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481

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 20 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 21, 2012, 06:46:35 PM »

Championship Playoffs

Yay?

Patriots Vs. Ravens - Sunday 3PM EST - CBS

Pats - This is not the 09 game... it should be close nonetheless.

Giants Vs. 49ers - Sunday 6:30 EST - FOX

Giants - I want the 49ers to win, but the regular season game is probably not exactly indicative... and the Packers did implode quite a bit w/o the Giants help IMO.

482

General Discussion & Support / Re: re: Secret of Evermore Easytype

« on: January 20, 2012, 05:00:41 PM »

I know this sounds a little offtopic, but what the hell is that special "Magic Gourd" item supposed to do in SOE?

483

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 20 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 16, 2012, 10:22:42 AM »

In the context of the Packers game, the entire team played like complete shit. You can find plausible reasons like not starting Rodgers on Week 17 or the sad incident with the o-coordinator's son.

However, watching a Hail Mary succeed is all one needed to see why this team failed. Plus the obvious abundance of turnovers. Rodgers and that offense simply did not play in sync. Packers couldn't really muster up much of a pass rush w/o blitzing either.

484

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 19 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 14, 2012, 11:02:10 PM »

Here's a hint about the Saints success: The Dome

They are simply different on the road. The stats back this up. 5 turnovers for the Saints for 13 points is their own undoing. The game was still close and did end up being who had the ball last.

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General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 19 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 14, 2012, 02:02:53 AM »

Divisional round:

The wait on the bye week sucks, but that is the intrigue...

(3) Saints @ (2) 49'ers (Saturday, 4:30 eastern, FOX)

Saints - This game will be closer than it should appear. I don't exactly believe in Alex Smith, but I think the 49ers defense can slow the Saints down... and the fact that the Saints team is a little "slower" outside the dome.

(4) Broncos @ (1) Patriots (Saturday, 8:00 eastern, CBS)

Pats - If you haven't found the Jimmy Fallon clip singing about Tim Tebow, it's worth a chuckle.

(3) Texans @ (2) Ravens (Sunday, 1:00 eastern, CBS)

Ravens - Rookies vs the Ravens d is not a pretty sight. On the other hand, the Texans defense could make Flacco's life a living hell. Expect some sort of low scoring game for a bit.

(4) Giants @ (1) Packers (Sunday, 4:30 eastern, FOX)

Packers - This may be an interesting rematch, kinda like the Pats and Broncos, however the difference is that this version of the Giants defense isn't really anything like 07-08 version in terms of consistency. Still, it should be the most compelling game of them all in this round.

486

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 18 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 09, 2012, 08:29:16 AM »

i had a big donut on the Sunday games.  not only was i wrong on the win/loss outcome, but the nature of the games.  i thought Falcons/Giants would be the closest of the games; instead, it was the biggest blowout.  i thought Steelers/Broncos would have the widest point gap, but it ended up being the closest contest.  and arguably the most entertaining, though the first 3.5 quarters of the Lions/Saints game were also quite good.

it's hard to believe that Tebow only completed 10 of 21 passes, since he had a number of far, difficult, and impactful completions.  very well-thrown balls.

There was no pressure on Tebow. I'm sure having members of the d-line hurt helps this, but when the Polamalu has had virtually no impact (he was playing the run) as everyone was stuffing the run box, the correct call is to pass the ball. It is as simple as a team not respecting your QB if there are 8 or 9 man fronts in the box. Subsequently, the fear of the run allowed for great play action.

487

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 18 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 08, 2012, 10:54:56 PM »

Wild Card round results:
assassin: 2-2
Leno: 2-2
Gil: 2-2
Me: 2-2

One question: It must've been in act of God in the Broncos game. 
Bengals @ Texans - I thought Dalton had enough experience.. but they were part of the trend. Failing against good teams was their problems. I guess it could be partly coaching, but the key play was the pick six near the end of the half.
Lions @ Saints - Same result as before, even when they didn't shoot themselves in the foot. Stafford is at least up to the challenge, despite the loss. Lions pass defense was very suspect anyways.
Falcons @ Giants - The only thing that turned the game around was the Safety. I'm sure having the 2 will keep this game uniquely in history.
Steelers @ Broncos - Tebow Time started early and ended the same way it started. Ben was hobbled on a key sack, but ultimately the Steelers vaunted pass d apparently didn't take the Broncos seriously enough... which then allowed Tebow to do more running. For a team that is designed to run (the Broncos, not the Steelers), they did exactly what teams in this version of the NFL.. although still 10 for 21 (under 50%), but with 300+ yards. Still a shocker, given that it was thought to be a miracle for the Broncos to win... but after seeing that game, I think the Broncos are still the same team for the most part, who were underestimated by their opponents. It's hard to be productive when Polamalu is all over the place and not even close to the ball.

