2014 NFL Regular Season, Week 1

[Vince, Pt. II]

Figure it's about time for one of these.

My thoughts/predictions for week one:

Seattle handles Green Bay fairly easily; I don't see a team of this caliber having much of a Super Bowl hangover.
NO @ Atlanta might be the most interesting game of the week for my money. I think Atlanta bounces back this season, though I don't know if they have the horses to hang with New Orleans even outside the Superdome..
Tennessee scares Kansas City a little, but they can't quite pull off the upset.
Romo and the Dallas offense are going to have a pretty easy time of it against a formerly vaunted SF defense, but it won't be enough.
Oakland starting rookie QB Derek Carr on the road against a decent defensive front seven and a strong defense in general is a really, really stupid idea despite how good he looked in preseason as opposed to...
...the genius move of Jacksonville starting Henne for a somewhat brutal opening to the season (@ Philly, @ Washington, vs Indianapolis, @ San Diego, vs. Pittsburgh) despite Bortles' brilliance this preseason. I wouldn't be surprised to see Henne benched in favor of Bortles in week 6 for some additional learning with the clipboard in the first part of the season and a smooth patch on the schedule to ease him in (@ Tennessee, vs Cleveland, vs Miami, @ Cincinnati, vs Dallas).
Arizona has a tricky opening game; in the NFC West, they're going to need every single win they can eke out, and San Diego isn't exactly a pushover. With a pretty brutal opening quarter (vs San Diego, @ NY Giants, vs San Francisco, @ Denver) they could be looking at 1-3 if they can't beat the Bolts, and with an early bye (week 4) the team might run out of gas for the late season gauntlet (vs KC, @ St. Louis, vs Seattle, @ San Francisco).

Also, am I nuts for thinking of benching Eddie Lacy against the Seattle D in favor of Ben Tate or Reggie Wayne?

[TroyF]

Seattle has all the makings of a dynasty. . . I just hope it doesn't happen.

Anyone who listened to me last year knows who I think the biggest disappointment is this year. The Chiefs were extraordinarily healthy last year (until their playoff game of course). They also had a dream schedule the first 9 weeks of the year. They lost 6 of their final 8 and I see that trend continuing in 2014 with a harder schedule and the inevitability of worse health. San Diego would scare the hell out of me if they knew how to actually draft and sign players. Donald Brown? Really?

With that said, I hope GB can hang with Seattle and give us a great opening night. I think the Titans fall to the Chiefs in a close one. I expect the Jets to pummel the Raiders. I like the Texans to destroy RG3. I think the Bengals will go into Baltimore and win.

[Julio Riddols]

I think Dallas is playing for a top 5 pick this year.

I think Tennessee has a schedule favorable enough to potentially make a playoff run.

I think Green Bay will lose to Seattle, but not because of Seattle's defense.

New England is making one more big push this year. Will their team stay healthy?

Cincinnati will either plant themselves among the front runners in the AFC or suffer a series of misfortunes that push them back 5 years.

Miami starts edging closer to challenging for the AFC East title.

The Jets finally fall apart completely. I think it starts with a sloppy, ugly, low scoring loss to Oakland. MJD resurrects a dying career for at least a season.

The Jags become a serious pain in the ass as soon as they start playing Bortles.

Cleveland, after an off season that seemed like it would be one that pushed them close to getting over the hump, struggles again.

Baltimore starts showing real signs of disarray. The magic Ozzie once had is nowhere to be found in recent years, and it is about to show.

Pittsburgh just won't die. Like Roethlisberger, they avoid disaster after disaster and somehow manage to keep chugging along.

The Giants are in a basement battle with Dallas in the NFC East.

Philly is better this year, but because their defense makes strides. Foles falls back to earth. LeSean McCoy has the best year of his career.

Peyton Manning is on a mission. Denver and their improved defense is the team to beat when the playoffs start.

Arizona overtakes either Frisco or Seattle to find themselves in the playoffs.

Minnesota takes the final wild card spot on the heels of one of a much stronger defense. Their offense finds balance they haven't had for years. Peterson flourishes.

New Orleans wins the NFC South handily. Carolina goes 9-7 and misses the post season after a slow start and a strong finish. Atlanta bounces back to a degree, but they fail to get Devonta Freeman involved enough until it is too late.

My playoff predictions

AFC

1. Denver, 14-2
2. New England, 12-4
3. Cincinnati, 11-5
4. Tennessee, 10-6
5. Pittsburgh, 10-6
6. San Diego, 10-6

NFC

1. New Orleans, 13-3
2. Seattle, 12-4
3. Green Bay, 12-4
4. Philly, 11-5
5. Arizona, 10-6 (win 3 way tie breaker over Frisco via division record)
6. Minnesota, 10-6 (2nd in 3 way tie breaker by virtue of conference record)

[Matthean]

Would be nice to see a Lions win and the Giants seem like a good candidate for it. I'm still surprised that game somehow got Sunday night treatment.

[Chief Rum]

Would be nice to see a Lions win and the Giants seem like a good candidate for it. I'm still surprised that game somehow got Sunday night treatment.

They're the early Monday night game, aren't they?

[Honolulu_Blue]

They're the early Monday night game, aren't they?

Yes.

[Thomkal]

Very happy to see a new season start and hope run in abundance. Good luck to "your" team this year. As for my beloved Cardinals, I think they take a step back sadly-they've just lost too much on the defensive side-Washington, Dockett, Abraham, Dansby, HoneyBadger (coming back from an injury) to be the strong unit they were last season. Hope I'm wrong about that, but I expect a 7-9 or 8-8 season for them.

I'd also like to ask the NFL schedule maker why after the Cards/SD just played in the last preseason game last week, they are facing each other again in Week 1? Yes I know the preseason game was full of backups and basic gameplanning, but I bet both teams would have liked to have done more in that preseason game to get ready for Week 1.

As for my "local" team, the Carolina Panthers, I think they are going to be pretty abysmal this season, no matter how they are sugarcoating it, Avant and Cotchery would not be #1 or #2 starters on any other team I think. Watch them both break 1000 yards this season now :) The rookie Kelvin Benjamin looks good, but he's a rookie. Cam Newton lost valuable practice time with his injury during the preseason as well.

Panthers feeling the pressure here I think too-as I mentioned above, I thought they should take a look at Stephen Hill when the Jets waived him. They just signed him to their practice squad yesterday and Panthers receiving coach (and former Cardinal) Ricky Proehl thinks he can "work wonders" with him. We'll see.

See ya all on Sunday in this thread for the real games :)

[Radii]

As for my "local" team, the Carolina Panthers, I think they are going to be pretty abysmal this season, no matter how they are sugarcoating it, Avant and Cotchery would not be #1 or #2 starters on any other team I think. Watch them both break 1000 yards this season now :) The rookie Kelvin Benjamin looks good, but he's a rookie. Cam Newton lost valuable practice time with his injury during the preseason as well.


I don't think they'll make the playoffs again, but I wouldn't say abysmal either. They'll be back in the standard Panthers range... 7-9 or 8-8.

[Blackadar]

Stoked about the Steelers this year. The offense looks quite good and that defense is young, fast and can hit.

[henry296]

I'd also like to ask the NFL schedule maker why after the Cards/SD just played in the last preseason game last week, they are facing each other again in Week 1? Yes I know the preseason game was full of backups and basic gameplanning, but I bet both teams would have liked to have done more in that preseason game to get ready for Week 1.


My understanding is other than national pre-season games the teams make their own preseason schedules.

The Steelers and Panthers played the last pre-season game and in Week 3. However, they have played the last pre-season game against each other every year for a number of years.

[Radii]

My understanding is other than national pre-season games the teams make their own preseason schedules.

Yeah, this is correct outside the hall of fame game. There's also a strong tendency to limit travel so teams from the west tend to play other teams from the west. Since there aren't all that many of them, especially when you exclude your division rivals, San Diego is going to play a lot of the NFC West in the preseason most years.

