2008-09 NFL Thread

[X]

Well another thrashing today from my Patriots to the very sad Bills. JP Losman was taken out on the first damn play of the game after New England's DT Vince Wilfork tripped over a guard and hit Losman low at the knees. After that it was just easy pickens. Laurence Maroney had over a 100 rushing yards which was very surprising considering how much sharing Maroney and Sammy Morris are doing as RBs. Tom Brady continues to show why he's the best QB in the NFL, yes even better then Peyton Manning. 4 TDs, over 300 yds, his completion percentage on the season is around 81 now. And then theres Randy Moss who continues to prove that he sure as hell is not done being the best WR in the NFL, he took in 2 TDs on 125 yards.

Anyone catch the Eagles-Lions game? Holy crap, Donovan McNabb goes from terrible to heavenly in one week. All week long I've been hearing jokes about Kevin Curtis, and the dude comes out for 225 yards and 3 TDs! Thats ludicrous! Kitna had a great game too with over 400 yds.

And then there was the Packers - Chargers. I keep telling everybody that the Chargers are not nearly as good of a team as people think they are, as they were beaten by the Packers today. Rivers looked much more solid, but LT CONTINUES to do NOTHING with only about 60 yards in this game. He's ranked like 45th in the league now! Where the hell has he gone?

And now I'm watching the Redskins - Giants game. Poor, poor Giants fans.

 

[RBH]

Well another thrashing today from my Patriots to the very sad Bills. JP Losman was taken out on the first damn play of the game after New England's DT Vince Wilfork tripped over a guard and hit Losman low at the knees. After that it was just easy pickens. Laurence Maroney had over a 100 rushing yards which was very surprising considering how much sharing Maroney and Sammy Morris are doing as RBs. Tom Brady continues to show why he's the best QB in the NFL, yes even better then Peyton Manning. 4 TDs, over 300 yds, his completion percentage on the season is around 81 now. And then theres Randy Moss who continues to prove that he sure as hell is not done being the best WR in the NFL, he took in 2 TDs on 125 yards.

Anyone catch the Eagles-Lions game? Holy crap, Donovan McNabb goes from terrible to heavenly in one week. All week long I've been hearing jokes about Kevin Curtis, and the dude comes out for 225 yards and 3 TDs! Thats ludicrous! Kitna had a great game too with over 400 yds.

And then there was the Packers - Chargers. I keep telling everybody that the Chargers are not nearly as good of a team as people think they are, as they were beaten by the Packers today. Rivers looked much more solid, but LT CONTINUES to do NOTHING with only about 60 yards in this game. He's ranked like 45th in the league now! Where the hell has he gone?

And now I'm watching the Redskins - Giants game. Poor, poor Giants fans.

mY nINERS GOT THEIR ASSES KICKED!! yOU ALL SAID IT WAS COMING BUT WHAT YOU DIDNT SEE WAS THE nINERS KEEPING IT CLOSE FOR 3 QUARTERS.....o well there is next week. Just because we get our butts beat by a good team doesnt mean anything especially since it was on the road. But Xfear did you see the play where vernon Davis caught it landed on his head and then AFTER being downed lets go of the ball, the steelers take it and the refs first called it a fumble, then THEY SAID IT WAS INCOMPLETE....I was angry at the refs for several calls made but the Steelers did deserve the win...I admit it we r getting better but nontheless....

Xfear what do you think about Green Bay? 3-0 and beating San Diego? The Chargers are not going to repeat last years record obviously but they are still going to contend for the division title. The Houston Texans made it a game against the Colts. The Bucs are 2-1. What the hell?

Congrats on your Pats and Red Sox.....I was half-happy today...My Niners lost but my Angels clinched the West. Next week we got the Seahawks and the Patriots have a monday night date with Carson Palmer and the Bengals..who should I pick?

 

[X]

I didn't catch the 49ers game as it wasn't carried on any of the networks over here on the east coast, but I did see the Green Bay game, and at first I was very shocked by this team's record, but now that I think about it really...why should I be?

The Packers have a very good offense based on two players, Brett Favre and Donald Driver. Both of them are two of the best ever at their respective positions. Favre has really been impressing me these first few weeks, and making me think about taking back my pleas for him to retire. And their defense is very solid as well with guys like AJ Hawk to really anchor it down. Considering the lack of competition in their division, I see the Pack going to the playoffs easily this year.

As for San Diego...I don't know about that. You'd think it would be a lock for a playoff berth with guys like LT on their team, but so far he has been absolutely dreadful, averaging about a single yard per carry. And Rivers is very, very inconsistent. When he's on, he's on big time, when he's off, he's dreadful. And with the Broncos looking surprisingly solid so far, I'd be very scared if I was a Chargers fan. It could very well be that last year was a fluke.

As for the Patriots-Bengals game....no problem whatsoever. The Pats will easily take this game. The Bengals offense will really be a problem for the Pats defense, but that Patriots defense is one of the very best in the league and is stacked at almost every position with excellent players. The key point in this game will be the Bengal's defense. It's just terrible. They gave about 56 points up to the FREAKING CLEVELAND BROWNS. The Brady-Moss Connectioin will prevail again.

Honestly, I am not trying to sound like a jerk or anything, but the Patriots have a VERY GOOD chance to go UNDEFEATED this year. What do you think about that one? The only teams with a real chance to beat us this year would be the Colts and maybe the Steelers.

 

[brahma62]

I was watching sportscenter last night and i caught the bears highlights and thought to myself how much it must suck for them to have to deal with Rex Grossman game after game after game. He's had a good streak last year to start the year off but its been downhill since then. Then the dude gets on the podium last night during his conference and acts like he didnt suck. He a horrible qb i have no idea why the bears didnt give leftwich a tryout, he has GOT and a matter a fact I KNOW he would be better than grossman

 

[RBH]

I didn't catch the 49ers game as it wasn't carried on any of the networks over here on the east coast, but I did see the Green Bay game, and at first I was very shocked by this team's record, but now that I think about it really...why should I be?

The Packers have a very good offense based on two players, Brett Favre and Donald Driver. Both of them are two of the best ever at their respective positions. Favre has really been impressing me these first few weeks, and making me think about taking back my pleas for him to retire. And their defense is very solid as well with guys like AJ Hawk to really anchor it down. Considering the lack of competition in their division, I see the Pack going to the playoffs easily this year.

As for San Diego...I don't know about that. You'd think it would be a lock for a playoff berth with guys like LT on their team, but so far he has been absolutely dreadful, averaging about a single yard per carry. And Rivers is very, very inconsistent. When he's on, he's on big time, when he's off, he's dreadful. And with the Broncos looking surprisingly solid so far, I'd be very scared if I was a Chargers fan. It could very well be that last year was a fluke.

As for the Patriots-Bengals game....no problem whatsoever. The Pats will easily take this game. The Bengals offense will really be a problem for the Pats defense, but that Patriots defense is one of the very best in the league and is stacked at almost every position with excellent players. The key point in this game will be the Bengal's defense. It's just terrible. They gave about 56 points up to the FREAKING CLEVELAND BROWNS. The Brady-Moss Connectioin will prevail again.

Honestly, I am not trying to sound like a jerk or anything, but the Patriots have a VERY GOOD chance to go UNDEFEATED this year. What do you think about that one? The only teams with a real chance to beat us this year would be the Colts and maybe the Steelers.

Im currently the top dog in my contest of picking football games so Im going to trust you and pick the Pats for next monday night. That way if they lose, I can ask you why...but yeah the Green Bay Packers have impressed me too. I have always respected Farve and you know Green Bay was one of my playoff picks...no lie...I had them penciled in as the 5 team I believe and they would play Seattle or San Francisco in the first round, like old times.....though I wouldnt want to play Green Bay because Farve has owned Montana, Young, Garcia and Smith so no 49er QB has done really well against the Packers throughout Farve's career...(he has an 11-1 record against the Niners I believe)..

Did you guys see the Cowboys game last night? Good God!!! You beat the Bears on their own field by 24 points! The Cowboys are for real this year...I forsee Cowboys-Pats Super Bowl..

As for your perfect record...it will probably be 14-2...most teams find games that they trip in so unless they are completely focued in every game they will probably lose at least one game.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

I want so much to believe Carolina is a playoff caliber team, especially with the way the N.F.C. South is shaping up. The current standings are: Tampa Bay & Carolina 2-1, tied for the top spot & Atlanta & New Orleans 0-3, tied for last.

If anyone caught the highlights, or even the whole game, you'll see that we just barely beat the Falcons. No offense to Falcon fans, but how bad is that? I mean, here is a team that hasn't really had much, if any offense at all against either the Minnesota Vikings, or Jacksonville Jags.. yet they explode with over 300 passing yds. against us, & almost defeat us. Had it not been for DeAngelo Hall & his on-going b*tchfest with Steve Smith, plus the refs. tossing yellow hankies left & right, ONLY, on Hall.. we probably would've lost.

