~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
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Baltimore Ravens (7-7, 2-5 Away)		Houston Texans (5-9, 1-5 Home)
Injury Report NONE Louis Nix III(DT) Broken Tibia(IR) Game Notes The Ravens are still alive in the Wildcard Race thanks to the Chargers loss in San Francisco. However the Ravens must win out in order to have a chance at a Tiebreaker with the Chargers. Houston has nothing to play for but pride. They can still play spoiler and eliminate Baltimore with a Win.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

TEXANS eliminate RAVENS with a Dose of FitzMagic in Overtime 19-16!






RECAP








Houston, TX- The Baltimore Ravens(7-8) were a Team faced with adversity all Season long. Losing Franchise Quarterback Joe Flacco for 8 Games on Opening Sunday doomed the Ravens Season.

Baltimore rallied behind backup QB Tyrod Taylor to a 4-4 Record.

"We've had adversity all year long. The guys stepped up and we kept chugging along. We fought to the end and just came up short." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

Houston(6-9) eliminated the Ravens today thanks to yet another dose of Fitzmagic with a Game Winning Drive in Overtime.

"Been saying all year long that I'm a firm believer in Fitzmagic." Joked Texans Head Coach Bill O"Brien.

The Ravens held a 13-5 lead heading into the 4th Quarter. Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco had just 278 yards and a Interception. Baltimore had a chance for a bigger lead but Running Back Ray Rice fumbled in the Red Zone.

"I felt like that was the Turning Point for us. Can't take care of the Football you won't win many games." Harbaugh added.

After the fumble, Texans Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led Houston down on a Touchdown Drive that put Houston in the lead for good.

A 2 point Conversion put Houston up 16-13 in the final 30 seconds of the Game.

But then Joe Flacco connected with veteran WR Steve Smith for a bomb that set up Justin Tucker's Field Goal to push Overtime.

After both 3 and outs, Fitzpatrick took the field again. Despite Houston(6-9) being out of Playoffs, the crowd inside NRG Stadium cheered.

Fitzpatrick led Houston on a Game Winning Drive as Randy Bullock booted a 39 yarder that eliminated Baltimore(7-8) from the Playoffs.


UP NEXT


Ravens(7-8) VS Browns(10-4) In the Season Finale...

Texans(6-9) VS Jaguars(3-12) In the Season Finale....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
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Detroit Lions (4-10, 2-4 Away)		Chicago Bears (12-2, 7-0 Home)
Injury Report Julian Stanford(LB) Shoulder Tear(IR) NONE Game Notes On Thanksgiving the Chicago Bears beat the Lions at Ford Field 31-28. Chicago has been on a 6 Game Winning Streak since their Week 9 BYE. Detroit continues to slump losing 6 straight coming in. The Lions are learning a new System under Jim Caldwell. Chicago is looking to go 8-0 at Home and grab the #1 Seed in the NFC.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

LIONS stun BEARS in Chicago 27-24!





RECAP





Chicago, IL- The Detroit Lions(5-10) snapped their 6 Game skid with a 27-24 upset Victory over Playoff Bound Chicago Bears(12-3).

Da Bears had their 6 Game Winning Streak snapped.

"It was a shock. We didn't expect it. But Division Games never go the way you want them to. We need to regroup and get ready for the Finale against Minnesota." Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman stated.

The Lions ran all over Chicago and numerous times converted on Third Down.

"That's what our problem was. We couldn't stop them on 3rd Down. We need to fix that." Bears Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker stated.

The tone was set for the day when Backup RB Theo Riddick broke free for a Touchdown that went 74 yards.

Detroit took a 17-7 lead into halftime. Would of been 17-10 but Bears Kicker Robbie Gould missed a Chip shot.

"We just had too many mistakes today." Trestman added.

Jay Cutler added to his MVP argument throwing for 323 yards and 3 Touchdowns but The Monsters of the Midway still fell short.

"This was a huge win for us as Chicago has been a really good Team all year long." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

Matthew Stafford had 215 yards and a Touchdown.

Reggie Bush had 96 yards and a Score. Theo Riddick finished with 88 yards off 5 carries and a score.

"Ran the ball well and played well. We can build on this and get ready for Green Bay next week." Lions QB Matthew Stafford said.

Chicago(12-3) still has a chance to clinch Homefield Advantage but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals have yet to play today.