[BillJasper]

Time to see how the Dolphins new offensive co-ordinator and revamped offensive line work out.

[jeff061]

New England is making one more big push this year. Will their team stay healthy?
One more? Every position other than CB(which is looking great this year) is pretty solid for the next few years. Only weakness right now is depth, injuries may kill them. But the long term outlook on this team is the best it's been since their Super Bowl runs.

I think a lot of people forget just how good they were looking last year until they lost basically every key player other than Brady to injury. I was amazed they got as far as they did.

/total homer

[stevew]

Stoked about the Steelers this year. The offense looks quite good and that defense is young, fast and can hit.

Todd Haley, Mike Tomlin, defensive schemes that were great 10 years ago, and Aaron Hernandez's #1 fan hiking to a meathead QB that probably raped someone. Can't wait for the season. At least we waited and didn't overpay Pouncey cause he's an injury prone loose cannon.

Oh wait we did.

At least the RBs like each other.

[Chief Rum]

It has been pretty popular to downplay Carolina's chances this year, to the point that I think it is a little over stated now. I actually think they will be pretty good, maybe even up to 10-6 good, but 9-7 more likely, mostly because I think their division will end up one of the toughest in the league (now that a somewhat legit coach is in Tampa Bay and the ATL getting healthier).

Yes, Carolina lost some pieces in their secondary and wide receiver and couldn't really improve anywhere, but that secondary last year wasn't too talented anyway--a great front seven did a lot to mask that. I think the front seven will do so again, and the D will be pretty good.

The WRs weren't great to start last year, so I don't think the cast this year will do much worse. Plus, Benjamin has looked really good out there for a rookie WR.

Now as for the Cards... I am with Thomkal unforutnately. They have just lost too much on D, IMO, and the offense isn't good enough to compensate (mediocre QB, no serious running game).

[Thomkal]

My understanding is other than national pre-season games the teams make their own preseason schedules.

The Steelers and Panthers played the last pre-season game and in Week 3. However, they have played the last pre-season game against each other every year for a number of years.

Ah that I was not aware of-I knew they could ask for certain teams to be scheduled, like the Cardinals had Dallas games when they moved from the NFC East to the West. Still think it was stupid to schedule their Week 1 opponent in the last game of the preseason, but that's just me I guess.

[Travis]

Really happy with how healthy Seattle is at this point and quite curious to see what they look to do on offense this year with a healthy (at least for now) Harvin. They'll need a few young guys to step up on the defensive line and in the secondary and at least in the latter case, they'll get tested early by Green Bay's depth at WR.

What is really scary is having a bye in week 4 and finishing the season with a stretch run of @KC, vs Ari, @SF, @Phi, vs SF, @Ari, vs StL. Really hoping they're at least 6-3 if not 7-2 by the time they hit that section of their schedule. That's going to be a brutal section to have to make up games in a playoff race.

Just so damn happy the season is finally here.

[stevew]

Hoping Seattle mauls the Packers tomorrow. Also I think the Jags will be better than expected, Gus Bradley is a good coach. Like the Titans and Jake Locker to have a good year. Also wouldn't be too shocking if the Niners have a season from hell™

[Vince, Pt. II]

I'm legitimately worried about the 49ers this year. Between the injuries and the suspensions, they're down a lot of personnel. Then I look at the schedule and I take heart. I know 'any given Sunday...' and all, but:

1. @ Dallas - Does anyone expect them to lose this one?
2. vs Chicago - Legitimate opponent, but at home...likely a win.
3. @ Arizona - Tough road game here, but Arizona has lost a lot of players on that defense. Potential loss.
4. vs Philadelphia - Another decent opponent, but again at home.
5. vs Kansas City - KC was in freefall at the end of last season, and I think they've got some work to do still.
6. @ St. Louis - Another tough road game, especially since the Rams have seemed to have SF's number lately.
7. @ Denver - Huge game. Tough test and up at Mile High to boot. Should have NaVorro Bowman back by this point, but who knows if he'll be up to speed yet.
8. vs St. Louis - Should be a win at home.
9. @ New Orleans - Another tough game. Why are the 49ers at the Superdome every freaking year? This is the third consecutive season they travel to NO.
10. @ NY Giants - East coast road game is always a tough call, even if the Giants aren't pegged to be all that great again this year.
11. vs Washington - Should be a win at home.
12. vs Seattle - Tough matchup even at home.
13. @ Oakland - Yeah.
14. @ Seattle - At least they get the Raiders between.
15. vs San Diego - Tough opponent, but at home.
16. vs Arizona - Again, Arizona has lost a lot on defense, and they'll have just gone through a really tough stretch of schedule. They may be playing for their playoff lives...but you get the game at home.

Let's call @ Denver, New Orleans and Seattle losses out of the gate. For charity's sake, let's call vs Seattle a loss as well, so that's four. In reality, I think they win at least one of those games, but this is a worst-case scenario situation. After that here are the games left I see as 'lose-able':

vs Chicago
vs Philadelphia
@ St. Louis
vs San Diego
@ NY Giants
@ Arizona

I'm pretty sure the 49ers will be the favorite in every single one of those games. I think it would take an absurd stretch of bad football (or tremendous injuries) for this team to get to 9-7.

[Julio Riddols]

One more? Every position other than CB(which is looking great this year) is pretty solid for the next few years. Only weakness right now is depth, injuries may kill them. But the long term outlook on this team is the best it's been since their Super Bowl runs.

I think a lot of people forget just how good they were looking last year until they lost basically every key player other than Brady to injury. I was amazed they got as far as they did.

/total homer

What I mean is that they have reloaded and look to legitimately have no holes in their roster for the first time in a while. Brady should do better with a year of experience with those young receivers, Gronk is starting the season healthy, their secondary is the best it has been on paper since their super bowl years..

[kingfc22]

I'm legitimately worried about the 49ers this year. Between the injuries and the suspensions, they're down a lot of personnel. Then I look at the schedule and I take heart. I know 'any given Sunday...' and all, but:

1. @ Dallas - Does anyone expect them to lose this one?
2. vs Chicago - Legitimate opponent, but at home...likely a win.
3. @ Arizona - Tough road game here, but Arizona has lost a lot of players on that defense. Potential loss.
4. vs Philadelphia - Another decent opponent, but again at home.
5. vs Kansas City - KC was in freefall at the end of last season, and I think they've got some work to do still.
6. @ St. Louis - Another tough road game, especially since the Rams have seemed to have SF's number lately.
7. @ Denver - Huge game. Tough test and up at Mile High to boot. Should have NaVorro Bowman back by this point, but who knows if he'll be up to speed yet.
8. vs St. Louis - Should be a win at home.
9. @ New Orleans - Another tough game. Why are the 49ers at the Superdome every freaking year? This is the third consecutive season they travel to NO.
10. @ NY Giants - East coast road game is always a tough call, even if the Giants aren't pegged to be all that great again this year.
11. vs Washington - Should be a win at home.
12. vs Seattle - Tough matchup even at home.
13. @ Oakland - Yeah.
14. @ Seattle - At least they get the Raiders between.
15. vs San Diego - Tough opponent, but at home.
16. vs Arizona - Again, Arizona has lost a lot on defense, and they'll have just gone through a really tough stretch of schedule. They may be playing for their playoff lives...but you get the game at home.

Let's call @ Denver, New Orleans and Seattle losses out of the gate. For charity's sake, let's call vs Seattle a loss as well, so that's four. In reality, I think they win at least one of those games, but this is a worst-case scenario situation. After that here are the games left I see as 'lose-able':

vs Chicago
vs Philadelphia
@ St. Louis
vs San Diego
@ NY Giants
@ Arizona

I'm pretty sure the 49ers will be the favorite in every single one of those games. I think it would take an absurd stretch of bad football (or tremendous injuries) for this team to get to 9-7.


I would not be surprised if they lose this weekend and I to am a bit worried about this season. Offense looked horrible all pre-season, tons of off field distractions, add in opening week/home opener for Dallas and it could be ugly.