I'm a firm believer in anything being possible.. & even more so, once Carolina gets in the playoffs, no matter how good or bad they've been.. they hit another level, & have NEVER.. NEVER been eliminated short of the N.F.C. Championship game. (They've been to two Championship games & the Superbowl) So IF, we make the playoffs.. I'm strong in feeling we'll do well.. but the fact is, we have to MAKE them first.. & unless it starts this week, against Tampa Bay, & continues next week against New Orleans.. I don't think we will.

If we beat TB & NO in the next 2 wks, we take a 3-0 lead in the division, & a 4-1 record. I like that, but Tampa Bay is showing some fight.. & I don't like that.

 

[BooCocky]

Now this is where i got to do a little talking about Football. I see The Panthers as a playoff caliber football team, they need to do several things though, Protect Jake Delhomme have a Solid running game with foster and williams, they need to make sure Steve Smith doesnt get injured. They have a bunch of talent. As long they keep there head on straight, they'll be okay in a bad NFC.

The Chargers, Hmm dont got much to say, Marty Schottenheimer anyone? He was able to keep the team together and is an exceptional regular season coach. Norv turner isnt much. LT 2.3 yds a carry, I got an explanation for that, Rivers cant throw to anyone but LT or Antonio Gates, its to repetitive. Maybe its there line on both sides maybe its there coaching, I think its everything and maybe were they just thinking Super Bowl? they are to full of themselves.

The Patriots, woo what can i say gosh i love Tom Brady and the acquisition of Moss is paying off, Super Bowl anyone? Oakland must be feeling quite dumb if i say so myself. Moss o yeah he's lost a step, i say 22 catches 403 yds 5 TD's and an 18.3 yd average. O he has lost a step. I think Not. trust me they'll also be getting better when Rodney Harrison returns to defense.

The Green Bay Packers, what can i say besides Bret Favre is a walking Legend and he actually has a good young solid defense for once. He is playing like a 28 yr old Bret Favre, I say Conference champs.

My Hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, hmmm Mike Tomlin is looking like a genius, O yeah there defensive back field is depleted, i give a lot of credit to the one time Db's coach of the TB buccaneers. Roethlisberger, is the man gonna get any respect anytime soon? He has been in six playoff games since being drafted and won five of them. Hmmm five more than Carson Palmer and he is a god to the analyst. Roethlisberger what can you say about him. he is a savior and the best young Quarterback in the NFL. I can see ten wins from them easily especially the way they are playing now and the fact is that the Ravens wont score more than 12 pts a game and the Cinci's defense cant stop anyone.

Now this is my prediction right here. The Patriots in the Super Bowl versus the Cowboys. I see a total blow out of the cowboys. 41-7 and mr i give up a six round draft pick for Randy Moss will be going down as one of the worst trades in football history. The Raiders are gonna kick themselves after the yr is done. o yeah Randy Moss will be SB MVP.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Now this is where i got to do a little talking about Football. I see The Panthers as a playoff caliber football team, they need to do several things though, Protect Jake Delhomme have a Solid running game with foster and williams, they need to make sure Steve Smith doesnt get injured. They have a bunch of talent. As long they keep there head on straight, they'll be okay in a bad NFC.

A lot of people around here, (Iowa) bad mouth Jake Delhomme. I continuously try to defend him, but even when "I" do, he has a poor game. That truly bad thing is, this year.. if you go by fantasy pts. Jake Delhomme in 3 games has been better than Peyton Manning. Anyways, Delhomme is a solid QB when he has options working for him. Steve Smith is the only true threat at WR for the Panthers, & sooner or later it won't be hard to double/triple him. Being a Panther fan, I truly like Drew Carter.. he's majorly underrated & has even quicker speed than Smith, he just needs to learn better ball control & has to make the important catches more often.

The run game is on again/off again. Its worse than the Defense, especially lately. They mentioned one of those "stupid stats" this past Sunday, in which apparently Carolina is 20-2 when Foster carries for 15 times. And they're undefeated when he rushes for 100 yds. or more.. so my thought, give him the damn ball. Williams isn't learning to go north/south, he has issues with wanting to go east/west & try cutting back to "out-run" D-Line men & LBs.. it isn't happening.

Finally, our Defense has got to improve. Losing Minter hurt our secondary.. but Peppers being a non-factor this whole season hurts a lot worse. Chris Harris is coming into his own as a Minter replacement.. & I love our CBs, we just need to jell a bit better.

The Chargers, Hmm dont got much to say, Marty Schottenheimer anyone? He was able to keep the team together and is an exceptional regular season coach. Norv turner isnt much. LT 2.3 yds a carry, I got an explanation for that, Rivers cant throw to anyone but LT or Antonio Gates, its to repetitive. Maybe its there line on both sides maybe its there coaching, I think its everything and maybe were they just thinking Super Bowl? they are to full of themselves.

I think a lot of people are being too critical of Turner, I mean.. look at his first 3 opponents. True, Green Bay should NOT have been a challenge, but New England & Chicago's Defenses are tough to run against.. & like you said, when your QB is too one sided on who he passes too, its easy to defend. If SD does NOT improve over the course of the next 3 weeks, then & only then will I say Norv Turner was a mistake. But I can't & won't judge him for the first two games. And they probably over looked GB, like Carolina over looked Houston.

The Patriots, woo what can i say gosh i love Tom Brady and the acquisition of Moss is paying off, Super Bowl anyone? Oakland must be feeling quite dumb if i say so myself. Moss o yeah he's lost a step, i say 22 catches 403 yds 5 TD's and an 18.3 yd average. O he has lost a step. I think Not. trust me they'll also be getting better when Rodney Harrison returns to defense.

At this rate, Carolina will NOT be winning a Superbowl anytime within the next two years. Someone told me practically every one of the N.E. starters will be there next year. If thats true, can anyone forsee N.E. running the table two years in a row?! 38-0?! (19-0 twice) I definately see them getting to the Superbowl this year. The Colts are about the only challenge in front of them, & Pittsburgh is a close second.. but the Colts D won't hold against that N.E. offense.. & the Steelers offense won't hold against the N.E. D..

The Green Bay Packers, what can i say besides Bret Favre is a walking Legend and he actually has a good young solid defense for once. He is playing like a 28 yr old Bret Favre, I say Conference champs.

In a division that already sucked, Green Bay just needs (in my opinion) another 4-5 wins (giving them a total of 7-8) & they'll clinch that division. Detroit will chase them, but sooner or later D's will just drop everyone back.. as even with a 3-man D-Line, the Lions won't run. I can't say enough about how much Chicago won't make the playoffs. Unless their change at QB helps them.. their D can't play a full 60 mins.. & win them every game.

My Hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, hmmm Mike Tomlin is looking like a genius, O yeah there defensive back field is depleted, i give a lot of credit to the one time Db's coach of the TB buccaneers. Roethlisberger, is the man gonna get any respect anytime soon? He has been in six playoff games since being drafted and won five of them. Hmmm five more than Carson Palmer and he is a god to the analyst. Roethlisberger what can you say about him. he is a savior and the best young Quarterback in the NFL. I can see ten wins from them easily especially the way they are playing now and the fact is that the Ravens wont score more than 12 pts a game and the Cinci's defense cant stop anyone.

Pittsburgh will chase Indy & New England for home-field throughout the playoffs. That is my opinion. My feelings on Big Ben are that he's a mirror of Jake Delhomme, only younger. Delhomme is 5-2 in the playoffs, has been to a Superbowl, & has a great passer rating & overall QB rating IN the playoffs. Yet noone respects him as a talented QB, because before Carolina, he wasn't even a 3rd stringer for New Orleans. Big Ben is a talented rookie for what its worth, but thankfully he doesn't have to carry Pittsburgh through too many games. Willie Parker & the Pittsburgh D carry them through everything.. Big Ben just pitches in every now & then, when noone expects it.

But yes, I give him credit.. because the amount, or lack there of, actually.. of respect he doesn't get.. reminds me of Delhomme. The Ravens will challenge, but they don't have an Offense to match-up. The Bengals are already 1-2, & when the Browns can pass on you like they did.. what do you think will happen this Monday, when the pass-happy Patriots come to town? 1-3, anyone?

Now this is my prediction right here. The Patriots in the Super Bowl versus the Cowboys. I see a total blow out of the cowboys. 41-7 and mr i give up a six round draft pick for Randy Moss will be going down as one of the worst trades in football history. The Raiders are gonna kick themselves after the yr is done. o yeah Randy Moss will be SB MVP.

Sadly, like I've filtered throughout.. I want Carolina in the Superbowl, but Dallas seems to be the team in the N.F.C.. furthermore, as much as it may shock people.. it'll either be Carolina v. Dallas, or Green Bay v. Dallas in the N.F.C. Championship. My only hope is that Carolina can sneak by Dallas, & hopefully Dallas has another playoff blunder, like last year.

New England, hands down will be in the Superbowl, if they aren't.. it'll be shear luck, or cheating on the part of any other team

Overall, Patriots v. Steelers - A.F.C. Championship, Carolina v. Dallas - N.F.C. Championship.. & NOT being one-sided to Carolina, I see Dallas v. New England, unless a miracle happens.

