2023 NFL Regular Season Thread

[molson]

I wonder what would have happened if Broncos kept winning. It sounds like this decision was made months ago, and at at some point they went to Wilson and told him they'd make him inactive he didn't alter some things in his contract. But then they won 5 in a row and seemed like a playoff team. And Wilson looked way better than last year.

Losing to the Patriots at home to destroy your playoff chances seems like a last straw kind of loss, but, do they make that move they don't make that long field goal at the end and are still in the playoff race?

[Ksyrup]

I know what the numbers look like and what they appear to say, and yes, he's been better than last year (credit to Payton for that), but this is not a good offense and Wilson is extremely limited in what he can do. Reading article after article talking about how "great" he has been is obviously just people looking at the numbers and not watching the games. If it wasn't for the defense forcing an unsustainable number of TOs during the winning streak - most of which were converted into punts and FGs, from memory - this would have been a 4-5 win team.

[flere-imsaho]

And that's probably still not as bad as the Watson trade.

Yeah, that's a tough one.

It sounds like the Broncos are going to try and trade him, and they'll probably be successful as I'm sure some team will be dumb enough to think they can make Russ cook, so they'll get out from under the contract and maybe get some draft capital back. But that's one or two years in real cap hell.

OTOH, it doesn't seem like the Browns have any such plans for Watson. He's still young enough for them to kid themselves for the next few years that he's just around the corner from being fit and returning to form. So I'll predict that they'll just drift along for the next few years with a bunch of frustrating games from Watson and wild swings from backups when he's out.

I think I just talked myself into the Watson one being worse. If the Broncos move decisively now, the ramifications will be over in a couple of years and if they've rebuilt properly and are on an upward trajectory no one will care.

[Atocep]

I know what the numbers look like and what they appear to say, and yes, he's been better than last year (credit to Payton for that), but this is not a good offense and Wilson is extremely limited in what he can do. Reading article after article talking about how "great" he has been is obviously just people looking at the numbers and not watching the games. If it wasn't for the defense forcing an unsustainable number of TOs during the winning streak - most of which were converted into punts and FGs, from memory - this would have been a 4-5 win team.

From what I've read Payton is over him not running his offense. He wants to big play hunt until the play breaks down and then run around and do his Seattle stuff and those skills really aren't there anymore for Rus. Payton's offense is a strict, get it out quickly offense that Rus doesn't seem to want to run.

[Atocep]

This game is hideous

[Ksyrup]

From what I've read Payton is over him not running his offense. He wants to big play hunt until the play breaks down and then run around and do his Seattle stuff and those skills really aren't there anymore for Rus. Payton's offense is a strict, get it out quickly offense that Rus doesn't seem to want to run.

The most effective offense they've run with Russ is the Samaje Perine 2 minute offense which is just him dumping the ball off to Perine while the D is in semi-prevent defense and he gets 5-15 yards a pop. But otherwise, it seems like 75% of his throws are at or behind the LOS. I bet Denver leads the league in YAC from behind the LOS.

[CrimsonFox]

Fucking Pickens and Rudolph! Amazing! Who ARE these guys?

[flere-imsaho]

I think if I'm the Bears I stick with Fields and try to use my two first round picks to come away with Harrison, O-line help, and some additional draft capital.

I then offer Ben Johnson quadruple what the Lions are paying him, or triple whatever someone's willing to offer him to be a HC.

I also show Fields a list of QBs that retired in the last 10 years and ask him who on that list he respects, meaning, specifically, if they were watching film with him and they said "yeah, that was a poor decision" he wouldn't be offended, but would be grateful for the advice. I'd then go and hire that person as a QB mentor for the next season.

[Atocep]

I think if I'm the Bears I stick with Fields and try to use my two first round picks to come away with Harrison, O-line help, and some additional draft capital.

I then offer Ben Johnson quadruple what the Lions are paying him, or triple whatever someone's willing to offer him to be a HC.

I also show Fields a list of QBs that retired in the last 10 years and ask him who on that list he respects, meaning, specifically, if they were watching film with him and they said "yeah, that was a poor decision" he wouldn't be offended, but would be grateful for the advice. I'd then go and hire that person as a QB mentor for the next season.

I'm done with Fields. Maybe a better offensive coordinator will develop him somewhere else, but I haven't seen enough improvement through 3 years and the opportunity to reset the rookie deal clock on a QB is way to good to pass up. That opportunity is so tempting that unless Fields is a top 10 QB this year or trending that way I think you draft a QB. If you keep Fields another year you risk painting yourself into the same corner the Giants are in with Daniel Jones.

Bill Barnwell projected that Fields would likely pull a top half of the 2nd round pick in return in a trade. So you get a better prospect on a rookie deal and you recoup the pick spent too acquire Sweat. At that point the options with the 2nd first is to take Nabors/Odunze or take a tackle if Alt or Fashanu fall and move Wright to guard. Either way, I think that's a far stronger foundation than moving forward with Fields with Harrison Jr.

Sweat's play has improved the entire defense so far and with Jones/Dexter playing better I'm not sure a 3 technique is the need it appeared to be. At the very least, it can wait until the 2nd (assuming Fields gets that as a return) to address it.

Another interesting decision will be Jaylon Johnson. He's developed into a legit #1 corner, but Kyler Gordon has progressed very well this year and Stevenson/Terrell have been good as rookies. I'd prefer to keep Johnson, but I can see the argument for letting him go or doing a 1 year franchise deal to maintain cap flexibility since corner already has some solid, young depth.

One of the most telling stats with Fields:

He has a QBR of about 45 this year (ranks 22nd). He has exactly 1 games this year with a QBR within 20 points either way of that number. Out of his 11 starts he's had a QBR of 65+ in 5 of them and a QBR under 20 in 5 others. That other start he had a QBR of 42.

How bad are those under 20 QBR starts? The lowest QBR for a qualifying QB is 30 (Zach Wilson). Zach Wilson has played in 1 more game than Fields this year and has less games with a QBR under 20 despite being the worst starting QB in the NFL.

[GrantDawg]

So many Falcons fans are clamoring to trade for Fields, and I think he would be an unmitigated disaster in Atlanta.

[Atocep]

So many Falcons fans are clamoring to trade for Fields, and I think he would be an unmitigated disaster in Atlanta.

There are some teams out there that it makes sense for them to gamble on him. The Falcons are not one of them.

Cleveland with Stefanski and have a couple years of him until you can reasonably release Watson might make the most sense. He's the type of guy Seattle likes to gamble on. It wouldn't be a bad idea for Minnesota. Cousins will be gone and they're unlikely to be in position to draft a QB. Maybe even the Giants and let him work with Daboll.

Teams like Atlanta, Arizona, Washington, etc. need to stay away until they have better talent and a better coaching staff in place.

[GrantDawg]

There are some teams out there that it makes sense for them to gamble on him. The Falcons are not one of them.

Cleveland with Stefanski and have a couple years of him until you can reasonably release Watson might make the most sense. He's the type of guy Seattle likes to gamble on. It wouldn't be a bad idea for Minnesota. Cousins will be gone and they're unlikely to be in position to draft a QB. Maybe even the Giants and let him work with Daboll.

Teams like Atlanta, Arizona, Washington, etc. need to stay away until they have better talent and a better coaching staff in place.
I think you are underestimating Atlanta's talent. That is not the issue. It is that he is completely opposite of a quarterback that can work in Smith system. Smith needs a guy that takes snaps from center. That can keep his back to the defense on play-action, and knows where to immediately go with the ball when he turns. Fields does not strike me as someone that can do that.
As for Washington, that might be a good fit. Eric Beinemy (as long as he stays) does run an offense that fits Field's skill set. If Atlanta fired Smith and hire Bienemy I wouldn't have much of a problem giving Fields a shot.

[GrantDawg]

That was some super crappy prevent defense there.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[GrantDawg]

This game is drunk.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

How stupid

[GrantDawg]

Dallas hands them the tie, and then you do that.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

I had no problem going for it from the 2. Then they showed 3 plays before going with a 4th play from the 4. Kick it.

[weegeebored]

I'm done with Fields. Maybe a better offensive coordinator will develop him somewhere else, but I haven't seen enough improvement through 3 years and the opportunity to reset the rookie deal clock on a QB is way to good to pass up. That opportunity is so tempting that unless Fields is a top 10 QB this year or trending that way I think you draft a QB. If you keep Fields another year you risk painting yourself into the same corner the Giants are in with Daniel Jones.

Bill Barnwell projected that Fields would likely pull a top half of the 2nd round pick in return in a trade. So you get a better prospect on a rookie deal and you recoup the pick spent too acquire Sweat. At that point the options with the 2nd first is to take Nabors/Odunze or take a tackle if Alt or Fashanu fall and move Wright to guard. Either way, I think that's a far stronger foundation than moving forward with Fields with Harrison Jr.

Sweat's play has improved the entire defense so far and with Jones/Dexter playing better I'm not sure a 3 technique is the need it appeared to be. At the very least, it can wait until the 2nd (assuming Fields gets that as a return) to address it.

Another interesting decision will be Jaylon Johnson. He's developed into a legit #1 corner, but Kyler Gordon has progressed very well this year and Stevenson/Terrell have been good as rookies. I'd prefer to keep Johnson, but I can see the argument for letting him go or doing a 1 year franchise deal to maintain cap flexibility since corner already has some solid, young depth.

One of the most telling stats with Fields:

He has a QBR of about 45 this year (ranks 22nd). He has exactly 1 games this year with a QBR within 20 points either way of that number. Out of his 11 starts he's had a QBR of 65+ in 5 of them and a QBR under 20 in 5 others. That other start he had a QBR of 42.