[Logan]

I think the Niners will "struggle" for the first half of the year before rounding back into shape later on as the team comes back together. Just gotta get into the playoffs.

[claphamsa]

Got my Bengals tickets for Sunday... now to get my brass knuckles into M&T...

[Buccaneer]

Each of us in our family made our picks. I have NE DEN IND CINC PITT BALT and NO GB SEA PHIL SF ATL.

[Chief Rum]

I think the Niners will "struggle" for the first half of the year before rounding back into shape later on as the team comes back together. Just gotta get into the playoffs.

Yup, my thinking too. And actually I do think they will lose this weekend to the Cowboys. It's the kinda thing that happens in the NFL. The defense is going to be in a bad spot because of the injuries/suspensions and going up against a very good offense. Dallas's D is terrible, so the Niners figure to score, even if they are inconsistent, but I think home field wins out.

[Coffee Warlord]

http://prod-mr-user.storage.googleapis.com/assets/user_bears_jallen69_jumpflex_1409864720.480272/400x286/bears_jallen69_jumpflex.gif?v=507246d48f

[BillJasper]

Yup, my thinking too. And actually I do think they will lose this weekend to the Cowboys. It's the kinda thing that happens in the NFL. The defense is going to be in a bad spot because of the injuries/suspensions and going up against a very good offense. Dallas's D is terrible, so the Niners figure to score, even if they are inconsistent, but I think home field wins out.

I think a big part is: "does Tony Romo show up?" This will be his first real action since back surgery. If the Niners can get to him early, they may shake his confidence.

[Chief Rum]

http://prod-mr-user.storage.googleapis.com/assets/user_bears_jallen69_jumpflex_1409864720.480272/400x286/bears_jallen69_jumpflex.gif?v=507246d48f

This is so weird, it almost makes me not want to come to the thread until we get to page two.

[EagleFan]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/irFtTYP-H6I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Lathum]

So ready to discuss on field action!

[BishopMVP]

So ready to discuss on field action!Over/under on number of posts until someone complains about the refs? Hmm... when does Denver's game kick off? ;)

Btw, Earl Thomas returning punts? If I learned one thing from TCY, it's not to have starters returning kicks!

[Lathum]

I thinking will be a long night for Rodgers.

[Lathum]

Dola. Thinking back on the last big prome time game these two played when the replacement ref screwed the pooch.

[cuervo72]

Are the Green Bay helmets more mustard-colored than they used to be? Or is it just the lighting? (or is this old news?)

[Dr. Sak]

Over/under on number of posts until someone complains about the refs? Hmm... when does Denver's game kick off? ;)

Btw, Earl Thomas returning punts? If I learned one thing from TCY, it's not to have starters returning kicks!

A good friend of mine is working his first NFL game tonight. I am really pumped for him.

[Groundhog]

Pretty ugly start to the year for both special teams.

[BishopMVP]

A good friend of mine is working his first NFL game tonight. I am really pumped for him.
Nice, hope it goes well! Question - if Earl Thomas had called for a fair catch, would that've affected that call at all? I'm assuming No, there's no Halo rule if Sherman's judged to be pushing the defender into Thomas? (Even though I'd say Sherman was Holding and trying to pull him back, but there was certainly a lot of contact.)

[Coffee Warlord]

This is so weird, it almost makes me not want to come to the thread until we get to page two.

I found that madden gif generator, and I don't know why, but that just cracked me up.

[Dr. Sak]

Nice, hope it goes well! Question - if Earl Thomas had called for a fair catch, would that've affected that call at all? I'm assuming No, there's no Halo rule if Sherman's judged to be pushing the defender into Thomas? (Even though I'd say Sherman was Holding and trying to pull him back, but there was certainly a lot of contact.)

What happened on the play. I missed it.

[EagleFan]

Now that was play action... ;)

[BishopMVP]

What happened on the play. I missed it.Punt to Earl Thomas. He doesn't call for a fair catch, and a GB gunner (who was being spun around by Richard Sherman) arrives at the exact same time as the ball and causes a fumble. Led straight to the GB touchdown, so I'm sure they'll show it at halftime/post-game highlights.

[Dr. Sak]

Punt to Earl Thomas. He doesn't call for a fair catch, and a GB gunner (who was being spun around by Richard Sherman) arrives at the exact same time as the ball and causes a fumble. Led straight to the GB touchdown, so I'm sure they'll show it at halftime/post-game highlights.

I am not sure if the NFL has the 1 yard rule like the NCAA does. However you can't have kick catch interference if the defender is blocked into the returner like it sounds like was the case here.

[EagleFan]

Seahawks are looking solid tonight.

[Lathum]

If Seahawks get home field I think they repeat.

[Julio Riddols]

Green Bay blew a lot of opportunities there, Rodgers before the half passing up an easy first down in Seattle territory, the defensive mistakes giving up first downs on crucial third downs.. Seattle just looked more ready.. And their offense looked really really good. Never mind their defense, if they can score like that every week, it's gonna be a real bitch to beat them.

[DaddyTorgo]

If Seahawks get home field I think they repeat.

Pretty bold proclamation considering (a) they've only played one game, (b) only one other team has played a game.

[Travis]

Green Bay blew a lot of opportunities there, Rodgers before the half passing up an easy first down in Seattle territory, the defensive mistakes giving up first downs on crucial third downs.. Seattle just looked more ready.. And their offense looked really really good. Never mind their defense, if they can score like that every week, it's gonna be a real bitch to beat them.

Green Bay cost themselves for sure, but Seattle didn't play error free either. The punt fumble by Thomas was 7 points and the pass interference led to a field goal. Both sides can get better, but for the most part I'm really happy with how the game went, that Harvin made it through an entire game and that the offense looks like it can be very diverse.

Sad to hear that Lacy has been diagnosed with a concussion though.

[Matthean]

Pretty bold proclamation considering (a) they've only played one game, (b) only one other team has played a game.

Their biggest issue will be the standard being motivated every week.

[Chief Rum]

Green Bay cost themselves for sure, but Seattle didn't play error free either. The punt fumble by Thomas was 7 points and the pass interference led to a field goal. Both sides can get better, but for the most part I'm really happy with how the game went, that Harvin made it through an entire game and that the offense looks like it can be very diverse.

Sad to hear that Lacy has been diagnosed with a concussion though.

Spoken like a fan trying to temper his enthusiasm. That's nitpicking. I am decidedly not a fan--cannot stand Cheatey Petey at all-- but the Seahawks looked fantastic tonight.

[Julio Riddols]

You know a team is good when people who do not like the team agree that the team is good.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Looks like they aren't going to miss a beat. Which is depressing. It's only one week, but that was not exactly confidence inspiring to a fan of a divisional opponent.

[Easy Mac]

http://prod-mr-user.storage.googleapis.com/assets/user_panthers_cnewton1_manofsteel_1409918951.628069/400x286/panthers_cnewton1_manofsteel.gif?v=9befae6a71

[jeff061]

Ha, throwback win.

[stevew]

I called a 38-14 Seattle win before game time on Facebook... Guess I was pretty close. I do know that staying up for the second half was too much of an ask for me last night. I barely made it to halftime.

[Desnudo]

You know a team is good when people who do not like the team agree that the team is good.

Seattle shaping up to be dallas to Denver's buffalo. I bet manning's glad he's got the one SB tucked away already.

[Dr. Sak]

http://prod-mr-user.storage.googleapis.com/assets/user_panthers_cnewton1_manofsteel_1409918951.628069/400x286/panthers_cnewton1_manofsteel.gif?v=9befae6a71

Never gets old

[Travis]

Spoken like a fan trying to temper his enthusiasm. That's nitpicking. I am decidedly not a fan--cannot stand Cheatey Petey at all-- but the Seahawks looked fantastic tonight.

heh, probably a bit, but that Thomas punt return fumble was awful. It's been a source of controversy during the offseason and while I personally don't mind him getting a chance at it, it'll be a very short lived chance if he can't bring himself to either get out of the way in situations like that or fair catch (as he should have on the first one likely).