 

[BooCocky]

Pittsburgh will chase Indy & New England for home-field throughout the playoffs. That is my opinion. My feelings on Big Ben are that he's a mirror of Jake Delhomme, only younger. Delhomme is 5-2 in the playoffs, has been to a Superbowl, & has a great passer rating & overall QB rating IN the playoffs. Yet noone respects him as a talented QB, because before Carolina, he wasn't even a 3rd stringer for New Orleans. Big Ben is a talented rookie for what its worth, but thankfully he doesn't have to carry Pittsburgh through too many games. Willie Parker & the Pittsburgh D carry them through everything.. Big Ben just pitches in every now & then, when noone expects it.

But yes, I give him credit.. because the amount, or lack there of, actually.. of respect he doesn't get.. reminds me of Delhomme. The Ravens will challenge, but they don't have an Offense to match-up. The Bengals are already 1-2, & when the Browns can pass on you like they did.. what do you think will happen this Monday, when the pass-happy Patriots come to town? 1-3, anyone?.

But i dont know what you mean here, Big Ben is a playmaker, his mobility is the reason for his success behind a a depleted offensive line. If he wasnt mobile he'd be dead by now. Roethlisberger is a franchise QB. He is better than E Manning P Rivers J Cutler and J Campbell. He is a Savior of the Steelers. IMO he is a top five QB, what are stats when you are winning games? He makes plays and has only one INT this year. Yes they got Willie Parker but we have no receivers until Holmes can show us he can carry the load. Ward is getting double covered because they no that they have no one else. Miller is a solid TE and So is Spaeth but we all no the Steelers dont throw to the TE alot except in goal line situations and Millers 82 yds on Sunday. The Steelers might have a solid d on the run and pass defense but the O-Line is atrocious and with out Bens Play making ability they have no offense. Its like Carson Palmer what does the 4,000 yds passing if it doesnt result in wins. I guarantee it if Tomlin needed ben to throw for 300 yds in every game he could do it, but it doesnt mean they will win. Ben does enough for them to win and if he needs to throw he has the ability to, but if 20 pass attempts a game is all he needs then thats what they'll do.

 

[RBH]

A lot of people around here, (Iowa) bad mouth Jake Delhomme. I continuously try to defend him, but even when "I" do, he has a poor game. That truly bad thing is, this year.. if you go by fantasy pts. Jake Delhomme in 3 games has been better than Peyton Manning. Anyways, Delhomme is a solid QB when he has options working for him. Steve Smith is the only true threat at WR for the Panthers, & sooner or later it won't be hard to double/triple him. Being a Panther fan, I truly like Drew Carter.. he's majorly underrated & has even quicker speed than Smith, he just needs to learn better ball control & has to make the important catches more often.

The run game is on again/off again. Its worse than the Defense, especially lately. They mentioned one of those "stupid stats" this past Sunday, in which apparently Carolina is 20-2 when Foster carries for 15 times. And they're undefeated when he rushes for 100 yds. or more.. so my thought, give him the damn ball. Williams isn't learning to go north/south, he has issues with wanting to go east/west & try cutting back to "out-run" D-Line men & LBs.. it isn't happening.

Finally, our Defense has got to improve. Losing Minter hurt our secondary.. but Peppers being a non-factor this whole season hurts a lot worse. Chris Harris is coming into his own as a Minter replacement.. & I love our CBs, we just need to jell a bit better.



I think a lot of people are being too critical of Turner, I mean.. look at his first 3 opponents. True, Green Bay should NOT have been a challenge, but New England & Chicago's Defenses are tough to run against.. & like you said, when your QB is too one sided on who he passes too, its easy to defend. If SD does NOT improve over the course of the next 3 weeks, then & only then will I say Norv Turner was a mistake. But I can't & won't judge him for the first two games. And they probably over looked GB, like Carolina over looked Houston.



At this rate, Carolina will NOT be winning a Superbowl anytime within the next two years. Someone told me practically every one of the N.E. starters will be there next year. If thats true, can anyone forsee N.E. running the table two years in a row?! 38-0?! (19-0 twice) I definately see them getting to the Superbowl this year. The Colts are about the only challenge in front of them, & Pittsburgh is a close second.. but the Colts D won't hold against that N.E. offense.. & the Steelers offense won't hold against the N.E. D..



In a division that already sucked, Green Bay just needs (in my opinion) another 4-5 wins (giving them a total of 7-8) & they'll clinch that division. Detroit will chase them, but sooner or later D's will just drop everyone back.. as even with a 3-man D-Line, the Lions won't run. I can't say enough about how much Chicago won't make the playoffs. Unless their change at QB helps them.. their D can't play a full 60 mins.. & win them every game.



Pittsburgh will chase Indy & New England for home-field throughout the playoffs. That is my opinion. My feelings on Big Ben are that he's a mirror of Jake Delhomme, only younger. Delhomme is 5-2 in the playoffs, has been to a Superbowl, & has a great passer rating & overall QB rating IN the playoffs. Yet noone respects him as a talented QB, because before Carolina, he wasn't even a 3rd stringer for New Orleans. Big Ben is a talented rookie for what its worth, but thankfully he doesn't have to carry Pittsburgh through too many games. Willie Parker & the Pittsburgh D carry them through everything.. Big Ben just pitches in every now & then, when noone expects it.

But yes, I give him credit.. because the amount, or lack there of, actually.. of respect he doesn't get.. reminds me of Delhomme. The Ravens will challenge, but they don't have an Offense to match-up. The Bengals are already 1-2, & when the Browns can pass on you like they did.. what do you think will happen this Monday, when the pass-happy Patriots come to town? 1-3, anyone?



Sadly, like I've filtered throughout.. I want Carolina in the Superbowl, but Dallas seems to be the team in the N.F.C.. furthermore, as much as it may shock people.. it'll either be Carolina v. Dallas, or Green Bay v. Dallas in the N.F.C. Championship. My only hope is that Carolina can sneak by Dallas, & hopefully Dallas has another playoff blunder, like last year.

New England, hands down will be in the Superbowl, if they aren't.. it'll be shear luck, or cheating on the part of any other team

Overall, Patriots v. Steelers - A.F.C. Championship, Carolina v. Dallas - N.F.C. Championship.. & NOT being one-sided to Carolina, I see Dallas v. New England, unless a miracle happens.

I dont think you need to worry about Carolina not making thhe playoffs. they are going to win 9 games at least. It is way too early in the season to determine who is going to win it all (see last seasons Philadelphia Eagles horrible start, good finish)....the Panthers are making the playoffs. The Saints are coming back down to Earth so that helps your team a lot. I have always believed that Delhomme was a big reason why the Panthers got better in the first place.

the Steelers impressed me the way they handled my Niners but Im not fearful because like I said it is too early to judge. If the game were at Frisco, it probably would have been much closer. But Big Ben is a great quarterback. He carries that team with his strentghs and weaknesses. Theyw ill run all over Arizona this weekend.

The NFC participant will be determined by who plays better down the stretch. The Panthers could go on a run. Like you said, the Panthers are deadly in the playoffs (anyone remember Carolina's 22-0 win over the Giants 2 years ago or their win over the Cowboys 3 years ago)...The Packers have started out strong and it appears that they want the division back after the Bears kept it warm for a few years.

My Niners have ALOT of work to do but they are not as bad as the last 3 years. In fact, I forsee a win this weekend over the Seahawks because they havea great defense and will be able to stop Hassleback and Alexander. Plus Gore is due for a big game. He did run for 130 yards and 210 yards against Seattle last year so I am definately hopeful.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

But i dont know what you mean here, Big Ben is a playmaker, his mobility is the reason for his success behind a a depleted offensive line. If he wasnt mobile he'd be dead by now. Roethlisberger is a franchise QB. He is better than E Manning P Rivers J Cutler and J Campbell. He is a Savior of the Steelers. IMO he is a top five QB, what are stats when you are winning games? He makes plays and has only one INT this year. Yes they got Willie Parker but we have no receivers until Holmes can show us he can carry the load. Ward is getting double covered because they no that they have no one else. Miller is a solid TE and So is Spaeth but we all no the Steelers dont throw to the TE alot except in goal line situations and Millers 82 yds on Sunday. The Steelers might have a solid d on the run and pass defense but the O-Line is atrocious and with out Bens Play making ability they have no offense. Its like Carson Palmer what does the 4,000 yds passing if it doesnt result in wins. I guarantee it if Tomlin needed ben to throw for 300 yds in every game he could do it, but it doesnt mean they will win. Ben does enough for them to win and if he needs to throw he has the ability to, but if 20 pass attempts a game is all he needs then thats what they'll do.

What I meant was actually giving him credit, for being underrated. Similar to Jake Delhomme. (by the Delhomme reference, in the playoffs Delhomme is second only to Tom Brady in stats.. & he surpasses that of Peyton Manning, yet NOONE wants to catagorize Delhomme with either of those two)

Big Ben lead the Steelers to what, a 15-1 record his rookie year? Losing only to New England in the Championship. Sure, they rode the "Bus" & "D" most the way.. but a QB is the leader of any team.. regardless of how great or poor he is.

