NFL Thread - 2009-10

[jmt225]

Everyone knows I'm a Saints guy, but even with Brees' amazing performance Sunday, I still have to go with Tom Brady as my MVP for Week 1.

As X explained, the Bills are a very good team. They showed it last year when they started off incredibly. However, injuries and other problems led to their downfall, and over the off-season they made some drastic improvements in important areas. Whereas the Lions, while not as bad as last year, still aren't good by any means, and no where near as good as Buffalo. So, that's one thing.

But another reason is because Brady actually had to lead his team last night. Brees just had to be there. It came easy for him. Brady earned every yard and touchdown he got, and lead the Pats on two consecutive touchdown drives at the end of the game to win it, and did so flawlessly. That's why he's my MVP for this week: Those two last drives.

With that said, when can we start to say Brees is the 2nd best quarterback in the league? Seriously, he's shown himself to be better than Peyton Manning; I don't give a fuck what anyone says. The numbers prove it, and so do the weapons each person has. Brees made every single Saints player a threat, whereas Manning just has talented motherfuckers (from players to coaches) all around him.

Honestly, Brees is the Dan Marino of this generation, and it's time we start putting him up there with Brady as the best QB in the league. He'll prove my point as the season goes further, though I'm sure it'll continue to get ignored.

 

[Baller]

I'm going to give this award to the Philadelphia Eagles Defense.

They forced 5 interceptions and 2 fumbles, and scored 2 touchdowns. Yes the Panthers dont have the best quarterbacks in the league but they got a hell of a running game and they held DeAngelo Williams to 37 rushing yards on 14 carries. Steve Smith only got 3 catches, and you can blame that on the qbs but 2 of those interceptions, was when they threw to Smith and the defenders beat him to the spot.

Eagles defense MVP week 1 (and fantasy MVP)

 

[Baller]

KC Chiefs are going to be terrible this year, I dont care what quarterback they have or wide receivers, there is no talent and wont win 4 games. Cassel is injured and Thigpen is not going to get the job done, plus Wade is not that good of a receiver if he couldnt even make it on the Vikings, and they have Berrian and Harvin and nobody else to catch the ball.

 

[ztwhite]

I'm going to go with an odd choice and pick an entire team - the Green Bay Packers.

Not only did they force Jay Cutler to throw four interceptions, they legitimately had a chance to pick off two others when Cutler's passes were blatantly dropped by Tramon Williams (back-to-back plays in the 2nd quarter and on the 3rd consecutive play, Nick Collins picked Cutler off).

Their new 3-4 defense also looked stout against one of the most underrated RB's in the NFL - Matt Forte - but they made sure Cutler was hurried, knocked down or running for his life the entire night.

Additionally, they put Brian Urlacher on the DL for the rest of the season !!!

Not only did they pick up an early season division victory, but they all but eliminated one of their biggest threats in the NFC.

I may be a bit biased since I cover the Packers now for a living, but I've watched these guys every day in training camp and was at Lambeau for the first game... and if you have any money... bet it all on the Packers to win their namesake's trophy this season.

Packers / Steelers in Super Bowl 44 - write it down !!!!!

 

[gd]

First off, 2 points.

1) The Bills suck and are a sorry excuse for a football team. I can't see them winning more than 5 games this year, the Pats should've blown them away.

2) Seconded on the Packers/Steelers SB prediction. The one thing I learned from this week is that the Packers D is insanely improved. They are dangerous.

As for the MVP, gotta go with AP. Some of his runs were just ridiculous, he was just throwing people off of him. He is a grown man, a scary one at that. He took all of the pressure of Favre, who hardly had to do anything at all. AP was the best player in the NFL this week and will likely be the best player for the rest of the season as well.

 

[Big Sexy]

I actually see them keeping all 4. I believe McNabb will only miss one week, but even if he does miss two or three then Kolb will be the starter unless he plays like shit. If that happens then Garcia will take over. Once McNabb is healthy then he will obviously be the starter and either Kolb or Garcia will be the back up. Mike Vick will most likely be the number 4 guy on the depth chart at qb but once Mcnabb comes back Vick will be the only other qb to see the field. He'll get time in the wildcat and the Eagles will definitely utilize his abilities, just not as a full time quarterback.

