NFL Thoughts of the Day -- October [Archive] - Sports Central Message Boards

doublee

10-03-2006, 06:51 PM

If I had to chose one defense though I would probably take the Bears. They are just a more solid defense, where as the Ravens have a hole in the safety position right now.

I'll take Chicago but primarily because they are younger than the Ravens are. The Ravens are getting after it but they have a lot of guys on that defense who have had nagging injury problems the past couple of seasons and are getting a bit long in the tooth. Ogunleye is the oldest starter on defense and his 29 with Urlacher and Mike Brown the next oldest starters on that defense and they are only 28 years old. That is a scary thought.

Something else I could not help wondering watching the Bears the other night: How long until Devin Hester costs the Bears some points or a game because he cannot catch the freakin' ball? He muffed at least three or four punts on Sunday night.

Also, San Diego belongs in that conversation as well. Their numbers are just as good, better in some instances, than that of the Bears and Ravens.

I still have guarded optimism for the Eagles. This Sunday is probably a make or break game for them. If they beat the Cowboys they become the team to beat in the East and have all of the confidence in the world. But, they won't do it if they play like they did last night. The offense was just a mess in the first half. It was as if they did not know what to do without Westbrook out there.

However, it was nice to see Donovan back to improvising again, even if he was throwing the ball all over the field. His scrambles picked up two first downs on third down and it was nice seeing him tuck the ball and take it into the endzone when nothing was there. I thought the defense held up quite well last night.

Ahmad Carroll did not look like he even belonged in a NFL uniform last night.

Favre was lucky not to have ended up with 5 or 6 picks thrown last night. The Eagles dropped a few that should have been picked.

boston_aloha

10-04-2006, 12:55 AM

I still have guarded optimism for the Eagles. This Sunday is probably a make or break game for them. If they beat the Cowboys they become the team to beat in the East and have all of the confidence in the world. But, they won't do it if they play like they did last night. The offense was just a mess in the first half. It was as if they did not know what to do without Westbrook out there.
However, it was nice to see Donovan back to improvising again, even if he was throwing the ball all over the field. His scrambles picked up two first downs on third down and it was nice seeing him tuck the ball and take it into the endzone when nothing was there. I thought the defense held up quite well last night.

I don't understand the hype surrounding the Eagles. Maybe it's just me, but they beat 3 of the 4 worst teams in the NFL. Houston, S.F. and the Packers??? The only team with talent they played (NYG) they blew a lead and lost. If McNabb didn't have the numbers he had agianst those teams, then I would be raising questions. This Sunday is another team with talent. If they win, then ok - then maybe I'll start thinking they are a decent team, but if they lose... different story.

Anthony

10-04-2006, 03:13 AM

Remember also that the Eagles have lost seven consecutive games within the division, and may have to play this Sunday's game without Brian Westbrook, Donte' Stallworth and Reggie Brown; and with all three of their second meetings within the division on the road this year, and with Mark Brunell having silenced the nay-sayers at least for the time being, the Eagles could be headed for another 0-6 record within the NFC East.

boston_aloha

10-04-2006, 03:40 AM

If they lose all those players - stick a fork in 'em for that game!

doublee

10-04-2006, 08:53 PM

Remember also that the Eagles have lost seven consecutive games within the division, and may have to play this Sunday's game without Brian Westbrook, Donte' Stallworth and Reggie Brown;

Well, the speculation on Westbrook is that he could have played on Monday, but Reid simply held him out because he felt confident that they would beat Green Bay without him and he wanted to be extra sure that he would be good to go against Dallas. The same goes for Lito Sheppard as well.

As for Brown he is listed as probable and was supposed to practice today.

Stallworth appears to still be day-to-day.

and with all three of their second meetings within the division on the road this year, and with Mark Brunell having silenced the nay-sayers at least for the time being, the Eagles could be headed for another 0-6 record within the NFC East.

Meh, I doubt they go 0-6. I think they will win at least two or three games in the division this year. They should beat the 'Skins at least once if not twice and I think they will exact revenge on the Giants the second time around.

Cano22

10-05-2006, 09:04 PM

boston_aloha

10-05-2006, 09:15 PM

I've been saying (from week 1 / preseason) that they suck!!! I had Houston last week to win straight up. One or two people here had them going to the SB.... give me a break!

BTW - Welcome to the boards Cano22

Anthony

10-06-2006, 06:11 AM

Nobodys really talked about the surprise of Miami. They were expected to give New England a run for thier money but they cant seem to win a game. They lost to my opinion the worst team in football, the Texans, and now thier looking at being at the bottom of the AFC East again. I think its ridiculous that they got picked to go all the way to the superbowl because they got Dante, well i think whoever made those predictions should find a new carrer, because to think that team would turn around from being a joke to being the best team in the NFL just because they got Dante is a ridiculius thought.

Well I guess I need to look for a new career then - but hey, welcome to the forum anyway Cano! :lol:

But Daunte Culpepper's knee obviously isn't even close to 100 per cent healed, and now he's got a problem with his shoulder as well. If Nick Saban doesn't wise up and start Joey Harrington real soon, you may very well be right about Miami finishing last in the AFC East.

So far as the Texans being the worst team in the NFL goes: This Sunday's Titans-Colts game will serve as a barometer of sorts, because the Colts have already played the Texans at home this year, and beat them 43-24.

And speaking of the Colts, do you know who they remind me of? The NHL's Edmonton Oilers just before they won the Stanley Cup for the first time - in that today's Colts, like those Oilers, have a reputation for arrogance and swagger: Edmonton was noted for swarming the net with five-goal leads in the third period and effusively celebrating such goals when they scored them; similarly, Indianapolis is noted for continuing to throw deep passes with huge leads late in games and running up scores - that's why the 19-point spread in their game this week doesn't scare me one bit.

boston_aloha

10-06-2006, 04:20 PM

Even if they do start Harrington - I think they're gonna finish last. The Jets and Pats are better teams, and Buffalo's pulled out a couple games.
Culpepper is just a bad QB IMO - knee 100% wouldn't make any difference. Someone made a great comment about Jake Delhomme early in the season (when they did not have S Smith). That person said "Steve Smith is really exposing Jake Delhomme like Moss did Culpepper".

doublee

10-06-2006, 05:38 PM

Culpepper just is not a franchise type QB plain and simple. Give him a line and talent at the skilled positions to work with and he is as good as any, but he just is not a QB who can gets the players around him to raise their level of play and he just does not have the leadership that it takes to be an elite QB. He was lucky in the aspect that early on in his career the team was Cris Carter and to a lesser extent Robert Smith's team so all he really had to do was show up and play. Guys like Carter and Smith took care of the lockerroom.

However, I do think the 'Phins would have been a playoff team with a healthy Culpepper as they were in contention for the playoffs last year and I think most of us would agree that Culpepper is a better option than Gus Frerotte at QB. I just don't see Culpepper as being a guy to lead his team to a Super Bowl unless he gets on a team similar to what he had early in Minnesota where there is solid veteran leadership with scads of skill position talent and a line that gives him enough time to throw where he does not have to hurry his throws too much where he can just dropback and fling the ball around the field.

Anthony

10-07-2006, 04:18 AM

Who said anything about Culpepper being a "franchise" quarterback? All I ever said was that his talent towers over that of Gus Frerotte and Sage Rosenfels, and if the Dolphins could go 9-7 last year with those two handling the quarterbacking, they should have been good for what, 12-4 with (a healthy) Culpepper)? And with a record like that, chances are they would earn a first-round bye or maybe even home field throughout the AFC playoffs, and they would probably get to host some team(s) that would have to overcome a surface, weather disadvantage etc. (like the Colts), and hence they would reach the Super Bowl.

But since Culpepper obviously isn't healthy, that makes it a different story - but even Harrington has at least five times as much talent as Frerotte/Rosenfels, and with Culpepper not right, Harrington gives them the best chance of winning right now, so that's who they should start.

boston_aloha

10-07-2006, 05:15 AM

Even with a 100% Culpepper they still go no where. I don't understand what people think Culpepper brings to the table. He sucks - plain and simple. Anthony I do agree with you in the sense that he is better than Frerotte and the others.

Anthony

10-07-2006, 08:55 AM

But if you do agree that Culpepper is better than Frerotte and Rosenfels, and Miami went 9-7 last year with the latter ...

doublee

10-07-2006, 11:02 AM

They possibly could have gone 12-4 with a healthy Culpepper, but they would have flamed in the playoffs once they ran into someone like the Ravens, Steelers, or Chargers who are adept at pressuring the QB. Culpepper is a disaster against defenses that present different looks and get after the QB.

Tarkus

10-07-2006, 02:11 PM

But since Culpepper obviously isn't healthy, that makes it a different story - but even Harrington has at least five times as much talent as Frerotte/Rosenfels, and with Culpepper not right, Harrington gives them the best chance of winning right now, so that's who they should start.

Apparently you haven't seen much of Harrington. Culpepper with all his warts & not being 100% is still enough to keep Joey on the bench....indefinitely...

doublee

10-07-2006, 02:46 PM

I don't know about that Tarkus, there is widespread speculation that if Culpepper can't generate any offense this week against NE that Saban is seriously considering giving Harrington a chance to see what he can do. The general consensus on Harrington seemed to be that he looked like a completely different player this summer than he did in Detroit.

The 'Phins play the Jets and Pats over the next two weeks if they lose those games they are 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the division. At that point it is probably time to shut Culpepper down until they are satisfied he is 100% healthy and plan for next year.

boston_aloha

10-07-2006, 04:19 PM

But if you do agree that Culpepper is better than Frerotte and Rosenfels, and Miami went 9-7 last year with the latter ...
Yeah, they did go 9-7 but lets not forget that was an end of the season run, not to mention the last game was a freebie when New England sat all their starters so they could lose and play Jacksonville in the 1st round. Cincinnatti also threw their last game in hopes that NE would win and they would get JAX.