That said, loved seeing how Miller played, the interception breakup was fantastic as was his diving catch and blocking. The new guys along the defensive line stepped in and for the most part stepped up which was very encouraging, they'll hopefully get even better as the year goes on. Offensive line still has some work in pass pro to go, but looked pretty nasty in run blocking.

So yeah, maybe a bit nitpicky, but I'd still grade that out as a solid performance, not what'll be one of their best (I hope).

[Lathum]

Pretty bold proclamation considering (a) they've only played one game, (b) only one other team has played a game.

Not really. They clearly didn't have a hangover, on paper are better than last year, and have the best home field in probably all of sports.

Unless you have been to a game there you really can't comprehend just how loud it gets.

[Lathum]

So yeah, maybe a bit nitpicky, but I'd still grade that out as a solid performance, not what'll be one of their best (I hope).

They made a VERY good packers team look silly.

[Matthean]

They made a VERY good packers team look silly.

Packers have to be one of the Top 4 in the NFC, and I don't see it being close.

[DaddyTorgo]

Not really. They clearly didn't have a hangover, on paper are better than last year, and have the best home field in probably all of sports.

Unless you have been to a game there you really can't comprehend just how loud it gets.

Teams just don't repeat though. The odds (strictly speaking, from a gambling perspective) are against it.

Not to say it couldn't happen, but I wouldn't make them FAVORITES at this point.

[Lathum]

Teams just don't repeat though. The odds (strictly speaking, from a gambling perspective) are against it.

Not to say it couldn't happen, but I wouldn't make them FAVORITES at this point.

OK,so who would you make the favorites?

[DaddyTorgo]

OK,so who would you make the favorites?

That's my point - WE CAN'T KNOW YET!

C'mon - you know sports doesn't work on the principle of "Team X beat Team Y, Team Y beat Team Z, therefore Team X would beat Team Z."

Trying to anoint a "favorite" after only 2 teams have played a meaningful game (leaving aside the nonsense of trying to crown a favorite even after all the teams have only played one game) is just fanboyism.

Which is fine - be a fan of your team (although is your team the Giants or the Seahawks?), nobody's saying you shouldn't be. I'm just pointing out that you're jumping to a conclusion based on incomplete and statistically insignificant evidence.

Like I said - leaving aside that I don't think you can crown a "favorite" even after all the first week's games have been played without it being a little silly (teams do have off weeks, other teams get "up" for particular games), if you want to try to do it at least give ALL THE TEAMS a chance to play. Otherwise all you can really say is that in a playoff matchup between SEA & GB that SEA is the favorite at the moment.

tl;dr - I'm just throwing a little common-sense on your parade.

[Lathum]

That's my point - WE CAN'T KNOW YET!

C'mon - you know sports doesn't work on the principle of "Team X beat Team Y, Team Y beat Team Z, therefore Team X would beat Team Z."

Trying to anoint a "favorite" after only 2 teams have played a meaningful game (leaving aside the nonsense of trying to crown a favorite even after all the teams have only played one game) is just fanboyism.

Which is fine - be a fan of your team (although is your team the Giants or the Seahawks?), nobody's saying you shouldn't be. I'm just pointing out that you're jumping to a conclusion based on incomplete and statistically insignificant evidence.

Like I said - leaving aside that I don't think you can crown a "favorite" even after all the first week's games have been played without it being a little silly (teams do have off weeks, other teams get "up" for particular games), if you want to try to do it at least give ALL THE TEAMS a chance to play. Otherwise all you can really say is that in a playoff matchup between SEA & GB that SEA is the favorite at the moment.

tl;dr - I'm just throwing a little common-sense on your parade.

But that is done all the time. We can look at rosters, past performance, etc...

College football does pre season rankings, etc...

So what you are telling me is by your logic the Browns have an equal shot at winning a title than the Broncos, since we haven't seen either of them play.

[Logan]

That's my point - WE CAN'T KNOW YET!

C'mon - you know sports doesn't work on the principle of "Team X beat Team Y, Team Y beat Team Z, therefore Team X would beat Team Z."

Trying to anoint a "favorite" after only 2 teams have played a meaningful game (leaving aside the nonsense of trying to crown a favorite even after all the teams have only played one game) is just fanboyism.

Which is fine - be a fan of your team (although is your team the Giants or the Seahawks?), nobody's saying you shouldn't be. I'm just pointing out that you're jumping to a conclusion based on incomplete and statistically insignificant evidence.

Like I said - leaving aside that I don't think you can crown a "favorite" even after all the first week's games have been played without it being a little silly (teams do have off weeks, other teams get "up" for particular games), if you want to try to do it at least give ALL THE TEAMS a chance to play. Otherwise all you can really say is that in a playoff matchup between SEA & GB that SEA is the favorite at the moment.

tl;dr - I'm just throwing a little common-sense on your parade.

I think the Seahawks deserve to be considered the favorites (and of course, there's always a favorite, even when zero games have been played) by virtue of being the best team last year and suffering no significant losses over the offseason. And that's a key point regarding your earlier post about how difficult it is to repeat. Probably the largest reason that is the case (besides it just being hard to survive a single elimination tournament two years in a row in a very physical sport) is because most Super Bowl winning teams are expensive, because having the talent to win costs a lot of money, and typically guys want to get further rewarded for their success. So most teams end up making difficult decisions about keeping players based on money and cap space. The Seahawks were a rare team where three of their best players (including the QB) were basically making dick, while their most expensive players were dead money waiting to get cut (Sidney Rice and Zach Miller, if I remember right). So they could afford to give extensions and keep filling out the roster with moderately priced talent to replace guys that have been lost, while most SB-winning teams have had to make much harder choices.

[Kodos]

I thought these threads were specifically for people to speculate about sports to their heart's content.

Certainly, Seattle has to be one of the favorites. Everyone has a chance, but some teams have more of a chance than others. In no universe are the Bills going to win the Super Bowl this year, for instance.

[JPhillips]

In no universe are the Bills going to win the Super Bowl this year, for instance.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/87/ActionComicsCvr785.jpg/185px-ActionComicsCvr785.jpg
Oh, really?

[molson]

That's my point - WE CAN'T KNOW YET!

C'mon - you know sports doesn't work on the principle of "Team X beat Team Y, Team Y beat Team Z, therefore Team X would beat Team Z."

Trying to anoint a "favorite" after only 2 teams have played a meaningful game (leaving aside the nonsense of trying to crown a favorite even after all the teams have only played one game) is just fanboyism.

Which is fine - be a fan of your team (although is your team the Giants or the Seahawks?), nobody's saying you shouldn't be. I'm just pointing out that you're jumping to a conclusion based on incomplete and statistically insignificant evidence.

Like I said - leaving aside that I don't think you can crown a "favorite" even after all the first week's games have been played without it being a little silly (teams do have off weeks, other teams get "up" for particular games), if you want to try to do it at least give ALL THE TEAMS a chance to play. Otherwise all you can really say is that in a playoff matchup between SEA & GB that SEA is the favorite at the moment.

tl;dr - I'm just throwing a little common-sense on your parade.

I can kind of see what you're saying, I'd just make a distinction between "favorite" from "probably will win the super bowl". Last I checked, the Seahawks and Broncos were both around 6-1 to win the whole thing. People believe those two teams have a much better chance to win than any other team, but when evaluated as individual teams against the field, gamblers don't believe it's very likely either will win the super bowl. (Both have about a 14% chance)

So ya, to say that a team is "probably" going to win a super bowl, in a 32-team league with a single elimination tournament, is pretty bold. You could make a lot of money if you're right on something like that.

[BillJasper]

ESPN First Take people (have it going in the background) are skewering Rodgers for not throwing at Richard Sherman. And they're right. You can't be that afraid to throw the ball to that side of the field. If you are, then you've lost the game before kickoff.