 

[Stormtrooper]

Here are one Quarterbacks stats for THIRD DOWN (the most important down, since failure on 3rd down results in 4th down) in week 1:
12 of 15, 191 yards, a touchdown and a 141.0 passer rating

What if I were to tell you that the team the QB was playing was picked by a lot of "experts" as a sleeper playoff team, and a team with a pretty good defense. Also, the aforementioned QB plays for a team with what "experts" called a sub-par wide corps. Last but not least, what if I told you this QB became the 4th rookie QB since the merger to win opening day on the road. Yes, I am talking about the great MARK SANCHEZ.

All that being said, Mark Sanchez wasn't even the MVP of his team. That would belong to the entire defense, who conpletely embarrassed the Houston Texans, who have a decent QB, a great runner, a great Tight End, and the best receiver in the NFL (whom was shut down by the great Darelle Revis).

OK, I know people will be crapping all over the idea of Sanchez as the week 1 MVP, so I will go with Adrian Peterson, even though he played against the worst coach in the NFL. He looked amazing, and on that long TD, he embarrassed the defender (I forget who it was) by throwing him out of bounds, and ran for 180 yards and 3 scores.

 

[Stormtrooper]

obviously, week 2 will have Kolb and Garcia as the 2 QBs, with McNabb inactive (probably designated as the 3rd QB in case both go down with serious injuries) and Vick suspended. I do not know when McNabb will be back, but I think everyone expects him back week 3.

Here is my guess for the depth chart for week 3-the end of the season.

1. McNabb. Duh
2. Garcia. He played remarkably well for them when he was an Eagle a couple years ago, so I see them using him as the #2
3. Kolb (inactive, designated as the 3rd QB). The Eagles seem to hate him, because they always seem to replace him (Vick, then Garcia).
4. Vick. I believe Vick will be active, and see the field 5 plays a game tops.

Unless the Eagles can designate Kolb as the 3rd QB inactive and keep McNabb/Vick/Garcia active (I actually think they can do this, as weird as it may sound), I think Kolb will not be with the team by the trade deadline. They do not want to cut him, because they used a relatively high pick (2nd or 3rd round) on him, and want to try and get something back, so they may try to trade him. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kolb gone by week 3.

 

[Shocky]

The Answer is Mike Vick, simple enough. Don't be suprised to see him put out in the Wideout to throw off Defenses. Mike Vick in the line up, either behind center, as halfback or WR is just simply dangerous, and combined with Donovan McNabb, simply deadly. The Eagles aren't exactly known for their strong Wide Receiver core, so Mike Vick would fit in perfectly. It keeps the Wildcat an option, it keeps all sorts of options open.

 

[CH David]

So I'm watching SportCenter today, and see that Michael Crabtree still hasn't signed with the 49ers yet, and is threatening to sit out the whole season and re-enter the draft next year. And as most of us know, he is doing this because he wants more money than he has been offered.

One question I have, what the hell has he done to earn more than 20 million dollars over five years, with 16 of it guaranteed? If I were him, I would hop on that deal and enjoy playing in the NFL. I don't get why the fuck rookies have to hold out for more money, when they haven't done shit to prove they deserve that money. NFL football is different from College. You prove yourself in the NFL and show that you deserve it, you don't just go acting like you're the shit and a hotshot because you had a good College career. Fucking rookies today thinking they deserve more money than proven veterans, I hope he gets rocked in the first game of his career.

So what do you guys think? Do you really care if the Niners sign him this year? If he continues to hold out, and even sit out all season, and re-enter the draft, is he fucking himself bigtime by possibly losing money if he is drafted lower? Basically, how long is Michael Crabtree going to be a little bitch for?

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Crabtree is pretty much fucking himself over big time. He has a great opportunity in front of him right now. The 49ers are an improving team and they can make some noise this year and a big time deep threat can help their cause even more. It's not even a guarantee that he will get drafted in a higher position next year so he can possibly be leaving a lot of money on the table. He was seen as a little bit of a diva before he got drafted and now most teams will think even less of him now.