How bad are those under 20 QBR starts? The lowest QBR for a qualifying QB is 30 (Zach Wilson). Zach Wilson has played in 1 more game than Fields this year and has less games with a QBR under 20 despite being the worst starting QB in the NFL.Great post. I think they should pay Jaylon Johnson, and earlier in the year I would have said the opposite. They have the money and good CBs are hard to find. But the Bears are gonna Bears, so they probably will eff up this offseason per usual. Poles stays, Eberflus stays, Getsy goes (probably), they'll keep Fields, trade the first pick, outsmart themselves in the draft, and make some mediocre FA signings.

And as Sgt Roger Murtaugh said, "I'm too old for this shit."

[Thomkal]

Dear Football Gods:


Please let the Jags blow the Panthers out early so CBS switches to the MIA/BAL game so I don't have to watch that likely sucky game. Thank you Gods.

[dubb93]

Dear Football Gods:


Please let the Jags blow the Panthers out early so CBS switches to the MIA/BAL game so I don't have to watch that likely sucky game. Thank you Gods.

Trevor Lawrence isn’t playing.

[Thomkal]

Trevor Lawrence isn’t playing.


yeah but this is the year of the backup qb being great so that's what i am hoping for here.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So many Falcons fans are clamoring to trade for Fields, and I think he would be an unmitigated disaster in Atlanta.

Falcons fans aren't the most, umm, football savvy bunch.

They already have one QB that doesn't have a fucking clue, why anyone would want a matched set is inexplicable.

(okay, not really ... you & I both know why any Falcons fan would advocate acquiring Fields)

[GrantDawg]

Falcons fans aren't the most, umm, football savvy bunch.

They already have one QB that doesn't have a fucking clue, why anyone would want a matched set is inexplicable.

(okay, not really ... you & I both know why any Falcons fan would advocate acquiring Fields)
The Mike Vick effect. He is closer to Vick than anyone this side of Lamar Jackson. The fans clamoring for him are the same fans that hated Matt Ryan because he wasn't Mike Vick.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Mike Vick effect. He is closer to Vick than anyone this side of Lamar Jackson. The fans clamoring for him are the same fans that hated Matt Ryan because he wasn't Mike Vick.

I'd say the majority are people who want him because he once slept in Athens.

[Brian Swartz]

I thought the idea was for the Falcons to sign Russell Wilson after Denver cuts him, because:

- Some think it's a Falcons kind of thing to do
- Big receivers are an asset to the way Wilson plays
- Bijan Robinson could be very effective with the 20 swing passes he would get per game.

[GrantDawg]

I'd say the majority are people who want him because he once slept in Athens.
And he is from Georgia, I think that is minor compared to the desire for the Mike Vick effect.

[GrantDawg]

I thought the idea was for the Falcons to sign Russell Wilson after Denver cuts him, because:

- Some think it's a Falcons kind of thing to do
- Big receivers are an asset to the way Wilson plays
- Bijan Robinson could be very effective with the 20 swing passes he would get per game.
It all depends on several things, but I do think that is the most likely thing to happen. The fans hate the idea though (or at least the pro-Fields contingent which is pretty vocal). It is the age, recent failure, and the fear he is going to eventually demand insane cap space. To me, he is a pretty good fit. I see the negatives, but since his wife is a local I think we will be his top choice.

[GrantDawg]

These guys slinging the ball around in the steady snow in Chicago.

[GrantDawg]

Calais Cambell now has 6.5 sacks on the year at the age 103.

[Thomkal]

yeah but this is the year of the backup qb being great so that's what i am hoping for here.


They appear to be listening-Panthers kicker hurt in pre-game workout and likely won't play forcing the panthers to go for it on some fourth downs, which they did and they then sacked young and knocked him out of the game.

[GrantDawg]

Justin Fields is playing so well here at the end of the year, the Bears have to be thinking "why move on?" Can you imagine the haul they can get for the number one overall pick? Caleb Williams has already sent signals he doesn't want to play there. Why draft a guy like that when you already have a quarterback?

[AlexB]

I’m sat at home watching the Dolphins literally saying out loud ‘don’t snap it, don’t snap it’… no good was ever going to come from that, and there was no need.

[albionmoonlight]

This week, there were a lot of “why didn’t other teams just pay Baker $4 million to play this season?” stories. This game is answering those questions.

[GrantDawg]

This week, there were a lot of “why didn’t other teams just pay Baker $4 million to play this season?” stories. This game is answering those questions.
I would take him over what the Falcons have in a heart beat. One bad game doesn't erase what has been a solid season.

[GrantDawg]

I watched Peyton Manning throw 4 interceptions in a game. The bum.

[thesloppy]

These ravens still look like the best team in the league

[Coffee Warlord]

Bears clinch the #1 overall again, thank you Carolina.

[JPhillips]

If a video game refused to win as many times as did the Giants I'd blow a gasket.

[Thomkal]

They appear to be listening-Panthers kicker hurt in pre-game workout and likely won't play forcing the panthers to go for it on some fourth downs, which they did and they then sacked young and knocked him out of the game.


The gods turned against me-had both shutouts into the 4th quarter games and they stayed with them rather than going to more competetive games. Thanks Gods

[Honolulu_Blue]

Matty Patty definitely fixed the Eagles’ defensive woes.

[Thomkal]

of course my beloved cards can only beat their old nfc east rivals-when no one predicted them to do so-just like they wrote it up

[Thomkal]

nice game for former coastal carolina TE Likely-2 td's for Bal today

[CrimsonFox]

Packers gonna pack

[RainMaker]

nice game for former coastal carolina TE-2 td's for Bal today

I feel like he would be a starter on most teams. That one handed catch was crazy.

[Thomkal]

I feel like he would be a starter on most teams. That one handed catch was crazy.


Yeah that catch was sweet and that walk untouched into the end zone on the other TD was too. I would like him to be more consistent stat-wise. He can disappear some games. I have to think Mark Andrews is going to retire soon so seems like Baltimore is tailor made for him.

[weegeebored]

Justin Fields is playing so well here at the end of the year, the Bears have to be thinking "why move on?" Can you imagine the haul they can get for the number one overall pick? Caleb Williams has already sent signals he doesn't want to play there. Why draft a guy like that when you already have a quarterback?Here's my main problem with Fields -- while he is capable of amazing runs and escapism, and also some brilliant throws, he still processes the defense too slowly. His field vision is poor. His awesome passes tend to occur when he is not under pressure. During yesterday's game, CBS showed a stat about his completion % when he is under pressure vs not. It was quite telling, and it's not a one-off game stat. This is his normal level of play. He's a franchise QB when he has time to throw, and less-than-mediocre when he doesn't. And realistically, how long do running QBs last? The financial aspect is important as well. He's still relatively cheap even if the Bears pick up his 5th year option, but after that? Is he a $40-$50-$60 million QB? I don't think so. (It's the Daniel Jones situation as someone already mentioned.)

Can the Bears win with Fields at QB? Yes. If they improve their pass rush and O-line and get a smart OC that won't give up on the run and has a feel for the game in real-time. Can they win a Super Bowl with Fields? The only scenario that can happen in is if they have a defense like the '85 Bears, '91 Eagles, or the 2000 Ravens. In today's NFL offense-dominated world those stifling defenses don't exist anymore.

I already posted earlier what I think the Bears will do. But if I'm in Poles shoes I am definitely looking at QBs. I don't want Williams (a little short and has attitude issues) and Mayes is another UNC guy who has played against questionable competition so no thanks. Maybe there's gold in the second QB tier. Trading out of the #1 pick is very appealing as the Bears are not one player away from being a true SB contender. Should be an interesting off-season.

[Brian Swartz]

I think the offense domination has been overblown. Average points scored this year are 22.0; 20.7 in 2000, to use the year of the Ravens. The Browns defense, with lots of injuries, has allowed 4.5 yards/play; that Baltimore team allowed 4.3. Great defenses are very much still possible. I think Cleveland this year would really be on the same level basically if they had stayed healthy on that side.

[weegeebored]

Cleveland hasn't really played any offensive powerhouses this season. The Bears should have beaten them. How good are they really.

[Sweed]

Cleveland hasn't really played any offensive powerhouses this season. The Bears should have beaten them. How good are they really.

They beat the Niners and held them to 215 yds, 3.9 yds per play.

They played the post bye week Rams and were beaten soundly with the Rams rolling up 399 yds, 6.4 yds per play. The Rams also moved the ball well against Baltimore and probably should have won that game too.

Bears put up 236 yds, 3.4 yds per play, and a special teams TD.

I think Cleveland's D is pretty damn good, but in today's NFL a good offense will more than likely prevail.

[Brian Swartz]

How good were the 2000 Ravens really, since they gave up 36 points in Week 2 to a Jacksonville team that would finish 7-9, and were only 5-4 at midseason? We remember how great they were at the end of the year, but it's not like they played the whole season that way.

Cleveland's not a great team, but that's because of their offense. They are 11-5 while ranking 26th in yards/play and leading the league in interceptions thrown, second only to Minnesota in turnover rate by their offense. And they are still a good team despite all of that. If their offense was merely average we'd be asking whether they were Super Bowl favorites (and if you fully buy the Flacco Kool-Aid, which I don't, it's a legit question to ask now).

They're the only team that's beaten both Baltimore and San Francisco this year. From a team and not just defense perspective, I think that has to count for something.

[RainMaker]

So many Falcons fans are clamoring to trade for Fields, and I think he would be an unmitigated disaster in Atlanta.

