NFL Week 6

[Butter]

Atlanta finally falls from the realm of the undefeated.

Bengals / Bills got a bit easier for Cincy when EJ Manuel was announced as the starter. I don't even know who his backup is.

[JPhillips]

It may be years of pessimism talking, but I don't like the Bengals/Bills matchup at all. It seems like a clear trap game. Hopefully the Bills'injuries will make the difference.

[frnk55]

Am I crazy thinking that the Browns will win against Denver?

[NobodyHere]

Am I crazy thinking that the Browns will win against Denver?

Well the Browns do like to win a couple games before crushing the souls of their fanbase with a late season collapse. And a win against an undefeated team would make the collapse all the more crushing.

So no, you're not crazy.

[Grover]

Well the Browns do like to win a couple games before crushing the souls of their fanbase with a late season collapse. And a win against an undefeated team would make the collapse all the more crushing.

So no, you're not crazy.

This is hilarious.

[Julio Riddols]

I feel like the Bills game has a shot at being a trap game too, but the thing that stops me from fully believing it is Eifert being healthy. A TE of that caliber can make a good defense look a lot worse by just being on the field, and Andy has torched Rex Ryan defenses before. My worry is that the defense will somehow fail the team, but I think they still come out 6-0 with a 27-23 type win.

[Grover]

I feel like the Bills game has a shot at being a trap game too, but the thing that stops me from fully believing it is Eifert being healthy. A TE of that caliber can make a good defense look a lot worse by just being on the field, and Andy has torched Rex Ryan defenses before. My worry is that the defense will somehow fail the team, but I think they still come out 6-0 with a 27-23 type win.

No way an EJ Manuel led Bills puts up 23.

[Julio Riddols]

No way an EJ Manuel led Bills puts up 23.

I don't discount EJ Manuel. He was pretty shitty at FSU but then the light came on. It might happen in the NFL too.

[Thomkal]

My beloved Cards take on a Big Ben-less (thank god) Steelers team today in Pittsburgh....where it was snowing this morning, two weeks before Halloween...

[BishopMVP]

My beloved Cards take on a Big Ben-less (thank god) Steelers team today in Pittsburgh....where it was snowing this morning, two weeks before Halloween...Hey, it was snowing in Mass during my flag football game this morning... And it'll be in the 60's by Tuesday. I love fall in New England!

Line's already moved 3 points to the Patriots, but even 9.5 isn't enough imo."The main thing I want is to see them win. As long as they have one point more than the Colts, I'm fine," Tom Brady Sr. told The New York Times. "That being said, I'd like to see them put 60 points on the board, and love to see Tom throw for 500 yards and eight touchdowns."

[TroyF]

Am I crazy thinking that the Browns will win against Denver?


You can beat Denver. I'll give you the blueprint:

1) Keep the Denver running game down. (the easiest of your tasks, because the Broncos offensive line sucks)

2) Take advantage of Manning mistakes. (While the stats didn't show it, he played a lot better last week and only one of the INT's was his fault) He will make a mistake or two and you cannot drop it when he does.

3) Use the TE. Good luck getting it to WR consistently. you won't have time in the pocket anyway.

4) Take the sack when you need to. Seriously, just don't try to make a miracle Russell Wilson play against this defense. You might make a play or two by doing that. The more likely scenario is you make a spin move and turn into a LB who is going to strip you. Just go down if there isn't a clear way out.


Do those things, you have a shot. Denver is not even close to unbeatable right now. The running game is in tatters, Manning is struggling, and the defense is a little banged up (Ware will miss this game, Talib not at 100%) and has been on the field A LONG TIME the last few games.

I think Denver will win the game, but I wouldn't be stunned at all if it didn't happen.

[Thomkal]

Vick got sent off by the ref for I assume was a concussion check-Landry Jones is the 3rd string-looks like Vick might come back when they have the ball again.

[Atocep]

The NFL still has no idea what a catch is.

[TroyF]

The NFL still has no idea what a catch is.


Nope. Nobody has any idea of what a catch is anymore. None of us have a clue.

[Atocep]

Nope. Nobody has any idea of what a catch is anymore. None of us have a clue.

What's funny is the more they've done to clarify what a catch is the more they've confused everyone.

Game changing call in the Bears game. When everyone in the booth says no catch, mike pereira says no catch, and everyone in the studio says no catch and the refs, on review, say catch something is wrong.

[EagleFan]

Two things. The KC 4th down the back was never down. The Steelers TD, didn't his butt land out of bounds before the 2nd foot came down?

[EagleFan]

3rd thing. Why go for 2 there? An XP makes it a 3 point lead.

[bhlloy]

Two things. The KC 4th down the back was never down. The Steelers TD, didn't his butt land out of bounds before the 2nd foot came down?

I thought he was clearly out of bounds before his second foot came down. Can't believe they didn't at least look at it

[Thomkal]

Vick got sent off by the ref for I assume was a concussion check-Landry Jones is the 3rd string-looks like Vick might come back when they have the ball again.

Vick had dirt in his eyes, no concussion, but has strained his hamstring now and Jones is in, and got his first NFL TD. Somehow with Palmer throwing over 200 yards in first half, and vick with one yard, the steelers are in the lead. Would be a very bad loss if Cards go on to lose this game.

[NobodyHere]

Am I crazy thinking that the Browns will win against Denver?

No you're not crazy after that pick 6 :p

[Jas_lov]

3rd thing. Why go for 2 there? An XP makes it a 3 point lead.

Better than John Fox kicking the XP down by 2 in the 4th quarter.

[EagleFan]

Better than John Fox kicking the XP down by 2 in the 4th quarter.

Some odd decisions today.

[NobodyHere]

Why did Cleveland go for 2?

[NobodyHere]

Oh FFS Browns

[Atocep]

Better than John Fox kicking the XP down by 2 in the 4th quarter.

There was 12 minutes to go and the bears have been moving the ball well. No need for 2 there.

[hoopsguy]

The NFL still has no idea what a catch is.

Would love to see Dez Bryant's thoughts of the call today.

[Jas_lov]

And now Caldwell kicks a FG down by 7 with 2:46 left. It was only 4th and 4. Dumb decisions from both coaches in this Lions-Bears game.

[MikeVic]

Bryant is gross.