The only thing people could begin to compare is how poor Rex Grossman was last year, yet the Bears went all the way to the Superbowl, purely off their Defense. People could strike up complaints that Ben isn't on the field passing enough to be a 'great' QB. (not to take credit away from how much better Big Ben & their Offense is, much less to the Bears)

My entire point though is attempting to revolve around giving him credit. Sorry for the confusion. And yes stats don't mean a thing without a win, but unfortunately stats are what 80% of everyone go off of to determine good, great, average, poor & awful talent.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

I dont think you need to worry about Carolina not making thhe playoffs. they are going to win 9 games at least. It is way too early in the season to determine who is going to win it all (see last seasons Philadelphia Eagles horrible start, good finish)....the Panthers are making the playoffs. The Saints are coming back down to Earth so that helps your team a lot. I have always believed that Delhomme was a big reason why the Panthers got better in the first place.

The way you talk of Carolina, it almost makes me feel like an awful fan. lol I guess this is me being realistic, especially with all the build-up they got since their Superbowl Appearance. See, they've been that of a roller-coaster. In 03/04 they went to the Superbowl.. noone believed they could, they did. In 04/05 they dropped to 7-9 because Steve Smith broke his leg in week one. They made a run at the end of the season, but fell short. (To the Saints) In 05/06 they made a playoff return, & many didn't see them getting past Chicago, but not only did they.. they also did something no other team had against them that year, & that was score a ton of points. But, ultimately lost to Seattle.. which, I still lay claim to believing had DeShawn Foster NOT have broken his ankle in the Chicago game, we would've beat the Seahawks. Finally, last year 06/07 we came up short again, 8-8. (failing to make the playoffs due to the Giants winning)

What I'm getting at is.. its about that time again, for Carolina to go back "up" the hill. The only question is, how far up will we get. I'd rather NOT make the playoffs, then make them & lose in the Wildcard, or Divisional Game. I like Carolina having that record of never losing until the N.F.C. Championship game, because it gives them a mental edge.

Now then.. coming into the season, I wasn't worried about a lot of match-ups, except for against the Colts at the mid-way point, then Seattle & Dallas at the end of the season.. all in all, that'd make us 13-3 if I felt we'd lose those 3. But we already lost 1, to the Texans.. & I never would've believed that to happen. I think Carolina in a screwed up sorta way likes to toy with making people think they aren't good.. & then when noone believes.. slap you across the face with a run.. lol

All in all though, Delhomme was injured & there is no telling how much that will effect him.. not to mention how well David Carr will play.

I love having Carr over Weinke, but that isn't to say I don't want Delhomme to get better, quickly. Carr will possibly struggle with the offense. If anything, the one thing that helps him is not being as big of a person to rely on Steve Smith.. which means he'll be more open-eye'd than Delhomme, who constantly looks for where Smith is. I think that'll benefit him, as noone guards our other WRs. A great running game will have to carry us as well, & that, much like Carolina's seasons.. is a roller-coaster of events.

the Steelers impressed me the way they handled my Niners but Im not fearful because like I said it is too early to judge. If the game were at Frisco, it probably would have been much closer. But Big Ben is a great quarterback. He carries that team with his strentghs and weaknesses. Theyw ill run all over Arizona this weekend.

I know you're a 49ers fan, & I hate to say this.. but honestly I had big hopes for the Cardinals to do well last year. They bombed big time. I also never, ever saw the 9ers doing what they did..

Regarding Blitzburgh against Arizona, I'm almost banking on a one sided scoring affair. Arizona is having QB issues.. & instead of turning TO a rookie, )or one yr pro) they're debating turning away from one to go back to the man they benched last year for. (if that made sense) I think the Cards will be lucky to top .500 at the end of the year.

The NFC participant will be determined by who plays better down the stretch. The Panthers could go on a run. Like you said, the Panthers are deadly in the playoffs (anyone remember Carolina's 22-0 win over the Giants 2 years ago or their win over the Cowboys 3 years ago)...The Packers have started out strong and it appears that they want the division back after the Bears kept it warm for a few years.

I'm all for stats that give stupid meanings. (like Foster carrying for 15 times has equalled 20-2 record for the Panthers, so give him the ball over & over.) And the stat that I'm most afraid of, is the who "The team thats finished last, wins the division the following year." (in the N.F.C. South) Which, would be Tampa Bay.

By the way, Carolina's win over Dallas in the Wildcard was 03-04. (so 4 yrs. back, not 3.. lol) And the win I'm more impressed with that season, was their victory in O.T. against the Rams.. who were undefeated (that season) at home.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

My honest predictions for playoffs & division winners.. are as follows.
N.F.C. West: 49ers - As long as they don't make too many mistakes offensively, & their Defense holds.. they have a nice path to success against the rest of the division & should hold out for a win.

N.F.C. East:Cowboys - Honestly, I see them winning home field throughout. I'd be shocked if they didn't, but sooner or later teams will begin to realize they only have ONE WR. (Glenn won't return until mid-season, if at all)

N.F.C. South: Panthers - I have to just because of them being a favorite, yet I also have good points to it as well. It'll mainly come down to division wins. The only thing stopped Tampa from over-lapping Carolina is they are similar to the Falcons. They fall apart toward the end of the season. I'm not saying Carolina can't, or won't. (last year was a prime example) But they should recover from an otherwise injury riddled season.

N.F.C. North: Packers - This division is going to be tough, just because sooner or later.. GB will take on injuries too deep to overcome. Driver is already beginning to take a toll. However, Minnesota can't compete right now without a QB or WRs. The Bears hang on whether their vet QB can bring them back, as their D is falling apart with injuries.. & Detroit will make a nice run.. however, I don't think their D will hold up to stopping people.

N.F.C. Wildcard: Tampa Bay & Detroit - Tampa Bay may win the division & Carolina can claim a WC spot, either way is possible. The final spot comes down to Detroit, Seattle & Philly. I think the most shocking thing of all is my disbelief that the Bears will even make the playoffs.. but fact is, I see the Lions running over them Sunday & many teams taking notice to do the same. Seattle will only make the playoffs if Alexander can stay healthy, at which point I kinda do hope Carolina meets them again.. so this time, THEY can have the one sided - crappy run game. Finally, the Eagles will only make the playoffs barring injuries. McNabb & Westbrook have to stay healthy.

A.F.C. West: Chargers - People are already counting them out. But they aren't technically giving them credit for who they've faced. The Patriots & Bears were tough. Like I said before, 3-4 weeks from now, we should see the Chargers on a win streak. Denver is a close second, but they have QB issues still. Oakland & K.C. are lost for the season before it technically gets a full first quarter in.

A.F.C. East: Patriots - Anyone who doesn't think so is naive. The Patriots will most likely take homefield throughout. The ONLY thing stopping them from going undefeated is Moss sucks in cold weather, & N.E. is NOT the team for him during winter games. The up side, no other team in that division is challenging them. The Jets try, but fail. The Dolphins could, but won't.. & the Bills, well.. its best to take them behind the barn & shoot now.

A.F.C. South: Colts - This division will be closer than people may think. I see it being similar to a lot of N.F.C. divisions, with the winner ultimately holding the most division wins. I.E. - Indy. The Texans have come on strong, & may stay that way barring anymore injuries. The Titans are looking to make sure Young doesn't endure that Madden curse problem, & he looks fine thus far. And finally, the team that many felt would challenge Indy the most.. will likely round out the bottom this year, that being.. Jacksonville.

A.F.C. North: Steelers - Don't get me wrong, I like the Bengals Offense & the Ravens Defense, but neither have a good combination of both. The Steelers do. The Browns shouldn't even be mentioned, but could surprise a lot by winning a couple more surprise match-ups.

Wildcard: Titans & Texans - Yes, both from the same division. This is the hardest decision, actually, as the A.F.C. is always a tough one toward the end. I can see the Broncos, as well as the Bengals & Ravens challenging.. but the Bengals give up to many points from their D.. & the Ravens are beginning to take a toll Defensively. The Broncos have a tougher division, even with KC & Oakland, they're still tough opponents. The Texans & Titans look to make a solid run. The only way the Texans won't make it, is if Andre Johnson's injury keeps him out any longer than wk 5.. & if the Titans don't make it, its simply because they gave up.. there isn't any other excuse. Sure, they don't have a solid RB, or anything worth mentioning at WR.. but thats what makes them dangerous.. any ONE of the "unknowns" could produce huge one week, & any ONE else, the next.

 

[RBH]

My honest predictions for playoffs & division winners.. are as follows.
N.F.C. West: 49ers - As long as they don't make too many mistakes offensively, & their Defense holds.. they have a nice path to success against the rest of the division & should hold out for a win.