I don't know why so many people are down on Fields here. I get not wanting to commit a massive contract to him, but we're talking about a 1-2 year flyer on a guy who is still only 24 and has way more physical tools than anyone Atlanta could find in that draft at their pick.

He seems like a pretty mediocre starting QB to me with massive upside. He has issues, but he's also had some really bad coaches and up until this season, no one to throw to. Dante Pettis was their #1 wide receiver for a stretch last season. And DJ Moore seems to be the only legit wide receiver they have on the roster now.

He's way better than Ridder and Heinecke. Better than any free agent about to hit the market. I feel like a 3rd round pick to get a season or two to see if you can get him to reach his potential is worth it.

The two issues I have with him is he holds the ball too long and he seems timid with downfield throws. I feel like some of that can be fixed with some actual good coaching and implementing a system that plays to his strengths instead of trying to turn him into Aaron Rodgers like the Bears have been trying for 2 seasons.

[GrantDawg]

I don't know why so many people are down on Fields here. I get not wanting to commit a massive contract to him, but we're talking about a 1-2 year flyer on a guy who is still only 24 and has way more physical tools than anyone Atlanta could find in that draft at their pick.

He seems like a pretty mediocre starting QB to me with massive upside. He has issues, but he's also had some really bad coaches and up until this season, no one to throw to. Dante Pettis was their #1 wide receiver for a stretch last season. And DJ Moore seems to be the only legit wide receiver they have on the roster now.

He's way better than Ridder and Heinecke. Better than any free agent about to hit the market. I feel like a 3rd round pick to get a season or two to see if you can get him to reach his potential is worth it.

The two issues I have with him is he holds the ball too long and he seems timid with downfield throws. I feel like some of that can be fixed with some actual good coaching and implementing a system that plays to his strengths instead of trying to turn him into Aaron Rodgers like the Bears have been trying for 2 seasons.
Because if we keep Smith, he is a terrible fit. Smith first of all can't develop a quarterback. He needs a guy ready to go on day 1. Second, his offense needs a guy very good at reading a defense. The QB needs to make his pre-read, turn his back on the defense for the PA, then turn to release. Fields has never been known as great at that. The two things that you describe as his issues is what will get him killed in this offense. He has to make quick decisions and get rid of the ball down field.

Now tell me they are firing Smith and bringing in someone like Bieniemy then I am fine with Fields. He could be a good QB in the right system. People have this idea that Smith's system needs a mobile quarterback, and that is not really the case. It needs someone with smarts and arm accuracy. That is not Fields (or Ridder or Heinecke).

[weegeebored]

I don't know why so many people are down on Fields here. I get not wanting to commit a massive contract to him, but we're talking about a 1-2 year flyer on a guy who is still only 24 and has way more physical tools than anyone Atlanta could find in that draft at their pick.

He seems like a pretty mediocre starting QB to me with massive upside. He has issues, but he's also had some really bad coaches and up until this season, no one to throw to. Dante Pettis was their #1 wide receiver for a stretch last season. And DJ Moore seems to be the only legit wide receiver they have on the roster now.

He's way better than Ridder and Heinecke. Better than any free agent about to hit the market. I feel like a 3rd round pick to get a season or two to see if you can get him to reach his potential is worth it.

The two issues I have with him is he holds the ball too long and he seems timid with downfield throws. I feel like some of that can be fixed with some actual good coaching and implementing a system that plays to his strengths instead of trying to turn him into Aaron Rodgers like the Bears have been trying for 2 seasons.After three years in the league how much more upside is left? I don't remember what coach said this but potential is a French word which means you ain't done nothin' yet. If the best offer the Bears get is a third rounder I would pass. Depending on how he performs against the cheeseheads he should be worth a mid-to-high 2nd round pick. This is all moot because my feeling is that Poles is the opposite of Pace -- he loves draft capital. The Bears will keep Fields and trade out of the #1 for what should be a massive haul. Most of the talk about Caleb reminds me of what people were saying about Connor Bedard in hockey. I don't buy into it but some NFL GM will. Look at what the Bears got from Carolina. I think that is what is making Poles lean toward keeping Fields. We shall see.

[weegeebored]

How good were the 2000 Ravens really, since they gave up 36 points in Week 2 to a Jacksonville team that would finish 7-9, and were only 5-4 at midseason? We remember how great they were at the end of the year, but it's not like they played the whole season that way.

Cleveland's not a great team, but that's because of their offense. They are 11-5 while ranking 26th in yards/play and leading the league in interceptions thrown, second only to Minnesota in turnover rate by their offense. And they are still a good team despite all of that. If their offense was merely average we'd be asking whether they were Super Bowl favorites (and if you fully buy the Flacco Kool-Aid, which I don't, it's a legit question to ask now).

They're the only team that's beaten both Baltimore and San Francisco this year. From a team and not just defense perspective, I think that has to count for something.Don't take what I wrote out of context. I wasn't slamming Cleveland. My point was that mediocre QBs like Fields need a good defense for the team to win. And in today's NFL a good offense will beat a good defense.

Really? You're going to pick out one game to make a point that the 2000 Ravens D wasn't that good? And Trent Dilfer was the QB. Talk about your mediocre.

[Brian Swartz]

I don't think I did take it out of context. I brought up one game specifically because you used one game to criticize Cleveland. I was intentionally matching what I said to what you did; I'm not trying to have a fight here or be unfair about it. It's just a reasonable debate between two people who disagree about sports, from my perspective.

Cleveland hasn't really played any offensive powerhouses this season. The Bears should have beaten them. How good are they really.

This is your post, in its entirety. You made two points, one of which was to single out one game. The other, as has been noted, is just false.

I get what your point is, but I think that it's just not true that offense beats defense in the modern NFL. It's more true than it was in 2000, but only very slightly, and a top defense can absolutely still get it done. We saw that a lot more recently with the super bowl three years ago when Kansas City managed 9 points against Tampa Bay - in a season with higher scoring than this year. Two years before that, again in a year of higher scoring than the current one, the high-scoring Rams (#2 in total points that year) scored 3 points in the super bowl against New England. Great defenses can still shut down top offenses.

[RainMaker]

After three years in the league how much more upside is left? I don't remember what coach said this but potential is a French word which means you ain't done nothin' yet. If the best offer the Bears get is a third rounder I would pass. Depending on how he performs against the cheeseheads he should be worth a mid-to-high 2nd round pick. This is all moot because my feeling is that Poles is the opposite of Pace -- he loves draft capital. The Bears will keep Fields and trade out of the #1 for what should be a massive haul. Most of the talk about Caleb reminds me of what people were saying about Connor Bedard in hockey. I don't buy into it but some NFL GM will. Look at what the Bears got from Carolina. I think that is what is making Poles lean toward keeping Fields. We shall see.

Yeah, I don't know if he'll ever improve. I don't think he's a bad QB right now though.

This is the first year that he actually has a semi-decent supporting cast. And with that said, it's still a very inexperienced line that messes up a lot and only one legit wide receiver to throw to (Kmet has been good). They have one of the worst offensive coordinators in the league.

I would take Caleb Williams at #1 unless some team made a stupid offer for the pick that you can't turn down. But if I was Atlanta or some other team with a pick in the middle of the first round, I'd rather grab Fields with a 3rd instead of Bo Nix or JJ McCarthy at 10 or whatever. Atlanta at least has some weapons on offense he can work with.

[RainMaker]

I also kind of think the league is changing a bit where you don't need an elite QB. Just a decent one with a great supporting cast. I don't think Brock Purdy, Jalen Hurts, or Tua is doing this well on a team like the Bears.

That's where the Bears are at right now. Is it better to have someone mediocre like Fields and toss all your draft capital into building a great supporting cast like San Fran and Philly did? Or do you keep taking shots hoping to find the next elite QB? I don't really know.

[Ghost Econ]

The Colts went 3-13 with Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison. Then they traded Marshall Faulk. What QB outside of Brady did Belicheck develop? Sometimes people end up in the exact right place at the exact right time and 10 years later we get to create a story to tell us how it was always going to be.

[CrimsonFox]

wow Marshall Faulk...he was on my FF team
loved him

[RainMaker]

The Colts went 3-13 with Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison. Then they traded Marshall Faulk. What QB outside of Brady did Belicheck develop? Sometimes people end up in the exact right place at the exact right time and 10 years later we get to create a story to tell us how it was always going to be.

In fairness, Manning was a rookie and their defense was comically bad. They also drafted Edgerrin James that next season who was pretty damn good as a replacement for Faulk.

[albionmoonlight]

The league fined Tepper, worth $20 billion, $300,000 for throwing a drink on a fan.* If someone were worth $500,000 (maybe typical for someone with equity in their house, a retirement plan, etc.), the equivalent fine would be less than 10 bucks.

* technically, they fined him for being stupid enough to get caught on video throwing a drink at a fan. But the math is still the same.

[Danny]

He should have been suspended

[weegeebored]

I don't think I did take it out of context. I brought up one game specifically because you used one game to criticize Cleveland. I was intentionally matching what I said to what you did; I'm not trying to have a fight here or be unfair about it. It's just a reasonable debate between two people who disagree about sports, from my perspective.



This is your post, in its entirety. You made two points, one of which was to single out one game. The other, as has been noted, is just false.

I get what your point is, but I think that it's just not true that offense beats defense in the modern NFL. It's more true than it was in 2000, but only very slightly, and a top defense can absolutely still get it done. We saw that a lot more recently with the super bowl three years ago when Kansas City managed 9 points against Tampa Bay - in a season with higher scoring than this year. Two years before that, again in a year of higher scoring than the current one, the high-scoring Rams (#2 in total points that year) scored 3 points in the super bowl against New England. Great defenses can still shut down top offenses.My comment was essentially a throw-away in response to your comment about the 2000 Ravens. Did you really want me to do a game-by-game listing of the weak offensive teams the Browns beat? And if you're comparing the Browns D with the 2000 Ravens..well..I don't really have a comment for that. I will reiterate my main point for clarity: If the Bears want to get to the Super Bowl with Fields they are going to need a defense like the three I mentioned.