[hoopsguy]

Better than John Fox kicking the XP down by 2 in the 4th quarter.

Or Caldwell taking field goal with less than three minutes to go, to cut deficit from 7 to 4?

[NobodyHere]

Why did Cleveland go for 2?

Instead of kicking a field goal for the lead they just kicked one for a tie with 1:30 left.

I just don't get it

[JonInMiddleGA]

odd stat moment with Den-Cle

with 56 seconds left, both QBs were 20/37, less than 20 yards difference, Manning 1 TD / 2 INT, McCown 2 TD / 1 INT ...

and as I type this, McCown throws a pick

[hoopsguy]

Detroit/Chicago game seemed like an ongoing effort for the refs to screw up the game more and more with every subsequent ruling.

Bears stink, so this isn't a "woe is them" post at all. But what a miserable experience it was watching this game between bad teams get scrambled even further by the zebras.

[NobodyHere]

The Broncos need some new receivers. The old ones are broken.

[MikeVic]

Come on Manning. Can't believe I picked Broncos in a survivor pool.

[hoopsguy]

The winners of this weeks Bears/Lions game are the Viking and Packers, who both get the opportunity to stack multiple wins against these chumps.

[bhlloy]

Instead of kicking a field goal for the lead they just kicked one for a tie with 1:30 left.

I just don't get it

Would have won the game as things went. Bad decision

[Galaril]

Denver is definitely an incrediblely flawed and starting to get banged up team, but 6-0 when they probably should be 3-3 is always good. The two week bye couldn't come at a better time.

[TroyF]

1) Keep the Denver running game down. (the easiest of your tasks, because the Broncos offensive line sucks)

Fail. Way too easy for Denver to run the ball. Horrible run defense.

2) Take advantage of Manning mistakes. (While the stats didn't show it, he played a lot better last week and only one of the INT's was his fault) He will make a mistake or two and you cannot drop it when he does.

Success: Got him 3 times. Made the most of your chances there.

3) Use the TE. Good luck getting it to WR consistently. you won't have time in the pocket anyway.


Success, at least in the red zone. Benjamin had a great game, but 50 yards of it was off a play Denver stopped playing. Doesn't take away anything from him overall, he's a good little player.

4) Take the sack when you need to. Seriously, just don't try to make a miracle Russell Wilson play against this defense. You might make a play or two by doing that. The more likely scenario is you make a spin move and turn into a LB who is going to strip you. Just go down if there isn't a clear way out.

Fail. The height of this was at the end of regulation. A really stupid decision under pressure. There were others though. Barrett and Miller were both within a whisker of causing fumbles.



Denver is incredibly lucky to be 6-0. They don't deserve it on a lot of levels. The one thing they have, however, is a simply dominant defense and that part isn't luck. The high water mark for any offense against Denver is 325 yards. (That will almost certainly be lower when Rodgers comes to town in two weeks)

They just don't allow you to get yardage and on 3rd and long, you are dead.

The thing that sucks is the stupid penalties by the defense. Late hits on the QB, offsides, face masks. . . . Ugh.

6-0? The AFC West essentially over? I'll take it. But I'm still not buying this team is a Super Bowl contender until I see more from the offense. The Patriots, Bengals and Steelers (if Big Ben is healthy) are all better NFL teams right now.

[Thomkal]

very disappointing loss from the Cards-defense held Vick to 1 yard passing and couldn't contain a guy with no experience in the NFL.

[TroyF]

Why did Cleveland go for 2?


Cleveland made two REALLY strange moves this game:

1) Going for 2. Seriously, what the hell? Stupid, stupid move. Kick the point and go up 4. Going up 6 does what exactly?

2) End of game, Cleveland is driving, down 3. They have a 1st and 10 at the Denver 13 yard line and Denver uses their first time out. Cleveland decides to make sure Denver uses their other two timeouts as though a FG will allow them to take the lead.

No, it only ties them the game. So they run the ball two times so Denver doesn't have any timeouts left. It sets them up with a 3rd and 7. Seriously? You set yourself up with a 3rd and 7 against that defense? Ummm, ok. Nearly a sack and a throw out of the end zone later and the game is tied.

You need to be going for the win there. You shouldn't be worried at all about how much time Denver has left. Just a stupid decision.

The combination of those decisions cost Cleveland the football game.

[JPhillips]

What's the explanation for Dalton? Has he really taken a giant step forward or is he on a hot streak that's going to come to an end soon?

[TroyF]

Kodos,

Latimer played early in the game. He ran a poor route and was overthrown on his target. (Manning was visibly upset at him heading to the sideline) After Sanders was injured, Latimer was in every play. He was not targeted the rest of the game.

[rowech]

What's the explanation for Dalton? Has he really taken a giant step forward or is he on a hot streak that's going to come to an end soon?

Just no way for teams to deal with Green and Eifert at the same time and if you try to, they get you with Jones and Sanu. Offensive line is playing extremely well also.

[TroyF]

What's the explanation for Dalton? Has he really taken a giant step forward or is he on a hot streak that's going to come to an end soon?


He's got a ridiculous amount of weaponry now. A healthy Green, a good TE, a top 10 running game and an offensive line who keeps him clean. He's always been an average to above average QB. When you add all of that other stuff, he suddenly becomes a very good QB.

I don't think this Cincy team is a mirage. They are a good football team. I don't see Dalton coming down from this. I think he's for real.

[stevew]

Mike Pettine looks like a HS Football Coach/History Teacher

[EagleFan]

How the hell was that not roughing the kicker?

[JPhillips]

I agree on the weapons for Dalton, but in the past he hasn't been able to find second and third options or audiblize so efficiently. He's making very few bad decisions. His mechanics also seem a lot better. He's not sailing throws the way he has in the past. He's got more options, but he really seems to be much better with his tasks than he was previously.

[stevew]

My beloved Cards take on a Big Ben-less (thank god) Steelers team today in Pittsburgh....where it was snowing this morning, two weeks before Halloween...

Arizona guys are used to playing in Pittsburgh.


;)

[stevew]

And now Caldwell kicks a FG down by 7 with 2:46 left. It was only 4th and 4. Dumb decisions from both coaches in this Lions-Bears game.

