Ongoing NFL Discussion Thread V

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

Love this Texans D. They're amazing without Watt. Scary.

Amazing is a bit far - they're pretty good, nothing special.

Number one D in the NFL without their best player.

They're one of about 8 teams to hold that tag - and lets face it it's measured in yards...in points the #1 D was the Pats.

No great defences out there this year, just a lot of pretty good ones. If they had Watt, maybe they'd be great...but they don't

[Lowlandbrit]

Marvin Lewis is leaving the Bengals at the end of the season. Team's utterly quit (currently down 17 points to the Vikings after 1Q), but there's surely still enough talent there for it to be seen as an attractive job.

[crazy_dave23]

Rams are killing it in Seattle

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Oh Pats early season defence - how nice of you to return these past two weeks

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Not sure I’m going to stop watching that Brady/Gronk drive forever.

[GSC]

Fitting that the Patriots and Cowboys are bailed out of losses by the 2 worst rules in the league

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Fitting that the Patriots and Cowboys are bailed out of losses by the 2 worst rules in the league

Catch rule has needed to be sorted out for half a decade now - its embarassing

But that final throw from Ben was one of the stupidest I've ever seen. Why are you throwing it into essentially double coverage, and 4/5 standing Pats over the middle of the field? Romo was right, either throw the fade or spike it. Ben, as ever, throws his coaches under the bus after the game...never his fault...

The Pats are in the Steelers heads - some sort of weird hodoo Brady and Belichick have over them, similar to the one the Giants have over the Pats. Pittsburgh should have won that game easily, they were by far the better team

[skins4ever]

I would argue the catch rule needs refinement. A player should be considered down when any part of his body that would normally down him under a tackle in a run, or catch and run, scenario has touched the ground (in bounds). If his hands are the first part of his body to hit and ball comes loose, it's not a catch, but if another downing part of his body (head, elbow/forearm, knee etc.) hits first, and he has control, then he should be considered down. If he is untouched and loses the ball, then it's a fumble, else he's down by contact.

Last night, his knee and elbow had both contacted the ground and he was reaching for the EZ when the ball came loose, but he re-secured it after it contacted the ground. As such, the rule was interpreted correctly, but the rule as written is pants. It's spoiling the game with technicalities instead of allowing skill and effort to determine outcomes.

OTOH I agree, Ben blew that one with a dumb play. If you are going to throw that, throw it low and away not into the body where the defender can reach it. But you're correct, it was a dumb play call and a dumb play. It won't hurt them immediately, but if the Pats get HFA it could come back to bite them.

I'm just looking forward to seeing the Pats and/or Steelers go up against that Jags D. If Bortles continues to improve and that D can hold its own in the playoffs, I would back the Jags for a SB berth, if not winning it all. Right now, there are 3 strong AFC's teams and 4 strong NFC teams, and I'd hesitate to pick a SB winner amongst them. But if you twisted my arm I'd go with the Saints against the Jags.

[Pr4wn]

One from Larry Fitz, Mike Evans or Keenan Allen?

[Number-25]

Denver are really bad.... like really bad.

[rugbybanter]

cant understand why the reciever doesnt just change his angle of run to put himself into a position of space where the q' back can rifle the ball to him. Look at the majority of recievers they all drift in one direction, they should change their run direction a bit more .

[rugbybanter]

NFL plays are nt being executed with anywhere near the same level of accuracy or finesse that they were approx' 10 years ago. The do not seem to have anywhere near the same level of talent that they had either with the depth chart not being used effectively early in the season so that the more experienced talent is on the field well before the playoffs that way they might attract a better viewership

[rugbybanter]

I agree they should be a better team than they've displayed. They have a very capable franchise and good management structure, perhaps their QB position needs a steady head. Manning should have mentored someone capable into the position before he left.

Denver are really bad.... like really bad.

[rugbybanter]

They should simplify , if any part of knee or below makes contact with the ground then its not a complete play in any case. If they refine the call play they wouldnt be in a situation where the guy is struggling to get over the line like that!

I would argue the catch rule needs refinement. A player should be considered down when any part of his body that would normally down him under a tackle in a run, or catch and run, scenario has touched the ground (in bounds). If his hands are the first part of his body to hit and ball comes loose, it's not a catch, but if another downing part of his body (head, elbow/forearm, knee etc.) hits first, and he has control, then he should be considered down. If he is untouched and loses the ball, then it's a fumble, else he's down by contact.

