If you're a Football Outsider you're a TRUE player and true players don't stick to one passion only, so here's something else to excite you while you're waiting for the game to start. How about a free $30 chip to play slot machine games for as long as you want?
632 replies , Last at
17 Nov 2009, 9:01am by
iapetus
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Thu, 11/12/2009 - 9:25pm
It's kind of amazing how familiar Millen sounds as tonight's color guy after so many years out of the booth.
I wonder how much different things in Detroit would be right now if he had just stayed with this job all along.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Moridin :: Thu, 11/12/2009 - 9:29pm
Interesting, sound effects/crowd noise/refs, no announcers. *sniff* This is the greatest broadcast :p
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Moridin :: Thu, 11/12/2009 - 9:42pm
*sigh* A few glorious minutes only, ruined by going back to normal announcing...
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Moridin :: Thu, 11/12/2009 - 10:21pm
I can't believe the NFL can't tell that the Thursday night games just generally suck. Obviously tonight's teams aren't helping, but they've been like this for 2 years now.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Big-Hairy-Andy :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 11:50pm
I dunno, I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicago - San Francisco game. It's one of the more intense matchups I've seen this year.
I want all NFL games on Sunday. One night game, fine, but I don't even want Monday night. It will never happen, but it's the way I wish things were.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:51pm
Why?
I would hate short weeks as a player/coach but as a fan, I wish there was a game every night. That way when I get force fed Brett Favre (9 for 9 now this year) it's not at the expense of other games I'd rather watch.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by RickD :: Thu, 11/12/2009 - 11:47pm
Maybe the 49er coaches have finally figured out they should just rush? Gore is a much better weapon here than the passing game.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by RickD :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 12:11am
A mincing, fraidy-cat punt! 49ers punt from Bears' 34.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by RickD :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 12:13am
But the Bears appear to be determined to go nowhere..
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Bears
by Crosseyed and Painless (not verified) :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 12:25am
Good thing they were hanging onto that timeout at the end! May not have made a difference but that was some ridiculous clock management.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 12:55am
Cutler's best (only good?) play of the night didn't even count. Calmly hung in there in the face of an unblocked behemoth right there on top of him, waited, fired a dart before getting hit... and it comes back (and wipes out a 15 yard 49er penalty on top of that) because some moron lineman just forgot the rules and just barreled on down the field. He was 10 yards beyond the line for no reason whatsoever when the ball was caught. What an idiot.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Jimmy :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 1:38pm
I am not sure about that. The play clearly seemed to have Garza leading Forte through the hole, probably for a shovel pass or similar. Why else would Garza be pulling around the left side on a passing down. Yeah the play Cutler made was amazing but I think it was probably always going to be called back. Maybe the flag was a bit ticky-tacky as Cutler got the ball out pretty fast but I don't think it was Garza's fault.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 1:40am
Just finished watching the recording I made of the game. A few thoughts:
1. Both defenses seemed to play pretty well.
2. Cutler's red zone interceptions were atrocious throws, one and all.
3. Alex Smith, while not doing a whole lot to win the game, didn't really do anything to lose the game, either. The one long interception I remember was more on Crabtree for not making a better effort on the play.
4. That was definitely not the smoothest of television productions. There were many weird camera shots near the start of the game. The production got somewhat better as the game went on.
5. I think I like Brian Papa (sp?) as a play-by-play announcer. He had all of the spots and downs/distances right. He noticed all penalty and challenge flags. He usually had a good idea who the penalty was on. He got almost all the player names right and quickly corrected himself if he was wrong. He called all of the plays. And, I think he worked fairly well with Matt Millen. I can't say I'm overly fond of Papa's voice, but it seemed to me that he's better than just about anyone working on Sunday when it comes to describing the action on the field as it's happening and making me feel I'm part of the game.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 1:48am
It's easy to notice all the flags when it's a Ron Winter game. Just say "flag on the play" after every down.
Seriously though, those two worked well together and I found Papa's voice less objectionable than last year. It seemed like they changed his mic levels or something.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Jimmy :: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 1:49pm
Cutler shouldn't have thrown the ball on the first pick, all it did was take 3 points off the board. My bigger problem is with the play calling when the Bears got the ball on first and goal from the five. They came out with an extra tackle along with Clark and Kellen Davis at TE and McKie in the backfield. I see what Turner was trying as the Bears have been gashed the last three weeks with unbalanced formations (although not generally in goal to go situations) but if you are going to send a huge package out then run the ball. I question the logic behind leaving the team's best red zone target (Olsen) off the field in the first place but having come out in the heavy package they should just have run the ball three times as the play call on third down left three targets out and nobody open. Hving said that Cutler should have thrown it away.