Stephen Smith was pretty funny. He said he knew who wouldn't be afraid to throw at Sherman's side of the field, Brett Favre. He said Favre may have thrown a couple to Sherman but he wouldn't be afraid to work that side of the field.

[Kodos]

Eh. Matching up your worst WR against him on any given play seems like a decent strategy.

[whomario]

Then there´s also these things called "the coach" and "the gameplan"

[Buccaneer]

That's why cbssports constantly does Over-reactions columns (I'm too jaded to not even bother with what espn does or doesn't do). This was esp true after last week's alleged weak performances by FSU and Alabama.

[BillJasper]

Eh. Matching up your worst WR against him on any given play seems like a decent strategy.

It is, to a degree. But you're still effectively taking away a third or a half of the field for your offense to work against on any given play. You're essentially making the defense even better because those other ten guys are playing on a smaller field.

They should've been mixing up who they were sending over there and try to throw the ball over there sporadically.

Hell, I would've taken a TE and lined him up out there against Sherman and ran a bunch of pitch and stretch plays that way and worn Sherman out.

[Kodos]

I would have maybe rotated scrub WRs in and just had them run fly routes all day.

[BillJasper]

I would have maybe rotated scrub WRs in and just had them run fly routes all day.

Anything would've been preferable to what the Packers did, which was essentially surrender that side of the field.

[Thomkal]

Looks like they aren't going to miss a beat. Which is depressing. It's only one week, but that was not exactly confidence inspiring to a fan of a divisional opponent.

Tell me about it :)

[Coffee Warlord]

As scary good as the Seahawks look, I'm holding out the hope that the Packers are just really bad this year.

[Arles]

ESPN First Take people (have it going in the background) are skewering Rodgers for not throwing at Richard Sherman. And they're right. You can't be that afraid to throw the ball to that side of the field. If you are, then you've lost the game before kickoff.

Stephen Smith was pretty funny. He said he knew who wouldn't be afraid to throw at Sherman's side of the field, Brett Favre. He said Favre may have thrown a couple to Sherman but he wouldn't be afraid to work that side of the field.
I don't know, Sherman was on Boykins and our rookie all night. Rodgers threw a ton to Jordy and Cobb - which is what GB wants. If Sherman was on Cobb and GB never threw at him, I would agree. GB just played super conservative and when you do that it's hard to recover when your opponent makes some nice plays on offense. I think losing the right tackle really hurt as it was a 7-point game when he left and the replacement fell apart (including allowing the safety and the 4th down sack). I thought the team had some nice moments including holding Seattle to the FG after the fluky INT return to the 8. I just think that safety broke the team's will. To have two really good defensive sets and then immediately have to go back out again after the safety was a lot to ask. This comes back to my main complaint with Ted Thompson in his unwillingness to ever sign veteran FA backups for the OL. Whenever injury hits (and has on the OL every year), we are forced to play first year starters like we did at center and right tackle last night. Would be nice to have an average NFL lineman to backup these spots instead of throwing rookies out there.

I do wish Rodgers would have taken more chances, but I still think GB loses no matter the gameplan. Seattle was just more prepared for this game. For whatever reason, the league likes to have GB play on the road against the NFC champion in game 1 each year. Hopefully the team can right the ship against the Jets at home next week.

[TroyF]

Eh. Matching up your worst WR against him on any given play seems like a decent strategy.

No, it's a horrible strategy.

We will cede one side of the field. You have to worry about deep routes over the middle and to this other side and can shade your safety over there 100% of the time. WE ARE SCARED.

Sherman may make plays, he may burn you. But if you just give up on attacking him, you may as well sign off the game. You have NO chance.

The story last night wasn't the Seattle defense which was above average, but not dominant for the first half of the game. The story, just like in the Super Bowl, was the Seattle offense. If they are going to rack up 400 yards, 25 first downs, rush for 200, pass for 200 and be a top 10 offense? You are screwed. It's over. Give them the title now.

We'll see if that holds firm all year. When will Percy break down? Will The idiocy of having Thomas return punts (and it is idiocy) cause a major injury in the Seattle secondary? When you say "It all comes down to injuries if anyone has a realistic chance of stopping them," you have a pretty damned good team.

They are the clear and solo favorites in my book. I think other teams CAN beat them on their best day (Broncos, Patriots, Packers (despite last night, it's one game), 49ers, etc.) Actually doing it?

My money would be on the Seahawks and it really sickens me to say that.

[mckerney]

I'm holding out the hope that the Packers are just really bad this year.

I think that's something that would make everyone happy.

[Kodos]

Nah. Green Bay is in my Top 5 favorite NFL teams. :)

[Arles]

I don't think not throwing to Jarrett Boykins or Davante Adams on the handful of snaps they played was why GB lost. They were in a great spot going into halftime down a TD. What killed them was the Bulaga injury and having to focus more on protection with the TE and RBs because Sherrod was awful. There were some 3rd quarter plays where GB only had 2 receivers running routes and when they did spread out the few times, they had instant pressure (including a few sacks and the safety). That's just not a game you are going to win with two "first start" guys on the OL in Linsley and Sherrod. If we have Tretter and Bulaga all game, I think we are able to do a little more on offense. But, Seattle is a tough place to play and the deck was stacked regardless of gameplan. In order to win, you have to have a great defense (a la Arizona in 2013) or get a lot of breaks on offense - which GB didn't with the tipped INT and safety. I mean, Seattle beat a very good San Francisco team 29-3 in their first home game last year - it's not like the 49ers fell apart for the season.

GB will be OK, sometimes things just fall apart for you in Seattle. New Orleans (lost 34-7) and SF (29-3) both looked terrible there last year and went on to win 11 and 12 games. I could easily see this GB team being 11-4/12-3 the rest of the way.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think that's something that would make everyone happy.

At this point not nearly as happy as I'd be to see the Seattle circus implode. In spectacular fashion that.

A damned good football team, make no mistake. And about as unlikable a sports team as I've seen in quite a while.

[Travis]

At this point not nearly as happy as I'd be to see the Seattle circus implode. In spectacular fashion that.

A damned good football team, make no mistake. And about as unlikable a sports team as I've seen in quite a while.

You keep saying this, but what is it about this team that you hate so much? I get why people dig on Sherman and Carroll, but who else is there to hate on this team? Seems like a lot of people like Wilson, Lynch, Harvin, Thomas, Chancellor with a bit of a cult following for Michael Bennett (or as he signs it, Black Santa) and Cliff Avril.

What do they do that is all that evil? I know I'm a fan of the team so I have a hard/impossible time seeing it, but I really don't get it. I'm quite removed from the area, so maybe fan reaction to having a successful season?

In all honesty, I'm not going to argue you on it, as everybody is certainly entitled to their opinion, I'm just curious as this seems to go well beyond what I see from most others when the team is discussed.

[BillJasper]

You keep saying this, but what is it about this team that you hate so much? I get why people dig on Sherman and Carroll, but who else is there to hate on this team?

Problem being that Sherman and Carroll are the faces of the team.

[BillJasper]

Facebook Data Shows NFL Fandom by Counties Throughout United States | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2188163-facebook-data-shows-nfl-fandom-by-counties-throughout-united-states)

NFL fandom by county according to Facebook statistics. Jets were the only team not to be a favorite of any county in the US.

[BishopMVP]

Their biggest issue will be the standard being motivated every week.I'd lean more towards avoiding injuries, just like every other good NFL team.

[Lathum]

Bulaga torn MCL

[BillJasper]

Bulaga torn MCL

He's starting to seem fragile.

[BishopMVP]

Problem being that Sherman and Carroll are the faces of the team.Add in the PED narrative. But yeah, most of it is just backlash against any successful team, particularly when the media shoves them down our throats.

[path12]

I know there are fans who get upset that people hate their team. My feeling is that I'd way rather have my team be hated than ignored or not thought of at all.

