2015 NFL Week 4

[Grover]

About time for the thread.

Do Michael Vick and the Steelers send the Ravens to 0-4? Or can Flacco get a big passing game going against a below-average Steelers secondary?

[albionmoonlight]

I like the Steelers here. Bell and Brown are the real deal. I think that the team can overcome Vick.

Baltimore seems to be a legit 0-3. Other than Steve Smith, I am not sure what they do well. They miss the hell out of Kubiak.

n.b. I am currently in last place in my office picks league.

[Butter]

Let's go Ravens! *clap clap clapclapclap*

[stevew]

Below average Steelers secondary is overrating them. They flat out make diaper loads.

[Grover]

Below average Steelers secondary is overrating them. They flat out make diaper loads.

Well, they're ranked 19th right now, so they are slightly below average ;)

[stevew]

Eh, I see them as 29th vs completion % and qb rating. I know those aren't the best metrics, but they're definitely not good and the DBs are useless DBs

[BishopMVP]

Eh, I see them as 29th vs completion % and qb rating. I know those aren't the best metrics, but they're definitely not good and the DBs are useless DBsThey matched up against the Patriots in one of their 3 games. A game vs a team where Kamar Aiken is the #2 WR will probably help those stats. But I do agree they're not good at all. Chip Kelly might've been right getting rid of Boykin.

[RomaGoth]

Go Lions...



:(

[Grover]

The overall fan in me desperately wants to see the Ravens fall to 0-4.

The Bengals fan side of me wants the Ravens to get that first win to give the Bengals an even better chance of opening up a wide lead in the division.

I'm conflicted by the two teams I hate most.

[claphamsa]

go meteor strike!

[stevew]

Oh geez, pink shit all month again

[Dutch]

Oh geez, pink shit all month again

I know right...can't we just do a telethon at the beginning of the year to raise money for Breast Cancer Awereness with the promise not to dress our football players up in hot pink?

[bhlloy]

You guys are just cynical. What better way is there to support breast cancer research than to buy a $150 pink jersey that the NFL will donate at least a couple bucks of to the cause?

[stevew]

Pretty sure they just captured Ben on the sidelines with a cellphone out. Isn't that illegal

[cuervo72]

I was wondering about that - he looked like he was looking around to see if anyone was watching him. :)

[stevew]

How in the fuck did they miss that hold

[Dutch]

haha, might be a little later there, Sparky.

[EagleFan]

Wow, he dropped the ball because he wasn't used to the spin... not that he just flat out dropped a ball that he should have caught... it happens, let's stop making excuses.

[EagleFan]

Oh geez, pink shit all month again

That time of year again...

[Solecismic]

How much does Pepto Bismol pay them to wear that stuff?

The spin is a big part of the reason why Vick and (as of this week) Kellen Moore are the only two lefty quarterbacks currently on NFL rosters.

[stevew]

Cam Heyward is really good.

[bhlloy]

I like to think nobody told Heyward-Bey he was supposed to catch the ball until this year. He's been playing run as fast as you can to the end zone in previous years and wondering why he's never been an all star

[stevew]

Dri Archer is the best touchback catcher in the league

[stevew]

Finally an end to Antonio Brown's 5/50 streak. AKA the most made up stat streak ever.

[stevew]

Shawn Spence is having a game

[stevew]

Josh Scobee better be unemployed tomorrow

[Abe Sargent]

OT baby

[stevew]

Geez. End this now Flacco

[SirFozzie]

Can we all root for a giant meteor to strike Three Rivers?

[Solecismic]

Can we all root for a giant meteor to strike Three Rivers?

Three Rivers Stadium Implosion - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtzQBBJdvjs)

[stevew]

Three Rivers already was demoed

[SirFozzie]

Ok, Heinz Field :P

[SirFozzie]

Scobee is like "Please God don't send me out there again".

Which, coincidentally mimics all the Pittsburgh fans thoughts of "Please God do not send Scobee out there again."

[Solecismic]

If I were a Scobee, I would definitely want to go out there again - the alternative is probably the end of his season. Obviously, Tomlin has no confidence left, for good reason.

[Abe Sargent]

And there it is for the Ravens

[stevew]

Ok, Heinz Field :P

Bane

[Dutch]

IRT Scobee - they weren't horribly off-line. No way he misses 4 in a row...IMHO.

[stevew]

Wind vs the Ball is an interesting dilemma at heinz

[Vince, Pt. II]

There's a headline on Yahoo right now that reads 'Not a single NFL player arrested in September.' Apparently it's the first time a full calendar month has gone by in six years without an NFL player being arrested. That seems ridiculous. Other ridiculous facts that I've found and not corroborated yet:

-Months without an NFL player being arrested, last 11 years: Sept. 2015, July 2009. That's it.

-September is the first month during the season that a player hasn't been arrested in 15 years.

-Over the last 5 years, the NFL has averaged one player arrested per week.

These are all tweets of Mike Rosenberg of Reuters, apparently. Found them on Yahoo and CBS.

[Butter]

Those 2 teams looked terrible last night.

I just have this awful feeling that the Steelers will end up drafting Cardale Jones and end up with pretty much the same offense for another 15 years after Big Ben retires. Cardale is pretty much the same QB, only more mobile. He just needs to get more accurate.

[Grover]

Jeff Reed on Twitter: "Let's keep this simple...bring me back Pittsburgh!" (https://twitter.com/TheRealJeffReed/status/649804409023676416?lang=en)

What does Scobee have to do to get cut?

[BishopMVP]

I don't know what it is, but this seems like a crazy run of endings in almost all the national games so far. No early blowouts.

I can accept Tomlin's decision not to kick it, but I really question putting it in his backup QB's hands on both 4th & 2's instead of handing it off to Le'Veon Bell, especially given the night he was having.Ok, Heinz Field :PWhy? I like stadiums that have a little bit of personality rather than everything being cookie cutter and antiseptic. Plus it's a pretty awesome setup in Pittsburgh with Heinz, PNC, and a casino all in one area right across the river from downtown. Much better than Gillette being an hour away from.Boston, pretty much off public transportation.Those 2 teams looked terrible last night.

I just have this awful feeling that the Steelers will end up drafting Cardale Jones and end up with pretty much the same offense for another 15 years after Big Ben retires. Cardale is pretty much the same QB, only more mobile. He just needs to get more accurate.Makes a lot more sense than people talking about Jones as the #1 overall pick.There's a headline on Yahoo right now that reads 'Not a single NFL player arrested in September.' Apparently it's the first time a full calendar month has gone by in six years without an NFL player being arrested. That seems ridiculous. Other ridiculous facts that I've found and not corroborated yet: What's the average arrest rate for any random sample of 1800 males between 20 & 30, the majority of whom are black?