I'm sure Caldwell is a really nice guy but he'd be a great hire for some college program

[gstelmack]

Could not get any replays to see what was really going on, but it sure looked like the refs gifted the Seattle fans at least one and possibly two early false starts on Greg Olsen. In neither case did it look like anyone was moving before the snap when watching the play live; there was some movement as they settled just before the snap on the first one, so I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out there was something, but the second sure looked clean. But heaven forbid Fox would show a replay, even after the announcers questioned it (my son is a witness that I questioned it before they started talking about it, though).

But hey, the fans got to flip their false start counter twice...

[Julio Riddols]

I agree on the weapons for Dalton, but in the past he hasn't been able to find second and third options or audiblize so efficiently. He's making very few bad decisions. His mechanics also seem a lot better. He's not sailing throws the way he has in the past. He's got more options, but he really seems to be much better with his tasks than he was previously.

Yeah, I think its a trust thing. Dalton has been in this offense for more than a year, has played with these weapons for more than 2, and has them all healthy now. He can throw it into tight spots with a guy like Eifert and Eifert can bring it down. The whole team is incredibly unselfish, and the ball gets spread around to whoever is open. Dalton is making better calls at the line and better decisions with the ball, but a good deal of his confidence in doing that has to be a combination of familiarity and comfort with this offense. It has been nice seeing him play at this level to this point.. Now I just need to see this team come out of the bye and not be flat footed, then win some prime time games, then win in the playoffs. I think they can do it, especially with Burfict on his way back after the bye.

[cuervo72]

Mike Pettine looks like a HS Football Coach/History Teacher

Yeah, I'm still a little amazed that a guy who coached at William Tennant and North Penn (two not very great HS programs we played against, though he came later) is now coaching an NFL team.

[Abe Sargent]

Well that was definitely a man-up, assert your authority drive.

[BishopMVP]

Well that was definitely a man-up, assert your authority drive.What was that one?

[Abe Sargent]

Colts ame up with a onsides after the pick six? You have to admire the Colts here.

[Abe Sargent]

Or not, come on refs, figure out which side is which now :)

[jeff061]

Think they may have to bench Edelman. Sucks.

[EagleFan]

So the ref first says Colts ball, then says Patriots ball. Now we have a challenge but based on that replay I see nothing that can reverse the call. But with the Colts player coming out of the pile with the ball I would like to know what the ref saw that made him say Patriots ball.

[cuervo72]

So the ref first says Colts ball, then says Patriots ball. Now we have a challenge but based on that replay I see nothing that can reverse the call. But with the Colts player coming out of the pile with the ball I would like to know what the ref saw that made him say Patriots ball.

Random guess.

[jeff061]

A lot going on. I'm sure they didn't see it. Or they just saw the angle where the Pats fell on top of it.

[TroyF]

So the ref first says Colts ball, then says Patriots ball. Now we have a challenge but based on that replay I see nothing that can reverse the call. But with the Colts player coming out of the pile with the ball I would like to know what the ref saw that made him say Patriots ball.


SSHHHH. . . The league and the networks HATE the Patriots and are against them 100%. Stop trying to insinuate otherwise.

In all seriousness, it looked on the replay when you combined the angles that it was a clear Colts recovery. Just my opinion. Colts are playing this game the exact right way so far. Be aggressive at times, but overall, just try to not do anything stupid. I know it is a novel idea, but take what the Patriots give you and don't try a bunch of stupid reverses or counters.

This defense will give you 5 to 8 yard chunks between the 20's. Don't be stupid and try for more. Take them.

[jeff061]

They should be crowding the line and daring luck to throw long. I don't think he has that in him.

[jeff061]

And not interfere.

[BishopMVP]

Colts ame up with a onsides after the pick six? You have to admire the Colts here.For a guy who supposedly is a dead man walking, Pagano's looking good tonight. No question Pats got lucky on that review.

Great play by Luck on that touchdown.

[Galaril]

Nice half by the Colts. Unfortunately, I fear for them football is a two half sport
:-)

[sabotai]

LOL, what the fuck was that!?

[Pumpy Tudors]

LOL, I'm almost in tears from laughing so hard.

[Atocep]

That was the dumbest play I can recall seeing in my life.

[Jas_lov]

Pagano should be fired tomorrow. Snap the ball, 2 on 5, get tackled immediately and give the ball to Brady on your own 30.

[EagleFan]

There have been some odd (being kind) calls today but I think that one tops them all.

[BishopMVP]

Colts are playing this game the exact right way so far. Be aggressive at times, but overall, just try to not do anything stupid. I know it is a novel idea, but take what the Patriots give you and don't try a bunch of stupid reverses or counters.About that... :eek:

[EagleFan]

I don't even know if they were going to snap the ball, the guy under center seemed surprised when the ball was snapped.

[Galaril]

Wtf !...Pagano has pretty much signed his resignation papers with that f'ed play. LMFAO. Nice way to hand the game to the Pats haha.

[Atocep]

I'm seriously wondering if they practiced that play and thought it was a good idea.

[Abe Sargent]

EDIT - Let me fix my grammar, sorry


Here's my best guess:

This play is designed to do two things:

1) Be a way to take a delay of game without your foe realizing that you want it
2). To get an offisdes call for a first down

It's so odd and bizarre, that you get your foes thinking about the wrong thing.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Finally, a special teams play worse than this:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6-tqLG__Al4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[EagleFan]

My best guess is that it was a play t get a false snap when you actually want to take a deal of game to push your kicker back t pin them more deeply. You have a good chance of an offsides.

Drinking? or phone posting?

[bhlloy]

Did they just play Misunderstanding by Genesis when the Pats scored? Trying to tell us something there NBC?

[Abe Sargent]

Drinking? or phone posting?

Just not editing my posts after I type them pre-post. That's all. It's pretty common.

[stevew]

Wow. Just catching up with that play.

[SirFozzie]

This just in. The Colts have handed their trick play center's head to the NFL officials, claiming the Patriots deflated it.

[bhlloy]

Every time I see the Colts Castonzo is either giving up sacks or taking holding penalties

[EagleFan]

Just not editing my posts after I type them pre-post. That's all. It's pretty common.

:)

[Dutch]

That was clearly another example of a coach getting mind-fucked by Bill Belichek.

[cuervo72]

Looked like one of the DL smacked Luck in the head on the sack/1st holding call.

[EagleFan]

I would have paid money to see the Colts try that play again that time.