Last night, his knee and elbow had both contacted the ground and he was reaching for the EZ when the ball came loose, but he re-secured it after it contacted the ground. As such, the rule was interpreted correctly, but the rule as written is pants. It's spoiling the game with technicalities instead of allowing skill and effort to determine outcomes.

OTOH I agree, Ben blew that one with a dumb play. If you are going to throw that, throw it low and away not into the body where the defender can reach it. But you're correct, it was a dumb play call and a dumb play. It won't hurt them immediately, but if the Pats get HFA it could come back to bite them.

I'm just looking forward to seeing the Pats and/or Steelers go up against that Jags D. If Bortles continues to improve and that D can hold its own in the playoffs, I would back the Jags for a SB berth, if not winning it all. Right now, there are 3 strong AFC's teams and 4 strong NFC teams, and I'd hesitate to pick a SB winner amongst them. But if you twisted my arm I'd go with the Saints against the Jags.

[rugbybanter]

why do these guys look so out of shape? They don't look athletic or conditioned to the level you would expect for the NFL. Some of them look like they've been dragged in from the crowd!

[GSC]

Dak

[rugbybanter]

If the content providers want to diversify into the "gaming" arena they should keep the two platforms completely segregated. A viewership wants to watch live sport (ie two teams competing on the field) they re not interested in fantasy trash, leave that to the video game content creators on a completely seperate platform. Live Sport is diferent to gaming which is different to fantasy league, lets establish the distinction and some clear boundaries so each viewership can get some value out of each respective platform.

[Guest]

DeAndre Hopkins take a bow, son! Wow.

[Pr4wn]

If the content providers want to diversify into the "gaming" arena they should keep the two platforms completely segregated. A viewership wants to watch live sport (ie two teams competing on the field) they re not interested in fantasy trash, leave that to the video game content creators on a completely seperate platform. Live Sport is diferent to gaming which is different to fantasy league, lets establish the distinction and some clear boundaries so each viewership can get some value out of each respective platform.

I don't know who you are but you clearly have no idea of what you're talking about.

[GSC]

It is a bit strange

[Lowlandbrit]

Welcome to the future, everyone. Where Jacksonville vs Buffalo is a playoff game, and Jack Del Rio and Chuck Pagano are unemployed.

2017 in review:
1 January: Browns score 24 but lose to Steelers team starting Landry Jones.
31 December: Browns score 24 but lose to Steelers team starting Landry Jones.

[Lowlandbrit]

Changes so far:

Giants: OUT Jerry Reese (GM), Ben McAdoo IN Dave Gettleman (GM)
Browns: OUT Sashi Brown (GM) IN John Dorsey (GM)
Packers: OUT Ted Thompson (GM) IN Brian Gutekunst (GM)
Cardinals: OUT Bruce Arians
Raiders: OUT Jack Del Rio
Colts: OUT Chuck Pagano
Lions: OUT Jim Caldwell
Bears: OUT John Fox

Texans GM Rick Smith is taking a leave of absence to look after his wife, and Marvin Lewis apparently might keep going after all.

[Pr4wn]

Fantastic end to the season. I have to feel for Ravens fans but what a moment for Bills fans, of which there are a lot here in Toronto!

A really thrilling end.

[JDizzle]

Marvin Lewis signs a two year extension. Genuinely incredible. Not even pretending to care about winning anymore.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Marvin Lewis signs a two year extension. Genuinely incredible. Not even pretending to care about winning anymore.

I love the Bengals. Commitment to mediocrity

[skins4ever]

I'm now looking forward to the 'will they sign him or not' Cousins saga for the next 3 months. Not.

On a more positive note, well done the Bills. Say what you will, the AFC East isn't an easy division to get out of if you're not the Patriots. While I think they have a good enough chance against the Jags, I can't see them lasting more than 1-2 games, especially as they would then have to go through NE or the Steelers. But getting to the playoffs after the season they had is testament to a solid D and rushing attack.

