Thanks for posting.

[miami_fan]

Shurg... I really don't see it as an epidemic. Have some teams done it to Chip Kelly, and is it becoming more pervasive at the college level? Probably. But it really hasn't been a big deal at the NFL level - and the Patriots have run more no-huddle than anyone else the past couple years, so I feel like I would've noticed. Secondly, you need to consider the players and the game situation a little bit - if the Patriots are reeling defensively and Marquice Cole and Michael Buchanon are going down with cramps on consecutive plays, maybe, but we aren't trying to take Vince Wilfork out of the game when the other team is inside the 10 yard line.

To your first point, I don't know how pervasive it actually is today, but there is a history of NFL players faking injury to stall hurry up offenses. In fact, wasn't there a Steeler receiver that fake an injury to get a timeout or something like that? You also have players of the past spoiling it for the current players. How many former players (Brian Urlacher, Mike Golic just to name a couple) have gleefully admitted that they would or their coaches would tell them to fake an injury? Again, it is not right to boo any player who is injured, but if fans believe the player is faking to get an advantage, they are going to boo.

Secondly, asking fans who may have been drinking since 8am to consider any situation rationally is probably asking a lot.

[gstelmack]

Last season we not only had players faking injuries to slow the Patriots up, we had the refs screwing around with spots to slow the Patriots up.

[spleen1015]

Patriots' fan complaining about opposing fans booing them for assumed faked injuries. Willie McGinest appreciates the support.

[Danny]

To your first point, I don't know how pervasive it actually is today, but there is a history of NFL players faking injury to stall hurry up offenses. In fact, wasn't there a Steeler receiver that fake an injury to get a timeout or something like that? You also have players of the past spoiling it for the current players. How many former players (Brian Urlacher, Mike Golic just to name a couple) have gleefully admitted that they would or their coaches would tell them to fake an injury? Again, it is not right to boo any player who is injured, but if fans believe the player is faking to get an advantage, they are going to boo.

Secondly, asking fans who may have been drinking since 8am to consider any situation rationally is probably asking a lot.

Hines Ward

[larrymcg421]

Patriots fans were booing a Jets player as recent as week 1 of this season, and it was in a situation where a faked injury wouldn't have helped the Jets at all.

[BishopMVP]

Patriots fans were booing a Jets player as recent as week 1 of this season, and it was in a situation where a faked injury wouldn't have helped the Jets at all.I thought it was dumb when Pats fans booed Wilkerson too. Just like when I complain about leading with the helmet I'll acknowledge that Rodney Harrison was one of the worst offenders in the league.Secondly, asking fans who may have been drinking since 8am to consider any situation rationally is probably asking a lot.Well, hopefully the 40% of the crowd that were planning to drive home after the 3rd quarter were sobering up by then :p

[Suburban Rhythm]

To your first point, I don't know how pervasive it actually is today, but there is a history of NFL players faking injury to stall hurry up offenses. In fact, wasn't there a Steeler receiver that fake an injury to get a timeout or something like that? You also have players of the past spoiling it for the current players. How many former players (Brian Urlacher, Mike Golic just to name a couple) have gleefully admitted that they would or their coaches would tell them to fake an injury? Again, it is not right to boo any player who is injured, but if fans believe the player is faking to get an advantage, they are going to boo.

Secondly, asking fans who may have been drinking since 8am to consider any situation rationally is probably asking a lot.

Hines Ward

Last year, Emmanuel Sanders

[Suicane75]

Here's a radical rule change, lead with your hands. No more shoulder blocks or leading with your helmet or shoulders. Hitting is not tackling. Tackling is using your hands and arms to wrap up an opponent and take him to the ground.

[molson]

I wonder how many games the Patriots would have to win in a row to get to the point where the primary rhetoric in the Boston sports media wasn't how bleak everything is.

I mean, 4-0 is good. They only have to go .500 the rest of the way to get to 10 wins, (and they appear to be far better than a .500 team now, and have the return of two big offensive weapons still to look forward to, so you'd think they'll be comfortably in the double digits of wins once again.) It's another amazing coaching job by Bellichick & Company. I think people are just spoiled by this franchise.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

We get the media we deserve, sadly. Felger and Mazz destroy in the ratings by constantly shitting out their mouths each afternoon.

