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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 21, 2013 11:37:46 GMT -5
Still only in the pre-season. Rather than give an opinion on every team, I'll stick to the Packers. It's pretty much all of the time I have for at work.
Bleacher has the Packers at 13-3 this year. I just don't see that with all of the new faces on D. Packers rookies haven't been blowing the doors off in the preseason either. I don't know if it's because GB didn't draft well, or if it's just hard to crack the lineup. I have a hard time believing that the defense is going to stay the same, especially since they haven't had a reliable defense since Super Bowl XLV. Still, OLB Nick Perry should make a difference playing opposite Clay Matthews. First-year man, Datone Jones (DE, UCLA), is apparently very good at playing against the read option, which is a play that killed GB in last year's playoffs. Absolutely embarrassing to watch unless you're a 49ers fan.All of the teams in the NFC North are going to go through the same schedule and it's a tough one. GB starts off in San Fran in week one. Washington is next and they always play GB well. Traditionally, the division rival games are always tough, as the teams know each other very well. No easy games there. They also have Baltimore in week six. Looking forward to that one.
Green Bay continues to look for a running game. Rookie RB, Eddie Lacy, has averaged 5 yards/carry. But, IMHO, they can bring in all the RBs they want, but it won't mean jack if they fail to shore up their front-five. They drafted two OL this year and that's a start, but they were down a ways in the draft. Hope they've sorted out their issues at centre as well. As far as the rest of the offense goes, Aaron Rodgers will be the on-field general. He has some talented receivers, but there's that offensive line again. Rodgers spent too much time on his rump last year and they simply have to be better. I can't see the Packers doing all that well if Rodgers goes down ... I'd say disastrous would be a good description.
Lastly, we'll have to see if Mason Crosby (K) will find his mojo again. He's been doing well in the preseason but he also has Giorgio Tavecchio competing against him. Apparently, Tavecchio has shown to be more accurate than Crosby, but he can't out-distance him. Still, I'd try to find room for him on the roster. I'm not convinced Crosby is his old self.
That's my view of the Packers, anyway. Too many unknowns to call a 13-3 record.
Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 4, 2013 21:18:49 GMT -5
Lots of surprises in the NFL this year. Kansas City seems to have a new lease on life when they brought in Steve Smith from the 49ers. Smith hasn't lost yet and the Chiefs have a defense that can back him up. Don't bet against the Chiefs while Smith is QB.
Some things haven't changed either. The Houston Texans still can't get it done when it counts. They blew a huge lead last weekend against Seattle in a game they really should have won. I was talking to a guy who doesn't live too far from Houston and he told me that, QB Cory Schaud, was only one of the problems. I guess the coaching staff just isn't up to snuff either.
The Packers still have a pourous defense. They've give up almost 90 points in three games. Can't go anywhere with that kind of defense. Their running game has come alive this year, though.
RB, Reggie Bush, seems to have made a difference in Detroit. The Lions handed da Bears their first loss of the year. Should be a good match up against the Packers this weekend.
Last year the St Louis Rams had the 49ers' number (3-0-1). However, this year San Fran took it to the St Louis in their first meeting of the year.
Oakland Raiders are still in a quagmire. Four QBs in camp and they're still going in circles.
Cheers.
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Post by seventeen on Oct 6, 2013 13:28:52 GMT -5
Am watching the Colts/Seahawks game as it should be a good one. The NFL refs are usually pretty good, but today, they're really helping out the Colts. They called a blocked punt by Seattle that might have been recovered in the end zone as a safety rather than a touchdown. It was close, but it could have been called either way. It would have made the score 17-3 for Seattle. Instead it was 12-3 and the momentum swung. They called a pass interference call on Seattle where the receiver barely touched the d-back while making an outstanding catch and then they called Seattle for pass interference on a light bump when the ball was overthrown by 10 yards. There's no way Indy catches that ball even if the Seattle defender helped him make up ground. They usually let those go. It has seemed whenever the Colts needed a lift from having Seattle blow them out, the refs have been there to make that key call. As I said, usually I have no beef with NFL refs, so this particular game is really unusual. Has Colin Campbell taken over, there?
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Post by seventeen on Oct 6, 2013 13:29:49 GMT -5
Lots of surprises in the NFL this year. Kansas City seems to have a new lease on life when they brought in Steve Smith from the 49ers. Alex Smith maybe? |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 6, 2013 14:02:26 GMT -5
Lots of surprises in the NFL this year. Kansas City seems to have a new lease on life when they brought in Steve Smith from the 49ers. Alex Smith maybe? Well that's him. Thanks. Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Oct 6, 2013 17:57:27 GMT -5
Enjoying the "CFL defensive battle" in Dallas vs. the Broncos.
41-38 Dallas with lots of time left in the 4th.
EDIT: Denver with a converted TD to make it 48-48 with 2:39 to play.
And it appears there are snowflakes in the air. October in Dallas?