[SirFozzie]

He should have been suspended

Maybe they should take their 2024 first round pick awa.. oh wait. already done ;)

[Brian Swartz]

Did you really want me to do a game-by-game listing of the weak offensive teams the Browns beat?

I didn't say they hadn't played weak offensive teams. Certainly they have - every team has, every year. What you said was, quoting again:

Cleveland hasn't really played any offensive powerhouses this season.

This is not a matter of opinion. It is just not true. As of this moment, they have played the #2 scoring team in the NFL twice, winning once, and a team tied for #3 in scoring, beating them.

I don't agree that they need a defense that good to make a Super Bowl with Fields, though I'm definitely no fan of his, and I think recent NFL history bears that out. *shrug*. The margin is always small for making the super bowl period, and it would definitely help for sure, but there's somewhat more leeway than that.

[miami_fan]

I had no problem going for it from the 2. Then they showed 3 plays before going with a 4th play from the 4. Kick it.

Coming in late on this but I was surprised by the amount of criticism Campbell got for going for two. Correct me if I am wrong but it felt like Campbell was being pretty aggressive throughout the entire game. I remember the fake punt and I am pretty sure he went for it at least one more time. It seemed pretty clear to me that he was going for two and not going to overtime similar to what Harbaugh did a few years ago. Fans and sports media usually love when coaches are go for it in that manner so the idea that Campbell should have played it safe at the end was surprising.

[Ksyrup]

Going for it from the 2 is different than from the 7 and the 4. Especially when you've just burned 2-3 plays exactly for that situation. If they took a 15.yard penalty are you just going to shrug it off as Dan being Dan if he went for it there too?

[CrimsonFox]

He should have been suspended

what punishments can the league enforce on owners?

[miami_fan]

Going for it from the 2 is different than from the 7 and the 4. Especially when you've just burned 2-3 plays exactly for that situation. If they took a 15.yard penalty are you just going to shrug it off as Dan being Dan if he went for it there too?

Honestly, yes. I am not familiar with how Campbell has done things throughout the season, but it seemed clear to me that the decision to go for the two point conversion was made when the Lions started that last drive if not it was decided before they left Detroit. As far as I could tell, he was not playing for overtime under any circumstances. If he had attempted after a 15 yard penalty and succeded, people would be trying to come up with his version of the "Riverboat Ron" moniker. We usually praise coaches for being really aggressive. The criticism stands out more to me given what is usually said about the head coach who was on the opposite sideline in that game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

what punishments can the league enforce on owners?

Best I can tell they can do just about anything they want (ask whathisname that used to be in Washington)

[RainMaker]

The FOFC Groupthink should have been the Panthers because I have no clue how they get out of this mess. Worst team in the league and without a 1st round pick (they also don't have a 2nd round in 2025 due to Bryce Young trade).

If I thought Bryce Young was a franchise QB, it'd be different, but I just haven't seen anything from him. His arm strength doesn't seem like what you'd expect from the #1 pick. Thought they should have traded Burns at the deadline.

[GrantDawg]

Honestly, yes. I am not familiar with how Campbell has done things throughout the season, but it seemed clear to me that the decision to go for the two point conversion was made when the Lions started that last drive if not it was decided before they left Detroit. As far as I could tell, he was not playing for overtime under any circumstances. If he had attempted after a 15 yard penalty and succeded, people would be trying to come up with his version of the "Riverboat Ron" moniker. We usually praise coaches for being really aggressive. The criticism stands out more to me given what is usually said about the head coach who was on the opposite sideline in that game.
I think it was a bad decision to go after the penalty. There is gambling then there is stupid gambling. Going for 2 from the 2 to win the game is hitting when you have 16 in blackjack. Going for 2 after the penalty is like hitting when you have 19 in Blackjack. You have a better chance of winning in overtime than making that conversion.

[Bobble]

I think it was a bad decision to go after the penalty. There is gambling then there is stupid gambling. Going for 2 from the 2 to win the game is hitting when you have 16 in blackjack. Going for 2 after the penalty is like hitting when you have 19 in Blackjack. You have a better chance of winning in overtime than making that conversion.

From hearing the pressers afterwards, it seems like he was never going to OT. Division is wrapped up. Moving up two playoff spots to get the bye seemed unlikely. Moving up one didn't move the needle enough to risk OT injuries and expect to have a better chance to win given the dogfight they were in. Not enough juice for the squeeze. <shurg>

[Bobble]

Just because I'm fascinated by the Justin Fields saga, JT O'Sullivan's breakdown of Fields' game last week (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrfBujHrz4k). O'Sullivan talks a little at the end about what to do about Fields going forward. My take was that the tape shows that Fields makes some great plays but without consistently good technique. O'Sullivan kinda hints that some play designs aren't that great which leads to the question of whether Fields is being developed well or merely just doesn't have it. I dunno. Footwork and in-play rhythm seem at least somewhat trainable.

Kind of agree with O'Sullivan that you grab a true #1 WR (MHJ) and an offensive lineman and get a new offensive coordinator to try to develop Fields. As a Lions fan, I hope they DO NOT do this and draft Caleb Williams who I don't think too highly of.

[miami_fan]

What, Shepherd University's own Tyler Bagent doesn't even get a mention?

[CrimsonFox]

Let's good ravens

[CrimsonFox]

I think this isn't going to be close. Ravens can't cope with rain while pixburgh is thriving in it

[CrimsonFox]

Mf Pickens all day

[AlexB]

Is Dan Orlovsky always this bad?

[Swaggs]

Steelers finish 10-7 with -20 point differential. Including a sweep over #1 seed Baltimore.

Some fun facts about the AFC North (formerly AFC Central):
*if the Bengals win tomorrow, every team in the division will finish over .500, which has never happened before. There have been a handful that have had all teams finish .500 or better.
*teams that have won the AFC North/Central since Cleveland last finished first in a division: Ravens, Bengal, and Steelers. Also, the Jaguars, Titans, and Oilers.

[Swaggs]

Is Dan Orlovsky always this bad?

He’s pretty bland, but I did hear him share a funny story on Dan Patrick one time. He was apparently very lightly recruited out of high school and a really slow runner. When the recruiter came (I believe from UConn), he said that the recruiter got distracted right before he ran his 40 and looked away. So, he moved the starting cone forward by like 5-yards and ran a really good time and got his only scholarship offer to that point.

[GrantDawg]

It hurt my feelings when a coach clocked my 40 time with a calendar.

[miami_fan]

Hopefully, they are not a one year wonder but Demeco Ryans, CJ Stroud and the rest of the Houston Texans should be extremely proud of their accomplishments this year. I just went through a few preseason predictions. They would be well within their rights to say no one believed in them making the playoffs, Ryans being Coach of The Year, and/or Stroud being Offensive Rookie of the Year. As someone who is not a Texans fan, the moment between Ryans and Stroud followed by the locker room celebrations were really cool for to see.

[Bobble]

Hopefully, they are not a one year wonder but Demeco Ryans, CJ Stroud and the rest of the Houston Texans should be extremely proud of their accomplishments this year. I just went through a few preseason predictions. They would be well within their rights to say no one believed in them making the playoffs, Ryans being Coach of The Year, and/or Stroud being Offensive Rookie of the Year. As someone who is not a Texans fan, the moment between Ryans and Stroud followed by the locker room celebrations were really cool for to see.

Add in Will Anderson Jr and that team looks pretty dangerous for the near future.

I think it was on reddit that there was a voting for what team had the best 2023 draft class. I think the Lions eeked it out but my vote -- even as a Lions fan -- would probably be the Texans. Franchise QB, stud DE, Tank Dell at WR looks good too.

[miami_fan]

This Desmond Ridder is looking pretty good. I am not sure what all the complaining is about.



I kid Falcons fans I kid. I know what all the Ridder complaints are about.

[GrantDawg]

Desmond Ridder is 5-5 for nearly 150 yards because of course he is.

[CrimsonFox]

Desmond Ridder is 5-5 for nearly 150 yards because of course he is.

thought you were talking about Redden, the guy that leaped the bench and attacked a judge. Not sure why he doesn't play football as a tight end or something. Maybe he did at one point.

[Ksyrup]

La Porta is hurt.

[thesloppy]

La Porta is hurt.


That is not good for the Lions playoffs hopes

[larrymcg421]

Expecting nothing but pain for the Dolphins tonight. Just too many injuries.

[GrantDawg]

Desmond Ridder is 5-5 for nearly 150 yards because of course he is.
Since he has thrown an interception and then threw a pass that should have been intercepted in the next series. He is who we thought he is.

[JPhillips]

Looks like the AFC Central is going to all have winning records. That hasn't happened since the merger.

[Thomkal]

Somehow I don't think the Panthers interim coach will get the full time job...

[JPhillips]

I don't understand why the Jags didn't kick there.

[GrantDawg]

Smith with Matt Ryan: 7-10
Smith with a team in cap hell: 7-10
Smith with a team that spent 100 million dollars in free agents and three straight years of top draft picks: 7-10.


At least he is consistent.

[Bobble]

There's not enough fashion discussion in this thread. The circular logo ball caps some of the coaching staffs have this week are atrocious. Bleh.

[Ksyrup]

I don't understand why the Jags didn't kick there.

