« Cleaner video of the murder of Oscar Grant | Main NFL Open Thread11 Jan 2009 11:27 am
Keep it civil guys.
Comments (127)
For teams with records that "shouldn't get them into the playoffs" those barely .500 guys are running the tables. Go 'Zona, go Philly! Records don't matter when you're in to win! P.S. - Seeing Romo home crying himself to sleep on Jessica's big boobs warms the evil parts of my heart. CRY ROMO CRY 
E-A-G-L-E-S!!!! FLY EAGLES FLY!!!! It's gonna be a great game. NFC East Divisional games always are.
A few comments: 1. Dan Dierdorf and Greg Gumbel should not be announcing football games. 2. Ravens/Titans: I really did not like this game at all. Yeah, the Ravens Defense came up big 3 times in the red zone, but they were just pushed around all over the field in the first half. The interception by Collins in the end zone - my mother could have intercepted that pass. God, it was a frustrating game. Now we have to hear about, for the next week, how great Joe Flacco is because he doesn't turn the ball over. 2(A). What is this nonsense about Joe Flacco "being the first rookie to win two playoff games?" Didn't Tom Brady win two playoff games his rookie year (the Oakland "Tuck Rule" game and the Super Bowl, I think he started but was hurt in the Pittsburgh game that year). 3. The Arizona game - wow. Carolina was just outcoached in every respect. I would like some analysis on how Arizona actually prepared for that game, rather than the "nobody thought we could win" stuff they keep showing us.
Thank goodness you are back, TNC. That last post about Oscar Grant is 160 comments long right now. However, I have one word for ya'll - Cardinals. Who would have ever thought? I live in Arizona and people hardly ever even talk about them.
I should also give credit where credit is due, the two long passes by Joe Flacco were beauties - especially the touchdown pass. Although that was a delay of game penalty at the end.
"2(A). What is this nonsense about Joe Flacco "being the first rookie to win two playoff games?" Didn't Tom Brady win two playoff games his rookie year (the Oakland "Tuck Rule" game and the Super Bowl, I think he started but was hurt in the Pittsburgh game that year)." Tom Brady wasn't a rookie. He'd been in the league for three years already. Roethlisberger won his first, but I don't remember if he won the second.
Big Ben lost his second Playoff game...the AFC Champ game against the Pats But I'm puling for PA today on all fronts
Big Ben lost his second playoff game. That Chris Johnson injury just killed the Titans. He was running all over the Ravens in the first half. Did anyone see that Arizona game coming? I thought Carolina was a total lock to win that game. Go Steelers!
My wife's a big Ravens fan, so that game was just annoying. But Tennesee really beat themselves. And not that it has anything to do with the playoffs, but since I was just talking about it elsewhere and this is an open thread, here's rooting for a players' strike soon.
I'll tell you what's going on in Arizona. Their defense has woken the hell up and is playing great football right now. They've forced two teams that want to run first into pass-first teams, and they've capitalized off of the mistakes of quarterbacks they've faced, who aren't used to being forced to win games on their own. It starts up front, where last week they seemed to know Ryan's snap count, and this week where they dominated Carolina's linemen and baited John Fox into giving up on the run early. As a Steeler guy, I'd like to give coach Whisenhunt the credit, but the real credit goes to Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Where Whiz gets credit is bringing back the run, and some semblance of balance to their offense. Now, Arizona has a shot at hosting the NFCCG. Good for them. Predictions (All PA edition): Eagles in a tough one, and the Steelers in a walk
The Cardinals are the story of the playoffs right now. Shit Fitzgerald went up several spots on my WR meeter and is damn near contending with Moss for top spot. I don't think he got near the props he should have for the TD he got when he stretched out from the 4 yard line will being hit. Talk about some damn body control. If he was about a step faster he would be tops without question in the league. But lets be real here Delhomme straight gave that game away in a fashion that would have had me asking if the guy was bought off. The coaches didn't help by continuing to make calls that asked him to chuck the ball downfield but damn it man 6 picks with each one being into double coverage is just nuts. Besides that why not try to run the damn ball after the first 2 ints? Sometimes coaches and QBs need to understand that punting is not always the worst option. As for the Titans Ravens I know some will think the Titans gave the game away but I vehemently disagree. The Ravens CAUSED those turnovers unlike the Cardinals defense. They had big hits to force fumbles as well as pressure to make Collins throw off his back foot. Chris Johnson getting hurt was HUGE for the Ravens. I think its very likely a different outcome if he plays the second half because the Ravens D had no answer for him. That leads me to believe that if the Chargers should win today and I am picking them to do so, Sproles might be a problem for the Ravens. Maybe the thing that surprised me the most was the Titans O Line's ability to pick up the majority of the Ravens blitzes with out Kevin Mawae starting at center. I kept think that they were doing something special but they really weren't. What they were doing that wasn't special but better than other teams was identifying where the blitzes were coming from and kicking the protection in that direction. N Now I think one of the reasons they were able to do that was that the Ravens have started blitzing almost exclusively from Ray Lewis' alignment even when he didn't blitz. In the second half they made an adjustment and started sending the blitzes from Bart Scott's alignment as well as sending him. I have been wondering why they aren't blitzing him anymore anyway because a couple of years back he was a beast as a pass rusher. Today i have the Giants and Chargers. I just think the running games in both games will tell the story.