488

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 18 (playoffs?!)

« on: January 07, 2012, 03:17:50 PM »

Wild Card round:

Fun? I'm tired though...

(6) Bengals @ (3) Texans (Saturday, 4:30 eastern, NBC)

Bengals - The easier pick might be the Texans, but they are more or less in the same boat... more or less.

(6) Lions @ (3) Saints (Saturday, 8:00 eastern, NBC)

Saints - I'm not entirely sure that Suh will make a difference... he has been made ineffective at times...

(5) Falcons @ (4) Giants (Sunday, 1:00 eastern, FOX)

Giants - The Falcons are not that great a team.. neither are the Giants, but the Giants are slightly better overall in pass rush and passing.

(5) Steelers @ (4) Broncos (Sunday, 4:30 eastern, CBS)

Steelers - Outside of an act of God on Ben's knee, the Broncos are trying to confuse you with Brady Quinn... former Browns QB... and not Tim Tebow.

Note: I'm with Gil this round.

489

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 17

« on: January 01, 2012, 11:21:11 PM »

Scores Ending Week 16:
Leno: 11-5
Gil: 11-5
Me: 11-5

Combined Scores Ending Week 16:
Mate: 19-13 (DNP weeks 3-16)
Gil: 135-92 (DNP week 5)
Leno: 146-94
Me: 151-89

Scores Ending After SNF Week 17:
Leno: 10-6
Gil: 9-7
Me: 14-2

Combined Scores Ending Week 17:
Mate: 19-13 (DNP weeks 3-17)
Gil: 144-99 (DNP week 5)
Leno: 156-100
Me: 165-91

Some notes about the games:
CBS Late Game (Chiefs @ Broncos) - There was no Tebow time... it might not be a good thing to back into the playoffs like that.
CBS Late Game Bonus (Chargers @ Raiders) - It never ceases to amuse me that the Raiders manage to screw themselves out of the playoffs.
FOX Late Game (Bucs @ Falcons) - I really wanted out of that game... 42-0 at the half, but then some leakage but then again... the Lions had a tough game and are faced with going against the Saints... who embarrassed them on SNF...
FOX Late Game Bonus (Seahawks @ Cards) - Who is this Skelton guy? Kolb seems to be oft injured or just ineffective... but is Skelton the guy you wanna keep? Go figure.
SNF (Cowboys @ Giants) - When it rains, it pours. It's hard to actually remember a game in which the Cowboys had this mental toughness.. and the only closest competitive game was the Cowboys @ 49ers, of which the 49ers had not yet established an identity (Week 2). So, go figure. That pass rush might need to be addressed... but that secondary can't handle the blitzing... at all.

Good time to finish strong... 

490

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 17

« on: January 01, 2012, 11:19:02 AM »

Week 17 schedule: All games are division games

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

It's intentional scheduling...

Panthers @ Saints

Saints - It's all about playoff seeding...

Bills @ Patriots

Pats - See above...

Bears @ Vikings

Bears - This is 1 of 3 games that have technically no playoff implications.. congrats?

Jets @ Dolphins

Dolphins - Jets needs a lot of help to get into the playoffs.. plus the fish are playing very well.

49'ers @ Rams

49ers - Who would've thunk it that Alex Smith would not suck this year?

Lions @ Packers

Lions - Little playoff implications here... but it bears the question, why play a semi-meaningless game?

Buccaneers @ Falcons

Falcons - Bucs might play bad enough to get their coach fired.

Ravens @ Bengals

Bengals - Ravens are 3-4 on the road...

Steelers @ Browns

Steelers - Steelers are 4-3 on the road...

Cowboys @ Giants

Giants - It would actually be an upset if the Cowboys won. Cowboys need to actually play well.