I always though Detroit gave up in Harrington too early. I know he was horrible, but I thought they should of gave him one more year. I like the fact that he has a change of scenary now. I think he should get a shot if the Phins lose their next 2 (like doublee said... 1-5, 0-3 in the div). I just keep thinking of the situation in SD with Drew a couple years ago. Some guys are just late, late bloomers - you never know.

Tarkus

10-08-2006, 02:12 AM

If Culpepper continues thru this week at the same pace, yea, I can see a change if only for a shakeup at QB. Plus it wouldn't hurt to give Dante more time to get over that bad injury but remember, it's the Dolphins that want him out there & not Harrington. They'll ride this out for another week or 2 in hopes of Culpepper makin' an improvement.

However it's not just Culpepper who's underperforming & Harrington's weakness is more in his head when things are tense than it is about talent. Regardless how Joey practices, on the field, when things are goin' bad or the heat is on, is usually his Waterloo...

When you start reading articles that point out that Culpepper's not as mobile, which is true, it distracts from the reality which is the Miami offense. Dante's been sacked 21, I repeat...21, times in 4 games & try as some might, that's not all Culpepper's fault or lack of mobility. They have some major issues in Miami & while Harrington is more mobile, he wouldn't be my choice as a fireman for this blaze...

catman

10-08-2006, 02:18 AM

I have to agree with that, Tark. Viking fans realized that Culpepper was not going to take them to the superbowl a long time ago. I was pleased to see the deal the Dolphins gave the Vikes for him.
The Vikes, on the other hand, appear to be a team that moves the ball up and down the field, but once they get into the "red-zone" they panic. I'm not sure if its a lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball or a poorly designed offensive scheme.

Anthony

10-08-2006, 03:07 AM

Yeah, they did go 9-7 but lets not forget that was an end of the season run, not to mention the last game was a freebie when New England sat all their starters so they could lose and play Jacksonville in the 1st round. Cincinnatti also threw their last game in hopes that NE would win and they would get JAX.

I always though Detroit gave up in Harrington too early. I know he was horrible, but I thought they should of gave him one more year. I like the fact that he has a change of scenary now. I think he should get a shot if the Phins lose their next 2 (like doublee said... 1-5, 0-3 in the div). I just keep thinking of the situation in SD with Drew a couple years ago. Some guys are just late, late bloomers - you never know.

Would Miami's 9-7 record last year have been more "valid" in your estimation if they had gotten off to a 9-1 start and then lost their last six in a row?

But in any event, the Dolphins appear to be in extremely serious trouble, for after this week's game in which they are 9 1/2-point underdogs, it's onto the artificial turf again next week, upon which they've lost eight consecutive games. If they do lose both of these games and fall to 1-5 (a hole from which only one team in NFL history - the 1970 Bengals - has ever dug themselves out of to make the playoffs), what's the sense in turning Daunte Culpepper into a latter-day Bert Jones?

boston_aloha

10-08-2006, 03:29 AM

Actually yeah, it would of been because the teams they beat on their run (Oakland, Buffalo, Jets, Tennessee, SD, NE) were garbage w/ the exception of NE (who I said had none of their starters) and SD. I'm not sure what we are debating here? So they went 9-7 - they still suck IMO???? I don't really consider 9-7 a great record. Sure its a winning record, but thats about it. You're limping into the play-offs. Most teams with that record need help to get into the playoffs. Or they get in because of their division record, etc.
But we are in agreement Dante needs to sit - in the event they lose their next 2???

Anthony

10-08-2006, 05:47 AM

What we're debating here is that last year Miami went 9-7 with F-minus quarterbacking. Even if you give Culpepper/Harrington only a C, that should still add up to something like 12-4.

boston_aloha

10-08-2006, 06:10 AM

LOL... not im my math book Anthony. Culpepper can't do much and I think we all have 0 stock in Harrington.

Anthony

10-08-2006, 06:37 AM

Then again, it has always been my belief that the further two quarterbacks (or running backs, or players at any other position for that matter) are in talent from the elite at their position, the further they are in talent from one another, which formed the principal basis for my picking the Dolphins to reach the Super Bowl before the season started (similarly, I drastically raised my predicted final record for the Eagles after they acquired Donte' Stallworth, and Correll Buckhalter survived the final cutdown).

Tarkus

10-08-2006, 04:18 PM

Bears smoke the Bills 40-7 with the lone Bill TD in the last minute after a fumble. Even found time to rest Grossman after 3 quarters.

Another dominating win....

themush

10-08-2006, 04:49 PM

Freakin Bucs found yet another way to lose. Gruden might need to put a for sale sign outside his house if this keeps up.

On a possitive note Bruce Gradkowski didn't look to bad in his first start @ QB. 225, 2 Paints, 0 INT's

coachJ

10-08-2006, 07:37 PM

Bledsoe just handed the Eagles the game....put in Romo...He can do the job that Bledsoe does. The only good games Bledsoe has are against bad teams, why not throw Romo into the fire and see if he cant do any worse...

da12ken

10-08-2006, 07:50 PM

My thoughts exactly J. Bledsoe literally threw that game away.

doublee

10-08-2006, 08:05 PM

T. O. Sucks!! T. O. Sucks!! Ha-ha-ha. What a sweet victory for McNabb and us Eagles fans. :party:

So much for Owens keeping the pressure off of Bledsoe, 7 sacks and three picks. I said at the beginning of the year the Cowboys' o-line would be its undoing this year and so far they have lost both games they have played against defenses that can get after the QB. Darren Howard and Darwin Walker played out of their minds today and except for the blown coverage at the end of the game the secondary played well.

Can we say Roy Williams is overrated? He cost the Cowboys two TDs on blown coverages today and blew coverage on L. J. Smith's 60 yard catch. The guy is great against the run and brings the lumber but he is constantly out of position on pass coverage.

I said before the Eagles wideouts were better than folks were giving them credit for.

It will be interesting to see what the T. O. fallout will be in Dallas this week. He looked like he was agitated on the sidelines today and was more or less nonexistant out there today. He had little impact on the game.

First place with a 1 1/2 game lead baby. Huge statement game that shows the Eagles should be a legit player in the NFC East this year.

Marc

10-08-2006, 08:36 PM

Jim Johnson blitzes + Drew Bledsoe unable to get rid of the ball equalled disaster late in the game. He was like a statue getting killed back there. For all the hype, T.O. has a modest game, at best.

I couldn't stop staring at Parcells' man boobs. At least he stopped dying his hair. :lol:

Meanwhile, heartbreaking Packer loss. 1-4 start, the season is slipping away due to an inexperienced team lacking the winning instinct. It's tough. Favre has the team driving the field, everything is going their way, then the ball is knocked from his hands, fumble, game over. They could have kicked the FG and tied the game. It was another time I literally sat there with my mouth open in shock.

Bears and Jags put on beatdowns today. Colts surprisingly didn't put up many points and were trailing in the fourth quarter.

boston_aloha

10-08-2006, 08:37 PM

If you wanna beat the Cowboys, pressure Bledsoe. If you wanna beat the Colts, presuure Manning. Its really not that hard. And speaking of the Colts... wow, they are looking VERY beatable this year. If you wanna talk about a phony record (undefeated), there you go! 14-13 win over the Titans is just pathetic!!
Well, as you all are discussing, the Eagles / Cowboys game sure lived up to its hype. I could care less about TO, it was a great game and well deserved by the Eagles. Both teams played great and entertained us for 4 hours - love it. Sorry to see Bledsoe go out like that, but I can say I've seen that from him many a time. I got a text right after the game from a friend who's a Cowboys fan. All it said was "F'n Drew". I replied "LOL... you have no idea how many times I've said that myself".

doublee

10-08-2006, 08:52 PM

I am not buying into the Colts' hype either. They have not been able to consistently run the ball this year and the freakin' Titans dropped 200+ rushing yards at 6.9 per carry today. How anyone thinks the Colts are better than the Bears at this stage is beyond me. Granted, other than Seattle, the Bears have not played anyone as of yet, but at least they are hammering those teams and are playing well on both sides of the ball.

boston_aloha

10-08-2006, 08:56 PM

Glad you brought that up doublee... great point. Ok, the Bears beat up an Alexander-less Seattle, and haven't really played a great team... but they have been DESTROYING teams which says alot. Ok, these team suck, but the Bears show you they suck. If anyone tuned into the NFL today for the first time they would think Tenn has a squad.

doublee

10-08-2006, 09:05 PM

They beat up on Seattle without Alexander but I am not sure him not playing was that huge of a difference. Maybe the Bears win by 20 instead of 30 but Chicago just played out of their minds in that game. The Bears rolled what is considered to be one of the better defenses in the league.

The Titans stayed in that game despite the fact they got only 61 passing yards out of Vince Young.

boston_aloha

10-08-2006, 09:23 PM

I couldn't stop staring at Parcells' man boobs. At least he stopped dying his hair. :lol:
Here is a Q & A from ESPN Magazine 10/9/06:

Q: Did Bill Parcells play Robert Paulson in Fight Club?

A: Actually that was Meat Loaf. But you bring up a good point: The 2006 NFL Season has been over taken by NFL coaches with man-boobs. I don't blame the coaches. I blame the NFL for outfitting them in those golf shirts that end up sticking to their bodies. They may as well be competing in a wet T-shirt contest. Make sweatshirts or windbreakers mandatory, please. For everyone's sake.

doublee

10-08-2006, 09:33 PM

Yeah, really. Everyone bags on Belichick for dressing like a homeless guy on gamedays, but at least he is not showing off the man-boobs. :lol:

Tarkus

10-09-2006, 02:00 AM

The Harrington led Dolphins fall to the Pats 20-10. Joey goes 26-41 for 232 with 2 INTs. Good thing is he was only sacked once which is a sorry silver lining...

