2014 NFL Playoffs Thread

[molson]

I believe Carson Palmer is available.

[flere-imsaho]

He seems like a QB you could win with if thongs break right like Flacco or Manning.

No offense, but I'd rather not see Flacco, Manning or Dalton's thongs break.

[rowech]

I have no data to back it up but I would guess that half of Dalton's interceptions that are thrown on patterns that are 4-10 yards in depth, jumped by a linebacker, typically on an out type pattern where he throws behind the receiver instead of getting it all the way to the outside and if he doesn't throw the pick he throws it to far from the receiver in an effort to throw it so there is no way it gets picked off. The problem for me is how often they run these types of patterns because of how Gruden runs the offense.

In addition, the vast majority of the rest of his interceptions are due to him overthrowing the ball which in my opinion comes from him trying to avoid balls being knocked down by defensive linemen which is a major problem he has. This part isn't going to be something that gets fixed in my opinion.

I do think the Bengals had problems at center this year so I wonder if they might look for something there.

[BishopMVP]

twice!!

I think there was a time Eli flirted with whatever elite means, but at this point he is extremely average. I would still take him over guys like Flacco and Dalton, and likely Alex Smith, but until he makes better decisions he is in that groupI don't think he was ever at the Brady/Peyton/Brees/Rodgers level, but jumped into the 5-10 range after his first 4 years before regressing a ton this past year. He's definitely better than he showed this season, but we'll see if his QB rating bounces back to the low 90's or the low 80's going forward.It's the contract that makes me want to take a QB at the 24 pick. The team can afford to this year as they are loaded and have very few free agents. Long term I don't think the team can be good if Dalton is making 15 million.I agree the contract's scary, but so is the possibility you draft a bust. I guess a lot depends on how the teams grade the QB's - if Bridgewater has a Rodgers type slide and falls to 24, sure take him, but I don't see any way he does. I don't even think Manziel or Bortles is, so are you really excited about Derek Carr (if he even lasts) or AJ McCarron? I think you'd be better off going OL in the 1st round and seeing if you can pick up a Mettenberger or Aaron Murray in round 3 or 4. I forget who, but someone else pointed out they could always just franchise Dalton after next year to avoid long-term risk. That gives you 2 more years minimum before you need to move on and make that decision on a long-term contract.

[Julio Riddols]

Yeah, the biggest problem throw for Dalton is that one. When he is protected even decently though, he can pick people apart. He can play like a top tier QB if you keep him clean, and not all QB's can do that. There were games this year where if you just watched that one game you would think "Andy Dalton is better than people think" - And he did well against good defenses too, so it isn't that.. But he gets tight quick when he struggles for long stretches, then he starts getting over aggressive. He can't afford to do that where a guy like Luck can. I'd still take Dalton over half the starters in the league, and he still has room to grow as his receiving corps develops. A lot of people forget he is throwing to a lot of really young guys out there, and it usually takes a few years for receivers to really get going in an offense. I expect Jones to be a legit 2nd option next year, because he showed at the end of this season what he could do. Sanu is a pretty dependable option and Eifert will improve with time. Give Dalton a Center and a mid round RB, then draft LB's and BPA the rest of the way. Maybe get a specialist like Black Mamba if you can get your hands on him. I'd LOVE to see DeAnthony Thomas in stripes.

[Butter]

I really thought they'd use Eifert more this year. He seems like a good jump ball guy near the goal line, but I think they only tried it once... then they tried it AGAIN in that same game. He is going to be a good one.

[henry296]

We were debating this yesterday - does the NFL let them swap balls on FG attempts? (In which case they'd have a decently warm one to put in.) Otherwise I'd agree with you.

There are special "K" balls that are used for all kicks. I think I recall them switching the ball before the Bengals FG at the end of the half.

[HomerSimpson98]

Yeah, the biggest problem throw for Dalton is that one. When he is protected even decently though, he can pick people apart. He can play like a top tier QB if you keep him clean, and not all QB's can do that. There were games this year where if you just watched that one game you would think "Andy Dalton is better than people think" - And he did well against good defenses too, so it isn't that.. But he gets tight quick when he struggles for long stretches, then he starts getting over aggressive. He can't afford to do that where a guy like Luck can. I'd still take Dalton over half the starters in the league, and he still has room to grow as his receiving corps develops. A lot of people forget he is throwing to a lot of really young guys out there, and it usually takes a few years for receivers to really get going in an offense. I expect Jones to be a legit 2nd option next year, because he showed at the end of this season what he could do. Sanu is a pretty dependable option and Eifert will improve with time. Give Dalton a Center and a mid round RB, then draft LB's and BPA the rest of the way. Maybe get a specialist like Black Mamba if you can get your hands on him. I'd LOVE to see DeAnthony Thomas in stripes.

Great post (except the Mamba part). Ol' Red will be just fine.

[JPhillips]

I don't think he was ever at the Brady/Peyton/Brees/Rodgers level, but jumped into the 5-10 range after his first 4 years before regressing a ton this past year. He's definitely better than he showed this season, but we'll see if his QB rating bounces back to the low 90's or the low 80's going forward.I agree the contract's scary, but so is the possibility you draft a bust. I guess a lot depends on how the teams grade the QB's - if Bridgewater has a Rodgers type slide and falls to 24, sure take him, but I don't see any way he does. I don't even think Manziel or Bortles is, so are you really excited about Derek Carr (if he even lasts) or AJ McCarron? I think you'd be better off going OL in the 1st round and seeing if you can pick up a Mettenberger or Aaron Murray in round 3 or 4. I forget who, but someone else pointed out they could always just franchise Dalton after next year to avoid long-term risk. That gives you 2 more years minimum before you need to move on and make that decision on a long-term contract.

This is as prospect rich a draft for QBs as there is likely to be. I think you try to find a QB this year with the knowledge that he doesn't have to play. Personally, I'd look at Tahj Boyd as I think his skillset would work well with the talent around him.

[Thomkal]

I believe Carson Palmer is available.

Sadly he's probably the "best available" for my beloved Cards right now, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them offer him a 2 or 3 year deal.

[cartman]

NFL QBs on Facebook was pretty awesome this week. If you've never read them before, they are a bit NSFW:

http://profootballmock.com/facebookchat/nfl-qbs-facebook-wild-card-shuffle/

[Julio Riddols]

The way Palmer played this season for them, they should sign him and work solely on their offensive line. Aside from that Seattle game, he played outstanding in the second half of the season and seemed to be developing a good rapport with his receivers. I think you gotta give him a few year deal and draft a guy to groom behind him.

[Thomkal]

The way Palmer played this season for them, they should sign him and work solely on their offensive line. Aside from that Seattle game, he played outstanding in the second half of the season and seemed to be developing a good rapport with his receivers. I think you gotta give him a few year deal and draft a guy to groom behind him.

Yeah I think that was thought coming into this season when they drafted Jonathan Cooper in the first round only to lose him for the season due to an injury. If he can come back all or most of the way from that injury and find a quality free agent, I think the line can be much better next season.

[DaddyTorgo]

NFL QBs on Facebook was pretty awesome this week. If you've never read them before, they are a bit NSFW:

http://profootballmock.com/facebookchat/nfl-qbs-facebook-wild-card-shuffle/

How have I missed this till now? A nighttime of laughs shall ensue!!!

Reminds me of the "If History was on Facebook" style book I got as a LOL-present for the family at Christmas.

Highlights:

Enola Gay: "On the way to Hiroshima with Little Boy."
Hiroshima: "Who's Little Boy?"

etc

[cartman]

They do one each week, so lots to go back through and read!

[Desnudo]

Seattle is more talented than New Orleans, and I expect them to win.

However, as a Saints fan, I am feeling better about this game with them having been blown out in the regular season than I would be if they have played a close game. Something about getting your butt unequivocally kicked makes the rematch feel a bit like playing with house money. And, to the extent professional athletes being paid millions of dollars still need things like "nobody believes in us" to motivate themselves for a playoff game, this game certainly has that going for the Saints.

A lot of it will depend on how much of their own kool aid Seattle drank in the bye week. Plus you have to like a Payton vs. Carroll coaching match up.

