NFL: New England / Boston

Off Topic
21

[quote]bulldogmedic wrote:
A lot of calls go the way of the Pats, last night and throughout the season. I don’t know if it is an agenda like RJ said, or just unconcious bias (giving them the benefit of the doubt). There is certainly media bias, every announcer seems to love them

But, like them or not, they are the team to watch. If you like them, you want to watch the game and see them stomp the oppenent. You want to see the records broken. If you hate them, you’ll watch to see them lose. I don’t know the numbers, but I’d bet attendance and TV audience is up much above average. If that is the case, I’d suspect those numbers would grow until they lose once, or win it all.[/quote]

Yea your right, and guess what? The final game of the regular season, the biggest game in decades (if they’re still undeafeated), against the NY football giants is going to be on NFL network. They have every reason to make sure that is the most watched game of the regular season. I honestly don’t believe its an agenda the NFL has but calls do go the pats way all the time.

22

[quote]bulldogmedic wrote:
…
But, like them or not, they are the team to watch. If you like them, you want to watch the game and see them stomp the oppenent. You want to see the records broken. If you hate them, you’ll watch to see them lose. I don’t know the numbers, but I’d bet attendance and TV audience is up much above average. If that is the case, I’d suspect those numbers would grow until they lose once, or win it all.[/quote]

Really makes you wonder why the NFL seemed hell-bent on having 32 8-8 teams a few years ago. That’s not parity, that’s mediocrity and made for shitty football.

Now that it seems a handful of teams have begun to figure out the system and are staying on top, it’ll be interesting to see whether the NFL will shake up their player structure to bring back extreme parity.

I hope that stupid “parity” delusion was a Tagliabue thing and Goodell sees that having a small group of elite teams makes the league a lot more interesting.

23

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:
PS, I’m pretty sure you meant “new england/baltimore.” hah[/quote]

Yeah yeah… I was thinking of the World Series, as I was on ESPN.com for the second half and just surfing around. Close enough, right?

I do agree that NE has a weak defense in comparison to their offense, but the best defense is a good offense. Of course if your offense starts to falter a bit like this game then the whole team seems to be “average.” Unfortunately for NE, since they rely so much on their passing game, if it ever does break down they don’t have much to reliably back it up with.

24

I think NE will smoke Pittsburgh next week. I’m not an NE fan by any means but they are clearly doing something special. I think Baltimore played absolutely inspired last night and to be able to survive that kind of effort is a testament to just how good NE is.

I think stuff like this is often overblown but it was obvious that Lewis, Reed and McGahee were putting absolutely everything they had into the game to honor their fallen teammate. That is 3 guys who are among the best in the league playing some of their best football.

Pittsburgh is a very good team, they are better overall than Philly or Baltimore but one thing I don’t know if they are going to be able to do is contain Moss, Welker and Stallworth as well. Philly and Baltimore has some physical corners who were able to press up and it seemed like that was very effective. I could see NE producing some big plays against Pitt. The question will be whether NE can make adjustments on defense. I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.

25

Wait, the Patriots aren’t perfect?!?!?! They don’t have the best running game, best passing game, best pass defense, best run defense, and greatest special teams ever?!?!

You’re trying to tell me that the Patriots are not the only completely perfect team ever to grace the NFL!?!?!

/Sarcasm (for those completely devoid of 2nd grade reading comprehension)

You know who wins the superbowl every year? It’s real simple. Teams that play sound, fundamental football and OVERALL have a good team that doesn’t make a whole lot of mistakes. Teams who have a good offensive AND defensive unit. NE has that. They played some rough games, but the end result is that they still won. It wasn’t pretty, but they did it.

A lot of people are saying by looking at different games you can expose the Patriots weaknesses. While this is true, one also must realize that not every team can duplicate success. How many teams are going to be able to play as agressive and talented on defense as Baltimore just did?

Brady had his worst game of the season vs. Baltimore, and now we crucify him and the offense? Because Moss got shut down (still got a TD) that is the game plan to win vs. NE? Did anyone forget there’s still Welker, Stallworth, Maroney, Gaffney, Watson, and Faulk?

I’m an NE fan and I’m sorry if this post comes off biased, but I feel the need to play devil’s advocate so to speak concerning the posts in this thread. No team is perfect in every aspect and no team is invincible and someone would have to be damn foolish to think that there will never be a close game.

Let’s see what happens the rest of the season and in the playoffs.

26

[quote]jtrinsey wrote:
I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.[/quote]

Parker isn’t even in the same fucking league as Westbrook. He’s an average back with above average speed, that’s all.

27

[quote]jtrinsey wrote:
I think NE will smoke Pittsburgh next week. I’m not an NE fan by any means but they are clearly doing something special. I think Baltimore played absolutely inspired last night and to be able to survive that kind of effort is a testament to just how good NE is.