[BillJasper]

...than ignored or not thought of at all.

Welcome to being a Dolphins fan! :lol:

[Vince, Pt. II]

Despite the Marino - Montana narrative in my formative years, all I can think of when the Dolphins come up is "laces out!" And "Finkle is Einhorn...Einhorn is Finkle!"

[Arles]

Looks like slightly better news for Bulaga. Schefter just tweeted:
Packers OT Bryan Bulaga's sprained MCL - (version of tear) - is not considered serious and he "should not miss much time," per source

[Thomkal]

Well now I'm feeling worse about the Cards chances this season:

Andre Ellington of Arizona Cardinals is uncertain for Week 1 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11471446/andre-ellington-arizona-cardinals-uncertain-week-1)

Could be out a month they are reporting on air.

[BishopMVP]

Well now I'm feeling worse about the Cards chances this season:

Andre Ellington of Arizona Cardinals is uncertain for Week 1 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11471446/andre-ellington-arizona-cardinals-uncertain-week-1)

Could be out a month they are reporting on air.Johnathan Dwyer or Stepfan Taylor worth a pickup as a bench flier, or is that just overthinking things?

[bhlloy]

Dwyer was already going to be the goal line back, definitely worth a pickup although already gone in all of my serious leagues by the time I read the report

[Thomkal]

Johnathan Dwyer or Stepfan Taylor worth a pickup as a bench flier, or is that just overthinking things?


Looks like from what I've been reading on Cardinals fan boards is that Dwyer will be the starter. I don't know much about him other than him being yet another former Steeler on the team-I didn't watch the preseason games too much, so didn't see him play any. Taylor is who I thought they would go with based on his play last season with the Cards, but he's more of a situational/give the starter a break kind of guy I guess. Someone is going get rushing TD's for the Cards, so Dwyer is probably worth a flier-the O-Line is much improved from last few seaons as well so could be more room for him to run.

[BishopMVP]

Dwyer was already going to be the goal line back, definitely worth a pickup although already gone in all of my serious leagues by the time I read the reportPPR league, and Dynasty so people would rather stash a Bridgewater or Bortles than every goal-line vulture with perceived low upside... but I took the plunge on him for Danny Amendola. (I think Amendola could have the season Edelman did last year, but low TD WR's are a dime a dozen.)

[TroyF]

I don't think not throwing to Jarrett Boykins or Davante Adams on the handful of snaps they played was why GB lost. They were in a great spot going into halftime down a TD. What killed them was the Bulaga injury and having to focus more on protection with the TE and RBs because Sherrod was awful. There were some 3rd quarter plays where GB only had 2 receivers running routes and when they did spread out the few times, they had instant pressure (including a few sacks and the safety). That's just not a game you are going to win with two "first start" guys on the OL in Linsley and Sherrod. If we have Tretter and Bulaga all game, I think we are able to do a little more on offense. But, Seattle is a tough place to play and the deck was stacked regardless of gameplan. In order to win, you have to have a great defense (a la Arizona in 2013) or get a lot of breaks on offense - which GB didn't with the tipped INT and safety. I mean, Seattle beat a very good San Francisco team 29-3 in their first home game last year - it's not like the 49ers fell apart for the season.

GB will be OK, sometimes things just fall apart for you in Seattle. New Orleans (lost 34-7) and SF (29-3) both looked terrible there last year and went on to win 11 and 12 games. I could easily see this GB team being 11-4/12-3 the rest of the way.

I disagree with this 100%. I disagreed with Denver doing it. Think about something for a second: Why does Seattle allow this to take place? Don't they realize how easy this plan is? Look at the beauty of it for a second. They have the BEST safety in the NFL. (until he gets hurt on a punt return, I honestly cannot believe how stupid that decision is, sorry, I digress)

OK, you take your worst WR and throw him on Sherman. That side of the field is now gone. Is your third best WR beating Sherman deep, ummm, ever? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Thomas now gets to shade to that side 100% of the time. What exactly are you going to do about it? Oh, I know, you'll go deep down the middle. Okily dokily. That's now the one way you can beat Seattle thrown the ball. Good luck with that as a consistent strategy. I kinda think they'll figure that one out too.

If you want to beat Seattle, you have to challenge Sherman. yeah, he'll hurt you. He's good. He's great. JJ Watt will knock some passes down against you, Navarro Boweman will make some tackles against you, Sherman will make plays. You still have to attack them at certain points or you are simply playing into their hands.

Now Thomas does get hurt, the plan becomes successful. Of course, then Seattle will move Sherman around because they won't want you to do that to them. If you are doing what Seattle wants, you will get beat. Maybe I'm off base, but I think you need to challenge Sherman. A pass that challenged Sherman is one foot longer and we aren't talking about a Seattle dynasty.

[Vince, Pt. II]

6 inches. Hell, maybe 4 inches.

Sigh.

[BillJasper]

Maybe I'm off base, but I think you need to challenge Sherman. A pass that challenged Sherman is one foot longer and we aren't talking about a Seattle dynasty.

+1

[AENeuman]

Glad the season is about to start. I've been looking forward to the week 20 match ups : Saints/Seahawks and Broncos/Patriots

[Thomkal]

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Good luck to "your" team, especially if they are my beloved Cardinals! :)

[Julio Riddols]

LETS DO THIS SHIT ALREADY

[kingfc22]

No clue what to expect from the Niners today, but hoping the Dallas D is as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

[MizzouCowboy]

Wish I knew what the Cowboys D was going to be like, but no one really has any idea. I'm assuming that they will not be good, but probably not historically horrible like last season. Most of the street free agents that made up the Dallas D in the 2nd half of last season are gone, but there are questions at every position. This is the first game that all 11 projected starters will be on the field at the same time, so I'm guessing that there will be some blown assignments. Finding a pass rush is the biggest concern. I don't see anyone on the team that can be expected to consistently get pressure.

Offensively I don't see a lot of problems, other than Romo's back. If healthy, they should be able to put up some points. Dez should be outstanding, and if they stick with the run, they could possibly avoid the shootouts and steal a game here and there. So of course, we'll have an 20/80 run/pass ratio.

[Radii]

Fox Sports is saying Derek Anderson starts this afternoon.

[Logan]

It took about 3 seconds for the new NFLN Red Zone studio to kill my eyes.

[EagleFan]

WTF.......

:banghead:

[EagleFan]

What is Foles doing? Has the pressure of last year gotten to him?

[CU Tiger]

EJ Manuel is so frustrating.

3rd and 10 2 open WR and Manuel scrambles...calls for Jackson to pick up a block and Jackson smashes a DB...Manuel has 5 easy and 1 man to beat for the 1st and steps out of bounds...

[Thomkal]

Fox Sports is saying Derek Anderson starts this afternoon.

Wish I could change my Survival pick now (especially because Philly is down 14-0)

[kingfc22]

Eagles might want to cover this Hearns kid. Yikes.

[EagleFan]

Not getting a warm and fuzzy about the season's outlook...

[EagleFan]

Best thing about the game so far is that AT&T chick has been on each commercial break.

[MikeVic]

Well I'm not even a half into the season and all these commercial breaks are annoying me. Not sure how much live football I'll be watching this year. :p

[Desnudo]

That was some lazy coverage by grimes on gronkowski

[SirFozzie]

We have GRONKAGE

[BillJasper]

Here we go again in Miami.

Kind of pisses me off watching the replay of the Gronkowski TD. Grimes looks like he's jogging behind him.

[EagleFan]

:rant:

[Desnudo]

Miami shooting themselves in the foot (pun intended)

[SirFozzie]

Miami are their own worst enemies. 3 first half turnovers

[EagleFan]

Let's see if Foles can turn this around. If this is in his head now it's going to be a long season.

[BillJasper]

That seismic disturbance is all the people jumping off the Eagles bandwagon! :lol:

[Desnudo]

Wallace could have the rebound

[frnk55]

WTF is going on in Philly?

[EagleFan]

WTF is going on in Philly?