[DaddyTorgo]

They do one each week, so lots to go back through and read!

hence a night full of belly laughs ;)

[sterlingice]

NFL QBs on Facebook was pretty awesome this week. If you've never read them before, they are a bit NSFW:

http://profootballmock.com/facebookchat/nfl-qbs-facebook-wild-card-shuffle/

This is quality, tho a little too stupidly blue at times. Makes my long for flere's drawings :(

SI

[Desnudo]

No offense, but I'd rather not see Flacco, Manning or Dalton's thongs break.

To each his own

[Lathum]

This guy is such a bitch

DeSean Jackson of Philadelphia Eagles says he deserves a raise - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10251224/desean-jackson-philadelphia-eagles-says-deserves-raise)

[jbergey22]

This guy is such a bitch

DeSean Jackson of Philadelphia Eagles says he deserves a raise - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10251224/desean-jackson-philadelphia-eagles-says-deserves-raise)

"After this past year, [I] went out there, no distractions, and just really put it all in for my team and went out there and had a lot of success, so we'll see how it goes."

That part makes me laugh. Because he finally did what he is suppose to do he thinks he deserves a raise. The sad part is that he will probably get his way.

[sabotai]

Didn't Jackson just get a semi-big contract a year or two ago? It'll be kinda hard for the Eagles to redo his contract so soon.

EDIT: Yeah, he got his deal in the 2012 off season (and yeah, I should have read the link before posting, get off my back!). How much more does he think he can get if he's getting over $10 mil in salary plus some possible bonuses?

[BishopMVP]

This is as prospect rich a draft for QBs as there is likely to be. I think you try to find a QB this year with the knowledge that he doesn't have to play. Personally, I'd look at Tahj Boyd as I think his skillset would work well with the talent around him.I've made the point before - I think every draft going forward is going to be "prospect rich" and deep at QB. Just a product of the increasing complexity of high school offenses and proliferation of year round 7v7 passing leagues.

[sabotai]

2 WRs on the Eagles have their contracts ending (Cooper and Maclin) and are about to begin trying to make their own deals to stay on the team, and Jackson just 2 days after a loss jumps in and asks for more money.....

[sabotai]

FWIW, he's denying he said it (at least, I think he is....)

http://instagram.com/p/i2lMATuNt1/#

[BillJasper]

FWIW, he's denying he said it (at least, I think he is....)

http://instagram.com/p/i2lMATuNt1/#

I can't tell what he's saying. :lol:

[EagleFan]

FWIW, he's denying he said it (at least, I think he is....)

http://instagram.com/p/i2lMATuNt1/#

Reading that makes my head hurt.

[molson]

FWIW, he's denying he said it (at least, I think he is....)

http://instagram.com/p/i2lMATuNt1/#

I never thought I had anything in common with DeSean Jackson, but I also prefer to know my info before speaking str8 like dat. Word up.

[JPhillips]

I've made the point before - I think every draft going forward is going to be "prospect rich" and deep at QB. Just a product of the increasing complexity of high school offenses and proliferation of year round 7v7 passing leagues.

Maybe, but when I look at Boyd I see a guy that would have been top ten or top five last year and may slide to round two this year.

[jbergey22]

I never thought I had anything in common with DeSean Jackson, but I also prefer to know my info before speaking str8 like dat. Word up.

:lol:

[BishopMVP]

Maybe, but when I look at Boyd I see a guy that would have been top ten or top five last year and may slide to round two this year.I can see that - I like him more than Bortles - but again we'll see where he ends up. If you can get him 2nd or 3rd, sure, but I don't think Dalton is bad enough the Bengals need to lock in and draft a guy 1st round.Didn't Jackson just get a semi-big contract a year or two ago? It'll be kinda hard for the Eagles to redo his contract so soon.

EDIT: Yeah, he got his deal in the 2012 off season (and yeah, I should have read the link before posting, get off my back!). How much more does he think he can get if he's getting over $10 mil in salary plus some possible bonuses?He certainly phrased it poorly (shocker!), but he's more or less right that it makes sense for the Eagles to re-negotiate his deal. Jackson signed a five-year, $48.25341 million contract extension in March of 2012 that included a $10 million signing bonus. He earned $6.75 million this past year and is scheduled to earn base salaries of $10.25 million in 2014 and $9.75 million in both 2015 and 2016, along with $250,000 workout bonuses each year.The contract was set up to basically give the eagles an out after 2 years, but now the cap hit jumps from 8.75m to 12.5m per year. That's still not too bad, but turning some of that into guaranteed money and lowering the cap hit would probably be best for both parties.

[Butter]

I can see that - I like him more than Bortles - but again we'll see where he ends up. If you can get him 2nd or 3rd, sure, but I don't think Dalton is bad enough the Bengals need to lock in and draft a guy 1st round.

I think Tajh will need a good long time on the sidelines learning how to read an NFL defense before he is ready to play in the league. A lot of the routes in the Clemson offense are pre-determined... i.e., bombs, screens, and slants, and he hasn't been asked to do much decision making. That's why when Clemson gets down inside the 10, more often than not Tajh would run keepers, because reading defenses becomes so much more important there, and that was just something Clemson didn't trust him to do.

I think he could get there, but he would definitely be a project. And this is coming from a Bengals fan with Clemson season tickets, so I saw Tajh a bunch this year.

[DaddyTorgo]

Brandon Spikes to IR. Pats Defense takes ANOTHER hit.

Division title has been great given this year (injuries, Gronk, Hernandez). Any playoff-progress will be gravy.

[Radii]

Eric Weddle (weddlesbeard) on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Weddlesbeard)

I just learned about this... its actually Eric Weddle running the account and making all the posts, all tweets are from the perspective of his beard.

[SirFozzie]

Honestly, I'm worried about this matchup.. the Pats have had a LOT of good karma go their way (and as a biased pats fan, some countervaling bad karma in the Jetpush and should've-been-PI Panthers game), but for some reason I don't have a good feeling about this matchup.

[ColtCrazy]

I don't think either match up would have been horrible for the Colts, but unless Luck has some more heroics in him I think the run ends this weekend. I'm happy with the way things have gone considering the run game's inconsistencies and the defense taking extra bye weeks.

Both the Pats and Colts are flawed teams that should be thankful for being in relatively weak divisions (I know the Dolphins made a run, but were they ever really a threat to the Pats?)
Should be a good game, but I see the Pats marching on. If they can cover TY well, the Colts offense will struggle to score the 20+ they'll need to win.

[Desnudo]

I don't think either match up would have been horrible for the Colts, but unless Luck has some more heroics in him I think the run ends this weekend. I'm happy with the way things have gone considering the run game's inconsistencies and the defense taking extra bye weeks.

Both the Pats and Colts are flawed teams that should be thankful for being in relatively weak divisions (I know the Dolphins made a run, but were they ever really a threat to the Pats?)
Should be a good game, but I see the Pats marching on. If they can cover TY well, the Colts offense will struggle to score the 20+ they'll need to win.

Stop trying to jinx it

[Desnudo]

I can see that - I like him more than Bortles - but again we'll see where he ends up. If you can get him 2nd or 3rd, sure, but I don't think Dalton is bad enough the Bengals need to lock in and draft a guy 1st round.He certainly phrased it poorly (shocker!), but he's more or less right that it makes sense for the Eagles to re-negotiate his deal. The contract was set up to basically give the eagles an out after 2 years, but now the cap hit jumps from 8.75m to 12.5m per year. That's still not too bad, but turning some of that into guaranteed money and lowering the cap hit would probably be best for both parties.

Bortles is a terrible football name, especially for a QB. No way he's in the NFL in 3 years.

[Kodos]

http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t446/KodosForPrez/Bort_zps3402abfc.png (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/KodosForPrez/media/Bort_zps3402abfc.png.html)

[Kodos]

Man, with Reggie Wayne out for the season, I just don't think Indy has a prayer. Plus, they used up all of their good karma in the comeback. They are sooooooo done.

