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Print Page - NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
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Banon's Donkey Farm => General Discussion => Topic started by: Lenophis on August 14, 2010, 01:12:48 AM
Title: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Lenophis on August 14, 2010, 01:12:48 AM
*dun dun dun dun* Last year's topic (http://slickproductions.org/forum/index.php?topic=1157.0).
It's that time of year again. Are you ready?! Since nobody seems to predict the preseason, I'll go ahead and bash everyone.
NFC West The division is up for grabs this year, and I get the feeling nobody's gonna want it. The Cardinals are gonna be the frontrunner, because they have the best "team" makeup in the division, but nobody's assured anything. Watch out for the 49'ers though. If they ever get their offense figured out, they could be a force. 49'ers: 10-6 *Cardinals: 8-8 Seahawks: 7-9 Rams: 3-13
NFC North It's a 2-team race, while the Bears are still trying to figure out what to do. This is a make-or-break year for the Bears, and if they don't make the playoffs, that team is gonna get blown up. The Lions...are the Lions. Oh yeah, that Favre guy, too... *Vikings: 11-5 *Packers: 11-5 Bears: 9-7 Lions: 4-12
NFC South The defending Super Bowl champions are getting absolutely no love this year. "Power rankings," and however little stock you want to put into them, put the Saints out of the top 5 in the league. The Falcons will challenge the Saints for the division, while the Bucs and Panthers are in rebuilding mode. *Saints: 12-4 Falcons: 10-6 Buccaneers: 4-12 Panthers: 3-13
NFC East We got drama! McNabb was traded within the division (stupid move), so the Redskins have expectations. The Giants are in the wrong market, so they always have insane expectations. The Super Bowl is in Cowboy Stadium this year, so they have insane expectations, so naturally, the Eagles will win the division. Or so the theory goes. *Eagles: 9-7 *Cowboys: 9-7 Giants: 9-7 Redskins: 9-7
AFC West The window is closing on the Chargers, because the Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos are all figuring it out. *Chargers: 10-6 Broncos: 9-7 Raiders: 6-10 Chiefs: 5-11
AFC North Big Ben is suspended for a while (currently 4 games, but could still be 6), and the Ravens and Bengals are going to pounce. The Browns are still the Browns. *Bengals: 11-5 *Ravens: 10-6 Steelers: 8-8 Browns: 4-12
AFC South Tricky division? No. *Colts: 12-4 (I will never doubt them winning 12 again so long as Peyton is on that team) Titans: 10-6 Texans: 9-7 Jaguars: 6-10
AFC East The hardest division to pick, I guess. *Jets: 11-5 *Patriots: 10-6 Dolphins: 10-6 Bills: 2-12
*: Indicates team made playoffs last year.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Lenophis on August 14, 2010, 01:13:13 AM
Saints - Is it possible to be recruited and get $8m more money than before and keep telling everyone that there's 8 million reasons why he will fall apart?
I will have some analysis of the teams this year... and anyone who really thinks the J E T S is going to do anything of significance is CRAZY given that Sophomore slumps and Sanchez is asking for a disaster (that and other things).
:edit:
There's an interesting stat that says the Super Bowl winning team has won the first game of the season for 10 games straight... so... :banonsmash:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 1!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 09, 2010, 10:27:49 PM
Getting into camp late finally paid off... for the opponents.
Brett Favre delivered for me!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 12, 2010, 11:04:09 AM
Bleh, I'll go with the picks, and I'll rant later about each team.
Giants - Does anyone have confidence in Matt Moore to QB this team? Factor this is also minus Julius Peppers.
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Falcons @ Steelers
Steelers - I don't like the pick that much.. Dennis Dixon is starting for Big Ben (on suspension) and Matt Ryan is in his 3rd year. The Steelers defense will have to make up for the effort.. the Falcons defense is probably just mediocre, so there's a chance of success here.
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Browns @ Buccaneers
Bucs - This is a near tossup for a near irrelevant game this freaking early in the year. I can't even recall the Browns QB since ditching Brady Quinn... so go figure.
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Broncos @ Jaguars
Broncos - I'm not sure which is a better pick.. I think the Broncos will have a good start early. I have no idea how the Jags will be as of yet. Tim Tebow is reportedly going to make an appearance in the game.
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Colts @ Texans (division)
Colts - Just pencil it in really. Besides, Leinart signed with the Texans... not that it matters.
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Dolphins @ Bills (division)
Dolphins - Is it surprising that the fish have not beaten the Bills (on the road, I think) since 2003. Why?
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Lions @ Bears (division)
Bears - The Bears look like they have had an awesome offseason, other than the Jets. However, the question still becomes... is that defense going to be better. Sure their defense has had major setbacks... but ultimate.. is Jay Cutler not going to suck and keep throwing Brett Favre-like INTs? The Bears o-line has been pretty bad for the past couple of years.
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Raiders @ Titans
Titans - Raiders have been a lost cause for a while.. and the Titan's season last year was a disaster from the beginning.
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Bengals @ Patriots
Pats - It will be an interesting game... I have strong concerns over the young defense plus a weak pass rush. At least it will be entertaining, with the TO and Ochocinco show... however Carson Palmer has not been the same since the injury.
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Cardinals @ Rams (division)
Cards - I don't like this pick... Cards have a QB situation and the Rams have a rookie QB that's playing... it's really hard to decide.
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49'ers @ Seahawks (division)
Seahawks - This is a tough pick. It's Pete Carroll who hasn't really had great success as a NFL head coach and the 49ers have a volatile QB situation... so, go figure.
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Packers @ Eagles
Packers - The Kevin Kolb era might really start with a bump. I'm sure Andy Reid will coach it to be competitive.
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Cowboys @ Redskins
Cowboys - The Cowboys are usually fast starters... but this may be a game with McNabb at QB. The question then becomes, why is Haynesworth part of the Redskins scout team? I'm not sure the Redskins defense is good enough.... I do think the Redskins have a legit shot of being in the playoffs... and on the flip side, the Cowboys are the most likely team that will be disappointed in not making the Super Bowl (next to the J E T S).
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Ravens @ Jets (Monday)
Ravens - I have more faith in the Ravens as a team than the Jets. The "Sanchise" is the biggest scary wildcard and not in a good way. He's not "the guy" in terms of commanding his teammates, and Hard Knocks have revealed quite a bit. The reality is that the Jets talk a big game, but are setting themselves up to get their asses kicked especially if things go sour.
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Chargers @ Chiefs (division, Monday)
Chiefs - This game has the greatest potential for an upset. The Chargers are usually a second half team, and the Chiefs have significantly upgraded their coaching staff... with Romeo Crenell on defense and Charlie Weis on offense. The AFC West may be a little more interesting... maybe.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 1!
Post by: Lenophis on September 12, 2010, 02:49:15 PM
This could be a bad sign for the Bears: 1st and Goal inside the 1-yard line, and they could not punch it in. Turnover on downs. Assassin, I wouldn't blame you if there were a lot of grumblings coming from your direction. :whoa:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 1!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 12, 2010, 03:34:41 PM
This could be a bad sign for the Bears: 1st and Goal inside the 1-yard line, and they could not punch it in. Turnover on downs. Assassin, I wouldn't blame you if there were a lot of grumblings coming from your direction. :whoa:
I didn't see much of that, but that's major fail.
Bears are lucky that Calvin Johnson decided to drop the ball at the end. He had total control over the ball, but in the rush to celebrate, he dropped it at the very end. Small things lead to huge consequences. Well, they are the Lions... but it's a real hollow win for the Bears IMO.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 1!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 12, 2010, 10:54:10 PM
That was an epic finale of the Cowboys @ Redskins game.
The problem: The Cowboys are still that... undisciplined.
Most penalties and stupid plays at the crucial times... :wtf:
Biggest other shocker is Colts losing to the Texans. Colts run defense is awful and the often injured Bob Sanders is out again...
11-3 in my picks 5-9 for Gil 8-6 for Leno
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 1!
Post by: Lenophis on September 14, 2010, 12:25:35 AM
Final results for the week: Gil goes 6-10, Deathlike goes 13-3, and I go 8-8. The Ravens/Jets MNF game was pretty good if you like defense. Not good if you like actual offense. The Chargers/Chiefs game was just kinda sloppy, but still pretty good. Chiefs pulled out a stop when they needed to, and the Revis Island Jets committed every penalty they could tonight.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Gil Galad on September 18, 2010, 05:28:03 PM
Titans - Young QB (Dixon) on the road is not an easy task.
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Dolphins @ Vikings
Vikings - I still get the feeling the fish will squish the Vikings though... or maybe just squish Favre with adversity...
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Cardinals @ Falcons
Falcons - I think Matt Ryan will bounce back, but does anyone think Derek Anderson is the solution in Arizona?
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Ravens @ Bengals (division)
Bengals - The Ravens are coming off a MNF high although perhaps the Bungles are overrated? We will see.
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Chiefs @ Browns
Chiefs - The Browns are the Browns... I can see Matt Cassell finding a way to beat the Mangina Browns.
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Bears @ Cowboys
Cowboys - I know assassin is not going to like this, but Cutler is not the solution. Cowboys played like crap last week and lost deservingly so. Then again...
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Eagles @ Lions
Eagles - Vick will start, and the Lions are in disarray... let the QB controversy continue in Philly.
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Bills @ Packers
Packers - It's hard to feel sorry for the Bills.
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Buccaneers @ Panthers (division)
Panthers - Both teams are rebuilding... so I'm not a fan on this pick.
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Seahawks @ Broncos
Broncos - Both teams are kind of rebuilding... Seahawks coming from a beatdown win and Broncos coming from a loss.. it might make this more interesting than normal.
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Rams @ Raiders
Rams - If this game doesn't air, did it even happen?
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Texans @ Redskins
Texans - I would only hope the huge win over the Colts doesn't get the Texans a big head. Same can be said for the Redskins.
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Patriots @ Jets (division)
Pats - J E T S also spells D E A D B E E F. This game might be close, but I have very little faith in the "Sanchise".
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Jaguars @ Chargers
Chargers - I'm not sure how MNF affects the Chargers, but a west coast trip will hurt the Jags though...
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Giants @ Colts
Colts - This game can go either way. I don't like Eli over his brother, but I also don't like the Colts d vs the Giants running game. I think the Colts will bounce back.
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Saints @ 49'ers (Monday)
Saints - The 49ers are still not the team since they can't really find the franchise QB.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 19, 2010, 02:55:49 PM
FISH SQUISHED FAVRE FISH SQUISHED FAVRE
FISH SQUISHED FAVRE
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 19, 2010, 06:29:52 PM
Jets won, and I'll give them credit since even I haven't figured out what exactly went wrong.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 19, 2010, 07:24:08 PM
Records up onto SNF
Me: 8-6 Leno: 8-6 Gil: 8-6
Despite the ties, the major tiebreaker tonight is the SNF game. There's plenty of upsets this week and we've all picked the Saints to win.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Gil Galad on September 19, 2010, 10:17:06 PM
I'm definitely going 8-7 now since the Giants are getting crushed by the Colts right now in the 4th quarter.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 19, 2010, 11:32:43 PM
I'm definitely going 8-7 now since the Giants are getting crushed by the Colts right now in the 4th quarter.
Giants had no shot after 2 TDs were scored... plus they could do nothing against that Colts pass rush. How this is a surprise to Tom Coughlin is beyond me.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: assassin on September 20, 2010, 02:38:39 AM
huh, i'm pleasantly surprised to see the Bears at 2-0. i didn't watch any of last week's game, but was less than impressed by them beating a consistently bad Lions by only 5 points. i did see the last several minutes of this week's game, as well as some big plays earlier, and they were pretty sharp.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 2!
Post by: Deathlike2 on September 20, 2010, 09:28:59 AM
I'm starting to lean towards the Cowboys being more dysfunctional by design because of the Super Bowl and Jerry Jones forcing the pressure on them...
Well that, and their o-line that totally needs to be replaced and become more disciplined in general (or for that matter, the team itself).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Gil Galad on September 25, 2010, 03:52:54 AM
Some of these are pretty difficult for me to pick since I can't watch most of the games since I don't have cable TV. I looked up the current standings on nfl.com and based some of my picks on the stats. But of course, who knows who is really going to win. lol
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 3
Post by: Lenophis on September 26, 2010, 02:38:54 AM
Falcons - 49ers are having issues on many levels... starting with coaching
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Bengals @ Browns (division)
Bengals - These are the Cleveland Browns.
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Jets @ Bills (division)
Jets - An upset could happen, but these are the Bills.
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Seahawks @ Rams (division)
Seahawks - I don't believe a rookie QB at home has that much an advantage over a veteran team.
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Broncos @ Titans
Broncos - This an interesting matchup, but it is difficult to compare the two teams.. they are very different on both sides of the ball.
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Lions @ Packers (division)
Packers - Detriot still has the Red Wings.
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Ravens @ Steelers (division)
Steelers - This is one of the more interesting games of the week and someone will be hurt just because of the physicality.
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Panthers @ Saints (division)
Saints - The Panthers are awful.
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Colts @ Jaguars (division)
Colts - What the hell happened to David Garrard? Seriously.
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Texans @ Raiders
Texans - The Raiders ARE the Black Hole.
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Redskins @ Eagles (division)
Eagles - I had decided this as soon as FOX brought it up some frequently. It's so sad a matchup, but you may never know.
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Cardinals @ Chargers
Chargers - Derek Anderson is not the answer for the Cards.
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Bears @ Giants
Bears - The Giants are imploding...
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Patriots @ Dolphins (division, Monday)
Dolphins - I hate making this pick, but I do not like our secondary... they would have to step up to have any chance of winning.
Key differences in picks from the pack: Me: Broncos over Titans Gil: Pats over Dolphins, Cards over Chargers
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Lenophis on October 03, 2010, 02:44:35 PM
You forgot me picking the Titans over the Broncos. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 03, 2010, 03:01:28 PM
Leno, read the picks again. I picked the Broncos.. the both of you picked the Titans.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Lenophis on October 03, 2010, 03:38:34 PM
Ehhh, whatever. That's what happens when you're tired. My picks are taking a beating already. Damn you Browns, Rams, and Ravens! :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 03, 2010, 07:07:32 PM
Record going into SNF:
Me: 7-5 Leno: 6-6 Gil: 5-7
Also, Leno, I'm very sure you got the week 3 record wrong.
There was lots of strange upsets.. close game with Colts lost at the last drive with a FG. Vick goes down and Kolb is craptacular. Seahawks suck more than originally thought.. the Bungles are the Bungles...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Lenophis on October 03, 2010, 09:07:14 PM
I went over it twice, and all three of us lost one and won one going into SNF last week. However, if my math was wrong, you're more than welcome to find the mistake.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 03, 2010, 09:25:15 PM
The MNF game for Week 3, you got correctly. However, we all lost the SNF game.
It's supposed to be like this: Me+Leno: 8-8 Gil: 9-7
Do I need to poke fun at your math again on IRC?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 03, 2010, 10:18:53 PM
Bears @ Giants = unwatchable
Collins might be alright if given time, but WTF was Cutler thinking all of the first half before the concussion? Clearly all those hits confused him more than gamblers not knowing when to stop.
:edit: After I wrote this, Collins is coming out and it's 3rd string QB time...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: assassin on October 03, 2010, 10:47:18 PM
yeah, that was torturous. it's a marvel they only lost by 14 points. hopefully, both QBs are alright.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 4!
Post by: Gil Galad on October 05, 2010, 10:24:48 PM
What's the record now?
Well, I know I sucked this week. Several teams that I picked lost. I tried picking them based on the stats, but of course who knows who's really going to win. I can't wait for this weekend!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 5!
Post by: Lenophis on October 06, 2010, 09:24:37 PM
Shocking news today, Randy Moss was traded to the Vikings today. This will make most of the AFC East very happy, and the NFC North very unhappy. Personally, I'm a little weary. Which Moss are we going to get? It'll give Favre a deep threat, if nothing else.
Also, did I get the numbers right this time? :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 5!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 06, 2010, 09:59:20 PM
Looks good, for now.
I think this trade had to be done, because Moss was going off the deep end to get out of town.
I'm not sure what the Vikings will get. Either they spend money to extend him to keep him happy (and it'll be like paying for Favre, but long term), or hope he doesn't make the locker room implode while whining about his contact.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 5!
Post by: assassin on October 07, 2010, 08:22:46 PM
hey Deathlike2, have you seen the alleged Brett Favre genital pics yet?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 5!
Post by: Lenophis on October 08, 2010, 12:13:06 AM
Colts - Despite the bye week, it would take quite a bit of effort to stop Peyton. There's still a shot of an upset though, but it's hard to see that while the Colts are at home.
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Jaguars @ Bills
Bills - The Jags aren't that great... despite that win over the Colts. This matchup is scary.
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Buccaneers @ Bengals
Bengals - There's something really strange about this TO-Ochocinco combo... it's still not good enough....
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Falcons @ Browns
Falcons - It may be tough for the road-dome team....
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Rams @ Lions
Rams - I don't like this pick very much at all... arg. Two perennial fail teams.
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Broncos @ Ravens
Ravens - This may be a tough matchup to call.
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Bears @ Panthers
Bears - I don't like this pick, but the Bears are better overall, particularly with regards to Special Teams. Despite the loss of Cutler, which was his frazzling party, Collins will try to hold that fort down...
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Packers @ Redskins
Packers - I don't know how McNabb was able to get away with that meh of a performance.
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Giants @ Texans
Texans - I don't quite by that Giants defense, given how Cutler was his own undoing.
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Saints @ Cardinals
Saints - The Cards are starting a rookie QB. Good luck with that.
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Titans @ Cowboys
Cowboys - The Titans aren't that good a team, and the Cowboys are coming off a bye.
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Chargers @ Raiders (division)
Chargers - The Raiders are the Raiders....
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Eagles @ 49'ers
49ers - This is probably my lame upset pick, but I'm uncomfortable with Kolb and this is a slightly more favorable home game than the one with the Saints. I see lots of running to happen with the 49ers vs the Eagles undersized defensive line.
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Vikings @ Jets (Monday)
Vikings - I don't really think Moss will help too much with this game... I get the feeling the Jets will win..