[cuervo72]

Plus it's a pretty awesome setup in Pittsburgh with Heinz, PNC, and a casino all in one area right across the river from downtown.

Went there for a few Pirates games a couple of years ago and agreed - they have a fantastic complex there. (Baltimore's isn't bad either, though they lack the river and nice yellow bridges.)

[BishopMVP]

Btw, Carolina fans, what's the deal with Cam Artis-Payne? I really liked him as a sleeper that could be a starter by next year, but the week 1 scratch scared me. Is his 3 carry game last week a sign they're slowly working him in, and he'll be the man if Stewart goes down? Or would they go with Tolbert everywhere, not just the goal line?

[PilotMan]

Jeff Reed on Twitter: "Let's keep this simple...bring me back Pittsburgh!" (https://twitter.com/TheRealJeffReed/status/649804409023676416?lang=en)

What does Scobee have to do to get cut?

I'm thinking he will. I think that Tomlin not sending him out at the end was indication that it was over. Having said that, no way in the seven hells, should they bring back Reed, who incidentally was recently tossed out of the preseason Hall of Fame game (as a fan) for being drunk. I think he burned that bridge when he left the first time.

[miami_fan]

There's a headline on Yahoo right now that reads 'Not a single NFL player arrested in September.' Apparently it's the first time a full calendar month has gone by in six years without an NFL player being arrested. That seems ridiculous. Other ridiculous facts that I've found and not corroborated yet:

-Months without an NFL player being arrested, last 11 years: Sept. 2015, July 2009. That's it.

-September is the first month during the season that a player hasn't been arrested in 15 years.

-Over the last 5 years, the NFL has averaged one player arrested per week.

These are all tweets of Mike Rosenberg of Reuters, apparently. Found them on Yahoo and CBS.

Pro Football Talk has a counter for the number of days since the last NFL arrest. 37 days since Ahmad Brooks was arrested.

[stevew]

Big Ben still has 4 more years left on his deal after this one. No way they even think about a replacement QB until 2018 or so

[Butter]

They're going to need a backup at some point, unless you really think Mike Vick is the long term answer.

[Honolulu_Blue]

They're going to need a backup at some point, unless you really think Mike Vick is the long term answer.

Based on his performance last night, no. Mike Vick does not appear to be the long term answer. He wasn't very good last night.

[Kodos]

It's been a long time since Vick did much good on the field. Can't say I feel sorry for him.

[BillJasper]

Based on his performance last night, no. Mike Vick does not appear to be the long term answer. He wasn't very good last night.

I only watched part of the game, but it really pissed me off when Phil Simms said Vick had a solid night. Every pass I saw was either in the dirt, nearly picked off or sailing over a receivers head.

He must have been fucking stellar before I turned the game on.

[mckerney]

They're going to need a backup at some point, unless you really think Mike Vick is the long term answer.

He's out there.

http://i.imgur.com/4L1fb7r.jpg

[Logan]

I only watched part of the game, but it really pissed me off when Phil Simms said Vick had a solid night. Every pass I saw was either in the dirt, nearly picked off or sailing over a receivers head.

He must have been fucking stellar before I turned the game on.

I thought he was much better out of the pocket than in it, as you'd expect. He made some plays like that early on, which Baltimore took away in the second half. The last overthrow on their final drive was bad though.

[BishopMVP]

I only watched part of the game, but it really pissed me off when Phil Simms said Vick had a solid night. Every pass I saw was either in the dirt, nearly picked off or sailing over a receivers head.

He must have been fucking stellar before I turned the game on.I think Phil Simms might like punting more than Jon Gruden likes quarterbacks. I stopped listening to him for insightful analysis a long time ago.

[stevew]

They already drafted a backup 3 years ago but he's apparently incapable of getting game flow, leading them to sign Gradkowski, who got hurt leading to signing Vick. Landry Jones should be playing now but he's garbage.

Thus franchise isn't very good at making QB transitions so I suspect it'll be garbage from Ben retiring until approx 2027

[Chief Rum]

Big Ben still has 4 more years left on his deal after this one. No way they even think about a replacement QB until 2018 or so

Agreed, the Steelers have way too many issues elsewhere to waste a top pick on a QB right now.

[BishopMVP]

They already drafted a backup 3 years ago but he's apparently incapable of getting game flow, leading them to sign Gradkowski, who got hurt leading to signing Vick. Landry Jones should be playing now but he's garbage.Is this a surprise? Didn't anyone watch him at Oklahoma? He had good numbers but they were never great like Sam Bradford's, and Bradford was already kind of a bust by 2012. Plus guys with a horrible mustache game like that will never be leaders in the NFL!

[Kodos]

Is Stevew the most negative fan on the internet? You make the call!

[bhlloy]

19/26 with a touchdown and no interceptions. I'd love to hear who is out there that could come in on a couple weeks notice and have a better start from that. Hell, I'd imagine half of the backups in the league who have been with the team through minicamps and camp would end up with a similar or worse line in their first game as the starter.

I'm no Vick fan but methinks there are some ridiculous statements going on in this thread.

[albionmoonlight]

I think Phil Simms might like punting more than Jon Gruden likes quarterbacks. I stopped listening to him for insightful analysis a long time ago.

Some announcers I dislike because they annoy me. Simms does not annoy me. But he probably has the least to say of any of the color guys. Collinsworth or Gruden will give more insight in ten minutes than Simms will give in a whole game. Nantz is probably my favorite play-by-play guy, so overall, I like the CBS team.

My favorite Simms's moment is when he says something obviously wrong and then corrects himself in real time as he watches the replay. I picture Nantz saying to himself "Yeah, Phil, 70,000 people in this stadium and you and that drunk guy on the jumbotron are the only two who didn't realize that was a lateral when it was happening."

[Kodos]

I really enjoy Collinsworth. I know some people hate him, but I think he does a great job. Simms sucks, but I can live with him. I wish Gruden brought a little more Chucky into his broadcasts.

[miked]

Vick also threw a nice 50 yard bomb in the 1st or 2nd quarter that led the WR to the side of the endzone. It was a tough catch but it hit the receiver right in the hands and went through.

[cartman]

Stolen from my friend's feed:

If Josh Scobee was in a DirecTV commercial, both versions of him would have cable.