[molson]

My very modest optimism for the Pats is mostly based on the bye week and the relative improving health of the team minus the guys who were IR'd. I don't think Spikes is a huge loss, he's been hobbling for a while anyway. And while Luck was amazing for some of the game Sunday and has a great career ahead of him, I'd be a little more scared of him if he played more than about 27 good minutes against a team with a terrible defensive gameplan who had guys dropping like flies everywhere and refused to run the ball in the 2nd half for some reason. Maybe he'll play better against the Patriots and this will be his real coronation, and I certainly would have preferred to see the Bengals or the Chiefs, but the Patriots have a good shot.

[DaddyTorgo]

My very modest optimism for the Pats is mostly based on the bye week and the relative improving health of the team minus the guys who were IR'd. I don't think Spikes is a huge loss, he's been hobbling for a while anyway. And while Luck was amazing for some of the game Sunday and has a great career ahead of him, I'd be a little more scared of him if he played more than about 27 good minutes against a team with a terrible defensive gameplan who had guys dropping like flies everywhere and refused to run the ball in the 2nd half for some reason. Maybe he'll play better against the Patriots and this will be his real coronation, and I certainly would have preferred to see the Bengals or the Chiefs, but the Patriots have a good shot.

They're going to miss Spikes (hobbled as he was) if they end up against a big RB. Even moreso given the lack of other run-stoppers due to injury.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

And while Luck was amazing for some of the game Sunday and has a great career ahead of him, I'd be a little more scared of him if he played more than about 27 good minutes against a team with a terrible defensive gameplan who had guys dropping like flies everywhere and refused to run the ball in the 2nd half for some reason.

They actually had a clear reason for not running the ball. They lost their starting and backup RB's. I'd rather they throw than hand the ball to Cyrus Gray.

[Logan]

They actually had a clear reason for not running the ball. They lost their starting and backup RB's. I'd rather they throw than hand the ball to Cyrus Gray.

McCluster?

[Logan]

And BTW, Knile Davis was a notorious fumbler in college and had three fumbles this year. So not sure why you'd be so much more worried about giving the ball to Gray, if that's the way you're approaching it.

[BillJasper]

They actually had a clear reason for not running the ball. They lost their starting and backup RB's. I'd rather they throw than hand the ball to Cyrus Gray.

Why is Cyrus Gray on the team if you can't trust him to carry the ball?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

McCluster?

He's good in the open field where he can avoid collisions, but he wouldn't last long running a regular RB load. Seen him get crushed way too many times. His best defense against injury is open space. Plus, he was needed as a WR with Avery down.

[Logan]

In that case, as Bill indicated, it's a pretty poor job of roster management if you only have two guys on your roster you can trust to carry the ball in a pinch.

By comparison, the Niners have 4 (5 if you want to count Miller before he got hurt).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Not really playoff news but I figure this is the current NFL thread ...

Atlanta Falcons hire Mike Tice as offensive line coach | www.ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/football/falcons-set-to-turn-line-over-to-mike-tice/ncfpt/)

[BillJasper]

Not really playoff news but I figure this is the current NFL thread ...

Atlanta Falcons hire Mike Tice as offensive line coach | www.ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/football/falcons-set-to-turn-line-over-to-mike-tice/ncfpt/)

Seems like a poor hire based on the stats of his previous offensive lines. Perhaps the Falcons should be expending more time, money and draft picks on the offensive line instead of bringing in someone who has failed more than he has succeeded?

[Arles]

I think it's more "this guy only has 9 carries all year and the worst thing possible is a turnover". Maybe they could have used McCluster - but losing 2 RBs in the same game would sink most teams. Look at Jonathan Franklin for Green Bay. We lost both Lacy and Starks in game and went with him in Cincy. He had a great game and still had the big fumble that lost the team the game.

It's better to throw short passes (esp against that Indy Secondary) than trust some guy who's had 9 carries to be your bell cow in the second half of a road playoff game. Now, if both were out next week, KC advanced and you had a full week of practice with Grey getting the reps - that may be different.

[molson]

But the Colts needed so many 2nd half possessions to win. (I think they ended up with 7.) I don't know if the Chiefs quite reached the point where a zero yard rush or a kneel down with 40 seconds elapsing actually improved their chances of winning, but they were close. The Colts needed the Chiefs to stop the clock some and extend the game and the Chiefs helpfully obliged.

[BillJasper]

I think it's more "this guy only has 9 carries all year and the worst thing possible is a turnover". Maybe they could have used McCluster - but losing 2 RBs in the same game would sink most teams. Look at Jonathan Franklin for Green Bay. We lost both Lacy and Starks in game and went with him in Cincy. He had a great game and still had the big fumble that lost the team the game.

It's better to throw short passes (esp against that Indy Secondary) than trust some guy who's had 9 carries to be your bell cow in the second half of a road playoff game. Now, if both were out next week, KC advanced and you had a full week of practice with Grey getting the reps - that may be different.

I still think you give the ball to Gray. How many #1 running backs have coughed up the ball at an inopportune times over the years? If he's a running back and he's on the roster, you should feel comfortable leaning on him for less than one half of football up by 28 points.

[BillJasper]

I don't care what anyone thinks, I would be concerned about a defense that gave up 536 total yards and 45 points in 22:27 on the field.

[JPhillips]

Apparently Jay Gruden is the front runner for the Redskins. I don't hate him like a lot of Cincy fans, but I don't understand why he's such a hot commodity. His offense seems pretty lackluster and unimaginative to me.

[Kodos]

Snyder probably just likes his last name.

[BishopMVP]

They're going to miss Spikes (hobbled as he was) if they end up against a big RB. Even moreso given the lack of other run-stoppers due to injury.Shouldn't be a huge issue vs. the remaining AFC teams. DT's are a lot better vs. the run since Siliga started playing well.... plus Donta Hightower fits much better into the Spikes role than having him drop into coverage. Overall, I do agree we'll miss him at the goal-line and 3rd/4th and short plays, but this is the Colts (and potentially SD/Denver), not Seattle/SF/Carolina.

[Arles]

I don't care what anyone thinks, I would be concerned about a defense that gave up 536 total yards and 45 points in 22:27 on the field.
Yeah, but losing your best pass rusher and best CB during those 22 min can make this more of an anomaly. It also didn't help that the two main clock killers on offense (Charles and Davis) were also out. I wouldn't be worried about my defense long term because of that half of play if I were KC.

[DaddyTorgo]

Shouldn't be a huge issue vs. the remaining AFC teams. DT's are a lot better vs. the run since Siliga started playing well.... plus Donta Hightower fits much better into the Spikes role than having him drop into coverage. Overall, I do agree we'll miss him at the goal-line and 3rd/4th and short plays, but this is the Colts (and potentially SD/Denver), not Seattle/SF/Carolina.

That's my point. If they manage to beat IND/SD/DEN then they're going to miss him against the NFC team.

But then again, I'm on record now as saying anything after this point is gravy, so that's okay.

[Lathum]

Man, this thread is going to get good if the Colts start blowing out the Pats. Any good scripted dramas on TV this weekend DT?

[DaddyTorgo]

Man, this thread is going to get good if the Colts start blowing out the Pats. Any good scripted dramas on TV this weekend DT?

I'm catching up on the final 3 seasons of Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda using my Chromecast, so I have plenty to watch. ;)

[BillJasper]

I'm catching up on the final 3 seasons of Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda using my Chromecast, so I have plenty to watch. ;)

No. You really don't. :lol: :p

[cartman]

The Pats let the Colts taking the opening kick out of the endzone to the 28 yard line? FML. I have better things to do than watch this crap.

:D

[DaddyTorgo]

No. You really don't. :lol: :p

That's true - I've read that the series takes a gigantic turn for the crapper once RHW leaves as Executive Producer, but at this point I figure I'm going to see it through and then go back and reread the Coda that he wrote up (which is what made me want to go back and watch the show in its entirety again, after having dropped it at some point during its time on air).

[oykib]

I'm catching up on the final 3 seasons of Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda using my Chromecast, so I have plenty to watch. ;)

I have to echo what's been posted here. I was shocked by how much better than I expected the first two seasons of that show were. Then, I was shocked by how quickly it went in the crapper.