I think stuff like this is often overblown but it was obvious that Lewis, Reed and McGahee were putting absolutely everything they had into the game to honor their fallen teammate. That is 3 guys who are among the best in the league playing some of their best football.

Pittsburgh is a very good team, they are better overall than Philly or Baltimore but one thing I don’t know if they are going to be able to do is contain Moss, Welker and Stallworth as well. Philly and Baltimore has some physical corners who were able to press up and it seemed like that was very effective. I could see NE producing some big plays against Pitt. The question will be whether NE can make adjustments on defense. I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.[/quote]

I don’t see them making that many big plays against pitts unless its just yards after the catch. Pitts will hopfully be blitzing every down like their supposed to and Brady will have to go underneath to the quick passes. They’ll still make yards this way but hopfully pitts can do something to mess up their rythm.

28

[quote]daltron wrote:
Wait, the Patriots aren’t perfect?!?!?! They don’t have the best running game, best passing game, best pass defense, best run defense, and greatest special teams ever?!?!

You’re trying to tell me that the Patriots are not the only completely perfect team ever to grace the NFL!?!?!

/Sarcasm (for those completely devoid of 2nd grade reading comprehension)

You know who wins the superbowl every year? It’s real simple. Teams that play sound, fundamental football and OVERALL have a good team that doesn’t make a whole lot of mistakes. Teams who have a good offensive AND defensive unit. NE has that. They played some rough games, but the end result is that they still won. It wasn’t pretty, but they did it.

A lot of people are saying by looking at different games you can expose the Patriots weaknesses. While this is true, one also must realize that not every team can duplicate success. How many teams are going to be able to play as agressive and talented on defense as Baltimore just did?

Brady had his worst game of the season vs. Baltimore, and now we crucify him and the offense? Because Moss got shut down (still got a TD) that is the game plan to win vs. NE? Did anyone forget there’s still Welker, Stallworth, Maroney, Gaffney, Watson, and Faulk?

I’m an NE fan and I’m sorry if this post comes off biased, but I feel the need to play devil’s advocate so to speak concerning the posts in this thread. No team is perfect in every aspect and no team is invincible and someone would have to be damn foolish to think that there will never be a close game.

Let’s see what happens the rest of the season and in the playoffs.
[/quote]

Very True. I’ve pretty much already conceaded they’ll win the superbowl. Brady’s post season record is phenomanal, much better then mannings. I just really hope they don’t go undefeated. I hate the pats and I dont want them to be the team everyone talks about for the next 30 years b/c they’re the newest undefeated team. I also pray that the superbowl is not cowboys and pats because then I’ll have to get black out drunk.

29

[quote]Steel Nation wrote:
jtrinsey wrote:
I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.

Parker isn’t even in the same fucking league as Westbrook. He’s an average back with above average speed, that’s all.[/quote]

Don’t forget Rothlisburger…His runs aren’t too shabby, especially because they always seem to come on 3rd down to keep drives alive.

30

[quote]rainjack wrote:
Airtruth wrote:
Please I wanted baltimore to win, but that hold was blatant and stupid. Let’s be honest most of the good teams win by not f’king up. Baltimore f’ed up. With the time out and the hold. Even though he would never have been able to stay with him if he didn’t hold him, the guy behind him was there to make a play.

It’s not whether you fuck up or not - it’s if the ref calls it on you.

I counted 6-8 blatant holds that NE was never called for. Moss pushed off big time with no flag.

I’m the last one to wear a tin foil hat, but NE has literally gotten away with murder this season. Makes me wonder if there is an agenda.

I’m pretty sure that if the lat lay had actually made a difference - the refs would have called the massive PI on the Ravens. [/quote]

He was practically begging the ref to call it. He held him facing one direction then practically spun in the air while holding him. Plus you know the last drive ref’s are looking extra hard.

31

[quote]ss847859 wrote:
Steel Nation wrote:
jtrinsey wrote:
I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.

Parker isn’t even in the same fucking league as Westbrook. He’s an average back with above average speed, that’s all.

Don’t forget Rothlisburger…His runs aren’t too shabby, especially because they always seem to come on 3rd down to keep drives alive.[/quote]

The only reason Ben runs at all is because his offensive line doesn’t feel the need to block any oncoming pass rushers. He’s running to stay alive. He’s also not very good at finding and hitting his hot receiver when there is a blitz coming. Both contribute to his tendency to scramble.

The exception would be the 30+ yd gallop he had against the Browns. That was nice.

32

I can fully see NE going undefeated the rest of the season; however, I do think that the Steelers have the best shot of stopping them ESPECIALLY if it’s a sloppy-weather game. Pittsburg seems better suited this year for a ‘grindout’ game as NE is really only dominant with their passing…which the weather can nullify. Plus, their attacking D can rattle Brady.

