NFL 2008-09 Season

[BillD1984]

I posting my Week 10- Top 10 now. Whatever happens tomorrow night (ie. Arizona could win by 60) will NOT change MY top 10.

1. Tennessee
2. NY Giants
3. Carolina
4. Washington
5. Tampa Bay
6. Pittsburgh
7. Atlanta
8. New England
9. Baltimore
10. NY Jets

 

[SabresRule]

I love the Giants now. They play smashmouth football, and Eli is as clutch as they come.

I don't call it smashmouth.

I think they play to not lose. They play like a team that isn't TRYING to win, but is just needing to hold on to a slim lead.

It's like the old-school Saints of Jim Mora- a so-so QB that is turnover prone, decent runningbacks, and a defense of big dudes that smash the opposing offenses.

Besides, they still allowed 31 points. Remember, they have to go to Arizona in 2 weeks.

 

[BillD1984]

Besides, they still allowed 31 points. Remember, they have to go to Arizona in 2 weeks.

Oh God, the Giants must be shaking in their boots!!

Give me a break will ya.

 

[CharlesO]

I would be shocked, SHOCKED!!! if San Francisco beats Arizona....so here we go.

My Week 10 NFL HOT 10:

1. Tennessee
2. NY Giants
3. Atlanta
4. Carolina
5. Tampa Bay
6. Baltimore
7. Washington
8. Pittsburgh
9. Arizona
10. New England


NOT 10

10. New Orleans
9. Cleveland
8. Seattle
7. Houston
6. Kansas City
5. San Francisco
4. St. Louis
3. Cincinnati
2. Oakland
1. Detroit

 

[SabresRule]

Haven't see HD MM today.

You think he's busy or something?

BTW, Bill- when you put up your Bottom 10, I'd move Kansas City a bit- they have shown some heart recently and aren't getting killed.

 

[SabresRule]

It's time for us to choose our NFL Player of the Week.

Unless Kurt Warner goes ballistic tomorrow night and forces me to change choices, I'm going with Thomas Jones of Sandra's J-E-T-S- 149 yards and 3 touchdowns.

 

[anders5189]

I don't call it smashmouth.

I think they play to not lose. They play like a team that isn't TRYING to win, but is just needing to hold on to a slim lead.

It's like the old-school Saints of Jim Mora- a so-so QB that is turnover prone, decent runningbacks, and a defense of big dudes that smash the opposing offenses.

Besides, they still allowed 31 points. Remember, they have to go to Arizona in 2 weeks.

The Giants had over 200 yards rushing and controlled the ball for 39 mins. That's smashmouth football. They out physicaled the Eagles. That team has an old school attitude that I like. Kind of the like the Steelers under Bill Cowher.

 

[CharlesO]

Final Thoughts on Sunday Games:

1. I have the feeling the Giants could win a second SuperBowl, and Sabres will stay they were lucky and overrated.

2. The Eagles are done, they may make the playoffs...although the NFC South is much better than any of us thought...but they won't win a game in the playoffs.

3. Eight Wins looks to be the "in" line for the AFC, this conference has really dropped off this year.

4. I really tried to watch the Panthers/Raiders game...but that game was beyond horrible, off it went at the half. As bad as Andrew Walter was as the Raiders QB, he was still better than JaMarcus Russell, and Walter is a bad QB. And Salsadancer, the Raiders Defense beyond Asomugha sucks almost as bad as the Offense, the Raiders have no talent on either side of the ball.

 

[SabresRule]

The Eagles are done, they may make the playoffs...although the NFC South is much better than any of us thought...but they won't win a game in the playoffs.

If they get a wild-card spot and possibly have to travel to Arizona, they'll get destroyed.

 

[SabresRule]

I wrote a personal article a few weeks ago on the history of 'big games' in the NFL.

A while back, I put up this thread:

http://www.satelliteguys.us/sports-section/151138-what-will-first-big-game-nfl-season.html

I wrote a persona article on it, for my family and myself visited the editor of my local paper (Kenosha News), had lunch, and presented this article (I want to be a sportswriter).