Foles is playing like a rookie. Making really bad decisions and almost looks like he is second guessing himself as he is holding the ball too long and keeps pumping and not throwing. That led to two sack fumbles deep in Eagles' territory.

[TroyF]

First half thoughts:

1) I said the Ravens would regret the Flacco signing before the ink dried. Holy hell this guy sucks bad. Next time someone tells you that you have to have a star QB to win a Super Bowl, show them video of Flacco and Eli Manning. No, you don't need a star QB. You need an average one that gets hot at the right time.

2) Foles looks terrible. I mean words cannot express how badly this guy looks. With that said, the Eagles are doing him no favors on the ground or the O-Line. The supposed dominant OLine is getting shelled.

3) I haven't watched a second of the game, but RG3 is 15/16 for SEVENTY FOUR YARDS?!?!?!?! Holy crap.

[Suicane75]

If there's one thing my NFL viewing experience was missing it was watching Mike Carey explain things to me.

[BillJasper]

3) I haven't watched a second of the game, but RG3 is 15/16 for SEVENTY FOUR YARDS?!?!?!?! Holy crap.

Maybe they're trying to lull the Texans to sleep then getting a big play? :lol:

[NobodyHere]

The Browns are who we thought they were. Pettine will be lucky to make it through the season.

[BillJasper]

If there's one thing my NFL viewing experience was missing it was watching Mike Carey explain things to me.

Thank god for Red Zone.

[BillJasper]

Flacco is awful. Has no clock in his head.

[Thomkal]

Oh Joe Flacco...what were you thinking?

[BillJasper]

The Browns are who we thought they were. Pettine will be lucky to make it through the season.

Problem being he got the job because no one else wanted it. Though I imagine Joe Philbin will be available for the 2015 season.

[Thomkal]

any info on the Clowney injury?

[Thomkal]

Holy crap, Shaun Hill has been benched already in St. Louis

[miami_fan]

The Browns are who we thought they were. Pettine will be lucky to make it through the season.

Those "Hoyer is a lot like Tom Brady" may have been a bit premature.

[BillJasper]

Rams have already given Shaun Hill the hook?

[Thomkal]

Holy crap, Shaun Hill has been benched already in St. Louis

ah now saying left calf strained

[BillJasper]

Holy crap, Shaun Hill has been benched already in St. Louis

Rams have already given Shaun Hill the hook?

Beat me to it.

I doubt the Patriots would pull Tom Brady because of a strained calf.

[BillJasper]

Another source is saying it's a thigh injury for Hill.

[Thomkal]

any info on the Clowney injury?

ah just said cramping on Red Zone

[Thomkal]

and now they are saying knee injury on Red Zone

[BillJasper]

ah just said cramping on Red Zone

Just said he's out with a knee injury.

[TroyF]

The Falcons looked poor in the first quarter and then had a horrible turnover that killed them in the second. With all that, Ryan is playing out of his mind. 250 yards, 2 TD, 0 turnovers, 0 sacks. Not a bad opening 2.5 quarters for him.

The Atlanta offense looks like it will be nasty to contend with if those WR stay healthy.

[BillJasper]

RGIII definitely doesn't have the speed burst anymore. Looks like he's going to have to play QB like everyone else.

[larrymcg421]

Gotta love the first week overreactions. Every year.

[BillJasper]

No way that is a penalty. Swearinger did it in text book fashion, keeping his head up all the way through.

[Desnudo]

Flag fest in Miami killing the game

[Desnudo]

So far patriots 2014 d looks exactly like 2013 pats d

[SirFozzie]

Apparently, it is not illegal to kick a punter in the face.

http://notsportscenter.com/vine-steelers-antonio-brown-kicks-browns-punter-in-face/

[Thomkal]

Derek Anderson officially the starter for Carolina. May God bless the Panthers :)

[BillJasper]

Apparently, it is not illegal to kick a punter in the face.

http://notsportscenter.com/vine-steelers-antonio-brown-kicks-browns-punter-in-face/

I hope they put that play in Madden next year! :lol:

[Radii]

Derek Anderson officially the starter for Carolina. May God bless the Panthers :)

Sucks that there's only two 4pm games (hate NFL scheduling so much sometimes) and one of them now involves Derek Anderson.

[EagleFan]

Welcome to Philly Mr. Sproles. :-)

[JPhillips]

Mike Nugent for fantasy MVP!!!

[AlexB]

Gotta love the first week overreactions. Every year.

Did like this article along those lines :D

Allen Hurns is on pace to break every modern receiving record | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/07/allen-hurns-is-on-pace-to-break-every-modern-receiving-record/)

[Thomkal]

Sucks that there's only two 4pm games (hate NFL scheduling so much sometimes) and one of them now involves Derek Anderson.

Yeah that was my thought exactly-and the other game could be a blowout with SF against Dallas "defense"

[BillJasper]

Mike Nugent for fantasy MVP!!!

Well...

[BillJasper]

Nice throw Joe Flacco!

[Thomkal]

Flacco, Flacco, Flacco...

[BillJasper]

Miami back in the game!

[Suicane75]

Hanz & Franz. In 2014.

[BillJasper]

Patterson of the Vikings has the makings of a great player.

[mckerney]

Patterson of the Vikings has the makings of a great player.

He hasn't shown much of anything as a receiver yet but he's a big threat running and returning the ball.

[NobodyHere]

The Browns are who we thought they were. Pettine will be lucky to make it through the season.

And now the Browns are starting to make me eat my words. :p

[BillJasper]

Chiefs looking much more like the team that finished 2-5 than the team that started 9-0 from last year.

[EagleFan]

Second half needs to keep playing out like this.

[Desnudo]

Moreno just gashing the patriots

[larrymcg421]

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 7th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309070buf.htm)

[mrtourette]

It's been a long time since I've enjoyed watching a Miami rushing attack.

[BillJasper]

What is wrong with RGIII? He simply looks lost out there.

[BillJasper]

Steelers leave at halftime or was the Browns bus just late to the game?

[Thomkal]

who's this Johnny Manziel guy anyway?

[NobodyHere]

Those "Hoyer is a lot like Tom Brady" may have been a bit premature.

Or not!

[Radii]

Those "Hoyer is a lot like Tom Brady" may have been a bit premature.

OR NOT. Holy crap Cleveland.

[Suicane75]

It's a tale of two halves, all over the league.

[jeff061]

Pats offense line pretty much useless. Can't run, can't protect against four rushers. Horrible.

[SirFozzie]

Apparently we need to Tonya Harding Moreno before the rematch. I mean, seriously, why are they not giving him the ball every play?

[Radii]

It takes some balls to run that fake from your own 20 if you're Pittsburgh, impressive.

[miami_fan]

Is that a defenseless defender?

[Desnudo]

Pats offense line pretty much useless. Can't run, can't protect against four rushers. Horrible.

Don't forget getting penalized on every non sack play

[SirFozzie]

Yeah, that was a car crash collision when he didn't see it coming.

Edit: ARGH Brady, wide open.

[Radii]

Apparently, it is not illegal to kick a punter in the face.

http://notsportscenter.com/vine-steelers-antonio-brown-kicks-browns-punter-in-face/

They called a penalty on the play, btw.

[Desnudo]

Yeah, that was a car crash collision when he didn't see it coming.

Edit: ARGH Brady, wide open.

That was a Brady special

[SirFozzie]

OH COME ON. :10 after the play ends, THEN you throw the flag???

[Desnudo]

Jesus fucking Christ

[Radii]

Lets go Falcons! (and browns, and dolphins, and jags, FOOTBALL IS BACK I'M SO HAPPY)

[larrymcg421]

Surprisingly, a running game is stronger when the offensive linemen don't hate each other.

[TroyF]

Gotta love the first week overreactions. Every year.

Football, more than any other sport leads itself to it. You have 16 weeks, not 162 or 82 games.

Plus, with games being once a week, overreaction is always going to take place.

