NFL Week 15 Thread

[ColtCrazy]

Cutler to start for the Bears. Interesting after McCown's performance last week.


On a side note, I'm in the semifinals in fantasy. McCown saved me last week. Now, he's cut so I could get Cutler. Do I start Cutler or Kaepernick? Ugh. My prospects for the finals have been greatly diminished.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That is an interest call by the Bears. McCown has really been great. That said, assuming Cutler's healthy, I think either of them is sufficient to beat the Browns this week.

The Lions have the Ravens at home on Monday night. Last time the Lions hosted a Monday night game it was pretty good. Not too sure about this year. That crazy win against the Vikings likely breathed some new life into the Ravens.

The Lions continue to bumble around like the Lions do. A frustrating team if there ever was one. They are capable of losing to anyone at any time. I fear it's a combination of coaching and Stafford. I really like Stafford. A lot. I want him to be great, but I fear he's just too inaccurate and too inconsistent to be relied upon. He's vary careless with the ball. Fumbles and interceptions galore. He misses wide open receivers too often. The Lions offense runs incredibly hot and cold. They will dominate for a quarter or a half and then go completely dormant. I fear a lot of that is due to Stafford. He hasn't consistently shown the ability to make the players around him better. I do think Calvin Johnson makes him seem better than he is.

In the fourth quarter of the Lions last three losses - games in which they led going into the fourth quarter - Stafford was a whopping 6-for-31 in pass attempts. He has the 29th "best" completion percentage in the NFL and 14 interceptions.

If the Lions don't win the division this year, a division that's been gift wrapped for them with all of the injuries to the Bears and Packers and the Vikings being very down this year, Schwartz needs to go.

[jbergey22]

Cutler to start for the Bears. Interesting after McCown's performance last week.


On a side note, I'm in the semifinals in fantasy. McCown saved me last week. Now, he's cut so I could get Cutler. Do I start Cutler or Kaepernick? Ugh. My prospects for the finals have been greatly diminished.

You will want to check on the Cleveland weather(60 percent chance of snowstorms at the moment) but still Id strongly consider Kaep either way.

I also wouldnt want to mess around with Cutler having a bad start and worrying about McCown coming in.

[jbergey22]

That is an interest call by the Bears. McCown has really been great. That said, assuming Cutler's healthy, I think either of them is sufficient to beat the Browns this week.



One of them things where he has to commit to McCown for the rest of the season/playoffs or let Cutler go now and hopefully shake his rust in prep for the playoffs. Probably looked at it from the angle that Cutler gives us the best chance in the playoffs.

[cartman]

Our company got a field level suite to take a few of our customers to for the Cowboys-Packers game on Sunday afternoon. I picked up one of the Graterheads to wear. Since the suite is behind the Packers' bench, I hope to get some TV time :)

[Thomkal]

McCown actually set a record for the Bears-third consecutive 300+ yards passing game-hard to believe no one else has done that in Bears history.

I don't think anyone inside or outside the Bears organization thought a 34 year old McCown would be as good as he has been-maybe one game, but this many? It will be interesting to see what happens if/when Cutler struggles or isn't fully recovered from his injury though.

[Carman Bulldog]

Cutler to start for the Bears. Interesting after McCown's performance last week.


On a side note, I'm in the semifinals in fantasy. McCown saved me last week. Now, he's cut so I could get Cutler. Do I start Cutler or Kaepernick? Ugh. My prospects for the finals have been greatly diminished.

I'm in a similar boat but I don't have the luxury of Kaep. I had Aaron Rodgers and was thankfully able to pick up McCown (and have since added Cutler). With that said though, I don't have much confidence in Cutler's health and fear him being yanked for McCown.

[ColtCrazy]

I'm in a similar boat but I don't have the luxury of Kaep. I had Aaron Rodgers and was thankfully able to pick up McCown (and have since added Cutler). With that said though, I don't have much confidence in Cutler's health and fear him being yanked for McCown.

Same concern I have. Even if Kaep's production isn't McCown, I'd rather have a entire game of him I think than a possible 1/2 game of either Bear QB. I'm a 20 point favorite…for whatever that's worth in fantasy.

[ColtCrazy]

Dola - Colts will honor Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk during the game this Sunday. Putting them both in the Ring of Honor. I agree with Dickerson, but not so much on Faulk. Best years were after us and the year we went to the AFC Championship was the year he missed the playoffs.

[gstelmack]

McCown actually set a record for the Bears-third consecutive 300+ yards passing game-hard to believe no one else has done that in Bears history.

I don't think anyone inside or outside the Bears organization thought a 34 year old McCown would be as good as he has been-maybe one game, but this many? It will be interesting to see what happens if/when Cutler struggles or isn't fully recovered from his injury though.

A point I saw made years ago (by TMQ?) that has stuck with me and seems applicable - whenever a QB takes over, it takes a few games for the other teams to get game tape and adjust. For a few games, nearly anyone can look really good. The QBs with staying power learn to read defenses and make adjustments, but anyone who can throw a decent ball can be schemed to look good until the other teams get a read on them.

The Bears might be pulling McCown at just the right time.

[BillJasper]

Dola - Colts will honor Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk during the game this Sunday. Putting them both in the Ring of Honor. I agree with Dickerson, but not so much on Faulk. Best years were after us and the year we went to the AFC Championship was the year he missed the playoffs.

But weren't Dickerson's best years before he joined the Colts? He only had two really good years there. Seems odd that either would be going into the Colts Ring of Honor.

[larrymcg421]

Yeah, I'd say Faulk had a better Colts career than Dickerson did.

[ColtCrazy]

True…and both had their glory years as Rams interestingly enough…but Dickerson did play on a division championship team and lead the league in rushing once. I don't think Faulk was ever in the top 5 while in Indy. His best season was probably his last in 1998 but that was on a 3 win team.

Frankly, someone like Tarik Glenn or Ray Donaldson are more worthy, but offensive linemen aren't sexy.

[Julio Riddols]

I almost wonder if the Bears let Cutler go and grab a QB in the draft while they let McCown handle the early action til the young guy is ready. I know they need defense too, but if a good QB falls in a deep class and you can't get Cutler back..

[Coffee Warlord]

I have a feeling that's bouncing around Emery's head right now. If Cutler doesn't provide a hometown discount, it makes sense.

Actually, I'm hoping they won't hesitate to snap up a QB in high rounds if one they like is available, even if they DO resign Cutler.

[Julio Riddols]

You'd think Cutler would want to stay.. Seems like he likes being wherever Brandon Marshall is and vice versa. Now you have a second Brandon Marshall in Alshon Jeffery.. If I were Cutler I would be begging them to keep me.

[Solecismic]

When healthy, Cutler's arm is simply genius. With Trestman, Marshall and Jeffery, they could take over the world if they're on the same page. I think they want to see if the magic's there before committing to a new contract.

Do we have our first modern tanking in Washington? A subtle plan involving a little show-bickering between Shanahan and Snyder so it doesn't seem too obvious? High picks have more value under the more reasonable contract terms set by the new CBA.

[BillJasper]

Do we have our first modern tanking in Washington? A subtle plan involving a little show-bickering between Shanahan and Snyder so it doesn't seem too obvious? High picks have more value under the more reasonable contract terms set by the new CBA.

But why would you tank for a pick that St. Louis owns?

[jbergey22]

Do we have our first modern tanking in Washington? A subtle plan involving a little show-bickering between Shanahan and Snyder so it doesn't seem too obvious? High picks have more value under the more reasonable contract terms set by the new CBA.

Do the skins even have a first round pick to tank for? I cant remember every detail of the RG3 trade but I am thinking they dont even have a first.

[Dutch]

Yup, the Rams have it and are currently sitting at the #2 overall pick with it.

[cuervo72]

The situation in Washington is no show-bickering. Odds have to be 100-1 that Shanahan comes back; the only reason he's still there is because he doesn't want to give up $7M due on his contract, and Snyder doesn't want to pay it.