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 5!
Post by: assassin on October 10, 2010, 02:59:28 PM
Eagles - I honestly don't know how, but I think the Eagles will expose the weak Falcons run d... despite the Eagles being a primarily pass first team.
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Browns @ Steelers (division)
Steelers - Rookie QB for the Browns vs Big Ben Steelers... it might be interesting... or a snorefest. There is no middle ground.
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Chiefs @ Texans
Texans - I'm not confident in the Matt Cassell offense.. but I do like the Chiefs defense... it's a tough game to call.
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Saints @ Buccaneers (division)
Saints - This should be competitive... especially given the Saints woes and the Bucs doing pretty well.
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Dolphins @ Packers
Dolphins - A headache for Rodgers plus a a bye week can do wonders for a team.
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Chargers @ Rams
Chargers - After an embarrassing lose to the Raiders, I expect them to get back to playing better against the bleh Rams.
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Ravens @ Patriots
Pats - I simply hope there's a good win to come from a bye week.
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Seahawks @ Bears
Seahawks - I like the Bears d, but what the hell is with the Bears o? I doubt that can continue long term. Seahawks are bad on the road, but that could be compensated via the bye week.
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Jets @ Broncos
Jets - Despite having come off MNF, the Broncos were bad against the Ravens... I'm not sure how effective that team would be better than the Jets...
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Raiders @ 49'ers
49ers - There's a shot that the 49ers will get their sole win vs this awful team...
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Cowboys @ Vikings
Cowboys - I don't normally like picking the Cowboys after that suckage, but this is compounded with the suckage that is Brett Favre on MNF.
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Colts @ Redskins
Colts - I don't like this matchup.. it's tough to call. The Colts d isn't very effective, especially on the road or vs the run. The Redskins d is very curious... but more importantly, the Redskins o "does enough" yet isn't that great either.
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Titans @ Jaguars (Monday)
Titans - I really don't like this pick... either way.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 6!
Post by: Gil Galad on October 17, 2010, 06:16:08 PM
That was a pretty good game between the Vikings and the Cowboys. It was pretty damn close.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 6!
Post by: Lenophis on October 17, 2010, 06:21:20 PM
Would've been better if there weren't so many penalties. Seriously, the Cowboys got called for excessive celebration, again.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 6!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 17, 2010, 06:27:03 PM
Clearly no shot of playing the Super Bowl at home... these Cowgirls.
Records getting into SNF: Leno: 6-6 Gil: 9-3 Myself: 10-2
Only major difference left in games is Gil picking the skins over the Colts. I felt like a beast starting off 8-1 in the early games today.... :omg:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Gil Galad on October 23, 2010, 11:28:35 PM
Falcons - I know the Bungles are coming off a bye, but I don't think they cease to fail enough for whatever the reason.
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Redskins @ Bears
Bears - I get the feeling McNabb will be crushed (physically, not scorewise).
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Rams @ Buccaneers
Bucs - I'll take my chances with a 2nd year QB than a rookie QB-dome team on the road.
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49'ers @ Panthers
49ers - It's hard to take a rookie QB seriously... at the moment.
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Bills @ Ravens
Ravens - Seriously?
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Eagles @ Titans
Titans - This is tough to gauge given than the Titans QB situation is as precarious as the Eagles QB situation...
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Jaguars @ Chiefs
Chiefs - The Jags are worse than I thought.
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Steelers @ Dolphins
Steelers - Would be nice to squish teh fish!
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Browns @ Saints
Saints - Who are you trying to kid?
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Cardinals @ Seahawks (division)
Seahawks - This strange team is better at home... go figure.
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Patriots @ Chargers
Pats - I'm uneasy at this pick since the Chargers play better at home... it will be a close game... I hope.
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Raiders @ Broncos (division)
Broncos - Raiders are still a joke.
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Vikings @ Packers (division)
Packers - Cowboys lost to their own ineptness... you can't say the same here... especially for a aging Favre on the road.
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Giants @ Cowboys (division, Monday)
Giants - Simply just put the Cowboys out of their misery... the team has the same fundamental problem.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Gil Galad on October 24, 2010, 06:20:44 PM
Wow, the Browns upset the Saints. lol
Didn't see that coming at all. But hey, any team can win I guess.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 24, 2010, 06:27:57 PM
Scores going into SNF: Leno: 6-6 Gil: 7-5 Me: 8-4
Only major differences left is my pick of the Packers over the Vikings.
WTF Browns... Saints in major SB hangover. Also, noone saw the Raiders pwning the Broncos... did they? :wtf:
BTW, I watched the Steelers @ Fish game and WTF @ what happened in that replay challenge. Steelers arguably stole one in that controversial replay.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 24, 2010, 10:38:57 PM
Fun game. Loved it. Enjoyed it. INTs come back to haunt Team Favre.... which works out for me. :D
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: assassin on October 25, 2010, 07:11:01 AM
i was just looking at Rex Grossman's stats for the 2006 season. he played in all 16 games, and was sacked 21 times all year. wow, our offensive line was godly back then. Cutler's been sacked more than that in the past 4 games this year.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: assassin on October 25, 2010, 07:21:14 AM
holy shit.. and i look up Jay Cutler's 2008 stats. he played in all 16 games, and was only sacked 11 times. so Denver's offensive line was super godly. it also means that Chicago's GM didn't have much idea how Cutler would react to normal pressure (aside from the 2007 season), let alone intense pressure, when hiring him.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 25, 2010, 01:04:18 PM
With a Shanahan based offense, they have had very good o-lines... which Cutler had in Denver. I mean, they took an entire Browns o-line one year and had a pretty damn good year (I mean, the Browns are perennial losers, so taking a Browns o-line seemed like a joke).
The Bears o-line has been atrocious for the past number of year... so this has affected Forte, but more importantly Cutler. This compounded with a Mike Martz offense that demands Cutler to hold onto the ball for very deep routes... this has effectively gotten Cutler killed.
The irony was that this discussion is taking place AFTER losing to the Redskins... of which Shanahan is on now. I should have picked the Redskins based on this fact alone. I mean, based on this Martz offense, Deangelo Hall was his best receiver yesterday!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 28, 2010, 12:03:26 AM
I'm surprised it has yet to be mentioned here that Romo was hurt during their loss to the Giants... as clearly... there will be no chance the Cowboys will be playing @ home for the Super Bowl this year. Pretty sad...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Lenophis on October 28, 2010, 12:20:52 AM
Didn't we know that last week and two weeks ago already?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 7!
Post by: Deathlike2 on October 28, 2010, 12:26:29 AM
Falcons - Falcons are strong at home, but this is an interesting game.
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Bears @ Bills
Bills - The Toronto Bills will manage to win this... over the Cutler-CB friendly Bears.
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Patriots @ Browns
Pats - I hate Mangina.
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Jets @ Lions
Jets - I would be highly amused if the Lions pull the upset.
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Saints @ Panthers (division)
Saints - Meh?
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Dolphins @ Ravens
Ravens - I expect the fish to make it close, given their road record.
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Chargers @ Texans
Chargers - Texans are not the same team... but neither are the Chargers. I still lean towards the Chargers being a 2nd half team.
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Cardinals @ Vikings
Vikings - Yet... I get the feeling the Cards would make Favre's life a tad harder.... or at least make it interesting.
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Giants @ Seahawks
Giants - It's hard to buy into the Seahawks...
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Colts @ Eagles
Colts - This is an interesting matchup... it's hard to see that given a dome team on the road.. and that'll keep it close. It's alos hard to figure who is starting for the Eagles...
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Chiefs @ Raiders (division)
Chiefs - I think it's really easy to pick the Raiders here, given their last two games. Perhaps they are for real... but I tend to lean towards the Raiders being meh (plus the draft pick). We'll see.
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Cowboys @ Packers
Packers - This is virtually a no-brainer. Cowboys have quit.
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Steelers @ Bengals (division, Monday)
Steelers - Who are the Bungles trying to kid?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 9!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 07, 2010, 11:32:03 AM
I forgot to mention, but Leno had also failed to do the same... Moss was waived and sent to the Titans. "Chilly" (Childress) must've had a fun time deciding this after giving up a 3rd round pick.... brilliant!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 9!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 07, 2010, 02:51:59 PM
Gotta give credit to the Browns for this win. That win against the Saints was not a fluke. I still hate Mangini. Peyton Hillis is a beast. Colt McCoy is impressive (although, I'm not sold, but better than whatever shit they threw out to date).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 9!
Post by: Lenophis on November 07, 2010, 04:55:40 PM
Today the Lions did what the Lions are accustomed to, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They were leading the Jets 20-10 with about 5 minutes to go, and a combination of the defense being gassed, Sanchez marching the team down the field, and a late hit out of bounds, allowed the Jets to steal this one.
Also, :wtf: @ Browns beating the Pats at home. Seriously.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 9!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 07, 2010, 05:55:52 PM
Trap game + bye week usually makes stuff happen.
If only the Lions actually got the extra point....
:edit: For a thought, :wtf: were the Broncos thinking when they traded Hillis to the Browns? The Broncos traded for Maroney and he was very disappointing as a Patriot.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 9!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 07, 2010, 08:52:26 PM
Records going into SNF: Gil: 6-5 Leno: 6-5 Me: 7-4
Same SNF+MNF picks, so bleh.
This whipping of the Cowgirls is too sad to watch. Only competitive game I watched (in full) today was the Colts @ Eagles... pretty sad (I watched the Giants pwn the Seahawks, which was BORING).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Lenophis on November 11, 2010, 05:19:58 AM
In news everybody was expecting, Wade Phillips was fired as Cowboys coach. Garrett takes over for the rest of the season.
Note: ALL of the week's picks must be in before kickoff of the first game from here on out. Blame NFL Network and their desire for Thursday night games.
Note: ALL of the week's picks must be in before kickoff of the first game from here on out. Blame NFL Network and their desire for Thursday night games.
Are you serious? I don't mind making picks before kickoff, but there's a good reason to make picks before Sunday's game starts... especially with the injury report hanging around.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Lenophis on November 11, 2010, 04:02:36 PM
Yes, I am serious.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 11, 2010, 04:41:41 PM
The rules better change on that (especially when Thanksgiving is a 3-game Thursday special), because really, it's not hard to keep track. Major things can happen within 2-3 days before the Sunday game, and I'd swear you're only doing this because you're not doing so hot. :tongue:
It is not like it matters for the MNF game, given that most things are pretty much set the day before, despite the non-playing.
With that said, :lame:
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Ravens @ Falcons (Thursday)
Falcons - It is a tough call, but the Falcons play better @ home.. despite the good Ravens d.
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Lions @ Bills
Bills - Lions are better with Stafford, but his oft injured state plus they are the dome team on the road, doesn't help.
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Vikings @ Bears (division)
Bears - I don't think Cutler would do well, but I'd think Favre would do much worse.
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Jets @ Browns
Jets - Despite the pick, I hope the Browns win.
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Bengals @ Colts
Colts - The Bungles trend will continue...
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Titans @ Dolphins
Titans - There's something to the strangeness that the fish cannot win @ home...
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Panthers @ Buccaneers (division)
Bucs - It's sad that John Fox will be fired, but this season is not meant to be.
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Texans @ Jaguars (division)
Jags - I don't like this pick, so I've deferred to the home team.... coming off a bye.
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Chiefs @ Broncos (division)
Broncos - One would hope Josh McDaniels keeps his job... but that would fail if his team doesn't win coming out of a bye.
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Cowboys @ Giants (division)
Giants - DISASTER ON FOX (late game of the day)
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Seahawks @ Cardinals (division)
Cards - Although I think the Seahawks will do a little better than their crap game @ home last week, a rookie QB on the road = disaster.
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Rams @ 49'ers (division)
49ers - Both teams are coming off a bye, and one would hope the 49ers figure something out, but it's also tough to pick a rookie QB on the road too... very tough pick.
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Patriots @ Steelers
Steelers - I'm hoping for the reverse lock, but I'm seriously hoping this game is competitive.... wtf was NBC thinking with the Cowboys....
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Eagles @ Redskins (division, Monday)
Redskins - I don't like this pick, but one would hope a Shanahan run team would be better off a bye.... especially after that fun controversy in Detriot.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Lenophis on November 11, 2010, 05:46:39 PM
It won't, and it's something I meant to mention before the season started. I'll take the blame for that, and yes, this is short notice. I'll take the blame for that, too. Nobody likes being put on the spot. I suppose I should've given this week as a leeway period, and I should've announced this on Sunday, so everyone knew with enough time to adjust. Ahh well. :shadow:
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Major things can happen within 2-3 days before the Sunday game
Is this fantasy football? No, this is just for fun. :wink:
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and I'd swear you're only doing this because you're not doing so hot. :tongue:
You are entitled to your opinion, even if it's wrong.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 11, 2010, 07:48:26 PM
It won't, and it's something I meant to mention before the season started. I'll take the blame for that, and yes, this is short notice. I'll take the blame for that, too. Nobody likes being put on the spot. I suppose I should've given this week as a leeway period, and I should've announced this on Sunday, so everyone knew with enough time to adjust. Ahh well. :shadow:
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Major things can happen within 2-3 days before the Sunday game
Is this fantasy football? No, this is just for fun. :wink:
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and I'd swear you're only doing this because you're not doing so hot. :tongue:
You are entitled to your opinion, even if it's wrong.
I'd just axe your "non-week" record, but that's not even impressive.
There's no reason why that rule in in play, despite this is not serious or anything we're going to win (other than being able to show Favre's package :P)
How's about a small bet? If I win record-wise this year, we change that rule next year, so that picks for Thursday through Saturday games (I'm not sure if the NFL is doing any more Saturday regular season games like some years ago) can be made separate from the Sunday+Monday picks.
The fact is, there's no benefit in doing the picks earlier other than the TNF+Thanksgiving games early (because of the insane desire of the NFL to be on almost every day). If say for example Brett Favre was going to be pulled from a game because of injury between Thursday and Sunday, I'm willing to bet you would want change your pick. However, with the current rules in place, I guess if you feel like this "is fair", I will find a way to poke at this fail in logic.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Gil Galad on November 12, 2010, 12:25:35 PM
I understand your point about "things can happen". It kind of cuts a little bit of an advantage to how you figure out your picks.
But hey, it's just easier to make all your picks at once and not so much of a mess in the NFL thread, if you ask me.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 14, 2010, 03:50:32 PM
Jets and Browns had an interesting epic game, where it came down to the very last play ftw. (Jags had a similar game, w/o OT, but I didn't get to see it.)
With that said if some of you were able to make normal picks at the normal time, you wouldn't have picked the Vikings since they failed MISERABLY. Congrats! :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 10!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 14, 2010, 07:02:27 PM
Records going into SNF: Leno: 6-6 Gil: 6-6 Me: 9-3
Only diff left is Leno picking the Eagles over the Redskins.
Blah Seahawks... the Cowboys-Giants game was not competitive... but just the outcome anyone thought was the case.
So, congrats Leno, you had your way.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Lenophis on November 18, 2010, 04:00:10 PM
That Raiders/Steelers game looks very interesting, and I have no confidence in the Colts/Patriots game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: assassin on November 18, 2010, 04:34:40 PM
aye, i forgot the Bears game was today until noticing this topic was bumped. i'd imagine the turnaround is even more harrowing to the players than it is to me. ;)
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 18, 2010, 06:37:15 PM
I wouldn't worry too much about the Bears. The fish lost both QBs and this is a short week.
Onto the picks!
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Week 11 schedule:
Picking the other games on Thursdays suck balls, full stop.
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Bears @ Dolphins (Thursday)
Bears - Tyler Thigpen is not the answer, and I suspect that'll make the Bears eat the fish alive.
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Bills @ Bengals
Bengals - Only the Bungles can screw this up.
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Lions @ Cowboys
Cowboys - Seeing how the Giants looked uncompetitive, this could be a closer game than it should be.
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Redskins @ Titans
Titans - Redskins coming off a bye week+pwnage+MNF, the Titans will be able to regroup from that terrible loss.... though I doubt Moss would show up.
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Cardinals @ Chiefs
Chiefs - The beatdown of the Chiefs kinda help them out here... the Cards are very much in flux.
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Packers @ Vikings (division)
Packers - Arguably the very last important game of Favre's career.
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Texans @ Jets
Jets - What the hell happened to the Texans? Oh wait.. they are the Texans.
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Ravens @ Panthers
Ravens - It's a slow death for John Fox.
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Browns @ Jaguars
Jags - I don't like this pick any more than picking Mangina to win.
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Raiders @ Steelers
Steelers - Despite the bye week for the Raiders, I expect the Steelers to stop the Raiders heads from exploding...
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Buccaneers @ 49'ers
49ers - This is a tough pick... a west coast trip usually helps the home team more...
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Seahawks @ Saints
Saints - I get the feeling the Seahawks will get some beatdown.
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Falons @ Rams
Falcons - Once Leno notices this spelling mistake, it's probably too late.
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Colts @ Patriots
Pats - I'm only hoping here, but despite Peyton having to work at the bottom end of his receiver charts, I think he'll try to make it close.
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Giants @ Eagles (division)
Eagles - I know the Eagles are coming off a short week because of MNF, this game can be close... but the question is whether the Giants will play a consistent game?
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Broncos @ Chargers (division, Monday)
Chargers - The late-half surge has commenced for the Chargers... and unfortunately this might really come at Josh McDaniel's expense.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Lenophis on November 18, 2010, 07:13:08 PM
i'd imagine the turnaround is even more harrowing to the players than it is to me. ;)
A lot of people (iow the hard-nosed analysts) seem to think that the Bears aren't for real because "they really haven't beaten anybody yet." You know what? The schedule is what it is, and you play who is in front of you. 7-3 is 7-3, no matter the conference and division.
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Packers - Arguably the very last important game of Favre's career.
If the Packers win, yes. Vikes have to win out or they are done, emphasis on done. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 18, 2010, 08:31:35 PM
i'd imagine the turnaround is even more harrowing to the players than it is to me. ;)
A lot of people (iow the hard-nosed analysts) seem to think that the Bears aren't for real because "they really haven't beaten anybody yet." You know what? The schedule is what it is, and you play who is in front of you. 7-3 is 7-3, no matter the conference and division.