My mistake, actually it was Tom Brady's second year that he took the Patriots to the Super Bowl. Granted, he threw a total of 3 passes his rookie season.
Larry Fitzgerald is a beast. A BEAST. And yeah, I absolutely did not see that Arizona-Carolina game coming. Though I have said for years that Delhomme is a terrible quarterback who lucked out the year they went to the Superbowl, thanks to the Carolina defense. He's a game-killing quarterback and he always has been. I love the Iggles but I can't see them beating the G-men, unless they can seriously rattle Eli (which is possible, but I think he's settled down a lot, and is a lot less rattle-prone than his bro). I'm also picking the Steelers. Rivers is also a rattle-prone quarterback. The Steelers D is going to harass him into making some big, dumb plays. And I apologize for using the word 'rattle' so much. It's early here (CA) and my vocab isn't up and running.
I tried to post the clip of the Fitzgerald touchdown but it was EATED. Its on youtube though
BTW Last week we were discussing bad commentators and or analysts in football. This morning I saw Merrill Hoge trying to use film to make a point that the Giants would miss Plax in the passing game but it was SO ridiculous. In the first clip he showed Plax running a deep route against the Eagles when they were running cover 2 where inherently deep routes are always supposed to be double covered. Then he switches to a play with Hixon where the Eagles defense ran a blitz with man to man defense. I was like are you really trying to sell that the Eagles didn't blitz with man to man when Plax was in the game. Thats what I mean about guys talking like they know a lot but really don't know shit.
2-0 so far this weekend. Eagles and Chargers to make it 4-0! Who says I don't like to live dangerously? *s*
I'm curious as to what TNC does during an Eagles-Giants game. Meditate? Head to lunch? Root for a giant meteor to land on the Meadowlands?
But lets be real here Delhomme straight gave that game away in a fashion that would have had me asking if the guy was bought off. Ding ding ding! We have a winner. My roommate was saying the same shit to me right after his fourth turnover---'Either this guy is seeing shit that isn't there, or he has been bought and sold.' In any case it's going to be hard to for Jake to live that one down. He gave the game up by his damn self and made the fearsome Steve Smith irrelevant. Why they didn't settle down and just try to run the ball is a mystery to me. Watching Giants-Eagles now...definitely a grudge match. If the officials aren't careful they could lose control of this game. And Eagles need to figure out a way to establish the run or just get Westbrook involved. I don't expect Manning will be gift wrapping any more scores for them.
You missed the point of what he was saying sg. Cover 2 doesn't mean that deep routes are going to be "double covered". Cover 2 means the safeties split the field, and neither one of them get beat deep. On the first clip he showed, Plax had damn near 4 men surrounding him. And he didn't end up having the ball thrown his way. That's the definition of respect. That's Jerry Rice respect. TO type respect. Randy Moss. Nobody talks about Burris in those terms, but when he's on, he's can be that much of a game-changer. Obviously, Hodge's point was that even though in many ways the Giants have been able to replace Burris' production on the field, it was his presence that made him dangerous. And the Giants miss that. The two clips that Hodge showed did as decent a job as any pointing that out.
dannity Reread my post. On DEEP ROUTES cover 2 is meant to have double coverage. When he showed the play with the four guys around plaxico the truth is they were in their zone, they weren't shadowing him. The safety was over the top the middle line backer was covering the deep middle the outside backer was hook to curl and the db was outside leverage. That is the same set up if you have joe schmoe running the exact same route combo. Plaxico Burress is in fact a game changer but the only reciever that really sees exotic coverages is Randy Moss. That was run of the mill cov 2 nothing more nothing less.