[stevew]

Has that play ever worked ever? Didn't Oregon do a bunch of stuff like that

[EagleFan]

Okay, I would even pay more money to see the Patriots line up in that formation now.

[SirFozzie]

Watch Brady Phelps's Vine "Solid plan, IMO." (https://vine.co/v/e9gT6iIqUBg)

[Abe Sargent]

Qhoa!

[SirFozzie]

I've never seen anyone successfully hurdle the line and block the kick before.

5-0.

[molson]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRpiaPjVAAI0mAT.jpg

[SirFozzie]

Will say this, Both teams had moments of gifts (the questionable call on the onside kick recovery, the ball off Edelman's injured hand that turned into a Pick Six, and then the Snapfu).. The Colts aren't a bad team, I expect to see them again in the playoffs. I think the Pats are better then them right now.

But huge game next week, 5-0 Pats vs 5-1 Jets. (Although Bills fans might steal a line from the Freddy vs Jason movie (or was it Alien vs Predator).. "No matter who wins.. we lose"

[wustin]

EDIT - Let me fix my grammar, sorry


Here's my best guess:

This play is designed to do two things:

1) Be a way to take a delay of game without your foe realizing that you want it
2). To get an offisdes call for a first down

It's so odd and bizarre, that you get your foes thinking about the wrong thing.

The center is also not supposed to snap the ball.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Colts were at their own 37 when they attempted that strange special teams play. Unless they think their punter is going to do a 65-yard punt, they weren't going for the delay of game. I don't think they were trying to do anything remotely conventional.

[Atocep]

The Colts were at their own 37 when they attempted that strange special teams play. Unless they think their punter is going to do a 65-yard punt, they weren't going for the delay of game. I don't think they were trying to do anything remotely conventional.

Post game it was explained that it was an attempt to either catch the Pats off guard while subbing or draw an offsides penalty. The ball was never supposed to be snapped.

Regardless, the play obviously hadn't been practiced enough and they had no business trying stupid shit like that against a Belichick team.

[NobodyHere]

Post game it was explained that it was an attempt to either catch the Pats off guard while subbing or draw an offsides penalty. The ball was never supposed to be snapped.

Regardless, the play obviously hadn't been practiced enough and they had no business trying stupid shit like that against a Belichick team.

Considering that the other Colts players didn't move I concur that the ball wasn't suppose to be snapped.

Grigson will probably try to use this to fire Pagano. There's already lots of speculation that those two do not get along well at all.

[molson]

Can you try to draw a defense offside with an illegal formation, or would those two penalties just offset even if it "worked?"

Edit: I read one theory that the idea was to confuse the Patriots about where the line of scrimmage was, so that they would line up too far forward. But that wouldn't be a penalty until the Colts snapped the ball in their illegal formation, which would certainly result off-setting penalties. If not that, they were trying to make someone jump and make contact, but, the play wasn't really set up for that either because everyone except the snapper was pretty far back.

[NobodyHere]

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wrunlfTR4gSp-D8hsjhDwudxRVk=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4175174/watudoin.0.gif

[stevew]

Is the point of that play to get the patriots defender to screw up and line up directly on top of the center and/or to nail the defenseless snapper? I dunno if the punt formation rules protecting the snapper would still apply but the punter was still in formation. Maybe they hoped Whalen would get wailed on?

[BillJasper]

Don't they have to have someone on both sides of the center in any formation?

[Logan]

Is the point of that play to get the patriots defender to screw up and line up directly on top of the center and/or to nail the defenseless snapper? I dunno if the punt formation rules protecting the snapper would still apply but the punter was still in formation. Maybe they hoped Whalen would get wailed on?

I would think having a player lined up under center taking the snap would negate that rule.

[PilotMan]

I can't believe that the Steelers won this week. I left at halftime and had already marked down the L in my head. That with the expected Bengals win and I had pretty much marked us down for another playoff missing 8-8 season.

[Galaril]

LMAO still. I woke up this morning to eye who one and realize that playtime really happened and two it was the deciding score. Wow. Yeah that was the first time I can remember seeing some one do something that you can say yup that is why they got fired. ..... The Colts got too cute trying to out Hoodie "The Hoodie". It would have been funny later if the Pats Lind up and really pulled that play off though the formation itself is illegal with not enough players on the line to start with so it would need to be modified but bet the Pats grab that and use it down the road now.

[Kodos]

Yep. We Bill Belichick does dumb shit, it usually works.

[jeff061]

The idea was fine, the execution was horrible. Try to confuse them and gain a mismatch for a couple yards, get them to jump offsides or failing either of those call a timeout and punt. Belichick(and most decent coaches) usually doesn't put things in game that haven't been practiced and executed in practice a few thousand times.

I doubt that's what happened in the Colts camp on that one.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I guess I just can't figure out how the play from the Colts was supposed to work. When at least four defenders are crowded around the football and the offense needs three yards, why jump offsides? It makes absolutely zero sense. If the Colts only needed a foot or two, I can see the Patriots defenders being a little antsy because they'd need an immediate tackle. At some other part of the field, it might make some sense. With fewer yards to go, it might make some sense. If there's even one other blocker, it might make some sense. I'm no football coach, so I'm certainly not claiming to understand it better than the Colts staff does, but I feel for Colts fans who are probably still wondering what the fuck their team was doing.

[CU Tiger]

The "water bucket" or "swinging gate" punt formation has been a staple of high school football for as long as I can remember. I'm shocked someone TRIED it in the NFL.

The play as Ive always seen it is:
If the defense lines up over the ball the center "snaps" the ball laterally and back to an offline player split out who runs for a 1st down.
If the entire D lines up with the split out guys you snap it to the up back who runs for a 1st down.
If the D lines up correctly, as the Pats did there, you motion into a standard punt formation and punt the damn ball.

Again, MOST high schools around here do this every kick (punt or FG/XP) to think an NFL player wasnt going to be prepared for that is crazy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So we can call last night's game "Swinging Gate-gate"?

[Logan]

Rutgers did that under Schiano on probably half of XP opportunities during the back half of his tenure. I don't think they actually went for two out of it more than a couple times though. Either way, he never tried it during a punt.

His "I'm so smart" stuff related to punts was things like sending your punt block unit out there and sticking with it despite the other team putting its offense on the field, including a split out WR (Chris Henry) uncovered.