[BishopMVP]

This was actually from last week, before the Bills annihilated them, but here's a brutal takedown of the Dolphins playcalling on both sides of the ball that references my contention that Lamar Miller is not the problem - Miami Dolphins Are Being Held Back by Joe Philbin, Poor Coaching | Bleacher Report (http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2571526-miami-dolphins-are-being-held-back-by-joe-philbin-poor-coaching)

That defensive .jpg of 3rd & 2 with the DB's playing 8 yards off the receivers is brutal.

[stevew]

Is Stevew the most negative fan on the internet? You make the call!

Dude, I know you won't believe me but I'm far more moderate than my edge tiptoeing brethren this morning. I'm completely defeated as a fan so blowing a lead to the Ravens probably makes me a 4/10 on the angry scale.

I know this sounds dumb but I've been mulling a switch to the Ravens for awhile now. They're basically the Steelers but smart. And if the Bengals didn't have offensive uniforms(they literally rock my senses, I can't quite explain it), I could almost see going in that direction.

Agree on Collinsworth/Michaels, perhaps the best announcing team I've ever experienced watching the games. Aikman/Buck suck, and I pretty much choose silence over Simms/Nantz.

[stevew]

I thought Vick performed about as well as can be expected. Realistically he should not be playing at all but he's still roughly a top 30 or so QB in the league.

[Solecismic]

It's a new system for him, but that 3.2 yards per pass play is not going to win many games - especially when Bell's return garnered the focus of the defense.

Under the circumstances, that's great. He didn't turn the ball over. But it's quite a stretch to say he's in the top 30.

Meanwhile, apparently news organizations are reporting that the 49ers head coach may have passed gas during a press conference.

And the media complains when Bill Belichick doesn't give detailed answers to questions.

No word yet on whether Roger Goodell will fine or suspend Tomsula.

[stevew]

OK. Was thinking about something. Team driving near end of regulation. Down 5. If they score a TD with 10 seconds left on the clock, victory formation is the correct PAT call, right?

[Suicane75]

Extra points are un timed.

[sabotai]

Extra points are un timed.

I think steve's point is that a blocked PAT can be returned for 2 points (I think).

[Simbo Klice]

OK. Was thinking about something. Team driving near end of regulation. Down 5. If they score a TD with 10 seconds left on the clock, victory formation is the correct PAT call, right?

Due to the potential for a 2 point return- is that for extra points too? If so, maybe you just go with a QB sneak and hope you get a good push.

[stevew]

Yeah. My bad, didn't realize everyone didn't know about the 2pt return yet

[Logan]

19/26 with a touchdown and no interceptions. I'd love to hear who is out there that could come in on a couple weeks notice and have a better start from that. Hell, I'd imagine half of the backups in the league who have been with the team through minicamps and camp would end up with a similar or worse line in their first game as the starter.

I'm no Vick fan but methinks there are some ridiculous statements going on in this thread.

Under 5 YPA is pretty awful any way you slice it. And 7 of those completions were dump offs to Bell.

[BillJasper]

Under 5 YPA is pretty awful any way you slice it. And 7 of those completions were dump offs to Bell.

+1

Might as well have ran Landry Jones or the punter out there.

[Kodos]

Dude, I know you won't believe me but I'm far more moderate than my edge tiptoeing brethren this morning. I'm completely defeated as a fan so blowing a lead to the Ravens probably makes me a 4/10 on the angry scale.


It's just funny because you root for a team that has historically and recently been successful, yet all you ever post about is how much they suck and why they are going to get crushed. I can't imagine how you'd feel if you were experiencing the futility of the Lions.

[bhlloy]

Under 5 YPA is pretty awful any way you slice it. And 7 of those completions were dump offs to Bell.

I'm pretty sure that was probably exactly what the gameplan was for a QB who has been in the system for a few weeks. As previously noted, he also had Antonio Brown drop would have been a 40 yard TD or something on a great throw. If that play gets made he's probably in the top 5 in the NFL in QB rating right now (which is a shitty stat, but still). Hell if the kicker does his job he's probably being lauded in the press for being a great game manager and giving his team a chance to win the game.

I thought he was fine and played much better than I'd expect given his age, his time in the system and the fact that entire team is designed around a completely different style of QB.

[TroyF]

My thoughts on the game:

Vick looked "Meh" but he didn't get any help from the coaching staff or the WR. Brown is one of the best players in the game and he drops a 50 yard TD pass. Catch the ball there and Vick is 20-26 for 175 yards (6.7 yards per pass attempt) and everything looks better.

Every time I though the Steelers should go conservative, they were aggressive and every time I thought they should be aggressive, they went conservative.

It was seriously baffling to me. The big one for me was the 4th down 4 play. If you get a first down, you win the football game 100% of the time. No questions asked, it's game over. If you kick a FG, a TD still beats you and Flacco has a hell of an arm and has shown the ability to make miracle drives in the past. The kick was a long one and you give the Ravens extra yardage if it misses.

Everything in that moment screamed GO FOR IT and Tomlin kicks the FG. Then you have a chance to win in OT and you go for it? Look, the kicker missed two kicks, but they weren't short. Let him try to win the game.

While Vick wasn't great, I thought his help was poor, the gameplan was poor and the major coaching decisions were all wrong. No, Vick isn't leading them to the Super Bowl, but he damned well played well enough to win that game if any of the above were changed.

[Thomkal]

Seems to be more trades this season:

Ravens acquire WR Chris Givens in trade with Rams - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25325883/ravens-acquire-wr-chris-givens-in-trade-with-rams)

[BillJasper]

Report: A blowout loss Sunday could cost Philbin his job | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/03/report-a-blowout-loss-sunday-could-cost-philbin-his-job/)

Should have fired him last year, when they didn't show up the final two games with a shot at the playoffs. :rant:

[Thomkal]

I think we all saw this coming:

Steelers sign kicker Chris Boswell, cut Josh Scobee - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000548006/article/steelers-sign-kicker-chris-boswell-cut-josh-scobee)

[BillJasper]

I think we all saw this coming:

Steelers sign kicker Chris Boswell, cut Josh Scobee - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000548006/article/steelers-sign-kicker-chris-boswell-cut-josh-scobee)

So how much are the Steelers paying kickers this year?!? :lol:

[Dutch]

I think we all saw this coming:

Steelers sign kicker Chris Boswell, cut Josh Scobee - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000548006/article/steelers-sign-kicker-chris-boswell-cut-josh-scobee)

Seems pretty harsh for a kicker with a pretty solid career. Sounds a lot like he's been made the scapegoat.

[TroyF]

Seems pretty harsh for a kicker with a pretty solid career. Sounds a lot like he's been made the scapegoat.