[DaddyTorgo]

I have to echo what's been posted here. I was shocked by how much better than I expected the first two seasons of that show were. Then, I was shocked by how quickly it went in the crapper.

Yeah I know it'll be like rubbernecking a car-crash. But I've just reread "Coda" (presumably you guys have too - Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda - "Coda" (http://www.cyberspace5.net/agentrichard07/coda.htm) ) so I feel like that's a fitting "end" to the series, and now I'm ready to enjoy "good scifi show turns into Hercules in space."

It's a shame though, because the first two seasons were actually good. But if nothing else I can hate-watch.

[Desnudo]

Man, this thread is going to get good if the Colts start blowing out the Pats. Any good scripted dramas on TV this weekend DT?

I have 30 on 30: Most overrated NY QB - Namath or Manning or Both queued up.

[flere-imsaho]

As a Pats homer, I'm just going to man up and go for the gusto here.

Belichick finds a way to make Luck look like a rookie, and after coasting for 3 quarters, Brady shows up and pulls a win out of his ass.

[Matthean]

2013 NFL playoffs -- Jim Harbaugh says Carolina Panthers shouldn't be angered by Ric Flair's support - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/10265002/2013-nfl-playoffs-jim-harbaugh-says-carolina-panthers-angered-ric-flair-support)

So do the Pats and 49ers make the Super Bowl and Hogan vs. Flair becomes the halftime show?

[Butter]

Apparently Jay Gruden is the front runner for the Redskins. I don't hate him like a lot of Cincy fans, but I don't understand why he's such a hot commodity. His offense seems pretty lackluster and unimaginative to me.

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But then, so does virtually any 'Skins hire.

[Arles]

Per Adam Schefter:
Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is scheduled to have HC interviews with Lions today, with Titans on Friday, and with Browns on Saturday. Busy man
Sounds like he's doing a lot of prep for Denver :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sounds like he's doing a lot of prep for Denver :D

Y'know, you do kinda have a point there.

[Kodos]

"We got Gruden?!? Yes! I love Chucky!"

"Errrm. It's not THAT Gruden..."

[Warhammer]

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But then, so does virtually any 'Skins hire.

I'll save Snyder the hassle, he can hire me, do whatever he wants to do with the team, and then cut me a check for $1.5 mil for my buyout. It's a win-win, I get the money, he gets to do what he wants, for less money, and the results will be the same.

[Chief Rum]

Y'know, you do kinda have a point there.

Well, not like they haven't already played them a time or two this season.

[BishopMVP]

Y'know, you do kinda have a point there.Yeah. I still wasn't thrilled when McDaniels was interviewing in Cleveland over the weekend (fwiw, apparently he's pulled out once he was informed he wasn't the #1 choice), but I could kind of understand it since we had a bye weekend and he'd still have the full week to prepare. 3 interviews in the 5 days before a big game seems incredibly excessive. This isn't even college, where it's important to hire early with recruiting and signing day occurring within the month. What needs to be done by an NFL coach in the next 2-3 weeks that isn't in the playoffs?

[gstelmack]

Then there was Bill Parcells and the '96 Super Bowl, where he hurt the Patriots by dealing with the Jets during the runup.

I'm okay with teams firing coaches so folks know what's going to be available, but I don't think any team that fires a coach after the week 17 games should be able to interview replacements until after the Super Bowl has concluded. It won't stop talk, but it will help keep the focus on competition during the key playoff runs.

[Logan]

You have to do it as an AC if you want to be a HC. These teams don't want to wait any longer to interview guys, make a call and begin preparing for the offseason. You couldn't even interview the assistants of playoff-bound teams until they changed the rules to give a week grace period.

Greg Roman would be the Jaguars HC today instead of Gus Bradley if the Niners didn't advance further in the playoffs last year. They wanted to do second interviews but he couldn't make it, so they went with Bradley for fear of missing out on him and getting turned down by Roman eventually.

[SirFozzie]

So, football related, how many fouls are there on this play that got blown dead..

So far, I've found..

A) Using another defensive player as a springboard.
B ) Possible unsportsmanlike conduct, as the ball was dead.
C) And definitely offsides, Mascot unabated to the Quarterback.

:D

Watch the Bills Mascot Jump Over the Line to Wreck a Pee-Wee Quarterback | Extra Mustard - SI.com (http://extramustard.si.com/2014/01/09/gif-bills-mascot-jumps-over-the-o-line-to-wreck-a-pee-wee-quarterback/)

[TroyF]

Yeah, but losing your best pass rusher and best CB during those 22 min can make this more of an anomaly. It also didn't help that the two main clock killers on offense (Charles and Davis) were also out. I wouldn't be worried about my defense long term because of that half of play if I were KC.

So what would concern you?

Chiefs first 7 weeks sacks: 35
Chiefs remaining 10 games sacks - 13

Or how about this: In their final 9 games played this year KC gave up an average of 440 yards and were outgained 8 times.

The Chiefs have some very nice pieces on defense, but they have some major, gaping, monumental holes that were exposed when their schedule toughened up. Getting people healthy isn't the issue either. It's nice that they sacked Blaine Gabbard 6 times and Pryor 9 times in a game. The real QB's they faced (Luck, Manning, Rivers) were sacked a total of 6 times in 6 games (with 3 of those coming on the last day of the season) The real QB's they faced crushed them in yardage. With the help of the Colts 4 turnovres last Saturday, they did force 8 turnovers in those 6 games, but it wasn't enough as they went 0-6 in those games.


If the Chiefs are of the opinion that one game was a fluke and they'll be better when everyone is 100%, they are living in a dreamland and will pay the price for it next year. Now, if the offense could truly score in the top 5 consistently, the D would be good enough. It is not good enough to win battles against good football teams.

[BillJasper]

So, football related, how many fouls are there on this play that got blown dead..

So far, I've found..

A) Using another defensive player as a springboard.
B ) Possible unsportsmanlike conduct, as the ball was dead.
C) And definitely offsides, Mascot unabated to the Quarterback.

:D

Watch the Bills Mascot Jump Over the Line to Wreck a Pee-Wee Quarterback | Extra Mustard - SI.com (http://extramustard.si.com/2014/01/09/gif-bills-mascot-jumps-over-the-o-line-to-wreck-a-pee-wee-quarterback/)

Actually, it looks like the left guard flinches before the neutral zone is violated. So it would be a false start on the offense. :p

[jbergey22]

Man seeks injunction, claims Chargers shouldn't be in playoffs - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24402953/man-seeks-injunction-claims-chargers-shouldnt-be-in-playoffs)

Funny!

[Danny]

I think Bengals fans should be thrilled about Gruden going to Washington. I think Jackson is an excellent coordinator (not a good head coach) and will run a much more interesting gameplan that should focus more on the running game and take some pressure off of Dalton

[JPhillips]

And hopefully throw to the two first round TEs.

[britrock88]

Per Adam Schefter:

Sounds like he's doing a lot of prep for Denver :D

I thought the NFL put the kibosh on interviewing coaches in the week before their teams' playoff games.

[stevew]

Man seeks injunction, claims Chargers shouldn't be in playoffs - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24402953/man-seeks-injunction-claims-chargers-shouldnt-be-in-playoffs)

Funny!

Filed from the county jail outside my hometown.

*wasn't me. :)

[Carman Bulldog]

I just think it would be tough for any team needing to protect a lead when they lose an MVP calibre RB and a Pro Bowl corner. RB and corner are arguably the two most needed guys in protecting a large lead, especially the way that team is built. It's also hard to knock them for not running more. If they would have run Cyrus Gray, people would have still questioned what they were doing considering the success of Alex Smith early.

There is also a big difference between trusting someone to plug in right away as opposed to with a week of prep. That was no more evident than the overthrow on the pass to the wide open Gray. He had never run that route with Smith before. If Charles is in the game, that's a touchdown.

[Arles]

So what would concern you?

Chiefs first 7 weeks sacks: 35
Chiefs remaining 10 games sacks - 13

Or how about this: In their final 9 games played this year KC gave up an average of 440 yards and were outgained 8 times.