I miss him sometimes.

[Kodos]

How do you feel about Rutgers in the Big Ten? Like it? Hate it?

[SirFozzie]

Noticed this on an ESPN.COM story about the Pats game

"(Brady) also did not elaborate when asked by ESPN staffers if he took two footballs from the game as a keepsake, saying only he didn't keep them for himself."

Odds that the game balls are going to Jastremski and McNally (the "Deflators")?

if so, Brady's Troll Level is over 9000...

[Logan]

How do you feel about Rutgers in the Big Ten? Like it? Hate it?

Love it. It's all about quality of opponents to me. With no disrespect to these schools, years of "getting up" for UConn, Syracuse, Cincy, etc coming into town just wore out really quickly. There's an entire different buzz around the tailgating lots when those teams are now Ohio State, Michigan, MSU, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Could that fizzle after 10 years of mediocre results? Possibly. But for now it's much more enjoyable.

I'm realistic about the program. I'm not expecting National Championships, but there's absolutely enough talent locally to compete for the top of even the B1G East eventually. A quick look at recruiting rankings will confirm that. The school is just at such a huge disadvantage vs the top of the division both financially and our overmatched coach compared to some of these other titans. It'll be a little better in a few years when we start pulling in $50 million in revenue, but we won't be gaining on our division mates obviously.

[Arles]

NE has gotten a nice schedule in terms of QBs. Pittsburgh (with no Bell) may end up being the toughest offense they face all season. So far, they faced Tyrod Taylor, Bortles, Weeden, Luck on a bum shoulder and Ben. Here's the QBs they face the rest of the year: Fitzpatrick (twice), Tannehill (twice), Taylor/Manuel, Bradford (if he's still alive), Mariota (also if alive), Cousins/RG3/Thiesmann, Peyton's wobbler, Houston's poo poo platter and Eli. They very well may go 16-0 with slate of QBs - only the Giants look able to score points on any consistent level.

[jeff061]

I don't think the Pats crap schedule is a good thing. I'd rather they get tested before the playoffs.

[Solecismic]

How do you feel about Rutgers in the Big Ten? Like it? Hate it?

As far as Rutgers being a quality university, I like it. It's a good fit academically and traditionally, though it doesn't have the athletic reputation.

But it's too far away. This was a move made for BTN dollars and nothing else.

And 14 teams in a conference is too many. Ten is great, since you can play a round-robin schedule (or eight in conference if you want to balance home/road). Twelve is OK, since your schedule is more balanced. But then you're in two mini-conferences and only have non-division opponents visiting every four years. But with 14, you only get one non-division opponent visiting every year. You might as well be in another conference.

We are headed toward a sea change in college football (which will carry every other sport with it). At some point, these 14-team conferences will start to split. I think we'll end up with a lot of seven- and eight-team division-type conferences. The question is whether these will be major-majors and semi-major majors or whether they will all be balanced.

What we have now is very unstable. All these electrons floating in outer shells, vulnerable to collision and a new molecular structure.

[Solecismic]

I don't think the Pats crap schedule is a good thing. I'd rather they get tested before the playoffs.

Their total schedule rating (combined opponent record, minus their own influence) is 44-38 (.537), which is solidly above average. Every team can look like crap if you look hard enough.

And as far as great quarterback opponents are concerned, there's only one Aaron Rodgers.

[miked]

I don't understand Washington and Gruden. Is RGIII so entirely terrible that Cousins is the answer? He has not looked good in any game really this season, and yet he is the "starter for the season" or something. I mean, granted RGIII has not looked good, but he has looked at least as good if not better than Cousins and McCoy. Are they really going to pay him all this money to be inactive the entire season?

[NobodyHere]

The idea was fine, the execution was horrible. Try to confuse them and gain a mismatch for a couple yards, get them to jump offsides or failing either of those call a timeout and punt. Belichick(and most decent coaches) usually doesn't put things in game that haven't been practiced and executed in practice a few thousand times.

I doubt that's what happened in the Colts camp on that one.

No, the idea was not fine. Unless the Pats player commits a personal foul or something before the Colts snap the ball there was no way this was going to work. There is no point for the Pats to call a timeout because the Colts were in an illegal formation, ditto for just jumping offsides.

[BishopMVP]

Has that play ever worked ever? Didn't Oregon do a bunch of stuff like that I've seen it work to draw a timeout from the defense a few times, and seen it run a few times out of shotgun when the defense lines up wrong. But the "QB" is no threat to throw the bubble screen if he's under center because he could never get that pass off, and again, the entire right side of team was lined up illegally so it's just terrible coaching. Patriots aren't immune to that though - I remember losing a playoff game to the Jets where the upback (Pat Chung) audibled to a fake punt at our 30 yard line, so I generally hate the idea of even giving a non-regular QB the option to snap the ball "if a look is there". I can only imagine why someone would think it's a good idea to put a non-QB under "center" with a WR deciding whether to snap the ball.

Speaking of Pats special teams, fingers crossed Slater isn't done for the year but it didn't look good.

We are headed toward a sea change in college football (which will carry every other sport with it). At some point, these 14-team conferences will start to split. I think we'll end up with a lot of seven- and eight-team division-type conferences. The question is whether these will be major-majors and semi-major majors or whether they will all be balanced.That's the million dollar question - do they split back into 8-10 team conferences or go to 4 16-team super conferences and split from the other 60 D1 schools? Do you really think Ohio State or Michigan wants to split off into a 7-team conference with MSU, Wisconsin, PSU, and let's say Iowa and Minnesota? No, you need the Indiana's and Purdue's of the world because otherwise the good teams can't win 9 games every year.

[jeff061]

No, the idea was not fine. Unless the Pats player commits a personal foul or something before the Colts snap the ball there was no way this was going to work. There is no point for the Pats to call a timeout because the Colts were in an illegal formation, ditto for just jumping offsides.

Well yes, I'd consider lining up illegally to be part of the execution and that certainly voids everything.

[Solecismic]

That's the million dollar question - do they split back into 8-10 team conferences or go to 4 16-team super conferences and split from the other 60 D1 schools? Do you really think Ohio State or Michigan wants to split off into a 7-team conference with MSU, Wisconsin, PSU, and let's say Iowa and Minnesota? No, you need the Indiana's and Purdue's of the world because otherwise the good teams can't win 9 games every year.