My favorite is how Mazz went until early September saying the Sox would choke their way out of the playoffs, then immediately switched to anything but a World Series berth would be considered a failure.

[cuervo72]

@molson: You think?

[spleen1015]

I wonder how many games the Patriots would have to win in a row to get to the point where the primary rhetoric in the Boston sports media wasn't how bleak everything is.

I mean, 4-0 is good. They only have to go .500 the rest of the way to get to 10 wins, (and they appear to be far better than a .500 team now, and have the return of two big offensive weapons still to look forward to, so you'd think they'll be comfortably in the double digits of wins once again.) It's another amazing coaching job by Bellichick & Company. I think people are just spoiled by this franchise.

They need to enjoy the success while they can. Bad Ass Bill won't be there forever.

[BillJasper]

Nothing like watching Miami piss away a game with turnovers. :(

[SirFozzie]

Due to baseball playoffs, Raiders Oct. 6 home game vs. Chargers has been switched 4:25 pm ET to 11:35 pm ET. Late night.

Are you ready for some 2:00 AM football?

[BillJasper]

At least Miami has the good sense to get blown out. That way I can go watch something else. :lol:

[ColtCrazy]

Why do I over think things in fantasy? I do this once a year. I cut Sproles after Week 2 because I wanted Bernard Pierce (12 team league, 3 RBs…so it's slim pickens). Naturally, Pierce sucked, and Sproles is kicking butt.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

I keep telling myself, stick with the guys you drafted. I always draft well, then screw it up by tinkering. *sigh*

Unlike last night's game, I don't see Miami making a comeback. Saints can move the ball at will tonight it seems.

[Danny]

Wow you dropped sproles? Wow

[ColtCrazy]

Wow you dropped sproles? Wow

Yep. I have Reggie Bush and Jamaal Charles, so I'm fine going forward, but I got greedy (aka stupid) and thought Pierce would be a good option over Sproles' consistency for Bush when he missed a game. Yep, I'm a fantasy idiot.

After 2 weeks, I was ahead of the league in scoring by a large margin. Since then, two losses and back to reality. oh well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wow you dropped sproles? Wow

Hell, I dropped him for a week or two & then picked him back up ... just in time for this week :)

[Danny]

Are these 6 team leagues? Hard to believe sproles would not be snagged.

On a different note, l

[Danny]

Looks like we could have Brees vs manning part two

[JonInMiddleGA]

Are these 6 team leagues? Hard to believe sproles would not be snagged.

ESPN standard, 10 team.

[Tigercat]

Looks like we could have Brees vs manning part two

If the Saints OL can improve over the course of the year, perhaps. The running game needs to get a little better for when they face elite defenses. Saints and Seahawks, Monday night in December might determine who goes to the Super Bowl for the NFC. If either of those teams have home field throughout the playoffs, moreso than even a normal year, they would have to be the easy favorites for making the Super Bowl.

[Bobble]

To your first point, I don't know how pervasive it actually is today, but there is a history of NFL players faking injury to stall hurry up offenses. In fact, wasn't there a Steeler receiver that fake an injury to get a timeout or something like that? You also have players of the past spoiling it for the current players. How many former players (Brian Urlacher, Mike Golic just to name a couple) have gleefully admitted that they would or their coaches would tell them to fake an injury? Again, it is not right to boo any player who is injured, but if fans believe the player is faking to get an advantage, they are going to boo.

Secondly, asking fans who may have been drinking since 8am to consider any situation rationally is probably asking a lot.

Hines Ward

Last year, Emmanuel Sanders

1988, Joe Nash.

It's been going on for a while.

[SnowMan]

Joe Nash did it every other play at times. Was borderline silly.

[Chief Rum]

ESPN standard, 10 team.

Must be nice to play with dummies.

[ColtCrazy]

Hell, I dropped him for a week or two & then picked him back up ... just in time for this week :)

Strangely enough, I picked up Eddie Lacy this morning. The guy that has Sproles cut Lacy to get him. Now he wants to deal to get Lacy back (he's an Alabama alum and thinks Lacy is the real deal) so I may get lucky and get Sproles back anyway. Never underestimate a guy's love for alma mater. With only 3 RBs on the roster, if you have one injured, you are almost forced to cut or go without.