Redskins @ Eagles

Eagles - If only Vick was healthy.. but that's the continuing story...

Colts @ Jaguars

Jags - Colts will truly "Suck for Luck"... although it might not hurt to be #2 overall...

Titans @ Texans

Titans - A rookie QB can only go so far...

Seahawks @ Cardinals

Cards - Mediocrity of the NFC West at work...

Chiefs @ Broncos

Chiefs - Revenge game, plus Tebowmania has lost steam...

Chargers @ Raiders

Chargers - Only the Raiders are capable of managing to screw things up... well, maybe the Lions.

491

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 16

« on: December 25, 2011, 02:09:43 PM »

The sad part is that the Lions are more likely to stop themselves in such a matchup. They have the ability to win a playoff game, but lack of discipline is more likely to make their own lives more difficult. Hey, at least they manage to beat the Raiders last week.. a team they most likely resemble.

Even then, this doesn't guarantee that the Packers go all the way either... of course they have their own sets of problems.

 
It's amusing if you care:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/12/24/sports/football/24coaches-graphic.html

492

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 16

« on: December 25, 2011, 11:28:32 AM »

Scores Ending Week 15:
Leno: 7-9
Gil: 8-8
Me: 7-9

Combined Scores Ending Week 15:
Mate: 19-13 (DNP weeks 3-15)
Gil: 124-87 (DNP week 5)
Leno: 135-89
Me: 140-84

Scores Going Into SNF Week 16:
Leno: 9-5
Gil: 9-5
Me: 9-5

Packers+Saints were picked by all, so no major changes in standings to be had.

the Falcons will claim a playoff spot.

i was skeptical when you wrote this on 11/27/11, but seeing the Buccaneers as their final game, it's pretty much a lock for the Falcons.

I watch enough football to make these kinds of determinations (and I don't mean just the picks I make). See the decline of the Texans? I understand that Wade Phillips is MIA after surgery, but that doesn't account for the crippled offense (although, I'm told they are really holding the reigns back significantly on offense).

how about that Joe Webb?  a mere 5 passing attempts, and he threw 2 touchdowns.  and in just 5 rushes, he scored 1 touchdown that way.  Efficiency, thy name is Webb.

a studly 158.3 QB Rating.  or in other metrics, he was affiliated with as many touchdowns in one half of one game as Caleb Hanie was in four full games. :P  (now to be fair, Caleb would have had 1-2 more TDs than current if the receivers hadn't botched things.)

That is the fundamental reason why the QB rating is overrated. On the other hand, I know the Vikings won that game, but was that at a good cost? As I've said before though, I don't understand why they didn't at least to attempt to expand the Joe Webb experiment. I do believe in giving experience where warranted, but he was a viable option... at least when I saw him do a decent job against the Eagles last year...

Hanie is not starting and a national game to give your season a heave ho is in the works.

Good news! Cowboys @ Giants is the Week 17 SNF game, as predicted! 

Unfortunately, I know one side will be disappointed by the outcome... and it is very likely the one with the swollen hand.

493

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 16

« on: December 22, 2011, 07:06:49 PM »

Week 16 schedule: (all games are Saturday unless otherwise noted)

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa, whatever works. :D

Texans @ Colts (division, Thursday)

Texans - Back to "keeping Luck for myself" sweepstakes.

Raiders @ Chiefs (division)

Chiefs - Should be a close game...

Jaguars @ Titans (division)

Titans - Go figure for last week's Jags.

Dolphins @ Patriots

Pats - The fish are much better now than they were before.

Cardinals @ Bengals

Bengals - Cards are still in the Wild Card hunt, so this is a game of interest for both teams.

Broncos @ Bills

Broncos - Not even Tebow will stop the blackout that the Bills will suffer from (not enough tickets sold last I checked).

Rams @ Steelers

Steelers - Despite Ben probably not going to play, the Rams are on their 3rd QB.

Giants @ Jets

Giants - This game has my interest, since the outcome may put the other out of the playoffs...

Vikings @ Redskins

Redskins - Helu is probably the next good RB... a better receiving threat than Peterson, but it is just a rookie season...

Buccaneers @ Panthers (division)

Panthers - This current Bucs team might just get their head coach fired.

Browns @ Ravens (division)

Ravens - Even with their potentially undefeated season @ home, I've seen close games been had (like the Cards nearly upsetting this team).