This Bears team resembles the one that went against the Colts in the SB. The difference is that you're replacing Grossman with Cutler. The eventual result is that the Bears will be a disappointment. It is very hard to believe in that offense, period.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011)
Post by: Gil Galad on November 18, 2010, 09:02:24 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 21, 2010, 08:12:51 PM
Records going into SNF: Leno: 11-3 (and still managed to pick Favre to win) Gil: 8-6 (according to Leno's lame rules, it wouldn't count, although making the initial pick of the fish game is lol) Me: 10-4
Major pick differences left include Leno picking the Giants(, and Gil picking the Broncos).
:edit: Notable games: Colts @ Pats game was AWESOME, although I felt a heart attack coming on (figuratively speaking) in that last Colts drive. Vikings season ends on Favre being MIA, which shouldn't have shocked anyone (but it did apparently). Bucs are a very good dark-horse team that most people don't know about. Bungles are worst than anyone thought... I mean the Bills beat them.. and TO's press conference was epic. Titans have issues on QB (let alone the team and Moss)... and manage to let McNabb win... for some reason. Jets should've lost, but then again these are the epic fail Texans.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 22, 2010, 12:18:55 PM
Congrats to the Packers! They have managed to get another coach fired. You may know him as "Chilly".
When the Packers have to play the 49ers this year, Mike Singletary needs to start praying that the day won't arrive as early...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Lenophis on November 22, 2010, 12:42:56 PM
"Can't win with them, can't coach with them, can't do it."
I love that rant. Don't take that away from me. :sad:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 11!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 22, 2010, 01:40:49 PM
It won't go away... like Jim Mora's (Senior) infamous "playoffs" speech.
:edit:
You still cannot forget the Dennis Green "the Bears are who we thought they were" speech.
:edit:
One would argue that "Chilly" was better than the "Ticetanic"... :laugh:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: Lenophis on November 23, 2010, 12:56:11 PM
I'm making my picks now because I won't get a chance to Thursday, maybe not even tomorrow. Patriots, Saints, Jets, Falcons, Steelers, Eagles, Browns, Redskins, Ravens, Titans, Giants, Chiefs, Dolphins, Broncos, Chargers, Cardinals.
Ugh, some of these look like ugly games. :banonsmash:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: Gil Galad on November 24, 2010, 10:22:21 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 24, 2010, 10:45:17 PM
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Week 12 schedule:
Gobble gobble! The Thanksgiving games are kinda easy, but some of the matchups did require some thought...
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Patriots @ Lions (Thursday)
Pats - I hope this doesn't become a trap game...
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Saints @ Cowboys (Thursday)
Saints - I doubt the Cowboys can effectively cover the Saints receivers.
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Bengals @ Jets (Thursday)
Jets - It would be a good game... IF the Bungles were good.
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Packers @ Falcons
Packers - I believe this is the only team on the schedule that has a realistic chance of beating the Falcons at home... not an easy pick.
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Steelers @ Bills
Steelers - It's very difficult in my mind to see the Bills putting up that many points again... but they at least try...
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Eagles @ Bears
Bears - This is not an easy pick. I get the strong feeling that the Bears will find a way to take Vick out.
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Panthers @ Browns
Browns - Dead team walking...
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Vikings @ Redskins
Redskins - Leno picked against his team... :wtf: :wink:
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Buccaneers @ Ravens
Ravens - I know the Bucs are good, but I don't think they are that good.
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Titans @ Texans (division)
Texans - I know the Texans find ways to lose now, but the Titans have real issues at QB... although I guess this Texans pass d could make any QB look like a god...
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Jaguars @ Giants
Giants - Jags might lead their division, but they aren't that good... Giants looking to rebound...
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Chiefs @ Seahawks
Chiefs - Although the Seahawks are better at home, I'm not really confident with this pick...
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Dolphins @ Raiders
Raiders - I think the Raiders will feel better after this game, but that's only because their opponent is terrible.
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Rams @ Broncos
Broncos - Broncos are licking their wounds, but the Rams are not that good yet...
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Chargers @ Colts
Chargers - I don't know why, but this Chargers team is strange... and Colts aren't as good...
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49'ers @ Cardinals (division, Monday)
Cards - This is a very difficult pick.. given that these teams are still relative unknowns...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: Deathlike2 on November 28, 2010, 07:49:02 PM
Records going into SNF: Gil: 7-7 Leno: 10-4 Me: 10-4
Only major pick difference left is Gil picking the Colts.
If Leno had let the rules be much nicer on the picks, the absence of Asante Samuel for the Eagles game really hurt them.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: assassin on November 28, 2010, 10:00:30 PM
seriously man, you are gifted at this. now, your 5-6 playoff record last year was as bad as mine, but you consistently get 60% or more of picks right week after week. aren't the tards on TV proud of themselves if they can average like 52%? and they're getting paid for this? there's a career of some type in this for you, Deathlike2, though it might not be legal. :/
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 12!
Post by: Gil Galad on November 28, 2010, 10:41:17 PM
Yeah, he could set up some type of NFL gambling ring. lmao
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 13!
Post by: Lenophis on December 02, 2010, 04:41:25 PM
seriously man, you are gifted at this. now, your 5-6 playoff record last year was as bad as mine, but you consistently get 60% or more of picks right week after week. aren't the tards on TV proud of themselves if they can average like 52%? and they're getting paid for this? there's a career of some type in this for you, Deathlike2, though it might not be legal. :/
I will say this... the guys on TV have as much an agenda as I do in terms of picking. I think the difference is that I gather OTHER opinions/stats/whatever I can get my hands on with my own observation on every team (translation: whatever I get to see on TV). It won't stop me from picking against certain teams (like Team Favre) so that biases will still be there, but whatever I'm doing simply isn't random... unless the matchup is very tough. Back to the familiar saying... it is better to be lucky than to be good! Additionally, a lot of the gambling websites claim awesomeness when it's sheer BS most of the time. Playoff picks are not my thing for whatever... I'll have to work on it.
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Week 13 schedule:
Finally, the real excitement begins!
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Texans @ Eagles (Thursday)
Eagles - There is no way the Texans are that good on d... they were just awful. The Eagles loss to the Bears is a matter of the missing Samuel.. but moreso the key INT that the Bears created... so, this is another terrible game on the NFL Network.
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Saints @ Bengals
Saints - Seriously?
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Bears @ Lions (division)
Bears - When you are down to your 3rd QB, it's practically over.
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49'ers @ Packers
Packers - Who are the 49ers? The Packers will recover from last week's interesting game with the Falcons.
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Jaguars @ Titans (division)
Jags - When your 3rd QB is named Rusty, not even Moss can solve this disaster.
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Broncos @ Chiefs (division)
Chiefs - Even if the Broncos talent may be better, the Chiefs are a better coached team....
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Browns @ Dolphins
Dolphins - Despite the Panthers losing last week to the Browns, Jake Delhomme is still a disaster.
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Bills @ Vikings
Vikings - I don't like this pick, because the Bills are very volatile... but they are still the Bills. On the other hand, this is the kind of matchup where Favre could possibly throw 3+ INTs with a pick six somewhere in between. Still very viable to be a close game.
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Redskins @ Giants (division)
Giants - I sincerely think there is something wrong with the Redskins.... and it starts with McNabb. The game will be close since it is a division game, but I don't like either QB.
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Falcons @ Buccaneers (division)
Falcons - This game should be closer than it is because of the division... but the Falcons are not that good IMO. The dome and they haven't beat a tough team on the road makes it a difficult sell. Bucs are a good team, but they are still a work in progress.
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Raiders @ Chargers (division)
Chargers - Just start the Chargers disco theme song!
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Panthers @ Seahawks
Seahawks - Panthers are hoping for the #1 draft pick... and the Seahawks being spanked last time will help this out.
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Rams @ Cardinals (division)
Rams - After seeing the Rams beat the Broncos on the road, this seems like a layup... especially when the Cards were awful on MNF.
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Cowboys @ Colts
Colts - Despite that bad loss to the Chargers, the Colts will destroy that Cowboys pass defense.
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Steelers @ Ravens (division)
Ravens - NBC got it right (didn't have to flex it) since this game next to the MNF game is very important. This and the MNF game decides the top seed-wild card slottage if all things work out. After seeing the clip of the missed TD in the Steelers @ Bills game, it should make Steeler fans cringe....
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Jets @ Patriots (division, Monday)
Pats - Other than stating my thoughts on this game, I pray the Pats just win. This is the arguably one of the better games to watch on paper...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 13!
Post by: Gil Galad on December 02, 2010, 08:51:58 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 13!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 05, 2010, 07:47:42 PM
I will comment later about the games, probably with an :edit:
Records going into SNF: Gil: 12-2 (although, technically under Leno's rules, it shouldn't count at all... although the Eagles pick was way late) Leno: 13-1 Me: 11-3
I call hax on Leno. :tongue:
Gil has the only different SNF+MNF picks left.
:edit:
Game notes: I watched the Browns and fish game... clearly that looked bad on paper, but became very interesting... and the inability to win at home is really awful for Henne. 4th quarter fail for Henne... CBS had a stat that Henne had like 5 turnovers (INTs) in the 4th quarter.. tied for 2nd worst in the league.
I was bored out of my mind with the Giants-Redskins game. McNabb sucks a lot more.. and I saw Eli throw into triple coverage... really fucking awful.
Colts and Cowboys was very amusing... 2 pick sixes, 1 blocked punt for a TD... and Peyton with another 4 INT game. I did not think it would be going as close to an OT loss.. but it was epic.
The Steelers and Ravens played out like it should... with an epic Polamalu sack and forced fumble. Sometimes the win is taken right in front of you....
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 07, 2010, 07:57:52 AM
When did the Packers play the Broncos? McDaniels was fired yesterday, and now the Broncos are really in trouble. :blits:
The Spygate Sequel was largely responsible, actually, but it's fun to point out how the Packers are responsible for 67% of the coaching changes this year. :tongue:
Also, rest in peace Don Meredith, who died Sunday of a brain hemorrhage. Sadly, the lights are out, and the party is truly over. :sad:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 07, 2010, 08:19:00 AM
When did the Packers play the Broncos? McDaniels was fired yesterday, and now the Broncos are really in trouble. :blits:
The Packers (NFC North) are playing the AFC East and NFC East this year. I have no idea what you're talking about.
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The Spygate Sequel was largely responsible, actually, but it's fun to point out how the Packers are responsible for 67% of the coaching changes this year. :tongue:
Eh?
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Also, rest in peace Don Meredith, who died Sunday of a brain hemorrhage. Sadly, the lights are out, and the party is truly over. :sad:
I could say the same for the Jets @ Pats game. Although.. the party started for me. :laugh:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 07, 2010, 08:43:27 AM
Right now there's a giant jet named "JOKE" flying at mach speed, and it just went over your head. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 07, 2010, 09:58:03 AM
Oh. :blush:
Too bad Singletary hasn't been fired yet. :wink:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: assassin on December 07, 2010, 02:47:25 PM
i'm definitely looking forward to New England at Chicago, Green Bay at New England, and Chicago at Green Bay. Green Bay's one hell of a team: the best defense in the NFL (top 3, definitely), and a potent offense. but they get overlooked because they've never been better than tied for the lead in the NFC North. with 303 points scored and 182 points allowed, they're better than their record indicates.
if the Packers finish 11-5 (for instance) and don't make the playoffs, it'll be a travesty. we know at least one scrub from the NFC Worst will be making it in. and compared to the Packers' Defense, the Eagles and Giants get scored on at will, so the potential of both of them being in front of Green Bay is maddening. who wins a tiebreaker between the Packers and Buccaneers if they both go 11-5? the Bucs have allowed 8 more points than they've scored, yet they somehow have only one less win than Green Bay and their beautiful 121-point differential.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 07, 2010, 04:49:49 PM
if the Packers finish 11-5 (for instance) and don't make the playoffs, it'll be a travesty.
That would be the best news the state of Minnesota heard all year. :laugh:
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we know at least one scrub from the NFC Worst will be making it in.
I'm hoping it's the Rams, cause they're playing like the best team in that division right now.
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who wins a tiebreaker between the Packers and Buccaneers if they both go 11-5? the Bucs have allowed 8 more points than they've scored, yet they somehow have only one less win than Green Bay and their beautiful 121-point differential.
Conference and division records are tiebreakers, but I forget which comes first.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 08, 2010, 03:05:43 AM
who wins a tiebreaker between the Packers and Buccaneers if they both go 11-5? the Bucs have allowed 8 more points than they've scored, yet they somehow have only one less win than Green Bay and their beautiful 121-point differential.
Conference and division records are tiebreakers, but I forget which comes first.
As I understand it, the NFC South play the AFC North and the NFC West. The NFC North plays the AFC East and NFC East this year.
Since these teams can/will end up being Wild Cards (it is less likely the Packers will face this, since I think they'll overtake the Bears, but I digress...), Conference Record is all important here... they are very unlikely to don't have any common games with each other. Packers have the current edge.
Division records only apply to the division you're in... especially if two teams in the same division are fighting for a wild card.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 09, 2010, 08:32:22 AM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 09, 2010, 07:00:04 PM
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Week 14 schedule:
TNF still sucks.
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Colts @ Titans (division, Thursday)
Colts - I'm not saying the Titans don't have a chance, but they are lifeless as far as I can tell. The Colts are struggling, but it's not impossible for them.
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Browns @ Bills
Bills - The Bills had a non-competitive game last week... so they'll take it out on the Browns.
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Patriots @ Bears
Pats - Unlike MNF, this should be more competitive. I don't believe in the Bears offense.... since the defense+special teams has had to work harder.
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Buccaneers @ Redskins
Bucs - The Bucs will bounce back, but the Redskins are an awful team overall.
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Falcons @ Panthers (division)
Falcons - Panthers are ready to claim their #1 draft pick.
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Raiders @ Jaguars
Jags - Despite that win over the Chargers, the Raiders are still not that good.... neither are the Jags, but they are managing better.
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Packers @ Lions (division)
Packers - How many times can the Lions get embarrassed? It's kinda sad.
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Giants @ Vikings
Giants - Can someone please sack Favre out of his misery?
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Bengals @ Steelers (division)
Steelers - There's nothing much to say at this point for TO and Ochocinco.
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Rams @ Saints
Saints - Rams have a shot at the playoffs, but not in this game.
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Seahawks @ 49'ers
Seahawks - No Frank Gore kills a lot of the 49ers offense.
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Dolphins @ Jets (division)
Jets - I think the fish's ineptitude on offense will make the Jets feel a little better.... or maybe not?
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Broncos @ Cardinals
Broncos - The post-McDaniels era will start with a bang...
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Chiefs @ Chargers (division)
Chargers - Cassel isn't starting... bleh to surgery.
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Eagles @ Cowboys (division)
Eagles - Eagles are coming off an extended week (TNF sucks), so the Cowboys are in for a rude awakening.
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Ravens @ Texans
Ravens - That Texans pass defense is a sieve.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 11, 2010, 09:18:24 PM
The world gets an extra Monday night game, as the Giants @ Vikings was moved to Monday due to the Giants being stuck in Kansas City, and the Metrodome is leaking. :scared:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 12, 2010, 11:22:58 AM
Yay MNF on FOX. FOX is liking this, despite the fail.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 12, 2010, 10:38:03 PM
Since the board was down, I have calculated the records going into MNF+Vikings/FOX
Gil: 7-7 Leno: 11-3 Myself: 10-4
Only major difference left is Leno's homer pick survive... or not. They are playing @ the Lions and that video of the Metrodome aka Mall of America Field's inflatable cover get ripped...
To quote Dennis Green... "The Bears are who we thought they were..."
It is interesting that the Jets are not really sputtering from that last to the fish...
Packers lost their game because Rodgers took another concussion... it is curious to see what happens for SNF next week.
I kinda wish the NFL would allow FOX to air the Vikings game everywhere... I mean FOX has nothing else left (reruns are ongoing).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 12, 2010, 10:40:57 PM
Only major difference left is Leno's homer pick survive
And you're going to scoff at it, but Eli Manning is 0 for the career against the Vikings. It is what it is, and he might break that ice eventually, but not this week. :happy:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 12, 2010, 10:52:57 PM
Only major difference left is Leno's homer pick survive
And you're going to scoff at it, but Eli Manning is 0 for the career against the Vikings. It is what it is, and he might break that ice eventually, but not this week. :happy:
I do take home field advantage seriously... except, that didn't quite work out for the Bears... of course having to move the game affects other future related games down the line (including next week's Bears @ Vikings).
Some other random thoughts... the Redskins failed at the extra point... it reminds me of this game in Denver that a loss was made because the PAT was missed.
For assassin... something to think about. Even if you are rooting for the Pats, there are issues with the Bears... having the Rodgers hurt for the Packers can help keep you as the division lead, but originally I thought the Bears looked like them in 06... but having to show up for the Jets might be a very difficult task (it could be an ugly scoreless tie).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: assassin on December 12, 2010, 11:44:29 PM
Quote from: Deathlike2
having the Rodgers hurt for the Packers can help keep you as the division lead, but originally I thought the Bears looked like them in 06...
the (2010) Bears looked like the 2006 Bears, or the 2006 Packers? i'm not sure when in this season "originally" refers to, so i dunno whether you meant we were on pace for 13-3 or for 8-8.
anyway, this game was UG-LY. the Pats could've scored 54 points if they wanted. i didn't expect the Bears to win, but i didn't expect the game to be over after 1.5 quarters. i also hadn't expected the Bears to win at Green Bay (and still don't), so the Vikings game is crucial to win for us. the Packers at Patriots game could be a great one, provided Rodgers is fully healthy.
even with him concussed and out, Green Bay still had a chance to win against the Lions this week. with a minute left in the game, and 3rd and 1.5 yards on the Lions' 31-yard line, the Packers inexplicably ran two pass plays in a row with their backup quarterback, and both were incomplete. earlier in that drive, they also pissed away a ton of time after one play with poor clock management:
Quote from: Yahoo sports game log
3rd-11, GB8 3:15 M. Flynn passed to J. Jones to the right for 18 yard gain 1st-10, GB26 2:34 M. Flynn passed to D. Nance to the right for 14 yard gain
now, i'm not sure how Yahoo times their plays, so i don't think it was quite 41 seconds. but it was in the neighborhood of 30 seconds burned as i watched it, which was inexcusable given they still had 74 more yards to drive at the time.
i'm glad for the Lions, but it's also frustrating to see Green Bay lose this game, as they have tough games ahead, and as i stated in my prior post, i think they've proven deserving of a playoff appearance.
meanwhile, the Cowboys once again made for an entertaining game, even though they came up short. i find myself rooting for these guys, even though they (or moreso their accompanying media circus) generally irritated me in the past.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 12, 2010, 11:52:17 PM
having the Rodgers hurt for the Packers can help keep you as the division lead, but originally I thought the Bears looked like them in 06...
the (2010) Bears looked like the 2006 Bears, or the 2006 Packers? i'm not sure when in this season "originally" refers to, so i dunno whether you meant we were on pace for 13-3 or for 8-8.