See my post above. The kicker thing seems to have absolved Tomlin of all the poor coaching mistakes he made. I've always liked Tomlin, but that was simply abysmal.

[Thomkal]

So how much are the Steelers paying kickers this year?!? :lol:

6 million I think or something like that.

[Thomkal]

Seems pretty harsh for a kicker with a pretty solid career. Sounds a lot like he's been made the scapegoat.

Kickers have a short half-lfe. Didn't he miss one or two in an earlier game as well?

[Dutch]

Kickers have a short half-lfe. Didn't he miss one or two in an earlier game as well?

He's had a very solid 10 year career. I personally don't give a shit about kickers and Skobee will be emotionally fine with his $3M severance pay, but if he was going to go through the decision to cut him, not allowing him 2 opportunities to win the game first and doing stupid shit that you aren't supposed to do in professional football games seems poor. Maybe he thought he was going to get some street cred with Snoop Dogg.

[Dutch]

See my post above. The kicker thing seems to have absolved Tomlin of all the poor coaching mistakes he made. I've always liked Tomlin, but that was simply abysmal.

Yep.

[stevew]

It wasnt like Scobee was missing wildly or short.

I knew this was going to be bad once Suisham got hurt. And tbh he's not even that great.

[MIJB#19]

Yay for Sunday morning football!

[claphamsa]

stupid national football maps! makes it look like the Bengals are on a tiny bit north...but not here. its almost worse when its close.

anyone have direct TV and want to split their NFL sunday ticket with me?:D

[Glengoyne]

Why is there a game on before I wake up on a Sunday?

[Dutch]

It's a London night game.

[Glengoyne]

It's a London night game.

That makes sense. I was sitting at a diner setting my lineups,
And was .....puzzled at players being locked on my roster.

[Grover]

It's a London night game.

It was a 1:30 kickoff for London... is that night?

[Grover]

Kickers have a short half-lfe. Didn't he miss one or two in an earlier game as well?

He missed two against the Pats on opening night.

Speaking of kicker's lives... I'm pretty sure I don't know half the kickers in the league at this point.

[cartman]

Are they also using soccer refs in London? How was that not pass interference?

[EagleFan]

Are they also using soccer refs in London? How was that not pass interference?

The replay didn't look as clear cut as the first angle. He was looking back and technically the receiver made first contact.

[EagleFan]

I thought the Dolphins were one of those dark horse picks this year. Good lord do they seem to suck (granted this is their only game I have really seen so far).

[Grover]

I thought the Dolphins were one of those dark horse picks this year. Good lord do they seem to suck (granted this is their only game I have really seen so far).

All the experts thought they'd be second in the east behind the Pats.

Talented roster, but it's very clear the coaching staff is not up to the task.

[claphamsa]

will they kiffin philbin?

[EagleFan]

Would like to see a touchdown here, at least make this a game for the final few minutes. (would also be entertaining to see the Jets blow the game as well)

[claphamsa]

starting steve smith over chris ivory was a bad idea....

[TroyF]

I really thought the Dolphins were better than this.

Lets see:

1) WR suck ass
2) Offensive line is comical (think Denver Broncos comical)
3) No pass rush
4) Terrible coaching.
5) Did I mention how horrible the WR are?

I truly feel sorry for Tannehill. Maybe he sucks, but I don't know how you are supposed to figure that out with this train wreck. He looks ok to me. The rest of the team looks terrible. I thought they'd finish second in the East this year, but they are nowhere near the Jets or Bills.

[frnk55]

Yeah Tannehill is tough to figure out. I just wish they would show his wife when he plays. :)

[BillJasper]

Philbin should be fired. The only question I have is, who is going to take over? Neither coordinator seems to have a clue.

[claphamsa]

bill cowher

[Suicane75]

Eaglerific!

[bhlloy]

The Bills are just getting fucked by the refs, have to think Rex's reputation is counting against them here.

Also O'Brien goes for a 53 yard field goal down 28-0 on fourth and 8 and misses. Sure those 3 points were going to be huge for you there.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Who's doing the color for the Philly/Washington game? He's really annoying.

[stevew]

David Diehl? Former blocker for Brandon Jacobs

[stevew]

This Bills Giants game has to be confusing for the players. Not saying each team has the exactly the same jerseys, but they're kinda close. Gotta remember what color you're throwing too.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Kudos to the Chiefs for keeping in this game. I assumed I would have already shut off the TV by now.

[BillJasper]

Nice goal line stand by the Giants.

Seems Alex Smith is starting to become a liability for the Chiefs. I can understand not wanting to turn the ball over, but sometimes, you simply have to take a chance.

[stevew]

Tyrod is fairly decent. He seems to have some some decent chemistry with Charles clay

[JPhillips]

Kudos to the Chiefs for keeping in this game. I assumed I would have already shut off the TV by now.

We Bengals fans thank you for the jinx.

[stevew]

Rivers just threw a beautiful TD pass

[stevew]

Melvin Gordon looks very average. Wondering if this will be another Trent Richardson situation

[Thomkal]

I hate the Rams :( Cards looked flat all day no big plays on defense, turned the ball over too many times

[Dutch]

It was a 1:30 kickoff for London... is that night?

If it's daytime here, it's night there....and I'm sticking to that logic until the end of time!

[Dutch]

Had great seats in the rain-drenched Tampa stadium for the Bucs weekly ass-whupping. The Bucs have now lost 11 straight games at home.

[Radii]

Had great seats in the rain-drenched Tampa stadium for the Bucs weekly ass-whupping. The Bucs have now lost 11 straight games at home.

The weather there looked disgustingly awful for most of the game.

[TroyF]

Denver with yet another uneven performance with a late W.

Have I mentioned the defense? Again, simply dominant. The Vikings had 2 TD drives. . . 2 plays 27 yards and then a 97 yard drive where 50 yards came on an AP run on 4th and 1.

They end up with 7 sacks and could easily have had 3 or 4 more. I was very impressed with Bridgewater. The kid was under duress all night and did not have a running game to lean on. He played very well.

Manning was uneven and his two turnovers made the game closer than it should have been. @Raiders and @Browns the next two games. With an offense this poor, there is no "safe" game. This team could lose both of those games. That said. . . Carr better work really hard on his hot reads this week. There is no way he's going to have time against this defense.

[bhlloy]

Brandon Weeden has the worst pocket presence I've seen in a long time. I wonder if that is a result of his unorthodox way into the league, but it's just awful. He runs out of the pocket into defenders.