N.F.C. East:Cowboys - Honestly, I see them winning home field throughout. I'd be shocked if they didn't, but sooner or later teams will begin to realize they only have ONE WR. (Glenn won't return until mid-season, if at all)

N.F.C. South: Panthers - I have to just because of them being a favorite, yet I also have good points to it as well. It'll mainly come down to division wins. The only thing stopped Tampa from over-lapping Carolina is they are similar to the Falcons. They fall apart toward the end of the season. I'm not saying Carolina can't, or won't. (last year was a prime example) But they should recover from an otherwise injury riddled season.

N.F.C. North: Packers - This division is going to be tough, just because sooner or later.. GB will take on injuries too deep to overcome. Driver is already beginning to take a toll. However, Minnesota can't compete right now without a QB or WRs. The Bears hang on whether their vet QB can bring them back, as their D is falling apart with injuries.. & Detroit will make a nice run.. however, I don't think their D will hold up to stopping people.

N.F.C. Wildcard: Tampa Bay & Detroit - Tampa Bay may win the division & Carolina can claim a WC spot, either way is possible. The final spot comes down to Detroit, Seattle & Philly. I think the most shocking thing of all is my disbelief that the Bears will even make the playoffs.. but fact is, I see the Lions running over them Sunday & many teams taking notice to do the same. Seattle will only make the playoffs if Alexander can stay healthy, at which point I kinda do hope Carolina meets them again.. so this time, THEY can have the one sided - crappy run game. Finally, the Eagles will only make the playoffs barring injuries. McNabb & Westbrook have to stay healthy.

A.F.C. West: Chargers - People are already counting them out. But they aren't technically giving them credit for who they've faced. The Patriots & Bears were tough. Like I said before, 3-4 weeks from now, we should see the Chargers on a win streak. Denver is a close second, but they have QB issues still. Oakland & K.C. are lost for the season before it technically gets a full first quarter in.

A.F.C. East: Patriots - Anyone who doesn't think so is naive. The Patriots will most likely take homefield throughout. The ONLY thing stopping them from going undefeated is Moss sucks in cold weather, & N.E. is NOT the team for him during winter games. The up side, no other team in that division is challenging them. The Jets try, but fail. The Dolphins could, but won't.. & the Bills, well.. its best to take them behind the barn & shoot now.

A.F.C. South: Colts - This division will be closer than people may think. I see it being similar to a lot of N.F.C. divisions, with the winner ultimately holding the most division wins. I.E. - Indy. The Texans have come on strong, & may stay that way barring anymore injuries. The Titans are looking to make sure Young doesn't endure that Madden curse problem, & he looks fine thus far. And finally, the team that many felt would challenge Indy the most.. will likely round out the bottom this year, that being.. Jacksonville.

A.F.C. North: Steelers - Don't get me wrong, I like the Bengals Offense & the Ravens Defense, but neither have a good combination of both. The Steelers do. The Browns shouldn't even be mentioned, but could surprise a lot by winning a couple more surprise match-ups.

Wildcard: Titans & Texans - Yes, both from the same division. This is the hardest decision, actually, as the A.F.C. is always a tough one toward the end. I can see the Broncos, as well as the Bengals & Ravens challenging.. but the Bengals give up to many points from their D.. & the Ravens are beginning to take a toll Defensively. The Broncos have a tougher division, even with KC & Oakland, they're still tough opponents. The Texans & Titans look to make a solid run. The only way the Texans won't make it, is if Andre Johnson's injury keeps him out any longer than wk 5.. & if the Titans don't make it, its simply because they gave up.. there isn't any other excuse. Sure, they don't have a solid RB, or anything worth mentioning at WR.. but thats what makes them dangerous.. any ONE of the "unknowns" could produce huge one week, & any ONE else, the next.

No haha Im a hardcore proud 49er fan right from the beginning of when I could learn how to watch sports attentively (at age 8 in 95). So I saw all of their playoff collapses against the Packers and the Rainy Game Title Game (97...Packers beat Niners at wet and rainy 3-Com Candlestick for anyone who remembers). Yeah I just believe Carolina is a playoff team they were my #6 in preseaon predictions so we'll see how that pans out. As far as predictions here goes nothing.
AFC
WEST: San Diego Chargers, they are struggling right now but anyone would struggle if they had to open the season at home vs Chicago and then travel to Foxboro and Lambeau. I predict the Chargers to win the division with a 0-6 record because that is all it is going to take. Denver will go on their annual losing streak to end the season because Jay Cutler is not that great of a QB. Oakland is getting better but they still need a lot of offensive help. The Kansas City Chiefs are on the downside and will only get worse. Thet have QB issues and will compete with Oakland for the worst spot.

NORTH: Pittsburgh Steelers, I still call this division the AFC Central. The Steelers always seem to be one of these teams that never wins the division consistently enough but does win it every year of two. This is their year. Their defense is great and Ben is back to being...well Big Ben. The Bengals have a superb offense but their defense cannot hold on for long (as evidenced by the Browns debacle. The Ravens will regress and try to stay in it but McNair will not be as good as he was 10 years ago. The Browns are in a building year so they will not compete.

SOUTH: Indianapolis Colts, anyone who thinks otherwise has not been watching the Colts for the last 5 years. As long as they have Peyton Manning, they will always be the fav in the division hunt. I don't think the Jags or Titans will compete much because their offenses will not be able to generate the points needed. The Texans will make a run for 2nd place but they still have to build the offense around Shaub. I also believe the Jags will finish last because their offense appears weak.

EAST: The New England Patriots. They are the team to beat this year and as you said might even contend for the home field. I dont see the Jets, Dolphins or Bills coming anywhere close. The Jets will finish second though because they are the best out of the worst.

Wildcards: Denver Broncos, Houston Texans. The Broncos will be back in it due to their defense and the Texans will be in it...also due to their defense. The teams that are barely left out include the Jets and the Titans.

NFC
WEST: San Francisco 49ers. If you have watched the Seahawks games closely, you could see that they are not the same team they once were. Granted, the Niners are also struggling but our defense is supeior to theirs and will show it this sunday. The Rams are the bottom feeders of this division due to their horrendus start, will go nowhere. The Niners also have the easiest finishing scehdule; vs minnesota, vs cincinnati, vs tampa bay and at cleveland compared to the seahawks; vs arizona, at carolina, vs baltimore and at atlanta....I believe that if we are tied with the Hawks going into the final four, we will win the division. Arizona will make a run but they have too many QB problems for me to worry about them.

NORTH: Green Bay Packers. As long as injuries dont hold them down, the reenergized brett Farve packers are the team to beat in this division. The Bears are not going to contend as they go throigh the Super Bowl loser curse. The Lions will contend but fall towards the end and the Vikings will finish last because of bad offense. They need at least a year or two of work.

SOUTH: Carolina Panthers, the Panthers have showed me the best out of the rest. They are trying to prove that last year's collapse was a fluke and the Saints are coming back down to Earth. The Bucs are going to be contenders this year but the Panthers and jake delhomme will lead the team to a close division title win. The Falcons will be the bottom feeders and they will barely win any games. They are a demoralized team.

EAST: Dallas Cowboys,.their first 3 games have provedf thay they have what it takes to make the Super Bowl. The Boys are talented offensively and defensively and will run on Romo's shoulders. The Eagles and Redskins will make it interesting but they cannot contend with the Boys. The Giants are in a rebuilding year so its last places for them.

WILDCARDs: Tampa Bay Bucs and seattle seahawks....I still think the Hawks are a good team. Theyw will make the playoffs but not win the division. The Bucs will win wildcard as well because of their strong defense and consistent offense. The losers on the outside are Detroit and the Redskins and Eagles because they will come short by a few yards, inches and games.

AFC TITLE GAME: Patriots Over Colts; Payback

NFC Title Game: Cowboys Over Packers, like old times...

Super Bowl: Pats Over Cowboys; the Dynasty Continues.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

I only have a couple thoughts on what all you've said.

Atlanta Falcons: I think Atlanta & New Orleans will actually fight for last place. Atlanta looked stronger than people have given them credit for, against Carolina. And as much as I hate to say it, if it wasn't for DeAngelo Hall's blow-up, Atlanta would've likely won. I see Atlanta beating New Orleans, thus taking the 3rd place finish.

New Orleans: The one mistake they made, was releasing Joe Horn. Yes, old vet who does little.. however, the little he did, was take eyes off Colston & Henderson. Its being seen widely now, that the Saints suck at WR, because they don't have a true #1. Bush will flurish for fantasy owners, because Deuce is out for the season.. but he won't flurish as a solo back. He needs to learn "north & south" without attempting the "east/west" running, juking crap. (DeAngelo Williams in Carolina would do well to remember that too)

Tennessee Titans: Too many people aren't giving credit where its due. Vince Young is the Micheal Vick of the next generation. He's the Vick that looked promising, as a QB AND a scrambler. Young shows better pose' in the pocket.. & dispite having nothing for talent at WR.. thats what makes him even more dangerous, because Defenses truly won't know who he'll throw too. I still don't get why lately the Colts & Peyton Manning have issues with the Titans & Texans, but I see the Titans winning the next round.