Because blurring the line between stupid and prudent under the positive term "aggressive" is now the in thing.

[GrantDawg]

Jags out of the playoffs and the Steelers in seems so weird.

[Atocep]

I wonder if the Steelers would consider trading Tomlin. They made the playoffs, but that franchise seems to be at a point where they're very close to having a 4-13 season or something like that which would probably trigger a small rebuild.

[GrantDawg]

This seems ominous.

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot just walked into the team's locker room along with team CEO Rich McKay and team president Greg Beadles.</p>&mdash; Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshTheAthletic/status/1744099425457258507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

[Thomkal]

Add insult to injury on the way out-Jets win in the snow without scoring a TD. can't imagine NE bringing him back now,

[Edward64]

Well, that wasn’t a great 2H for the Falcons.

[CrimsonFox]

This seems ominous.

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot just walked into the team's locker room along with team CEO Rich McKay and team president Greg Beadles.</p>&mdash; Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshTheAthletic/status/1744099425457258507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

pffff fuck the falcons

[CrimsonFox]

omg that saints team is nasty f them too

[Thomkal]

wow eagles

[GrantDawg]

Packers going to playoffs.

[Thomkal]

Just when i thought i could say my beloved cards season ended nicely...man i hate seahawk WR's

[miami_fan]

Starting QBs in the NFC playoffs

Brock Purdy
Dak Prescott
Jared Goff
Baker Mayfield
Jalen Hurts
Mathew Stafford
Jordan Love

Starting QBs in the AFC

Lamar Jackson
Tua Tagovailoa
Patrick Mahomes
CJ Stroud
Joe Flacco
Josh Allen
Mason Rudolph

Is Mahomes the only guy on these lists who has escaped being deemed "not good enough" to win a title with at some point in his career? I like the mix. A couple of old guys giving it presumably one last shot at getting another ring, a few polarizing Pro Bowlers that will be over praised if they win and over criticized if they lose, first round picks that were left for dead, young guys beginning to show what they can actually do and finally Mason Rudolph. I am not sure what category to put him in that does not seem disrespectful.

[QuikSand]

Starting QBs in the NFC playoffs

...Mathew Stafford...




Is Mahomes the only guy on these lists who has escaped being deemed "not good enough" to win a title with at some point in his career?

well, no then

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright. Bears.

Eberflus - Gone
Fields - Gone

Best case, somehow drop 1 or 2 spots in the draft, let some other sucker take Caleb Williams, and grab a QB.

[larrymcg421]

I'm fine with the Saints running a normal play for a TD in that situation. I've come around to, if the other team is still trying to score, then it's fair for you to still try no matter how much up you are. However, running a fake kneel down in that situation is just sleazy and uncalled for.

[Carman Bulldog]

well, no then

???? You mean the man some labelled Stat Padford? He definitely had his fair share of detractors; many believed that while in Detroit he was simply a compiler and had good numbers because he was always playing from behind.

I would agree that at one time in his career, he was certainly seen by many as "not good enough."

[NobodyHere]

yeah, I',m a Colts fan who couldn;t even see the game. I kind of wander at all why I should care about the game itself.

Like the college football playoff. I lived in Michigan most of my life. But I have no idea if I can even see it unless I have pay TV. How much should I care about it?

[weegeebored]

Alright. Bears.

Eberflus - Gone
Fields - Gone

Best case, somehow drop 1 or 2 spots in the draft, let some other sucker take Caleb Williams, and grab a QB.I want this soooo much. But it's the Bears.

[QuikSand]

Starting QBs in the NFC playoffs

Brock Purdy
Dak Prescott
Jared Goff
Baker Mayfield
Jalen Hurts
Mathew Stafford
Jordan Love

Starting QBs in the AFC

Lamar Jackson
Tua Tagovailoa
Patrick Mahomes
CJ Stroud
Joe Flacco
Josh Allen
Mason Rudolph

Is Mahomes the only guy on these lists who has escaped being deemed "not good enough" to win a title with at some point in his career? I like the mix. A couple of old guys giving it presumably one last shot at getting another ring, a few polarizing Pro Bowlers that will be over praised if they win and over criticized if they lose, first round picks that were left for dead, young guys beginning to show what they can actually do and finally Mason Rudolph. I am not sure what category to put him in that does not seem disrespectful.

???? You mean the man some labelled Stat Padford? He definitely had his fair share of detractors; many believed that while in Detroit he was simply a compiler and had good numbers because he was always playing from behind.

I would agree that at one time in his career, he was certainly seen by many as "not good enough."

...right, he overcame those "not good enough to win a championship" slings and arrows in the most self-evident way

feels like someone is missing a double negative or something here, maybe it's me

[Swaggs]

well, no then

Flacco, too.

[Swaggs]

As an AFC North guy, it is weird seeing Flacco repping the Browns, Mayfield with the Bucs, and Rudolph guiding the Steelers.

[Ksyrup]

I'm fine with the Saints running a normal play for a TD in that situation. I've come around to, if the other team is still trying to score, then it's fair for you to still try no matter how much up you are. However, running a fake kneel down in that situation is just sleazy and uncalled for.

If Russ had Jameis's balls, he'd have 2 SB rings.

It was stupid, but apparently it was to get the RB a TD. And I guess years from now no one's going to remember how it happened, but it's like purposely missing a shot with 3 seconds left so some dude can get a rebound to complete his triple double.

[JPhillips]

Saw that it's the first time all three Lake Erie teams have made the playoffs in the same year.

[larrymcg421]

Dolphins are already down 2 edge rushers for the season (Phillips and Chubb) and now they've lost 2 more in this game alone. Just fucking ridiculous.

[CrimsonFox]

Jags are not going to the playoffs and Steelers ARE????

UNBEFUCKINGLIEVABLE!!!!!

[stevew]

Saints and Falcons just throwing more fuel on the fire of the “best rivalry in the NFL” I see.

[miami_fan]

...right, he overcame those "not good enough to win a championship" slings and arrows in the most self-evident way

feels like someone is missing a double negative or something here, maybe it's me

So you agree that prior to Stafford winning a title, he was seen as a quarterback who was not good enough to win a title? If one of those other QBs (besides those we have seen do it) wins the title, they too would overcome the not good enough tag. That does not mean that they did not have the tag placed on them prior to lifting the trophy.

[GrantDawg]

Arthur Smith got the axe last night. Our long nightmare is over.

[Honolulu_Blue]

At first, the prospect of having to face Stafford and the Rams was terrifying, but now I’m fine with it. I don’t think it will be easy and I could easily see the Rams winning. They’ve been red hot, Stafford is dialed in, they have two great receivers, a great running game and a great head coach. But, it’d be nice for Goff to slay those demons at the same time the Lions organization slays theirs.

Not having LaPorta will really hurt. If both he and Raymond can’t play, that seriously limits the weapons in the passing game.

I’ll be going back and forth on this game all week, but first… Michigan.

[GrantDawg]

At first, the prospect of having to face Stafford and the Rams was terrifying, but now I’m fine with it. I don’t think it will be easy and I could easily see the Rams winning. They’ve been red hot, Stafford is dialed in, they have two great receivers, a great running game and a great head coach. But, it’d be nice for Goff to slay those demons at the same time the Lions organization slays theirs.

Not having LaPorta will really hurt. If both he and Raymond can’t play, that seriously limits the weapons in the passing game.

I’ll be going back and forth on this game all week, but first… Michigan.
You have the potential for the best week of your life, or the most soul crushing week of your life.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You have the potential for the best week of your life, or the most soul crushing week of your life.

Agreed.

[GrantDawg]

The Commanders have cleaned house, firing the coach and GM. They have hired the former Warriors (yes, the NBA franchise) GM Bob Myer to help spear head the hiring of the President of Football Operations and the new Head coach.

[GrantDawg]

So far:
<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Open head coaching jobs: Chargers, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Raiders.<br><br>Open GM jobs: Chargers, Panthers, Raiders.</p>&mdash; Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1744349957136457853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

[albionmoonlight]

So the Saints players asked Dennis Allen if Jammal Williams could get a garbage time touchdown (he'd had none on the year) in the last minute of the Falcons game.

He said no and instructed them to kneel on the ball.

They went out and did it anyway (from kneel-down formation, which was kind of its own thing)

After the game DA called the players out for it

And the players (including all of the leaders like Cam Jordan) have been on social media defending the rebellion against DA.

He has no respect from his team.

And it isn't like he brings anything else to the table.

The team has shown no indication that they will fire him. But they should.

[albionmoonlight]

So far:
<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Open head coaching jobs: Chargers, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Raiders.<br><br>Open GM jobs: Chargers, Panthers, Raiders.</p>&mdash; Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1744349957136457853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Chargers, Panthers, and Raiders have cheap and/or horrible owners.

Falcons has a lot of potential if they can get a QB

Commanders with a real owner is probably a top-five NFL job. If you can bring that team back to glory, your legacy is assured.

[cuervo72]

There's not enough fashion discussion in this thread. The circular logo ball caps some of the coaching staffs have this week are atrocious. Bleh.

Yeah, this year's cap style was just plain uninspired. Half the time you can't really tell what is on that circular patch, just that there is one.

[stevew]

True or False-

None of Smith, McDaniels, Rivera, Reich, or Staley will ever get another regular head coaching gig in the NFL.

Like this batch of head coaches was exceptionally bad.

[albionmoonlight]

I guess I'd say false if I had to pick.

Staley and Smith are each only 41 years old.

If either goes on another great run as a coordinator, I could see him getting another shot.

10 years is forever in the NFL, and they'll still only be 51 then.

Reich and Rivera I agree won't coach again.