[Abe Sargent]

whoa

[Abe Sargent]

good jorb saints

[Abe Sargent]

HITS the upright from that close? DANG

[bhlloy]

We've replaced all the NFL kickers with bumbling fools. Let's see if anyone notices!

[Abe Sargent]

Well that was a quick anticlimatic OT

[TheRivals40]

Denver with yet another uneven performance with a late W.

Have I mentioned the defense? Again, simply dominant. The Vikings had 2 TD drives. . . 2 plays 27 yards and then a 97 yard drive where 50 yards came on an AP run on 4th and 1.

They end up with 7 sacks and could easily have had 3 or 4 more. I was very impressed with Bridgewater. The kid was under duress all night and did not have a running game to lean on. He played very well.

Manning was uneven and his two turnovers made the game closer than it should have been. @Raiders and @Browns the next two games. With an offense this poor, there is no "safe" game. This team could lose both of those games. That said. . . Carr better work really hard on his hot reads this week. There is no way he's going to have time against this defense.

As I Broncos fan, I'd be the first to say this team is very disappointing to watch after years of sheer dominance.

But, they have something that we have not had in Denver since the Tebow Year....the heart to win, and the need to have that heart. In the past they've got to the playoffs by dominating almost every team in our path, then they face top opponents and crumble at any hardships. But now, they have the drive to win. The late comebacks and final defensive stops. Obviously, this is not the record-setting Broncos team we know and love. But I think it could be the team that goes the furthest come January.

[Solecismic]

The new extra points are screwing with their heads. Maybe the NFL should put up netting and have teams return missed field goals that bounce off of the nets. And then, instead of a coin toss, they could have two players race to midfield and scramble for the ball. We need to get the LFL involved, as well.

[MizzouRah]

Looks like Gurley is the real deal!

[BillJasper]

Philbin fired going into the bye week. Dan Campbell, the TE coach, favored to become the interim coach.

[Kodos]

Man, the Dolphins are such a mess. Hard to even remember how it was during the Shula era.

[albionmoonlight]

I had the Dolphins as strong contenders for the AFC East this season. I suck at knowing how football teams will do.

Sad to see one of the marquee franchises doing so poorly. The NFL seems more right when the Dolphins are doing well.

[bronconick]

Philbin fired going into the bye week. Dan Campbell, the TE coach, favored to become the interim coach.


So, 3 months of Harbaugh to Miami talk?

[Logan]

So, 3 months of Harbaugh to Miami talk?

They'll certainly try.

Still like my Harbaugh-to-Indy miracle more.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, 3 months of Harbaugh to Miami talk?

They'll certainly try.

Still like my Harbaugh-to-Indy miracle more.

Shut your whore mouths. Both of you!

[BillJasper]

Shut your whore mouths. Both of you!

Not sure I see any scenario where Harbaugh goes back to the NFL after only a year at Michigan*.

*Unless he's caught banging a cheerleader or something.

[AlexB]

He had to go. Not for the results aspecifically, but the complete and abject lack of fight, drive or motivation on the team. The playcalling was horrible on Sunday: short/incomplete pass followed by stuffed run followed by failed 3rd down pass - almost every time in the 1st half you could predict the style of play.

The defense is terrible: We've got one corner worth his salt, one safety and maybe one linebacker, and a front four that is drastically underperforming.

Can't stop the run, or the pass, and give away too many penalties. Awful, and there was really no option.

[gstelmack]

As I Broncos fan, I'd be the first to say this team is very disappointing to watch after years of sheer dominance.

But, they have something that we have not had in Denver since the Tebow Year....the heart to win, and the need to have that heart.

https://sportacalypse.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/shane-falco.jpg?w=640

[Honolulu_Blue]

As I Broncos fan, I'd be the first to say this team is very disappointing to watch after years of sheer dominance.

/checks standings

/sees the Broncos are 4-0

Man... as a lifelong Lions' fan I have absolutely NO concept of how anyone could be "very disappointed" with a 4-0 a team. I know not what this means...

[Grover]

/checks standings

/sees the Broncos are 4-0

Man... as a lifelong Lions' fan I have absolutely NO concept of how anyone could be "very disappointed" with a 4-0 a team. I know not what this means...

+1 as a Bengals fan.

[SteveMax58]

Philbin fired going into the bye week. Dan Campbell, the TE coach, favored to become the interim coach.

4 games too late imo. The way that team folded up last season with a playoff spot within reach should have been enough to see.

[BillJasper]

4 games too late imo. The way that team folded up last season with a playoff spot within reach should have been enough to see.

You're preaching to the crowd. I wanted Philbin fired at the end of last season.

Dan Campbell is saying the right things in the press conference.

[Arles]

As I Broncos fan, I'd be the first to say this team is very disappointing to watch after years of sheer dominance.

But, they have something that we have not had in Denver since the Tebow Year....the heart to win, and the need to have that heart. In the past they've got to the playoffs by dominating almost every team in our path, then they face top opponents and crumble at any hardships. But now, they have the drive to win. The late comebacks and final defensive stops. Obviously, this is not the record-setting Broncos team we know and love. But I think it could be the team that goes the furthest come January.
I will say this: Of all the Denver teams over the past 4 years, this one seems best equipped to deal with the seemingly inevitable "Manning swoon" come January. They just need him to make safe throws and complete 2-3 TD drives a game to win most weeks.

[Grover]

Heard a fun stat that Philbin is the fourth coach to be fired after four games. The other 3 were Raiders coaches

[HomerSimpson98]

You're preaching to the crowd. I wanted Philbin fired at the end of last season.

Dan Campbell is saying the right things in the press conference.

Dan is a great dude and a real fiery and emotional one that should be able to push buttons to get the team to play with more heart. I am pulling for him hard here. Fellow Aggie or not, I just dont think Tannehill is franchise QB material.

[BishopMVP]

Dan is a great dude and a real fiery and emotional one that should be able to push buttons to get the team to play with more heart. I am pulling for him hard here. Fellow Aggie or not, I just dont think Tannehill is franchise QB material.But he completes 70% of his passes! I'm still waiting to see on him. Want to see him play under a different OC to see if the constant checkdowns and short passes are all on the OC or just part of them. The stuff he was allegedly saying to the practice squad guys does look really bad for any starting QB.

[bhlloy]

Pretty hilarious if that Tannehill report from today is true, that he gets all pouty when the practice squad players pick him off and Philbin asked them to go easy on him. Smells a little like BS but I want it to be true.

[SteveMax58]

Pretty hilarious if that Tannehill report from today is true, that he gets all pouty when the practice squad players pick him off and Philbin asked them to go easy on him. Smells a little like BS but I want it to be true.