Had this conversation with Morg and others earlier - while sitting RGIII can be taken as a poke in the eye to Snyder (what better way to get fired than to bench the franchise QB and owner's pet?), it may actually make sense for the Redskins. At this point, RGIII is a mess. Going by Chris Cooley's observations (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2013/12/11/cooley-cousins-a-better-pocket-passer-than-rgiii/) - while he has a ways to go as a radio guy, I think he has a good handle on film and the football side of things - RGIII isn't making reads, is only looking at one side of the field, is jittery in the pocket, isn't accurate. And as he says:

“At this point, my belief is that he may not be getting better; he may be developing worse habits that would stay with him for a longer period of time. When Shanahan talked about keeping him healthy, I don’t hate the idea of him coming out to stay healthy. Because he goes from his first read to looking around the offensive line to see if he needs to run. He doesn’t have faith to sit in that pocket and go from one side of the field to the other. His eyes go from first read to am I getting sacked almost simultaneously. And he’s stepping up and making moves to run in the pocket when he goes off read number 1.”

I tend to agree with him - this season is lost, and the organization right now is a Grade-A shitshow. No real reason to risk either injury or messing him up even more than he is (some have made comparisons to Patrick Ramsay, who showed promise but behind a horrid line basically became shell-shocked beyond repair). Regroup under a new coach who can work with him (that won't happen with the Shanahans) and start fresh.

This also gives WAS the opportunity to increase Cousins' value. He's playing Atlanta, a horrid defense with Dallas, and a Giants team where you don't know what you'll get. If he does well, it's his ticket out of there.

[ColtCrazy]

When healthy, Cutler's arm is simply genius. With Trestman, Marshall and Jeffery, they could take over the world if they're on the same page. I think they want to see if the magic's there before committing to a new contract.


Sadly, I remember the same thing said about Jeff George and some of the talent he had in Atlanta after leaving the Colts. Cutler needs to understand that he could end up being the modern day Jeff George unless he figures a few things out.

[Solecismic]

Do the skins even have a first round pick to tank for? I cant remember every detail of the RG3 trade but I am thinking they dont even have a first.

I guess it's real, then. Snyder is truly a fan's dream, isn't he?

[Bobble]

The Lions have the Ravens at home on Monday night. Last time the Lions hosted a Monday night game it was pretty good. Not too sure about this year. That crazy win against the Vikings likely breathed some new life into the Ravens.

The Lions continue to bumble around like the Lions do. A frustrating team if there ever was one. They are capable of losing to anyone at any time. I fear it's a combination of coaching and Stafford. I really like Stafford. A lot. I want him to be great, but I fear he's just too inaccurate and too inconsistent to be relied upon. He's vary careless with the ball. Fumbles and interceptions galore. He misses wide open receivers too often. The Lions offense runs incredibly hot and cold. They will dominate for a quarter or a half and then go completely dormant. I fear a lot of that is due to Stafford. He hasn't consistently shown the ability to make the players around him better. I do think Calvin Johnson makes him seem better than he is.

In the fourth quarter of the Lions last three losses - games in which they led going into the fourth quarter - Stafford was a whopping 6-for-31 in pass attempts. He has the 29th "best" completion percentage in the NFL and 14 interceptions.

If the Lions don't win the division this year, a division that's been gift wrapped for them with all of the injuries to the Bears and Packers and the Vikings being very down this year, Schwartz needs to go.

Get out of my head.

[ColtCrazy]

Denver D half-assing it out there tonight.

[Matthean]

If the Lions don't win the division this year, a division that's been gift wrapped for them with all of the injuries to the Bears and Packers and the Vikings being very down this year, Schwartz needs to go.

The problem is he still needs to go and if they do win the division, good luck getting him gone. The Fords have trouble firing people who don't make the playoffs. They have a coach who could get them to the playoffs twice in three years. Hell, that hasn't happened since the days of Fontes.

[Desnudo]

I was not expecting that. I still think Denver will be fine though. I don't see the Patriots beating both the Dolphins and the Ravens. They very easily could lose both games.

[Arles]

Sweeping both games against KC has proven crucial for Denver. If they had lost just one - they'd be slipping from a first round BYE to the wild card.

[gstelmack]

I do think the NFL needs to change it so that teams who play Thursday, including Thanksgiving, have a bye the week before. The short week is really absurd.

[Blackadar]

Dola - Colts will honor Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk during the game this Sunday. Putting them both in the Ring of Honor. I agree with Dickerson, but not so much on Faulk. Best years were after us and the year we went to the AFC Championship was the year he missed the playoffs.

I feel the exact opposite.

Dickerson and Faulk both played for 5 seasons as Colts and both are HoFers.

Dickerson came to the Colts in that huge trade in which the Colts gave up a 5 time Pro Bowl LB (Cornelius Bennett), a #1 and 2 #2s. Lucky for the Colts that the Rams didn't draft worth a shit with those picks. For example, in 1988 the Rams selected WR Aaron Cox, who caught 102 passes in his career. In the next 20 picks, there were 2 HOFers selected (Thurman Thomas and Dermontti Dawson) plus good pros like Ironhead Heyward, Eric Allen, Lorenzo White, Chris Spielman, Jumbo Elliott and Ken Norton.

Dickerson wasn't bad, gaining about 5,100 yards rushing (3 1,000 yard seasons). But then he bad mouthed the team after two shitty seasons and forced his way out. Indy made the playoffs only in his first year and was on their way to posting that 1-15 season his last year there.

----

Faulk on the other hand was drafted by the Colts. He rushed for 1,000 yards 4 out of his 5 seasons and out-rushed Dickerson overall. Because he was a better pass-catcher, he out-gained Dickerson by almost 2000 yards in those 5 seasons. Faulk didn't force his way out - he wanted to renegotiate his contract because he was out-performing it. Polian thought he was washed up, didn't want to pay him that kind of money and moved him for a 2nd and a 5th. As for the team, they were in transition. Manning was a rookie QB during Faulk's last year - the Colts went 3-13 that year but 13-3 the following year. They made the playoffs twice during Faulk's time (versus once for Dickerson), but neither team had a great year with either player.

In short, Faulk had the better Colts career, it didn't cost the Colts as much to get him, exited the team under better circumstances and the Colts got more for him once he did leave.

[panerd]

I do think the NFL needs to change it so that teams who play Thursday, including Thanksgiving, have a bye the week before. The short week is really absurd.

Yes I never understood why this wasn't done. Seems like a no brainer. Same with teams going to England to play.

[panerd]

I was not expecting that. I still think Denver will be fine though. I don't see the Patriots beating both the Dolphins and the Ravens. They very easily could lose both games.

Don't count out the Bengals. I know they hold the tiebreaker over the Pats and I think I saw somewhere that if they won out they hold the three team tiebreaker over both.

It takes the Broncos losing another one but the Bengals remaining schedule is @Pitt, Minn, Balt. Certainly winnable. Of course also in typical Bengal fashion certainly could go 0-3 and end up out of the playoffs.

Denver's remaining schedule is @HOU, @OAK. Not looking like a loss but those division games against the Raiders aren't always gimmies.

NE's remianing scheudule is @MIA, @BALT, BUF.

[JPhillips]

But if the Bengals lose at Pitt and the Ravens win at Det this Sunday the week 17 Bengals/Ravens game could very well be for the division. It would take a Ravens win against NE, but the Bengals could easily be the 2 seed or the 6 seed.

[Dutch]

Yes I never understood why this wasn't done. Seems like a no brainer. Same with teams going to England to play.

They should get the bye week on the back-side of a Euro trip. The idea being that they would both be equally dazed going over and then get an extra week to re-equalize with the team they are getting ready to play that probably has been chillin' at home for a week or two.

[MartinD]

They should get the bye week on the back-side of a Euro trip. The idea being that they would both be equally dazed going over and then get an extra week to re-equalize with the team they are getting ready to play that probably has been chillin' at home for a week or two.

My understanding is that the schedules for teams that play in London are set up so that they get their bye week immediately after the overseas game.

[Butter]

But if the Bengals lose at Pitt and the Ravens win at Det this Sunday the week 17 Bengals/Ravens game could very well be for the division. It would take a Ravens win against NE, but the Bengals could easily be the 2 seed or the 6 seed.

Fully expecting a loss this week, they have looked so bleh on the road this year. Only game they really weren't close in was @ Cleveland, looked not good @ Baltimore, but the 2 others they probably should've won. Led Chicago by 11 late in the 3rd quarter. Miami kicks late tying FG and wins on a safety in OT.