UP NEXT

Bears(12-3) @ Vikings(4-11) In the Season Finale..

Lions(5-10) @ Packers(9-5) In the Season Finale...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
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Cleveland Browns (10-4, 5-1 Away)		Carolina Panthers (2-12, 0-7 Home)
Injury Report Jordan Cameron(TE) Pulled Groin(IR) NONE Game Notes The AFC North Division Champions and Playoff Bound Cleveland Browns will push for the Playoffs without Star TE Jordan Cameron. BELIEVELAND is rocking in 2014 as the Browns made the Playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Head Coach Mike Pettine has his Football Team ready for January and can gain a higher Seed in the AFC Playoffs with a win over the lowly Carolina Panthers who have been a Train Wreck. Carolina must figure out how to slow down the Browns 4th Ranked Offense and deal with their 4th Ranked Defense.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

No idea what was up with my internet connection for the game.

Browns 24
Panthers 21

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
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Atlanta Falcons (4-10, 4-3 Away)		New Orleans Saints (7-7, 3-4 Home)
Injury Report Javier Arenas(CB) Broken Collarbone(IR) Curtis Lofton(LB) Broken Collarbone(IR) Omar Moralles(LB) Broken Collarbone(IR) Game Notes The New Orleans Saints have had an epic collapse in 2014 racing out to a 3-0 start that had many believe they were taking the NFC South. What happened next was an epic train wreck where Brees became a turnover Machine and Who Dat! went on a 4 game skid. New Orleans was eliminated from the Playoffs after dropping to 7-7. The Falcons have nothing left but pride and rumors are circulating around that Mike Smith will be shown the Door by Seasons end.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAINTS beat FALCONS 20-10...






RECAP







New Orleans, LA- The Atlanta Falcons(4-11) are looking for change come next weeks Finale vs Carolina.

"We've been a bad Football Team all year. We have a lot to work on to get ready for next Season." Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stated.

Rumors have been circulating all year that Atlanta may be moving on from their Head Coach given the Team's struggles on the field.

And today was no different. The Dirty Birds had just 250 yards of Offense while managing a 20-10 loss to Division rivals, the New Orleans Saints(8-7.)

"Struggled bad on Offense. Need to move the ball better." Smith added.

Matt Ryan had 228 yards with a Touchdown and a interception. Atlanta struggled to move the ball. Running Back Steven Jackson was held to just 33 yards.

"Played great but got some things to work on I think. If we can finish strong next week it will give us a boost of confidence heading into Next Year." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton added.

Drew Brees made another case for MVP today throwing for 323 yards, 2 Touchdowns and a Interception.

His 43 Touchdowns still lead the league followed by MVP Favorite, Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler with 40.

Despite the MVP level of Drew Brees, New Orleans(8-7) will be home after Next week for the Playoffs.

"Yeah we're aware of where we stand and it sucks to know we're not going." Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan stated.

The Saints were the early favorites to win the NFC South before a 4 game skid dropped them to the bottom of the Playoff standings.


UP NEXT

Saints(8-7) @ Buccaneers(12-2) In the Finale....

Falcons(4-11) VS Panthers(2-13) In the Finale...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ATLANTA FALCONS: Fire Head Coach Mike Smith after 20-10 loss to New Orleans Saints....



12/21/14



Written by: Adam Schefter




The "Mike Smith Era" in Atlanta has officially come to an end hours after the Atlanta Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints 20-10 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana.

"The last 2 years for the Atlanta Falcons have not been up to our standards and we made the decision to remove Mike (Smith) as Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons. We appreciate everything he did for this Organization but the time for us to move on has come. We will begin our search for the next Head Coach of the Falcons as soon as possible and Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter will be the Interim Head Coach for the Season Finale vs Carolina." -Falcons Owner Arthur Blank stated.

In 2010, Mike Smith led the Falcons to a 13-3 Record and the #1 Seed in the NFC but were upset in the Divisional Round by the Green Bay Packers who went on to win Super Bowl 45.

The Falcons lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 NFC Championship. 2013 saw injuries and this year the wheels have fallen off. Atlanta sits at 4-11 going into their Season Finale against Carolina.

The Offense is stale and the Team is in need of a change. They have yet to win a game at Home this year (0-7.)

"I want to thank Atlanta, The Blank Family. the fans of the Falcons, and everyone else for my time in the Falcons. " Mike Smith stated.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Forgive me for asking, but how many seasons has this gone through now? And is it all on the same game?