[spleen1015]

You need to keep Lacy.

[RainMaker]

Strangely enough, I picked up Eddie Lacy this morning. The guy that has Sproles cut Lacy to get him. Now he wants to deal to get Lacy back (he's an Alabama alum and thinks Lacy is the real deal) so I may get lucky and get Sproles back anyway. Never underestimate a guy's love for alma mater. With only 3 RBs on the roster, if you have one injured, you are almost forced to cut or go without.

I got Lacy in both my leagues. Including a 14 team one one with a flex. Not sure why people gave up on him so quickly. Am I wrong to assume he'll probably be their #1 back?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Keep Lacy over Sproles.

Does your league have openings? Is it a money league?

[ColtCrazy]

I think Lacy will be their #1. I'm optimistic about him. We'll see what the other guy offers…though frankly, I think he's selling Sproles high. People in this league tend to do that or make absurd offers.

No openings. 12 team league, mostly teachers in our school district. Skill varies from knowing a lot to barely knowing the names of players not on the Colts (they also get drafted too high).

Right now, I'm sitting with Kaepernick or Vick (who I unsuccessfully tried to sell high) at QB, Bush and Charles at RB, D Thomas and Megatron at WR, Clay/Finley at TE. Only weak spot is defense, but the Browns are holding their own actually. All I have to do is make the playoffs and hope for a hot streak from there.

[Matthean]

It depends on how healthy Lacy stays. Sproles is only getting about 10-11 touches per game so Lacy easily has the potential to put up better numbers if he's their #1 guy. GB's next two games face off against the #17th and #20th rush defenses.

[ColtCrazy]

It depends on how healthy Lacy stays. Sproles is only getting about 10-11 touches per game so Lacy easily has the potential to put up better numbers if he's their #1 guy. GB's next two games face off against the #17th and #20th rush defenses.

About Le'Veon Bell? No one has him in our league? Better this year than Lacy? Steelers are struggling and Bell might give them their best chance at a rushing attack.

[Matthean]

About Le'Veon Bell? No one has him in our league? Better this year than Lacy? Steelers are struggling and Bell might give them their best chance at a rushing attack.

I would likely stick with Lacy, but keep track of Bell. I think Bell will be more tied to the success of the Steelers, but since the Packers have such a better offense, there's likely more chance of success there. Packers also get the NFC East so they have yet to play the Eagles and Giants who aren't exactly known for defenses this year.

[mckerney]

Broncos – Jags Game Expected To Be The Largest Spread In NFL History (http://theinterrobang.com/2013/10/broncos-jags-game-expected-to-be-the-largest-spread-in-nfl-history/)

[chadritt]

Baltimore Ravens agree in principle to trade for Eugene Monroe of Jacksonville Jaguars - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9756845/baltimore-ravens-agree-principle-trade-eugene-monroe-jacksonville-jaguars)

[BishopMVP]

Baltimore Ravens agree in principle to trade for Eugene Monroe of Jacksonville Jaguars - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9756845/baltimore-ravens-agree-principle-trade-eugene-monroe-jacksonville-jaguars)Love this line He was Jacksonville's best offensive lineman this season, getting beat at times as he tried to pick up the slack for struggling guard Will Rackley.

[Logan]

Another LT on the move...Steelers acquire Levi Brown from Arizona for one or more "low round" picks per PFT.

Cardinals don’t get much for Levi Brown | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/02/cardinals-dont-get-much-for-levi-brown/)

[bhlloy]

So the 2-2 team trades their starting LT to the 0-4 team for some worthless picks? Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense although I guess if you are Steelers fan at least they are still trying...

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

The market for top ten LTs who busted is not a robust one it seems.

[Suburban Rhythm]

If memory serves, Levi Brown is not very good...so he'll fit in perfectly

[Danny]

Jaguars are idiots. They trade a potential asset like Monroe for only a 4th and a 5th. Great pickup for Ravens.