BTW, this was before the Giants/Steelers game in a few weeks ago- keep that in mind before you ask me anything:




Big Games- a history of NFL games that are much bigger than most

Every season in the National Football League, there are at least a handful of games that get extra attention and hype. It is similar to games between two highly ranked college football teams. A year ago, there were a few clashes with extra anticipation- Patriots-Cowboys, Patriots-Colts, Packers-Cowboys. This year, the first of these ‘big games’ will be on October 26th, when the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants travel to Heinz Field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers- later, the Steelers also host another big game against the Dallas Cowboys. These games are further examples of a trend that, while not yearly, has flickered with great power.

The first ‘super-game’ in the NFL regular-season was back in 1969, when the Minnesota Vikings defense- who had won 10 games in a row with their famed ‘Purple People Eaters’ defense- traveled to Los Angeles to face the Rams. The latter was undefeated with an 11-0 record and trying to go an entire season unbeaten and untied (three years before the 1972 Dolphins did it and four decades before the Patriots came within 30 seconds of doing so as well). With a team trying to make history and the other one on a roll, it was easy to understand why this game got unbelievable hype and anticipation in a pre-internet and pre-ESPN era. At the historic L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the streaking Vikings were able to halt the streaking Rams 20-13. This game sent L.A. into a stunning downward spiral, losing their final three games of the season, as well as a playoff rematch with the Vikings in Minnesota.

It would be a long-time, however, before there was any really big game, a lull that lasted until 1985. On December 2, the Miami Dolphins hosted a ‘Monday Night Football’ game that got a lot of hype, though Miami had a decent 8-4 record. What made this so big was their opponent- the unbeaten 12-0 Chicago Bears, a team that looked almost invincible with their overpowering ‘46’ defense that was pummeling opponents. On this night, however, Dan Marino proved to be mightier than the Bears by tossing three touchdowns in a 38-24 game that was not only Chicago’s only loss en route to a Super Bowl but also remains the highest-rated game in ‘Monday Night Football’ history.

Six years later, another ‘Monday Night’ game also got much anticipation and hype, but it could have been the biggest non-playoff game ever. The New York Giants and two-time defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers were, for most of the year, football’s only undefeated teams. When it became known that they were on a collision course for a Monday-night showdown in early December, this seemed like it would be arguably the biggest regular-season game in history. A matchup of two unbeaten teams this late in the season, one dubbed ‘Super Bowl XXV ½,’ seemed too good to be true. Stunningly, a week before this mega-matchup was to occur, lots of luster was tarnished when both teams lost on the same day (to the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams, respectively). The game, while watched by many, was a 7-3 defensive struggle that, depending on your point of view, was either really dull or a classic example of hard-nosed football in the trenches.

The next ‘big game’ occurred in 1994 when the two premier football powers at the time- the two-time defending Super Bowl winning Dallas Cowboys and perennial power San Francisco 49ers- played a late-November game when both teams were at the apex of their mid-1990s dominance. It was a hard-fought and very close game that went the way of the Niners, 21-14. After having lost back-to-back NFC title games to Dallas, this was arguably one of the biggest wins in the long history of the 49ers, for it vaulted San Francisco to another Super Bowl.

The 2004 NFL season had a remarkable string of three straight weeks featuring super-games. On October 24th, the defending Super-Bowl champion New England Patriots faced the division rival New York Jets, both possessing 5-0 records. The Pats won a 13-7 defensive struggle to increase their record 21-game winning streak, but it ended a week later on Halloween in a huge-showdown against a one-loss Steelers team led by super-rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh took a 21-3 lead after one quarter and went on to win 34-20. A week later, the Steelers faced another unbeaten team- the 7-0 Philadelphia Eagles- in a potential Super Bowl preview. However, this big game turned into a rout, 27-3 in favor of the Steelers, who remarkably beat undefeated teams in back-to-back weeks.