Sorry Harrington fans, I'd expect more of the same if Culpepper stays on the sidelines. Of course having Dante out there probably wouldn't make too much difference. The point is just that Miami's screwed either way...

boston_aloha

10-09-2006, 02:43 AM

Tark did you watch the game? He actually didn't do that bad. One of those interceptions was not his fault. Classic receiver couldn't hold onto it and popped it up for anyone to grab. He moved around alright - made a couple poor moves - for example he could of ran for a 1st (on 3rd down) for 4 yards and instead made a bad throw in the dirt. But honestly, I thought he did fine for his first game. I was more worried when I heard he would be starting this morning.

Tarkus

10-09-2006, 07:10 PM

You're right, Steve...

Not too bad at all especially since he had to have been rusty besides. The big thing with Joey is that he's got a good amount of talent but even when he doesn't make the mistake but others do, he starts panicking & gettin' frisky.

He's gotta feel snakebit to a degree cuz Detroit was no picnic for any young QB & Miami's not much better. I hope he doesn't revert to form but he's just not that mentally tough. Plus I don't know how he is with his new teammates but he had problems back with the Lions. They pretty much gave up on him which wasn't really fair since a lot of them were lazy bums...

doublee

10-09-2006, 08:38 PM

Although, Harrington has to take a little solace in how piss poor the Lions have been this year even with Mike Martz on board as the OC. How does Matt Millen still have a job?

Saban says he is sticking with Harrington for now.

Wow, did anyone see how indignant Irvin got on Monday Night Countdown when the others started taking shots at T. O. for his little sideline temper tantrums yesterday? One would have thought they talking about Irvin's momma or something.

How about T. O. throwing Bledsoe under the bus after the game? He could also, supposedly, be heard questioning why he even signed with Dallas during the offseason. It is going to be very interesting to see where the Cowboys go from here.

Oh, and how about Mike Vanderjagt consoling T. O. on the sidelines? That is like the blind leading the blind right there. :lol:

boston_aloha

10-09-2006, 11:08 PM

Hey Anthony - do you have any thoughts or comments on Jabar Gaffney? Pats just signed him today.

Tarkus

10-09-2006, 11:23 PM

Broncos leading the Ravens 6-3 in the 4th & threatening on the Ravens 5 yard line after a McNair pick.

Gotta say this quick just in case McNair, who's 16-29 for 126 yards with 2 INTs, comes back & wins this on the last drive of the game. I still think if it wasn't for the fact the Ravens are lost without a QB, McNair's #s on most any other team would have him sat down or at least be hearin' an abundance of criticism......

edit: Plummer's #s 13-24 for 106 with 1 TD & 1 INT are not much better. Broncs up 13-3

boston_aloha

10-09-2006, 11:33 PM

I agree 100% - McNair is not a great QB IMO - but he is good enough for the Ravens to go all the way. If they can do it with Dilfer, then they most certaintly should be able to with McNair. He's enough to get the job done.

Tarkus

10-09-2006, 11:48 PM

trayhezy

10-10-2006, 12:06 AM

boston_aloha

10-10-2006, 12:09 AM

Could be, Steve, except this Raven D is not as good as the SB D IMO & Dilfer was about 5 years younger than McNair is now with about 150,000 miles less wear & tear. :D

I think the longer the year goes, the more fade we'll see in McNair...

I agree about the "D" not being the same. But they are still one of the best in the AFC. Or maybe well put together - you know? It seems like the the missing piece to that team was a legit QB. I can call McNair a legit QB - and that's not saying he's anything great.... maybe the bare minimum for that team???

Tarkus

10-10-2006, 12:19 AM

Definitely the missing piece...

You could be right but I still wonder how much is left in the tank....

boston_aloha

10-10-2006, 12:32 AM

Not much... I'd say one more year after this one.

Anthony

10-10-2006, 04:18 AM

I have heard every Dallas fan taking shots at Bledsoe but I have to cut the guy some slack. NO qb likes pressure up the middle. It keeps them from stepping into throws and that leads to bad throws. That O-line must block up the middle if the blitz gets there from the edges, so be it but Untias, Montana, and Marino would have looked like Bledsoe did yesterday with those guys coming up the gut like that.

These people who are clamoring for Bledsoe to be replaced by Tony Romo have the patience of a 2-year-old. If this was Philly and McNabb wasn't playing well, I could see people screaming for Jeff Garcia - but what has Romo ever done in the NFL? He's in his fourth year in the league and has never attempted a pass in a regular-season game - and this after having been undrafted the year he came out of a small college (Eastern Illinois).

Besides, I say draw one big line through Sunday's game from a Cowboys perspective - if for no other reason than they had to wear their dreaded blue jerseys, in which they're now 1-6 this season and last combined, as opposed to 10-3 in the rest of their games.

Tarkus

10-10-2006, 02:57 PM

The Bears looked like world beaters.

Bein' a long suffering Bears fan, I'd love to woof about 'em but it's still too early...

They have weaknesses like everyone else but their strengths are keeping teams from exploiting them much. Let's just say it's a fun ride so far....:D

Tarkus

10-10-2006, 03:55 PM

Sauerbrun reaps his reward after his suspension...

Mindless...:rolleyes:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2619596

boston_aloha

10-10-2006, 04:58 PM

He'll get picked up somehwere.

themush

10-10-2006, 05:11 PM

Bucs are playing so bad right now I had to change my avatar. Embarassing to say the least.

doublee

10-10-2006, 06:12 PM

These people who are clamoring for Bledsoe to be replaced by Tony Romo have the patience of a 2-year-old. If this was Philly and McNabb wasn't playing well, I could see people screaming for Jeff Garcia - but what has Romo ever done in the NFL? He's in his fourth year in the league and has never attempted a pass in a regular-season game - and this after having been undrafted the year he came out of a small college (Eastern Illinois).

Agreed, besides, the more the fans and the talking heads clamor for Romo the less inclined Parcells will be to pull the plug on Bledsoe just so he can piss people off and so he can give the impression that the media and fanfare had nothing to do with the decision.

trayhezy

10-10-2006, 09:37 PM

Bein' a long suffering Bears fan, I'd love to woof about 'em but it's still too early...

They have weaknesses like everyone else but their strengths are keeping teams from exploiting them much. Let's just say it's a fun ride so far....:D

As a long suffering Bears fan I said the same last year............but I can no longer contain myself :big grin:

I have even broken out the old Bears jerseys.......they just don't seem to fit anymore........

Tarkus

10-11-2006, 03:13 AM

:lol:

Yea, some things are never the same, are they?? :P

We aughta start a Bear thread of misery & compare our scars....;)

boston_aloha

10-12-2006, 09:28 PM

We need something to talk about here.... (please no TO stuff).
Anyone have thoughts on the SB Champion Pitt Steelers? Ben looking like a fraud now? Anything?

NY Jay 05

10-12-2006, 10:11 PM

I'm not surprised Ben is off to a slow start. The guy is coming off a bad motorcycle accident and an appendectemy. Physically he may be fine, but mentally he may not be ready to play at 100% yet.

boston_aloha

10-12-2006, 11:45 PM

They did lose some weapons... that could be part of the reason too

Anthony

10-13-2006, 03:30 AM

Most defensive schemes don't emphasize the inside pass rush the way Jim Johnson's does (Bledsoe had been sacked only three times in the first three games). In most of their games he's not going to face that kind of pressure.

As for the Eagles' receivers: If they're smart, they won't bring Stallworth back prematurely - even if they have to hold him out until they return from their bye week November 12th against Washington. If he keeps reaggravating this thing, he's going to end up just like Bert Jones.

#99

10-13-2006, 04:10 PM

Anyone have thoughts on the SB Champion Pitt Steelers? Ben looking like a fraud now? Anything?

I'm not at all surprised by the Steelers 1-3 start when you consider the schedule they've faced so far. Hell, I think I've actually picked against them every single week. Big Ben Motorcycle has never struck me as a playmaker either, but rather an athletic version of Trent Dilfer (that is to say: doesn't make mistakes, doesn't force the pass) who incredibly adept at managing an offense while heavily relying on the running game. In week 2 against Jacksonville, the entire Steeler offense -- Ben especially -- looked lost, but in the losses to Cincy and San Diego (again, two of the league's best so far) the Steelers held their own. Just so happens that Ben made mistakes in each of those games, something he didn't do before. It's still only his third year. He isn't the golden child, but he isn't going to bottom out either. Watch for Pittsburgh to beat Kansas City this Sunday, then watch as all the people bagging on Big Ben jump back on his bandwagon. Steelers are a quality team that's had to deal with a tough schedule thus far, nothing more. They could easily be 3-1 if not for a couple of interceptions.

doublee

10-13-2006, 05:54 PM

Ben is not 100% mentally or physically for that matter. I thought that even before his appendectomy. I saw the last preseason game the Steelers played he was just fine as long as the plays called for short or mid-range passes, but he had zero zip on the ball and anything they asked him to throw downfield either got picked or knocked away by a defender. The couple of games I have seen him play this season a few of the times he has had to throw downfield the ball was coming up a few yards short.

Also, as has been pointed out in the media, he is playing without Randle-El and Hines Ward is not 100% healthy either.

I also think they sorely miss Jerome Bettis' presence not only on the field but in the lockerroom.

I agree about Donte Stallworth. They don't need to be rushing him back especially against the Saints whose back seven is rather ordinary and lost one of its starting safeties this week. Matchup-wise the Eagles should be able to beat the Saints without too many problems but the Saints are playing with some confidence right now and this could be a trap game for the Eagles after last week's inspirational win against Dallas.

boston_aloha

10-14-2006, 12:29 AM

Watch for Pittsburgh to beat Kansas City this Sunday, then watch as all the people bagging on Big Ben jump back on his bandwagon.
I'm not so sure a win against KC would result in people jumping on the bandwagon (you mean the ESPN folks right?). I expect them to beat a crappy KC team. Ben needs some touchdowns.

Anthony

10-14-2006, 03:21 AM

It's heresy, but it must be said: If the Steelers lose again this week and Big Ben's passer rating for the game hovers around the freezing mark, Bill Cowher should switch to Charlie Batch as his starting quarterback.

Obviously, Roethlisberger can't possibly be right physically (Brian Dawkins missed seven games after his appendectomy).