[Solecismic]

Apparently Walt Jr. has been demoted to third string QB in Oakland, making his almost-$4 million of cap the most expensive in the league for a clipboard holder. Amongst seconds, only Chad Henne is higher, I believe.

Walt should be third, but Mark Sanchez ($12.4 million) is on IR and Josh Freeman ($9.7 million) is on SR (Schiano Reserve).

This left tackle thing is interesting. Levi Brown has always been a "why isn't he great?" player. Maybe Pittsburgh can make something of him. It's not like they're paying a lot. If I were a Steelers fan, I'd be glad to see them trying something like this. No one is running away in that division.

[Thomkal]

Another LT on the move...Steelers acquire Levi Brown from Arizona for one or more "low round" picks per PFT.

Cardinals don’t get much for Levi Brown | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/02/cardinals-dont-get-much-for-levi-brown/)


I just now saw this. Levi Brown has been the posterboy for the disaster that is the Cards O-Line the past few seasons. The one time he began to show some glimmer of 1st round talent is when his contract was up-then he got hurt and then he sucked again. When he's not letting d-lineman get by him to chase/hit/injure my beloved Cards QB's, he's going false-start to kill drive after drive. They kept him because they had horrible luck/made bad decisions with replacements and draftees-such as their 1st rounder Jonathan Cooper this season who is on IR without even getting to the regular season. Some think he would do better at Guard, I don't recall the Cards ever doing that, but I think that might have been the plan if Cooper had stayed healthy.

So yeah they are 2-2, but if you saw the Buccaneers game last week, you can see they aren't going anywhere. They lost three linebackers for the season in the game previous and Carson Palmer didn't win the game for them in the end it was two Patrick Peterson INT's that did.

EDIT: Just found out a fourth Cardinals linebacker has gone on IR-one they just signed last week. *sigh*

(of course if the Cards now turn it around and make the playoffs, I will deny ever saying this. :lol: )

[Honolulu_Blue]

Apparently Walt Jr. has been demoted to third string QB in Oakland, making his almost-$4 million of cap the most expensive in the league for a clipboard holder. Amongst seconds, only Chad Henne is higher, I believe.

Walt should be third, but Mark Sanchez ($12.4 million) is on IR and Josh Freeman ($9.7 million) is on SR (Schiano Reserve).

This left tackle thing is interesting. Levi Brown has always been a "why isn't he great?" player. Maybe Pittsburgh can make something of him. It's not like they're paying a lot. If I were a Steelers fan, I'd be glad to see them trying something like this. No one is running away in that division.

It's pretty impressive how much money the Lions secondary made Matt Flynn and how much they cost two separate teams.

[BishopMVP]

Jaguars are idiots. They trade a potential asset like Monroe for only a 4th and a 5th. Great pickup for Ravens.I can see it if they tried to work out an extension, only to have Monroe/his agent basically laugh at them and tell there was no chance of his re-signing after this year. In that case, you might as well trade him for what you can get.They kept him because they had horrible luck/made bad decisions with replacements and draftees-such as their 1st rounder Jonathan Cooper this season who is on IR without even getting to the regular season. Some think he would do better at Guard, I don't recall the Cards ever doing that, but I think that might have been the plan if Cooper had stayed healthy.
Wait, the Cardinals were going to try Cooper at tackle? Or would Cooper have played his natural guard position and one of the other 2 currently starting guards bumped outside to tackle?

[chadritt]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers release Josh Freeman - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9764541/tampa-bay-buccaneers-release-josh-freeman)

About time. Good for everyone.

[Thomkal]

I can see it if they tried to work out an extension, only to have Monroe/his agent basically laugh at them and tell there was no chance of his re-signing after this year. In that case, you might as well trade him for what you can get.
Wait, the Cardinals were going to try Cooper at tackle? Or would Cooper have played his natural guard position and one of the other 2 currently starting guards bumped outside to tackle?

I honestly can't remember if that was plan or not with Cooper-my memory is not good these days, but his latest contract was signed by the old management and head coach, and they were having salary cap problems. So I think they were ready to move him if he was not impressing them this season. They have two young tackles (who interestingly were not named to replace him at Left tackle), and along with Cooper, they were going to ease him out the door.