Yeah sounds like an exaggeration from a one time annoyance or something. I find it hard to believe he could be that delicate and not hear other stories as well.

[HomerSimpson98]

That "report" goes against everything I know of and of heard of him. He is not the shit-talking type and I dont know why he'd start now, especially with lame crap like that.

The lack of downfield throwing though - that sounds like him :)

[EagleFan]

I had the Dolphins as strong contenders for the AFC East this season. I suck at knowing how football teams will do.

Sad to see one of the marquee franchises doing so poorly. The NFL seems more right when the Dolphins are doing well.

Marquee franchises? Aren't they about 30 years removed from being relevant? :)

[BillJasper]

Marquee franchises? Aren't they about 30 years removed from being relevant? :)

About twenty. :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

I hadn't seen the Tannehill story until it was referenced here so in case anyone missed it like me, here's the original article that ESPN has been referring to
Sun Sentinel (http://touch.sun-sentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-84611880/)

If true that certainly has a "can't lead starving dogs to fresh meat" sort of ring to it.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Now, I don't think Detroit is some godawful team, but shouldn't the Seahawks be worried that they can't just put them away? I mean, a lucky break or two here and Seattle is 1-3.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh, the Lions...

[bhlloy]

That is the most Lions thing ever

[Vince, Pt. II]

Oh lord.

[bhlloy]

Well, nobody can say that Seattle was chastened by that play call in the SB. Ballsy

[BillJasper]

I guess the Lions are officially back to being the Lions. That was horrible, I feel bad for Calvin Johnson.

[Julio Riddols]

Calvin.. What happened to you this year?

[Arles]

ESPN's ref just said the Seattle player who knocked the ball out of the endzone made an "illegal bat". He said it should have been Detroit ball on the 1-yardline. I guess there's something about Seattle and last second calls that make refs brain-dead. :D

In all seriousness, that's a pretty stupid rule if it does exist. Maybe penalize Seattle a few yards for the bat, but giving the ball back to Detroit on a meaningless bat after that great play by Kam would have been borderline criminal.

[TroyF]

As I Broncos fan, I'd be the first to say this team is very disappointing to watch after years of sheer dominance.

But, they have something that we have not had in Denver since the Tebow Year....the heart to win, and the need to have that heart. In the past they've got to the playoffs by dominating almost every team in our path, then they face top opponents and crumble at any hardships. But now, they have the drive to win. The late comebacks and final defensive stops. Obviously, this is not the record-setting Broncos team we know and love. But I think it could be the team that goes the furthest come January.

On the first statement. . . no, just no. This team is not disappointing to watch. When you have a unit that is the best in the league, you can't say they are bad to watch. I've been a Broncos fan for many, many years and I'm not sure what dominance you speak of.
In the last 16 years the Broncos have won 4 playoff games and have missed the playoffs 8 times. They had a dominant stretch from 1996 to 1998.

As for the rest, it isn't heart. The first four games have been 2 things:

1) Dominant defense and timely turnovers
2) A late drive by Manning.

That's all fine and all, but the OLine needs to play better or the "heart" will end up cold and dead. Denver has flaws, and some serious ones.

All that said, damn I love watching that defense play. What a joy it is to watch.

[cmp]

Too bad the ref couldn't see him knock it out.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQmqd3wUcAA96-I.jpg

[bhlloy]

If that's the case it's not just the on field refs that missed it, as the play was reviewed afterwards

[dubb93]

If that's the case it's not just the on field refs that missed it, as the play was reviewed afterwards

Sportscenter had an overlay that said the missed call itself wasn't reviewable.

[bhlloy]

That's just stupid then, it's part of the turnover (who recovers the ball and how)

[cuervo72]

Man, ESPN is trying to make a big deal out of this.

[cmp]

Man, ESPN is trying to make a big deal out of this.

Well, Detroit would have had the ball on the half yard line, pretty big deal.

[Arles]

I thought all turnovers were reviewed. Isn't the act of the ball leaving the endzone the "turnover" getting reviewed?

[Honolulu_Blue]

This has now become a quintessential Lions' loss. They found a new way to lose a game - fumbling at the half yard line - and the refs blew a call that should have gone their way.

Maybe when I was younger, I would be angry. But that time has long passed.

[Atocep]

In all seriousness, that's a pretty stupid rule if it does exist. Maybe penalize Seattle a few yards for the bat, but giving the ball back to Detroit on a meaningless bat after that great play by Kam would have been borderline criminal.

Really stupid play by Kam. He batted the ball out of the endzone. Why should Detroit be penalized for it?

[cmp]

Can't pick and choose which rules you wish to follow though.

[Arles]

I agree the play should have been called correctly. I was just surprised it was a rule.

[dubb93]

I thought all turnovers were reviewed. Isn't the act of the ball leaving the endzone the "turnover" getting reviewed?

Really don't know. I just know what the overlay said. It makes a bit of since though. You wouldn't review a holding call. You wouldn't review a fumble (which is what they were reviewing here) and then find a holding call on tape and enforce it. Really would need someone like Sak to come in here and explain it in more detail though.

[dubb93]

Really stupid play by Kam. He batted the ball out of the endzone.

Kam ripped the ball away from Megatron. He wasn't involved in batting the ball out of the endzone in any way. He was out of the play the second he caused the fumble. It was a great play by him.

[bhlloy]

Sorry, that doesn't make any sense. The turnover extends to who recovers the ball. By batting the ball out of the end zone, that is directly influencing the state of the turnover. He batted the ball out so Detroit couldn't recover it.

It's apples and oranges compared to a holding play on a turnover. I can't see any way they can justify this, but it's possible ESPN is just talking out of their ass.

[bhlloy]

OK, so it's a judgement call whether the bat was intentional or not and can't be reviewed. That part makes sense. Completely ignore my last post :)

[Simbo Klice]

Jim Caldwell did a pretty good job pretending he knew about that rule in his press conference.

[stevew]

I dunno why batting is even illegal. It kind of defies everything we know about sports.

And even if it's a foul, the Ball should go out on the 20 or something. It's like a corner kick but on steroids if it goes on the 1

[JonInMiddleGA]

Man, ESPN is trying to make a big deal out of this.

Well screwing a team out of the ball at the one is kind of a big deal.

[stevew]

Calvin.. What happened to you this year?

The end is near.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I dunno why batting is even illegal. It kind of defies everything we know about sports.

A quick google suggests that this isn't all that unusual a call, nor is it one that seems to ever come in the NFL without some controversy (based on 5-6 different stories that popped up going back to 2013 or so).