And while we're on the subject of benching quarterbacks - why Jon Kitna is not riding pine in Detroit right now is a mystery of Mickey Spillane proportions: Wasn't Josh McCown the most productive passer in the entire NFL last year in terms of average yards per game? Clearly it's long since time for a change - especially after Kitna allowed two touchdowns (one on an interception, the other on a fumble) last week in Minnesota.

As for Donte' Stallworth, I'll go (at least) one step further than you, doublee: He should also sit next week in Tampa, no matter what. The Eagles won't need to score too many points to beat Bruce Gradkowski, who no doubt will be greeted by the full wrath of Jim Johnson's innovative blitzing schemes.

doublee

10-15-2006, 05:35 PM

It's heresy, but it must be said: If the Steelers lose again this week and Big Ben's passer rating for the game hovers around the freezing mark, Bill Cowher should switch to Charlie Batch as his starting quarterback.

Until Ben is healthy of course.

And while we're on the subject of benching quarterbacks - why Jon Kitna is not riding pine in Detroit right now is a mystery of Mickey Spillane proportions: Wasn't Josh McCown the most productive passer in the entire NFL last year in terms of average yards per game? Clearly it's long since time for a change - especially after Kitna allowed two touchdowns (one on an interception, the other on a fumble) last week in Minnesota.

No, I don't think he was unless we are only talking about games started. He only had a little over 1,800 yards in 9 games. But, thing about McCown is that while he may have had 4 games of 294 yards or more he had more INTs than TDs and those four games came against San Francisco, Carolina, a beat up Philly team that was pretty much mailing it in by week 16 and an Indy team that was resting everyone in week 17. While he may have thrown for 398 against Carolina he still threw 3 picks and lost the game. McCown is one of those teases who flashes all sorts of talent and skill but always seems to make the wrong decisions at the most critical times.

NY Jay 05

10-16-2006, 03:33 PM

The Jets pulled off a close win yesterday against the Dolphins. The first half was very boring, and the score at halftime was something like 6-3 Jets. The Jets offense stepped their game up in the 2nd half, when Pennington hit Coles for 2 TD passes. Then, the defense decided to stop playing at a bad time - the 4th quarter. Joey Harrington was just picking apart the Jets defense with ease, and luckily the Jets made a big 3rd down stop with like 30 seconds left and forced Olindo Mare to kick a 51-yard field goal, which he missed. Jets won 20-17.

MountaineerDave

10-16-2006, 04:30 PM

Sure, Ben had played a few plays (and one full game, v Jax) poorly, but aside from playing with one of a pressing mentality, trying to force things when he shouldn't, hadn't played THAT badly. The team had played well, overall, with the exception of occasional letdowns on defense and the butterfinger-y-ness of Roethlisberger and a couple of other players.

The idea of pulling him without a physical reason is the same kind of itchy-trigger finger mentality that pervades the league these days. (BTW, pulling him isn't the same thing as suggesting removing guys whose careers are done, a la Favre and Warner, because Charlie Batch isn't the potential future of the franchise. Roethlisberger is the future of the franchise, and you let him work it out. Especially when you're defending Super Bowl Champions.)

Meanwhile, the world in Pittsburgh--supposedly "out of it" a week ago-- is looking a little brighter this week after slaughtering (admittedly bad) Kansas City and the Bengals and Ravens both dropping close games.

I don't understand the mentality of the media and some segment of fandom that seem to think a 1-3 September is tantamount to the end of the season. I had to remind a bevy of New England fans that their Pats started the '01 season with a 1-3 September and went on to pull off the greatest upset in Super Bowl history.

The Steelers lost, but not badly (well, the whipping they took from the Chargers in the second half was a little disconcerting), but didn't look bad doing it. Long way to go.
I won't call for a win of the division, but the division is FAR from lost. FAR from it. They've only played one division game. 5-1 wins the division... 4-2 likely wins it, actually.

#99

10-16-2006, 06:04 PM

I'm not so sure a win against KC would result in people jumping on the bandwagon (you mean the ESPN folks right?). I expect them to beat a crappy KC team. Ben needs some touchdowns.

Yes, I do mean ESPN et al. It's always one extreme or the other when discussing a player's peaks and valleys in the NFL, it seems. Big Ben just shredded KC mere hours after people were calling him overrated. Donovan McNabb is having one of the most amazing statistical seasons for a QB so far, this season, and people are SHOCKED that he even had it in him. It irritates me how short some people's memories can be.

But nothing irritates me more than Oakland losing to Denver. Even if we only lost by 10, we lost. 0-16 looks a very real prospect. I've lowered the bar on my expectations for the Silver and Black considerably. Just get me 1 win, baby. We've managed to blow it against Cleveland and SF. Looks like Arizona, Houston, maybe home against KC are our next best bets. Ugh...

doublee

10-16-2006, 06:14 PM

The idea of pulling him without a physical reason is the same kind of itchy-trigger finger mentality that pervades the league these days. (BTW, pulling him isn't the same thing as suggesting removing guys whose careers are done, a la Favre and Warner, because Charlie Batch isn't the potential future of the franchise. Roethlisberger is the future of the franchise, and you let him work it out. Especially when you're defending Super Bowl Champions.)

Well, that is just it, I am not entirely convinced he is playing at full strength nor has he been 100% this season. I just don't see the same zip on the ball that he had his first two years in the league. He struggled making some throws that he typically made in the past during preseason and his first couple of games.

#99

10-16-2006, 06:16 PM

More to the point, injured or not, Big Ben has been asked to throw the ball a lot more than he's used to. What happened to Pittsburgh leaning on their running game and relying on the pass maybe 1/3 of the time?

doublee

10-16-2006, 06:29 PM

#99, That philosophy went out the window when Bettis retired and they were left with only one dependable back in Willie Parker. If Duce Staley were healthy and could give them 10-15 carries a game then I guarantee you the Steelers would be running more and throwing less. But, as it is they are not going to get away with giving Parker the ball 30 times a game and expecting him to be standing by the end of November.

#99

10-16-2006, 08:15 PM

Ah-ha! Now that the cards are out on the table, is it still fair to criticize Big Ben Motorcycle for struggling to carry an offense he has never once proven that he can lead via the pass without a dominant running game, when now the very nature and mentality of the Steelers offense is different? I say, "no."

doublee

10-16-2006, 09:17 PM

I don't know, I think his struggles are a combination of his accident and surgery and the fact that he may not be quite ready to be the focal point of the offense. The fact is he dropped a significant amount of weight and stamina along with that due to not being able to maintain his regular diet and workout regiment for the better part of the summer. Time that would have likely been spent preparing for the season was spent rehabbing from his injuries and surgeries in the offseason.

Granted, he has never shown that he had the acumen to consistently run a more pass-oriented offense in the NFL, but we also have to concede that he lost valuable time that could have been spent cultivating his passing skills and decision making recovering this summer.

Tarkus

10-16-2006, 10:15 PM

Cards are just dismantling the Bears...at halftime 20-0....

The Pirate Bob

10-16-2006, 11:34 PM

It's the Cardinals new meaner looking bird on the side of their helmets.....very menacing to the other teams.

Tarkus

10-17-2006, 12:10 AM

Unreal ending to the Bear game...stunning...

A game they had no right to but decided to win anyway...24-23....

da12ken

10-17-2006, 12:20 AM

Edgerrin James officially sucks????

boston_aloha

10-17-2006, 01:43 AM

What a game tonight... I called in sick (but then went in at 7pm anyway) and stayed home to watch the game!! Soooo worth it!
Leinart looked pretty good. He can walk away from that game with his head up. He was asked to get within FG range, with 2m left in the game against the BEST DEFENSE IN THE NFL... and he did that. Wow!!!

Anthony

10-17-2006, 01:59 AM

Again Brancato's Law was vindicated: Never, NEVER, NEVER assume that a field goal of 40 yards or more is going to be good!

Clearly the Cardinals should have passed on third down, especially the way Edgerrin James had struggled all night long.

boston_aloha

10-17-2006, 03:30 AM

No kidding.. its like they didn't wanna "push the envelope" with Lienart or something???? And people wonder why Denny Green gets canned!!!

Anthony

10-17-2006, 08:57 AM

Week 6 was a great week for Little Ball: Among the 26 teams that played, fully seven of them averaged less than ten yards per completion, with Tampa Bay taking the prize with a blistering 7.36-yard average (they needed to complete 25 passes to gain 184 yards).

If this keeps up, the NFL will be exclusively sponsored by Lunesta!

#99

10-17-2006, 02:10 PM

Losing in Oakland may be in the air, but in Arizona, it's in the blood. And holy crap, the two play each other next week! Must-see-TV. A couple points about last night's game:

1) Matt Leinart looks like an All-Pro. I've been on the Leinart bandwagon for some time, now, firmly of the belief that he'll be a stud in the pros. I just didn't expect him to look so good just two starts into his career. This with a terrible offensive line (there isn't a fan in the country, right now, who doesn't know the name, "Oliver Ross," the offensive tackle who is almost single-handedly responsible for letting the Bears back into the game) and absolutely no running game. None! Edgerrin James averaged less than two yards a carry last night. LESS THAN TWO! Do you know how pathetic that is? My grandmother could do better than that and she's dead! All this, plus Leinart didn't have Larry Fitzgerald available to him last night and he still performed well. If not for the missed Rackers chippy, we'd all be singing his praises as the second coming, right now. The kid is phenomenal. He's going to be a star -- even if he stays in AZ.