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Forgive me for asking, but how many seasons has this gone through now? And is it all on the same game?

First Season, Week 16. Madden 15.

All same Game man

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
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Green Bay Packers (9-5, 5-2 Away)		Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-2, 5-1 Home)
Injury Report NONE John Barton(R)(DE) Broken Collarbone(5 Weeks) Game Notes The Packers are in trouble. Aaron Rodgers got the Team out to a 6-2 start before more problems between Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the Team has derailed the Season. Green Bay is on the outside of the Playoffs and have lost the NFC North to the Chicago Bears. Green Bay's problems inside the locker room has cost the Team many Games this year and Players are starting to call out their Head Coach. Rodgers isn't happy and the Offense is stale. ARod can only do so much and the Packers are on a cliff ready to fall off. Tampa is looking for Homefield Advantage.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PACKERS fall to BUCCANEERS 35-24.....






RECAP







Tampa Bay, FL- The writing is on the wall for the Green Bay Packers(9-6) in 2014.

The system that got Green Bay a Lombardi Trophy back in 2010 during Super Bowl 45 is long outdated.

Everyone knows it.

Except Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

"I mean we won the Super Bowl a couple years ago with this System. It still works it's just a matter of believing it. We didn't believe it today and we lost." Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated.

"He doesn't care. We all know he's heading to South Beach after next week." Packers Owner Mark Murphy stated. He's made it clear changes are coming.

McCarthy will be in Miami after Week 17, Green Bay will welcome back Joe Philbin.

It's been the story of the 2014 Green Bay Packers. Tensions and problems between McCarthy and Players. But the only person who appears to not change is McCarthy.

A problem that Aaron Rodgers is sick of and has the Packers(9-6) on the verge of missing the Playoffs for the first time since 2008.

"We've been a stale Offense all year and we all know it. Except Mike." Rodgers stated.

The loss today to the Red Hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers(13-2) wasn't even close.

Tampa came out firing as Quarterback Josh McCown made it rain against the bad Packers Defense.

Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers answered back to tie the Game at 7 a piece.

"Felt good after that first Drive. Then we went stale." Rodgers added.

The wheels came off for Green Bay(9-6) as Tampa(13-2) rallied from there for 28 unanswered points.

"We played very well today to give ourselves some confidence heading into the Playoffs." Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

"We just kind of let our foot off the gas." Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated.

The Packers disagree.

"We never had our foot on the gas to begin with. We were more like in cruise control man." Packers WR Randall Cobb stated.

The Bucs took a 28-7 lead into halftime. Aaron Rodgers began to make some adjustments at the line trying to mount an impossible comeback.

"Much credit to Aaron man. He knew what we were doing wasn't working." Packers RB Eddie Lacy stated.

Lacy was stuffed from the get-go. Being held to just 43 yards and 17 carries. Rodgers turned to the air but thanks to McCarthy's schemes the receivers were covered constantly.

No adjustments at all from McCarthy. A pattern too familiar for Rodgers.

Rodgers had 268 yards 2 Touchdowns and a pick. Green Bay still fell short 35-24.

Josh McCown lit up the Packers for 240 yards, 4 touchdowns.

"Great game for us man against Green Bay. Rodgers man, the best ever." McCown added.

With the loss, Green Bay(9-6) is not yet eliminated from the Playoffs. But if Seattle wins on Sunday Night Football, the Packers will be officially be eliminated.


UP NEXT


Packers(9-6) VS Lions(5-10) in the Season Finale...

Buccaneers(13-2) VS Saints(8-7) in the Season Finale...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 21, 2014
	@
Kansas City Chiefs (11-3, 5-2 Away)		Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8, 3-3 Home)
Injury Report NONE Le'Veon Bell(RB) Fractured Foot(IR) Cortez Allen(CB) Abdominal Tear(IR) Lawrence Timmons(LB) (IR) CJ Miller(R)(WR) Ruptured Disk(IR) Game Notes For the 3rd year in a Row, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eliminated from the Playoffs. Drama has been a huge issue with Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger calling out his Coaches and throwing Teammates under the bus. Mike Tomlin has been putting out fires all year long caused by Ben. Changes will need to happen in the Off-Season if Pittsburgh wish to return to the Playoffs. The Chiefs on the other hand are on the verge of securing Homefield Advantage if they can win the last two Games.