Luckily, this is the last road game of the year. They need to get that #3 spot to avoid the Chiefs in Round 1. Really would prefer to face the Dolphins, because that would give them something to prove. One good way to assure that is to beat Baltimore in that final week.

[cartman]

Here's a story from Nate Jackson detailing his various injuries and how he tried to recover from them during his NFL career.

My Injury File: How I Shot, Smoked, And Screwed My Way Through The NFL (http://deadspin.com/my-injury-file-how-i-shot-smoked-and-screwed-my-way-1482106392?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=fark&utm_campaign=fark_pitch)

[Dutch]

My understanding is that the schedules for teams that play in London are set up so that they get their bye week immediately after the overseas game.

Fair enough, that just makes the most sense, so I naturally assumed Roger Godell didn't think of this. :)

[Arles]

I do think the NFL needs to change it so that teams who play Thursday, including Thanksgiving, have a bye the week before. The short week is really absurd.
My wife (huge broncos fan) firmly believes a major reason for the loss was that Peyton couldn't properly prepare. His normal schedule is to have Monday off, practice Tuesday, no throwing Wed and then heavy practice days of Thurs and Fri. With the Thursday game, his whole schedule was out of whack.

I feel that San Diego needed the game Denver had a "game in hand" on KC and played that way. I do think these Thursday games are a bit silly. There's been some wacky results and I just don't see teams being ready on 3 days rest.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My wife (huge broncos fan) firmly believes a major reason for the loss was that Peyton couldn't properly prepare. His normal schedule is to have Monday off, practice Tuesday, no throwing Wed and then heavy practice days of Thurs and Fri. With the Thursday game, his whole schedule was out of whack.

I feel that San Diego needed the game Denver had a "game in hand" on KC and played that way. I do think these Thursday games are a bit silly. There's been some wacky results and I just don't see teams being ready on 3 days rest.

He had just as much time to prepare as everyone else.

Also, he played the Lions on Thanksgiving back in 2004. That was a Thursday game and he managed to go 23/28 for 236 yards and 6 touchdowns. I think he can overcome a short week and can overcome his schedule being out of whack.

Then again, the Lions.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I feel that San Diego needed the game Denver had a "game in hand" on KC and played that way. I do think these Thursday games are a bit silly. There's been some wacky results and I just don't see teams being ready on 3 days rest.

Teams that play with that train of thought often put themselves in a worse position in a hurry. No room for error now.

I'm assuming the Broncos suck now.

[BillJasper]

Teams that play with that train of thought often put themselves in a worse position in a hurry. No room for error now.

I'm assuming the Broncos suck now.

Yup they suck and yup they're still better than the Chiefs. :p

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yup they suck and yup they're still better than the Chiefs. :p

They're less suck by virtue of head to head tiebreaker.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Aaron Rodgers is out again this week. All right, Dallas Cowboys. You failed me last week. Do not fail me again.

And, uh, go Browns!!!

[Thomkal]

In kind of a tough situation with my beloved Cards-likely the only way they make the playoffs is if they somehow end up tied with or better than the Panthers. Panthers are my "local" team that I've watched from Day 1. This means I have to root for the Jets to beat them today. Jets are my twin brother's favorite team that I love to root against. Can't do that today I guess.

[weegeebored]

When healthy, Cutler's arm is simply genius.16 million dollar arm; 10 cent head. There's no more projecting left with him, is there? He's 30, not 24. What you see is what you get. And now, perhaps, he's even injury-prone. I'm in agreement with those who see the need to draft a QB. Some team is going to want Cutler and the last thing the Bears need is a bidding war for a guy who hasn't performed well over his career. This is his last payday; Emery should play it smart and let him go. There are way too many holes in this team on defense. They don't need to tie up big money in a QB on an average-at-best team. I would also float the idea that they trade Marshall for a D lineman, as I am imagining the worst from him if Cutler isn't there.

[kingfc22]

Hope the Niners don't fall into the trap game this week.

[Coffee Warlord]

Cutler throws a pick in the end zone. Welcome back.

[Desnudo]

Aaron Rodgers is out again this week. All right, Dallas Cowboys. You failed me last week. Do not fail me again.

And, uh, go Browns!!!

Mr. December should take care of business for you.

[Lathum]

Cruz is a bitch who is half assing it out there with nothing to play for. Alligator arms on what should have been a first down then makes no effort on a 50/50 ball that the DB wanted more and picks off.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm starting to miss McCown.

[Desnudo]

Just get a man off the street to play outside CB so Arrington doesn't have to.

[cuervo72]

Ah, didn't need to touch him, Foles.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm starting to miss McCown.

Pick six Cutler. I repeat.

[Coffee Warlord]

If Cutler continues to struggle through the half...does Trestman have the balls to put McCown in?

[cuervo72]

No AP and the Eagles are still having trouble slowing down MIN.

[Galaril]

Geez Broncos better get their tickets set for playing in Foxboro as it looks like the Pats will beat the Dolfs today and would bet on them winning the last two as well. When Darth Belichick and his Sith apprentice Brady set their mind on a goal their like my dog with a bone.

[claphamsa]

45 fumbles so far in the foreskins falcons game....

[cuervo72]

And when the Eagles DO stop the Vikings, they get a bullshit PI call.

[cuervo72]

This was really a must-win for the Eagles, I'm afraid. I am not confident in Dallas losing to a Rodgers-less Packers team OR Washington. If they win both and the Eagles lose to Chicago - I'd put my money on Chicago - week 17 doesn't even matter.

[Thomkal]

Maybe Eli Manning should be benched for the rest of the day?

[SirFozzie]

It's gotten to the point that if we're not down by 14 or more with 7 minutes to play, I'm EXPECTING the Patriots to comeback.

That's not healthy.

I love it though.

[Desnudo]

Edelman is getting paid by someone in the off season

[cuervo72]

Sorry, Simms. Even if you don't make it, you HAVE to go for it there. You're not getting the ball back against the Pats if you punt.

[Lathum]

Maybe Eli Manning should be benched for the rest of the day?

I would actually be ok with that and see what we have in Nassib

[Lathum]

Holy crap that Browns DB should be cut

[SirFozzie]

Horrible defending. Let's see if Tom Terrific can do it one more time.

[Lathum]

Dolphins left Brady to much time.

[Desnudo]

Patriots incapable of playing a non heart attack game

[Thomkal]

Dolphins left Brady to much time.

Yeah you pretty much expect them to go right down the field and score

[Radii]

Dear lord there has been a lot of horrible football this afternoon (just watched the Tampa kickoff return fuckup giving the game to San Fran).

[cuervo72]

Horrible defending. Let's see if Tom Terrific can do it one more time.

Patriots incapable of playing a non heart attack game

Heart attack for you. Watching here rooting for the Dolphins, I fully expect the Pats to score. Not a bit of tension.

"Tom Terrific" - I know that he's been called this for a while, but c'mon, that's Seaver's nickname. Still bugs me that they recycled the nickname.

[Galaril]

Yeah you pretty much expect them to go right down the field and score

Yup way too much time. I guess the Dolphin that scored the TD doesn't have a dang TV and been watching the Pats games the last month.

[Thomkal]

Dear lord there has been a lot of horrible football this afternoon (just watched the Tampa kickoff return fuckup giving the game to San Fran).

yeah that was pretty freaking embarrassingly bad

[Galaril]

I expect the phantom PI at any point now.

[BishopMVP]

That would be PI in Foxboro.... that's why homefield advantage is so important.

[SirFozzie]

yeah, this is the "Try to draw the PI" offense.

One play now.

[Desnudo]

Refs have been letting them play all day.

[SirFozzie]

And congrats to the Dolphins for hanging on. can't pull off the magic all the time :)

[Thomkal]

wow

[Galaril]

Yeah you pretty much expect them to go right down the field and score

That would be PI in Foxboro.... that's why homefield advantage is so important.

Agreed.

[Desnudo]

Can't say I'm surprised. Now have to hope the Steelers can find a way to win.

[Thomkal]

Philly getting blown out by a Matt Cassel led, no AP Minnesota? Really?

[cuervo72]

They're still not really that good, Dan. :)

[Thomkal]

They're still not really that good, Dan. :)

They aren't that bad either :)

[Atocep]

Michael Bush did something!