2) I took great pleasure, last night, in seeing the Bears exposed like they were. Everyone and their mailman had the Bears penciled in to win the next five Superbowls because they could rack up 40 points on Buffalo and beat a Seattle team whose defense is average and was without Shaun Alexander. And, oh yeah, anyone who beats the Packers and Lions, this year, is untouchable. My point is, Chicago hasn't really been tested and last night, they showed how drunk they were on everyone's praise. Now, the showed the mark of a good team, by coming back to win. But how good are they? If anything, Rex Grossman brought everyone about six pegs down by reminding the world that he is not the flawless QB who is above making silly mistakes. Hell, Kyle Orton looked better all of last season than Grossman did last night. The Arizona defense isn't gangbusters, either. Look for Chicago to bump up to 8-0 before falling in week 10 against the Giants in New York. If Chicago has to play like the team that won last year without a QB and bombed out in the playoffs, then the results won't be any different this time around. Every online poll was asking which NFC team will be good enough to face Chicago in the NFC title game. I wonder, will Chicago even get that far? Settle down, folks. We're only a third of the way in.

bama4256

10-17-2006, 03:45 PM

Yeah Chicago will be 7-0 after beating San Fran in Chicago two weeks from now.

coachJ

10-17-2006, 03:50 PM

With the game last night, you would have thought Grossman was the rookie starting in only his second game. Leinart played real good and that should have been a win for the Cardinals. Even though the Bears defense and special teams really stepped up in the 4th quarter last night, Leinart was still able to get his team in FG range, and if Green was smart he wouldnt have called 2 running plays to get his team maybe 3 inches closer for the FG and he would have let Leinart try to throw some short passes to try to get his team closer and let Rackers have a better shot at making the FG.

Also, Vince Young gets his first win as an NFL QB. To me, when Vince took over, it looks like this team started playing with a little more confidence. They still have a long way to go though.

da12ken

10-17-2006, 04:52 PM

Trust me, any team would have more confidence knowing that Kerry Collins is no longer under center.

boston_aloha

10-17-2006, 05:28 PM

Ravens fire Jim Fassell

doublee

10-17-2006, 05:39 PM

Man, did anyone catch Dennis Green's meltdown after the game? A legendary meltdown to say the least.

So much for Edgerrin being the missing link to put the Cards over the top. One of these days Arizona will figure out it means very little who is toting the rock if your o-line is incapable of opening holes for him to run through. It is kind of odd though that their line did a commendable job protecting Leinart last night yet couldn't open any holes for Edge to run through. Typically it works the other way around. Most linemen will tell you that run blocking is far easier than pass blocking.

Leinart is going to be the real deal and the Raiders passing on him shows just how inept that franchise really is these days. I could understand some of the other teams passing on him as they already had satisfactory QBs but the Raiders were fooling themselves if they thought Aaron Brooks was going to be a long-term solution in Oakland. Didn't he prove in New Orleans that he didn't have the chops to be a big time QB that could get a team over the top? Look at how much better the Saints are with Drew Brees this year. I loved hearing Thiesman eat a big helping of crow during that game last night.

coachJ

10-17-2006, 05:49 PM

Maybe if they put the Cardinals pass blocking and the Cowboys run blocking together, they could get a line that could do both?

As for Dennis Green, I'd like to know who they thought the Bears were? All he kept saying was the Bears were who they thought they were...so I was just a little curious?

#99

10-17-2006, 08:55 PM

Can't say I blame Green for the meltdown. Not one bit. Surprised that we haven't heard about Oliver Ross being cut, today. Again, not a single offensive touchdown for the Bears and six Grossman turnovers. That's enough for any other team to win. Cardinals should be kicked out of the league.

re: The Raiders ineptitude in the draft, it's becoming harder and harder to defend the selection of Michael Huff -- something I've been doing amongst my friends. Although, it is the Raiders' defense, surprisingly enough, that has improved. So one might think that Huff at least has a hand in that. Attacking Aaron Brooks is easy, not even Oakland believed him to be the future... we think (thought?) it was Andrew Walter. Let's not forget that the offensive coordinator for Oakland was running a bed and breakfast at this time, last year, and it shows. Seriously. I guess it'll go down as another "what could've been" scenario and the question in a couple years time will be: Were either Andrew Walter or the promise of taking Brady Quinn worth passing on Leinart for?

Also guilty of passing on Leinart: Detroit.

doublee

10-17-2006, 09:35 PM

I guess my thing about Brooks is if you know he is not the future then why cut Kerry Collins loose in favor of him? I don't think Brooks came at a significantly cheaper price tag did he?

The Lions may have passed on Leinart, but, at least Ernie Sims is in the top ten in the league in tackles and getting a LB who can tackle was a big need for them.

Anthony

10-18-2006, 03:52 AM

Speaking of the Lions: They will be without DT Shaun Rogers for the next four games (http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9735953) as the "supplement police" make yet another bust.

#99

10-18-2006, 12:55 PM

doublee

10-18-2006, 07:30 PM

I don't believe Tiki's retirement talk is entirely out of left field. I seem to remember him saying when he signed his last contract that it may very well be his last.

#99

10-18-2006, 07:59 PM

Yeah, he mentioned it off-hand in the preseason, but you're in the throws of a season -- not even halfway, at that. I guess his play will speak for itself.

doublee

10-18-2006, 08:16 PM

I don't know Tiki does not seem like the type of guy that would just shut it down and simply show up to collect a paycheck. Besides, he is, afterall, leading the league in rushing thus far. He isn't exactly playing like a guy who is planning for his retirement at the end of the year.

Marc

10-19-2006, 08:24 PM

I read a funny blog post about Tiki today. It's one thing to retire early like Robert Smith did to become a doctor (I believe), it's another to be a TV anchor who is essentially a well-groomed robot who reads prompters. Not exactly something noble to rush to. :D

#99

10-20-2006, 12:50 PM

Ah, but it is stable and less painful than getting smashed on 20-25 carries a game. ;)

Let's talk this Sunday's best game. You gotta believe that it's Carolina vs Cincinnati. I tabbed the Panthers as the NFC's best back in August and I'm sticking to it. They've been quietly riding a five-game win streak since opening 0-2. The Carolina Panthers, provided Steve Smith stays healthy, are the team to beat in the NFC. Not the Saints, who have overshadowed their division rivals so far, but the Panthers. Keyshawn is fitting in very well, things are really starting to come together.

The Bengals need to right the ship immediately to bar a major slide. The offense can get yardage all day, but is suddenly struggling to score points. The defense is lacking in personel either through injury (David Pollack may never play football again) or for legal issues (Odell Thurman is a year away from prison). You have to trust that Marvin Lewis will flex his coaching muscles to somehow keep the Bengals in playoff contention down the stretch, but will he have the players he needs on defense?

Big game. Could make the Panthers. Could break the Bengals.

boston_aloha

10-20-2006, 11:13 PM

It's one thing to retire early like Robert Smith did to become a doctor (I believe), it's another to be a TV anchor who is essentially a well-groomed robot who reads prompters. Not exactly something noble to rush to. :D
I get what you mean... but I think if its in his heart, he needs to do what he wants. I don't think the job really matters. I don't think a doctor's job is any more noble than the person serving french fries. We all do what we want to do, love it or not, everyone's job is important IMO.

Ellis

10-20-2006, 11:39 PM

Does is concern anyone else that we're just a 1/3 of the way through the season and Tiki Barber is already talking retirement? If I'm a Giants fan, I'd wonder where his head is at, right now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2630407&POLL261=10000000

What an idiot. He is on a franchise that has a fairly young offense and can be good for at least another three years. Jacobs is good, but there is no way that they will be the same team without Barber.

I would say that if he stayed there, with just about the same offense in tact, and a decent defense, they could easily make a Super Bowl in the next three years.

boston_aloha

10-21-2006, 12:18 AM

I'm not sure we people are judging him. If his heart's not in it - who are we to call him an "idiot" or say he is "stupid" to walk away.

Ellis

10-21-2006, 02:18 AM

I'm not sure we people are judging him. If his heart's not in it - who are we to call him an "idiot" or say he is "stupid" to walk away.

I agree that if his heart isn't in it, he shouldn't force himself to play. The thing that bothers me about it though is that he has a fairly young team (with a few exceptions) that really could be Super Bowl contenders over the next few years. I don't know if they will still be Super Bowl contenders with out him. Jacobs is good, but they have a nice mix of running styles between the two of them. It isn't like he Barber is that old. It would just be nice if he would stick out a couple of more years with his team and try and win a Super Bowl.

boston_aloha

10-21-2006, 02:39 AM

Oh, I agree 100% - no doubt he has a few years left - good years too!!
I was just defending his choice - I saw an interview (I'm sure you all saw it too) and he said, its not about $$, he spoke with Barry Sanders, and he's just losing the passion, ya know? He is still focused in this year 2006, and thats good.

Tarkus

10-22-2006, 01:33 PM

Bears bye week....

What to do?...What to do???

http://www.filehigh.com/serve/5293/143016.gif

Dublin Mike

10-22-2006, 01:49 PM

Bears bye week....

What to do?...What to do???

http://www.filehigh.com/serve/5293/143016.gif

Sit around and lick yourself? :P

I don't fault Barber. He doesn't want to be like other NFL backs who have taken such a pounding that they can barely walk when they hit 50. I can't say I would do the same, but I see why he would want to get out now.

buckeyefan78

10-22-2006, 03:40 PM

Bears bye week....

What to do?...What to do???

http://www.filehigh.com/serve/5293/143016.gif

I see you lost a few pounds Tark. Atkins or South Beach diet? :P

MountaineerDave

10-22-2006, 07:14 PM

Tiki won't define his career by Super Bowl rings.
Many fans will. Hall of Fame voters will. Tiki won't, and that's his prerogative.

Only because we, the fans, are such judgmental assholes will his prerogative somehow be defamed as stupid, thoughtless, or selfish.

If he's happy with the way his career has gone, is happy to be able to walk without a noticeable limp, still has his brain mostly intact (Dan Morgan, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, et. al. could be so lucky)... then we should really just shut up and wish him well.

Of course, that'll never happen in a billion years.

HibachiDG

10-22-2006, 07:34 PM

The Raiders...were Who We Thought They Were! You Want To Crown 'em? Then Crown They Asses!