I see illegal batting called at least once a season - sometimes more - in high school, but rarely is it controversial.

{shrug}

[JonInMiddleGA]

And the NFL head of officials has now confirmed that they did indeed blow the call & that the ball should have gone to the Lions at the spot of the fumble.

But NFL head of officials Dean Blandino confirmed the Lions actually should have gotten the fumbled ball back at the half-yard line on the play since the ball was intentionally batted out of the end zone by Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright.

Blandino, speaking to Monday Night Football after the game, said Wright should have been called for an illegal bat for hitting the ball out of the end zone. The penalty would have given the ball back to Detroit at the Seattle 1.

[stevew]

Why even have reviews if they can't confirm this call via review.

I don't agree about this being a penalty, but if it is the Lions get screwed and then everyone stands around and shrugs their shoulders like "oh well".

[TroyF]

Why even have reviews if they can't confirm this call via review.

I don't agree about this being a penalty, but if it is the Lions get screwed and then everyone stands around and shrugs their shoulders like "oh well".

It doesn't matter if you agree about this being a penalty or not, what matters is a ref who supposedly knows the rules looking straight at a guy doing what he did chose not to throw the flag. An incredible injustice was done. And like the last time this happened, it could have major ramifications for playoff berths, seeding and any number of other things.

I've heard they are going to review the fumble at the end zone thing in the off season and potentially change the rule. If there isn't a clear recovery by the defense, the ball will go to the one. IMHO, that's the way it should be. But, MHO doesn't matter at all.

Hatred of everything Seattle aside, the Lions got royally screwed and should have had a chance to win the game. I wonder how if Tate feels Seattle got a deserved win this time? I'm guessing he won't be as accepting of the blown call this time around.

[thesloppy]

I dunno why batting is even illegal. It kind of defies everything we know about sports.

It makes sense if you consider the hypothetical of a live ball that is closer to the field of play, and surrounded by players, rather than a single defender near the end of the endzone...they want to keep the defending team from recovering a ball by simply slapping a contested ball out of bounds, kind of like how the rules were changed to stop "holy roller" type plays from advancing the ball through fumbling.

..as a Lions fan, I don't feel like I can really howl at the moon in protest, as it was a clear fumble and the Seahawks' player was obviously the nearest to the ball and had all rights to either recover the ball cleanly or just let it go out of bounds...hell, I didn't even know there was a controversy/missed call until I went to go read reactions to the game. That said, the rule IS in the books and the Seahawks player made a boneheaded play that he, and certainly the referee, should've known was illegal, and he should've been punished for it.

The league's & officials' mouthpieces are saying that it was the ref's subjective judgment call, and even though they're seemingly acknowledging the error and saying it was a bad call, I still get the impression that they're covering their ass a bit and I think the ref(s) just didn't know/apply the rules in this case, because the bat looks clear as day.

[Julio Riddols]

The end is near.

With the way Dalton is playing, I am inclined to believe that.

[Logan]

Blandino's initial comments, that the ref didn't believe the batting was "overt", when that word apparently isn't in the rulebook, is pretty bad. Just shows they were attempting CYA before (likely) realizing that Wright and Carroll both admitted he batted it out on purpose.

That back judge won't be seeing any playoff action for a few years at least.

[EagleFan]

Can't complain too much that a technicality screwed you after you fumble. Though that fumble probably cost me about twenty dollars on DK, I was so conflicted. Especially since I had three Seahawks that would have come into play on the ensuing drive. Could have been a triple digit swing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That back judge won't be seeing any playoff action for a few years at least.

Must have been a college official :D

Pick Six: Glanville: 'NFL means 'Not For Long' - NFL Videos (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d8213b6cb/Pick-Six-Glanville-NFL-means-Not-For-Long)

[Butter]

I must be a rules nerd, because I knew that was a "bat" as soon as I saw it.

Shame for Detroit, but that was a very Lions way to lose.

I feel a kinship with you Lions fans, I felt pretty bad that they lost like that.

[Kodos]

Yet Stevew feels bad about rooting for the Steelers.

It was a classic Lions way to lose, yanking defeat out of the jaws of victory. Heightened by the fact that they got screwed on the missed batting call. I'll admit I didn't think anything of the bat at the time. Incredible play by Chancellor.

[Thomkal]

I guess the Lions are officially back to being the Lions. That was horrible, I feel bad for Calvin Johnson.

if they can "be the Lions" for one more week, this Cards fan would apppreciate it :)

[albionmoonlight]

So now Seattle has MNF wins with the Fail Mary and the Batastrophe. The conclusion of the trilogy will be next season when Pete Caroll just walks up at the end of the game and hands the scoreboard operator $100 to give the Seahawks 10 more points.

[RomaGoth]

So now Seattle has MNF wins with the Fail Mary and the Batastrophe. The conclusion of the trilogy will be next season when Pete Caroll just walks up at the end of the game and hands the scoreboard operator $100 to give the Seahawks 10 more points.

I can't recall a slimier, more car salesman d-bag coach in the entire history of the NFL (at least in my lifetime) than a one Peter Caroll. How long before he runs out of Seattle ahead of a league investigation into something illegal/against the rules?

[Grover]

I can't recall a slimier, more car salesman d-bag coach in the entire history of the NFL (at least in my lifetime) than a one Peter Caroll. How long before he runs out of Seattle ahead of a league investigation into something illegal/against the rules?

He's also a 9/11 truther.

[RomaGoth]

He's also a 9/11 truther.

:lol:

[RomaGoth]

I must be a rules nerd, because I knew that was a "bat" as soon as I saw it.

Shame for Detroit, but that was a very Lions way to lose.

I feel a kinship with you Lions fans, I felt pretty bad that they lost like that.

Just another week of the Lions being the Lions...:(

[molson]

He's also a 9/11 truther.

Gross. I had to look that one up. It seems he has a particular issue with the plane that hit the pentagon. I wonder where he thinks those people went.

[ISiddiqui]

I just wonder what the defender was thinking? There was no one around him, so why not try to 'recover' the ball and if you are 'clumsy' in doing so and it goes out of bounds, well... oops, instead of the obvious bat.

[Logan]

I just wonder what the defender was thinking? There was no one around him, so why not try to 'recover' the ball and if you are 'clumsy' in doing so and it goes out of bounds, well... oops, instead of the obvious bat.