One loss won't eliminate any of these teams, but tie breakers are at play in quite a few of them.

The problem is, because of the 16 games, overreaction can take place even after week 9. Chiefs last year are 9-0 and everyone can't stop talking about their defense, Alex Smith, Andy Reid and anything else. :Looking at the schedule you had a team giving up more yards to horrible competition while somehow avoiding any major injury themselves. Yet you are called a hater for pointing it out. Now the overreaction will happen the other way. The loss today doesn't mean the Chiefs are heading toward the first pick in the draft.

[Desnudo]

Patriots d actually looks worse than last year somehow. Didn't think that was possible.

[SirFozzie]

Whew. I thought for sure they were going to call PI, the defender wasn't looking back

[SirFozzie]

Fuuuuuuuck.

[Desnudo]

Miami deserved this one. Patriots got their asses kicked.

[AlexB]

OH COME ON. :10 after the play ends, THEN you throw the flag???

It was late, but was also the right call

[jeff061]

If that's an ass kicking and as bad as it gets I'm feeling better. But I don't think Miami played that great and I think the Pats could play worse. Yet here we are.

[JPhillips]

Football sucks.

[AlexB]

Moreno is something different to anything the Dolphins have had for years, a physical RB, and yeah, having an O-line on the same page probably helps too!

[Desnudo]

If that's an ass kicking and as bad as it gets I'm feeling better. But I don't think Miami played that great and I think the Pats could play worse. Yet here we are.

How could they play worse than 35 yards in the half?

[TroyF]

Saints/Falcons has been a fun game.

[Thomkal]

So the countdown to Cousins starting in Washington begins in 5...4...3...?

[TroyF]

Ummmmm. . . . Jacksonville decided they didn't really need to cover Macklin. Seems like that was a pretty poor idea.

[EagleFan]

Wide open may be an understatement.

[Thomkal]

Thank you Eagles for finally showing up for this game

[Coffee Warlord]

God dammit Cutler.

[jeff061]

How could they play worse than 35 yards in the half?

Hopefully we won't find out. But I'd say at the least, more turnovers.

[DaddyTorgo]

If that's an ass kicking and as bad as it gets I'm feeling better. But I don't think Miami played that great and I think the Pats could play worse. Yet here we are.

Couldn't stop the pass rush, couldn't stop the run.

Lots to work on.

[Thomkal]

Too bad for Cleveland-deserved it after that comeback

[TroyF]

Matt Ryan - 31-42, 448 yards, 3 TD, 0 turnovers, 1 sack, 15 yards rushing.

If the Falcons win, I think it is safe to say he will be your NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

[cuervo72]

Thank you Eagles for finally showing up for this game

Maybe I've mellowed, or maybe it is a combination of Kelly's offense and it being Jacksonville, but I never really got too riled up or fretful about this game. I know that's easy to say now, but I just kind of shrugged it off.

I was actually more involved in the WAS/HOU game (I even said to my wife that I'm about more concerned with seeing WAS lose as I am PHI win. Function of being in the WAS media sphere for so long I guess). Which was...well, pretty boring. I was pretty surprised that RGIII's completion percentage was really good until the end, but there were just no yards. It was like watching the Mark Brunell teams.

[weegeebored]

God dammit Cutler.Cutler, Trestman, and Tucker should not have NFL jobs in their current roles. And this is not an overreaction to poor play in Week 1. I saw enough last year, and with Cutler, for three years before that.

[cuervo72]

Oh - and the Fox studio is cracking me up. Five huge Surface ads, and it's pretty obvious none of the crew are using them. They're just propped up, all obnoxiously blue and in your face.

[Logan]

Ugly game in Kansas City. Jason McCourty had two INTs and just broke up a pass that resulted in another.

[NobodyHere]

Too bad for Cleveland-deserved it after that comeback

Yeah, the win would've been great but at least Cleveland made it interesting instead of lying down like they too often do.

[NobodyHere]

By the way, thanks Kansas City and New England for ruining my Pick 'em.

[bulletsponge]

the boys didnt take long

[cuervo72]

Quick takes from CAR/TB:

1. Man, do I love those light blue jerseys.
2. That one TB cheerleader has some substance to her.
3. So does Mike Tolbert.
4. Kelvin Benjamin's player pic might have been more feminine than the Serena Williams I saw earlier.

[miami_fan]

Tale of two losing QBs

Hoyer- 19-31 230 yards 1TD 94.8 rtg

Griffin III - 29-37 267 yards 0TD 96. 7 rtg

I get the feeling reading some early commentary, Washington would rather Hoyer start next week instead of Griffin if given the choice.

[Suicane75]

I need to buy Fletcher Cox dinner.

[Bigsmooth]

I need to buy Fletcher Cox dinner.

Ha, nice cover.

[Suicane75]

Ha, nice cover.

I felt like my HS gym coach on that play. "Run fatty, runnnn!!"

[Suicane75]

So how long is RG3's leash?

Edit: Or short.

[SnowMan]

Wasn't the Saints defense supposed to be improved? Yikes.

[MizzouCowboy]

Ok yeah. The Cowboys defense is horrible. Again.

[EagleFan]

Is it San Francisco day in Dallas today? The crowd looks like it's a home game for the 49ers.

[miami_fan]

Can someone explain how that was not a penalty for a shot to the head on the pass to Bolden?

[Radii]

Standard Tampa/Carolina game, scoreless after 1. Kelvin Benjamin with 2 catches early.

[SirFozzie]

"It's going to be a close play on the replay"..

(Not even close on the replay)

[Thomkal]

Standard Tampa/Carolina game, scoreless after 1. Kelvin Benjamin with 2 catches early.

But Anderson is somehow 8/10 for 60 yards. Alert the media! :)

[Thomkal]

wow Dallas is bad...very bad

[SirFozzie]

This could get embarrassing for the Cowboys... wait.. IS embarassing.

21-3

[JPhillips]

I think the 49ers can score 100.

[Julio Riddols]

Dez got blown the fuck up.. I'd bet on a pelvic injury if it is anything serious.

[Julio Riddols]

As an aside, cbssports is probably the worst fantasy football experience I have ever had to this point.

[kingfc22]

Guess I was worried for no reason. Keep this pounding going!

[cuervo72]

Dez got blown the fuck up.. I'd bet on a pelvic injury if it is anything serious.

Watching that in slo-mo...oof.

[Radii]

Really nice, long drive for Carolina, including a Riverboat Ron appearance, QB sneak on 4th and 1 from the 6. 9 minute TD Drive.

[tucker rocky]

Looking good Dallas. :popcorn:

[JPhillips]

Romo's in late season form.

[Jas_lov]

Romo and Cutler are just awful QB's. Those teams will never win with them making horrible decisions every season.

[MizzouCowboy]

Stupidest freaking team ever.

2nd and 1 from the 1, yeah lets pass and get sacked.
1st and goal. Pass and INT.

Where's Weeden?

[TroyF]

So e injuries from the eqrly games coming in. Chiefs lose D Johnson and a starting DT with blown achilee tendons. Texans have not updqted thr clowney injury

[Danny]

Maybe they should have taken Manziel

[sabotai]

Tony Romo, on pace for 100 INTS this year!!!

[Suicane75]

So e injuries from the eqrly games coming in. Chiefs lose D Johnson and a starting DT with blown achilee tendons. Texans have not updqted thr clowney injury

FOFC reporting TroyF out with an inebriated cerebrum. Return is questionable.

[sabotai]

This generation really is over-reliant on auto-correct, isn't it?

[Alan T]

A little late, but Yay Falcons!

Offense looked really good today. Not sure if that is an indication of how good the offense is or how bad the Saints Defense is.

I actually liked the defense today better than last year. The Saints scored a bunch, but I kind of expected that. I still think the Falcons will have to win with their offense this year, but hopefully winning a key game against a tough opponent to start the season is a good sign of improvement on last year.

[TroyF]

On ipad. Typed in twenty seconds. Oops.