Last year delivered what was arguably the most anticipated regular-season matchup ever- undefeated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis against undefeated New England. With the well-known rivalry between these two teams and the star power on both of these teams- Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Randy Moss- it was dubbed ‘Super Bowl XLI ½.’ The game, a back-and-forth 24-20 game, was the most-watched NFL regular-season game since 1987 and highest-rated since a Cowboys-49ers game in 1996.

There also have been some games that were supposed to be super, but did not live up to the hype. In 1995, a Thanksgiving game between the 9-2 Cowboys and 10-1 Chiefs, while the most watched Turkey Day game ever, was less-than-sensational- a methodical 24-12 Dallas win that was not as close as the final score indicated. A year later, 12-1 Denver and 10-3 Green Bay met in what was supposed to be a huge game, but the Broncos rested most of their players having already clinched home-field advantage, and proceeded to get routed 41-6. On Christmas Eve 2005, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts were to face the NFC s top team, the Seattle Seahawks, in what was billed as a potential Super Bowl preview at noisy Qwest Field. However, the Colts had a stunning and shocking week: not only would Indy lose to San Diego to end the dream of an unbeaten season, but head coach Tony Dungy’s son committed suicide a few days after the game. As a result, the Colts rested several key players, Dungy would not coach the game, and the team would play an uninspired and lackluster game, losing 27-13 to the fired-up Seahawks. Hopefully, this year’s Giants/Steelers and Cowboys/Steelers games will be able to live up to the history of the rare NFL gridiron battles that were among the most anticipated in football history.

 

[salsadancer7]

Final Thoughts on Sunday Games:

1. I have the feeling the Giants could win a second SuperBowl, and Sabres will stay they were lucky and overrated.

2. The Eagles are done, they may make the playoffs...although the NFC South is much better than any of us thought...but they won't win a game in the playoffs.

3. Eight Wins looks to be the "in" line for the AFC, this conference has really dropped off this year.

4. I really tried to watch the Panthers/Raiders game...but that game was beyond horrible, off it went at the half. As bad as Andrew Walter was as the Raiders QB, he was still better than JaMarcus Russell, and Walter is a bad QB. And Salsadancer, the Raiders Defense beyond Asomugha sucks almost as bad as the Offense, the Raiders have no talent on either side of the ball.

As bad as m Raiders are....you constant Raider bashing/dislike makes your opinions as insightful and as useful snot filled kleenex, BUT with that said...it is fun to read it so it would be no fun to ignore you.

 

[Hart5150]

Final Thoughts on Sunday Games:


4. I really tried to watch the Panthers/Raiders game...but that game was beyond horrible, off it went at the half. As bad as Andrew Walter was as the Raiders QB, he was still better than JaMarcus Russell, and Walter is a bad QB. And Salsadancer, the Raiders Defense beyond Asomugha sucks almost as bad as the Offense, the Raiders have no talent on either side of the ball.

You nailed that one.

The fans are in denial, they are just as bad as the crypt keeper. Ryan Leaf Jr. is a bust. Javon Walker is washed up, McFadden is made of glass. It is so much fun to watch an adult in a Darth Vader costume suffer watching that crap, they deserve it for supporting them moving back and forth.

I hope the commissioner steps in to help get Asomugha get out of Oakland, after he refuses to sign the franchise tender.

The Raiders are like a CFL team trying to compete in the nfl, lead by Conrad Burns.

 

[HD MM]

I'm spared another Sunday of watching the Lions ineptitude. Blacked-out again. sh!tty day too - a relative died 2 hrs. ago.(Saw the guy a 1/2 hr. before it happened.) So will the Lions, at least I won't have to watch that.

My condolences Paul.

 

[HD MM]

What's the point of them winning on a day I'm not watching? Especially if it's the only game they win this season. Anyhow, they heading for a top 1-3 draft pick, and there will be plenty to pick from in all 3 spots.

Besides, what would I bitch about in "Daze of our Lions", if they win?

So you're telling me the Lions have the tough choice of WR's Michael Crabtree, Jeremy MacLin and Percy Harvin to chose from?

 

[HD MM]

That play where Eli seemed to cross the line of scrimmage only to have it reversed- THEY BLEW THE CALL!!