Romo just intercepted.....
EDIT: ...converted into game-winning field goal by Denver.
=========================================================================
And what a torrential downpour in Cincinnati that no doubt hindered a late 4th quarter New England drive.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 7, 2013 5:19:03 GMT -5
Enjoying the "CFL defensive battle" in Dallas vs. the Broncos. 41-38 Dallas with lots of time left in the 4th. EDIT: Denver with a converted TD to make it 48-48 with 2:39 to play. And it appears there are snowflakes in the air. October in Dallas? Romo just intercepted..... EDIT: ...converted into game-winning field goal by Denver. ========================================================================= And what a torrential downpour in Cincinnati that no doubt hindered a late 4th quarter New England drive. Have renewed respect for Dallas. Still don't like the organization though. Quite the CFL defensive game indeed. LOL! Good one. Green Bay played an excellent defensive game against Detoit. Five sacks. Good to see for a change. Mason Crosby looks to have his mojo back. 5/5 on FGs. 99 yards on the ground for Eddie Lacy. Big games from the receiving corps. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 8, 2013 8:07:29 GMT -5
How about those Jets taking out Atlanta last night! Great game. Geno Smith getting the job done at QB. Wonder what's wrong with the Falcons these days.
Was listening to Jessie Palmer this morning. I guess Tony Romo has a habit of throwing key interceptions late in important games. Didn't know that. Also didn't realize that Denver has the worst defence against the pass in the league. Sort of puts things in perspective for me WRT Dallas.
Cheers.
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Post by franko on Oct 10, 2013 20:43:13 GMT -5
HELP WANTED/NEEDED!
trade scenarios:
1: I send Gonzalez get Woodhead in return [and send Ryan Matthews get Jermaine Gresham]
2: I send Heath Miller get McGahee in return [same 2 bit players involved].
3: status quo [fwiw I have Julius Thomas as primary TE, Forte as primary RB; we play 3 RB 1 TE, 1 flex].
Anyone? Bueller?
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 15, 2013 15:51:04 GMT -5
Well, Packers WR, Randall Cobb, is out with a broken leg. WR, James Jones, was also injured but it's possible he'll be back for Sunday's game against the Browns. The Packers also have a renewed running game. Looks like one of the best running games they've had in years. Their defence is getting the job done big time too. They've only given up 26 points in the last two games.
Was impressed with the San Diego defence as well. They held Andrew Luck and the Colts to just three FGs.
Impressive comeback by Tom Brady and the Patriots against the Saints yesterday. I honestly thought the Saints were going to win it. A very good game I thought would have been the national 8 PM game.
Houston doesn't impress me any longer. Good enough to beat the Packers, but they seem to be a very fragile team right now. Wonder how they'll come out against Alex Smith and the Chiefs.
Speaking of Smith, Kansas City getting it done with him and their improved defence. Smith only had 128 yards passing against Oakland, but that's really all he needed. Good game by the Raiders defence holding smith to 24 points.
The Jets were coming on until they met winless Pittsburgh. Guess the Steelers had enough of losing. However, Jets rookie QB, Geno Smith, looks like he might have locked up a starting job. Just as well. They weren't going anywhere with Mark Sanchez.
Like the way Jacksonville hung in there against the Broncos. Jaguar QB, Chad Henne, threw for 303 yards and WR, Justin Blackmon caught 14 passes for 190 yards. From what I understand, though, Denver has one of the worst defences-against-the-pass in the league. Could be why Dallas had a chance against them last week. I don't think Denver will make it to the Super Bowl unless they improve that defence. That's just me, though.
Would like to point out to Vikings WR, Greg Jennings, that karma is a bitch. I don't mind players talking smack but they simply have to back it up. Going to one of the worse teams in the league only makes that more difficult ... eh, Greg?
Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Nov 5, 2013 12:45:05 GMT -5
If you want to see how a team can rely on one player to carry them, look no further than the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is down with a slightly broken collar bone. Matt Flynn may just be back in town, though if the Packers go after him, rather than Flynn contacting the Packers, they give up an leverage they might have had in negotiations. If they have to make room in the cap someone will have to be cut.
I'll post some other NFL thoughts later. This could be the season for Green Bay.
Cheers.
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Post by Tankdriver on Nov 5, 2013 12:51:03 GMT -5
I was hoping Flynn would stay on as a backup in Buffalo or atleast start when E.J. was out injured. I think he's better than Tuel or the other guy they got from Detroit/Baltimore.