Chargers @ Lions

Chargers - I'm unsure if this late Chargers surge is good enough. The Lions have a cushion, so they might be sitting a little fat and happy.

Eagles @ Cowboys (division)

Eagles - What other team has been kicking around a Ryan defense? Go figure as to why that is.

49'ers @ Seahawks (division)

49ers - Although the Seahawks need this win to stay alive, the 49ers probably want to hold onto the bye...

Bears @ Packers (division, Sunday)

Packers - This probably is the official playoff death game for the Bears. Benching Hanie might be just too late, given that every game he started was important.

Falcons @ Saints (division, Monday)

Saints - Falcons screwed up their chances a while ago, and the Saints are on a roll...

494

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 15

« on: December 20, 2011, 12:32:47 AM »

before their final 6 games, i was projecting for them to win 3, maybe 4, games, and didn't even consider that very optimistic. :P  clearly, i didn't put enough emphasis on the quarterback position, and/or extrapolated too much from Hanie's solid performance in last year's NFC Championship game.  also, i obviously didn't anticipate the Forte injury.

Well, this is obviously after the fact, but something I had major concerns about in the first place. The backup QB looked better relative to what was produced on that day. The big complaint on that game was that Cutler looked hopelessly craptacular, whether it was injury related or not. Sometimes the benefit of the opponent not having practiced against him (very little film on the guy after all) only works for the game in question. It was very similar to a game a while back... Pats @ Falcons. It was up in the air for Vick (while he was still a Falcon) to start that game and that didn't happen... his backup, Matt Schaub played a great game vs the Pats. Despite the loss, his value magically increased from that game alone, to the point of being traded to the Texans the following year. Now obviously Schaub is very much responsible for the Texans being in the playoffs this year, but he was simply "just a guy" there for many years w/o having made the playoffs.

There was lots of talk about Matt Cassel the year Brady went down... and his value was pretty high (although that only managed a 2nd round pick) to be traded to the Chiefs. Some people thought to keep Cassel and trade Brady... which was the most stupid thing I've ever heard of. If anyone has actually kept track of Cassel.. he's still not good enough to beat a really good team. The losses that the Pats had were to good teams that year, including the Steelers, Colts, and Chargers (all division winners the prior year). That problem still lingers on with him AFAIK.

When you have a franchise QB, you have to realistically value what he is and it makes no sense to project what he is UNTIL he accomplishes things. It doesn't necessarily mean he has to win a SB (but obviously, that is the big measuring stick), but there has to be a common consistency when it comes to beating a good opponent. I don't think Cutler is a great QB, but as what he is, he is far more valuable than was originally imagined. Suddenly, it looks like a godsend when the rightful QB gets back to playing... you would pine for competent QB play.

This is also why Leno was already down on his team. Trading for a below average QB in McNabb... starting Christian Ponder (throwing him into the fire) and didn't even try to continue the Joe Webb experiment (at least buy some time for Ponder to learn the playbook). When Favre was still "good", he was great for that solo year... I'm sure it's hard to watch what is produced now.. assuming Ponder gets better and is that franchise QB... which is still an unknown.

495

General Discussion / Re: NFL season (2011-2012) week 15

« on: December 19, 2011, 06:30:24 PM »

So... is it time to call RIP for the Bears season? This doesn't help coming off a brutal loss to the Seahawks (home game for the Bears) AND you lose Johnny Knox for the season... in the injury clip the man looked like he was bending in ways never seen before (he could've died on impact).

This and the Lions upsetting the Raiders by 1 point (with lot of penalties in between), give the Lions the cushion (just 1 game) to hold onto their Wild Card spot.

What will suck is that the SNF game will essentially be a eulogy for the Bears season (Bears @ Packers IIRC).

So, anyone wanna take bets on what the final SNF game will be? I like Cowboys @ Giants... there's a few others to consider too. I can't think of any, but that would be the most obvious one.

 
The Ravens losing has many implications in the AFC. The Chargers probably won't make it all the way... (they have a shot of course, but things have to go their way) but more importantly puts the Steelers in the driving seat for the division. The Ravens road record looks atrocious... they need the home field advantage more than anyone... and one of their final games are with the Bengals... you can see the wheels are churning somewhere.