[cuervo72]

Kelly, how do you even line up for 1 initially there down by 13?

[BishopMVP]

Refs have been letting them play all day.Agreed, and I'm not saying that should be called PI... I'm saying it absolutely would be if the Patriots were the home team (just like the Kuechly/Gronk flag would not have been picked up in Foxboro, and on the flip side like they wouldn't have called that PI last week if the game was in Cleveland).

Fwiw, I actually typed that up after the Edelman play on 2nd down... then that Hoomanawanui play on 3rd down was an even better example.

[Thomkal]

This Kirk Cousins guy's not too bad.

[miked]

How does Shanahan make it to tomorrow after that?

[Radii]

How does Shanahan make it to tomorrow after that?

After this week I assume he doesn't want to.

[BishopMVP]

Is Matt Asiata's 30 carries for 51 yards the worst 3 TD performance ever, or does that still go to Jerome Bettis' 5 carry, 1 yard 3 TD game?

[Desnudo]

And congrats to the Dolphins for hanging on. can't pull off the magic all the time :)

On the bright side, they made the Ravens unhappy

[Thomkal]

uh-oh Carson Palmer may be hurt, but still in the game...surprised he lasted this long really

[larrymcg421]

Is Matt Asiata's 30 carries for 51 yards the worst 3 TD performance ever, or does that still go to Jerome Bettis' 5 carry, 1 yard 3 TD game?

Asiata's game is definitely much worse than Bettis. Bettis only had two unproductive carries, whereas Asiata certainly had more.

For my money, the worst is Travis Henry's 21 Att, 26 Yds, 3 TD game in 2003.

[larrymcg421]

Awesome win for the Dolphins. That's their 10th one possession game this season.

[claphamsa]

After this week I assume he doesn't want to.

hes essentially begged to be fired... so he can get paid.

[cartman]

I might have gotten on TV. I'm wearing a grater head behind the back pylon of the Packers end zone in a field level suite.

[Scarecrow]

Wish I had Jamaal Charles in FF. 6 minutes left in the 1st half - 4 TDs.

[Coffee Warlord]

Wish I had Jamaal Charles in FF. 6 minutes left in the 1st half - 4 TDs.

My opponent does.

[SirFozzie]

Yeah, I do in my league where my opponent didn't start a QB (he had McCown but Cutler started)

[Karlifornia]

Wish I had Jamaal Charles in FF. 6 minutes left in the 1st half - 4 TDs.

He just ended my three year reign of my fantasy league by himself:(

[ColtCrazy]

I'm doing good in my FF semi. Jimmy Graham isn't hurting me, and Russell/Lynch didn't hurt me as much as I thought they would. Was down 50 early, but I have Jamaal Charles, Eddie Lacy, and the Panthers D giving me 80 combined to put me up. Now up 118-86. He has the Ravens D tomorrow, I'll have Megatron and Tucker.

If I hold on, looks like I'll be playing the guy that has Foles, McCoy, Edelman, and Vernon Davis. Going to be a tough final if I make it there.

[Radii]

and the Panthers D

Add a blocked punt to that!!!


I'm the #1 seed in my FF playoffs... down by 30 thanks to some insanity on defense (IDP) and the fact that I am without Adrian Peterson.

The #2 seed is getting smashed thanks in large part to Drew Brees having his first bad game in what seems like forever (GO RAMS)

[Thomkal]

Jamaal Charles Again!

[cuervo72]

After a crazy Week 14, Week 15 feels kinda like an exhibition week.

[Radii]

Whew, the Jets made that scary for a bit, but a pick 6 to make it 30-13 Carolina helps.

Rams get a FG and burn more clock, 27-3 over the Saints now... if these scores hold the Saints/Panthers rematch next week is for the division again (instead of Saints holding tiebreaker even if Carolina won)

[Radii]

THANK YOU RAMS!!!!!!!

[bulletsponge]

gee, who didnt see that coming? Dallas cant help it can they

[hoopsguy]

Cowboys playcalling - up 5, 4 minutes to go - is pass/pass/pass.
I know that Romo would get the heat for it if the Cowboys were to lose this game, cecause that is what happens to Romo. But seriously, the coaches are completely lacking in clock awareness.

As I type this, they throw again on 2nd and 6 with under 3 to go and Green Bay ready to burn timeouts. And Romo is picked off.

This team is so stupid, from the owner on down.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Dallas is amazing. The playcalling...holy shit.

[Thomkal]

Here I thought my beloved Cards had the game in their hands with a 17 point lead....sigh.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Just keep handing it to Eddie Lacy.

[rowech]

Cowboys playcalling - up 5, 4 minutes to go - is pass/pass/pass.
I know that Romo would get the heat for it if the Cowboys were to lose this game, cecause that is what happens to Romo. But seriously, the coaches are completely lacking in clock awareness.

As I type this, they throw again on 2nd and 6 with under 3 to go and Green Bay ready to burn timeouts. And Romo is picked off.

This team is so stupid, from the owner on down.

I've never seen such obstinate play calling in my life. Some of the most horrendous coaching ever.

[Thomkal]

OMG, almost a pick-6 in OT for the Cards :(

[Vince, Pt. II]

You're averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Why are you throwing in the red zone, at the 1 yard line? Just lean forward!

[Scoobz0202]

Just let them fucking score Dallas

[Thomkal]

OMG, almost a pick-6 in OT for the Cards :(

And now a INT for real for the Cards! And go GB totally embarrass the Cowboys! :)

[bulletsponge]

Cowboys playcalling - up 5, 4 minutes to go - is pass/pass/pass.
I know that Romo would get the heat for it if the Cowboys were to lose this game, cecause that is what happens to Romo. But seriously, the coaches are completely lacking in clock awareness.

As I type this, they throw again on 2nd and 6 with under 3 to go and Green Bay ready to burn timeouts. And Romo is picked off.

This team is so stupid, from the owner on down.

yep. theyre the NY Knicks of football

[EagleFan]

Romo being Romo!!!!

[Thomkal]

whew!

[rowech]

Romo being Romo!!!!

He can't even take the blame for this one. He's running the plays. At some point, you have to blame your coach for being an idiot. This game should have been over 45 minutes ago.

[Jas_lov]

ROMO CHOKES AGAIN! INT BY TRAMON! Boy, they better not rule this one against the Pack. That is clear cut. Matty Flynn is going to lead this team to the playoffs. They are one Detroit Lions loss away from controlling their own destiny.

[Thomkal]

nice choke job Dallas.

[RedKingGold]

Cowboysiest loss eva.

[Blackadar]

He can't even take the blame for this one. He's running the plays. At some point, you have to blame your coach for being an idiot. This game should have been over 45 minutes ago.


Two ints in the last 5 mins? He gets a lot of the blame.

Epic choke job. Simply epic.

[Abe Sargent]

I'm getting realllllly tired of these games this season like the Dallas Green Bay game just know where one team dominates the first half and has a huge lead, and then the other team dominates the second half and wins. Just because the score was close doesn;t mean its a good game. It's like watching two blowouts back to back and its boring.

[Vince, Pt. II]

While it might not be a good game, it's still fun to watch.

[rowech]

Two ints in the last 5 mins? He gets a lot of the blame.

Epic choke job. Simply epic.

Wrong. Anybody who doesn't put the blame squarely on the coaching staff is so far off base on this one. Romo takes a lot and deserves a lot but not this one. You could get a bad high school coach to have run that lead out.

[EagleFan]

Wrong. Anybody who doesn't put the blame squarely on the coaching staff is so far off base on this one. Romo takes a lot and deserves a lot but not this one. You could get a bad high school coach to have run that lead out.

They both get blame. Bad game plan but the coach didn't throw the picks.

[EagleFan]

He can't call an audible?

[Arles]

Can't believe Matt Flynn and the Pack pulled that one out. Come on Baltimore!

[Jas_lov]

If the Lions lose tomorrow I think they're done. There's no way Rodgers is going to sit out next week now. Chicago vs GB Week 17 will decide it and that's the way it should be.

[EagleFan]

Horrible AI, throwing so much with a huge second half lead. Major bug.

:)

[larrymcg421]

A "not very good" team just won their 11th game and put up 56 points. Go figure.