I was talking about the 06 Bears that made it to the SB. Only for a brief moment (only two consecutive games) that Cutler kinda looked like the responsible Orton on that run...
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anyway, this game was UG-LY. the Pats could've scored 54 points if they wanted. i didn't expect the Bears to win, but i didn't expect the game to be over after 1.5 quarters. i also hadn't expected the Bears to win at Green Bay (and still don't), so the Vikings game is crucial to win for us. the Packers at Patriots game could be a great one, provided Rodgers is fully healthy.
I'm looking forward to seeing it... if I even get to see it.
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meanwhile, the Cowboys once again made for an entertaining game, even though they came up short. i find myself rooting for these guys, even though they (or moreso their accompanying media circus) generally irritated me in the past.
I don't root for the Cowboys because of the senseless media love (mostly the Jerry Jones face time)... particularly if the Aikman-Buck crew are the broadcasters... but the ultimate problem that they are still facing is that their pass defense in man coverage is simply sub-par. How does one let DeSean Jackson own that secondary?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: assassin on December 13, 2010, 12:04:21 AM
I was talking about the 06 Bears that made it to the SB. Only for a brief moment (only two consecutive games) that Cutler kinda looked like the responsible Orton on that run...
i miss Orton.. the passing offense is one of the Broncos' few bright spots this year.
Quote from: Deathlike2
Quote from: me
the Packers at Patriots game could be a great one, provided Rodgers is fully healthy.
I'm looking forward to seeing it... if I even get to see it.
it'll be airing on NBC, so it should be available to you.. or do you mean you'll be otherwise detained?
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I don't root for the Cowboys because of the senseless media love (mostly the Jerry Jones face time)...
yeah, that and the constant TO coverage that occurred when he was there really made me sick of the team. i remember thinking, "these clowns can't even win a playoff game; why are they being fawned over?"
now that they're more of an underdog, they're more likable. and Kitna's an old fart with a high completion percentage who can still put up some big numbers, which makes him fun to watch.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Lenophis on December 13, 2010, 07:44:34 AM
Three games have been in New York, 2 in cold weather. One game played in the dome.
I will say this. The Vikings generally do something to Eli that ultimately hurts him... stopping the run. He's one of those QBs that totally rely on the run for whatever reason (you need be a reasonable threat to run so you can run play action, establishing the run is needed if your QB sucks or is young)... his arm won't win games on any consistent basis. On the other hand, the current Vikings team are simply not the same team that Eli has faced in the past.. a weaker pass rush (and defense in general)... plus an aging Favre/a questionable Tavaris Jackson that somehow still doesn't get the system. These differences in the Vikings team make them far less dangerous than originally envisioned.
i miss Orton.. the passing offense is one of the Broncos' few bright spots this year.
Is it the system, or was it Chicago? It seems incomprehensible that Orton suddenly becomes Marino just by switching teams.
One of the things I recall from the Bears through some of this time was that their receiving core was craptacular... and the run game that used to have Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson... both of which have been doing better in other teams since then. It's far easier to suggest that the Bears know how to build a defense... just not an offensive line and receiving core worthy of mention. I think the Bears receiving core is better now (with Olson, Hester, and Knox), but overall unimpressive because Cutler is another Favre... with an o-line that makes every part of that offense noticeably worse (it's bordering on the current Steelers o-line bad).
I was talking about the 06 Bears that made it to the SB. Only for a brief moment (only two consecutive games) that Cutler kinda looked like the responsible Orton on that run...
i miss Orton.. the passing offense is one of the Broncos' few bright spots this year.
He's not so hot anymore, but he's the guy that would've made far more sense in the saner revision of the Mike Martz offense.
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Quote from: Deathlike2
Quote from: me
the Packers at Patriots game could be a great one, provided Rodgers is fully healthy.
I'm looking forward to seeing it... if I even get to see it.
it'll be airing on NBC, so it should be available to you.. or do you mean you'll be otherwise detained?
I was talking about the Bears-Packers game... I lose my train of thought often, but I usually mean something else that tends to be related. Although, if the game (Bears-Packers) is occurring in the last week, the NFL will "fix" the schedule in such a way that competitive/important games are lined up for ratings and relevancy.... and then I can see that game.
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now that they're more of an underdog, they're more likable. and Kitna's an old fart with a high completion percentage who can still put up some big numbers, which makes him fun to watch.
He's a backup QB for good reason. He had good years as a Bengal... and as a Lion. On the other hand, he gets pathetic the year after.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 13, 2010, 07:36:01 PM
So, it's finally official. No more Favre+ironman streak talk. It's over! At least this is the beginning of the end for Favre...
On a related thought, IIRC in 08, I believe this was Forte's 2nd year... and it was asked on these boards about how he wasn't as effective as his rookie year. The failure to fix/improve this o-line is indirectly hurting Matt Forte. The problem though is that he's a pass catching RB (think Addai or Brown of the Colts) and it's really easy to make parallels to Forte (except Addai can block... I'm not sure about Forte though). So, this is something to think about if you're going to complain about what the Bears need to fix.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 14, 2010, 01:17:50 AM
Vikings only score 3 points, plus the "home field advantage" today was really more like a "neutral field"... and it doesn't really seem like Tavaris Jackson is the answer....
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 14, 2010, 04:23:50 PM
Vikings are planning to play against the Bears in the outdoors of the University of Minnesota. "Home field advantage" eh?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 14!
Post by: assassin on December 14, 2010, 10:45:28 PM
the Vikings should hope it snows, and ask to borrow the Patriots' shoes.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Lenophis on December 16, 2010, 07:53:44 AM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 16, 2010, 07:06:06 PM
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Week 15 schedule:
Yay?
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49'ers @ Chargers (Thursday)
Chargers - This is a fight for survival for both teams. However, the 49ers are still not good enough...
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Browns @ Bengals (division)
Browns - The Bungles are a disaster... really. Although, does anyone believe Delhomme is the solution?
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Redskins @ Cowboys (division)
Cowboys - Despite the SNF loss, the Redskins are a worse team... and they may just start Grossman over McNabb.
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Texans @ Titans (division)
Texans - Does anyone feel sorry for Moss now?
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Jaguars @ Colts (division)
Colts - There's something about stats, where there's a discrepancy in the giveaway-takeaway ratio is simply striking for the Jags...
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Chiefs @ Rams
Rams - The lack of Cassel (which is looking somewhat doubtful) makes this pick flip-flop very easily.
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Bills @ Dolphins (division)
Bills - Contrary to what Rex Ryan said about their own d, the fish only scored 10 points off of turnovers. The fish are simply not that good... and neither are the Bills. At least the Bills can actually score at random intervals.... despite the fish are still able to get into the playoffs...
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Eagles @ Giants (division)
Eagles - The Giants lost day to the Vikings might be the unfortunate edge.
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Lions @ Buccaneers
Bucs - The strange win the Lions got is only that... strange.
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Cardinals @ Panthers
Cards - I guess there's potential for an upset, but the Cards are somehow the better team here...
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Saints @ Ravens
Saints - There's something really odd about this Raven defense where they give up so many points to bad teams... like the Texans or Bills...
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Falcons @ Seahawks
Falcons - Just bet on a double digit loss for the Seahawks. When they are losing, they lose big.
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Jets @ Steelers
Steelers - This game can potentially be closer than it should. It's a real battle of defenses and Big Ben is the better QB, but that o-line might just get Ben killed.
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Broncos @ Raiders (division)
Raiders - I don't think promoting the RB coach as the interim head coach sounds like a good idea...
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Packers @ Patriots
Pats - With the likely probability that Rodgers is not playing, one wonders how that Packers defense will hold up.
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Bears @ Vikings (division, Monday)
Bears - Leno, real football is played outdoors. Get a new open door stadium... blow up the lame Metrodome. Dome teams have not been tough enough (outside of insane QB play) to rise up to the challenge. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 19, 2010, 06:26:54 PM
Records going into SNF (comments about the cool games following later): Gil: 6-8 Leno: 6-8 Me: 7-7
Lucky me for an fugly week!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 19, 2010, 07:26:59 PM
Ok, for the games I've watched today... they were all great.
Jags @ Colts was interesting... I mean it went either way... the no-fair catch for the Jags punt return for TD... and watching Collie get hammered out... There was too much 4th and whatever recklessness that went on in the game which ultimately cost them the game.. plus the failed onside kick returned for a TD. That was amusing by far.
Eagles @ Giants was kind of a snoozefest until Vick finally made stuff happen. It was nearly a give away game from Andy Reid's failure to challenge a key turnover but in the end... the Giants punter had some mental block and kicked it off to DeSean Jackson for the punt return TD win. There's something wrong with the Giants coaching when they fail to recognize the really high possibility of a onside kick which was executed perfectly.
I'm sure everyone that were able to watch the Jets @ Steelers game did not disappoint. It's bad when you lead off with a kickoff return for TD... and the key moment was ultimately the safety that forced the Steelers to have to go for it in the red zone on their last drive. Sanchez was OK... he didn't screw up, but the loss of Polamalu probably had some noticeable effect on that defense. So, go figure...
Anyways... this Sunday so far was excellent!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Lenophis on December 19, 2010, 08:34:27 PM
There were a lot more upsets this week than I cared for. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 19, 2010, 04:02:10 PM
This Packers team is better than I thought. I give the Packers credit for providing a great epic game.. that includes an onside kick to begin the game, letting a lineman nearly running for a TD on special teams, a pick six with lots of failed tackles, a very aggressive Packers defense, and a Packers offense that really looked like they had nothing to lose... except having bad TO management that caused the 4th and 1 at the very end that failed miserably. Matt Flynn is so much better than that awful Lions game... a worthy backup QB... at least for this game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: assassin on December 19, 2010, 06:45:46 PM
^ how the hell is this post timestamped 4 hours earlier than Lenophis' above it?!?
anyway, i watched the whole Packers/Patriots game, and it was indeed great. as a Bears fan, i shouldn't be rooting for Green Bay, but Flynn was very impressive, and it was a frustrating loss. i also saw the last 4+ minutes of the Jets/Steelers game (yet somehow missed the safety when flipping channels, argh); likewise very good.
EDIT: i see Deathlike2 already pointed out the time issue.. and to think, when the forum time was running 9 minutes fast until a couple weeks ago, i was very close to complaining. :/
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Lenophis on December 20, 2010, 12:17:29 AM
^ how the hell is this post timestamped 4 hours earlier than Lenophis' above it?!?
I'm going to guess it has to do with that server upgrade last night. Quoth hypher:
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btw, slick is going to have about 20 minutes of downtime tonight while the server upgrades
This was at about 9 pm last night central time. When I went to slick to try and warn everyone of the downtime, it was already down. Nothing like the 30-second warning. :tongue:
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anyway, i watched the whole Packers/Patriots game, and it was indeed great.
I'll be honest, I thought the Pack had no chance with Rodgers out.
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as a Bears fan, i shouldn't be rooting for Green Bay, but Flynn was very impressive, and it was a frustrating loss.
As a Vikings fan, I so wanted the Pack to lose, but not if Rodgers wasn't behind center. You could tell Flynn was a rookie at the end, but damn did he show some composure during that game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 20, 2010, 04:36:21 AM
At the moment if the Bears win, they are in the playoffs for the division.
Why NBC flexed in the Vikings @ Eagles game with a Favre-less Vikings is unthinkable. The Jets @ Bears game is worth watching than that drivel (translation: lots of Vikings whining to be made).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 15!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 21, 2010, 06:40:50 AM
Playoff scenarios for teams: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4690195/nfl-playoffs-scenarios-for-week-16
It is worth a mention that Favre made an appearance somehow, and then disappeared due to injury (which shouldn't shock anyone). Someone put him on IR and get this fucking drama over with.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Lenophis on December 23, 2010, 03:57:57 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 23, 2010, 06:24:03 PM
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Week 16 schedule:
There they come... down the stretch!
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Panthers @ Steelers (Thursday)
Steelers - Despite the loss to the Jets and the Panthers rare win, it's still up to the Steelers. I did mention the potential of a Panthers win... but bleh.
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Cowboys @ Cardinals (Saturday)
Cowboys - Romo went into IR, so I guess it's the early Christmas present that keeps on giving....
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Patriots @ Bills (division)
Pats - The close game with the Packers will give all the incentive to secure home field advantage... even though the Bills have gotten much better.
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Jets @ Bears
Bears - Sexy Rexy's foot fetish isn't the reason why the Jets will lose... it's the Sanchise should watch that is ongoing...
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Ravens @ Browns (division)
Ravens - I believe the Ravens need this to secure a playoff spot... so bleh
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Titans @ Chiefs
Chiefs - The Titans win over the Texans is purely caused by the awful Texans pass defense... I do not think the Chiefs will allow that to happen...
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49'ers @ Rams (division)
49ers - I'm rooting for the awfulness that is the sisters of the west to make sure that there will be reseeding next year. A 2/3 chance that the division winner is 7-9 is INEVITABLE AND FUCKING AWFUL.
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Lions @ Dolphins
Lions - Can anyone explain how a team does 1-6 @ home and 6-1 on the road? That is a strange team that the fish have...
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Vikings @ Eagles
Eagles - Flexed into the SNF game (what is NBC smoking?), this game will be the Vick for MVP... and Favre for MVP (MVP stands for something else altogether).
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Seahawks @ Buccaneers
Bucs - The really bad loss to the Lions will manifest itself against the Seahawks here...
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Redskins @ Jaguars
Jags - The Jags need to survive... whereas former Bears QB needs to show he doesn't suck like McNabb... last week showed how bad the Cowboys pass d was.
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Colts @ Raiders
Colts - Colts may just struggle here as the Raiders running game is very good... but that Colts run d has been getting better as of late (particularly against the Jags last week).
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Texans @ Broncos
Texans - I wonder if Tebow will simply just pass against this awful Texans defense? It is the only compelling question at the moment.
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Giants @ Packers
Packers - I feel that the Packers will crush the Giants... based on what I saw last week. The Giants might just implode for another game.. and Rodgers is back to starting again. I think both defenses will crush their opponents.. but mostly Eli will be the one looking bad after all of that... he has the most turnovers (INT+fumbles) combined of all QBs in the league... which is shocking.
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Chargers @ Bengals
Chargers - A Bengals win, but a TO loss... Freak things do happen on any given Sunday.
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Saints @ Falcons (division, Monday)
Falcons - This is the only game where the Falcons could be upset, but the Falcons are insane at home for whatever the reason. The Falcons will have home field advantage though...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 26, 2010, 10:45:46 AM
The PAT fail from the Cowboys is the difference for their loss...
Also, the Vikings @ Eagles game might not be played at all today... it was a bad pick by NBC in the first place.
:edit: That game has reportedly been moved to Tuesday @ 8PM. :wtf: :omg: Yay?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Lenophis on December 26, 2010, 11:31:17 AM
It's official. Tuesday night at 8 PM eastern time. What am I going to do for my late-night fix tonight?! :eek:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 26, 2010, 07:52:03 PM
Stats going MNF and then SNF on Tuesday...
Gil: 8-6 Leno: 9-5 Me: 9-5
Major fail by the Jags to not win... now giving the Colts the inside edge. Jets and Bears became a shootout... got a loss, but made it in somehow (not that it would surprise anyone). Giants are faltering down the stretch, being pwned by another 4 TDs by the Packers... who will face the Bears that have secured the #2 seed I think.. (that means Leno cannot cry backdoor lameness on this). 49ers will eventually fire Singletary when the season is painfully over. The fish threw a pick six to cripple their home record and the Seahawks get pwned by double digits in another loss. Finally, the Chargers outright sucked this year... go figure how it took so long.
:edit: I also SWEAR that mother nature had some nookie with Favre, because the extra days are giving him another chance to play the damned game... seriously!?!?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Lenophis on December 27, 2010, 08:49:07 AM
A move that was beginning to be expected, Mike Singletary is out in San Fran. :noooo:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: assassin on December 27, 2010, 09:06:51 AM
gripe #1: why can't they just let him finish the damn season? gripe #2: i plan to participate in the playoff prediction fest here again. in past years, any pick was considered acceptable, as long as it was submitted before the corresponding game started. please tell me the stupid picks-must-be-made-before-the-first-game-for-the-week-is-played rule that's been in effect for much of this regular season will be tossed in the garbage for the playoffs, where it belongs. :P
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Lenophis on December 27, 2010, 11:29:52 AM
Considering the playoffs are only on Saturdays and Sundays, and there's far fewer games overall, yes, that would be acceptable. Although if Blizzardelphia ever clears up (there's a small chance they don't get to play the game Tuesday) then the Eagles could really be in a pickle for the first round.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 27, 2010, 11:53:03 AM
Here's some not-so-bizarre fact for next week.
For the Bears.. if they win next week and the Eagles stumble somehow, Bears would secure the #2 seed.
However, I don't believe that will happen.. and there's a likely scenario that the Packers will face the Bears BACK TO BACK weeks if the Packers win next week... the Bears will be the #3 seed, and the Packers will be the #6 seed...
So, there's a very good chance the Bears lay down in Week 17 in anticipation of playing the Packers TWICE in two weeks. Remember a similar scenario happened with the Jets and Bengals last year... except in this case, they will still be playing in Chicago for both games (Jets and Bengals simply switched home-away locations).