The Chiefs have some very nice pieces on defense, but they have some major, gaping, monumental holes that were exposed when their schedule toughened up. Getting people healthy isn't the issue either. It's nice that they sacked Blaine Gabbard 6 times and Pryor 9 times in a game. The real QB's they faced (Luck, Manning, Rivers) were sacked a total of 6 times in 6 games (with 3 of those coming on the last day of the season) The real QB's they faced crushed them in yardage. With the help of the Colts 4 turnovres last Saturday, they did force 8 turnovers in those 6 games, but it wasn't enough as they went 0-6 in those games.
I'm no KC apologist, but Indy had 10 points with 4 turnovers and 2 punts when Houston and Flowers were healthy. Once those two went out, the floodgates opened (esp when you factor in they lost both RBs).

If the Chiefs are of the opinion that one game was a fluke
It wasn't a game, it was a quarter and a half. Take the two best defensive players that practiced all week off a team, top two RBs to run out the clock and on the road. Then have them face one of the top 5 QBs - it won't be pretty in any situation. KC isn't a dominating team, but they're not as bad as the late 3rd/4th quarter showed either. You just need a little perspective before you bash them after that.

and they'll be better when everyone is 100%, they are living in a dreamland and will pay the price for it next year. Now, if the offense could truly score in the top 5 consistently, the D would be good enough. It is not good enough to win battles against good football teams
They won 2 games last season and have an entirely new system - how about a little patience? KC is on the right track and has a lot of good pieces - esp on defense. They are in a better position right now than nearly every team in the AFC not named Denver or New England. And, those two teams have QBs reaching the end of their rope. Reid deserves some credit on what they did this season and no amount of you peeing in their cheerios is going to change that :D
(and again, I have no bias for or against KC)

[jbergey22]

Filed from the county jail outside my hometown.

*wasn't me. :)

Are you sure? Havent seen you around posting in these forums as much;)

[Butter]

I think Bengals fans should be thrilled about Gruden going to Washington. I think Jackson is an excellent coordinator (not a good head coach) and will run a much more interesting gameplan that should focus more on the running game and take some pressure off of Dalton

The term I'm prepared to use is "cautiously optimistic".

[Desnudo]

Yeah. I still wasn't thrilled when McDaniels was interviewing in Cleveland over the weekend (fwiw, apparently he's pulled out once he was informed he wasn't the #1 choice), but I could kind of understand it since we had a bye weekend and he'd still have the full week to prepare. 3 interviews in the 5 days before a big game seems incredibly excessive. This isn't even college, where it's important to hire early with recruiting and signing day occurring within the month. What needs to be done by an NFL coach in the next 2-3 weeks that isn't in the playoffs?

That rumor came out once he declined the position...

[Chief Rum]

And hopefully throw to the two first round TEs.

Hmm, forgot about that (since they weren't much used).

Which made me think, two talented TEs, a terrific receiving RB in Bernard and more of a short throw accurate QB in Dalton--this sounds a lot like a poor man's version of the Patriots circa 2012, except that the Pats don't have a guy like AJ Green, and Bernard is a heck of a lot more talented than any of the pass catching RBs the Pats have been marching out there.

It seems to me if they got a Wes Welker type of WR, they would have all the pieces to run the same sort of offense, which could be really scary with Green and Bernard in the mix.

Of course, Dalton isn't as strong armed or accurate as Brady, and neither TE has yet shown he is half of what Gronk is or Hernandez was, so maybe it won't work. But still...

[Butter]

Gresham has the fumbles, and frankly Eifert wasn't given much of a shot this year. But they have a guy who could be the Welker type... Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins is another short, speed guy similar to Bernard who is good at making short gains into long ones, but he is not yet great at running routes. I think he is a FA this offseason, so I imagine he won't be back. But I'd love to see the Bengals keep him and work him into the offense more.

[Travis]

So the Seahawks trade for Harvin, take it easy with working him back in, he plays against Minnesota, experiences not necessarily a set back, but more pain and discomfort after that game than expected, so they hold him out some more. Then a ton of rumors pop up that he's about to be placed on IR (even though they executed 2-3 other roster moves around this time that required opening up roster spots) and now he's apparently ready to go for the game tomorrow.

Maybe it's just a result of being a fan of the Seahawks, Oilers and Jays for so long, but I'm much more worried about him playing now that they're being so public about him being "good" than I was when they were being secretive about it.

Either way, I'm fully expecting a much better game out of Brees tomorrow than he had the last time in Seattle and if the secondary comes in expecting another game like the last, it'll be a one and done for the Seahawks. If the D plays to the best of their ability though, I'm fully expecting that will be enough to get them through to what would be, to me, their biggest test of the playoffs as the Panthers and Niners both have the type of front 7 that exploit the biggest weaknesses Seattle has. At this point I'd probably prefer to face any of the teams left in the AFC over either Carolina or SF.

[Julio Riddols]

Gresham has the fumbles, and frankly Eifert wasn't given much of a shot this year. But they have a guy who could be the Welker type... Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins is another short, speed guy similar to Bernard who is good at making short gains into long ones, but he is not yet great at running routes. I think he is a FA this offseason, so I imagine he won't be back. But I'd love to see the Bengals keep him and work him into the offense more.

If he doesn't come back, I also think Sanzenbacher could fill the same role. He made a lot of huge catches in the preseason and seems to have really good hands..

I also agree on Eifert. I feel like they were easing into things for some reason, maybe because they weren't quite happy with his blocking yet? I have no idea. I thought both he and Gio were underused this season, but they were trying to spread the ball to a bevy of guys so someone had to take the hit. They had 6 dudes with 39 catches or more.

[albionmoonlight]

So the Seahawks trade for Harvin, take it easy with working him back in, he plays against Minnesota, experiences not necessarily a set back, but more pain and discomfort after that game than expected, so they hold him out some more. Then a ton of rumors pop up that he's about to be placed on IR (even though they executed 2-3 other roster moves around this time that required opening up roster spots) and now he's apparently ready to go for the game tomorrow.

Maybe it's just a result of being a fan of the Seahawks, Oilers and Jays for so long, but I'm much more worried about him playing now that they're being so public about him being "good" than I was when they were being secretive about it.

Harvin is an interesting wild-card about which no one seems to be talking.

Even if Harvin is no more likely to play than you or I, the Seahawk coaches were smart to talk him up and force the Saints to spend time gameplanning for him.

Also, there is the option, if he is still rusty in terms of route-running, timing, etc. that they could just play him returning kicks, and he still adds real value to the team.

If, however, he is ready to play significant offense snaps, than he can be a huge secret weapon for Seattle inasmuch as the Saints have no film on him in that offense to see how Seattle may choose to use him.

Finally, there is a bit of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" here. Seattle went 13-3 and got the #1 seed without Harvin. There's an argument that adding a rusty player to the mix and trying to work in him during a playoff game might not be in the Seahawks's best interest.

Still, lots of teams who are sitting home right now would love the problem of "how do we work our top-five receiver into our 13-3 team?"

[Butter]

If he doesn't come back, I also think Sanzenbacher could fill the same role. He made a lot of huge catches in the preseason and seems to have really good hands..

I like Sanzenbacher too. I thought he was the new, improved Jordan Shipley but I guess the coaches didn't agree because he had maybe 2 catches this year?

[Butter]

For all the Bengals fans trying to get over what happened Sunday, here are a couple of good stories from Grantland:

Remembering the 1988 Cincinnati Bengals - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10267184/remembering-1988-cincinnati-bengals)

How Can the Bengals Move on From Andy Dalton? - The Triangle Blog - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/88023/how-could-the-bengals-move-on-from-andy-dalton)

[BillJasper]

For all the Bengals fans trying to get over what happened Sunday, here are a couple of good stories from Grantland:

Remembering the 1988 Cincinnati Bengals - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10267184/remembering-1988-cincinnati-bengals)

How Can the Bengals Move on From Andy Dalton? - The Triangle Blog - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/88023/how-could-the-bengals-move-on-from-andy-dalton)

I think people are crazy for already calling for Dalton's head. Guy has lead the Bengals to the playoffs for three straight seasons. How many years did it take before Manning was consistently winning playoff games?