[MizzouCowboy]

I have no idea how the Cowboys could find a way to lose this game, but 'ol Jason "Hamster Balls" Garrett found a way. What did they do, run the ball 5 or 6 times in the second half? Inexcusable. I have no idea if Romo was changing the play or running what was called, either way he shoulda checked to the run.

As for this defense, 5 drives, 5 TDs in the 2nd half. Pretty much the only way they could lose, and delivered in epic fashion. Demarcus Where was no where to be found. Again.

I'd wish some changes could be made, but it won't matter. Jerry Jones will continue to make the same mistakes over and over, as his 18 year track record has proven.

Sure is hell being a Cowboys fan. What a pathetic state for a once proud franchise.

[kingfc22]

He can't call an audible?

Apparently Romo did audible out of a run play per Jason Garrett. Love when coaches throw their QB's under the bus. Jerry Jones - you deserve ALL of this.

[rowech]

Apparently Romo did audible out of a run play per Jason Garrett. Love when coaches throw their QB's under the bus. Jerry Jones - you deserve ALL of this.

Funny thing is with that amount of time and only one timeout, he should have audibled out of a run. What a train wreck that entire situation is now.

[ColtCrazy]

Whoever called the plays in the Cowboy game should pack up tonight. Way too much passing when the running game was getting the yards. No excuse in blowing a 26-3 lead. Credit to the Packers for keeping at it.

[EagleFan]

With the Seahawks winning and the Cowboys epic choke this could have been a perfect weekend if the Eagles didn't sh*t the bed.

[Grover]

Who Dey!

[Lathum]

Man, the NFC East is epically bad. Washington loses to an ATL team with no pulse, Giants get shut out at home for the first time in almost 20 years, Eagles get blown out by a Vikings team with no AP. and the Cowboy being the Cowboys.Just a terrible state of affairs.

[Matthean]

Romo being Romo!!!!

This is where SI and others will point out how many fourth quarter comebacks he has.

[EagleFan]

Man, the NFC East is epically bad. Washington loses to an ATL team with no pulse, Giants get shut out at home for the first time in almost 20 years, Eagles get blown out by a Vikings team with no AP. and the Cowboy being the Cowboys.Just a terrible state of affairs.

The AFC South of the NFC.

[Grover]

This is where SI and others will point out how many fourth quarter comebacks he has.

21.

[Lathum]

Car dealership to pay up after Seattle Seahawks shut out New York Giants - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10143723/seattle-car-dealership-pay-seattle-seahawks-shut-new-york-giants)

[JPhillips]

Ugh. This Pittsburgh game is about as ugly as it could be.

The drop nine defense didn't do much.

[Desnudo]

Whoever called the plays in the Cowboy game should pack up tonight. Way too much passing when the running game was getting the yards. No excuse in blowing a 26-3 lead. Credit to the Packers for keeping at it.

They need to hire Josh. McDaniels as OC. Then he could explain to the media how they view passes as runs while Garrett continues to throw his QB under the bus.

[Grover]

Ugh. This Pittsburgh game is about as ugly as it could be.

The drop nine defense didn't do much.

It's turning into a long night very early.

[JPhillips]

My mistake, it can get uglier.

[rowech]

It's turning into a long night very early.

Not really. It'll be over already.

[rowech]

Love the hit to the head against the punter.

[rowech]

Don't think I could have imagined a worse start to this game.

[rowech]

I think it's reasonable the Bengals blow the whole season down the stretch.

Dolphins beat Bills and Jets

Ravens beat Detroit, New England, and Cincy

Bengals done

[Grover]

I think it's reasonable the Bengals blow the whole season down the stretch.

Dolphins beat Bills and Jets

Ravens beat Detroit, New England, and Cincy

Bengals done

You're jumping the gun a bit. This is just one game.

[rowech]

You're jumping the gun a bit. This is just one game.

Really need Baltimore to lose tomorrow night because I don't think they'll lose to NE and then it'll come down to one game. What will be amazing is the winner of that game could feasibly be the #2 seed and the loser is out of the playoffs.

[rowech]

They should just forfeit this game at this point. Only bad can come from it.

[JPhillips]

Because I can't take this game anymore, here's a picture of of Andy Dalton's look-a-like.

http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2012717/1024.eo.MarkLenard.RomulanCommander.StrTrk.081712.jpg

[molson]

As we all know, no team in the history of organized football has ever come back from a 20-point deficit at half time.

[rowech]

Any chance of getting Garrett to coach the Steelers in the second half?

[CraigSca]

Where'd all the Steelers fans go? That's a big sea of empty seats.

[SirFozzie]

Man, the leader of the Steelers offense treating the Ben Gals roughly. Who knew :)

[kingfc22]

Taunting down 20. Glad to see the Bengals have their priorities straight. This team is one of the leaders for most Jekyl and Hyde team in the NFL.

[Julio Riddols]

I don't know whether to be more disappointed in this performance or how much it is going to hurt my picks this week.

[cartman]

That was a brutal game to attend. You are up 26-3 at halftime, you expect to win. Looks like once again the season for the Cowboys is going to come down to a win or stay home game on the last game of the season.

[jbergey22]

I didnt see the game so maybe this comment is far off but Ive seen blame on Romo and the coaching staff without much being said about this defense that cant even keep a Matt Flynn led team down.

I do agree that Dallas has no idea how to call plays. No rhythm to that offense. Its like they pick plays out of a hat.

[jbergey22]

A "not very good" team just won their 11th game and put up 56 points. Go figure.

Yeah, some people just dont want to give them credit for the season they are having. Remarkable turnaround and promising future.

I think a large majority of NFL teams would switch places with their situation right now.

[cougarfreak]

Why was there no pass interference on Polamalu on the Bengals 2nd offensive play? Is there a rule no PI behind the LOS?

[PilotMan]

All you Bengal fans need to feel my pain. As a Steeler fan in Cincy, if we had lost twice this year I'd have never heard the end of it. At least if we miss the playoffs I'll still be able to point out that we did split the series. Where's the brotherly compassion?

[Butter]

All you Bengal fans need to feel my pain. As a Steeler fan in Cincy, if we had lost twice this year I'd have never heard the end of it. At least if we miss the playoffs I'll still be able to point out that we did split the series. Where's the brotherly compassion?

With all due respect to you, because I like you as a person and with what you've shared elsewhere on the boards... but as far as "feeling your pain" as a Steelers fan? Go fuck yourself.

And I mean that in the friendliest possible way, but seriously.

[cougarfreak]

All you Bengal fans need to feel my pain. As a Steeler fan in Cincy, if we had lost twice this year I'd have never heard the end of it. At least if we miss the playoffs I'll still be able to point out that we did split the series. Where's the brotherly compassion?

I had zero respect for the Steelers and their organization before the game last night, and I've got zero after. They're a bunch of cheap shot artists that are taught to be exactly that.

[Buccaneer]

It's coming together nicely to eliminate the Jets: Miami won, Bolts won and the Steelers (while the Pats keeping #2 seed - whew). Now we need a Ravens victory tonight.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's coming together nicely to eliminate the Jets: Miami won, Bolts won and the Steelers (while the Pats keeping #2 seed - whew). Now we need a Ravens victory tonight.

Why do we need that? I don't think we need that. No, not at all.

[Honolulu_Blue]

All you Bengal fans need to feel my pain. As a Steeler fan in Cincy, if we had lost twice this year I'd have never heard the end of it. At least if we miss the playoffs I'll still be able to point out that we did split the series. Where's the brotherly compassion?

A Steelers fan feeling football-related pain?

In the immortal words of Jame "Buffalo Bill" Gumb: "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT PAIN IS!"

[Buccaneer]

Why do we need that? I don't think we need that. No, not at all.

Playoff clinches and eliminations make odd bed-fellows. Sorry that it has to be against the Lions.

On the other hand, a Lions victory clinches playoffs for Pats. So win-win. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Playoff clinches and eliminations make odd bed-fellows. Sorry that it has to be against the Lions.

On the other hand, a Lions victory clinches playoffs for Pats. So win-win. :)

Ok. So, let's focus all of our positive energy on the "other hand". Just for today.

[Butter]

Why do we need that? I don't think we need that. No, not at all.