However, I do not believe NE will win the SB. If the Colts don’t stop them in the playoffs (possible now, as Manning has gotten NE out of his head), then I believe the Packers will beat them in the big game. I expect GB and Dallas to meet again in the NFC picture and Favre will not lose to the Boys again (especially with the way he went out that game). In the SB, I believe the Pack match up well with NE - NE is ‘soft’ on D and running and the Packers can now run the ball and have Woodson and Harris as corners (TWO premier players) that can actually play man-coverage. That means ALOT of underneath stuff to Welker by Brady and GB has great team speed to keep this game manageable. Add in the Magic of Favre as his career winds down and the Cheeseheads will have something to celebrate come January.

BTW - I’m a suffering Raiders fan so there’s no bias here to either team…I have multiple reasons to hate them both.

33

[quote]Steel Nation wrote:
ss847859 wrote:
Steel Nation wrote:
jtrinsey wrote:
I don’t think Parker is quite as good as McGahee or Westbrook but he is pretty close and in a similar mold- fast and shifty and able to catch that ball.

Parker isn’t even in the same fucking league as Westbrook. He’s an average back with above average speed, that’s all.

Don’t forget Rothlisburger…His runs aren’t too shabby, especially because they always seem to come on 3rd down to keep drives alive.

The only reason Ben runs at all is because his offensive line doesn’t feel the need to block any oncoming pass rushers. He’s running to stay alive. He’s also not very good at finding and hitting his hot receiver when there is a blitz coming. Both contribute to his tendency to scramble.

The exception would be the 30+ yd gallop he had against the Browns. That was nice.[/quote]

Its not that he scrambling. He runs at very specific times. Even if hes not getting 30 yards every play theres been plenty of 3rd downs where hes gotten 5 yards or even 10 to keep the offense on the field. Just because its not a big run doesnt mean it isnt a huge factor.

34

[quote]TwistofCain_73 wrote:
I can fully see NE going undefeated the rest of the season; however, I do think that the Steelers have the best shot of stopping them ESPECIALLY if it’s a sloppy-weather game. Pittsburg seems better suited this year for a ‘grindout’ game as NE is really only dominant with their passing…which the weather can nullify. Plus, their attacking D can rattle Brady.

However, I do not believe NE will win the SB. If the Colts don’t stop them in the playoffs (possible now, as Manning has gotten NE out of his head), then I believe the Packers will beat them in the big game. I expect GB and Dallas to meet again in the NFC picture and Favre will not lose to the Boys again (especially with the way he went out that game). In the SB, I believe the Pack match up well with NE - NE is ‘soft’ on D and running and the Packers can now run the ball and have Woodson and Harris as corners (TWO premier players) that can actually play man-coverage. That means ALOT of underneath stuff to Welker by Brady and GB has great team speed to keep this game manageable. Add in the Magic of Favre as his career winds down and the Cheeseheads will have something to celebrate come January.

BTW - I’m a suffering Raiders fan so there’s no bias here to either team…I have multiple reasons to hate them both.[/quote]

The Steelers definetly have the best shot to beat the pats. I don’t think the Giants have a chance in hell and would be less suprised if the jets beat them. The problem about the weather is its going to be in NE, turf, not the heiz field grass. I don’t think it wil be a huge factor, brady can always go underneath if the long ball isnt there b/c of weather.

I pray your right about the SB. I would love to see favre and GB win it all. I dont know if they will get past the cowboys but who knows what woulda happened last week if favre hadnt gone out. I don’t think its definative whether or not the cowboys are a better team. The problem is can anyone in the NFC beat the pats? No. AFC is on a completely different level. Colts may do it but injuries have fucked them up pretty bad.

35

[quote]ss847859 wrote:
… I don’t think the Giants have a chance in hell and would be less suprised if the jets beat them. …[/quote]

Gianst have the pass rush to rattle Brady. I am not sure what the Giants running game will look like. They seem to have some injuries. Eli will probably fuck it up but you never know.

36

[quote]ss847859 wrote:
TwistofCain_73 wrote:
I can fully see NE going undefeated the rest of the season; however, I do think that the Steelers have the best shot of stopping them ESPECIALLY if it’s a sloppy-weather game. Pittsburg seems better suited this year for a ‘grindout’ game as NE is really only dominant with their passing…which the weather can nullify. Plus, their attacking D can rattle Brady.

However, I do not believe NE will win the SB. If the Colts don’t stop them in the playoffs (possible now, as Manning has gotten NE out of his head), then I believe the Packers will beat them in the big game. I expect GB and Dallas to meet again in the NFC picture and Favre will not lose to the Boys again (especially with the way he went out that game). In the SB, I believe the Pack match up well with NE - NE is ‘soft’ on D and running and the Packers can now run the ball and have Woodson and Harris as corners (TWO premier players) that can actually play man-coverage. That means ALOT of underneath stuff to Welker by Brady and GB has great team speed to keep this game manageable. Add in the Magic of Favre as his career winds down and the Cheeseheads will have something to celebrate come January.