Seattle Seahawks: I'll ONLY see Seattle making a playoff Wildcard run, if the 49ers drop off.. & the Eagles, Lions, Redskins, & even Bears fall apart. Alexander is walking wounded, & I don't see it being too much longer before that "broken wrist" turns into him missing another 4-6 weeks.

Now, my thoughts on selective teams are this..

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is not going to have a great year, & with the injured O-Line.. If I was him, I wouldn't rush a return either. I'm damn amazed that Mark Bulger isn't on the I.R. yet. They said he's playing & will continue to play with broken ribs. Give him 3 more sacks, tops.. & he'll be out for a good 5-7 weeks, if not longer. If I was St. Louis, I'd unfortunately cut my losses & attempt building the rookies & next generation Ram - starters.

Minnesota Vikings: My Wife's favorite team, so I have to mention them. You mentioned this being a rebuilding year, but the fact is.. they need a QB & better talent at the WR position. IF, IF they had one great WR & one really good one.. Peterson would carry the Vikings on his back. Jackson (QB) is not the franchise player, & Minnesota assuming he could be, will only futher destroy their up-coming seasons.

Detroit Lions: A lot of people claim they suck, & won't make even a Wildcard. I think it'd be close.. & Sunday's game against Chicago will prove what may or may not happen. Their big loss to the Eagles showed they weren't (yet) ready for a prime time match-up, but they truly do have too much talent at WR to guard. And if only they could work a running game.. they'd be just as dangerous as the Patriots. (Yes, I know that could take on a lot of heat.. but the only thing different about the Lions & Pats is New England has a great Defense & a 'star' QB - Detroit has just as much talent at WR, as NE does though) Give them a couple more weeks, maybe 4-5 to show what they can do..

 

[X]

To comment on Ben Roethslberger(sp?) (god damnit I hate that last name so much its ridiculious) I'd like to say this.

He's got great potential. He had a dream season a few years back in that Steelers run and proved himself to be easily capable of being one of the top 5 QBs in the league. But damnit if that injury didn't change things a bit. He's still got the talent, but he just doesn't seem to be nearly as mobile as he used to be only a few years back. But if he really needs to, he can turn it on and blow out a great game like that 400 yd 4 TD game the other week. He's just a bit inconsistent is all. Not nearly as much as say Rex Grossman is, but still inconsistent enough so that I wouldn't label him as a top 5 QB just yet. Those 5 spots belong to the likes of Brady, Manning, Palmer, Favre, and McNabb.

 

[RBH]

I only have a couple thoughts on what all you've said.

Atlanta Falcons: I think Atlanta & New Orleans will actually fight for last place. Atlanta looked stronger than people have given them credit for, against Carolina. And as much as I hate to say it, if it wasn't for DeAngelo Hall's blow-up, Atlanta would've likely won. I see Atlanta beating New Orleans, thus taking the 3rd place finish.

New Orleans: The one mistake they made, was releasing Joe Horn. Yes, old vet who does little.. however, the little he did, was take eyes off Colston & Henderson. Its being seen widely now, that the Saints suck at WR, because they don't have a true #1. Bush will flurish for fantasy owners, because Deuce is out for the season.. but he won't flurish as a solo back. He needs to learn "north & south" without attempting the "east/west" running, juking crap. (DeAngelo Williams in Carolina would do well to remember that too)

Tennessee Titans: Too many people aren't giving credit where its due. Vince Young is the Micheal Vick of the next generation. He's the Vick that looked promising, as a QB AND a scrambler. Young shows better pose' in the pocket.. & dispite having nothing for talent at WR.. thats what makes him even more dangerous, because Defenses truly won't know who he'll throw too. I still don't get why lately the Colts & Peyton Manning have issues with the Titans & Texans, but I see the Titans winning the next round.

Seattle Seahawks: I'll ONLY see Seattle making a playoff Wildcard run, if the 49ers drop off.. & the Eagles, Lions, Redskins, & even Bears fall apart. Alexander is walking wounded, & I don't see it being too much longer before that "broken wrist" turns into him missing another 4-6 weeks.

Now, my thoughts on selective teams are this..

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is not going to have a great year, & with the injured O-Line.. If I was him, I wouldn't rush a return either. I'm damn amazed that Mark Bulger isn't on the I.R. yet. They said he's playing & will continue to play with broken ribs. Give him 3 more sacks, tops.. & he'll be out for a good 5-7 weeks, if not longer. If I was St. Louis, I'd unfortunately cut my losses & attempt building the rookies & next generation Ram - starters.

Minnesota Vikings: My Wife's favorite team, so I have to mention them. You mentioned this being a rebuilding year, but the fact is.. they need a QB & better talent at the WR position. IF, IF they had one great WR & one really good one.. Peterson would carry the Vikings on his back. Jackson (QB) is not the franchise player, & Minnesota assuming he could be, will only futher destroy their up-coming seasons.

Detroit Lions: A lot of people claim they suck, & won't make even a Wildcard. I think it'd be close.. & Sunday's game against Chicago will prove what may or may not happen. Their big loss to the Eagles showed they weren't (yet) ready for a prime time match-up, but they truly do have too much talent at WR to guard. And if only they could work a running game.. they'd be just as dangerous as the Patriots. (Yes, I know that could take on a lot of heat.. but the only thing different about the Lions & Pats is New England has a great Defense & a 'star' QB - Detroit has just as much talent at WR, as NE does though) Give them a couple more weeks, maybe 4-5 to show what they can do..

Whats funny about my prediction about the Lions is that I atually am quite fond of them...when I was young and started following the Niners intensely...I also liked the Lions (sorta like a second team but not really like ur actual team)....but they got to go out and win for me on sunday. I am putting a lot of faith in them and every year they play the Bears at Ford Field I pick them so hopefully this year they win.

About Bulger whats funny is that in last years Madden Game, on the strategy guide of how to play the Rams: It said Sack Bulger a couple of times and he will be hurt...that was paraphrasing too lol.......I thought it was the funniest thing and when I did sack Bulger like 6 times what do you know? HE GOT HURT! lol....bUT YEAH the Bucs have surprised me and I expect them to fight the Panthers for the division but the Panthers to win out.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Whats funny about my prediction about the Lions is that I atually am quite fond of them...when I was young and started following the Niners intensely...I also liked the Lions (sorta like a second team but not really like ur actual team)....but they got to go out and win for me on sunday. I am putting a lot of faith in them and every year they play the Bears at Ford Field I pick them so hopefully this year they win.

That sounds about like myself with the likes of Arizona, Baltimore & Tennessee. I was a big fan of the Ravens, & they just never truly fought hard to get back to a Superbowl. Arizona is like my cinderella team.. I wanted them to make the playoffs last year with the opening of their new field. Just like this year, they host the Superbowl.. but will only be apart of it as fans in the stands. lol

Tennessee has been in my good graces since their Superbowl bust. That was the Superbowl that truly glued me to wanting to watch EVERY game, not just those of Carolina. Because it was by far one of the most amazing finishes to a Superbowl, ever. I hate Superbowls that are one sided.. & dispite some bias (sp?) feelings.. I feel the Superbowl Carolina had against New England was one of the very best, ever.. because it went down to the final minute of the game to decide a winner. Only a crappy kick made it NOT go into overtime.

About Bulger whats funny is that in last years Madden Game, on the strategy guide of how to play the Rams: It said Sack Bulger a couple of times and he will be hurt...that was paraphrasing too lol.......I thought it was the funniest thing and when I did sack Bulger like 6 times what do you know? HE GOT HURT! lol....bUT YEAH the Bucs have surprised me and I expect them to fight the Panthers for the division but the Panthers to win out.

You use a strategy guide for Madden games?! lol I honestly didn't even know they made them. I can't see how a guide can help you win a madden game. So, do you have an xbox 360 w/ Madden, or something else?

As far as surprises.. Detroit is the team I completely see as a surprise playoff team, or even the Redskins. I realize both teams have nice potential & good talent, but neither team is looked upon greatly for coming through in the end. On the A.F.C. side.. the Texans finishing with a winning record, for the first time ever.. AND making the playoffs.. (how much to you think Atlanta is kicking themselves for cutting Shaub?)

 

[RBH]

That sounds about like myself with the likes of Arizona, Baltimore & Tennessee. I was a big fan of the Ravens, & they just never truly fought hard to get back to a Superbowl. Arizona is like my cinderella team.. I wanted them to make the playoffs last year with the opening of their new field. Just like this year, they host the Superbowl.. but will only be apart of it as fans in the stands. lol

Tennessee has been in my good graces since their Superbowl bust. That was the Superbowl that truly glued me to wanting to watch EVERY game, not just those of Carolina. Because it was by far one of the most amazing finishes to a Superbowl, ever. I hate Superbowls that are one sided.. & dispite some bias (sp?) feelings.. I feel the Superbowl Carolina had against New England was one of the very best, ever.. because it went down to the final minute of the game to decide a winner. Only a crappy kick made it NOT go into overtime.