Billy D

10-22-2006, 09:27 PM

The Raiders...were Who We Thought They Were! You Want To Crown 'em? Then Crown They Asses!

lol. Long live the Kings!... of something

Tarkus

10-23-2006, 12:40 AM

:lol: , Mike...That's a thought...

I see you lost a few pounds Tark. Atkins or South Beach diet? :P

:lol:

Remember, a picture adds a hundred pounds or so....;)

The Steelers outdid Santa by presenting the Falcons with a gift of a victory. They should have walked away with this game but decided to be a giver, not a taker...:rolleyes:

Even with McNabb taking time out to do a "chunky" commercial late, he still put the Eagles on top, only to watch a 62 yarder bite 'em in the ass . What a rough couple of weeks, losing in the final seconds...

I love how Arizona proved their worth with their lettin' the Raiders out of the winless column. Leinhart showed he wasn't the next coming of Joe Montana with a rookie showing more to his experience...

Panthers being in a giving mood to by handing one over to the stumbling Bengals 17-14. Tis the season....

Saban's probably checkin' the college ranks for an opening after the 'Phins bow to the Pack 34-24. How you expect Joey Harrington to get you wins by having him chuck up 62 attempts is unfathomable...

Seahawks goin' in the can with a loss to Minny 31-13 & Hasselbeck hurt. It didn't look good...

Ellis

10-23-2006, 01:40 AM

You can write the Steelers off now. I don't even know where they can go with the team they have no. Average receiving car. Vulnerable QB. A RB core with no depth. The defense is still pretty good, but a little banged up.

In the off-season they really need to pick up a legit RB. Also, I hope that Roethlisburger can stay healthy. I am no doctor, but you have to imagine that after that motorcycle accident, he is was more vulnerable to any kind of head trauma. Ward is still a great WR, but other than that, we have a pretty dry receiving core.

I guess all I can do now is root for the Giants. I would love to see them win Super Bowl.

Anthony

10-23-2006, 10:50 AM

Dave brings up an interesting point, even if inadvertantly - and that is that running backs get a free pass for not getting a Super Bowl ring (see O.J. Simpson, Eric Dickerson and Barry Sanders, among others, in addition to Tiki Barber) in ways that quarterbacks - and also head coaches - do not.

And while much will be said about the Eagles losing back-to-back games on walk-off field goals - what about the 27 points they have scored in the first half of their last four games? They're leaving themselves with too much to do in the second half.

As for the Steelers: Why they aren't getting Najeh Davenport more involved in the offense is a big-time mystery. Maybe he's not fully recovered from last year's injury?

Matt Leinart: Not that I'm a local fan or anything, but it serves him right for dissing the 49ers' organization the way he did. It ended up costing him millions, if not tens of millions, of dollars, plus it has apparently resulted in him going to an even crummer team.

Can't resist saying this about Miami: Would Ted Cottrell be 1-6?

Finally, today's MRI on Matt Hasselbeck may once again prove the inescapability of the Super Bowl Runner-Up Jinx.

bama4256

10-23-2006, 10:57 AM

Denver may not have much of an offense, but their defense is awesome. Rookie DE Elvis Dumervil out of the University of Louisville had three sacks on the day.

The rest of the defense held Cleveland to a total of 165 yards.

coachJ

10-23-2006, 02:03 PM

bama4256

10-23-2006, 03:10 PM

WR Marvin Harrison surpassed Irving Fryar on the receiving yardage all time list this past Sunday. Harrison now ranks eighth. What a great career and it is nowhere near over.

doublee

10-23-2006, 06:32 PM

Denver is sort of like the Bears. Hardly no offense, and a great defense. That is surprising since the addition of Javon Walker should have given them a good WR corp, and i don't think losing Dayne and Anderson would have been too much for the RB depth to overcome. This offense was one of the best last year, but even with the good additions this year they arent able to get much going.

Not really. While I can buy into the idea that the Bears are not an offensive juggernaut the team does lead the league in points scored and is in the top half of the league in total yards. Denver is in the bottom third and yardage and only the Raiders have scored fewer points.

bama4256

10-25-2006, 10:33 AM

I predict a victory for the Arizona Cardinals in Green Bay this week and if they lose Dennis Green needs to fire himself.

NY Jay 05

10-25-2006, 08:26 PM

Who would have thought at this point that the Jets would be in 2nd in the AFC East at 4-3 and the Dolphins would be in last at 1-6? :thumbup:

doublee

10-26-2006, 06:06 PM

Not me, I would have thought just the opposite. While I may not have sipping the Miami Kool-Aid at the beginning of the year I still thought they would be in the 8-10 win range and possibly slide into the playoffs.

NY Jay 05

10-26-2006, 07:59 PM

Not me, I would have thought just the opposite.

Yep, same with me. It's a pleasant surprise, and it's actually been fun to watch the Jets play this season so far.

HibachiDG

10-27-2006, 12:46 AM

Days like today make me proud to have Chad Johnson on my fantasy team.

Marc

10-28-2006, 01:56 PM

Tarkus

10-28-2006, 04:21 PM

A.J. Hawk led the team in tackles last week and is improving every game. Watch out, Brain Urlacher.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

boston_aloha

10-28-2006, 09:37 PM

Tark I was looking for your opinion (and others) in that "D" wins championships" thread. Your Bears are the frontrunner!!

I logged on the ESPN.com the other day and wanted to read up on the some football.... no kidding, EVERY article I was interested in was "insider only"!!!! That's such crap. I know we've talked about this before - so I don't want to beat the dead horse - but ESPN can be such a pain and a little bi-atch (IMO). Just give me some damn news!!

And BTW - I find it hilarious that Joe Thiesman's take is "insider only"!! LOL give me a break! I like Joe on TV, I know he's ALWAYS politically correct - but right now he's 10x's better than TK on MNF.

Tarkus

10-29-2006, 02:38 PM

Tark I was looking for your opinion (and others) in that "D" wins championships" thread. Your Bears are the frontrunner!!

I've decided to let the stats speak for themselves. Those who doubt Grossman will just have to see. He's had a game & a half of bad (Cards & first half in Minny) while the D has been staunch for years & only has gotten better.

D wins championships but they have to have a decent offense who makes few critical mistakes. The Bears have the D & apparently the O, now we just see if Grossman can learn from his risky mistakes. I'm optimistic...

Bears are just destroying the 49ers 41-0 at the end of the 1st half. I believe the TOs total 4 resulting in 28 pts. Rex is 18-22 for 202...

So much for those who discounted Grossman based on an obvious letdown game against Arizona. This kid can play....

Tarkus

10-29-2006, 04:37 PM

Final...Bears 41-10...

A couple of late scores aughta piss off the Bear D for next week. It's hard to keep focused with a huge lead but the good thing is that the D doesn't like excuses. They should take this personal...

Miami better be ready next week...

Dublin Mike

10-29-2006, 07:09 PM

Wow. Maybe I need to change my sig line. I figured last week was just an aberration, but it looks like Vick may finally be "getting it."

Alex

10-29-2006, 07:58 PM

Packers have the Cardinals and Bills up next. I see a possible three-game winning streak forming after their bye they had the week before last. That may be all the young team needs to gain confidence and momentum.

A.J. Hawk led the team in tackles last week and is improving every game. Watch out, Brain Urlacher. Also, Favre hasn't thrown an INT in two straight games! And Ahman Green returned with a 70-yard break-away run for TD last week, showing us he still has speed and big-play potential. If only they had paid Javon Walker ... what if. But I'm somewhat optimistic about the rest of the season.

I'll be more optomistic when the Packers beat a team other than the three with one win.

The Packers certainly look better but they need to prove themselves against some better teams. November will be sink or swim for the Packers. At Buffalo, at Minnesota, vs New England and at Seattle. Split those games and maybe the Packers can circle the wagons in December and make a push for the play offs.

I'm really looking forward to the New England game. Not because I think the Packers are going to make some sort of statement but because it will only be the second time all season that I get to watch them on TV. The Monday night game with Philly is the only one I've seen so far. I think that's an all time low. I used to be able to watch 10+ games a season. Boy were those the days. :(

doublee

10-29-2006, 08:33 PM

Wow, how bad are the Steelers right now? Big Ben takes 5 sacks and throws 4 picks against the freakin' Raiders. This team cannot sink any lower than that abysmal performance today.

The Eagles need to stop bemoaning the idea that they should have six or seven wins right now and actually start winning some games. That performance by the offense today was down right embarrasing to watch. The execution was downright horrid they played like they were looking forward to the bye week coming up just now focus at all on offense. The run defense was awful as well I have never in my life seen more missed tackles and the LBs were nonexistant. I can't remember the last time I saw an Eagles game where Trotter was in on only three tackles.

dirtywhiteboy

10-29-2006, 09:59 PM

catman

10-29-2006, 11:56 PM

I must say I'm impressed with the Cowboys performance tonight. If they continue playing this way, they will win a lot more games this season.

catman

10-30-2006, 12:27 PM

Question for today -- "Can the Vikings score points on the Pats' Defense?"

#99

10-30-2006, 03:04 PM

Wow, how bad are the Steelers right now? Big Ben takes 5 sacks and throws 4 picks against the freakin' Raiders. This team cannot sink any lower than that abysmal performance today.

Pretty shocking, I admit, but that Raiders defense is really stepping up this season -- especially recently. The bigger cause for concern is that Oakland didn't score a single offensive touchdown and still beat the Steelers.
We're like the Bears! Well... almost. Three in a row against Seattle next week? It's on the road, but Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris are no Matt Hasselback and Shaun Alexander. There's a chance. A slim chance, but a chance.Seahawks are sliding.

Quick notes, 8 weeks in...
Losing faith in: Carolina Panthers

Confounded by: Jacksonville Jaguars

What's happening to: Philadelphia Eagles

Untested, therefore unproven (even if they can hang 40+ points on the 49ers): Chicago Bears

New (yet seemingly always) worst team in the league: Arizona Cardinals

A believer in: New York Giants

Still don't believe in: Dallas Cowboys

Their staggering inability to stop the run will eventually kill them: Indianapolis Colts

NY Jay 05

10-30-2006, 03:31 PM

And the Jets serve up an embarassing loss to the Browns. They let Reuben Droughns run wild on them and their offense looked clueless. Still, 4-4 going into their bye week is better than I had expected at the beginning of the season. I still think Chris Baker would have come down in bounds after that amazing catch to end the game, but that doesn't make up for the Jets less than impressive performance throughout the entire game.