BTW - I’m a suffering Raiders fan so there’s no bias here to either team…I have multiple reasons to hate them both.

The Steelers definetly have the best shot to beat the pats. I don’t think the Giants have a chance in hell and would be less suprised if the jets beat them. The problem about the weather is its going to be in NE, turf, not the heiz field grass. I don’t think it wil be a huge factor, brady can always go underneath if the long ball isnt there b/c of weather.

I pray your right about the SB. I would love to see favre and GB win it all. I dont know if they will get past the cowboys but who knows what woulda happened last week if favre hadnt gone out. I don’t think its definative whether or not the cowboys are a better team. The problem is can anyone in the NFC beat the pats? No. AFC is on a completely different level. Colts may do it but injuries have fucked them up pretty bad.
[/quote]

If Favre wouldn’t have gotten hurt then whoever had the cowboys D/ST for fantasy football would have had a hell of a lot more points.

I understand what they were trying to do, air the ball out and score soon and quick, but it wasn’t working. From the first drive I couldn’t believe their game plan. They treated most of the downs as if it was 3rd and 20 with no regard to moving the chains. Rogers may not have an arm, but those short to medium passes got them the points. GB could win it next time IF they feel they don’t need to score in less than 3 plays ever drive.

37

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
ss847859 wrote:
… I don’t think the Giants have a chance in hell and would be less suprised if the jets beat them. …

Gianst have the pass rush to rattle Brady. I am not sure what the Giants running game will look like. They seem to have some injuries. Eli will probably fuck it up but you never know.[/quote]

The secondary is what I’m concerned about. The giants do have the most sacks in the NFL but the secondary will have to make some good plays. Their running game is good, ward is out for the season which blows but jacobs should be back by then and droughs is a nice back too. Eli would fuck it up if they were playing the bills or something but for some reason he seems to play good against good teams (they still end up losing usually).

38

[quote]daltron wrote:
ss847859 wrote:
TwistofCain_73 wrote:
I can fully see NE going undefeated the rest of the season; however, I do think that the Steelers have the best shot of stopping them ESPECIALLY if it’s a sloppy-weather game. Pittsburg seems better suited this year for a ‘grindout’ game as NE is really only dominant with their passing…which the weather can nullify. Plus, their attacking D can rattle Brady.

However, I do not believe NE will win the SB. If the Colts don’t stop them in the playoffs (possible now, as Manning has gotten NE out of his head), then I believe the Packers will beat them in the big game. I expect GB and Dallas to meet again in the NFC picture and Favre will not lose to the Boys again (especially with the way he went out that game). In the SB, I believe the Pack match up well with NE - NE is ‘soft’ on D and running and the Packers can now run the ball and have Woodson and Harris as corners (TWO premier players) that can actually play man-coverage. That means ALOT of underneath stuff to Welker by Brady and GB has great team speed to keep this game manageable. Add in the Magic of Favre as his career winds down and the Cheeseheads will have something to celebrate come January.

BTW - I’m a suffering Raiders fan so there’s no bias here to either team…I have multiple reasons to hate them both.

The Steelers definetly have the best shot to beat the pats. I don’t think the Giants have a chance in hell and would be less suprised if the jets beat them. The problem about the weather is its going to be in NE, turf, not the heiz field grass. I don’t think it wil be a huge factor, brady can always go underneath if the long ball isnt there b/c of weather.

I pray your right about the SB. I would love to see favre and GB win it all. I dont know if they will get past the cowboys but who knows what woulda happened last week if favre hadnt gone out. I don’t think its definative whether or not the cowboys are a better team. The problem is can anyone in the NFC beat the pats? No. AFC is on a completely different level. Colts may do it but injuries have fucked them up pretty bad.

If Favre wouldn’t have gotten hurt then whoever had the cowboys D/ST for fantasy football would have had a hell of a lot more points.

I understand what they were trying to do, air the ball out and score soon and quick, but it wasn’t working. From the first drive I couldn’t believe their game plan. They treated most of the downs as if it was 3rd and 20 with no regard to moving the chains. Rogers may not have an arm, but those short to medium passes got them the points. GB could win it next time IF they feel they don’t need to score in less than 3 plays ever drive.
[/quote]

I dont know. They were in the game at half time and alot of times players, especially players like favre, can go into the locker room regroup and come out playing completely different then they were in the 1st half.

39


My heart says Steelers, after all we’ve got the best fans.

40

But my brain says Patriots, after all they’ve got Brady, he’s like a sophisticated offensive 1/2 man 1/2 beast, that nails hot chicks.

Tom Brady = Metro Meast