Once again, the referees aid the G-String men.

A challenge and a bad snap on a punt to aid their wins last week?

HOW LUCKY CAN THOSE DAMN GIANTS GET?!

I don't care what Bill says. I think they play not to win, but to avoid losing.

I have a new perspective towards the Giants- they can run the table the rest of this season and be 15-1 for all I care, but it don't mean a thing if they can't do anything in the playoffs.

Go ahead, Giants- win every game the rest of the way. Let's see what happens when you're the hunted, not the hunter.

They've been "the hunted" all season! They're the Super Bowl freaking Champions!!!!!!!!

As Rodney Dangerfield once said, "they don't get no respect”.

I'm beginning to think you calling out the Giants is to set you up for a "I told you so" if they don't accomplish what some think they will this year. In making these statements against the popular opinion, you have a lot more to boast about if they actually come true.

 

[HD MM]

Haven't see HD MM today.

You think he's busy or something?

BTW, Bill- when you put up your Bottom 10, I'd move Kansas City a bit- they have shown some heart recently and aren't getting killed.

Had a wedding to attend on Saturday night. Blowing/Raking leaves all day Sunday.

Got to see the tail end of the Colts/Steelers and Chargers/Chiefs games though. I topped off the night by settling in for the Giants/Eagles game. Sure enough, that game didn't disappoint.

More thoughts to follow when I write my weekly "Monday Morning QB" post....

 

[HD MM]

Week 10: HD MM's Monday Morning QB Thoughts

1. When your team plays on Thursday instead of Sunday, it seems like another bye week for your team until they play again, especially when their next game is a Monday Nighter! God, I miss my Browns.

2. Chances are the NFC East won't send 3 teams to the playoffs despite what many thought. This is not because all of the teams aren't worthy. It's because, like the SEC, every team in that division beats up on one another!

3. NFL Football is won in the trenches. Teams in search of excellence strive for great offensive and defense lines. The Giants have arguably the best lines in the NFL and it reflects on both sides of the ball.

4. Titans are 9-0 and won with only 20 yards rushing on the road?! Pundits said they had a one sided offense. I guess Kerry Collins is more than just a game manager. He won the game for them through the air. Something no one thought was possible. If anyone still doubts this team, they're crazy.

5. Calvin Johnson had 2 catches for 92 yards. I don't care who is QBing in Detroit. The game-plan should be to get this playmaker the ball as much as humanly possible!

6. Has there ever been a worse performance by a QB in a losing effort than Jake Delhomme on Sunday? Jake went 7/27 for 72 yards and 4 interceptions! How did they win that game?!

7. Did anyone actually question Herm- "I play to win the game"- Edwards' decision to go for the 2 point conversion to win the game instead of the extra point to send it in overtime? Hands down, this was the right decision and message to send to your team.

8. I wonder if Miami would be 5-4 without Chad Pennington? The guy isn't flashy, but he's one of the smartest QB's out there and is more than serviceable. He deserves as much credit for the Dolphins' bid for return to respectability as does new head coach, Tony Sparano.

9. Like the old Green Bay QB, it appears Aaron Rodgers is no good in domes either.

20. My Player of the Week is Adrian Peterson. (Thomas Jones would be the obvious choice, but in a blowout win, his stats don't hold as much weight). Despite being down late in the game against the Packers, it was Peterson's touchdown run that won the game for the Vikings. AP ended up with 192 yards rushing and 1 TD.

 

[Hart5150]

Sporting News radio has a report this morning that the Raiders are interested in Matt Millen as GM. How great would that be.:haha

 

[mccoyrj]

Roethlisberger is starting to remind me of Jarret Lee at LSU with his uncanny ability to throw the game away. The Steelers had that one won and Big Ben went to slinging again. Damn, what a frustrating football weekend for me!

 

[cybok0]

Roethlisberger is starting to remind me of Jarret Lee at LSU with his uncanny ability to throw the game away. The Steelers had that one won and Big Ben went to slinging again. Damn, what a frustrating football weekend for me!

If Ben is really hurt, then he shouldn't be playing.