:edit: For my scenario to come true, the Eagles need to win out, since the Bears own the head-to-head matchup (Bears beat the Eagles on a TNF game).
:edit: BTW, are any of you puking to the idea of a 7-9 division winner Seahawks? The game was flexed into Week 17's SNF and somehow the Seahawks have some control of their destiny.... wtf?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Lenophis on December 27, 2010, 12:32:31 PM
I love it, and only because it's the perfect capper to this insanity known as the 2010-2011 season. If it had been any other year, with a bunch of really good teams, then I'd probably say :bah:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 27, 2010, 12:45:04 PM
:bah: The teams on the west coast will now be known as the Sisters of the West (particularly the NFC West), despite the Seahawks+Cards being in the SB this decade. Perennial suck is not what I want to see in prime time.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: assassin on December 27, 2010, 01:37:28 PM
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Remember a similar scenario happened with the Jets and Bengals last year... except in this case, they will still be playing in Chicago for both games (Jets and Bengals simply switched home-away locations).
actually, Green Bay @ Chicago was earlier this year.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 27, 2010, 01:56:07 PM
Remember a similar scenario happened with the Jets and Bengals last year... except in this case, they will still be playing in Chicago for both games (Jets and Bengals simply switched home-away locations).
actually, Green Bay @ Chicago was earlier this year.
Oh... well then, it will be exactly like last year. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 16!
Post by: Deathlike2 on December 28, 2010, 10:17:54 PM
With the shocking upset (I know it's the 2 min warning, but bleh)... Vikings beat the Eagles which automatically give the Bears a bye week. Joe Webb looks good for now... and I guess that's the only smart thing "Chilly" did with the draft. Bears have no real incentive to get the #1 seed given that the Falcons play the Panthers... so the Packers will most likely walk on in as the #6 seed, killing the Giants season. What an epic game this game was....
There is no more Vick for MVP talk from this point forward.
:edit: I approve of this game despite the fail pick because...
1) Vick is overrated 2) Favre didn't play
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Lenophis on January 01, 2011, 09:43:54 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 02, 2011, 11:06:05 AM
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Week 17 schedule: (all division games!)
I call hax! :omghax:
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Panthers @ Falcons
Falcons - Say bye to John Fox!
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Steelers @ Browns
Steelers - This game might be closer than it should... given the situation.
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Vikings @ Lions
Lions - Favre is not playing! Rejoice! Otherwise my Suh taking out Favre prediction would have been my reasoning.
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Bears @ Packers
Packers - Bears have nothing to play for... sure there's a slight chance that the Bears could get higher seeding, but health is all important at this point.
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Titans @ Colts
Colts - Titans have been toast for a while...
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Raiders @ Chiefs
Chiefs - Did you know the Raiders are 5-0 in the division? I certainly did not.
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Dolphins @ Patriots
Pats - A squish of the fish will be good enough for me.
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Buccaneers @ Saints
Bucs - The Saints have little to play for.. sure there's potential seeding, but seriously there's no rush to win for the Saints.
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Bills @ Jets
Bills - I expect the Sanchise to take a small number of snaps, but mainly some rest for the playoffs. Similar seeding situation will happen here... but the Bills will still play hard after that embarrassing loss.
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Cowboys @ Eagles
Eagles - Despite Vick will probably not play because of the obvious health issues, Cowboys are starting their 3rd QB... and it's not like the Cowboys pass d is magically going to get better...
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Giants @ Redskins
Giants - If only for pride, the Giants will win... it's not really that sad that they're here... they are playing like crap and are in the mess they created for themselves.
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Bengals @ Ravens
Ravens - I guess the only upset is if the Bengals actually show up another week w/o Ochocinco and TO.
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Jaguars @ Texans
Texans - No Garrard and no MJD pretty much equals no shot.
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Cardinals @ 49'ers
49ers - The Cards are just bleh... but so are the 49ers. It's not that easy a pick because of true mediocrity.
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Rams @ Seahawks
Rams - It's hard to determine whether Hasselbeck is playing, which can give the Seahawks a chance... but if the Seahawks lose, it might close to double digits.... because that's the entire season's trend.
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Chargers @ Broncos
Chargers - The Broncos lone win with Tebow will still be his first for this season.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 02, 2011, 07:30:23 PM
Records going into SNF: Gil: 10-5 Leno: 7-8 Me: 12-3
Some annoying upsets... wtf Chiefs playing their worst football vs the Raiders. Raiders win all their division games, but are only 2-6 outside of the sisters of the AFC. Eagles manage to lose a game for some reason, and there are rumors of Vick being benched (which makes no sense, but I'll have to read up on it). Leno's homer pick is very bad, and another rookie QB for the Cowboys manage to win vs the Eagles (I dunno how or care).
Another great season guys... and I hope to suck far less in the playoff picks! :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Lenophis on January 02, 2011, 09:52:10 PM
Right now I want to give mad props to the Raiders. For the first time since their super bowl run 8 years ago, they did not finish below .500. They destroyed the Chiefs today, and finished 8-8. And because they are the Raiders, they are likely going to dump the one guy that has brought the club together, so it appears Tom Cable is out of a job. Horseshit decision to get rid of him, if you ask me.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 02, 2011, 10:04:03 PM
I complete disagree. How do you conquer the second worst division in the NFL AND YET manage to get 2-8 vs the rest of the league?
Sure, this offense is makeshift and there's so many other issues on this team, but being consistently crappy like they are (Al Davis being the biggest culprit), this team does not impress me at all. I think it may be somewhat unfair, but on the other hand... 2-8 outside of the division is not going to cut it as a quality team.
:edit:
I did some fact checking on who the Raiders got their wins against (that were not in the same division)... apparently it's against the other sisters of the west... the Rams+Seahawks. That is simply not impressive.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 02, 2011, 10:53:41 PM
Congrats and also fuck you NFL for giving auto-home games to division winners when the potential of a 7-9 team make the playoffs.
I don't have as much issue for an automatic playoff berth, but it makes ZERO sense to give a team with a shitacular record an automatic home game. I'm sure it won't matter playoff wise because the Saints will own them again, but this is not deserving of much praise.... especially when I think the Seahawks simply suck.
The game was an offensive struggle... receivers couldn't catch the ball to save their lives... and there's like no WR core for the Rams outside Amendola. That's simply a terrible team that needs so much help. Some pressure to make plays caused that bad INT by Bradford, but it wouldn't matter in the end... the Saints owned both teams previously anyways...
So much whining/crying/puking is to be hand by the result of this godawful game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 17!
Post by: Lenophis on January 03, 2011, 07:03:48 AM
Congrats and also fuck you NFL for giving auto-home games to division winners when the potential of a 7-9 team make the playoffs.
There's been potential since divisions were invented. This is the first time it's ever happened.
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I don't have as much issue for an automatic playoff berth, but it makes ZERO sense to give a team with a shitacular record an automatic home game.
As is often the case, things aren't addressed until they become a problem. Next year you'll likely to see some sort of re-seeding in the unlikely event this ever happens again.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 03, 2011, 12:58:37 PM
The season is in the books, and the wild card matchups are set: (6) Packers @ (3) Eagles (Sunday 4:30 est) (5) Saints @ (4) Seahawks (Saturday 4:30 est) (6) Jets @ (3) Colts (Saturday 8 est) (5) Ravens @ (4) Chiefs (Sunday 1 est)
The two Sunday games are at 1 and 4:30 eastern, but I don't know which is which. ESPN fails at updating their schedule page.
Adding it all up, the final regular season standings are as follows: Lenophis: 144-111 Gil Galad: 138-117 Deathlike: 168-87
Deathlike mopped the floor with the lot of us. Here's your promised :cookie:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 03, 2011, 02:05:07 PM
I suggest you use the NFL schedule page for accurate times - http://www.nfl.com/schedules?seasonType=POST
I was lazy in not posting anything regarding each team in the preseason... and trying to post one now would be a farce. Would anyone be interested in a breakdown of the teams, or should I stay quiet and ninja my postseason picks...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 03, 2011, 04:55:38 PM
i'm interested in reading it.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 03, 2011, 05:38:11 PM
Well, I'm leaning towards keeping it mum, but since the Bears are your team, this may be worth reading.
I will not have claimed to have watched many Bears game... since I catch whatever is available (other than the Pats games, the doubleheader games+SNF is what I get to see).
Here's my breakdown...
Offense:
Jay Cutler is this year's version of Rex Grossman (who, ironically lost against the Giants in the final game like the Bears). I think he's a serviceable QB... he can make plays, but the offense has changed since that godawful Bears-Giants game, where he was sacked out of the game. I'm not sure if he'll ever get it, since he has the Favre-like mentality (being a gunslinger, which equates to lots of deep balls and stupid+wreckless passes). What he suffers quite a bit from is that o-line... it has been a perennial problem for that team (if it hasn't been drilled into Bears fans, I don't know what the announcers have been smoking).
Matt Forte is obviously the key guy... as far as I understand it... he's a pass-catching RB. He is the outlet/screen receiver.... I'm not sure of his blocking skills tbh. I'm surprised there has been very little use of Chester Taylor. I don't know what his role is... but when he was backing AP, he was the 3rd down back and the primary blocker (I'm not sure if AP has improved his blocking this year). It almost feels like Forte+Taylor are the same, but I think Taylor is the more physical back.... but it's hard to tell I guess from the lack of use.
Greg Olsen as far as I can tell is a solid TE.. although I don't notice his blocking (I'm sure he's alright). I don't claim to know the other TEs...
The only major WRs that the Bears have (at least when you notice them) are Devin Hester + Johnny Knox. I swear these guys are like speed receivers, but I think they have more quickness, as evidenced in special teams. They are not the ideal deep ball threat (and they shouldn't be). Everyone else feel like "meh", but as a WR core, I guess it's OK, but it ultimately matters how Mike Martz is making the play calls.
This offense is mediocre (I think the #s would bear that out), so as long as Cutler doesn't make stupid mistakes (which he's prone to do in the past), then they have a fair shot at being in the SB. However, in my own scenarios, it will require beating the Falcons in the Georgia Dome AND manage to beat the Saints in an NFC Championship rematch-like game in the division round.
Defense:
This defense is good... and it is above average. However if you are a team that can block up their primary 4-down d-linemen, that defense can be had. An above average QB that is able to look one way, and throw in the other direction can kill a team that primarily dabbles in zone coverage (watching the QB and then make a move when the ball is in the air). Lovie Smith is a good defensive coordinator, but when looking back at the SB loss to the Colts, you can see that Lovie isn't as great when the DB on that big play in the SB was just that DB's fault... As a defense against great QBs, you have to be solid in your defense (bend but don't break) and once "it broke", he played way too conservatively. Then again, why the hell did he bench Orton in the playoffs?
Special Teams: This group is one of the best, if not the best in the league. I don't think there's much to say about it.
Bears should be prepare to play against the Saints IMO. Unless the Packers make an incredible run (they have a shot at beating the Eagles, and then a rematch against the semi-overrated but solid Falcons), this shouldn't really haunt them... but then again, that would require stuffing run dependent teams (like the Falcons). The Saints are kinda meh @ the running front, like the Packers (although the Saints try to run the ball at least... the Packers started to do it again after the Lions game). The Bears are held up by their defense (except for that scorefest with the Jets, gee, I wonder why), but that offense cannot afford to make mistakes.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 07, 2011, 12:10:39 PM
The season is in the books, and the wild card matchups are set: (6) Packers @ (3) Eagles (Sunday 4:30 est)
The Pack haven't trailed by more than 7 points at any point this season, and their losses were by an average of 3.3 points. This will be a close game, unless the Eagles completely forgot how to guard. Perhaps Aaron Rodgers will win a playoff game, perhaps not. He's 0-1, Vick is 2-0 in this round. A pointless stat, to be sure, but a stat is a stat, and they're fun to recite. :happy:
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(5) Saints @ (4) Seahawks (Saturday 4:30 est)
This has mismatch written all over it. The Seahawks are 11 point home underdogs. Everyone is picking the Saints to win big. Obviously, that means the game will be close, and the Seahawks could even pull that upset. It's unlikely, and I don't see it happening, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did.
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(6) Jets @ (3) Colts (Saturday 8 est)
Peyton Manning is 5-1 against Rex, and the 1 loss was last year when he decided to sleep through the last 6 quarters of the season. This won't be close.
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(5) Ravens @ (4) Chiefs (Sunday 1 est)
This is probably the hardest pick, because the Chiefs historically do not lose at home this time of year. On the other hand, the Ravens know how to win when it's go-time, but I still see this as a coin-flip.
I'm making all four picks now, cause I can: Eagles, Saints, Colts, Ravens.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Gil Galad on January 07, 2011, 12:23:01 PM
The season is in the books, and the wild card matchups are set: (6) Packers @ (3) Eagles (Sunday 4:30 est) (5) Saints @ (4) Seahawks (Saturday 4:30 est) (6) Jets @ (3) Colts (Saturday 8 est) (5) Ravens @ (4) Chiefs (Sunday 1 est)
I'm just going to pick them all for both tomorrow and Sunday.
Saturday
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Saints Vs. Seahawks
I'm going to go for the Saints in this game. The Saints have a better over-all record in the standings and I thought it was awesome that they had their first ever super-bowl last year.
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Jets Vs. Colts
This is kind of difficult for me since the standings are fairly close, with the Jets having the better record. I think the Colts have a better quarterback and sometimes he knows how to make the big plays when it counts. I'm going for the Colts.
Sunday
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Packers Vs. Eagles
I'm going for the Packers on this one. I don't in particular like the team or Aaron Rogers but I have a feeling they will win.
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Ravens Vs. Chiefs
I don't in particular care about this game much. Not excited about either team but I am going to go for the Ravens. They have a better record in the standings.
I'm doing Deathlike comments for the playoffs. Not as spectacular and I don't know all the fine deals and hey, Favre beatdown time is also over, perhaps. lol
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 07, 2011, 05:31:41 PM
In the future, it would be better to post the games in the order that they will be played....
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(6) Packers @ (3) Eagles (Sunday 4:30 est)
My pick: Packers
My Breakdown:
Eagles
The Good: This team is a big play team... I mean that epic MNF game against the Redskins was very good... and then the chokejob that the Giants were involved it was great too. They are able to score chunks of points quickly because Vick can pass well, but also scramble when needed (unlike before where he scanned a few and scrambled). It's hard to argue what this offense is able to do when they have the ball. Their run game is also benefiting a lot from Micheal Vick because of Vick's scrambling ability...
The Bad: This team is not the one that has had a solid defense. Sure they have been able to stop the run as of late... the undersized front 4 tend to magnify this aspect... but they are more of a pass rush-blitz team. However, they have the WORST red zone d of all teams in the NFL (I think they are still 32nd IIRC). That is not conducive to playoff caliber football. Additionally as we have found out for the past few weeks, Vick is not really a long drive type of guy. When you have very good defensive teams like the Bears able to slow and stop him... he's not as effective. The obvious notion of "Vick's sitdown" issue is because he's unable to react to the blitz properly.... which usually requires telling everyone as an audible and having a hot read available. This coupled with Vick's fragility (let's be honest, he's not the toughest SOB physically), makes a pass rush defense want to hurt him... badly. Andy Reid is a pass-first type of coach... and unfortunately the unwillingness to run at times to reduce the pass rush to help out Vick can hurt him....
If They Win: Vick is probably the primary reason for the win... because the other team sucks at stopping the big play. That and a reasonably playmaking defense gives them a chance.
Packers
The Good: Aaron Rodgers is a very good passer... maybe not quite the Peyton Manning or Brady, but surely a good 2nd tier option. This defense is probably the best of the bunch that is left... arguably the most impressive (at least when I watched the Packerts @ Pats game).
The Bad: Rodgers can be his own worse enemy... maybe I've seen enough games where he gets pulverized in a Vick-like way taking sacks when he doesn't need to. He is kinda suffering from Peyton Manning-itis... where there is no consistent running game so he ends up having to do it all... and occasionally being the leading rusher on his team. One would also wonder about this defense... why does it underperform? If you had a championship quality team, it would not be losing so many games that are under a TD score. Part of the hole they are in is not able to beat the Falcons (it's tough to beat the Falcons @ home of course) and somehow lose to the Lions (well, it was @ the Lions, and that was partly with Rodgers). I'm not sure what's exactly wrong, but there is inconsistencies with this team.
If They Win: They win because the Packers will run the ball enough to allow for play action. This defense can stand toe to toe with anyone, but only if it shows up (which it can).
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(5) Saints @ (4) Seahawks (Saturday 4:30 est)
My Pick: Saints
Breakdown:
Saints
The Good: Drew Brees is definitely still playing well enough. Beating the Falcons in Atlanta was very significant when it comes to being confident if the Falcons meet up the Saints again later on (although, Brees had to fight through a pick six). This defense is somewhat comparable to the one in their SB run, despite their struggles early.
The Bad: Brees is playing like crap. A 5-game INT streak is not the way to winning football. This entire team is worse than their SB run of last year (and most SB winning teams are in the same category). This offense really isn't the same... and it's getting worse with the loss of so many RBs. Reggie Bush is overrated... but moreso he's not a 3-down (let alone 4-down) RB. This reduces any chance to run any play action. With so much turnover of the ball on the offensive level, it might simply not be good enough to go all the way.
If They Win: For this team to win, they will need to run more of a short passing game in the absence of having a virtually non-existent run game (unless they find some reasonable RB that can be picked up). This team can win games, but it does solely rely on Brees to do almost everything.
Seahawks
The Good: They were fortunate to get into the playoffs... in the awful NFC West. The Seahawks are only good at home... their record bears that out.
The Bad: There was already too much bad football being played in SNF to express how pissed off I am about this team getting into the playoffs. I understand this team had an awful run d... of course the Rams didn't even try to expose it. Additionally, they are really bad on offense, even with Hasslebeck. When this team loses, it has been by double digits all season. This team has been beaten by too many quality teams (pretty much any team that is above .500). Additionally, Pete Carroll in his career is not a good NFL head coach. The college-coach rah-rah mentality only goes so far. Sure it is easy to argue that this team is rebuilding, but it will go to hell very soon.