Oh yea, and Justin Miller...your my boy. :thumbup:

doublee

10-30-2006, 06:29 PM

I must say I'm impressed with the Cowboys performance tonight. If they continue playing this way, they will win a lot more games this season.

Meh, for as well as the Cowboys played the Panthers seemed that disinterested in playing after the Cowboys refused to roll over for them. Not to mention the Panthers were just downright careless when it came to protecting the ball last night. The Panthers gave that one away as much as the Cowboys won it.

Was anyone else waiting for Al Micheals to propose to Romo during the game last night? If I didn't know any better I could have sworn I was listening to Dallas' broadcast team call that game last night.

themush

10-30-2006, 06:42 PM

Well my Bucs seem to be jockeying for draft position now.

doublee

10-30-2006, 06:43 PM

Quick notes, 8 weeks in...
Losing faith in: Carolina Panthers

I'd throw the Bengals on that list as well as the Eagles. I kind of expected Philly to lose to the Saints and when the lost to the Bucs I thought, "Okay, the Bucs were supposed to be a good team this year maybe they are starting to get it together after beating the Bengals." But, after yesterday's embarrasing offensive display at home against a team that was winless on the road I really don't know what to think.

I thought the Bengals would be a legit contender but after losing two of three and barely squeaking by the Panthers at home they seem to be fading.

Confounded by: Jacksonville Jaguars

St. Louis for me. They beat Denver to open the season then promptly lose to San Francisco. They then beat Arizona, Detroit, and Green Bay then lose to a beat up Seattle team and San Diego.

What's happening to: Philadelphia Eagles

I wish I knew.

Untested, therefore unproven (even if they can hang 40+ points on the 49ers): Chicago Bears

Agreed.
New (yet seemingly always) worst team in the league: Arizona Cardinals

Green lost his team after the Bears game. I would not be at all surprised if this team only wins one or two more games this year. The only reason Dennis Green might have a job next year is due to the cheap Bidwell family not wanting to pay him to sit at home next year.

A believer in: New York Giants

I don't know I just don't trust Eli to win a big game if the running game is not there to support him. He still cannot seem to put it altogether to the point where he is playing consistently on the road.

Still don't believe in: Dallas Cowboys

Same here.

Their staggering inability to stop the run will eventually kill them: Indianapolis Colts

Agreed. It will be interesting to see what happens against the two headed monster of Maroney and Dillon next week against New England.

boston_aloha

10-31-2006, 12:18 AM

Manning was 32-37, around 350 yards, and managed a game-winning drive...his 3rd of the season. I seem to remember someone around here that liked to point out that Manning couldn't win a big game. Denver had the best defense as far as points allowed, the game was on the road - against a 1 loss team, and Peyton just rolled on. For those of you that live outside of the Indy market, I hope you had a chance to watch this year's MVP.
I'll go on the record as one of those who said it :D That last drive was very impressive... but that was just a win in Denver - not "the big game". A win next weel in New England will be huge too - but again, not the big one.

On tonight's note: Impressive game by NE. All week I was saying "I can't wait to see Dillon and Maroney against the #1 run defense" and the Patriots instead just throw all over Minn. They even had a few good runs when the they did attempt it. Defense did not allow any offensive points- good job.
Next Sunday's night game should be a great one. :thumbup:

Tarkus

10-31-2006, 01:01 AM

I've been content as a Bear fan to just let the Bears play speak for themselves but I do wonder on speculation & comments along the lines of this:

Untested, therefore unproven (even if they can hang 40+ points on the 49ers): Chicago Bears

It's almost like the fact that the Bear D that basically made that 11-5 record last year & is stronger/deeper this year isn't around anymore & now with an offense that is proving that they're much better than last years's version is untested.

True, better competition would help in the long run but regardless, their doing what's expected with inferior teams...destroying them. Plus, all of a sudden, the blowout of Seattle 37-6 after all the ballyhoo from the 'Hawks pounding of the Giants the week before & their 'dangerous' & uncoverable 4 WR set is not even in the mix. Just seems kind of odd...

I wouldn't say they're the best in the league but they're right there in any conversation about who is IMO...

suedon1970

10-31-2006, 01:48 PM

Well my Bucs seem to be jockeying for draft position now.

The most atrocious play calling by Gruden I have EVER seen. Thirteen rushes for 40 yards? 48 pass plays in swirling 30MPH wind?:redhot:

#99

10-31-2006, 02:05 PM

I've been content as a Bear fan to just let the Bears play speak for themselves but I do wonder on speculation & comments along the lines of this:

It's almost like the fact that the Bear D that basically made that 11-5 record last year & is stronger/deeper this year isn't around anymore & now with an offense that is proving that they're much better than last years's version is untested.

True, better competition would help in the long run but regardless, their doing what's expected with inferior teams...destroying them. Plus, all of a sudden, the blowout of Seattle 37-6 after all the ballyhoo from the 'Hawks pounding of the Giants the week before & their 'dangerous' & uncoverable 4 WR set is not even in the mix. Just seems kind of odd...

I wouldn't say they're the best in the league but they're right there in any conversation about who is IMO...

You're absolutely right. If there's a discussion about who the best teams in the league are, right now, Chicago is definitely in the mix. And, yes, they're do what's asked of them. But even you acknowledge that the Seattle win is looking less and less impressive. Aside from that game, escaping Minnesota is the only notable (at least in some circles) opponent the Bears have beaten so far. It isn't at all unheard of to call a team that has beaten up on the Packers, Lions, Bills, and 49ers untested. The Bears defense carried last year's squad, absolutely, and running up high scores against the lowest of the low would give the appearance that the offense is vastly improved, but the Arizona game alone should give everyone plenty of reason to doubt. The Bears are not signed, sealed, delivered champions yet. Unfair to attack their schedule? Perhaps. But that's the breaks. People's opinions may just as easily be swayed one way or the other after they play the Giants and Patriots, both of which should provide a pretty good barometer of how strong the Bears really are.

boston_aloha

10-31-2006, 03:24 PM

suedon1970

10-31-2006, 04:13 PM

I think Tony Kornheiser really needs to go on MNF. He reminds me if Dennis Miller! This guy brings nothing to the mix. Last night he was either making fun of homeless people in comparrison to Belichick's sweatshirt (which I thought was pretty rude by the second or third comment - rude to homeless people living in shelters that is) or he talks about his fantasy team. Sreriously, does anybody care about his fantasy team? I hope he's not brought back next year. I like him on PTI, but he has no place in the booth IMO.

Agree. I have watched games where Kornheiser will just ramble and ramble during a very crucial moment in a game and you can just sense Tirico wanting to shut him up so he can explain the situation on the field!

doublee

10-31-2006, 06:47 PM

I guess the Vikings just are not ready to play with the big boys just yet. The sad thing is the Viking should end up at 8-3 and everyone will be telling us how great they are after steamrolling the dregs of the NFC over the next month.

As for QB performances this week I am far more impressed with what Brady did as opposed to Manning. Manning should be putting up those kinds of numbers with the talent he has around him at the skill positions. Brady has little to work with and just torched the Vikes last night.

As for folks bagging on Manning not winning the big one. First off Manning always beats the Broncos does he not? Or, at least he has the past few times he has played them. That game will be a mere afterthought if he flames out in the playoffs again. Nobody cares what you do in a regular season game if you can't get it done in the postseason; especially when you play QB.

#99

10-31-2006, 08:44 PM

I think Tony Kornheiser really needs to go on MNF. He reminds me if Dennis Miller! This guy brings nothing to the mix. Last night he was either making fun of homeless people in comparrison to Belichick's sweatshirt (which I thought was pretty rude by the second or third comment - rude to homeless people living in shelters that is) or he talks about his fantasy team. Sreriously, does anybody care about his fantasy team? I hope he's not brought back next year. I like him on PTI, but he has no place in the booth IMO.

Seriously! It's enough to make me want to put a sledge hammer through his stupid face! Never liked Kornholer.

And yes, anyone championing Peyton Manning, at least make the effort to wait until the playoffs. We all know that the Colts are Captain Regular Season. This Colts team isn't winning the Superbowl, either.

Marc

10-31-2006, 08:51 PM

Tarkus

10-31-2006, 10:36 PM

You're absolutely right. If there's a discussion about who the best teams in the league are, right now, Chicago is definitely in the mix. And, yes, they're do what's asked of them. But even you acknowledge that the Seattle win is looking less and less impressive.

Actually Seattle's, the defending NFC Champs, woes were nothing before the Bear game. The following game with the Rams, they pulled out a close one 30-28 & then in a tie game with the Vikings, Hasselback went down with a knee injury. The subsequent loss of him & then the game has impacted their standing at the moment.

To hear how the win keeps losing it's 'luster' is basing that view on comparing the team that played the Bears to a team now without it's starting QB. Everything is projection but it's just odd even that game is now being tossed out due to the 'Hawks troubles after the fact...

Aside from that game, escaping Minnesota is the only notable (at least in some circles) opponent the Bears have beaten so far. It isn't at all unheard of to call a team that has beaten up on the Packers, Lions, Bills, and 49ers untested.

As much as some slam the Vikings, they're a tough game for most they've played. They're solid on D & while not scary, still efficient with Johnson at QB & are 4-3 after being humbled by a hot Pat squad...

The Bills have lost by 2 to the Pats, a tough one to the Jets 28-20, the same Jets who almost beat the Colts but lost in the final minute, who were helped by a fumble returned for a TD, & then what could be considered a hangover road game loss to the Lions 20-17 the week after the Bear blowout. The Pats kept them down with a 28-6 spanking...