I assume you that if you don't know the rule, which a lot of people didn't (players included), the quick reaction is along the lines of "don't be a hero" stuff we see elsewhere...go down immediately after the game-saving INT so you won't get stripped on a return, stay in bounds instead of fighting for extra yards and possibly stopping the clock, fall on a fumble instead of trying for a scoop and score, etc. If there is no rule for illegal batting, knocking it away would be the safest play when you're that close to the end line.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I assume you that if you don't know the rule, which a lot of people didn't (players included), the quick reaction is along the lines of "don't be a hero" stuff we see elsewhere...go down immediately after the game-saving INT so you won't get stripped on a return, stay in bounds instead of fighting for extra yards and possibly stopping the clock, fall on a fumble instead of trying for a scoop and score, etc. If there is no rule for illegal batting, knocking it away would be the safest play when you're that close to the end line.

But how in the world do players NOT know the rule? I mean, it's not like it's never been called. I know it -- as I mentioned I see it in high school pretty much every year for several decades -- and it's not my livelihood involved.

Pro-football-reference.com shows it called
3x in 2010, 1x in 2011, 1x in 2012, 2x in 2013, 0x in 2014.

I assumed that the reason it wasn't as frequent at the NFL level was because everybody knew the rule. Silly me.

[Logan]

Well, a prominent starting QB didn't know that games could end in a tie a few years back. I doubt he was alone.

[cmp]

Players not knowing games could end in ties has always baffled me.

[RomaGoth]

Players not knowing games could end in ties has always baffled me.

Or a coach who would rather have the wind than the ball...



http://media.cleveland.com/browns_impact/photo/marty-mornhinwegjpg-84dc7ac41a9564f9.jpg

[BishopMVP]

I'll admit I didn't remember there was a rule against it (and I almost certainly watched the Dolphins/Patriots game it was called in). I guess the only similar plays I can remember involve punters batting or kicking the ball out of the end zone, where I assume they were called for a penalty but it just didn't matter because the result (Safety) was the same either way.

Ever since the Patriots 2005 playoff loss to the Broncos I've thought it a little weird that offensive fumbles OOB near the goal line can be such a huge swing. 6 inches on a bounce can be the difference between 1st & goal at the 1 instead of the other team's ball on the 20.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWk6_FZWIRw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Dr. Sak]

Given the direction of the bat...had it occurred in the field of play (goal line to goal line) it would have been legal. It is legal to bat the ball towards your own goal line, but you can't bat the ball in any direction in the end zone.

[BillJasper]

Seems like Philbin had completely lost the team and part of it seems like he was babying Tannehill...

Joe Philbin’s last practice showed he had lost control | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/06/joe-philbins-last-practice-showed-he-had-lost-control/)

Glad Philbin is gone. I'd almost add a year to Campbell's deal and drop the interim tag, so no one gets the idea that they can coast the rest of this year. They could still just fire him in the offseason and go in a different direction if it doesn't work out.

[RomaGoth]

Seems like Philbin had completely lost the team and part of it seems like he was babying Tannehill...

Joe Philbin’s last practice showed he had lost control | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/06/joe-philbins-last-practice-showed-he-had-lost-control/)

Glad Philbin is gone. I'd almost add a year to Campbell's deal and drop the interim tag, so no one gets the idea that they can coast the rest of this year. They could still just fire him in the offseason and go in a different direction if it doesn't work out.

I would argue that Philbin lost the team during the Jonathan Martin & Richie Incognito incident. The players were running the show in Miami until yesterday.

[cuervo72]

I just wonder what the defender was thinking? There was no one around him, so why not try to 'recover' the ball and if you are 'clumsy' in doing so and it goes out of bounds, well... oops, instead of the obvious bat.

Berman: What do you do, Tom?
Jackson: BAT IT DOWN!

I mentioned I see it in high school pretty much every year for several decades

These guys haven't been around for several decades and I'm guessing they haven't watched all that many games that they weren't participating in. I know I didn't learn this when I was playing, and I didn't think anything of the bat real-time, other than "hmm, smart play." If I think more about it I guess I can envision times when punts have gone wrong or a QB shoves the ball out - in which case it's just a safety either way (and better than a possible defensive TD) - but didn't really think of it in terms of the defense doing it.

[Solecismic]

I'm waiting for Goodell to suspend Brady over the allegations that he illegally paid practice squad players when they intercepted a pass. That should be worth at least six weeks and a first-round pick.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I must be a rules nerd, because I knew that was a "bat" as soon as I saw it.

Shame for Detroit, but that was a very Lions way to lose.

I feel a kinship with you Lions fans, I felt pretty bad that they lost like that.

You should have been the back judge, Butterman!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill admits ripping scout squad, denies belittling teammate's paycheck (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13829459/dolphins-qb-ryan-tannehill-admits-ripping-scout-squad-denies-belittling-teammate-paycheck)

So he admits saying something, just not the paycheck line.

""To put words into my mouth that I didn't say, to degrade my reputation and what I stand for -- honestly it's sickening to me,""

And now he knows how Dolphins fans feel about watching him regress to basically his rookie season numbers.

[Thomkal]

Well if St. Louis gets a new stadium, at least they have a sponsor for it now...

Proposed NFL stadium in St. Louis secures naming rights deal (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13826334/proposed-nfl-stadium-st-louis-secures-naming-rights-deal)

[Grover]

Well if St. Louis gets a new stadium, at least they have a sponsor for it now...

Proposed NFL stadium in St. Louis secures naming rights deal (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13826334/proposed-nfl-stadium-st-louis-secures-naming-rights-deal)

Proposed Rams Stadium Would Cost Taxpayers A Hell Of A Lot More Than Promised (http://deadspin.com/proposed-rams-stadium-would-cost-taxpayers-a-hell-of-a-1735164980)

While still paying $6 mil a year on the Edward Jones Dome.

[BillJasper]

I have a feeling this will end with the Rams staying in St. Louis, the Chargers in LA and Kroenke kicking in money towards the Rams stadium. I see the Spanos' family ending up owning the Rams and Kroenke the Chargers.

[BillJasper]

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill admits ripping scout squad, denies belittling teammate's paycheck (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13829459/dolphins-qb-ryan-tannehill-admits-ripping-scout-squad-denies-belittling-teammate-paycheck)

So he admits saying something, just not the paycheck line.

""To put words into my mouth that I didn't say, to degrade my reputation and what I stand for -- honestly it's sickening to me,""

And now he knows how Dolphins fans feel about watching him regress to basically his rookie season numbers.

What the Hell was Philbin doing down there? Was he literally just collecting a paycheck until they figured out he was in way over his head? :rant:

[stevew]

Jeff Fisher is the real beneficiary of the conflict as nobody has time to notice what a poor to mediocre coach he is