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Post by franko on Nov 5, 2013 12:58:42 GMT -5
I'll post some other NFL thoughts later. This could be the season for Green Bay. the season was already done. done like dinner . . . or defense. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Nov 5, 2013 12:59:49 GMT -5
I'll post some other NFL thoughts later. This could be the season for Green Bay. the season was already done. done like dinner . . . or defense. Not sure I follow you, buds. The Packers were rolling along with a great running game and making due with second-string receivers. They were doing well. Cheers. |
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Post by franko on Nov 5, 2013 14:28:01 GMT -5
the season was already done. done like dinner . . . or defense. Not sure I follow you, buds. The Packers were rolling along with a great running game and making due with second-string receivers. They were doing well. Cheers. just suggesting that they won't go far because of their d |
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 3, 2013 22:32:35 GMT -5
How about Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin sticking his foot/leg in Jacoby Jones's way as he was headed for the end zone on a huge return?
He's taken full responsibility for it....but again...only because it was caught by a zillion cameras. His intent was clear.
I've encountered a few people like that on a much lower, but similar, level.....the types who put a pool cue across a hole when you've got a clear shot.....or who do a crazy hex/voodoo thing when you have a shot at winning anything.
They make it look as if they're kidding....but they're not.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 3, 2013 22:46:48 GMT -5
Not sure I follow you, buds. The Packers were rolling along with a great running game and making due with second-string receivers. They were doing well. Cheers. just suggesting that they won't go far because of their d That Packer D is just not competing. No pass rush, no pass defence. Rodgers is out and the season is out on the Packers. They'd do well to move Clay Matthews, IMHO. The team wins a lot more with him out of the lineup. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 3, 2013 22:49:33 GMT -5
How about Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin sticking his foot/leg in Jacoby Jones's way as he was headed for the end zone on a huge return? He's taken full responsibility for it....but again...only because it was caught by a zillion cameras. His intent was clear. I've encountered a few people like that on a much lower, but similar, level.....the types who put a pool cue across a hole when you've got a clear shot.....or who do a crazy hex/voodoo thing when you have a shot at winning anything. They make it look as if they're kidding....but they're not. That's not on whatsoever. The guy is a professional football coach and he pulls a bush-league stunt like that. His players actually have more discipline than that. As an aside, I try my best not to comment on officiating, but this year's officiating in the NFL is the worst I've seen it. Cheers. |
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Post by blny on Dec 4, 2013 8:39:59 GMT -5
IMO, Tomlin's play is indicative of that whole organization. They lack class. Here's a link with several animated gifs from various angles and video. He's clearly watching the big screen and moves into the path when he sees Jones is running up the sideline. www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/02/mike-tomlin-video-steelers-coach-ravens_n_4374194.htmlThere are rules in place to keep no playing players and team staff off the playing field. I'm unaware if there's a rule in place that allows for instant replay in a case like this. The side judge had a pretty good view of him and where he was. It's simple for me, that large white sideline is the buffer zone. No one, NO ONE, is allowed in it accept to leave or enter play. If at any time personnel set foot in that area it's a penalty assessed to the team. 5 yards. Call it whatever you want, 'too many men on the field', etc. If it interferes directly with play, it's scored a safety. The rules of a safety apply at that point. CBS Sports is reporting that the Steelers face the loss of a draft pick and Tomlin faces a fine. I want to see an in game penalty. Real time. NFL teams can buy their way out of a lost pick. For the record, if I were Jones running down the sideline, I'd have strongly considered clothes lining Tomlin to the back of the head. He'd think long and hard before doing that again. |
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 4, 2013 12:08:56 GMT -5
$100,000 Fine For TomlinThe NFL on Wednesday fined Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin $100,000 for interfering with a kickoff return in last Thursday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens. In addition, the league said it will consider a forfeiture of draft choices for the Steelers because Tomlin's conduct affected a play on the field. The league said Tomlin's actions -- he was standing on the white stripe that borders the playing field and took a step onto the field during Jacoby Jones' kickoff return -- should have resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. "As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization," Tomlin said in a statement. "I accept the penalty that I received. I will no longer address this issue as I am preparing for an important game this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins." The Steelers coach apologized for his actions Tuesday and said he would accept whatever punishment the league decided to hand out to him, although he continued to maintain that he had no intention of affecting Jones' return.=============================================================================================================================================== Why do they always have to add intelligence-insulting disclaimers like that? Of course, he meant to affect the run-back. That's WHY he did it.
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Post by blny on Dec 4, 2013 12:21:08 GMT -5
It's all about deflection. He's watching the guy run up the sideline, steps into his path. He can't legitimately expect someone to believe he didn't mean it or intend it. It's a flat out lie.
It's also not enough of a penalty. If the NFL deems a player to have done something detrimental to the league - like smoking a joint - they get 6 games off under the substance abuse policy. Without getting into a debate about marijuana, Von Miller got six games off - unpaid - for that. He's an all star and elite LB. The penalty hurt him financially in a big way, and it hurt the Broncos not to have him in camp or for those 6 games. Tomlin's actions, imo, are far more detrimental to the integrity of the game. He directly tried to influence/affect the outcome and became engaged during a play with a player on the field. He should be suspended without pay for a significant amount of time. His actions should disrupt the Steelers as much as Miller's did the Broncos. 100k and a potential draft pick isn't enough.
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