[albionmoonlight]

Like, I'm not betting the house on that. But some owners love re-treads.

[QuikSand]

So you agree that prior to Stafford winning a title, he was seen as a quarterback who was not good enough to win a title? If one of those other QBs (besides those we have seen do it) wins the title, they too would overcome the not good enough tag. That does not mean that they did not have the tag placed on them prior to lifting the trophy.

Stafford's situation seems obvious.

I apparently misread what you were trying to say about Mahomes being the unique case. I still don't really get it, but... we're all agreed that Stafford went from "not good enough" to title winner and overcame that tag.

Carry on, sorry for that, I guess.

[Sweed]

At first, the prospect of having to face Stafford and the Rams was terrifying, but now I’m fine with it. I don’t think it will be easy and I could easily see the Rams winning. They’ve been red hot, Stafford is dialed in, they have two great receivers, a great running game and a great head coach. But, it’d be nice for Goff to slay those demons at the same time the Lions organization slays theirs.

Not having LaPorta will really hurt. If both he and Raymond can’t play, that seriously limits the weapons in the passing game.

I’ll be going back and forth on this game all week, but first… Michigan.

As a Rams fan I liked Goff but he seemed to be "that guy" where at the most in opportune time something would go wrong and snowball. That didn't mean I thought the Rams should give up on him, rather I thought eventually he might "mature" his way out of it and be able to carry the Rams in games where it was needed. Instead McVay's patience ran out and the Stafford deal was done.

I've been happy to see Goff play well in Detroit. I of course want my Rams to win but if the Lions beat them I'll be pulling for Goff and the Lions to win it all. In my mind it's a "prove it" game for Goff, for himself more than for Detroit. He needs to have a good game whether the Lions win or lose, and I hope he does.

[Thomkal]

Arthur Smith got the axe last night. Our long nightmare is over.


There was much rejoicing? :)

[bhlloy]

Just saw an article about Alex Smith entering the HoF… thought I’d ended up in a parallel universe until I realized it was college.

[molson]

It's a weird feeling waiting for the hammer to drop in New England. Not only has Bill been there forever, next season would be his 50th consecutive year as an NFL coach if he's able to hang around there or somewhere else. I think he blew past that record 5 or 6 years ago.

I assume he's out, but, it sounds like he might be willing to give up GM duties and make a pitch for his job.

[albionmoonlight]

If Bill the GM is really ready to step out of the way of Bill the coach, then I could see an argument for keeping him.

I mean, he is a legend, and it's be kind of cool for NE fans to get to be the one's to cheer him breaking Shula's record (if he does).

But can Bill the GM really stay out of the way?

[Brian Swartz]

Arthur Smith got the axe last night. Our long nightmare is over.

Congratulations! Time to start a new one? :popcorn:

[Edward64]

Lots of firing going on.

Really don't keep up enough with the Falcons to know if that was the right move. But do appreciate him picking Bijan Robinson.

976 yards run w/4 TDs and 487 yard receiving w/4 TDs. Decent for a rookie.

... and we got #8 pick in the draft. Should be able to find a good player.

[albionmoonlight]

Lots of firing going on.

Really don't keep up enough with the Falcons to know if that was the right move.

As a Saints fan, I was sorry to see him fired

[GrantDawg]

Congratulations! Time to start a new one? :popcorn:
Probably. It is the Falcons. I have this feeling they are going after Belichick. The fan base is going to riot if that is the case.

[miami_fan]

True or False-

None of Smith, McDaniels, Rivera, Reich, or Staley will ever get another regular head coaching gig in the NFL.

Like this batch of head coaches was exceptionally bad.

I think that Rivera and Reich are done. I think Smith is much more likely to get another chance compared to Staley if for no other reason he is an offensive guy. He also has the fact that the company his dad founded does have its name on an current NFL stadium. Okay just kidding with that last part but it can't hurt I guess. I was convinced that McDaniels would get another shot but that was before hearing that he doubled down on his Belichick cosplay with the Raiders. I now think his only hope is Bob Kraft taking pity on him.

[miami_fan]

So the Saints players asked Dennis Allen if Jammal Williams could get a garbage time touchdown (he'd had none on the year) in the last minute of the Falcons game.

He said no and instructed them to kneel on the ball.

They went out and did it anyway (from kneel-down formation, which was kind of its own thing)

After the game DA called the players out for it

And the players (including all of the leaders like Cam Jordan) have been on social media defending the rebellion against DA.

He has no respect from his team.

And it isn't like he brings anything else to the table.

The team has shown no indication that they will fire him. But they should.

Aren't the owners sort of forced to keep him for no other reason than not giving the players what they seem to want?

Best case scenario probably would be some combination of Allen resigning on principle and the team getting rid of the players. However, there are only 32 of those jobs and there is no need for Allen to allow his pride to get in the way of those head coach checks. As far as the players go, I assume the Saints are in cap hell so there are probably getting rid of the players anyways or being forced to keep them on the team.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Aren't the owners sort of forced to keep him for no other reason than not giving the players what they seem to want?

Best case scenario probably would be some combination of Allen resigning on principle and the team getting rid of the players. However, there are only 32 of those jobs and there is no need for Allen to allow his pride to get in the way of those head coach checks. As far as the players go, I assume the Saints are in cap hell so there are probably getting rid of the players anyways or being forced to keep them on the team.

I actually looked at that very thing yesterday. They have the flexibility to unload Winston -- which I'd be doing cost be damned -- but unloading the seemingly washed Williams would be a more painful hit.

[Brian Swartz]

I'd look at it the other way. When a coach loses the team, the coach has to go. Doesn't even really matter at that point whose fault it is.

[RainMaker]

I actually looked at that very thing yesterday. They have the flexibility to unload Winston -- which I'd be doing cost be damned -- but unloading the seemingly washed Williams would be a more painful hit.

I think Winston is a free agent anyway.

[GrantDawg]

The Falcons about have a press conference. The GM is not being included. It is pretty clear that his job is not guaranteed at this point. If they go Belichick or Harbaugh, he will probably be canned.

[miked]

I'd cut Jameis on principle.

[bob]

I'm not a Falcons fan, but pay attention because they are the local team. I can't decide if Belichick or Harbaugh would be more entertaining.

[albionmoonlight]

The Saints are severely restricted in who they can cut and who they can keep b/c so many contracts have dead money.

[GrantDawg]

I'm not a Falcons fan, but pay attention because they are the local team. I can't decide if Belichick or Harbaugh would be more entertaining.
Harbaugh would be the most entertaining. I just don't see how he fits there at all, and it would be explosive.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think Winston is a free agent anyway.

Yes and no.

He had a weird deal that was due to expire in March, but it was restructured a couple of days ago. He still seems likely to be gone but what changes is the timeline which impacts their potential dead money hit.

I'll leave the detailed explanation to the article I read yesterday
Jameis Winston restructures his contract with the Saints for 2024 (https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/06/saints-restructure-jameis-winston-contract-2024-season-post-june-1-cut/)

[RainMaker]

Well the Saints are a creative bunch. Gotta give them that.

[NobodyHere]

Well the Saints are a creative bunch. Gotta give them that.

Yeah, they seem to go into every offseason being 75 million dollars over the cap yet somehow manage to fit under the cap when the next season starts.

Ok I just checked and they are only 72 million over.

[miami_fan]

Do we have enough candidates for all these HC jobs? Feels like it's Ben Johnson and then...?

I don't look at Belichick as a candidate. If he is not coaching in NE, he gets to pick his job.

[Ksyrup]

Aaron Glenn.

[RainMaker]

Bobby Slowik seems like a top candidate considering what he did with Stroud and his connection to Shannahan.

[Brian Swartz]

Enough candidates, definitely - there's nearly an infinite supply of them. Enough *good* candidates? There never are.

[JPhillips]

I don't know how much buzz he has this year, but I expect Brian Callahan is going to get multiple opportunities.

[Swaggs]

It would be outstanding if Lane Kiffen somehow went back to the NFL and set off a chain reaction of college job movement.

[GrantDawg]

Harbaugh, Johnson, Slowick, Flores, Brian Johnson, Todd Monken, Frank Smith, Dan Quinn

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[GrantDawg]

I had heard Monken had said he wasn't interested in being a head coach, but he is taking interviews with the Panthers and the Chargers.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[JonInMiddleGA]

I haven't looked this up but apparently today in response to a tweet about the Falcons opening & odds for candidates, Lane Kiffin tweeted that his choice for the job was @KirbySmart

Okay, I still got major issues with Kiffie but that actually amused me

[GrantDawg]

I haven't looked this up but apparently today in response to a tweet about the Falcons opening & odds for candidates, Lane Kiffin tweeted that his choice for the job was @KirbySmart

Okay, I still got major issues with Kiffie but that actually amused me
Kirby ought to respond by saying Kiffin is up for the OC job for the Panthers.

[Carman Bulldog]

Jameis has to be one of my low key favourite QB's to watch. That doesn't mean he's a good QB and I would hate if he was the QB for a team I actively rooted for. But damn he's entertaining. Objectively, I know that the Saints were better with Carr but so much more interesting to watch with Jameis.

[Carman Bulldog]

Random guesses for HC replacements:

Panthers - Dave Canales (alternate Brian Callahan)
Raiders - Antonio Pierce (alternate Jim Harbaugh)
Chargers - Jim Harbaugh (alternate Ben Johnson)
Commanders - Belichick (alternate Dan Quinn)
Falcons - Bobby Slowik (alternate Ben Johnson)

[QuikSand]

Jameis has to be one of my low key favourite QB's to watch. That doesn't mean he's a good QB and I would hate if he was the QB for a team I actively rooted for. But damn he's entertaining. Objectively, I know that the Saints were better with Carr but so much more interesting to watch with Jameis.

co-sign

[stevew]

It never really matters who coaches the Falcons. They should go after Wayne Fontes

[GrantDawg]

Mike Vrabel is resigning at Tennessee. That's makes him among the top candidates available. It also makes you wonder if he is planning to take over for Belichick in New England.