So I'll agree that the Packers & Lions are not much comp with the 49ers a JV squad, but I wouldn't just toss out the 'Hawks, Vikings, & Bills away with a wave of the hand. Not easy pushovers by any stretch IMO...

The Bears defense carried last year's squad, absolutely, and running up high scores against the lowest of the low would give the appearance that the offense is vastly improved, but the Arizona game alone should give everyone plenty of reason to doubt.

I'm going to have to assume that you haven't watched any of the Bear games. It's not how many points that has a lot of the media giving the Bears offense props but how it's getting done. Grossman is basically a red shirted rookie due to injuries for the last few seasons but his quick release, accuracy, spreading the ball, touch, etc., has impressed quite a few football people. His big ?mark is staying away from the rookie reads/risks that come with his inexperience. They're solid at WR with Muhammed & Berrian, solid at TE with Des Clark & while they're just starting to get the run game going, still the same squad from last year's success.

The Arizona game brought the question if it was all smoke & mirrors to some but if they'd watched the game, it was more than obvious Grossman was trying for the homerun ball all game. There was tons of plays to be made underneath that he constantly ignored. He didn't take what the D was giving & the Cards were laying back in wait for Rex to force the issue & like an addle brained rookie, he obliged.

The 49er game showed him take what was given & he was crisp & on target all day. Not once did he go deep. So he showed that he learned that while everyone dared him to go long before the Card game & he was successful, teams who now would lay back, would still give plenty of opportunity for completions underneath which he exploited.

Bottom line is that the Bear offense has shown they can put points on the board & more than last year's offense. Coupling that with the same stingy, tough D has the idea that they're for real be almost a given. Hell, with even less experience, Grossman & last year's offense put up over 20 points in last year's playoffs against the Panthers. If the Bear D had stayed true to form, didn't come in flat & had adjusted during the game, there was enough points from the offense to advance.

The Bears are not signed, sealed, delivered champions yet. Unfair to attack their schedule? Perhaps. But that's the breaks. People's opinions may just as easily be swayed one way or the other after they play the Giants and Patriots, both of which should provide a pretty good barometer of how strong the Bears really are.

I never implied anyone should crown them. As a matter of fact, I just questioned the term "untested". It's like a loss or like the Cards game they should've, but didn't, lose, would have them plummet as far as their standing. 3 straight road games against the Giants, Jets, & Pats will be a tough test but not to see if they're for real but that if they lose any of them, if they'll learn from them. Hell, the Colts have won 4 of their games by the staggering total of 12 points but a loss here or there wouldn't have them a middle of the pack team. Besides I didn't find those games so much a test for them as much as showing their major weaknesses.

The Bears'll probably lose a handful by the end of the year but they've already shown a knack from learning from their mistakes. I just don't see this as some sort of Cinderella team nor do I see any comp out there that's head & shoulders above where they sit at this stage...

boston_aloha

10-31-2006, 10:59 PM

I love Kornheiser on PTI ... but he's AWFUL on MNF. He kept going on about T.O. during the Packers' MNF game a while back. I hate when announcers go off-topic, especially on such an old topic I'm sick of. Kornheiser seems to think memorizing stats makes him knowledgeable, but he doesn't fit. I'd rather have real insight than attempts at humor. So for me, the surprising thing is how much I hate him on MNF, yet I still love him on PTI.
I honestly miss Joe Theisman and Paul Mac going at it. They would always disagree... but it made me laugh. I'd rather be laughing at the two, then have the "angry" feeling I get a TK telling him to "shut up".

#99

11-01-2006, 01:24 PM

Actually Seattle's, the defending NFC Champs, woes were nothing before the Bear game. The following game with the Rams, they pulled out a close one 30-28 & then in a tie game with the Vikings, Hasselback went down with a knee injury. The subsequent loss of him & then the game has impacted their standing at the moment.

To hear how the win keeps losing it's 'luster' is basing that view on comparing the team that played the Bears to a team now without it's starting QB. Everything is projection but it's just odd even that game is now being tossed out due to the 'Hawks troubles after the fact...

As much as some slam the Vikings, they're a tough game for most they've played. They're solid on D & while not scary, still efficient with Johnson at QB & are 4-3 after being humbled by a hot Pat squad...

The Bills have lost by 2 to the Pats, a tough one to the Jets 28-20, the same Jets who almost beat the Colts but lost in the final minute, who were helped by a fumble returned for a TD, & then what could be considered a hangover road game loss to the Lions 20-17 the week after the Bear blowout. The Pats kept them down with a 28-6 spanking...

So I'll agree that the Packers & Lions are not much comp with the 49ers a JV squad, but I wouldn't just toss out the 'Hawks, Vikings, & Bills away with a wave of the hand. Not easy pushovers by any stretch IMO...

I'm going to have to assume that you haven't watched any of the Bear games. It's not how many points that has a lot of the media giving the Bears offense props but how it's getting done. Grossman is basically a red shirted rookie due to injuries for the last few seasons but his quick release, accuracy, spreading the ball, touch, etc., has impressed quite a few football people. His big ?mark is staying away from the rookie reads/risks that come with his inexperience. They're solid at WR with Muhammed & Berrian, solid at TE with Des Clark & while they're just starting to get the run game going, still the same squad from last year's success.

The Arizona game brought the question if it was all smoke & mirrors to some but if they'd watched the game, it was more than obvious Grossman was trying for the homerun ball all game. There was tons of plays to be made underneath that he constantly ignored. He didn't take what the D was giving & the Cards were laying back in wait for Rex to force the issue & like an addle brained rookie, he obliged.

The 49er game showed him take what was given & he was crisp & on target all day. Not once did he go deep. So he showed that he learned that while everyone dared him to go long before the Card game & he was successful, teams who now would lay back, would still give plenty of opportunity for completions underneath which he exploited.

Bottom line is that the Bear offense has shown they can put points on the board & more than last year's offense. Coupling that with the same stingy, tough D has the idea that they're for real be almost a given. Hell, with even less experience, Grossman & last year's offense put up over 20 points in last year's playoffs against the Panthers. If the Bear D had stayed true to form, didn't come in flat & had adjusted during the game, there was enough points from the offense to advance.

I never implied anyone should crown them. As a matter of fact, I just questioned the term "untested". It's like a loss or like the Cards game they should've, but didn't, lose, would have them plummet as far as their standing. 3 straight road games against the Giants, Jets, & Pats will be a tough test but not to see if they're for real but that if they lose any of them, if they'll learn from them. Hell, the Colts have won 4 of their games by the staggering total of 12 points but a loss here or there wouldn't have them a middle of the pack team. Besides I didn't find those games so much a test for them as much as showing their major weaknesses.

The Bears'll probably lose a handful by the end of the year but they've already shown a knack from learning from their mistakes. I just don't see this as some sort of Cinderella team nor do I see any comp out there that's head & shoulders above where they sit at this stage...

Fair points, all of them and, right off the bat, I don't think ANYONE is head and shoulders by themselves above the rest of the league. I can't argue that the Seahawks contest wasn't highly anticipated or that the Vikings are a shlub team to be dismissed (the latter, I never said). What I can't accept is the defense of Buffalo ("good" teams beat the Jets and Lions) or that the Chicago defense is above reproach. To the second point, my criticism is aimed specifically at Rex Grossman. I'm not convinced that he is all the way proven and has the ability to win big ones on the road. He's definitely an improvement over Kyle Orton, but not unknown to make some big mistakes (nearly cost them the Minnesota game).

Yeah, I've seen a few Bears games this year. I've also seen the Colts, too, and I don't like the look of them either. :D

If it came to it, I think Chicago would probably smoke the Colts. Again, we'll see where Grossman & co. stand after the Giants and Pats -- two games they can certainly win, but also the two best teams by a long shot on their schedule. Again, in the NFL, it's all relative.

Tarkus

11-01-2006, 07:31 PM

Fair points, all of them and, right off the bat, I don't think ANYONE is head and shoulders by themselves above the rest of the league. I can't argue that the Seahawks contest wasn't highly anticipated or that the Vikings are a shlub team to be dismissed (the latter, I never said).

I was just generalizing on hearing the Vikings comments across other media/boards. Didn't mean to appear that I was putting words in your mouth...sorry...

What I can't accept is the defense of Buffalo ("good" teams beat the Jets and Lions) or that the Chicago defense is above reproach.

My point was more that they've played decent Ds as opposed to out & out bums. I agree 100% that they aren't above reproach. They have me constantly on the edge of my seat during games even when they're goin' good. I almost had a stroke when Gore broke off that 53 yard run as an example. They do have their weaknesses....I haven't forgotten last years Panther game....:mad:

To the second point, my criticism is aimed specifically at Rex Grossman. I'm not convinced that he is all the way proven and has the ability to win big ones on the road. He's definitely an improvement over Kyle Orton, but not unknown to make some big mistakes (nearly cost them the Minnesota game).

I agree again. It's just that I think he's capable of making the solid to great throws to move the ball but you're also right that he may show up in a critical game dressed as the Grossman from the Vikes/Cards games.

Yeah, I've seen a few Bears games this year. I've also seen the Colts, too, and I don't like the look of them either. :D

:lol:

If it came to it, I think Chicago would probably smoke the Colts. Again, we'll see where Grossman & co. stand after the Giants and Pats -- two games they can certainly win, but also the two best teams by a long shot on their schedule. Again, in the NFL, it's all relative.

I'm torn on those 2 games. I'm not sure a major Panther playoff spanking gave them enough of a lesson to stay at this next level. Maybe they'll get another spanking or possibly 2, God forbid...:P , from the Giants or the Pats before they learn what it takes.

I just see the NFL landscape to be pretty barren of teams that can't be had, 1 Sunday or another. The Pats seem to be winning on moxy/experience, the Colts with offense, with the rest of the league up & down across the board.

I probably was reacting more from hearing the term "untested" used elsewhere with more denial to some of my points. Your breakdown is a level headed view which I actually agree with.

I don't know how good they are either....:D