 

[klunderbunker]

I can't stand guys like this. It's people like Crabtree that give athletes a bad name. 16 million dollars is more than most of us combined will ever see, but that's not enough apparently. He was drafted with I believe the 10th pick, so he's getting 10th pick money. Tom Brady was drafted 199th and I'm willing to bet he's had a better career than anyone in that draft. He's now one of the richest men in the country. I didn't hear him cry about not getting enough his first year, and do you know why? he hadn't done shit in the pros. He won a Super Bowl and guess what happened: he got a big freaking raise. That's how professional sports work. You get paid when you prove something. Crabtree should shut his mouth and sign instead of being this whiner. Get over yourself.

 

[Stickstar 16]

Yeah, while i agree that Crabtree needs to drink a big case of "man up", and get on with it and play, if i remember properly the money is not the only reason that he doesn't want to be a 49er.

I believe when they went to the draft this year, their coach Mike Singletary went out and stated that this year they were gonna be a power running team, which of course then means that young Mr. Crabtree would probably recieve less catches and ball, therefore he wants to go to another team or wait in the draft, so he can be picked up in a team where his "unbelievable skills" could be truely recognised.

I think that in the stage we are at with the people of this generation myself included that we will start to see a lot more of this, as young athletes start to read into their own hype and seem to forget the great honour and privilege that it is to be paid to play the sport they love and are good at, and to be recognised and seen at a national/international level. They really need to learn that if they are offered a deal like Crabtree was, to take it, work your ass off, pay your dues, and then you'll get the recognition, and then you'll get bonuses, resigned for more money, or picked up by a better team.

 

[Stickstar 16]

They seem to be a lot more sturdy than they have been in previous years, and i think there are 3 factors which will determine whether or not they have a truly good season and make that push to the post season. I'll list them in order of least to most significance.

3. Jamarcus Russell refines his throwing a bit more and keeps it steady and strong and keeps the chains moving, i know that he is still growing into his own as a pro QB, but i think if he takes his time and works a little harder to make sure he throws good passes, and maybe sometime sacrifices a few yards for more completions, then the longer ones will just start appearing.

2. The Raiders maintain the same coach for the entire season, and quite possibly the next. With the revolving door policy for Raiders' head coaches, there is never any time to set a consistant and stable set of formations, guidlines, relationships and understandings between the players. This point is heavily reliant on my most important point........

1. Al Davis stays away from the actual playing side of the Oakland Raiders. I am a Cowboys fan and we have our own problems with our owners involvement in on the field and playing related issues, but it seems pretty insignificant compared to the involvement that Al Davis has in his football team, he has sacked at least a coach a season over the last five years, and his involvement and interefering will be one of the key things that stops his Raiders reliving their glory days, and returning to the post season, the divisional playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

 

[Leeds Guy]

Yeah this is ridiculous, nice to know that he thinks he is better than he is.... reminds me of a certain Terrell Owens. He should stop his whinging and sign and prove he is worth 16 million guarrenteed. The 49ers are looking alright under Singletary and are hopefully on the way up, who knows maybe if he signs he could have a dynamite year and up his stock for the future.

Stickstar from what I saw of the game on sunday (which wasn't much considering I live in the UK) Hill hit Bruce and Davis often, it wasnt just the ''give the ball to Gore and hope he runs through them'' play that the Niners have been using for the last few years, and it wasnt exactly power running. Although its way too early to determine if thats the style of play the Niners will use this year.

 

[BooCocky]

You know what is funny? If he sits out and enters the draft next year he wont even be the best receiver in the draft, that will go to Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State or Williams out of USC, and this years draft seems defensive heavy so I can't expect many offensive players to go early in the first round. Crabtree has to STFU, sign the deal, and get his ass on the football field and produce.