This is some crazy shit. Giants safety from an intentional grounding call? We now only have 5 yards of offense 4 minutes into the second quarter. You gotta be kidding me
Again, on cover 2, you won't have "double coverage" on deep routes. You'll have the attention of the safety, but that doesn't mean a receiver running deep is getting doubled. You just don't let the receiver get behind the safety. On that first clip (which wasn't all that deep a route by the way), Plaxico had the 4 guys hanging out around him, while the pass came to another receiver. That clearly wasn't simple straight up coverage on Burris. Again, there were 4 guys walling him off as he was running an intermediary route. THAT'S the point that was being made. You don't have to worry about someone like that against the Giants now, meaning you can afford to do stuff like you saw in that 2nd clip, blitz the passer and trust you won't get beat over the top. And lastly, no, Moss isn't the only receiver to see exotic coverages. Depending on the opponent, TO sees some and so does Steve Smith when Delhomme doesn't feel like throwing to the other team.
dannity let me give you a very brief explanation of cov 2 In cov 2 both corners line up with outside leverage and funnel everything inside and then sink. If the guy they initially line up on continues up the field they keep outside leverage and sink with him. That provides outside help to the safety on go routes. If he doesn't go upfield on go route then they widen with the widest threaat and continue sinking into the post corner zone in case the reciever tries to sneak back in behind him. The outside backers funnel everything outside of them as best they can. If the reciever climbs meaning goes past them to the outside then they sink with that reciever and get into the hook zone widening to the curl zone if there is a threat. That provides underneath help to the safety on quick slants and dig routes. The middle linebacker gets depth and looks for the number 3 reciever coming in or a seam route. That provides underneath help to the safety on a seam or post route The safetys each take half the field and help out on any deep routes. They are meant to be as deep as the deep as the deepest and over the top on go routes while being in position to either make the tackle or pick on any seam or post route. All of that means that when you have a deep route it will be double covered in theory by a safety and either a cornerback or a linebacker. Now sometimes the corner or linebacker jumps a shorter route leaving the safety on an island to cover the deep route alone. But that's NOT what they are supposed to be doing. The whole theory of cover 2 is that you double deep routes and force the throw short where the defense can rally and make the tackle. Now again ON DEEP ROUTES cover 2 is meant to provide double coverage. If it isn't then YOU try to tell ME where the rest of the chess pieces are supposed to go. I already know and not from listening to dumb asses like Merril Hoge. The reason there were so many people in that one screen shot is because there was nobody running a route threating the flat which meant the outside backer and the corner never had to get much width. It is what it is man but we can go all day on this.
I don't know if the Eagles can move the ball unless they get another turnover. The Giants need to get more pressure up the middle on McNabb especially when the Eagles are facing the win. I still don't understand the Giants throwing the ball so much when they were facing the win. It definitely had an effect on the ball Manning threw that was intercepted. If Jacobs had picked his feet up he might have scored on that long run. One thing I am a little leery of now is Jackson running a kick back. That might be the X factor in the game.
throw a d on those to win(s) to make them wind.
Sg, I know cover 2. And there are flaws in your zone scenario that I'm pretty sure that you're aware of. Again, you keep saying that on deep routes, a team playing cover 2 is necessitates double coverage. That's not the case. Now it's true that if you throw deep on a team playing cover 2, by the time the ball gets there you've got double coverage (or a shitty safety), but until the ball is thrown, that safety won't commit to doubling a deep threat (unless, again, he's a shitty safety). The receiver will have that safety's attention, and he won't let the receiver get behind him unless something bad has happened, but until the quarterback tips his hand that he's going deep, you won't see "double coverage" on a route, even in cover 2. Doubling is not necessarily inherent in cover 2. Which brings us to Hodge's point. We saw Plaxico Burris running an intermediary route into quadruple coverage. You're claiming that this is because of the Giants were playing cover 2, and rolling their linebackers outside in zone coverage. And you're claiming that this zone coverage required 4 people to converge on Burris while another receiver had the ball thrown to him in single coverage just off this cluster. And that this is somehow is consistent with sound zone principles. Basically, what you're saying is, the safety, the corner, the OLB, and some other guy were all responsible for the area of the field where Plax just happened to be hanging out, leaving the middle of the field to be guarded by the ref. Again, this was not a deep route, like you keep specifying as needing "double coverage". This was in line with normal cover 2 zone coverage. They got a word for that where I come from, and it's not petunias. Whatever, in the end, I don't really care. Like you said, it is what it is, and I don't feel like going around about this all afternoon. I'm just saying that just because you didn't catch the point being made doesn't make it invalid. Because Plax didn't realize that sweatpants don't make the best gunholsters, the Giants have had to make adjustments to both their receiver's routes and their protection schemes.