I'm with my friend from Michigan. Go Lions!

[Desnudo]

It's coming together nicely to eliminate the Jets: Miami won, Bolts won and the Steelers (while the Pats keeping #2 seed - whew). Now we need a Ravens victory tonight.

I would rather see the Jets in the playoffs than the Ravens.

[HomerSimpson98]

Apparently Romo did audible out of a run play per Jason Garrett. Love when coaches throw their QB's under the bus.

Just curious, but if you are Garrett, what would you do? Your back is averaging 7 ypc. You've got a comfortable lead. You know your own defense sucks shit. So why would you defend your choke-ass QB when he constantly audibles to passes and then throws picks? The whole world thinks you know less than dogshit about football - so why not set the record straight and say that the dumbfuck $100M QB doesnt understand game situations?

Personally, I'm glad he was honest and didnt spew out his normal coach-speak BS. It may cost him his job but being force-tied at the nuts with Romo probably already had.

[Buccaneer]

I would rather see the Jets in the playoffs than the Ravens.

Ravens -> Lesser of two evils, sir.

[Desnudo]

not talent wise

[cartman]

Just curious, but if you are Garrett, what would you do? Your back is averaging 7 ypc. You've got a comfortable lead. You know your own defense sucks shit. So why would you defend your choke-ass QB when he constantly audibles to passes and then throws picks? The whole world thinks you know less than dogshit about football - so why not set the record straight and say that the dumbfuck $100M QB doesnt understand game situations?

Personally, I'm glad he was honest and didnt spew out his normal coach-speak BS. It may cost him his job but being force-tied at the nuts with Romo probably already had.

If you score 36 points in a game, then you shouldn't have to have a late INT decide the game. In any event, beside that audible, how come they hadn't been running prior to that? Murray had almost 100 yards in the first half. The only drive in the second half they even tried to run the ball, ended up being an 80 yard drive for a touchdown.

[HomerSimpson98]

Oh I agree. But we've known for months that the defense is just a tad bit better than a steaming pile of shit, so relying on them would not be wise. Frankly, I was shocked the D played the 1st half as well as it did. What I left unsaid is how many other run calls are being audibled by Tony? Running the ball just 3 times in the 4th quarter, protecting a lead, and with one of the worst defenses in NFL history on your team? Even the Round Rock Freshman B Team coach knows better than that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I have to admit, it's been glorious watching the Chiefs suck this bad.

Certainly you give the nod to Peyton Manning for MVP this year, but Charles has to be in the mix for the second spot. Can't even imagine where this team would be without him in the backfield. He's putting together one of the quietest HOF careers I've ever seen.

[Blackadar]

I had zero respect for the Steelers and their organization before the game last night, and I've got zero after. They're a bunch of cheap shot artists that are taught to be exactly that.

WAH

[Thomkal]

Well my beloved Cards chances of making the playoffs are slipping from slim to none I think: On that off-side kick late in the game where Fitzgerald was the one to try to get the ball-he might have suffered a concussion. :( Will have to hope he passes the concussion tests early this week.

Of course their chances were not good-at Seattle then at home against San Fran to end the season (and "thanks" NFL schedule maker for making them play back to back games against them in both matchups against them). Seattle handled Arizona pretty easily in their first matchup and can't see them doing any better in Seattle where they haven't lost a game all season. Especially with the injuries to Matthieu and now possibly Fitz

[Chief Rum]

Man, the leader of the Steelers offense treating the Ben Gals roughly. Who knew :)

You have been saving that one for a while, haven't you?

[Butter]

WAH

They broke the punter's jaw on what in every other game I've watched this year was an illegal blindside block to the punter. Coming on a punt return for a TD that should've been called back for that illegal hit.

Hines Ward broke Keith Rivers' jaw on a similar block in a game a couple of years ago. It has nothing to do with being a crybaby, but everything to do with not enjoying watching and your own team being a victim to this headhunting prick of a team.

[Chief Rum]

Well my beloved Cards chances of making the playoffs are slipping from slim to none I think: On that off-side kick late in the game where Fitzgerald was the one to try to get the ball-he might have suffered a concussion. :( Will have to hope he passes the concussion tests early this week.

Of course their chances were not good-at Seattle then at home against San Fran to end the season (and "thanks" NFL schedule maker for making them play back to back games against them in both matchups against them). Seattle handled Arizona pretty easily in their first matchup and can't see them doing any better in Seattle where they haven't lost a game all season. Especially with the injuries to Matthieu and now possibly Fitz

They're 9-5. Don't give up just yet.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hrmm...

The Lions secondary is by far their weakest unit. Could be one of the weakest in the NFL. And they are likely down Chris Houston and Darius Slay tonight, their #1 and #2/#3/#4 corner backs.

Oh dear...

[Blackadar]

They broke the punter's jaw on what in every other game I've watched this year was an illegal blindside block to the punter. Coming on a punt return for a TD that should've been called back for that illegal hit.

Hines Ward broke Keith Rivers' jaw on a similar block in a game a couple of years ago. It has nothing to do with being a crybaby, but everything to do with not enjoying watching and your own team being a victim to this headhunting prick of a team.

Cry more. Of course, that's what Cincy fans are used to doing.

I remember when Ward broke Rivers' jaw. The hit was perfectly legal. It wasn't legal after that season (Hines Ward rule), but it was perfectly legal that season. That you bring up a perfectly legal hit as your other example doesn't help your cause.

This one was borderline because it was right between the end of the shoulder pads and the start of the face mask (most of it was pads). But it was only a "blindside" because the punter wasn't looking the direction he was running. That's his fault, not the fault of the blocker. I expect the Steeler will get fined in this case, but we'll see.

[miked]

He will get fined, but not because he's a Steeler. He'll get fined because it was dirty. He led with his helmet, launched himself upwards into the upper chest/neck region of a defenseless player, to make a hit that had no effect on the outcome of the play. If there is a definition of dirty, that is pretty much it. A player looking to make a big hit for the sake of making a big hit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

He will get fined, but not because he's a Steeler. He'll get fined because it was dirty. He led with his helmet, launched himself upwards into the upper chest/neck region of a defenseless player, to make a hit that had no effect on the outcome of the play. If there is a definition of dirty, that is pretty much it. A player looking to make a big hit for the sake of making a big hit.

And if anyone knows the "definition of dirty", it's miked. He lives there after all.

[miked]

YESSSSIR!!!

Plus I'm a Jets fan.

[Blackadar]

He will get fined, but not because he's a Steeler. He'll get fined because it was dirty. He led with his helmet, launched himself upwards into the upper chest/neck region of a defenseless player, to make a hit that had no effect on the outcome of the play. If there is a definition of dirty, that is pretty much it. A player looking to make a big hit for the sake of making a big hit.

1. His feet never left the ground, therefore there was no launching.
2. The punter was 5 feet from Brown and going for the tackle. In fact, Brown cuts behind the block to go the distance. The only reason he's "defenseless" is because all punters by definition are defenseless (I think) Which I think is an absurd rule. If the punter is in on the play trying to make a tackle, he shouldn't be considered defenseless.

Oh, I think he'll be fined because of the pussification of the game, not because he's a Steeler. It's a bad rule that says you can't block the frigging punter from making a tackle.

[Butter]

Cry more. Of course, that's what Cincy fans are used to doing.

Actually what I'm used to doing is hearing bandwagon Steeler fans rub every single ignominy in our face every year. When our team beat the Steelers earlier this year, I didn't say one word to anyone in the office, and this is an office with 2 Steeler fans, probably 6-8 Bengal fans, and then a number of non-sports fans. I don't even think I posted on FOFC about it.

But what do I get this morning? Within 15 minutes, both Steeler fans talking about what a great weekend it was... it's always a great weekend when "we beat the Bengals". And they weren't just talking generally, they both made it a point to stop by my office and ask me how I enjoyed the game.

Then we have 2 people on here complain about what was most certainly an illegal hit that may or may not have changed the course of the game last night (for what it's worth, I told my son the game was over after the botched punt that resulted in a touchdown... having watched this team for so long, it's obvious to me when they're ready to mail in an effort and last night was as obvious as it gets). And who is there ready with a crybaby comment? Oh yes, it's another Steelers fan. Thank God you made it to the thread, Steeler superiority was about to go unchallenged.