You use a strategy guide for Madden games?! lol I honestly didn't even know they made them. I can't see how a guide can help you win a madden game. So, do you have an xbox 360 w/ Madden, or something else?

As far as surprises.. Detroit is the team I completely see as a surprise playoff team, or even the Redskins. I realize both teams have nice potential & good talent, but neither team is looked upon greatly for coming through in the end. On the A.F.C. side.. the Texans finishing with a winning record, for the first time ever.. AND making the playoffs.. (how much to you think Atlanta is kicking themselves for cutting Shaub?)

last year I bought a strategy guide just to see how it was like...I knew how to play just wanted the book...I got Madden for PS2........I agree about your cinderella theory about Arizona...I kind of always wanted a home team to make the Super Bowl (Oakland came close with the game in San Diego)...The Pats-Panthers game was good....I won money off that (sorry I had to bet for the Pats because I had previously lost money betting on the Rams to beat the Pats).....Troy Aikman and Steve Young got me started with Super Bowls 29 and 30....great games...of course we beat the Chargers 49-26 I believe and the Cowboys won #30 27-17 that was a great game and then Farve the next year.

The Texans need to keep winning consistently if they want to make the playoffs. The Panthers should be able to go 4-2 within their division at the least. That helps tremendosuly. Winning conference games should help too. But the Niners play the Panthers this season........cant wait we both could have playoff contending teams by then. I cant wait. This sunday both teams will take care of business.

 

[BooCocky]

To comment on Ben Roethslberger(sp?) (god damnit I hate that last name so much its ridiculious) I'd like to say this.

He's got great potential. He had a dream season a few years back in that Steelers run and proved himself to be easily capable of being one of the top 5 QBs in the league. But damnit if that injury didn't change things a bit. He's still got the talent, but he just doesn't seem to be nearly as mobile as he used to be only a few years back. But if he really needs to, he can turn it on and blow out a great game like that 400 yd 4 TD game the other week. He's just a bit inconsistent is all. Not nearly as much as say Rex Grossman is, but still inconsistent enough so that I wouldn't label him as a top 5 QB just yet. Those 5 spots belong to the likes of Brady, Manning, Palmer, Favre, and McNabb.

Carson Palmer? what has he done since he has been in the league? He is all about stats. Yes stats can get you into the HOF, but the HOF isnt going to win you any big games. 4000 yds passing, 300 yds a game 35-40 td's passes a yr are just numbers until you win the big games. Carson Palmer has not won a playoff game in his career, when it comes down to something big he chokes and gets beat like he owes the defense something. Roethlisberger on the other hand is a WINNER, he is a play maker, he knows how to manage a game and doesnt make mistakes. He is the 3rd best Quarterback in the NFL besides P. Manning and Tom Brady imo. Football is a game of wins and loses and quite frankly if the steelers dont have big ben they dont win. Now McNabb is a master of choking also but he has shown me signs of greatness with his play making ability. 3 NFC championship games 1 superbowl and he played like crap in all the games. Until they win the big game IMO Roethlisberger is a better Qb. He is no brett favre but Mr. Favre has seen his prime go by. Inconsistency is just something that happens to the best of them but when it comes down to it all when the game is on the line or they need a "big" play Ben is going to get it. The Steelers won a Super Bowl for a reason and Ben was it. Carson Palmer is just a stats machine but just like Dan Marino when it came down to the Big Game in the NFL he can not win. Until Palmer shows me that he can win a big game you need to rate Roethlisberger higher on the Qb rankings. Like not to sound rude or anything when you said Roethlisbergers so called dream season its not like he put of over 3,500 yds, gosh he didnt even have 2,400 if my memory serves right. He is vastly underrated IMO. But i was happy to read that you believed me that he could have a big game if needed to because no one else believes me.

Imo Detroit was a fluke there first couple of games this season, yes they do have a good offense and a good leader in Kitna, but quite frankly there defense lacks a little bit of something, possibly tackiling and coverage in the secondary. The first two games before the Eagles they really played nobody and those are games they need to win if Jon Kitna wants to guarantee ten wins ever again. then they play in a good game with a Struggling Mcnabb and Mcnabb and the Eagles light up the Score Board. I say first two games a fluke but it is only my opinion.

Another thing i would be greatful if the Texans could compete against the Jags the Titans and the Colts. Because quite frankly they need to because its been horrible since there franchis began. I give all the respect to Matt Schaub, Man he got a good arm. Anybody think he is a good fit? Also i dont think atlanta is kicking themselves right now because remember they got the incomparable Mike Vick? No just kidding on that one. But Finally though the Texans do have a future to look forward to, and if Andre Johnson didnt get injured and miss a game possibly two he was going to be my MVP or atleast offensive player of the yr if they played well and competed.

I still live by the fact that the Chargers owner(s) arent very bright for getting rid of Marty because he is an excellent regular season coach and on the field the Chargers aren't showing me any fight because of there record last year, imo i believe they thought this year was going to be a walk in the Park to the AFC championship game, but not if the Colts, Pats, Steelers have anything to say. Well it is too early to tell but another loss they hsould start to panic and maybe face the fact that Schottenheimer got the short end of the stick. They are to one dimensional behind a bad O-line right now and Phillip Rivers isnt showing any fight. But trust me if any team can turn it around it can be them because they are highly talented on both ends of the line.

 

[X]

Its not always about that big game though man. You used the Dan Marino example...but that still doesn't change the fact that Dan Marino was one of if not the greatest quarterback of all time (possibly Montana beats him in that regard). By your logic you're saying that Big Ben is a better QB than Dan Marino was because he's won more super bowls then him. It's not about how many rings you have on your fingers.

Granted, thats a large part of it, and being able to come through in big game situations in something that every player needs to be able to do, but you can't expect perfection. Carson Palmer is without a doubt one of the top 5 QBs in the league, above Big Ben in my opinion. I don't understand why everyone seems to hate stats so much...all statistics are are plain cold hard facts. The facts are that Carson Palmer has had a better regular season then Big Ben every year consistently. This is a guy who has consistently had a QB Rating of above 90 every season, and that is damn good. Not only that, but he has not choked at all in the playoffs. You make it sound like it's his fault his team loses in the playoffs, when in reality when they lost in 2005 Wildcard, Palmer was only in the game for a total of 3 minutes before being injured. That loss was not his fault.

Then theres Donovan McNabb. People think this guy is over with and overrated, but my god, was I the only one watching the first half of the season last year where McNabb all but had the MVP locked up by Week 6? Or that great game against the Lions last week? McNabb has brought the Eagles to atleast the Division Playoff games in 6 of his 8 seasons with the Eagles...that is DAMN good! Now let's look at those losses his team did suffer in the playoffs, in paticuliar the Super Bowl they made it to. McNabb went 30/54 with over 350 yds and 3 TDs in that game...that isn't exactly choking. Don't forget the Eagles only lost that game by a field goal to the Pats.

I like Big Ben. I really do, he's going to be one of the best in a few years. But right now I simply cannot place him in that top 5 Franchise QB list yet, because I know for damn sure I'd rather have Manning, Brady, Palmer, Bulger or Favre before Big Ben.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Then theres Donovan McNabb. People think this guy is over with and overrated, but my god, was I the only one watching the first half of the season last year where McNabb all but had the MVP locked up by Week 6? Or that great game against the Lions last week? McNabb has brought the Eagles to atleast the Division Playoff games in 6 of his 8 seasons with the Eagles...that is DAMN good! Now let's look at those losses his team did suffer in the playoffs, in paticuliar the Super Bowl they made it to. McNabb went 30/54 with over 350 yds and 3 TDs in that game...that isn't exactly choking. Don't forget the Eagles only lost that game by a field goal to the Pats.

Both of you make excellent points.. but I wanna address one thing.. that being the above statement. By you claiming McNabb's game, against the Lions D makes him great.. then you'd pretty much have to say Derek Anderson's unbelieveable game against the Bengals, makes him close to being Peyton Manning & Tom Brady, rolled into one.

Fact is.. Teams, players, coaches.. they all have great games & crappy games. You can't base anything off one game. McNabb was a single part of a bigger thing, that lead the Eagles to 3 straight N.F.C. Championship games.. (& if I'm correct, lost 3 straight Championship games) And if you're gonna look at any of those losses, & match the good with the bad.. look at the loss to Carolina. He threw 3 INTs, all to Ricky Manning Jr. He had busted up ribs, but refused to leave.. thus, costing his team.

Maybe their back-up wouldn't of done any better.. but at least one, maybe 2 of those picks.. came off of hits to those already injured ribs. So McNabb will find the Hall of Fame someday, but he's not gonna be forgotten about for blowing a couple games of his own, either.

Big Ben did not "lead" his team to a Superbowl, he helped them get there. By giving Ben 90% of the credit for the Steelers going to the Superbowl would be slapping that Defense & Bettis in the face. The Steelers have been & will always be a run-first, defense-second, pass-third team. Now, that is NOT to say Ben won't end up in the Hall of Fame.. the guy had a great rookie year, & an even better second one. But lets wait at least another 2-3 years before handing him the "I'm a top 5" QB award.