dannity Believe it or not covering the same area with 4 guys IS sound zone fundamentals based on the route combinations. A safety doesn't run back 20 yards with nobody threatening him. Plaxico Burris ran a deep dig route and thats why all of the players were where they were. If you notice the guy who actually caught the pass wasn't wide open and he got swamped by the rest of the Giants just like cov 2 is set up to do. You have basically already acknowledged that cov 2 is set up to double cover deep routes. Now you are just trying to mince words on when the double coverage happens. Its cool man, you don't want to admit defeat while admitting defeat thats fine with me. By the way if that WAS Hoge's point why didn't he show a clip of Hixon trying to defeat cov 2 and instead showed him matched up with one on one coverage. Or do you and he believe that the Eagles didn't play a snap of cov 2 with Burress out of the game? If you can answer that question I would love to know.
That one line should read: And this was all in line with normal cover 2 zone coverage. Basically, your point seems to be whether Plax was there or not, what we was on the first clip was within the bounds of a normal defense that you might see against any receiver. I strongly disagree. Yeah, teams blitzed Manning when Plax was there, and varied their coverage as they saw fit, but they don't have to worry about it anywhere near as much now as they did before Burris' night out on the town. That's what that first clip was showing.
"You have basically already acknowledged that cov 2 is set up to double cover deep routes. You keep saying this, and I keep correcting you. No, the purpose of cover 2 isn't to "double" a route. It's to keep everything in front of you, and force teams into long drives. IF you decide to throw into a cover 2 scheme, you can expect two men to be playing the ball. But that's not what we saw against Burris that first clip. You saw the coverage rolled into his direction trying to deny what I'm assuming they thought would be Manning's first read. They forced Manning to make a second read, which he completed. As for why they didn't show Hixon against a similar coverage, I don't know. It's possible they didn't have good footage of a similar situation in the second game they played. You might apply for a job as an ESPN production assistant if it bothers you that much.
I don't understand the Giant's defensive game plan at all. Seriously, they keep blitzing from the edge instead of up the middle. The Eagles aren't running much but the Giants are rarely playing zone defense. Their D Line isn't getting any pressure but now they are sending them inside on games and giving up containment. Now you leave Pierce one on one with Buckhalter without bringing any heat. Spagnulo is pissing down his leg on national Tee Vee
dannity Describe a situation where a receiver is getting double covered.
Listen sg. Obviously, at least in my opinion, you have a flawed understanding of what it is cover 2 is used for and why. I see that now, and I'm cool with that. It is the internet after all. I'm not going to let this degenerate into anything more than it is. And you can for damn sure bet that I'm not going to let somebody I've never met online turn this discussion into a pop quiz of my football IQ. And I'll pay you that same respect.
Dannity and SG, please let this one go! Though I applaud both of you for keeping it so civil. Y'all are pretty adorable in your football nerdiness, btw.
When Reid finally loses McNabb, and I have a feeling that it might be this offseason, he's going to be entirely exposed as a coach. He can't stick to a balanced offense to save his life, or more importantly, that of his quarterback. McNabb makes tons of plays for this guy, but he can't carry a team anymore the way he could 5 years ago. And Philadelphia has one of the biggest, meatiest offensive lines in the league. Yet, Reid will give up on the run in a heartbeat, and let McNabb throw 40 times a game without batting an eye. And then have the gall to say that his benching McNabb "helped" the team. There's a few reasons Philly has been to all those playoff games, but only one Superbowl. And Andy Reid is right at the top of that list.
Andy Reid must be drunk...either throw the red, or get moving...dont waste a time-out talking to the refs...damn!!!