[Butter]

Well, it took Andrew Luck 2 seasons.

[BillJasper]

Well, it took Andrew Luck 2 seasons.

Well, you also have to give credit to the near historic collapse of the Chiefs.

[rowech]

I think people are crazy for already calling for Dalton's head. Guy has lead the Bengals to the playoffs for three straight seasons. How many years did it take before Manning was consistently winning playoff games?

Dalton has been outstanding against weaker opponents and terrible against good teams. I don't understand the hate either as I really believe the potential is there to be a top 1/3 QB.

That said, Bengals fans wet merciless to Esiason even though he got them to a Super Bowl. They hated Carson Palmer and ran him out. The only QBs they've liked in the last 25 years are Jeff Blake and Jon Kitna.

[gstelmack]

How many years did it take before Manning was consistently winning playoff games?

I don't know, when will he start?

1999 - IND vs TEN L 16-19
2000 - IND at MIA L 17-23
2002 - IND at NYJ L 0-41
2003 - IND vs DEN W 41-10
2003 - IND at KAN W 38-31
2003 - IND at NED L 14-24
2004 - IND vs DEN W 49-24
2004 - IND at NED L 3-20
2005 - IND vs PIT L 18-21
2006 - IND vs KAN W 23-8
2006 - IND at BAL W 15-6
2006 - IND vs NED W 38-34
2006 - IND vs CHI W 29-17
2007 - IND vs SDG L 24-28
2008 - IND at SDG L 17-23
2009 - IND vs BAL W 20-3
2009 - IND vs NYJ W 30-17
2009 - IND vs NOR L 17-31
2010 - IND vs NYJ L 16-17
2012 - DEN vs BAL L 35-38

"Consistent" is not the word I'd use here. 9-11, with 1 4-game win streak and a pair of 3-game losing streaks.

But I guess the point is a decent one - Peyton lost his first 3 playoff games.

[BishopMVP]

Harvin is an interesting wild-card about which no one seems to be talking.

Even if Harvin is no more likely to play than you or I, the Seahawk coaches were smart to talk him up and force the Saints to spend time gameplanning for him.

Also, there is the option, if he is still rusty in terms of route-running, timing, etc. that they could just play him returning kicks, and he still adds real value to the team.

If, however, he is ready to play significant offense snaps, than he can be a huge secret weapon for Seattle inasmuch as the Saints have no film on him in that offense to see how Seattle may choose to use him.

Finally, there is a bit of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" here. Seattle went 13-3 and got the #1 seed without Harvin. There's an argument that adding a rusty player to the mix and trying to work in him during a playoff game might not be in the Seahawks's best interest.

Still, lots of teams who are sitting home right now would love the problem of "how do we work our top-five receiver into our 13-3 team?"Harvin's interesting from an outsider's perspective. Maybe he will be that piece that wins them an SB this year or next, but I think it's much more likely 5 years down the road we're looking at that trade/contract as the place it started falling apart for Seattle and shortened their championship window.

[BillJasper]

But I guess the point is a decent one - Peyton lost his first 3 playoff games.

I just think somehow someone needs to get through to Dalton not to press when things aren't going his way. I wonder how much different a game Dalton has if Bernard doesn't fumble that pass away to the Chargers when it looked like the Bengals were marching for a TD?

[BishopMVP]

Btw, is Peyton Manning (with, I guess, Tom Brady's early playoff track record) really what we're going to compare Andy Dalton to?

[BillJasper]

Btw, is Peyton Manning (with, I guess, Tom Brady's early playoff track record) really what we're going to compare Andy Dalton to?

I just think it's tough to judge a QB on three playoff losses, early in his career. People seem to want to run Dalton out of town but seem to forget that the team has gotten progressively better each season (9, 10, 11 WINS) since he's been in Cincinnati.

Dalton isn't Peyton Manning but he is definitely a player on the upswing statistically (20, 27, 33 TD's/3,398, 3,669, 4,293 YDS) outside of turnovers (13, 16, 20 INT's). It's obvious he's a guy who gets flustered when you put pressure on him right up the middle and can try to force things when the game isn't going his way.

I just think it's worth the effort to try and correct Dalton's flaws.

[Buccaneer]

It is amusing to read about those wanting a better QB to replace who team X has currently. How is the team going to do that? A better QB will be available to trade or free agency? Hardly? If the team does not have a high draft pick, how exactly will the team move up to a top 3 pick? Isn't it a crapshoot anyway?

[Julio Riddols]

I just think it's tough to judge a QB on three playoff losses, early in his career. People seem to want to run Dalton out of town but seem to forget that the team has gotten progressively better each season (9, 10, 11 WINS) since he's been in Cincinnati.

Dalton isn't Peyton Manning but he is definitely a player on the upswing statistically (20, 27, 33 TD's/3,398, 3,669, 4,293 YDS) outside of turnovers (13, 16, 20 INT's). It's obvious he's a guy who gets flustered when you put pressure on him right up the middle and can try to force things when the game isn't going his way.

I just think it's worth the effort to try and correct Dalton's flaws.

Definitely. You also have to consider what the defense has done in the 3 playoff games they have played too. They have forced only one turnover, and the Bengals have not started with better field position than their own 40. The defense has to hold up their end of the bargain too. They have allowed over 150 yards rushing to each of the 3 opponents they have played sine Dalton has come to the team. That defensive help is the only reason Brady won his first 3 playoff games. He (Brady) did next to nothing production wise in all 3 of them, too.

[Bigsmooth]

Headed down to the Clink today. Really looking forward to it! It's pretty nasty out right now but I get the feeling it's gonna clear up a little before kickoff. Kawww!~

[mckerney]

Bill Belichick Smiled Seven Times This Season (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303848104579308902591555672)

[bob]

Ok, that bandwagon.net "commercial" on Fox pre-game did make me laugh quite a bit.

[BillJasper]

Wind and rain... have fun Saints.

[Travis]

Interesting move by the Seahawks as James Carpenter is a healthy scratch today and (I believe) 7th round pick Michael Bowie will step in at LG (over both Carpenter and McQuistan). Harvin isn't on a snap count and apparently will return kicks. Whether it's by 1 or 20, Go Hawks!

[frnk55]

Lol. Great punt!

[Travis]

Welp, that may have been a short come back.

[cuervo72]

PF or not, that should have been PI - they held down Harvin's right arm.

[Lathum]

If I'm the Saints I am ok with taking that penalty on HArvin. Delivers a message.

[BillJasper]

If I'm the Saints I am ok with taking that penalty on HArvin. Delivers a message.

Which is exactly why the NFL has to start throwing guys that go to the head out of the game. 15 yards? Pfft.

[EagleFan]

Now he misses.... :(

[TroyF]

Which is exactly why the NFL has to start throwing guys that go to the head out of the game. 15 yards? Pfft.

They so need to go to college rules. Start kicking guys out of games. So the hit gave the Hawks 3 points, whoop de do da day. Kick him out of the game and the "messages" stop. Of course the Hawks will have about 10 plays like that today and will get called on 2 of them, so I don't know why I'm worried about it.

[kingfc22]

Geez...way to go Ingram.

[dubb93]

They got to get Ingram out of this game. He's killed two of the first three Saints drives. First drive he drops an open third down catch to force a punt. Now he fumbles.

[cuervo72]

Oh yeah - how does Burkhardt get a playoff game? Fox must think a lot of him to be elevating his team to #2 status already.

[kingfc22]

Sproles better return this next kick regardless of how deep. Saints need a spark.

[Desnudo]

Well that was a quick game.

[BillJasper]

They got to get Ingram out of this game. He's killed two of the first three Saints drives. First drive he drops an open third down catch to force a punt. Now he fumbles.

+1

[Travis]

Wow, you're crazy if you're counting Brees out this early with the weapons that offence has. Not expecting this to go the way of KC/Indy, but as a Seattle fan I'm sure not feeling anything close to comfortable yet.

[bob]

This is what I am referring to:

Bandwagon.net - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay4WfBVKDmU)

[Danny]

I wouldnt count Brees out, but I'd say Seattle has a 95%+ chance of winning based on the current score and environment.