Fine dude, we're a bunch of crybabies with no history of past success. WE GET IT. YOUR TEAM IS HISTORICALLY BETTER. THE BENGALS LOST LAST NIGHT AND LOOKED SHITTY DOING IT. You can rest easy knowing that your cyber-ego lives on and your cyber-dick continues to be big and swinging. And I can live on knowing I'm not a massive tool and that my priorities are in their appropriate places.

[panerd]

1. His feet never left the ground, therefore there was no launching.
2. The punter was 5 feet from Brown and going for the tackle. In fact, Brown cuts behind the block to go the distance. The only reason he's "defenseless" is because all punters by definition are defenseless (I think) Which I think is an absurd rule. If the punter is in on the play trying to make a tackle, he shouldn't be considered defenseless.

Oh, I think he'll be fined because of the pussification of the game, not because he's a Steeler. It's a bad rule that says you can't block the frigging punter from making a tackle.

Yes what a stud play! He broke the punter's jaw! Stupid pussification of the game that stops manliness like this!

[Sun Tzu]

G-MEN!

[Dr. Sak]

1. His feet never left the ground, therefore there was no launching.
2. The punter was 5 feet from Brown and going for the tackle. In fact, Brown cuts behind the block to go the distance. The only reason he's "defenseless" is because all punters by definition are defenseless (I think) Which I think is an absurd rule. If the punter is in on the play trying to make a tackle, he shouldn't be considered defenseless.

Oh, I think he'll be fined because of the pussification of the game, not because he's a Steeler. It's a bad rule that says you can't block the frigging punter from making a tackle.

There was no launching but there is clear targeting of the head/neck area. One of the criteria is below:

•A crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack with contact at the head or neck area, even though one or both feet are still on the ground

You can call it "pussification" of the game...but there is no reason why that blocker could not have aimed lower and still had the same result which is preventing the punter from making a tackle.

[Desnudo]

There was no launching but there is clear targeting of the head/neck area. One of the criteria is below:

•A crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack with contact at the head or neck area, even though one or both feet are still on the ground

You can call it "pussification" of the game...but there is no reason why that blocker could not have aimed lower and still had the same result which is preventing the punter from making a tackle.

I don't have any rooting interest. That definitely looked like the type of hit that hasn't been allowed for a few years now.

[Dr. Sak]

I don't have any rooting interest. That definitely looked like the type of hit that hasn't been allowed for a few years now.

It's the exact hit they want out of this game.

[Scarecrow]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3724059/cinpunter.gif

What a man!

[PilotMan]

With all due respect to you, because I like you as a person and with what you've shared elsewhere on the boards... but as far as "feeling your pain" as a Steelers fan? Go fuck yourself.

And I mean that in the friendliest possible way, but seriously.

I had zero respect for the Steelers and their organization before the game last night, and I've got zero after. They're a bunch of cheap shot artists that are taught to be exactly that.

A Steelers fan feeling football-related pain?

In the immortal words of Jame "Buffalo Bill" Gumb: "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT PAIN IS!"

Yeah, you guys love me. ;)

You know that was all tongue in cheek.

I didn't watch one snap last night as I had to sleep before my night shift. I did see the replay of the punter and I felt bad. It should have been flagged, it was a hit that was illegal per the current rules. Years ago it would have made NFL's Greatest Hits.

Missed Penalty Gave Pittsburgh A Touchdown (And Broke A Punter's Jaw) (http://deadspin.com/missed-penalty-gave-pittsburgh-a-touchdown-and-broke-a-1484135728)

I do think it's totally unfair to say that a rookie, undrafted free agent who has been stuck on special teams for most of the season, and is trying to just make a big, impact play is totally indicative of the entire team being a bunch of dirty cocksuckers.

The Steelers don't play any dirtier than any other team in the NFL, and to say otherwise is just homerism.

[Vince, Pt. II]

It's the exact hit they want out of this game.

Sad to me to see that hit and then compare it to the Ahmad Brooks hit on Drew Brees a few weeks back.

[Dr. Sak]

Sad to me to see that hit and then compare it to the Ahmad Brooks hit on Drew Brees a few weeks back.

In one instance you are dealing with a punter who makes $750k and the other a QB who makes $15 million plus. Not saying it is right but we all know how the league protects QBs.

[DaddyTorgo]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3724059/cinpunter.gif

What a man!

Absolutely should be fined and suspended. Definitely a bad hit. No launching, but for sure leading with his helmet to the helmet. Looks like he was paying attention to Orpik's hit on Loui Erikson the other night.

Pittsburgh is a dirty fucking sports city.

If they had an MLS team I'd say it'd be a perfect fit for Luis Suarez or Zinedine Zidane.

[larrymcg421]

Michael Thomas' improbable heroics cap Miami Dolphins' win - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000299496/article/michael-thomas-improbable-heroics-cap-miami-dolphins-win)

Great article on Michael Thomas, who went from the Niners practice squad last week to making the winning INT against the Pats yesterday.

[Chief Rum]

Obviously, everyone is (and should be) focusing on the hit on the punter.

But look at the pathetic tackle attempt by #40 on Brown. The guy who goes down the instant Brown does a half-ass "straight" arm. I don't know who that guy is, but he sucks.

[JPhillips]

totally indicative of the entire team being a bunch of dirty cocksuckers.

I don't think anybody is questioning their hygiene.

[molson]

Michael Thomas' improbable heroics cap Miami Dolphins' win - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000299496/article/michael-thomas-improbable-heroics-cap-miami-dolphins-win)

Great article on Michael Thomas, who went from the Niners practice squad last week to making the winning INT against the Pats yesterday.

And he broke up the pass to Danny Amendola a couple of plays earlier, which may have been an even more important play, just in terms of difficulty and the fact that he was all alone out there.

[JonInMiddleGA]

But look at the pathetic tackle attempt by #40 on Brown. The guy who goes down the instant Brown does a half-ass "straight" arm. I don't know who that guy is, but he sucks.

Well you made me look.

Shawn Williams, a safety drafted in the 3rd round out of UGA last season

[BillJasper]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3724059/cinpunter.gif

What a man!

Is there another angle to see? It looks like the head of the Steeler is actually off to right of Huber when he makes the hit (the blow looks more glancing than head on). But it could just be my eyes.

I have no rooting interest, I'm a Dolphins fan.

[JPhillips]

I would think the fact that he has a broken jaw would be enough to prove he was hit in the jaw.

[DaddyTorgo]

I would think the fact that he has a broken jaw would be enough to prove he was hit in the jaw.

This. It's not like he fell forward or anything. No possible other way to break it.

[BillJasper]

I would think the fact that he has a broken jaw would be enough to prove he was hit in the jaw.

This. It's not like he fell forward or anything. No possible other way to break it.

I would just like to see it from another angle before passing internet justice on it. :lol:

[PilotMan]

I think we all know who is to blame for the Cowboys collapse and the Steelers' controversial hit.

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/667254/thumbs/r-NO-CHILD-LEFT-BEHIND-WAIVERS-large570.jpg

[cougarfreak]

Kickers and punters always fall under the definition of defenseless. No hitting with the helmet or above the neck. As usual, the refs had their heads up their assess. And it was right in the middle of the play. No way you should miss that.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Steelers don't play any dirtier than any other team in the NFL, and to say otherwise is just homerism.

:thumbsup:


Pittsburgh is a dirty fucking sports city.

[BillJasper]

Kickers and punters always fall under the definition of defenseless.

Then they simply shouldn't be allowed to tackle.

[Butter]

Well you made me look.

Shawn Williams, a safety drafted in the 3rd round out of UGA last season

I also had to look, and I've watched every Bengals game this season. Tells you what an impact Shawn Williams is having this year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

It's the exact hit they want out of this game.

The explanation on one of the local stations this morning was it was parrallel, rather than Garvin peeling back and blindsiding.

Not saying it's correct, I'll take your interpretation 10 out of 10, but at least that was their rationalization.

[Butter]

BTW, dude clearly leaves his feet. So, yeah he's not diving at him in a classical sense, but he's basically put his full thrust directly onto Huber's jaw.

[cougarfreak]

Then they simply shouldn't be allowed to tackle.