Oh, I'm done Maya. I've got to get the snacks ready for the Steelers game anyway.
dannity You don't know the answer lol. Its funny to me really. Like I said, I know my football from real life experience not listening to talking heads on Tee Vee. If you can't even explain when a receiver is double covered how can you possibly say you know football? Ill help you out. What coverage were the Cardinals in last night when Delhomme threw most of those interceptions?
Dannity and Bruce, YES. Absolutely. Andy Reid is a terrible, terrible coach. Not just in play-calling, but particularly when it comes to clock management. I hate that McNabb takes all the shit, when really, most of the stupidity comes directly from Reid. I have spent countless hours *screaming* at the TV just on Reid's (usually useless) uses of timeouts and general clock management.
Starting to look good for the Eagles. Dannity and SG, could we all agree you are people of vast, perhaps excessive, football erudition and beg you to call a truce? Much as I enjoy seeing people conversating, I am not sure my tired mind can deal with much more controversial information.
@maya...i've seen some dumb coaching descisions made...but reid takes my breath away...it's not even CLOSE to being subjectivly correct to call a time-out to discuss a call you're not going to challenge...but hey, it's not my money he's spending. Sg, we all like u and all, but it's not worth it man! Pick your battles....
morzer Are we not allowed to debate now adays? Wow. But if MLJ people will actually engage his foolishness. This I do not understand.
Now we'll see if Manning can sustain a drive against a solid defense against the wind without his favorite receiver. I wouldn't put money on it, but who knows. Maybe he'll get lucky, and Reid will come out in cover 3 in order to triple cover all their receivers, leaving the middle of the field wide open. Just playing guys. I'm done with this one and just having fun.
SG, I think people are gently suggesting to you and Dannity that while you have every right to debate, the two of you had reached a point where: a) no-one else understood you
The Giants just don't look good on 1st and second down now and I can't understand why they aren't calling better plays. They are running out of time because they don't really have a home run hitter in the passing game.
Wow, I didn't like that 3rd down at all. Eagles are WAY too quick for gadget plays like that to work. I'm wondering where the TE went for the Giants. All Philly linebackers are looking run first. Playaction would have killed them there.
Sometimes I feel that the NFL was more dynamic when players still carried battle-axes onto the field of combat, and threw a greased pig, not a football. Ah, the good old days!
Every single home team has lost or is losing. I'm starting to get nervous about the Steelers now...
Well, the Eagles could lose this one, but they'd have to work at it, and nothing today suggests they are likely to undertake Project Throwaway.
It looked like Jackson might have stepped out at the 6. It wasn't clear but I would have challenged it.
Barring a turnover or a world-record setting dumb ass call by andy reid...this game should be over...
The thought crossed my mind that the team that has to feel worst about this is the Patriots. So far I haven't seen a team in the playoffs that they wouldn't have beaten on current form.
Man I do not understand the Giants at all. Offensively they throw into the wind which they never do and it leads to an int. Now they run the ball twice on 4th and short and get aboslutely nothing. Plus they keep blitzing from the edge and playing man while the Eagles have run the ball only 21 times while throwing it 40. I am seriously just scratching my head on this one. Not that the Eagles aren't balling because they are. But the calls on offense and defense for the Giants just sorta defy logic. 4th and 2 with your season on the line and you run a counter trey strong into the teeth of the Eagles defense. I know Aikman pointed out the cut back lane but Ward is the cut back runner, Jacob has wiggle but on those kinds of playes he usually just hits it and gets it. Welp after its all said and done the lowly Cards will be hosting the lowly Eagles in the NFC championship game next week.
haha donovan just picked up the phone on the giants sideline. i guess once you play with TO a piece of him---or his antics---always stay with you.
So are we still talking about Eli's HOF credentials? Just wondering.
what's up with quarterbacks giving up these games?? delhomme was a one man wrecking crew against his team yesterday, and manning has almost singlehandedly ensured the giants will be watching the super bowl from their couches with his interceptions. who self-destructs next week? warner? mcnabb?? flacco??? time will tell...
DBC...yes...and i've still to recieve an answer on trent dilfer...
Eagles at Cards for the NFC championship = a sign of the apocalypse?
this guy just dropped the ball. what a way to end your season.
Dragnet, you might also add Pennington against the Ravens. He had his worst game of the year by a mile.