The billion-dollar question is whether the Indianas and Purdues of this world will be part of it. One way this could go is four eight-team conferences, all made up of the top revenue-producing schools.

When the Big Ten started choosing money over tradition, all bets were off. We don't know the future, but the current structure is very unstable.

[BishopMVP]

Their total schedule rating (combined opponent record, minus their own influence) is 44-38 (.537), which is solidly above average. Every team can look like crap if you look hard enough.

And as far as great quarterback opponents are concerned, there's only one Aaron Rodgers.I think our schedule is average, but heavily slanted towards defensive teams especially since Bell, Romo & Bryant have all been out vs us. Denver, Jets 2x, Bills 2x, etc. Only AFC team we "avoid" is Cincy, but I still need to see Dalton win a prime time game before getting too worried. NFC-wise, we avoid GB, but other than that who's been great? Arizona was until the 2nd half today, you can't say Seattle at this point, and even with the difference in record I'm not convinced Atlanta and Carolina are any better than Philly and the Giants.

[BishopMVP]

The billion-dollar question is whether the Indianas and Purdues of this world will be part of it. One way this could go is four eight-team conferences, all made up of the top revenue-producing schools.

When the Big Ten started choosing money over tradition, all bets were off. We don't know the future, but the current structure is very unstable.And I think they definitely will be. Just look at Michigan this year - they look like a legitimate top 15 team, but they're 0-2 vs schools who'd be in a top 32 setup and 5-0 vs others. College football has 100+ years of tradition where 2 losses knocks you out of the title picture and I don't think people want a paradigm shift where 9-2 Ohio State vs 8-3 Michigan is a marquee game of top 10 teams. You see it now with the SEC West - even if Arkansas might be a top 40 team they can't get a winning season and Bielema will likely be fired unless that changes real soon. Just like boxers CFB teams need those cupcake wins so all the good teams can have gaudy records when they meet.

And as much as the Big Ten chased the money over tradition, I do think there's been some push back from alums and the Big Ten will not expand to 16 unless forced to or their dream duo of ND & Texas asks to join.

[Solecismic]

The decision on maintaining tradition has been made. Tradition is gone.

Because of parity, we're conditioned to understand that top NFL teams won't be undefeated. If we go to a super-league of four associated conferences, there won't be many undefeated teams (I assume they'll keep the shorter schedule so they can continue to pretend this is amateur football and these are students).

Michigan isn't good enough this year. Part of a super-league means understanding that 8-4 will be a good season and might well mean a berth in the eight-team playoffs.

We're about half-way through this transition, and it could go in many directions.

[Sublime 2]

NE has gotten a nice schedule in terms of QBs. Pittsburgh (with no Bell) may end up being the toughest offense they face all season. So far, they faced Tyrod Taylor, Bortles, Weeden, Luck on a bum shoulder and Ben. Here's the QBs they face the rest of the year: Fitzpatrick (twice), Tannehill (twice), Taylor/Manuel, Bradford (if he's still alive), Mariota (also if alive), Cousins/RG3/Thiesmann, Peyton's wobbler, Houston's poo poo platter and Eli. They very well may go 16-0 with slate of QBs - only the Giants look able to score points on any consistent level.

They had 4-5 game stretch last year against some QB studs, and Revis proved invaluable there. I've seen posited that this is one of the reasons they didn't blow the doors off to keep Revis. I doubt that's true, but it's an interesting thought.

[Logan]

The decision on maintaining tradition has been made. Tradition is gone.

Because of parity, we're conditioned to understand that top NFL teams won't be undefeated. If we go to a super-league of four associated conferences, there won't be many undefeated teams (I assume they'll keep the shorter schedule so they can continue to pretend this is amateur football and these are students).

Michigan isn't good enough this year. Part of a super-league means understanding that 8-4 will be a good season and might well mean a berth in the eight-team playoffs.

We're about half-way through this transition, and it could go in many directions.

I think the amateurism debate will force some sort of change way before we get to this point, FWIW.

edit: Or I should say, that will be the driver of this same type of split well before getting over the hurdle of embracing an 8-4 champion.

[SirFozzie]

Maine Football on Twitter: "Hey @Colts, this is how it's done. #BlackBearNation #CAAFB http://t.co/QgokyjOK7m" (https://twitter.com/BlackBearsFB/status/656097488907190273/video/1)

[Grover]

Maine Football on Twitter: "Hey @Colts, this is how it's done. #BlackBearNation #CAAFB http://t.co/QgokyjOK7m" (https://twitter.com/BlackBearsFB/status/656097488907190273/video/1)

Go Black Bears!

[JonInMiddleGA]

The billion-dollar question is whether the Indianas and Purdues of this world will be part of it. One way this could go is four eight-team conferences, all made up of the top revenue-producing schools.

I think there's at least a ten-million dollar question about whether they should be part of it. (And there's a lot of schools in that category, I'm certainly not picking on the IUs and PUs of the world there).

But could we maybe get to a top 48 instead of top 32? 16 teams to the post-season, about 1/3rd feels a lot better to me than something like half.

I mean, if that's the route this hypothetically takes and all that. I have no desire for there to ever BE a 16 team CFB playoff but if that's part of this then that would certainly ring better to me.

[TroyF]

Some random things I've seen in the thread:

Steelers: I think this is the team everyone is sleeping on. The defense has played much better than I thought they would. If Big Ben is healthy, that offense is going to be unbelievable. If the defense can get a few stops, they are going to be simply brutal to play in the playoffs. People will think I'm completely nuts, but I believe this team can win the AFC with a healthy Ben.

Patriots/Colts: Worst execution of a fake I have ever seen. Patriots win, but they don't win by 75. I guess WANTING to win by 75 and actually being able to do it are two different things? Everyone is all over the Pats, Cincy has been the best team I've seen this season.

Seattle: Nobody is talking about it, but I think that team has some serious chemistry issues now. They don't look cohesive at all and it's showing up in fourth quarters. If it isn't for a horrific call, this team is 1-5 and in serious trouble. As it is, 10-0 from this point on probably will not get them home field and it may not even get them a bye. The NFC path to the title isn't going through Seattle this year.