[BillJasper]

Wow, you're crazy if you're counting Brees out this early with the weapons that offence has. Not expecting this to go the way of KC/Indy, but as a Seattle fan I'm sure not feeling anything close to comfortable yet.

Unless the weather improves, it probably is over.

[Desnudo]

Wow, you're crazy if you're counting Brees out this early with the weapons that offence has. Not expecting this to go the way of KC/Indy, but as a Seattle fan I'm sure not feeling anything close to comfortable yet.

Spotting that defense 13 points at home I day the odds aren't in the Saints favor. The weather makes that 13 points 40 unless the Seahawks turn it over.

[BillJasper]

I haven't gotten to see much of Lynch, but he's a beast.

[chinaski]

I cant wait till we replace Breno Giacomini. The only Seahawk I despise.

[Desnudo]

Saints can't afford stupid penalties right now, walking the line.

[kingfc22]

I see Harvin has Richard Sherman syndrome. ie. Act like a little bitch on the field.

Just play the damn game. You're the better team.

[BillJasper]

Short field here, Saints need to score.

[Desnudo]

TDs only son

[kingfc22]

How is that not a flag for lining up in the neutral zone?

[BillJasper]

Saints should've taken the points.

[EagleFan]

How is that not a flag for lining up in the neutral zone?

When no one is lined up in the neutral zone it's not a penalty.

[BillJasper]

When no one is lined up in the neutral zone it's not a penalty.

:lol:

[kingfc22]

When no one is lined up in the neutral zone it's not a penalty.

The DT's head was fully over the blue line on Fox's feed. Obviously not official but no d-lineman has been that far forward the entire game.

[EagleFan]

The DT's head was fully over the blue line on the Fox's feed. Obviously not official but no d-lineman has been that far forward the entire game.

The blue line was in front of the ball. Matters where the ball is, not the Fox blue line.

[EagleFan]

Nice play by Wilson!

[BillJasper]

Really fast first half so far.

[EagleFan]

Really fast first half so far.

Yeah, the game is moving. Like it when games move along like that.

[kingfc22]

The blue line was in front of the ball.

Got it. Don't have the DVR recording so I couldn't take a second look at it.

[EagleFan]

Got it. Don't have the DVR recording so I couldn't take a second look at it.

I assume you were talking about the 4th down play? That is the one I rewound to double check/ Saw the overhang of the blue but then noticed that the edge of the blue line started a couple inches past the ball so the actual neutral zone was shifted by about a foot from where the blue line made it appear.

[BillJasper]

Ouch.

[SirFozzie]

How is that not a hit to a defenseless receiver?

[chinaski]

Harvin is getting punished. Getting hard to watch.

[BillJasper]

I don't think Harvin knows who he is right now.

[Travis]

That's clean, just a bad angle to get hit from, guessing that's an elbow issue.

[BillJasper]

Seahawks are determined to leave time on the clock for Brees'.

[Travis]

Okay D, this would be an excellent time for an interception and bail out the offence from botching the last portion of that drive.

[dubb93]

How is that not a hit to a defenseless receiver?

This isn't flag football. There is no penalty for hitting a defenseless reciever. It depends entirely on where he is hit while trying to make the catch. His back isn't protected.

[Travis]

Harvin out for the day with a concussion. Damn.

[BillJasper]

Brees needs to take off the gloves!

[BillJasper]

Harvin out for the day with a concussion. Damn.

Not surprising.

[dubb93]

Harvin out for the day with a concussion. Damn.

I'm probably not one who should be questioning the medical staff, but I wonder how much of the damage was done on the first hit and how much was done the on the second hit. That first one was absolutely brutal.

[BillJasper]

Isn't that the same type of hit they penalized the Niners for earlier this year? In the upper chest area?

[SirFozzie]

that's going to be reversed. Ref got shown up.

edit: Wow, no challenge? Is that not reviewable?

[Travis]

Wow, can't believe Carroll didn't challenge that.

[Travis]

that's going to be reversed. Ref got shown up.

edit: Wow, no challenge? Is that not reviewable?

Guessing he wasn't confident about the recovery portion of the challenge more than whether it was a fumble or not.

[SirFozzie]

turned out well for the Hawks I guess!

[BillJasper]

Rough day for the Saints.

[SirFozzie]

According to the Fox referee analyst, good no-call on the fumble:

Mike Pereira ‏@MikePereira 3m
That was NOT a fumble, he was hit and his forearm was down.

Mike Pereira ‏@MikePereira 59s
He was touched by SEA 72 with his right hand before he went down & the forearm hit the ground

[BillJasper]

Can't ask much more from the Saints defense.

[BillJasper]

Now we have a football game.

[kingfc22]

Isn't that the same type of hit they penalized the Niners for earlier this year? In the upper chest area?

Exactly the reason why this game is being played in SEA instead of SF right now.

[BillJasper]

Exactly the reason why this game is being played in SEA instead of SF right now.

I didn't mention so some fan could whine about a call not going their way. I was bringing it up because it shows that there is no consistency to these types of calls.

[Danny]

I really like the Seahawks uniforms

[BillJasper]

Seahawks better be careful or else they won't have to worry about playing next week.

[BillJasper]

Go for it!

[chinaski]

Those Papa Johns commercials make me wanna stab things.

[Alf]

I really like the Seahawks uniforms

That's so "IHOF" ;)

David Conti at IHOF playing for North Plainfield Plague (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/David%20Conti%20at%20IHOF%20playing%20for%20North%20Plainfield%20Plague)

http://www.fof-ihof.com/players/images/01141d.png

[TroyF]

Announcer: "you know why Jimmy Graham doesn't have a catch today, because of plays like that"

Replay showing while announcer blabbing: Thomas drills Graham in the side before the ball gets there.

Announcers: What an amazing play, that's the way you play defense in this league.

----------------------------------------------------

Seattle has been the better team all day and it probably shouldn't be this close. They also had the worst call of the day go against them. All of that said, good lord that teams DB's get away with murder. Denver had like 6 calls in a row go against them in the Giants game this year. I'm not sure one of them would have been called had we had birds on our helmets. :)

[BillJasper]

That was pure luck.

[Travis]

Ouch ouch ouch.

[TroyF]

I was just about to type that I really felt this game was heading like the Denver/Baltimore game last year. While one team seems to be in control, all it is going to take is one fluke play for the other to tie it up and get back into the game.

I start to type it and Flacco (err Brees) throws a duck down the field and Jacoby Jones (errr, Meacham) catches it for a huge gain. Only difference is it didn't go for a TD and the Saints are still a long way from the goal line here.

[TroyF]

This drive must result in a TD and 2pt conversion now for the Saints. Wasting that second time out will end any thought of a FG here. It's now TD or bust.

[BillJasper]

Seahawks should be worried if the Saints tie it up. Wilson hasn't exactly been productive today.

[TroyF]

Ummm, horrible play call, and a horrible decision here. No way they have a chance to make this.

[BillJasper]

Not even close. Saints have left nine points on the field.

[Travis]

Can't fathom why you go for the FG there.

[kingfc22]

Payton making all the wrong decisions today.

[Alf]

Seattle insisting on not grinding the football might end bad.

[TroyF]

Seahawks should be worried if the Saints tie it up. Wilson hasn't exactly been productive today.

No doubt about it. Thus Denver/Baltimore comparison. Hawks just cannot get anything going to put the Saints away. Still just a fluke play away from this getting close. The Hawks offense looks terrible right now. Lynch going into beast mode is something to see though.

[BillJasper]

About time the Seahawks passing game made a play.

[BillJasper]

I don't think that's a catch and that means the Seahawks are punting.

[TroyF]

That's a horrible challenge and a catch.

[Travis]

How is that not a catch? Control, foot and knee down before going out of bounds.

[EagleFan]

I don't think that's a catch and that means the Seahawks are punting.

One knee equals two feet last I knew, that should be a catch. He had control when his knee was down.