Greeting NFL Fans! Morzer, last week you predicted that all 4 road teams would win and I thought you were nuts (well, I didn't think you were nuts, just that your picks were!!!). Anyway, now you're looking like a psychic! But seriously, who'd have thunk that both #1 seeds and (at this point) one #2 seed would be out. Right now, in the NFC we have #6 at #4 and in the AFC it will be #6 at #4 or #2 AMAZING! Fully agree that Andy Reid can't manage the clock to save his life. Come on Steelers!!!!!!!
Maus, honestly I think the Pats get beat by every team in the AFC that made it out of the wildcard round. The Pats and the rest of the AFC East had an easy schedule this year going up against the AFC West and the NFC West, two very bad conferences. They did better without Brady than some thought, but they just didn't win the games they needed to advance. Remember, Pittsburgh smoked them at home late in the season. The Titans were legitimately a tough draw, San Diego is better now than they were earlier this year, and the Ravens played a very tough schedule and came into the playoffs underrated. They'll get another shot next season.
"Welp after its all said and done the lowly Cards will be hosting the lowly Eagles in the NFC championship game next week." The Eagles aren't looking so lowly today. Our defense is SICK. The Cards O-Line is nowhere near as good as the Giants' O-Line that we pushed around all damn day. "who self-destructs next week? warner? mcnabb?? flacco??? time will tell..." I put my money on the rookie. Warner and McNabb have been here before.
dragnet Might be Big Ben or Rivers. I don't think Collins sold the game out yesterday but he did have that one costly int. Man if the Chargers win tomorrow talk about a rebuke to the people who say we need to change the playoff seedings. But thats why they play the games. One of the funnier things last night was Darnell Docket and his sarcastic comments after the game about people saying they had no chance to win.
Hey Paul. No, my picks are rational enough, they simply come from my crazed mind *s*. Joking aside, I usually have a negative success rate in such matters, and advise friends to pick the opposite of my choices. As a rule, this makes them money, while I have enough sense not to gamble. *s*. I still think the last game is the biggest risk for my predictions, but we shall see.
Fully agree that Andy Reid can't manage the clock to save his life. Reid is an excellent coach, but this is definitely his most glaring deficiency. I'll never forget the horrendous job he did at the end of the Eagles-Patriots super bowl. It was like the man had no concept whatsoever of the two-minute offense.
Terry Bradshaw just picked the Chargers! WTF! I think he just lost his Steelers cred.
Might be Big Ben or Rivers. I don't think Collins sold the game out yesterday but he did have that one costly int. Definitely something to chew on. But I'm not talking about "one costly int". I'm talking bout guys shanking their teams to hell. I'm talking bout multiple turnovers and choking down the stretch. I'm talking bout epic fail. Delhomme was EPIC fail yesterday. Manning was fail for the entire fourth quarter today. And Pennington definitely did serious damage last week. My money is on Flacco for next week's collapse. Quarterback meltdowns just seem to be a running theme. (just watched brian dawkins practically gloating in his brief postgame interview. hilarity.)
Every one of the CBS guys picked PIT. I don't know that they're the one team to break the home field jinx this weekend.
The Cardinals and Eagles in the NFC final? Who had that combo at the beginning of the season? Amazing.
"The Cardinals and Eagles in the NFC final? Who had that combo at the beginning of the season? Amazing." The Eagles, maybe, if we keep it to the beginning of the season. Everyone was talking about the strength of the NFC East btw the defending champs, the ridiculous defense of Eagles and the offensive juggernaut Cowboys. Noone had the Cards. I don't even think the Cards had the Cards in the NFC final:-)
Which is closer to a bird? A Steeler or Charger? I didn't know who was going to win the first three games this weekend, but I bet on all the dogs to cover. Ravens, Cardinals, Eagles. The weekend of the bird.
The Gators could take all these cats. Tebow's comin' back next season FTW!
Think about this, how crazy would it be to have the Ravens and Eagles in the Superbowl? Not saying it would happen but you have two teams pretty close to DC in the Superbowl a couple of weeks after the inauguration. Aside from that think about the hitting that would take place. Man I would actually love to see that. Not saying it will happen just saying thats something I would be totally on board if it did.
What a very weak NFC Championship game! Jeez, the Skins, who were not very good, beat the Eagles TWICE and beat the Cardinals in their matchup. Definitely looking at an AFC SuperBowl winner this year.