[molson]

Interesting that Vrabel and Belichick both survived black Monday. Coaches aren't fired after Monday very often these days. Definitely feels like that all could have been connected behind the scenes.

[Ksyrup]

I'm seeing that he was fired. Resigned would add a bit more meaning/context if true, not just a "six of one, half dozen of the other" situation.

[CrimsonFox]

I kind of agree with Gronk. Belli not going anywhere. Mob bosses get to be wherever they want

[albionmoonlight]

When you fire a coach, and every fanbase with a vacancy instantly starts talking about how they hope they get him, that's a sign that maybe you shouldn't have fired that coach.

I'm not sure Tennessee knows what it is doing.

[QuikSand]

any one of these teams with a coach vacancy should be falling over themselves to line up their mandatory Rooney Rule interview, talk to Vrabel, and hire him immediately

including the dumbass Titans, obv

[CrimsonFox]

any one of these teams with a coach vacancy should be falling over themselves to line up their mandatory Rooney Rule interview, talk to Vrabel, and hire him immediately

including the dumbass Titans, obv

lol the team that fired him should interview him for their vacancy? hahahaha

[stevew]

any one of these teams with a coach vacancy should be falling over themselves to line up their mandatory Rooney Rule interview, talk to Vrabel, and hire him immediately

including the dumbass Titans, obv

Yeah it’s a puzzling move for sure. I can’t believe how badly they misplayed the situation. Surely they would have received something via trade for him.

[molson]

lol the team that fired him should interview him for their vacancy? hahahaha

That reminds me of years ago when Syracuse fired Greg Robinson, who then formally applied for the head coach vacancy under whatever internal process Syracuse had to follow to make that call.

Not sure if he got an interview though.

[QuikSand]

lol the team that fired him should interview him for their vacancy? hahahaha

deliberately put

if the guy you just fired is the best candidate for your open job, you fucked it man

[GrantDawg]

It was a "mutual decision." Just a few weeks ago the ownership group was talking about Vrabel being in their long-term plans. Something happened to change that.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[RainMaker]

I wonder how much he wanted to stay. They kind of screwed him with the AJ Brown trade and never giving him a competent QB. That's a guy who took a turd sandwich and made something of it.

[CrimsonFox]

let's face it... there are many places better than tennessee to be

[stevew]

Tennessee claims that it was too hard to trade Vrabel and they didn’t want to be 3 weeks behind on the hiring process.

Sure thing guys.

[CrimsonFox]

what the what? Since when can you TRADE a coach

[GrantDawg]

I think he wanted more control and they refused to give it to him. He was "fired" but he wasn't staying anyway unless they gave him what he wanted.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[NobodyHere]

what the what? Since when can you TRADE a coach

Well at least since Belichek was traded for a 1st round pick in 2000.

[stevew]

what the what? Since when can you TRADE a coach

1970
Coach involved: Don Shula
Compensation: Miami Dolphins trade first-round pick to Baltimore Colts
Result: Shula helped Miami win two Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, including the NFL's only perfect season in league history

1997

Coach involved: Bill Parcells
Compensation: New York Jets trade first-, second-, third- and fourth-round picks to New England Patriots
Result: Parcells' Jets went to the playoffs once in three seasons, losing in the AFC Championship in 1998

1999

Coach involved: Mike Holmgren
Compensation: Seattle Seahawks trade second-round pick to Green Bay Packers
Result: Seattle made the playoffs six times under Holmgren, including a Super Bowl appearance during the 2005 season

2000

Coach involved: Bill Belichick
Compensation: Patriots trade first-, fourth- and fifth-round pick to Jets
Result: Belichick has spent the past 23 seasons in New England, winning six Super Bowls along the way

2002

Coach involved: Jon Gruden
Compensation: Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade two first-round picks and $8 million to Oakland Raiders
Result: Gruden won the Super Bowl in his very first season leading the Bucs and departed in 2008

2006

Coach involved: Herm Edwards
Compensation: Kansas City Chiefs trade fourth-round pick to Jets
Result: Edwards went a dismal 15-33 in seasons as the Chiefs' HC before being fired

2019
Coach involved: Bruce Arians
Compensation: Buccaneers trade sixth-round pick to Arizona Cardinals
Result: Arians went on to win the Super Bowl in his second season at the helm, retired in 2021 after his second postseason appearance with Tampa Bay

2023
Coach involved: Sean Payton
Compensation: Denver Broncos trade first- and third-round pick to New Orleans Saints
Result: TBD

[Carman Bulldog]

Well at least since Belichek was traded for a 1st round pick in 2000.
According to this (https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/sean-payton-nfl-coach-trade-saints-broncos/46d00dda7cedf0d931741189), there have been eight NFL head coaches traded, although some of these could certainly be classified more as retroactive compensation than a trade.

I remember Gruden being one of the big ones, and then Payton last year. I don't think I even realized that Herm Edwards and Bruce Arians were traded.

[Danny]

Wow trading for coaches outside of Herm Edwards has been extremely successful.

[stevew]

Can’t embed a tweet but-

“The Titans believed trading Vrabel was too complicated and would take too long, per sources. They wanted to move on quickly. I was told Vrabel never asked ownership for a trade or asked out of Tennessee.”


Also they didn’t want to be near the end of the line or somesuch.

Like what’s the worst thing that happens, you allow Vrabel to find a trade -or- if not, you’re still stuck with one of the better coaches in the league?

[Brian Swartz]

My question is why they didn't want to just keep him, since it seems not long ago that is what they wanted.

[miami_fan]

The devil does not need an advocate but if he did the advocate might say that only eight coaches have been with the same team longer that Vrabel's time with the Titans. Six have won at least one Super Bowl, another has made it to a Super Bowl. The final coach is Sean McDermott.

The current GM who just came in a year ago did not hire him. The team will be transitioning away from a Derrick Henry led offense to a Will Levis led offense. I am not sure Vrabel should have been fired but I can understand why he and the Titans both might want a fresh start.

[RainMaker]

Are the Bears seriously keeping Eberflus?

[rjolley]

Are the Bears seriously keeping Eberflus?

It's still early. Let's all calm down. No one is getting hired just yet.

With that said, if they bring back Getsy, I say we all go to Halas and riot. :)

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

Keeping Eberflus is the right move.

7-10 record with a subpar qb is not easy in the modern nfl.

In addition, what was the expected win total for the Bears before the season started? 7 wins feels about right. Get the qb situation figured out and this is a playoff team.

[JPhillips]

Brian Callahan with three interviews so far, Titans, Chargers, and Panthers. I'd be surprised if he isn't a HC soon.

[GrantDawg]

I get the feeling that the Panthers is hiring whoever says yes.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Swaggs]

Have heard a little, but surprised not hearing more buzz around Eric Bienemy this time around since he is available immediately. You'd think the Chiefs offense backsliding and Washington's offense improving this year without much talent (seriously, can any non-Washington or NFC East fan name more than like 4 offensive players on that team - maybe that's a chicken or egg point?), that he would be in pretty high demand. I've never heard him give an interview or anything, but you have to think that if he communicates well enough to be a coordinator that he should be able to interview pretty well.

[GrantDawg]

The betting lines now have Belichick the most likely to get the Falcons job as more and more insiders are saying both sides are very interested.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

Sounds like Pete Carroll is out as Seahawks coach.

[QuikSand]

Sounds like Pete Carroll is out as Seahawks coach.

I'm sure there is more to the story overall, but...

Given that roster coming into the 2022 season, that felt to all the world like a 4-13 team. Two bums competing for QB time, no OL, and nothing pointing in the right direction. Franchise teetering on a rebuild and maybe Carroll is the wrong guy for that duty, it's a long term rebuild.

The fact that they made the playoffs in 2022 and were in the hunt all the way in 2023 is a small act of magic, and from where I sit Carroll had an awful lot to do with that.

Maybe they don't think he is the long term guy, and maybe there's a ton more to the story. But if he's basically being held to the standard of the 2022 playoff run that (as nearly as I can tell) he wished into reality by sheer force of personality and legit good coaching ... man, that kinda sucks.

No I don't want my favorite team to hire him, just saying that feels like a bit of a raw deal.

[cartman]

Seattle hires Lincoln Riley and Pete goes back to USC

[cartman]

dola

the ESPN blurb now mentions he's staying with the team in an advisory role

[GrantDawg]

Pete is doing the Bill Parcells move. I'm really surprised that isn't what Belichick is looking at, but I guess the chief criticism of him is how he picked players. He is doing the inverse most likely.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[miami_fan]

Similar to the Vrabel situation IMO, a Super Bowl win in the 2013-14 season and three playoff wins since winning the 2014 NFC championship was not enough for Pete.

I know the Steelers are supposed to be different but Mike Tomlin (3 playoff wins since losing Super Bowl 45) may want to win a playoff game or two this year. Ravens' HC John Harbaugh (2 playoff wins since winning Super Bowl 47) might want to the same.

[weegeebored]

Keeping Eberflus is the right move.Why? Do you enjoy 4th quarter blunders and the philosophy of winning games one field goal at a time?

[CrimsonFox]

Pete Carroll tossed from Seahawks. He'll be an "advisor"

[CrimsonFox]

Ugh I'm late

[NobodyHere]

Ugh I'm late

I think this means you're pregnant? If so then congratulations!