You know, I don't wish injury upon anyone but I would laugh my ass if he gets hurt leading up to the 2010 draft. That would literally make my day. You know, Mike Singletary is a coach that loves discipline, so at the moment he probably doesn't even give a shit that Crabtree isn't playing for him. He doesn't have to deal with the locker room attention ****e. They might lose a draft pick, but O well, not all first rounders live up to the potential and hype. If Crabtree was a smart man, even though he isn't he should sign that deal, and get this shit over with. But personally, I don't see this asshole playing a game in San Francisco anytime soon.

 

[jmt225]

I think the Raiders are for real, personally.

JaMarcus Russell looked really good Sunday night and I think he's ready to be a starting Quarterback/leader in this league and take Oakland as far as they can go. Sure, he still needs some experience and a little more help around him, but he's got what it takes to help make this squad a .500 team.

Oakland's offensive line really impressed me as well. They were TERRIBLE a couple of years; in fact, I'd go as far as to say that was one of, it not THE, the worst offensive lines in the history of the NFL. But fuck, they did a terrific job Sunday night against a very tough and strong San Diego Charger defense. Russel was protected, and McFadden and Bush had a lot of holes to run through. I was really impressed with them.

And Oakland's defense looks tough as well. With the addition of the awesome Richard Seymour, this is one defense that should be feared. They lack at the Linebacker position, but with Seymoure rushing the passer, and the greatest cornerback in the league Nnamdi Asomugha covering people.... oh yeah, this is a defense to look out for. They're only a couple of pieces of away to being one of the best defenses in the entire league.

 

[jmt225]

I really don't blame Michael Crabtree, personally.

He was the best Wide Receiver in the draft this year, and deserves the money that would indicate that. San Fransisco was VERY lucky he fell into their hands, and if I was them, I would have been granted him his wish and make him apart of this team.

The 49ers defense looked fantastic Sunday, but their offense is average at best. But all you need to make an average offense into a very good one is 1 explosive player, and Michael Crabtree could definitely be that missing key. I'm sure he knows that as well, which is why he is holding out on them until he gets what he wants, and like I said... I can't blame him for that.

 

[NSL]

KC Chiefs are going to be terrible this year, I dont care what quarterback they have or wide receivers, there is no talent and wont win 4 games. Cassel is injured and Thigpen is not going to get the job done, plus Wade is not that good of a receiver if he couldnt even make it on the Vikings, and they have Berrian and Harvin and nobody else to catch the ball.

They'll win 4 games, maybe 5. They're defense will take time to adjust to a 3-4, but the offense is actually pretty good. They still have Johnson at RB, and Bowe/Wade/Engram at WR could be pretty big.

Thigpen is not playing. Brodie Croyle is. Fun fact: He was the 3rd rated QB for Week 1. The only two better were Brees and Romo. yes, he was rated higher than Brady. I think they'll be OK.

As far as Wade being shit, you're wrong. He's not a top flight talent, but he was the best all around receiver that Minnesota had. Berrian's numbers are inflated because he made almost all of his catches 30 yards down the field. Look at his YAC. Pretty average.

 

[NSL]

First off, to everyone picking entire squads or teams, get a life. There's never been a time that an entire Special Teams unit has won an MVP award, so try and stick to 1 player next week.

Becker- No. Just no. There's much better options than Ben or the kicker.

The Packers? They win on one big pkay to end the game, and the team wins the MVP? If the entire team deserved it, they would have blown out the Bears with the 4 picks they made.

 

[gd]

I don't see the point of rookie holdouts in general. Any rookie should be happy that the are getting payed millions of guaranteed money without doing anything professionally. As for Crabtree, he was the 10th pick in the draft, so he should be happy with 10th pick money. I don't care if he was supposed to be the #1 receiver in the draft, he wasn't, and should just deal with it.

I don't understand why he would hate the 49ers so much that he'd refuse to even sign with them. They are a decent football team and could win the weak NFC West any given year. If the two sides can't come to an agreement and Crabtree enters the draft next year, I think that'd be stupid. He wouldn't go as high and probably wouldn't make as much money as he is getting offered now, and may get drafted into a worse situation than San Fransisco. He should just sign the contract and get to work.

 

[BooCocky]

I really don't blame Michael Crabtree, personally.

um, why?