Denver: Only three reasons anyone keeps talking about Denver right now: 1) They are unbeaten. 2) The defense is incredible 3) Some people believe Manning will figure it out.
Well, the true test of that is on the way. The Broncos play the Packers, @ Colts, Patriots, @ Steelers and Bengals as 5 of their last 10 games. (other games are the Bears, Chargers twice, Chiefs and Raiders) Put up a 2-3 against the first group and I'll give Denver a chance in the postseason. With how bad the rest of the AFC West is, it will be hard for Denver to lose that division now.

[miami_fan]

I don't understand Washington and Gruden. Is RGIII so entirely terrible that Cousins is the answer? He has not looked good in any game really this season, and yet he is the "starter for the season" or something. I mean, granted RGIII has not looked good, but he has looked at least as good if not better than Cousins and McCoy. Are they really going to pay him all this money to be inactive the entire season?

I don't think they have any choice to be honest. Griffin is done in DC. It makes no sense to through him out there and leave yourself open to Griffin getting injured and the commitments that come with that. I think they are really regretting not releasing him before the season started. With Griffin gone, I think they could make a rational decision about Cousins instead some of the silliness Gruden is engaging in now. I agree with the decision to commit to Cousins for the season though. Pick your QB, do everything possible to put your QB in the best situation possible including bringing a backup that is the clear #2 (Colt McCoy is too good in this situation) and after 16 games see where you are at. It's what they should have done with Griffin and it is what they should do for Cousins.

[cuervo72]

That was a damned efficient and effective drive by the Giants.

[BillJasper]

WATCH: Colts' all-time bonehead fake punt recreated in 'Tecmo Bowl' - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25345896/watch-colts-all-time-bonehead-fake-punt-recreated-in-tecmo-bowl)

:lol:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JP4Y0Xcm4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[EagleFan]

Weak roughing the passer call there.

[Atocep]

The best news today regarding that play was finding out that they've been practicing that play since last season and Pagano defending the play by saying he'd do it again given the opportunity.

[BillJasper]

The best news today regarding that play was finding out that they've been practicing that play since last season and Pagano defending the play by saying he'd do it again given the opportunity.

I wonder if Pagano is simply burned out and looking to be fired at this point. :lol:

[Julio Riddols]

Maybe if you go deep shotgun and throw it wide immediately it could be an interesting idea.

[bhlloy]

I don't have any idea how NFL coaches consistently have such issues managing the clock at the end of the half

[cuervo72]

I should be happy with a 10-point lead, but I feel like the Eagles failed to capitalize on a few things.

[stevew]

I don't have any idea how NFL coaches consistently have such issues managing the clock at the end of the half

I gotta think its so much harder than Madden and we just don't realize it

[bhlloy]

Coaching staffs of 20 and nobody is so indispensable that they can't be solely responsible for that in the last 2 minutes? Have the fricking strength and conditioning coach do it, what else is he doing on game day? Or one of the seemingly hundreds of towel waving guys on the end of the bench.

[Solecismic]

The best news today regarding that play was finding out that they've been practicing that play since last season and Pagano defending the play by saying he'd do it again given the opportunity.

Maybe he needs Ryan Tannehill's scout team.

[EagleFan]

That was a lousy way to start the second half, almost a nice start too.

[EagleFan]

Manning has been under attack. Good pressure by the defense.

[EagleFan]

Almost an intercepted intentional grounding.

[sabotai]

Every season, the Giants and Eagles seem intent on playing at least one game that's a candidate for worse played game of the season. The tradition continues.

[Julio Riddols]

Eagles seem to have kind of righted their ship the past few weeks. Making a run at a weak division at this point, maybe Kelly will be vindicated when it is all said and done.

[Suicane75]

I think they're a 9-7 or 10-6 team in the best case scenario. I know their offense isn't predicated on it, but not having a deep speed threat at WR is going to hurt them, I think.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Is it just me, or are there very few really good teams in the NFL right now? Looking around the standings, it seems like there are only three teams that are unquestionably in that top tier:

Green Bay
New England
Cincinnati

You've then got a handful of teams who are either close or have question marks:

Denver
Carolina
Atlanta
Pittsburgh
Arizona
New York Jets

And honestly, everyone else looks either downright terrible or just simply not all that good. Probably just anecdotal at this point, but it just seems like there aren't that many good teams this year.

[Julio Riddols]

Lots of bad offensive lines has been the narrative I have heard, and it seems pretty plausible. Pass rushes are ahead of offensive lines for the most part. Kinda glad to know the Bengals have a pretty stacked line compared to most teams at this point.

[Galaril]

Lots of bad offensive lines has been the narrative I have heard, and it seems pretty plausible. Pass rushes are ahead of offensive lines for the most part. Kinda glad to know the Bengals have a pretty stacked line compared to most teams at this point.

I don't know have they played a very good dline or pass rush team yet?

[Butter]

Baltimore is #5 in the NFL in sacks. Kansas City has perenially been a good pass rushing team, and they did beat the Seahawks who rank top 5 in total defense.

[Galaril]

Baltimore is #5 in the NFL in sacks. Kansas City has perenially been a good pass rushing team, and they did beat the Seahawks who rank top 5 in total defense.


Good points. Counter point of course is KC is the 23 defense in yards and 25th in scoring Defense. Baltimore is 25th and 27th respectively.

[HomerSimpson98]

WATCH: Colts' all-time bonehead fake punt recreated in 'Tecmo Bowl' - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25345896/watch-colts-all-time-bonehead-fake-punt-recreated-in-tecmo-bowl)

:lol:

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JP4Y0Xcm4g" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>


hahahaha

[NobodyHere]

Griff Whalen was never part of Colts’ fake punt play in practice (http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/griff-whalen-was-never-part-of-colts%E2%80%99-fake-punt-play-in-practice/ar-AAfFl6a?li=AAa0dzB)

Good Job Pagano! Do you regret calling that play yet?

Of course he doesn't, this is the organization whose GM says he'd make the Trent Richardson trade again. :banghead:

[BillJasper]

Griff Whalen was never part of Colts’ fake punt play in practice (http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/griff-whalen-was-never-part-of-colts%E2%80%99-fake-punt-play-in-practice/ar-AAfFl6a?li=AAa0dzB)

Good Job Pagano! Do you regret calling that play yet?