[RainMaker]

Why? Do you enjoy 4th quarter blunders and the philosophy of winning games one field goal at a time?

Also bad at hiring coaches and runs an outdated defense. Outside of that, he's great!

[CrimsonFox]

I think this means you're pregnant? If so then congratulations!

Yup. It's a pizza

[Swaggs]

I don't see the Steelers getting rid of Tomlin. He is 51-years old and would have his pick of most of the available jobs (plus some that are not currently available in the NFL and college, I would imagine). He may get burnt out and retire and/or take a break at some point, but he still seems to have the locker room and players' respect.

[CrimsonFox]

Why would they. He made the playoffs during a lopsided year

[weegeebored]

But the Bears are gonna Bears, so they probably will eff up this offseason per usual. Poles stays, Eberflus stays, Getsy goes (probably), they'll keep Fields, trade the first pick, outsmart themselves in the draft, and make some mediocre FA signings.So far the crystal ball (Ouija board?) is a Bears insider. Let's see if the predictions will hold up through the end of April.

[JPhillips]

Get Tomlin a QB and that's a Super Bowl contender. He's a hell of a coach to win like he has with the garbage available at QB.

[CrimsonFox]

Sounds like Pete Carroll is out as Seahawks coach.

If only he'd let beastmode score that final touchdown

[bronconick]

Get Tomlin a QB and that's a Super Bowl contender. He's a hell of a coach to win like he has with the garbage available at QB.

That's his own fault. If you go 9-8 every year, there's never going to be a QB worth taking and you're stuck holding your streak together with paper clips and duct tape.

[Ksyrup]

Saban, Belichick and Carroll all out in a span of 18 hours. Crazy.

[albionmoonlight]

Ravens' HC John Harbaugh (2 playoff wins since winning Super Bowl 47) might want to the same.

Is there really an argument that Harbaugh is a bad coach? I have him easily in my top 5. Am I missing something?

[GrantDawg]

Looks like Belichick announcement is today. The report is he is out.

[GrantDawg]

Dola: And the funny thing is this announcement comes hand in hand with a flurry of head coaching interview announcements from the Falcons.

[JPhillips]

That's his own fault. If you go 9-8 every year, there's never going to be a QB worth taking and you're stuck holding your streak together with paper clips and duct tape.

I still think a coach's job is to try and win, especially if the team is in playoff contention. He does that year after year. I'd rather that than finish in a place where they can gamble on Jayden Daniels or similar.

Kirk Cousins would be a great fit for them, IMO.

[Swaggs]

To be fair, Tomlin inherited a franchise QB that was in his prime. Ben got hurt in 2019 and could never throw the same, but was also not going to retire and wanted to continue playing.

It seems pretty clear that everyone wanted Ben to retire after the 2020 season, but he came back for the additional season and then the team took a 1st round QB (Pickett), so it is hard to say there is much of a developed trend.

[Ghost Econ]

The last 10 draft positions of super bowl winning QBs:
10
1
199
10
199
88
199
1
199
75

It seems a QB is easily available to take if you go 9-8 every year.
Also, Tomlin averages going 10-6 every year.

[JPhillips]

Add the Falcons to the list interviewing Brian Callahan.

[Atocep]

Current Bears rumor is that internal analytics are not kind to Fields and right now they're leaning toward drafting a QB.

[Honolulu_Blue]

As a Lions fan, I would be very happy to see them move on from Justin Fields. Maybe Caleb Williams or whoever will be a lot better, but Fields' mobility has always scared me.

[albionmoonlight]

My random quick thoughts:

Browns (-2.5) over Texans: This kind of depends on whether you think that Flacco thing is real. I do.

Chiefs (-3.5) over Dolphins: The Dolphins defense has been decimated. And the weather will be bad. And the Chiefs are the Chiefs. I don't like that half point, but I'm not actually betting these games, so whatever

Steelers (+10) over Bills: As one of my podcasts noted, this feels like a game you'll turn on in the 4th Quarter and it will somehow be 13-13 and the Steelers will have under 100 passing yards. I like the points here.

Packers (+7.5) over Cowboys: Jordan Love is too good for this line, IMO. And playing at home could be a curse for the Cowboys if things start off slow. I don't believe in things like playoff curses. But I believe that fans and players believe in them, and that could make them become self-fulfilling

Rams (+3.5) over Lions: Sigh. I think that the Sam LaPorta injury is a lot to overcome. Gonna be rooting hard for the Lions here.

Eagles (-3) over Bucs: Everyone has buried the Eagles over the last 3 weeks. Time for a zag after too much zigging. And the Bucs are still bad.

[Atocep]

As a Lions fan, I would be very happy to see them move on from Justin Fields. Maybe Caleb Williams or whoever will be a lot better, but Fields' mobility has always scared me.

He's a tough guy to move on from because the talent is there and part of his problems were Getsy. However, watching him play against a team with a good passing game highlights his issues. He is just slow to get rid of the ball. I honestly think he sees the field fairly well and all that, he just isn't comfortable with NFL open and rhythm throwing.

I'd be ok with keeping fields if a new OC comes in and they're confident his issues are fixable, but I'd much rather take a QB in the draft and restart the rookie deal clock at the position. Keeping Fields at this point is essentially a long term commitment to him when there's too many question marks and you're in position to draft a better prospect.

[Honolulu_Blue]

He's a tough guy to move on from because the talent is there and part of his problems were Getsy. However, watching him play against a team with a good passing game highlights his issues. He is just slow to get rid of the ball. I honestly think he sees the field fairly well and all that, he just isn't comfortable with NFL open and rhythm throwing.

I'd be ok with keeping fields if a new OC comes in and they're confident his issues are fixable, but I'd much rather take a QB in the draft and restart the rookie deal clock at the position. Keeping Fields at this point is essentially a long term commitment to him when there's too many question marks and you're in position to draft a better prospect.

I totally agree. Given Fields inconsistency and issues it would be tough to commit that kind of money to him. Drafting a new QB resets that 5 year clock and gives them team a lot more cap flexibility. Trading him and drafting a QB at 1 seems to be the most logical and right move.

[CrimsonFox]

WOw they really really did it. They fired Bellichik. I didn't think they'd do that.
Sheesh. didn't even offer some other position or work something out.

[CrimsonFox]

Is this like the most Head Coach vacancies ever in post season? I don't know what I'm seeing here.

[molson]

Belichick: "Good morning. I haven't seen this many cameras since we signed Tebow".

I wonder if he's going to pull a Brady and go somewhere else and loosen up when dealing with the media.

Both Belichick and Kraft seemed to say he wants to keep coaching.

[GrantDawg]

Am I crazy? I think if the Falcons are going to hire a 72 year old coach to right the ship, I would rather it be Pete Carroll than Bill Belichick. I feel like Carroll has a much better grasp of today s game and players.
Mind you, neither are my first choice who right now as much as I feel dirty saying it is Jim Harbaugh.

[Kodos]

I hope whoever the Falcons hire brings back the red uniforms and the classic Falcon logo.

[GrantDawg]

I hope whoever the Falcons hire brings back the red uniforms and the classic Falcon logo.
Amen, brother!

[albionmoonlight]

It's not the *real* Falcons unless they are in red uniforms and playing on the infield dirt at Fulton County Stadium.

[QuikSand]

The last 10 draft positions of super bowl winning QBs:
10
1
199
10
199
88
199
1
199
75


Seems the obvious strategy is just to trade up from 217 (or whatever) to 199 and you're golden.

[Ghost Econ]

Seems the obvious strategy is just to trade up from 217 (or whatever) to 199 and you're golden.

Trading down and getting more picks would be the high IQ play.

[albionmoonlight]

Seems the obvious strategy is just to trade up from 217 (or whatever) to 199 and you're golden.

Right. It seems like the list proves the opposite of what it is intended to prove.

If you don't have Tom Brady, then you want a top 10 QB

[JonInMiddleGA]

Am I crazy? I think if the Falcons are going to hire a 72 year old coach to right the ship, I would rather it be Pete Carroll than Bill Belichick. I feel like Carroll has a much better grasp of today s game and players.
Mind you, neither are my first choice who right now as much as I feel dirty saying it is Jim Harbaugh.

I'd lean toward "none of them" being the only correct answer.

That's one hell of a zero (or less) character trio to assemble in one conversation.

[RainMaker]

Nice bit of trolling.


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Bill Belichick, who lost two Super Bowls to the Giants, expected to part ways with Patriots later today, reports say, as 24-year tenure ends with regular season loss to Jets <a href="https://t.co/dgNyNYBEWu">https://t.co/dgNyNYBEWu</a></p>&mdash; NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCNewYork/status/1745429375577686184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

[CrimsonFox]

Am I crazy? I think if the Falcons are going to hire a 72 year old coach to right the ship, I would rather it be Pete Carroll than Bill Belichick. I feel like Carroll has a much better grasp of today s game and players.
Mind you, neither are my first choice who right now as much as I feel dirty saying it is Jim Harbaugh.

carroll not gonna leave seattle. He's still working for them

[molson]

His first Patriots win and his last Patriots win were both in Denver, which is weird because that was the place they played the worst during the entire run. For a while the Broncos were the only team that had a winning record against Brady.

[GrantDawg]

Crimsonfox, do not be surprised when Carroll takes some interviews. He is not ready to stop coaching, and he will absolutely jump if a good opportunity is offered.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[GrantDawg]

Now they are saying there is a current playoff team that is in the hunt for Belichick.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Lathum]

Now they are saying there is a current playoff team that is in the hunt for Belichick.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

Eagles?