Or the rule shouldn't be there. But it is. And it happened. In the middle of the play. Right in front of at least 2 of the "officials".

[CleBrownsfan]

Anyone know if Reggie Bush is playing tonight? For fantasy football sake - I hope not!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Anyone know if Reggie Bush is playing tonight? For fantasy football sake - I hope not!

He's supposed to. All signs indicate that he will be playing tonight.

[Thomkal]

They're 9-5. Don't give up just yet.


Oh I haven't given up yet believe me. But they have to finish the season against two teams that have beaten them once already, and probably must win both games to get into the playoffs. I think the only team they have the tiebreaker against is Carolina, so Carolina can't beat New Orleans this week.

Now with the potential Fitz injury, its just that the odds seem stacked very high against them making the playoffs. But its been a pretty wacky year in the NFL with a lot of unexpected results, so who knows what will happen in the last two games of the season.

[Radii]

Anyone know if Reggie Bush is playing tonight? For fantasy football sake - I hope not!

i believe he's supposed to, and for fantasy sake, i think stafford should look at the alex smith-jamaal charles connection yesterday and try to replicate that (I'm down 68 points with stafford/bush/torrey smith going tonight)

[Honolulu_Blue]

i believe he's supposed to, and for fantasy sake, i think stafford should look at the alex smith-jamaal charles connection yesterday and try to replicate that (I'm down 68 points with stafford/bush/torrey smith going tonight)

Torrey Smith might get you halfway there his own damn self.

[PilotMan]

Kevin Huber of Cincinnati Bengals also injured neck - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10147496/kevin-huber-cincinnati-bengals-injured-neck)

Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber not only suffered a broken jaw on a blindside block during a 68-yard touchdown return by the Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown in the first quarter Sunday night, but sources say he also suffered a cracked vertebra in his neck on the vicious hit from Terence Garvin.

Damn. It's an ugly hit. I don't think there is much arguing that this is the exact kind of hit the NFL was hoping to eliminate. The refs totally blew the call. They should be ashamed. Not that their inability means anything to Huber. It simply shouldn't have happened.

[rowech]

Lets not forget Carson Palmer being taken out too. I've seen two guys grt broken jaws and both came against the Steelers. I think it's just a hit to show off and I'm not sure what you're showing off by hitting a punter like that.

[Blackadar]

Lets not forget Carson Palmer being taken out too. I've seen two guys grt broken jaws and both came against the Steelers. I think it's just a hit to show off and I'm not sure what you're showing off by hitting a punter like that.

Another legal play. Kemo is blocked to the ground while trying to sack Palmer. If you're going to whine about all the injuries the Bengals have sustained playing the Steelers on legal hits, we're going to be here a while. Of course, Cincy fans whining about their team is nothing new. I used to hear them whine about Glen Edwards and Dwight White back in the Ken Anderson days. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[panerd]

Another legal play. Kemo is blocked to the ground while trying to sack Palmer. If you're going to whine about all the injuries the Bengals have sustained playing the Steelers on legal hits, we're going to be here a while. Of course, Cincy fans whining about their team is nothing new. I used to hear them whine about Glen Edwards and Dwight White back in the Ken Anderson days. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

It's you against the world... the Cincinnati fans, the fans with no rooting interest either way, and the Steeler fans in this thread are all wrong and you are right. Clean play move on. Just whining Bengal fans... and whining fans who don't care and are objective... and whining Steeler fans not named Blackadar....

[JPhillips]

I hope the vertebrae injury isn't career threatening.

[Shkspr]

Give me a fucking break...

Carson Palmer knee injury vs steelers - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQKi0HEi9a8)


To be fair, it looks as though the picture was shaking so bad that the Pittsburgh player was just looking desperately for anything to hold on to.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I hope the vertebrae injury isn't career threatening.

It's not. Just requires time to heal. You don't want to play until it firms up. I've cracked/fractured two vertebrae on two separate occasions. Just hurts like hell for a few weeks.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Then they simply shouldn't be allowed to tackle.

This.

In that situation -- where they're not kicking -- they're either a football player/participant or they're not. Give a damn what the rules say or don't say, that's just common sense.

[molson]

I've never actually heard a penalty called or fine assessed specifically for hitting a punter or kicker in a manner that would otherwise be OK. Is that really a thing? I did a quick google search but I've only seen that "rule" referenced in ranting blogs about the "pussification" of the NFL and such. The consensus of the board seems to be this would be an illegal hit regardless.

[MrBug708]

I've never actually heard a penalty called or fine assessed specifically for hitting a punter or kicker in a manner that would otherwise be OK. Is that really a thing? I did a quick google search but I've only seen that "rule" referenced in ranting blogs about the "pussification" of the NFL and such. The consensus of the board seems to be this would be an illegal hit regardless.

UCLA was penalized this year for blocking the punter on a return. I think it was the UW game

[Lathum]

Pittsburgh is a dirty fucking sports city.



Shawn Thornton of Boston Bruins suspended 15 games for Brooks Orpik incident - ESPN Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nhl/story/_/id/10132176/shawn-thornton-boston-bruins-suspended-15-games-brooks-orpik-incident)

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett suspended for Game 2 vs. Miami Heat - ESPN Boston (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/news/story?id=5110621)

Don Zimmer Clowned by Pedro Martinez - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLpaZ5VQVn0)

[molson]

Shawn Thornton of Boston Bruins suspended 15 games for Brooks Orpik incident - ESPN Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nhl/story/_/id/10132176/shawn-thornton-boston-bruins-suspended-15-games-brooks-orpik-incident)

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett suspended for Game 2 vs. Miami Heat - ESPN Boston (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/news/story?id=5110621)

Don Zimmer Clowned by Pedro Martinez - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLpaZ5VQVn0)

I agree with your general point, but still maintain that Don Zimmer could have beaten up Pedro Martinez in a fair fight in 2003, let alone when he's charging at him. Pedro's choices were to run away or to try to get Zimmer to the ground.

[PilotMan]

Let's just leave it at we all cheer for our teams and when our guys get hurt, the other team is a bunch of cheap fucking scumbags. I know that's how I felt when Heath Miller went down with the knee injury last year. I know that's how Pats and Bengals fans feel now. It is how we all feel when we cheer for our guys. Let is alone. We like who we like. Accept that your friends like who they like and move the discussion onto more pragmatic discussions.

[JPhillips]

I've never actually heard a penalty called or fine assessed specifically for hitting a punter or kicker in a manner that would otherwise be OK. Is that really a thing? I did a quick google search but I've only seen that "rule" referenced in ranting blogs about the "pussification" of the NFL and such. The consensus of the board seems to be this would be an illegal hit regardless.

I don't care that Huber got hit, I care that there was clear helmet to helmet contact that led to injury.

[Vince, Pt. II]

In one instance you are dealing with a punter who makes $750k and the other a QB who makes $15 million plus. Not saying it is right but we all know how the league protects QBs.

True.

[cuervo72]

Heh...."Burleson delivers."

[Desnudo]

I think we all know who is to blame for the Cowboys collapse and the Steelers' controversial hit.

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/667254/thumbs/r-NO-CHILD-LEFT-BEHIND-WAIVERS-large570.jpg

http://i1307.photobucket.com/albums/s581/scoutnumbers/36675-Obama-says-Youre-Welcome-gif-m5kC_zps151b4bdd.gif (http://s1307.photobucket.com/user/scoutnumbers/media/36675-Obama-says-Youre-Welcome-gif-m5kC_zps151b4bdd.gif.html)

[bhlloy]

Can we all just agree the lions are dumb though? Nothing like an obvious and completely unnecessary personal foul on a ball that's under thrown by 20 yards to give the other team points at the end of the half

[fantom1979]

Wasn't a very smart play by Delmas. I know it can be frustrating for these safeties when the receiver's head moves right before they hit them. But by now, you would think they would be aiming for the receiver's waist. The rule has been in place long enough now that aiming for his shoulder is not a very smart idea.

[Radii]

Dolphins defender nobody knows seals victory over the Patriots - Sun Sentinel (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-omar-kelly-dolphins-1216-20131215,0,1558889.story)

awesome story

[Lathum]

Wow. Horrible missed call.

[ColtCrazy]

I have no idea how a professional ref misses that.