In fact, for all the talk about RB's being considered as less than essential in the modern NFL, it's funny how many teams have made it to the playoffs on the back of a strong running attack. 9 of the top 10 rushing teams (yds) are in the playoffs, whereas only 6 of the top 10 passing yards teams are in there.

[Pr4wn]

Anyone else think that Cousins to Jacksonville is a move that makes sense?

[skins4ever]

Cousins to anywhere needing a QB makes sense. Except to Snyder and Allen. Unless they throw the cheque book at him, he's going to the highest bidder. And I can't see them throwing that much money at him, given what they have done the last 2 go arounds.

[Lowlandbrit]

Even by their standards, the Raiders have gone completely insane.

[GSC]

Eh. You were bidding against 7m to do 1/10th of the work on tv

Gruden is a good rather than great coach but he might be what Carr needs and has the profile to get people to turn up the next 2 years

Massive risk but you have to take some to win big

[Lowlandbrit]

The money is silly, but whatever. Ten years is insane.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The kind of mental contract that makes the nfl completely wild and fun to follow

Football twitter is ablaze with searing hot takes on the Pats after that ESPN piece that came out reporting what has been reported in Boston media the past two months anyways...quite funny to watch

[Guest]

That Mariota TD was certainly wild and fun!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

That is one all time epic chiefs loss

[Guest]

Yeah, they folded good and proper.

[crazy_dave23]

Well, when I decided to go to bed at half time, I did not foresee a Titans victory... it was one way traffic in the first half!

[skins4ever]

What are the odds on a Falcons v Titans SB?

Expectation I had coming into this week was scrappy one sided wildcard games. Well they've been scrappy but not totally one sided. If today's games go the same way I can honestly say I doubt the Pats, Steelers and Vikings will be too worried. To win in the playoffs you need to be executing good consistent football. Not seen it from the 2 winners so far, but credit to the Titans at least for showing great character.

And never mind throwing a TD to himself, Mariota's best play was the run block he threw to help seal the game. Baller!

[Lowlandbrit]

Updated changes so far:

Giants: OUT Jerry Reese (GM), Ben McAdoo IN Dave Gettleman (GM)
Browns: OUT Sashi Brown (GM) IN John Dorsey (GM)
Packers: OUT Ted Thompson (GM) IN Brian Gutekunst (GM)
Texans: OUT Rick Smith (GM)
Cardinals: OUT Bruce Arians
Raiders: OUT Jack Del Rio IN Jon Gruden
Colts: OUT Chuck Pagano
Lions: OUT Jim Caldwell
Bears: OUT John Fox IN Matt Nagy

[Pr4wn]

I was a bit surprised by the Caldwell sacking, if I'm honest.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

He’s a bit like a Marvin Lewis for me - he’s always gonna have you in that middle of the pack range, you’ll never bottom out but don’t really think you’ll ever be serious contenders under a coach like that.

[GSC]

Think you're quite harsh on Caldwell but Quinn clearly wants to bring Patricia with him. Caldwell had a year to win or that would happen

[skins4ever]

Funny, as a coach that played as a DB, he came up the ranks as a QB coach and offense builder. Funnier still, as a former defensive player, he can't build a defense (or a running game). That's his downfall in Detroit. He'll probably be a good OC somewhere, but I'm not sure he'll get another HC gig any time soon.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Eagles/Jags, Seahawks/Raiders and Chargers/Titans are 3 of the London games next year

[crazy_dave23]

Overall a fairly reasonable looking bunch... still waiting for Green Bay as an away team!

[Number-25]

It's amusing me how much Denver players are talking Kirk Cousins up. Talking about him like he's Tom Brady!!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Cian Fahey fired by ESPN

What a shame...

[GSC]

Absolute fraud hiding behind "analytics".

naughty naughty boy on twitter to anyone who agree with him to boot.

[TM Moot]

Games for London next season...

Seattle Seahawks vs. Oakland Raiders, Tottenham stadium, Oct. 14.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium, Oct. 21 or 28.
Tennessee Titans vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Wembley Stadium, Oct. 21 or 28.

Quite fancy the Tottenham game. All 3 look like the could be decent close games.
Still no Packers though (possibly season after as they have Jaguars away I think)

[GSC]

The Falcons are the first #6 seed to be favored against the #1 seed and lose

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Falcons, Falcon’d hard at the end there

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

That was one mental half of football

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