Of course he doesn't, this is the organization whose GM says he'd make the Trent Richardson trade again. :banghead:

They both deserve to be fired at the end of the season. Though I'd fire Grigson before Pagano, if I had to make a choice.

[molson]

Griff Whalen was never part of Colts’ fake punt play in practice (http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/griff-whalen-was-never-part-of-colts%E2%80%99-fake-punt-play-in-practice/ar-AAfFl6a?li=AAa0dzB)

Good Job Pagano! Do you regret calling that play yet?

Of course he doesn't, this is the organization whose GM says he'd make the Trent Richardson trade again. :banghead:

Did the six Colts that lined up illegally ever practice the play before?

[EagleFan]

Maybe that's the formation they practiced with...

[JonInMiddleGA]

They both deserve to be fired at the end of the season. Though I'd fire Grigson before Pagano, if I had to make a choice.

Had just finished reading the punter's account of the situation on espn.com

I'm sorry but if it went down just like he described it -- that the wide receiver at center had never practiced the play before -- whomever called it shouldn't have a job right now. Not at the end of the season, not at the end of the day, but the instant it was discovered what actually happened.

Whether that's Pagano or the ST coach(es) or whomever ... that's fireably stupid afaic.

[stevew]

Yeah, the punter explains why it was such an awful call. Barnwell did a great breakdown of it as well. Indy needs to clean house this offseason anything short of a Superbowl win.

[NobodyHere]

Yeah, the punter explains why it was such an awful call. Barnwell did a great breakdown of it as well. Indy needs to clean house this offseason anything short of a Superbowl win.

Sadly the Colts will make the playoffs this year because they're the only mediocre team in the AFC South and Grigson will live to GM another year.

[Butter]

So, why wasn't the Jamie Collins blocked kick not a "leaping" penalty?

[dubb93]

So, why wasn't the Jamie Collins blocked kick not a "leaping" penalty?

He didn't land on anyone. I think it broke the spirit/intention of the rule but not the actual rule itself. It's a player safety rule designed to prevent possible injury. I suspect we will probably see it changed to include leaping and not making contact in the offseason to prevent other people from attempting this in the future and accidentally kicking a long snapper in the head at a full sprint.

[Julio Riddols]

I don't know have they played a very good dline or pass rush team yet?

They have played several based on last season.. The big tests appear to be St. Louis and Denver this year, and they play them later on in the season. Those will be interesting contests.. But they have only allowed 6 sacks on the year to this point and they have faced the 1st, 2nd and 5th teams based on sack totals last season.

[Grover]

They have played several based on last season.. The big tests appear to be St. Louis and Denver this year, and they play them later on in the season. Those will be interesting contests.. But they have only allowed 6 sacks on the year to this point and they have faced the 1st, 2nd and 5th teams based on sack totals last season.

And four of those were against Seattle.

[BishopMVP]

He didn't land on anyone. I think it broke the spirit/intention of the rule but not the actual rule itself. It's a player safety rule designed to prevent possible injury. I suspect we will probably see it changed to include leaping and not making contact in the offseason to prevent other people from attempting this in the future and accidentally kicking a long snapper in the head at a full sprint.I have to watch other XP's to confirm whether other centers do this, but I think it was a response to the Colts center not even attempting to raise his head after snapping the ball, which I believe also violates the spirit of the "defenseless snapper" rule. I've never seen him attempt that before, and it was definitely planned because the two DT's are cutting the guards instead of standing up or trying to drive them back for a potential block.

Can't-Miss Play: Collins hurdles line and blocks PAT | New England Patriots (http://www.patriots.com/video/2015/10/18/cant-miss-play-collins-hurdles-line-and-blocks-pat)

[dubb93]

I have to watch other XP's to confirm whether other centers do this, but I think it was a response to the Colts center not even attempting to raise his head after snapping the ball, which I believe also violates the spirit of the "defenseless snapper" rule. I've never seen him attempt that before, and it was definitely planned because the two DT's are cutting the guards instead of standing up or trying to drive them back for a potential block.

Can't-Miss Play: Collins hurdles line and blocks PAT | New England Patriots (http://www.patriots.com/video/2015/10/18/cant-miss-play-collins-hurdles-line-and-blocks-pat)

Not really sure how the long snapper, a defenseless player by league rules, not attempting to block anyone or take part in the play other than the snap violates the spirit of any rule. I would feel worse about him being a defenseless player and violating the spirit of his designation if he came out of the long snap and leveled someone.

I also think we would be looking at an actual suspension here if the long snapper stood up and got kicked in the head.

[BishopMVP]

Not really sure how the long snapper, a defenseless player by league rules, not attempting to block anyone or take part in the play other than the snap violates the spirit of any rule. I would feel worse about him being a defenseless player and violating the spirit of his designation if he came out of the long snap and leveled someone.Long snappers are defenseless players for the 1-2 seconds it takes to come out of the snap and regain their bearings, then they're considered normal offensive linemen. The most likely place to block a kick is over the center, and if a snapper decides to keep his head down it prevents the defense from jumping and landing at all in that area, even after the snapper has had a reasonable amount of time to switch into a blocking stance. Just think about punts - the long snapper gets a second or two, then goes down and covers the punt like a normal player - he's not considered defenseless through the whole play, and neither is (or should be) the long snapper on FG's/XP's.

[BillJasper]

What kind of clown college are they running in Santa Clara?

Kaepernick’s contract could contribute to benching | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/24/kaepernicks-contract-could-contribute-to-benching/)

If they end up firing Tomsula, they won't get anyone worth a damn to come in and take over.

[miami_fan]

What kind of clown college are they running in Santa Clara?

Kaepernick’s contract could contribute to benching | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/24/kaepernicks-contract-could-contribute-to-benching/)

If they end up firing Tomsula, they won't get anyone worth a damn to come in and take over.

Isn't this in keeping with the trend in sports, that the coach is just a middle manager and it is up to the GM or the President of the organization to have majority power on who plays and who doesn't?

Tomsula seems more like the guy who has the title of head coach than the actual head coach.

[BillJasper]

Isn't this in keeping with the trend in sports, that the coach is just a middle manager and it is up to the GM or the President of the organization to have majority power on who plays and who doesn't?



I know it works that way in baseball. But I've always thought the NFL was a different animal. Has that formula ever worked in the NFL?