If They Win: It is only because the other team fucks up. It's pure and simple. There is no other possible way other than transcending the Cards in their SB year.... it's hard to see this happening.
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(6) Jets @ (3) Colts (Saturday 8 est)
My Pick: Colts
My Breakdown:
Jets
The Good: If having a big mouth is good, Rex Ryan has it. Mark Sanchez has been better than last year, at least in terms of INTs. He's also lead some notable winning 4th quarter drives. The Jets run defense is pretty damn solid (holding teams to under 4 yards/carry). Of course, Revis and Cromarte are their star corners.
The Bad: Rex Ryan has a foot in his mouth. AFAIK, there's a book on Sanchez that says he's not good in cold weather. Sanchez is overrated, but I tend to think that it's because he's a very raw QB in terms of skills. Most 1st round draft picks for QBs have usually a complete college career.. Sanchez only had 1 year under Pete Carroll (remember him?!? :P ) This Jets defense has allowed for so many 4th quarter comebacks for various teams... Browns, Lions, Texans... you name the weak team, they have beaten them on the schedule. Their schedule is arguably pretty weak so what we have seen as "comeback wins" are because the opposing teams just weren't that good. I'll give you the Steelers as their notable win, but the Steelers have defensive issues when Polamalu is out. This team is not the same one that appeared in last years AFC Championship game with the Colts.... they simply haven't been able to get a good pass rush. That is simply not conducive to success, especially in a blitz offense. Additionally, the running game that is lead by LT has been steadily declining. This is LT's recent history... he's just not the same late in the season... and the wall that every RB hits after 30 makes their effectiveness drop hard and fast. LT is no exception.
If They Win: If this wasn't a common theme, the QB is mostly responsible for a team's success and failure. Sanchez is no exception. If the run game is there, it can minimize Sanchez's mistakes. I'm sure Rex Ryan will also get a goddamn snack after a win, but that's probably being a jackass of me for saying it. :tongue:
Colts
The Good: Peyton Manning is keeping this ship afloat. The Colts defense has gotten a bit more healthy as of late, and has gotten better as well... in the form of an improved run defense.
The Bad: Peyton is doing waaaaaaaaaay too much. Seeing that 3-game losing stretch with 11 INTs is a scary proposition for any Colts fan. A lot of this has to do with the loss of so many receivers, like Dallas Clark and Austin Collie. So Peyton tends to look relatively uncomfortable in the pocket... because the o-line isn't as it once was plus not all of his receivers are on the same page with him. It also does not help to have a very poor run game.. which has struggled when Addai wasn't playing. This Colts defense on the whole isn't that good... the pass rush tandem of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis is not as effective... and they may be overcompensating to defend the run. This team is kinda like the Saints team... depleted and struggling to get a win.
If They Win: Peyton would have to make many big plays and score often and not get picked off to even get a chance of winning. If Addai runs the ball effectively enough, there's a reasonably good chance to win with play action. The defense can hold its own, but it isn't the same classic Colts defense that most are used to seeing.
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(5) Ravens @ (4) Chiefs (Sunday 1 est)
My Pick: Ravens
Ravens
The Good: The Ravens are still the most physical defense in the league... on equal footing with the Steelers I think. Key win that I recall was one over the Saints (Saints @ Ravens). They also have a very good running game.
The Bad: I honestly don't know how they give up so many points against certain teams... like the Bills. Joe Flacco is progressively getting better, but his playoff performance is notorious for being MIA. If a team forces Flacco to throw the ball (assuming the run game is stopped), he is not quite "good enough" for the task. I don't understand him as a QB that has been in the playoffs every year he has been with the Ravens.
If They Win: Only a "good enough" Flacco, a solid running game, and a turnover making defense is the only shot. One of these things cannot falter for success.
Chiefs
The Good: This team has been pretty solid all year. They seem to resemble the Pats of the West Coast... which can be said of a coaching staff that were former Patriots...
The Bad: Most of the teams they have beaten suck. The AFC West play the NFC West this year... and it seems to be very similar to the year the Matt Cassel had with the 08 Pats. The most notable loss is to the Colts and they struggled to win the division (2-4, 2-2 if you factor out the Raiders). Cassel has had a very good statistical year.. but that is offset with the atrociously bad games... it does feel like that Pats 11-5 non-playoff year... he simply could not beat the teams that were that much better. I don't see it being that much different now. The Chiefs defense is the same way in a sense.. and this team is very much a run-first team...
If They Win: The Chiefs would need to play a solid game overall to succeed. I do not know of Cassel is good enough to win with his arm...
Here's some cliff notes on my matchup opinions:
Watch closely at the Packers defense when it is facing Vick. I honestly think Vick is going to struggle to an extent in this game... this will mainly determine who will win IMO.
The Saints will probably do a bit more short passing in conjunction with Reggie Bush to beat the Seahawks... the Saints injuries will manifest themselves in later games... but just not this one. The talent level is still better for the Saints despite the injuries... but the Seahawks can win if the Saints are really that bad off because of them.
Both the Jets and Colts are worse than they were last year. It begs the question who will win.. Peyton's confidence in his receivers (Blair White, Jacob Tamme for starters) vs the Jets semi-effective pass rush. It is the only game that I see that can go either way. Personally... I kinda want to see the Pats beatdown the Jets again...
The difference between the Chiefs and Ravens is that the Ravens are a veteran tested road team. Chiefs are very young and solid all around.. but the Ravens defense translates pretty well on the road... so it's a matter of seeing which QB is going to show up. Although, the running game could primarily determine the outcome for either team...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 08, 2011, 05:16:24 AM
1) Saints 2) Colts 3) Ravens 4) Packers
yes, unoriginal. :/
if i get a chance to look at the stats closer, i might revise any of these before the games start. at the moment, i'm having the most doubt about the Jets/Colts game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 08, 2011, 02:59:25 PM
A few more things I need to add (but I'm not changing my picks).
Seahawks have decent special teams... Leon Washington is still a good kick returner for the Seahawks, who was important for the Jets at one time.
Jets special teams is one of the better ones... and the Colts have been one of the worst. It's worth pointing these things out because they are potentially factors for a win or a loss.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 08, 2011, 05:22:25 PM
wow, can't say i expected this score at halftime. :O i only caught the last 9 seconds of the first half, so it looks like i'll have a ballgame to watch in the second half.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 08, 2011, 07:07:12 PM
The Seahawks did what Vegas said they had no chance of doing, covered the spread, and more importantly, beat the defending champs. Final score, 41-36. :omg:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 08, 2011, 07:40:17 PM
That was a great game... even when I did whine about how the Seahawks got in.
The Saints defense looked really lost... for whatever the reasons (the guys say it was losing their starting safety). Injuries did play a part on defense. Additionally, the Seahawks played mistake free football for the most part.
Noone thought the Seahawks had a 41 pt game in them. Anyone who says they did is a liar or a lunatic.
Unfortunately... that will be the last home game the Seahawks will have... as this was the Seahawks SB @ home.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 08, 2011, 08:40:45 PM
Well, the Packers could get to the NFC title game, and that would give the Seahawks one more home game.
:edit:
Congrats, guys, all four of us went 0-2 today.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 08, 2011, 10:09:34 PM
Congrats to the Jets for winning it in a close game.
Jets special teams was key and the Jets run game for the most part devastated the Colts offense... this looks more like the Jets of last year... ground and pound.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 09, 2011, 03:34:32 PM
So, here's a quick summary:
Chiefs are overrated with weak schedule. Ravens are very good on the road in the playoffs... Ravens are simply that much better than the Chiefs.
Once that first turnover in the 2nd half occurred, it was over in my mind.
Leno has the only major differing pick as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 09, 2011, 06:47:19 PM
Despite the kinda lame Ravens @ Chiefs game, the Packers @ Eagles game was interesting.
Vick with so much big play ability unfortunately made the big play to seal the game. Not a lot of offense was had.. and for some reason the Eagles didn't seem to want to run the ball more to give it a shot.
Leno clearly loses his matchup.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 09, 2011, 08:12:13 PM
Playoffs Week 1 results:
Lenophis: 1-3 Deathlike2, Gil Galad, and Assassin (aka the Bobsy Triplets): 2-2
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 09, 2011, 08:32:35 PM
(4) Seahawks @ (2) Bears: Sunday 1 est (6) Jets @ (1) Patriots: Sunday 4:30 est
(5) Ravens @ (2) Steelers: Saturday 4:30 est (6) Packers @ (1) Falcons: Saturday 8 est
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 18 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 09, 2011, 09:38:05 PM
The only question I have is... did Leno pick the Eagles because of the natural Packer hate? I WANT TO KNOW! :P
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 14, 2011, 02:38:39 AM
no picks yet, but thought i'd post first this week so i don't come across like some slacker copycat again. :P i'm favoring the teams that had bye weeks, except for maybe the Falcons being felled by the Packers. also, i'm uneasy about the Bears, but probably not enough to pick against them.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 14, 2011, 09:12:34 AM
I forget which year it was (it was recent) that the teams despite the bye week were still beaten to a pulp. Given this season, it is not a given.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 14, 2011, 11:05:36 AM
Home teams with a bye are 10-10 over the last 5 years during this round. No such thing as a favorite this week.
This has been the best rivalry in the game over the past few years. I have big reservations about it being the first game of the weekend. :banonsmash: Over the last 19 games, Steelers have 9, Ravens have 8. They scored the same amount of points, have about the same yards per game, and it's the perfect storm of a matchup. They mimic each other perfectly. Joe Cool has won 4 road playoff games already (tied for most all-time), and Big Ben has 2 rings. The season series went to the road teams. Take your pick...
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(6) Packers @ (1) Falcons: Saturday 8 est
Matty Ice's home record now stands at 20-2. The Packers are playing far better than anybody thought they would with all the injuries they have. To me, this appears to be the biggest mismatch of the weekend. I say that only because the Pack are the only team to not win the first matchup.
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(4) Seahawks @ (2) Bears: Sunday 1 est
The Seahawks are once again big underdogs. Last time they were big underdogs, they won in an offensive show. Now their defense has to step up. They already did beat the Bears in Chi-town earlier this year (sorry assassin), so they have something to look back on for the rematch. Given how different each team is playing now, that last victory may mean nothing, but that's why they play the game. The Seahawks definitely have a chance.
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(6) Jets @ (1) Patriots: Sunday 4:30 est
The home team won each game, which includes that 45-3 destruction by the Patriots. Sanchez is playing well right now, and the Patriots are laying a path of "get anybody get the plate number of that truck?" On paper, the Patriots win big, but this isn't paper. This should be a lot closer than anybody wants it to be. :tongue:
My picks: Ravens, Falcons, Bears, Patriots. I have no confidence in any of my picks, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if I took a bagel this week.
Yay, my post wasn't erased this time! :happy:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Gil Galad on January 14, 2011, 01:05:45 PM
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Ravens Vs. Steelers
I am going to go for the Steelers. They seem to win a lot of times on big games with big plays.
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Packers Vs. Falcons
I have my doubts but I am going for the Packers anyways.
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Seahawks Vs. Bears
I don't know a lot about either team but I think the Bears will win.
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Jets Vs. Patriots
I think the Patriots will win yet again. They've been owning the Jets so far.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 14, 2011, 05:57:34 PM
I'll make my picks soon, but here's a good chuckle.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 14, 2011, 11:43:48 PM
I'm not going to give you much analysis this time around... most of my thoughts have been posted for most of the teams I get to watch and see...
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(5) Ravens @ (2) Steelers: Saturday 4:30 est
Steelers - This will be a nailbiter for the most part. Both defenses are capable of stopping the run, so I expect it to come down to which QB will succeed more... Big Ben or Joe Flacco. I lean towards Big Ben in this matchup.
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(6) Packers @ (1) Falcons: Saturday 8 est
Packers - The earlier matchup with the Falcons proved a point... the Falcons got a tad lucky but the Packers didn't have a run game at the time... they have a semi-legitimate one now and now can effectively run play action... which the Packers could not do in the earlier matchup.
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(4) Seahawks @ (2) Bears: Sunday 1 est
Bears - Believe it or not, the Seahawks won the earlier matchup... however this happened after a Seahawks bye week and an atrocious Cutler (this was even before the Bears smackdown). Cutler should be better this time around, but I honestly don't think he's the QB that would really scare anyone. If the Seahawks are effective though, it's because that Bears o-line is atrocious....
Note: If the Seahawks lose, it will most likely be a double digit loss.
Scary thought: A Packers @ Seahawks NFC Championship sounds like crap.
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(6) Jets @ (1) Patriots: Sunday 4:30 est
Pats - I could easily insert a foot reference here, but I won't. I will say that the Jets still have a shot, but the margin of that chance is slim and it ultimately starts with Sanchez to being effective.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 15, 2011, 05:31:38 AM
Lenophis: keep in mind that in the first Ravens/Steelers game, which the Ravens won narrowly, Ben Roethlisberger was still suspended, and thus wasn't even in the game. backup Charlie Batch played, and he posted unimpressive stats: 57.1% completion percentage, 141 yards, 0 TD, 1 Int, and 57.8 rating. not that Big Ben did much better in their next meeting, but he could've swung the outcome in the first.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 15, 2011, 06:00:24 AM
Baltimore at Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh, 21-18
This is the first game I've done analysis for this week, and probably the game I'll analyze the most, because it's one of the tightest matchups. These are two very similar teams. 12-4 records, great defenses, and strong rushing attacks. I'm favoring the Steelers because they simply seem to be a better version of the Ravens. They have slightly more points scored per game; less points allowed per game; more total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards per game; and less total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards allowed per game. There is a particular gap in the rushing and total yards allowed. In head-to-head matchups, the teams split the season series, the road team winning by 3 points each game. However, in the earlier game in Week 4, Ben Roethlisberger didn't even play, as mentioned in my previous post. The Steelers are 5-3 at home, and the Ravens 5-3 on the road, so I don't see a field advantage either way (though the Ravens did demonstrate their ability to win at Heinz this year). Against common opponents, both teams went 9 of 12. Both teams took 3/4 against the NFC South; in the AFC East, the Steelers took 2/4 while the Ravens took 3/4, thanks to their win over the Jets; against their division opponents in the AFC North, the Ravens took 3/4 while the Steelers took 2/4. In the sum of these 12 common matchups, the Steelers had a 30 better point differential, which works out to 2.5 points/game. In their 2 uncommon matchups, both teams won both of their games. Though note that the Steelers faced slightly better opponents, and emerged with a better point differential.
As far as quarterbacks go, Big Ben continues to be strong, and Joe Flacco continues to mature. They posted similar stats this year, though I'd give a slight edge to Roethlisberger. Flacco's playoff stats have been pretty sad -- aside from the Tennessee game in 2008 -- until this year's Kansas City matchup, where he did very well. Still, Ben has more of a consistent track record in the playoffs, so I give him the advantage again.
The Ravens are a great team, and I've been burned by picking against them in playoffs past (but fortunately learned my lesson for this year's Round 1). Still, I have trouble choosing Baltimore when I can pick Baltimore+1, which happens to be Pittsburgh.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 15, 2011, 01:37:23 PM
Green Bay at Atlanta = Green Bay, 24-22
Atlanta has the best record in the NFC and the second best in the NFL, at 13-3. Green Bay is a more modest 10-6. Never losing by more than 4 points and having a hefty 148-point differential between points fielded and points allowed, they're better than that record indicates. But are they better than the Falcons, who have a solid 126-point differential, and are a game-winning machine? That is the question.
The Falcons have slightly more points scored per game, while Green Bay has allowed less points per game. No real edge there. Green Bay wins in total yards achieved and total yards allowed, and more pronouncedly in passing yards and passing yards allowed. Atlanta wins in both rushing offense and defense. Overall, in the yardage category, I'd give Wisconsinites a slight edge.
In their one meeting this year, the Falcons won 20-17. It was a nail-biter decided in the final seconds that could have gone either way. Atlanta has a 7-1 home record this year, while the Packers are a measly 3-5 on the road. So the field is definitely advantageous to the Falcons. Still, this isn't as bad as it looks, as the Pack only loses by tiny margins; no venue has been futile for them.
The teams have only had two common opponents this year. The Falcons lost to the Eagles on the Road, while Green Bay beat them twice on the road: once in the regular season, and once in the playoffs. Both teams beat San Francisco, the Packers by a larger margin. Green Bay wins this small category.
Most of these teams' games were against "uncommon opponents" (i.e. not faced by both teams), 13 of 16 total games. Since direct comparisons are scarce for these teams, we'll have to look to these games for super indirect comparisons. In these 13 such games, the Packers went 8-5, while the Falcons were a dominating 11-2. Also, the Falcons had a slightly better average point differential (+ 10.38 versus + 9.69). However, the opponents Atlanta faced in these 13 games were somewhat inferior to the ones Green Bay faced in theirs. If you look at the average final season records of the Packers' unique opponents, it was an even 8-8. While for the Falcons unique opponents, it was 7.54-8.46. The two teams' opponents were pretty similar on total season defense (Falcons' foes being 6 points harder), while the Packers' foes were significantly stronger on total season offense (by 33 points). Neither team had a very tough journey. Still, 11-2 is significantly better than 8-5, so even if you handicap it to account for weaker opponents, I give the Falcons the edge here.
Another way to examine things is to see how each team fared against winning teams, and against losing teams. (I define "winning" as an ultimate season record of over 8 wins, and "losing" with a final record of under 8 wins.) Green Bay faced 7 "winners" and 9 "losers", while Atlanta faced 8 winners and 8 losers. Atlanta cleaned up against losers, taking 8 of 8 games. Understandable, given they got to face the Sisters of the West and the tragic Panthers. Green Bay faced plenty of chumps too, such as Buffalo, but not as many. They beat 6 of 9 losers, having mysterious losses to teams like Washington (who bafflingly also beat the Bears, and the Eagles once). Against winners, which is what we care about, the Falcons took 5 of 8 matchups, while the Packers took 4 of 7. The Falcons have a narrow edge there, though point comparison tells a different story: against "winners", Atlanta actually had an average point differential of -0.25, while Green Bay had an average of +5.86. Thus, I'd rank these teams as about even against winners. So no edge here.