One Questions: Is Coughlin done in the Big Apple after this?
San Diego has an annual bird festival...
in the words of the venerable steve doucey...this is HUUUUGE!
"the Skins, who were not very good, beat the Eagles TWICE " Yeah, they beat us, but they are in our division. NFC East division games are always killer. We beat up on each other all season long every season. They were the only team in our division to beat us twice. We split with the Giants and the Cowboys, who were both way better than the 'Skins. That's just how it goes.
Just putting it out there like I did last week: Go Chargers, let's go Bolts! Take care of business and hit the beach for some surf and sun on Monday!
Some random football related thoughts: 1) We all know Andy Reid is a doofus who kills the Eagles, right? So what are we to make of them going to their 5th NFC title game in 10 years? DOes this mean the Eagles have been a very good team that should have won a SB or 3 but for Reid? Or that the rest of the NFC has really sucked? I mean ceritifed genuis Mike Holmgren had very good Seattle teams for that same period and sure didn't make as many. 2) We all know that the NFC and AFC west were horrible and the Chargers and Cardinals were jokes who never should have been in the playoffs right? What does it mean that they may very well meet in the Super Bowl? 3) advertising, I'm likley to buy an LCD TV in the next month (need to make sure I don't owe any taxes first) Those Sony commericals (the game is broadcast with Sony cameras...) have me convinced I will buy anyone but Sony! I mean I know all ads are basically BS, but please try to insult our intelligence a little less!
The Ravens' D is very good, but they can be had. The two fumbles were the reason the Titans lost. If had been just one, then they could have survived it. Then there was the no-call on the time count penalty, instead a very cool rookie had a long gain. The Cardinals had a playoff spot clinches almost as early as the Titans. The didn't care down the stretch and did what they could to keep Warner and James healthy. And if a defense gives Warner time with good receives, it will give up a lot of points - even if they other QB doesn't play giveaway. For a bad coach, Andy Reid wins a lot. Philly fans need to understand how good they have it with McNabb, too. And look out for the Charges. They were 8-8, but really 9-7 if the correct call was made in week 2. 5 of 7 losses were to playoff teams, and none by more than a touchdown. Games that close always involve a break or two for the winning team. Through in taking half a season and a new defensive coordinator to adjust to life without Merriman. I like the Steelers, but I think it would be great for a Cards-Bolts Super Bowl to shut up all the brilliant people who wondered if they were the worst playoff teams of all time.
Don't know if it wa said above, but a big reason Tennesse was able to pick up Baltimore's blitzes is that Suggs didn't play in the second half. He'll be back next week though.
eric...
Good for Santonio. He owed us for that dumbass hold earlier.
TNC, I root for Donovan. I'd like him to get a Lombardi--unless against the Ravens. Still have some hometown love.
McNabb is going all the way. This is the wrong year to bet against dudes from the South Side of Chicago. I think Reid was actually a pretty good coach his first several years here in Philly. A year of dealing with TO plus all the trouble with his sons left him a blithering idiot for the past few years.
Bruce He quick kicked so the Chargers couldnt send out either a punt return or punt block team which is huge in these condtions. I giggled about it at first but then I thought it through. I don't think it will be the last time he does that today in that same situation.
It's not often you see that...maybe teams facing good punt returners should think of that more often...
Bruce There are a couple of drawbacks to it, namely your QB might not be your best punter and I have seen with my own two eyes a situation in college football where the QB punted the ball behind him. Besides that there is always the slim but real chance that somebody breaks through and blocks the punt. Its a very good change up move but I don't know how well it would work if you did it more than a hand full of times a season.
I like the quick kick. I can't believe he kicked it with his left foot. I wonder if that might be his strong foot. I'd kick the ball about 10 yards if I kicked with my left foot.
sg...true...it just looked wierd, i thought they were going for it...it didn't make sence either way...
Was it Randall Cunningham that got lucky and ended up with something like 70 yard punt once?
Actually just looked it up. Cunningham ended up with 91 yards on a quick kick once. Got a great roll.
As a Colts fan, I am rooting for the teams I hate the least. I hate the Chargers and the Steelers, but I hate the Chargers more recently, so, um, go Steelers?
That was NOT a catch!
Interesting game.Pretty close, with SD just having an edge so far.
Steelers offensive playcalling is really pissing me off.