He was the best Wide Receiver in the draft this year, and deserves the money that would indicate that. San Fransisco was VERY lucky he fell into their hands, and if I was them, I would have been granted him his wish and make him apart of this team.

But he wasn't the first receiver taken. He is given more money than the people behind him but he should not be given top five money for the simple fact he was drafted tenth. Siglentary doesn't want this pompous jackass in his locker room, and I really don't think he cares if he is signed or not.

The 49ers defense looked fantastic Sunday, but their offense is average at best. But all you need to make an average offense into a very good one is 1 explosive player, and Michael Crabtree could definitely be that missing key. I'm sure he knows that as well, which is why he is holding out on them until he gets what he wants, and like I said... I can't blame him for that.

I don't believe Crabtree is oging to explode through many defenders in the NFL, he'll have to rely on his route running ability. If the niners get some sort of running game from Gore and company they wont have to rely heavily on the pass, this is where Bruce and Morgan come in, plus Vernon Davis.

The niners should set a deadline, say week six, and if he isn't signed, go your separate ways. He wont receive top ten money next year, so it'll be a swift kick in his ass.

 

[Big J]

4 interceptions that were actually caught, didn't the Packers drop 2 or 3 others?

I am a Packer fan and I will not even try to be unbiased when it comes to the bears. I hate 'em, they stink.

The division this year was/is between the Packers & the queens. The Packers have a qb with 1 year as a starter and an improved defense. The queens have Favre,(still my farvorite player) ap and 2 roided d-linemen. The Packers are going to win the division and have a real chance to get to the superbowl.

The pack beat the queens 34-3 LAST YEAR, they may split the games this year but the Packers WILL win the division.

 

[BooCocky]

.Becker- No. Just no. There's much better options than Ben or the kicker.

Bull fucking shit. The man threw 10 fucking incompletions against a team that destroyed him last year. They practically had no running game so Ben had to do all the work offensively, and throughout the first 30 minutes he was under pressure all game but stayed in there. I believe he was third in passing yards and he did it all under pressure for the first 45 minutes. He practically shredded a teams defense, and a team that usually owns us.

Also, the Special Teams, gimme a break, they were outstanding, two missed fieldgoals. 4 punts inside the twenty yard line and two field goals to win the game. Ok, if you don't want to give it to Ben, I'll give it to Polamalu, who played outstanding in limited action, 6 tackles, one interception, and practically made a game saving tackle when CJ bounced to the outside. And if you don't want to give it to him, how about Holmes who had 9 catches, 131 yards and a TD. He was practically our go to guy the whole entire game. And he did this all against one of the better cornerbacks in the game in Finnegan.

 

[NSL]

Bull fucking shit. The man threw 10 fucking incompletions against a team that destroyed him last year. They practically had no running game so Ben had to do all the work offensively, and throughout the first 30 minutes he was under pressure all game but stayed in there. I believe he was third in passing yards and he did it all under pressure for the first 45 minutes. He practically shredded a teams defense, and a team that usually owns us.

If you're going to give it to Ben, then why not Brodie Croyle? He had to come in on only a few hours notice, and face one of the toughest defenses in the NFL. Not only did he perform, but he was the 3rd best rated passer in the league. Yes, better than Ben. He was behind a much shittier line, had no run game, and had a lot less to throw to.

Also, the Special Teams, gimme a break, they were outstanding, two missed fieldgoals. 4 punts inside the twenty yard line and two field goals to win the game. Ok, if you don't want to give it to Ben, I'll give it to Polamalu, who played outstanding in limited action, 6 tackles, one interception, and practically made a game saving tackle when CJ bounced to the outside. And if you don't want to give it to him, how about Holmes who had 9 catches, 131 yards and a TD. He was practically our go to guy the whole entire game. And he did this all against one of the better cornerbacks in the game in Finnegan.

There were WRs with bigger numbers, and better plays than Holmes. I like him, but he's not the MVP of the week. Polamalu is a great player, and it sucks that he got hurt, but he did only play for a limited amount of time. That's the reason kickers and punters don't win MVP awards, even though everyone knows that field position is the key to every victory.