Now for the quarterbacks. Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers have similar stats, with Rodgers slightly better in most categories. However, Ryan does have a better TD/Int ratio (over 3, very nice), and he's better protected, barely getting sacked at all. One area where Rodgers dominates is rushing; he's a regular track star, while Ryan runs like a little girl with peg legs. Rodgers also has the edge in playoff experience, albeit with a small sample size. He's been godly in his two career playoff games, while Matt was mediocre in his single playoff game in 2008, and that was against a Cardinals' defense which was very bad in the regular season. Still, that was in his very first season at the green age of 23, so I really can't judge him harshly for that. Nonetheless, the Man from Chico has demonstrated an ability to step things up in the playoffs, while Ryan is more unproven in this part of the calendar.
If Green Bay can shut down the rush, they'll force the Falcons to test their awesome pass defense, and net some 3-and-outs and perhaps interceptions. If not, they'll have to hope their offense can match Atlanta's potency tit-for-tat. Avoiding excessive false starts in front of a loud opposing crowd will be necessary to achieve that.
Based off of stats, I'd have to favor Atlanta slightly. They beat pretty much everybody, including the Ravens, and came close to beating the Steelers; the only game they weren't competitive in was at the Eagles. But from my posts here for the past few weeks, you can tell I'm captivated by Green Bay. They have an awesome points scored/allowed differential (second only to New England) coupled with a modest record that doesn't reflect it and a measly sixth seed spot -- all of this makes them desirable underdogs to root for. Not as fun as the 9-7 Arizona Cardinals from two years ago, but still compelling. Furthermore, they made a valiant stand against the evil Patriots, who had just finished obliterating the Jets and Bears in prior weeks, doing so on the enemy's home turf with backup quarterback Matt Flynn. This was impressive both in showing the Pack's bench depth, but also distinguishing them from other teams with similar records (New York and Chicago come across as pretenders with no chance of winning it all, unless New England suddenly decides they fancy golf or square dancing more).
Both the Falcons and Packers have arguably improved as the season progressed. Atlanta went 6-2 in the first half, and 7-1 in the second half. Green Bay was 5-3 in both halves, but two of their losses in the second half occurred in games in which Rodgers was partially or fully absent. Had he been in the entire games, they very well could have been wins. Also, as other posters here mentioned, Green Bay has improved their running game, becoming a more balanced team than before.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 15, 2011, 10:10:38 PM
Leno, did you pick against the Packers just to hate on them (being in the same division as the Vikings)?
By virtue of Leno's differing Saturday picks, Leno has lost for the week (though having a chance to hold even for the week).
Postgame analysis:
As I said before... Big Ben is better than Flacco in the very end (although Steelers special teams nearly coughed it up).
Falcons look like a better version of this years version of the Chiefs... and the Packers look like the Steelers of their 06 run. This is something worth watching going forward.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 15, 2011, 10:46:08 PM
man, i watched the wrong game. i was zonked this afternoon and knew i could never stay awake for both games, so i set my alarm for the 2nd one, and slept through the first... which turned out to be the suspenseful one.
eh, the first half of the Packers-Falcons game was entertaining enough. but i missed the awesome 102-yard kickoff return due to channel flipping. damned _House_ reruns. :P
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 16, 2011, 06:13:20 AM
Seattle at Chicago = Chicago, 26-21
Yes, the Seahawks beat the Bears in Chicago this year. However, as others have noted, that was largely the fault of the Bears' offensive line, which is much-improved since then. In that game, the Seahawks defense: had a safety, sacked Jay Cutler 6 times, limited the Bears offense to 61 yards rushing, and made the Bears go 0-12 on 3rd down conversions. All these are to the Seahawks' credit, but it's hard to envision multiple of these feats being repeated. Then again, there were good things in that game that could go worse for the Bears this time around: an 89-yard punt return touchdown for Devin Hester, 0 turnovers, and only 2 penalties. Also, while Hasselback played solid in that meeting, he could play like the beast we saw against the Saints last week.
The Bears have a better defense than the Saints, though not by much, and they also have the benefit of studying that upset game on tape. Seattle only went 7-9 in the regular season, and that's with having weak division companions to beat up on. The Bears went a solid 11-5, even if many of those wins were against chumps.
The Bears have a slight edge in points scored, and a significant edge in points allowed. As far as yardage goes, Chicago is better in all defensive categories. Seattle is better offensively in total yards and passing yards, but Chicago is better at attaining rushing yards. Advantage to Chicago here.
Against common opponents, both teams beat the lowly Panthers by 17. Both teams lost to the Giants, though the Seahawks did so in more spectacular fashion. So a slight edge to the Bears in this category.
The average final record of the teams faced for the Bears was 7.56 - 8.44. For the Seahawks, it was 7.75 - 8.25. So the Seahawks' schedule was a *hair* more difficult. In other terms, Seattle faced 7 winners during the regular season (where "winner" is defined as a team that won more than 8 games at the end), while Chicago faced 6 winners. However, the Bears fared better against winners, with 3 wins versus the Seahawks' 2. Also, their average point differential against winning teams was better: -6.33 versus -13.71, though both teams were crappy in this regard.
Chicago is 6-2 at home, while Seattle is a sad 2-6 on the road. So the field advantage goes to the Bears. Now, as mentioned above, the Seahawks did beat the Bears on their turf this season, but they'd still rather be playing at Qwest with the crowd on their side.
As far as quarterbacks, Jay Cutler posted better stats this year than Matt Hasselback in nearly every category, particularly touchdowns and TD/Int ratio. Hasselback had more interceptions than touchdowns, which is uncharacteristic of him. Areas where the Seattle QB had the advantage are being sacked FAR less -- Cutler was a tackling dummy for several games -- and giving up less fumbles, with goes with the territory of not being sacked constantly. More notably, Hasselback has been appearing in playoff games since 2003, and has actually compiled a solid track record in them, with last week being a very fine installation for him. Cutler has no playoff appearances whatsoever. So overall, I favor Hasselback despite his off year, as playoffs bring a raised amount of pressure and preparation from opposing defenses. It's a complete mystery how Cutler will react to this.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 16, 2011, 06:39:20 AM
New York at New England = New England, 28-17
So New York has a slightly better defense in terms of points allowed, and more notably better in terms of yardage allowed. But New England's defense has improved as the season progressed.
In points scored, the Patriots are really in a category unto themselves. If you're very generous, maybe 4 other teams in the NFL are in this category, but the Jets aren't one of them. It's hard to see New York keeping pace with New England, unless their defense somehow pulls off a big lockdown. They couldn't lock down the damn Bears, so I'm skeptical of that, though anything's possible. The Patriots are also quite solid in yardage, though not as markedly so, with several teams better than them. Sometimes, a notable discrepancy between yardage and points means a team was lucky to advance the ball at the right time. But in this case, given the Pats' track record, I'd attribute it more to cold efficiency, which is borne out by their 48.8% 3rd down conversion rate, the second best in the league.
The teams met twice this year, with the Jets winning the first matchup by 14 points, and the Patriots winning the second by a staggering 42 points. While I don't expect the latter figure to be replicated this week, I believe it's more indicative of the Patriots' skill level than the first figure is, due to examining the games surrounding it. In New England's final six games of the season, all were blowout wins, except for their narrow win over the Packers.
When somebody besides Green Bay shows that they can hang with the Patriots in recent history, I might pick against them. But until then, I'll join the hordes of pundits in picking for them.
I'm short on analysis here for two reasons: 1) After analyzing the first two matchups this week into the ground (and the third one a decent amount), I'm fatigued. 2) New England is dominant enough for me to put less thought into this game.
Now, I'll be rooting for the Jets, but my well wishes probably won't get them anywhere. :P
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 16, 2011, 06:44:34 AM
Leno, did you pick against the Packers just to hate on them (being in the same division as the Vikings)?
Not entirely. I thought the Falcons were ready to take that next step, and they way they played this year I thought they would've at least made the NFC championship.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 16, 2011, 07:42:12 AM
Leno, did you pick against the Packers just to hate on them (being in the same division as the Vikings)?
Not entirely. I thought the Falcons were ready to take that next step, and they way they played this year I thought they would've at least made the NFC championship.
I was already convinced the Packers would win in a rematch... that is the team that made the next step IMO. I watched the pain Packers @ Falcons the first time around and also the Packers @ Pats game.
assassin... in fooball they say stats are for losers and in a number of cases, this is true. One of the things worth analyzing is the context of how a team wins a game. It is somewhat difficult to look over the numbers and draw the proper conclusions... although things like garbage TDs are usually around affecting such stats as point differential and the progression of a defense (like the Pats godawful 3rd down stat, which still scares me). Then again... it is still difficult to get the proper context of a lot of stuff in football w/o understanding the underlying logic of a gameplan or execution...
I guess we could sum it all up in one coach's words... we (viewers) don't know what they (coaches) know.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 16, 2011, 05:17:56 PM
for anybody who didn't catch the Seahawks/Bears game, it wasn't as close as the final score suggests. the Bears dominated until the last few minutes.
i'm pleasantly surprised to see the Jets leading at the half. they could have been up by even more if either David Harris didn't run that interception back at the speed of a glacier, or Nick Folk could hit a short field goal. Harris made that giant oaf Alge Crumpler look like a lightning bolt in comparison. still, i'm glad he broke Brady's int-free streak.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 16, 2011, 06:52:35 PM
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 16, 2011, 07:02:47 PM
To start off, give the Jets credit for winning pretty much every key thing a football team needs to win with... offense, defense, special teams. The Jets not showing up in the earlier matchup obviously wasn't a proper indication of anything (nor it should've been). A team that can beat the Colts+Peyton and Pats+Brady deserves the credit.
I was really bored with the Bears kicking the ass of the Seahawks (although part of the latter half was kinda disturbing, starting with the halfback pass for an INT).
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 17, 2011, 02:55:38 AM
there were at least a few plays where Brady had all sorts of time to throw, but couldn't find anybody open down field, and after seeing Cutler's performance earlier in the day, i'm thinking "Why doesn't he just run the ball?!". Brady only had two rushes, compared to how many long, frustrated looks down the field? 10, 15? it's hard to believe that with the Patriots receivers so well-covered, the Jets would also have the personnel to simultaneously stop a quarterback from rushing for some yards.
maybe it's not his style, especially in the last two seasons, but sometimes you have to go with what's available.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 19 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 17, 2011, 06:46:25 AM
there were at least a few plays where Brady had all sorts of time to throw, but couldn't find anybody open down field, and after seeing Cutler's performance earlier in the day, i'm thinking "Why doesn't he just run the ball?!".
He doesn't run, for whatever reason. Never did even before the Chiefs were blocked into blowing out his knee a couple years ago. He's Brad Johnson. :whoa:
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Brady only had two rushes, compared to how many long, frustrated looks down the field? 10, 15? it's hard to believe that with the Patriots receivers so well-covered, the Jets would also have the personnel to simultaneously stop a quarterback from rushing for some yards.
Rex changed up his defense to shut Brady down, and Brady didn't adjust to try and shut Rex down. Despite the stats saying the Patriots mostly dominated, the Patriots looked a bit confused out there.
(6) Packers @ (2) Bears: Sunday 4 est (6) Jets @ (2) Steelers: Sunday 8 est (I think)
The NFC Championship should be epic. :happy:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 17, 2011, 10:21:03 AM
there were at least a few plays where Brady had all sorts of time to throw, but couldn't find anybody open down field, and after seeing Cutler's performance earlier in the day, i'm thinking "Why doesn't he just run the ball?!". Brady only had two rushes, compared to how many long, frustrated looks down the field? 10, 15? it's hard to believe that with the Patriots receivers so well-covered, the Jets would also have the personnel to simultaneously stop a quarterback from rushing for some yards.
maybe it's not his style, especially in the last two seasons, but sometimes you have to go with what's available.
That makes absolutely no sense. To make that assessment, you'd have to have a semblance of a running ability for a QB. Last I checked "pocket passer" is not a description of a runner. This was no different for Peyton... (Eli can run better than his brother). Additionally if you were paying attention to the in game commentary, they were containing Brady in the pocket (which one should do to any running QB like Big Ben and Vick), which does not allow for ANY QB to run out of it.
A QB is not able to scramble effectively in the first place (even if the QB is a statue in terms of mobility) if a team is running zone coverage, which is one of the things the Jets were running. In zone (I'm not even sure why I have to explain such a fundamental concept here), the defense behind the d-line trend to "sit" in a zone and react to the QB's eyes or the receivers that come into that zone. Many teams run such a system, like the Pats, Jets (as of late), and definitely the Bears. If a QB and the receivers understand where they need to be in the "holes" of said zone, you can slowly pick a team apart. The "Tampa 2" defense is a modified version of the Cover 2 defense (zone) which was created by Tony Dungy (formerly of the Colts and Tampa Bay Bucs). There are plenty of variations of it...
When a QB actually does scramble... it's because every receiver in man coverage are covered... and a pass rush that is contained and there would have to be open running "lanes" for a QB to go through. That was not an option.
Brady only had two rushes, compared to how many long, frustrated looks down the field? 10, 15? it's hard to believe that with the Patriots receivers so well-covered, the Jets would also have the personnel to simultaneously stop a quarterback from rushing for some yards.
Rex changed up his defense to shut Brady down, and Brady didn't adjust to try and shut Rex down. Despite the stats saying the Patriots mostly dominated, the Patriots looked a bit confused out there.
It's hard to adjust if you don't exactly know when and what the opposing defense is doing. I'm sure Peyton was saying the same thing for the most part. I did say in a post earlier.. the numbers don't always tell the story. Sometimes a game is set by the tempo of a team... in both Pats+Colts games, it was run at the Jets pace.
I get the feeling that part of the problem with this version of the Pats defense is primarily that there's not enough veteran leadership... the defense didn't really respond in the sense that they were too passive... hoping for stuff to just happen instead of forcing the issue. Getting all the turnovers had a direct correlation with scoring first and early and I'm willing to bet that the turnover battle wasn't there when the defense had to step up (I'm sure someone will churn the numbers).
Anyways... I think the Steelers will have many issues going forward... since that patchwork o-line and a semi-healthy Polamalu is not really going to scare anyone.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 17, 2011, 01:18:42 PM
there were at least a few plays where Brady had all sorts of time to throw, but couldn't find anybody open down field, and after seeing Cutler's performance earlier in the day, i'm thinking "Why doesn't he just run the ball?!". Brady only had two rushes, compared to how many long, frustrated looks down the field? 10, 15? it's hard to believe that with the Patriots receivers so well-covered, the Jets would also have the personnel to simultaneously stop a quarterback from rushing for some yards.
maybe it's not his style, especially in the last two seasons, but sometimes you have to go with what's available.
That makes absolutely no sense.
pissy, pissy. :P
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To make that assessment, you'd have to have a semblance of a running ability for a QB. Last I checked "pocket passer" is not a description of a runner.
pocket passers don't have legs? i already acknowledged "maybe it's not his style". but when the game takes you away from what you do best, it's time to improvise ... or lose. the Pats opted for the latter.
Brady doesn't have to be Usain Bolt, just be able to briskly move his left leg, then his right leg, then his left leg, then the right, etc.
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This was no different for Peyton... (Eli can run better than his brother). Additionally if you were paying attention to the in game commentary, they were containing Brady in the pocket (which one should do to any running QB like Big Ben and Vick), which does not allow for ANY QB to run out of it.
so the pocket is an ironclad, fully closed circle now? it's really more of a semi-circle. he could have run outside the edges of it and picked up a few yards, rather than repeatedly throwing the ball away or taking sacks.
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A QB is not able to scramble effectively in the first place (even if the QB is a statue in terms of mobility) if a team is running zone coverage, which is one of the things the Jets were running. In zone (I'm not even sure why I have to explain such a fundamental concept here),
again, pissy pissy. which zones are close enough to the line of scrimmage that the defenders could stop the QB from picking up some yardage? if the defenders have receivers fully covered, then by definition they're not available to go after the quarterback -- for the simple reason that they cannot be in two places at once. i'm amazed i have to explain such a simple concept here.
EDIT: this is a good article from a levelheaded Patriots fan:
To make that assessment, you'd have to have a semblance of a running ability for a QB. Last I checked "pocket passer" is not a description of a runner.
pocket passers don't have legs? i already acknowledged "maybe it's not his style". but when the game takes you away from what you do best, it's time to improvise ... or lose. the Pats opted for the latter.
Brady doesn't have to be Usain Bolt, just be able to briskly move his left leg, then his right leg, then his left leg, then the right, etc.
You can't improvise if you're contained in the pocket.
Think of Micheal Vick for a second... or any other running QB. If the pocket is surrounded in a such a way that there's no clear path "out of it", then it makes absolutely zero sense to run regardless of your foot speed. It is very impractical to do it. Sometimes you can escape only if "the pocket is collapsing", but that's not a sure thing... but sometimes you have to be lucky to do it.
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This was no different for Peyton... (Eli can run better than his brother). Additionally if you were paying attention to the in game commentary, they were containing Brady in the pocket (which one should do to any running QB like Big Ben and Vick), which does not allow for ANY QB to run out of it.
so the pocket is an ironclad, fully closed circle now? it's really more of a semi-circle. he could have run outside the edges of it and picked up a few yards, rather than repeatedly throwing the ball away or taking sacks.
It's a semi-circle somewhat, but the longer the pass rush is going, it extends to the back as some pass rushers and lineman can end up behind the QB as time progresses. I don't recall many opportunities to see "runs to the sidelines" as you think. There's nothing bad about throwing the ball away (sometimes the coverage is that good) and coverage sacks happen.
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A QB is not able to scramble effectively in the first place (even if the QB is a statue in terms of mobility) if a team is running zone coverage, which is one of the things the Jets were running. In zone (I'm not even sure why I have to explain such a fundamental concept here),
again, pissy pissy. which zones are close enough to the line of scrimmage that the defenders could stop the QB from picking up some yardage? if the defenders have receivers fully covered, then by definition they're not available to go after the quarterback -- for the simple reason that they cannot be in two places at once. i'm amazed i have to explain such a simple concept here.