EXCELLENT run blocking on the Steeler TD!!!
Great drive Stillers. Way to man up.
I hope the Steelers run no huddle the entire 2nd half. They needed something to wake their asses up, and that finally seemed to do the trick.
Given the many screw ups by the Chargers, they Steelers couldn't pull away... 2nd half will be a doozy, go Bolts!
dannity- totally agree. Always works better for them. I like seeing Willie Parker looking so good. Troy's been awfully quiet though....
This game is OVER!
it's easy to forget that chargers probably don't belong in this game. but the truth is that they probably don't belong in this game.
Yeah, Steelers are well in control now ... Not to jump to conclusions, but Ravens-Steelers should be a heckuva game.
YES! I love my D! And, the O-line has been playing crazy well. Haven't seen that pocket stand up so well in a while...
I never ever want to see Ben throw a block like that again. They're playing a hell of a game though.
yeah, that's asking for another concussion
I love that San Diego is only having 1 snap in this quarter. Happy, happy me.
This game is about to get straight up ugly.
wow...berger's suckiness actually works in his teams advantage...
GO FOR IT!!!
DAMMIT! I think going for it was the right call but don't hand it to the full-back. Give it to the half-back and let him follow the blocks in! AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!
okay-- that was not pass interference!
Paul, you're exactly right. I loved the call to go for it. When you get the chance, rip their hearts out. I hate the play selection. Davis? Really?
Ravens/Steelers is going to be a bloodbath. Talk about a grudgematch. I can't wait.
hey brando, Dannity, looks like we'll get the Ravens for a 3rd time. WE CAN DO IT!!!
frickin' hate the Ravens. They are a team of thugs. Those guys should play in the NBA instead ;). Ew. Did my Troy just miss a tackle?!?
WTF? Not Troy. I just threw my Bad Call Brick at the TV. BS. Rivers didn't even fall down. I'm biased. I know.
"frickin' hate the Ravens. They are a team of thugs." Got to give them their due. They've won a ring, and they are a team of straight up warriors. I can't tell you how happy I was to see them take the Titans, who haven't won jackshit, yet they yap more than anyone. Win a ring, and you can talk all you want. Plus, the fact that they out-toughed Tennessee after playing 16 straight games without a buy, you got to respect that. Next Sunday is going to be a war.
Can someone explain the logic of not going for two after the touchdown just now? I understand they can always wait for the next TD to do so, but is there an overriding reason to do it then and not now? I'm not second-guessing the decision, just curious.
Maya- I would say, because either way, you need 3 scores to win, and sometimes it's better to take the easy points, than not get any. If they had tried for 2, and not coverted, it would have taken all momentum and positive-ness out of the Chargers O. With 7, they felt pretty good for awhile. Dannity- I respect their toughness. Still hate 'em. Not as much as NE or Dallas though.
Can someone explain to me WHY THE FUCK THE CHARGERS WOULD BE PUNTING WITH FOUR MINUTES LEFT? Norv Turner should be fired on the spot. You are down by three scores and you're punting it with four minutes left? Unbelievable. You trying to save face, Norv? Fuck you. I'm not even a Chargers fan and that absolutely disgusts me. Am I missing something?
Stacy...ur absolutly right...besides being a terrible coach he's also a coward
That just absolutely kills me. I'm a Rams fan, and Scott Linehan was doing that in his third game with the Rams. I knew right then that he was a loser. The only thing more amazing than coaches punting to save face is the fact that announcers never-NEVER-call them out on it. Its bizarre.
@Stacy,
|
Subscribe to Ta-Nehisi Coates by Email 
Trailer for The Beautiful Struggle  Monthly Archives
Recent Posts
Keepin It UnrealStanley Crouch Is A Gangsta RapperConfessions of a 30-Year-Old GamerRice, Rice, Baby!Compa$$ionate Capitali$MJust Another Quick-Witted, Egg-Roll-Joke-Making, Insult-Hurling, Chinese-American RapperThe Irrelevant Rev. SharptonWal-Mart's Urban RomanceBlack and Blue |
The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood Copyright © 2008 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All rights reserved.
Ok, 1-1 with 2 to go...i did NOT see the zona game going in the direction it did...can i get an amen?? predicting chargers and iggles...just to keep it interesting...
Posted by Bruce | January 11, 2009 11:33 AM