Carson Palmer, in MY opinion, is overrated. The guy wasn't even a blimp on the map until what, 2-3 years ago? And how long was he playing before that?! Yes, he's good.. he's great. And no, it was NOT his fault his team lost in the playoffs.. because you can't even truly count that game as being one he was in.

Hell, players like Tom Brady & Jake Delhomme weren't even starters or looked upon as starters when they were drafted. But both have put up great numbers & lead their teams deep into the playoffs. (No, I'm not comparing either, cause Brady would kill Delhomme, but its a point)

And that point is, what I said to begin with. Players, teams & coaches all have good & bad days, great & crappy games. So wait a couple years before addressing someone as elite.

 

[BooCocky]

Its not always about that big game though man. You used the Dan Marino example...but that still doesn't change the fact that Dan Marino was one of if not the greatest quarterback of all time (possibly Montana beats him in that regard). By your logic you're saying that Big Ben is a better QB than Dan Marino was because he's won more super bowls then him. It's not about how many rings you have on your fingers.

Then theres Donovan McNabb. People think this guy is over with and overrated, but my god, was I the only one watching the first half of the season last year where McNabb all but had the MVP locked up by Week 6? Or that great game against the Lions last week? McNabb has brought the Eagles to atleast the Division Playoff games in 6 of his 8 seasons with the Eagles...that is DAMN good! Now let's look at those losses his team did suffer in the playoffs, in paticuliar the Super Bowl they made it to. McNabb went 30/54 with over 350 yds and 3 TDs in that game...that isn't exactly choking. Don't forget the Eagles only lost that game by a field goal to the Pats.

I like Big Ben. I really do, he's going to be one of the best in a few years. But right now I simply cannot place him in that top 5 Franchise QB list yet, because I know for damn sure I'd rather have Manning, Brady, Palmer, Bulger or Favre before Big Ben.

Well considerably i would never take Big Ben over Marino in a game but maybe in a big game, Throughout Marino's career he choked, in college and the NFL. What Ben Roethlisberger did the year they won a SB is a great task. Yes ben is not all about 300 yds a game but on the contrary he has good games. I might add he is the 32nd player in NFl history with a perfect passer rating even though he only had to throw the ball 11 or 12 times. Which actually makes that task a little harder in my opinion.

Marc Bulger is not better than Ben Roethlisberger IMO, you put Roethlisberger behind that Offense with the offensive Receiving threats they had and he can tear it up. What has Bulger done so far in his NFL career that has been so remarkable? Ben is the future of the NFL and quite frankly he is the present right now, he has unbelievable ability that isnt coachable. I still take Ben over Mcnabb and Palmer until they got the ring. Stats is like an age it is just a number. Ben is a winner.

To be considered as a great Quarterback you need a ring, I guarantee you any QB that has lost continuous times in the SB will say they would rather have 1 ring than all there awards.

Getting back to Mcnabb, I am not positive though but in that Super Bowl didnt he make a bad throw though that basically cost them the game? If i remember correctly didnt he have three INT's? I think so, that is the fact is that he was trying do hard and made throws that he shouldnt. I believe on got tip but i also remember the throw down the sidelines which was an atrocious throw, which to me is a sign of choking. also didnt Mcnabb fumble on the first drive and didnt the pats recovered? He basically had four turn overs him self. you lose turn over battle you dont win football games.

i said it time and time again Roethlisberger is not better than Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but he is a franchise Qb that got the heart of a champion and until Palmer or Mcnabb win a ring Roethlisberger is the better Qb in that regards. He is a franchise Qb and IMO is rated higher than Palmer Mcnabb and Bulger.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Well considerably i would never take Big Ben over Marino in a game but maybe in a big game, Throughout Marino's career he choked, in college and the NFL. What Ben Roethlisberger did the year they won a SB is a great task. Yes ben is not all about 300 yds a game but on the contrary he has good games. I might add he is the 32nd player in NFl history with a perfect passer rating even though he only had to throw the ball 11 or 12 times. Which actually makes that task a little harder in my opinion.

Thats just one of the reasons why Ben isn't looked upon as a great QB. I'm not saying, or unintentionally trying to say he isn't great.. I'm just saying, QBs that are looked upon as great, are the ones who take risks. (I know, that probably sounds completely stupid) Ben's perfect passer rating, coming off of 11 or 12 passes shouldn't even count. Again, I'm not saying he isn't good.. but to dump a pass off 11 or 12 times to a TE, or RB in the back-field, it isn't hard to get a perfect passer rating.

The other thing I meant to post before & forgot, was during that Superbowl.. Big Ben only had a rushing TD, that was contraversial, I believe. Randle El (I think) had a passing TD, but Big Ben, did not? (again, not 100% sure) But if that is the case, what did Ben do in the Superbowl, that warrents him being the main point of that team?

Marc Bulger is not better than Ben Roethlisberger IMO, you put Roethlisberger behind that Offense with the offensive Receiving threats they had and he can tear it up. What has Bulger done so far in his NFL career that has been so remarkable? Ben is the future of the NFL and quite frankly he is the present right now, he has unbelievable ability that isnt coachable. I still take Ben over Mcnabb and Palmer until they got the ring. Stats is like an age it is just a number. Ben is a winner.

Mark Bulger is crap. I'm sorry to all the Rams fans out there, but this guy is not & should not be looked upon as anything decent. People have the gull to bad-mouth the likes of Jake Delhomme, or even Trent Green & Dante' Culpepper.. but all three of those QBs have done better for their team, than Mark Bulger. The only thing I can remember of Bulger, is that he's injury prone. And broken ribs this season, isn't gonna help him get off that list.

To be considered as a great Quarterback you need a ring, I guarantee you any QB that has lost continuous times in the SB will say they would rather have 1 ring than all there awards.

I have to highly disagree with this, just because.. you take away last season & the Colts Superbowl victory. Peyton Manning will still go down in history as one of the best, if not THE best QB, ever. Ring or not.. those "pointless" stats have & will carry Peyton on a platform into the Hall of Fame. Even without that SB ring, Peyton will live on "forever."

While yes, Peyton has even said one ring would be better than all those stats. He would still turn around & say.. "But I'm not against breaking all those records, either."

Getting back to Mcnabb, I am not positive though but in that Super Bowl didnt he make a bad throw though that basically cost them the game? If i remember correctly didnt he have three INT's? I think so, that is the fact is that he was trying do hard and made throws that he shouldnt. I believe on got tip but i also remember the throw down the sidelines which was an atrocious throw, which to me is a sign of choking. also didnt Mcnabb fumble on the first drive and didnt the pats recovered? He basically had four turn overs him self. you lose turn over battle you dont win football games.

While I'm not disagreeing with this, I still have to point out Derek Anderson's game against the Bengals. He had some 6 INTs, but still won that game.

i said it time and time again Roethlisberger is not better than Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but he is a franchise Qb that got the heart of a champion and until Palmer or Mcnabb win a ring Roethlisberger is the better Qb in that regards. He is a franchise Qb and IMO is rated higher than Palmer Mcnabb and Bulger.

Ben Roethlisberger (I've never spelt his last name, because I don't know if I spell it correctly) IS a franchise QB. Look at the Steelers outline. Big, rough, tough, built. Big Ben is THE QB of Pittsburgh, right down to his body size & structure. I'll always think of Ben when I think of QBs for the Steelers, because he is the imbodiment (sp?) of that team. A QB is the "heart & soul" of a team, & while I will NEVER take back the fact that Pittsburgh is run-first, defense-second, pass-third.. that doesn't mean I won't forever hold Ben as the best QB for the Steelers, & the future of the Franchise.

 

[BooCocky]

Well good points there, but i got to explain this his passer rating should be considered a good accomplishment, he had 12 passes and i believe 3 were for TD's. Thats a touchdown every four passes. which a remarkable feature.

You throw an average Qb behind the offenses that Manning had and your going to be stats machine imo. 3 good receivers, Stokley which is not there anymore, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne, those are all threats, and to top it off Dallas Clark is also a good threat. Those are four good weapons and to top it off they had Edjerrin James which is five i repeat five threats on the offensive side of the ball.

Getting back to the Superbowl he did throw two ints and had the lowest qb rating of a winning qb in Sb history but they still won the game. His Scramble for a touchdown was a play where he went all out and scored on that play, what was that a player making a big play, a Game Breaker. A play action Qb sneak with all the effort in the world to score. Unlike Mcnabb though Roethlisberger didnt account for 4 turn overs. Quite frankly Ben did not make the huge mistake like Mcnabb did and quite frankly that is a remarkable task. the youngest qb to win a Sb thats what he did. He carried that steeler team the whole entire year. Unlike Mcnabb who towards the end of SB XXX1X played like a coward and Owens carried that team on his shoulders. Roethlisber made plays, can i say the 37 yd pass to Ward, when roethlisberger was scrambling, that was a big play which kept that scoring drive alive. that my friend is a big play and that is what ben accounted for in that game. He made a big play when his team needed too.