It doesn't work the way you're describing it. It depends on where the zones are placed (sometimes there are mixed zone+man coverages, of which I am not a coach to explain how everything works). Just because all the receivers are covered (minimum running a nickel defense), there's still enough LBs that are available (assuming that the d-line is sent to rush the passer). Receivers being covered usually imply man coverage (but combination of man+zone can apply). So, what you will have is 6 players (possibly less when running dime packages) and that's still enough to account for all 5 offensive lineman and the QB... then again that assumes so many other things.
In any case... when the pocket is contained in such a way, you can't really just "walk out of it". There has to be opportunities to do so. I remember a game in 06 where Brady "outwitted" Urlacher (Bears @ Pats) because there was an opportunity to run with the ball because every WR was covered. I also recall the pocket opening up for Brady to run the ball.. so that at least made sense to do so.
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EDIT: this is a good article from a levelheaded Patriots fan:
i'm sure more such articles will emerge as the sudden postseason exit is studied.
That is an irrational Pats fan. If you're expecting Brady to become Micheal Vick overnight, he's dreaming for another offseason. I've seen more intelligent thoughts from players who play the game or at least sites that diagram some of the issues that occurred.
:edit:
BTW, here's a better example of times where it makes sense to run the ball as a QB.
This comes from the Bears game...
On the 2 TD runs that the Cutler ran, I recall the one where the ball was MEANT to goto him (it was a QB draw I think, or a decision to run it himself because the receivers were covered). The play was designed to goto the right side, but seeing how the there was a hole in the left side, he ran it in towards that direction and scored. If the openings are not there, you are not going to get much done. There are a lot of things about running the ball that QBs still have to follow despite the limited number of times a QB gets to do it in the first place.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 18, 2011, 04:08:55 AM
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That is an irrational Pats fan. If you're expecting Brady to become Micheal Vick overnight, he's dreaming for another offseason.
well, there is a happy medium between Michael Vick and a statue with ice blocks on its feet.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 18, 2011, 07:38:08 AM
That is an irrational Pats fan. If you're expecting Brady to become Micheal Vick overnight, he's dreaming for another offseason.
well, there is a happy medium between Michael Vick and a statue with ice blocks on its feet.
QBs that don't normally run would be happy to get 1 or 2 rushing first downs if lucky. QBs that can run can get twice as many when the option is available. Any QB even including Micheal Vick who attempts to run out of the pocket as a result of the pressure and is contained properly tends to get sacked often. That was Micheal Vick in Packers @ Eagles playoff game. It only makes sense for a QB run when the defense does not properly contain a QB in the pocket. When the defense fails to contain a QB properly, QBs like Big Ben tend to get really huge plays with his arm, not his legs... which are what QBs are generally for. Of course the QB can run for the first down if the option is there when reasonable.
Besides, Vick tends to take a lot of punishment he needs not to take given his body.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 21, 2011, 11:19:04 AM
dang, i didn't know that Brady had a fractured foot.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Gil Galad on January 22, 2011, 10:23:22 AM
I'm going to make my picks right now.
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Packers Vs. Bears
Packers.
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Jets Vs. Steelers
Steelers
These I bet are popular picks but I still think that both of my picks are going to win. But who really knows with the playoffs. lol
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Poco Loco on January 22, 2011, 05:00:05 PM
dang, i didn't know that Brady had a fractured foot.
yea it was pretty bad, but he should be ok
and just gonna throw this out there
LETS GO JETS!!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 23, 2011, 03:42:55 AM
my initial leanings are also Packers and Steelers, but let's mix things up.
Green Bay at Chicago = Chicago, 20-18
Green Bay is the better team, as I've been saying for weeks. But the Bears match up with them well. They won early in the season, and only lost by 7 points in Week 17, despite having far less incentive to win. I was impressed with how the Bears' defense stifled the potent Packers' offense. Sure, the Packers' defense stifled our offense even moreso, but seeing the Pack only muster 10 points with their season on the line makes me optimistic that Rodgers won't uncork a giant game against the Bears this week. A true playoff game will undoubtedly bring greater focus and preparation from Green Bay than Week 17 did, but it's not like they were keeping offensive cards hidden under the table in that game, as they simply couldn't afford to.
Also, I think the frigid forecast plays in Chicago's favor slightly. Maybe surprising, given the debacle hosting New England. It's not so much that I think Cutler is a better cold weather quarterback than Rodgers, or that the Bears are a better cold weather team than the Packers. Rather, I saw how Green Bay's offense really stretched its wings in a nice, warm dome game last week. Unpleasant outdoor conditions are less amenable to a high-flying passing game. Because Green Bay has more of an aerial attack than Chicago does to start with, they simply have more to lose in this category. Dunno if that's how it will play out, but anything that can potentially put a damper on what Aaron Rodgers did in the Georgia Dome, or at Arizona last year, should be welcomed by his opponent.
It's not surprising that the Bears handle the Packers better than they do other teams, since Lovie Smith made it his top priority after being hired to beat the Packers. They are 8-6 (.571) in his 7 years as head coach against an above-average Green Bay team that went 62-50 overall, or .554. Past seasons records' obviously don't carry into this one, but the record is reflective of special preparation, imho.
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New York at Pittsburgh = New York, 22-20
Again, Pittsburgh is the better team. But New York's on quite a roll in the playoffs, with a very impressive victory last week. The Steelers' was impressive in its own right, but kind of messy and reliant on weird happenings. Also, the Jets beat Pittsburgh during the regular season, albeit leaning on a 97-yard kickoff return TD which probably won't be replicated this time. Now, I think Big Ben's mobility will make it hard for New York to duplicate what they did against New England, but their defense showed enough versatility and had enough creative play calling that I think they can adjust to a different QB. Rex Ryan is very sharp, and that secondary is smothering.
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yes, i'm sparse on analysis here, but i'm lazy and tired. besides, most of the stats would back up the opposite picks winning, and why should i undermine myself? :P
*fully prepared to go 0-2 this week*
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 23, 2011, 06:54:05 AM
The only analysis I can offer is that for their week 15 matchup, the Steelers were without Polamalu. The Steelers are demonstratively better with Troy in the secondary, and are below .500 without him. The Packers/Bears is a coinflip. Overall, the Packers probably edge out the Bears in all categories this year, but to root for the cheeseheads....... :banonsmash:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 10:25:14 AM
I'm kinda over the loss, but I'll survive. Any comments suggesting that a QB should be running when he's not known to (despite the injuries) is silly. Then again, I can mention how Rodgers was out because of a concussion and Cutler being out of the same thing... because they ran unnecessarily (of course, not all cases are simple, but we can also point to a Brett Favre Vikings NFC Championship game as the cue to remind some folks). Too many rushing QBs get injured... and often (McNabb and Vick aren't out of this list)... so don't go thinking this is a good idea all the time (tm).
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(6) Packers @ (2) Bears: Sunday 4 est
Packers
The Packers are a better overall team than the Bears. The game will be close mind you, given the nature of divisional rivals and pretty much anything can happen. Rodgers probably won't have the awesome pwnage game like he did vs the Falcons, but having a legit running game will make it harder for the Bears since it allows play action. The Bears o-line is better now, but I think it can be had... However, if the Bears are to win, it will start with Devin Hester and special teams making it... I think that Bears defense can hold its end of the bargain, but I like the Packers d better in this scenario. I still think Cutler is a semi-Grossman like guy and he's either going to be very good or very bad...
Besides, who's cute idea was it to let the Seahawks back in the game... the HB pass is a TERRIBLE IDEA at this point.
:edit: If the Steelers win, Big Ben has made enough big plays when he's outside the pocket while the Jets defense may have broken down... and the Steelers defense with Polamalu gets a turnover (most likely from an INT). The Steelers defense is more than capable to stopping that Jets running game to force Sanchez to throw... but that fail of a run defense was a major issue the last time around.
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(6) Jets @ (2) Steelers: Sunday 8 est (I think)
Jets
I don't like this pick as I want the Steelers to win. I like Big Ben (as the player, not the off field crap), but I feel that the Jets can reasonably contain Ben in the pocket like last time. Despite the biggest difference in this matchup is Polamalu being missing in the last game, the problem unfortunately is that the Steelers o-line is not that good... especially compared to the Jets o-line. More importantly, Jets special teams is still holding up its side of the deal... and similar to the earlier Jets @ Steelers matchup, the Steelers special teams is simply not that great. I think the Jets will do a lot more zone coverage despite the number of receivers that the Steelers feature... and I'm sure Santonio Holmes will at least attempt to make a statement against his former team.
I'm just surprised that no actual analysis has gone to this point.... but I guess we still watch the games on any given Sunday. :tongue:
There's no real advantage to the Packers over the Bears when it comes to the weather.... Packers have played in Lambeau Field... that's fucking cold weather to me (not in this playoffs, but it almost sounds like you were making them some sort of dome team).
It's also worth pointing out that Lovie Smith didn't really want to face the Packers in the playoffs... and that was the effort that was shown in Week 17. I think it's fair to say it won't be as maddeningly low scoring, but it's still a potential omen. The Packers are playing their best football... and as my best comparison of them.. they do look like the Steelers of 06 when they won the SB. There's something to be said for that...
Also, I don't have any issues with the cheeseheads (except for the Vikings fans). I don't have any issue with the same team that used to have Brett Favre that beat the Pats more than a decade ago in a SB.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 03:21:02 PM
It is worth pointing out here that everyone (other than Poco Loco who's just rooting) has picked every possible combo... so only one person will get 2-0, and another will get into an 0fer.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 03:59:47 PM
Cutler is injured... again (wasn't it with him trying to run the ball again? :P )
Unless magic happens, Collins is not going to save the Bears team.
Also, I've also noticed my picks are totally opposite of Leno...
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 05:20:36 PM
Nice to see the Bears at least try to make it a game... when the Packers didn't quite seal the deal. The irony of having the 3rd QB become reasonably better than Cutler will probably spark some debate with Hanie over Cutler will probably be.... interesting. The pick six by the NT was pretty amusing (minus the dancing) as the defense of the Packers stepped up while Rodgers did not have such a great game.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 09:01:35 PM
Congrats to the Steelers for kicking the Jets in the ass.
Although, there are real issues with the Steelers going forward, but they scored early and enough to win the game. Despite the turnovers by the Steelers, the Jets simply could not cash in and in the end the defense did ultimately let them down by allowing Big Ben to run free outside the pocket for most of the game... especially with that super makeshift o-line that is devastated with another key injury.
Congrats to both Steelers and Packers.
Quote from: assassin
yes, i'm sparse on analysis here, but i'm lazy and tired. besides, most of the stats would back up the opposite picks winning, and why should i undermine myself? :P
*fully prepared to go 0-2 this week*
Congrats, you've succeeded. Gil got 2-0 for this week.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 23, 2011, 09:04:07 PM
hah, my approach of picking the lesser teams to win shockingly came up empty. :/
still, both games got quite entertaining in the second half. they were plenty watchable, which means 6+ hours weren't squandered. how about that Caleb Hanie and his teenage mustache, eh? our 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks were just a warm-up act for his awesomeness!
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 09:13:07 PM
If there was no major injury to Cutler, I don't think they would've had the answers in that game...
On the other hand, was it a forgone conclusion to go strictly to Hanie when you could've just asked Collins to hand the ball off and wait for the 4th? If there was no shot of either, then I guess that's OK, but it is deeply questionable unless Collins ineffectiveness or both QBs are injured to an extreme where you don't even give them a shot to come back because of the rule... I recall the emergency rule being very relevant when it came up.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 23, 2011, 09:23:28 PM
There's no real advantage to the Packers over the Bears when it comes to the weather....
which is why i said "slight advantage".
Quote from: Deathlike2
Packers have played in Lambeau Field... that's fucking cold weather to me (not in this playoffs, but it almost sounds like you were making them some sort of dome team).
how does this sound like i'm making them a dome team?
Quote from: me
It's not so much that I think Cutler is a better cold weather quarterback than Rodgers, or that the Bears are a better cold weather team than the Packers. Rather, I saw how Green Bay's offense really stretched its wings in a nice, warm dome game last week. Unpleasant outdoor conditions are less amenable to a high-flying passing game. Because Green Bay has more of an aerial attack than Chicago does to start with, they simply have more to lose in this category.
i don't think it's controversial to say that climate-controlled conditions and a playing surface that's avoided the elements is generally better for the passing game.
my commentary wasn't on Green Bay's location (i can look North on a map just fine :P), but on their team's offensive style, particular in its uber high-scoring outings in Atlanta, and last year in Arizona.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 23, 2011, 09:28:33 PM
It's not so much that I think Cutler is a better cold weather quarterback than Rodgers, or that the Bears are a better cold weather team than the Packers. Rather, I saw how Green Bay's offense really stretched its wings in a nice, warm dome game last week. Unpleasant outdoor conditions are less amenable to a high-flying passing game. Because Green Bay has more of an aerial attack than Chicago does to start with, they simply have more to lose in this category.
i don't think it's controversial to say that climate-controlled conditions and a playing surface that's avoided the elements is generally better for the passing game.
my commentary wasn't on Green Bay's location (i can look North on a map just fine :P), but on their team's offensive style, particular in its uber high-scoring outings in Atlanta, and last year in Arizona.
Sounds like giving away the Lombardi time, since Cowboys Stadium is another freaking dome.
It's obviously better to play in a dome.. but QBs that are built for the weather are usually able to up their game in a dome (I have not seen Ben's stats, but I know Brady has better stats in a dome) whereas the opposite is true.. dome teams playing outside (for the most part, perception-wise, see Peyton's stats being more notable)... it is simply tougher for a dome team to win it all IMO (Vikings need a new stadium, and no fucking domes this time)... and last years Saints+Colts don't count (outside in Miami, but they are both dome teams).
Oh well... my head is kinda out there.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 20 (playoffs?!)
Post by: assassin on January 23, 2011, 09:34:51 PM
as for the Jets/Steelers game, the factor of Big Ben's mobility didn't surprise me, but what did was Mendenhall having a nice full game's worth of rushing in one half. he was really off to the races.
congrats to Gil Galad on the 2-0. Lenophis and I are now out of the running for winning the playoffs picking challenge. Deathlike2 can at best hope to tie Gil in the Super Bowl.
results:
this week: assassin = 0-2 Lenophis = 1-1 Deathlike2 = 1-1 Gil Galad = 2-0
so far: Lenophis = 3-7 assassin = 5-5 Deathlike2 = 6-4 Gil Galad = 7-3 (see, we veered off course when we stopped copying him. ;) )
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Lenophis on January 28, 2011, 11:40:41 AM
In "way out of left field!" news, Jeff Fisher and the Titans have agreed to part ways. The Titans just entered super rebuilding mode. :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on January 30, 2011, 06:19:19 PM
Fisher hasn't had consistent winning seasons in his time with the Titans... it doesn't make him less of a coach, but it's not entirely surprising either.
In other news, I think a crazy idea would be to have the winning conference in the Pro Bowl should get the chance to make their pick of the coin toss in the SB of the following year. It doesn't really change much in the grand scheme of things, but it would make more sense IMO... unlike baseball where you have home field advantage... the SB is a neutral site and if we believe that the coin toss makes no difference in the grand scheme of things... then that's the best you can kinda hope for... I guess?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Lenophis on February 06, 2011, 01:59:31 PM
And now, I am the first to make an official pick for the big game, despite 3 people having voted already.
Steelers over the Packers, 38-35
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Gil Galad on February 06, 2011, 02:05:13 PM
Then I shall be the second one to post. I already done the poll and I think I was the first one.
I'm going with the Green Bay Packers this time. They have fewer superbowl wins and appearances.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on February 06, 2011, 02:28:21 PM
Packers, 24-21
:edit: Simply put, I think the Packers are the better overall team.
Offense: Big Ben is definitely an offense threat by being the big playmaker.... however I think Mendenhall with be the bigger offensive threat in this game. The Packers running game is "good enough" to allow for play action, although I believe Rodgers is a better passer overall and has similar capabilities that Big Ben has (except he's simply not as big).
Defense: The Steelers run d is very solid.. but their secondary is very suspect (primarily based on a Pats @ Steelers game). If Rodgers has anything resembling that game in Atlanta (especially when Cowboys Stadium is a dome), it might be a tough night for the secondary. The Packers run d is not as good statistically, but that can be somewhat attributed to injuries. I do believe that run d can be had (like the Steelers), but that Packers secondary is very much a playmaking bunch, so it might not be as easy to get someone as fast as the Steelers Mike Wallace to stay open.
Special Teams: Both teams are not that good in that dept, but I'd give only a slight edge to the Packers as they have a slightly better return game. Additionally both Steelers kicker and punter are not those that started the season with... which can be somewhat problematic.
In sum, Leno is picking the Steelers because... it's the cheeseheads that still dominate the black and blue division (PRAY FOR NO MORE DOME LENO). :tongue:
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: assassin on February 06, 2011, 05:19:29 PM
Pittsburgh versus Green Bay - Green Bay, 26-22
Should be an entertaining game. I didn't get around to voting; did all 3 of you vote?
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on February 06, 2011, 09:17:09 PM
I believe the answer is yes to the question.
Anyways, great game overall. I thought that the game was a runaway for the Packers, but the Steelers made it competitive.
However, the key issue was exactly as I thought. The Packers secondary stepped up (2 INTs, 1 for a pick six) and a force fumble. All 3 turnovers converted into 21 points, which was extraordinarily efficient.
Congrats Leno... Favre is now wiped from Packer and Viking memories... for now.
Title: Re: NFL season (2010-2011) week 21 (Super Bowl?!)
Post by: Deathlike2 on July 27, 2011, 12:19:35 PM
Well, until a new NFL thread is created, I'll bump this.
Did you miss the lockout? So we miss the HOF game... whoopdie fucking do.
On the other hand...
Leno, do you like this version of McNabb? Trade rumors abound! This is a terrible decision, especially after Tavaris Jackson leaves. If anyone saw the torture that was a Redskins game, he is not going to make magic as a Viking.
Also, the rumors of the Vikings moving because the lack of a new stadium deal (already done that for the Twins IIRC) is not a good thing... then again... what team has stayed in LA anyways? Sometimes the NFL is lame for these things...