[Danny]

I think it's not conclusive and the call on the field should stand

[sabotai]

Yeah, doesn't look like he gets control to me until one foot is in bounds and the other is out. (I'd like to see it a few more times, though)

[sabotai]

One knee equals two feet last I knew, that should be a catch. He had control when his knee was down.

That's right, I forgot about the knee.

[BillJasper]

Oops. :lol:

[BillJasper]

Ball game.

[Travis]

Thank you Marshawn. Commence with your skittle shower.

[chinaski]

wooooo!

[Alf]

Bout time Seattle runs the ball !

[TroyF]

Saints deserved what they got there. Horrible play calling, horrible waste of time outs, horrible waste of challenge flag. They deserve the loss.

I thought a block in the back from a WR was an illegal play in situations like that? Not challenging it because the right team is winning, but I thought that a block in the back from a WR in that situation was not a legal play.

[sabotai]

I thought a block in the back from a WR was an illegal play in situations like that?

I believe you're allowed to do that on the line of scrimmage.

[Julio Riddols]

Lynch kills the Saints again.

[BillJasper]

Looked more to the side to me?

Seahawks took away the Saints screen game. I think that was the key.

[Masked]

The Saints' offense has struggled with delay of game penalties and wasted time outs all season. They're probably about league average in that dimension, but it's a big change from their high flying seasons before the Payton suspension.

[Racer]

Probably won't cost them but Marshawn Lynch really should have pulled a Brian Westbrook there.

[Danny]

Nut shot

[EagleFan]

You have to admire their spirit fighting to the end...

Seriously? Have we ever seen a playoff game with a team down by two scores with the ball in the 4th just stopped playing? So basically they have done what any other team in their situation has done.

[EagleFan]

Uh oh, we have some drama now.

[Travis]

Golden Tate not having his best game ever.

[Travis]

Colston having a worse game than Tate. Wow was that a dumb move.

[BillJasper]

What was Colston thinking? Just step out of bounds! :lol:

[Danny]

Lol they had it perfect for a shot at end zone before that attempted lateral

[EagleFan]

That was an odd ending, that wasn't even close to a lateral.

[kingfc22]

Payton you are an idiot. Another horrendous play call. If Colston just steps out of bounds there they have one last shot.

[BillJasper]

Payton you are an idiot. Another horrendous play call. If Colston just steps out of bounds there they have one last shot.

Not really Payton's fault. :lol:

[Danny]

Not really Payton's fault. :lol:

That looked like a called play

[sabotai]

FWIW, illegal block in back...RULE 12, SECTION 1, ARTICLE 3

"(b) Blocks an opponent (from behind) in the back above the opponent’s waist, or uses his hands or arms to push an opponent from behind in a manner that affects his movement, except in close-line play."

[BillJasper]

That looked like a called play

I think it was more likely a "if you think the clock has expired then lateral it"play. But then I'm sure they don't tell the players to throw it forward.

[TroyF]

FWIW, illegal block in back...RULE 12, SECTION 1, ARTICLE 3

"(b) Blocks an opponent (from behind) in the back above the opponent’s waist, or uses his hands or arms to push an opponent from behind in a manner that affects his movement, except in close-line play."

I guess you could call that a close line play. No problem. I do think it's rich anytime I see someone called for Offensive PI against the Hawks though. Seriously? They mug the other team all game without any recourse and decide to push back and you call them? I mean, that was funny as all get out.

Looks like a terrific game in store next week. 49ers or Panthers vs. Seattle looks to me like it will be a terrific game. I think the Niners would have a better chance to beat the Seahawks, but the Panthers D will cause Seattle problems.

[Travis]

So Troy, at the start of the game, you mentioned that the Seahawks would have around 10 headshot level dirty plays (but only get called for a couple) then near the end you're calling out Thomas for a PI that wasn't called (I think it was a close play, I wouldn't have argued it either way), then the block on the TD run. At any point did you enjoy the game? I mean, reading your comments it sounds like you must just sit there frustrated but I'm not sure if it's with the officiating or that Seattle didn't have all the dirty plays you figured they would?

And whether more DPI should have been called or not, no, I wouldn't equate those to headshot level plays.

[RedKingGold]

I feel like the Saints lost that game more than the Seahawks won it.

[BillJasper]

I feel like the Saints lost that game more than the Seahawks won it.

I thought both defenses played well. Lynch was a beast but both Wilson and Brees were disappointing.

[BillJasper]

Terrible throw.

[frnk55]

Terrible throw.
I could of made a better throw than that. Wow.

[cuervo72]

What a drive by Brady. Such a winner.

[bulletsponge]

What a drive by Brady. Such a winner.

do you work for ESPN?

[Desnudo]

Luck likes to play on maximum difficulty

[Desnudo]

How is that not a blow to the head

[RedKingGold]

I smell a blowout.

[BillJasper]

Looking a bit too easy for the Patriots.

[kingfc22]

How is that not a blow to the head

Not a QB or defenseless receiver when running with the ball.

[Desnudo]

So you can tackle someone by clothes lining their head? I honestly didn't know that.

[kingfc22]

What a throw by Luck.

[TroyF]

So Troy, at the start of the game, you mentioned that the Seahawks would have around 10 headshot level dirty plays (but only get called for a couple) then near the end you're calling out Thomas for a PI that wasn't called (I think it was a close play, I wouldn't have argued it either way), then the block on the TD run. At any point did you enjoy the game? I mean, reading your comments it sounds like you must just sit there frustrated but I'm not sure if it's with the officiating or that Seattle didn't have all the dirty plays you figured they would?

And whether more DPI should have been called or not, no, I wouldn't equate those to headshot level plays.

Surprisingly, the Seahawks didn't have a ton of cheap shots this game. I thinked I typed above they deserved the win.

I do find it to be a joke they get away with so many more DPI penalties than anyone else in the league and it does impact my enjoyment of their games, but I enjoyed the game today. I think the NO player should have had an immediate ejection. I also think the Seahawks should face a major fine for keeping Harvin in the game. He was in within 10 minutes after that shot to the head and you need at least 15 to do a proper concussion test.

I'm not frustrated when the Seahawks win either. It's certainly not like I'm a Saints fan.

As far as the call on Graham, I don't believe that was close. He clearly hit him before the ball got there and most teams would have that called on them, especially against the other teams best receiver. It also didn't decide the game. Congrats to the Hawks.

[Desnudo]

Collins is the linebacker we've been looking for

[DaddyTorgo]

Didn't realize that my dad apparently went to the game with his boss. Cool for him!

[bulletsponge]

epic punter move

FOF foward thinking in adding LS to game

[kingfc22]

No Dan. Falling on the ball there was not the best play. Why give Indy a chance for 7 when you can get away with just giving up 2.

[cuervo72]

No Dan. Falling on the ball there was not the best play. Why give Indy a chance for 7 when you can get away with just giving up 2.

Yeah...he's being an idiot here.

[Vince, Pt. II]

What the fuck just happened? We're listening on the radio. Apparently the long snapper snapped it from the 44 and it made it all the way back to the end zone?

[Dutch]

No Dan. Falling on the ball there was not the best play. Why give Indy a chance for 7 when you can get away with just giving up 2.

Agreed.

[Suicane75]

I love Dierdorf like a grandpa, but jesus his analysis there was embarrassing.

[frnk55]

What the fuck just happened? We're listening on the radio. Apparently the long snapper snapped it from the 44 and it made it all the way back to the end zone?
Don't worry, Dan will explain everything. :lol:

[Dutch]

What the fuck just happened? We're listening on the radio. Apparently the long snapper snapped it from the 44 and it made it all the way back to the end zone?

It was a bad snap over the punter's head. He ran back with one Patriot RB and about 3 Colts players. He picked it up, tried to throw to the RB and it was bobbled and shot backwards out the back of the endzone. Safety.

[BillJasper]

I love Dierdorf like a grandpa, but jesus his analysis there was embarrassing.

Yeah. He seemed to have no idea what he was talking about there.

[cuervo72]

Yes, Dan. Limit them to a FG attempt for 3 points rather than 2.

/headdesk

[Dr. Sak]

Wow look a hit to the punters head and no call. I swear someone a few weeks ago told me that wasn't possible