The play at the end of the game was unfortunate but that kind of thing can happen when you effectively have one play to score from ten yards out. As someone points out above they wasted ten seconds spiking the ball earlier in the drive which would have given them enough time for another go (or two). It goes a lot further than that though with the dumb penalties (eg Williams going over the pile late earlier in the drive) that just make life difficult for the QB and probably took even more time off the clock.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Big-Hairy-Andy :: Sat, 11/14/2009 - 12:02am
Agreed on all three game-related points.
1. I was pleasantly surprised by Chicago's defense - even considering their opponent - especially after watching their game against Arizona earlier this week. Yes, the difference between Alex Smith and Kurt Warner is night and day, but so was the difference between their tackling against Arizona and against San Francisco.
2. Cutler bombed, but I really see why so many people are lambasting his line. It seemed like he was running for his life on 75% of passing plays, and the run game was going nowhere fast. When your center is botching snaps, your guards are being flattened by inside rushers, and your tackles are being beaten by edge rushers, there's just not a lot you can do on offense. More to the point, when your best blocker appears to be your halfback, you're in serious trouble.
3. Alex Smith also impressed me. He wasn't outstanding, but he didn't really need to be as their defense played so well and Cutler played so poorly. I'm beginning to wonder if SFQB is the new CHIQB. All he needed to do was avoid turnovers, and he pretty much did just that. He showed good athleticism on some plays, and avoided critical errors - even the interception was no worse than a punt would have been. Unspectacular, but passable (no pun intended).
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sat, 11/14/2009 - 1:57pm
Bob Papa is guy. also is guy for giants radio broadcats
If he's a radio guy, maybe that's why he was better?
I've only ever once listened to a football game on the radio, but it seems like you would have to be better about noting everything there, since the listeners can't see it.
CBS has really punted today. They have one game: KC@Oak
So I guess I'll be watching Det@Min (I can't tell you how excited I was to wake up this morning and know the Lions are in town.) and Dal@GB.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 1:36pm
Looking at the listings this morning, I'm getting DET-MIN and CIN-PIT for the early games and DAL-GB for the late game. For the early game, I'll start with CIN-PIT since I prefer to watch something that has the potential to be a good football game instead of something that only has the potential to be a bad scrimmage.
Do you get the Vikings every week or does it just seem like that to me?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:15pm
I've gotten a lot of Vikings games this year, true. My FOX affiliate seems to have the following decision tree:
1) If the Seahawks are good, show their game.
2) If the Packers are good, show their game.
3) Show the "best" team available. But, the best team doesn't necessarily mean the best record. It might mean biggest stars instead.
This is all speculation on my part, of course.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 1:43pm
Mike Lupica on the "Sports Reporters": (The Packers) are the single biggest disappointment of the league this year."
I've decided this is how to survive watching any pregame stuff (and all I wanted is to know whether DeAngelo Williams is playing!)--research idiocy from the talking heads. Tom Jackson just said of Aaron Rodgers, "This is football knowledge from whenever: If he gets sacked 74 times, you will never see the same guy again."
Here's the list of QBs getting sacked 74 times in history: David Carr (Hou-2002). So the question is was he the same after that? No. He was better. He was a rookie then, so of course he improved. I guess it's not really evidence AGAINST Jackson, but it's certainly not supporting evidence.
So, if we give him the benefit of the doubt (a dubious notion regarding Tom Jackson, I know) and say he just means that kind of huge number of sacks, say 64 or more--well, that gets us Carr again in 2005 and second-year Randall Cunningham in 1986, who also showed vast improvement after that.
So if we drop it down to 54, then we get a decent data set of 22 seasons (that includes Randall Cunningham 4 times!).
Players who showed no real change: Jon Kitna (Det-2006, age 34), Mark Brunell (Jax-2000, 2001, age 31), Jeff George (Oak-1997, age 30), Phil Simms (NYG-1984, age 30), Carr (2005, age 26)
Players who improved: Carr (2002, age 23), Cunningham (1986-88, age 25), Tim Couch (Cle-1999, age 22), Jeff George (Ind-1991, age 24)
Players who got worse: Drew Bledsoe (NE-1999, age 27), Drew Bledsoe (Buf-2002, age 30), Steve Beuerlein (Car-2000, age 35), Hugh Millen (NE-1991, age 28), Neil Lomax (StL-1985, age 26), Ken O'Brien (NYJ-1985, age 25), Tony Eason (NE-1984, age 25), Greg Landry (Det-1976, age 30), Cunningham (1992, age 29)
Note: I removed Craig Morton (Den-1981)--he had his best year as a pro that year (and it was an amazing season that no one remembers) but he played very little after that, so it's really not possible to say how he compared after.
Overall, the only players who improved were very young players. A few really didn't change (and they are all veterans except for Carr). However, overall, Jackson looks surprisingly right. Obviously, this is a totally unscientific and generally useless look (not a study) at his statement, but a number of these players (Bledsoe, Lomax, O'Brien, and Cunningham) were young or early in their primes and yet they did decline. Not sure it means anything, but it gave me something to do for half an hour.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:09pm
I use the mute button, myself, if I have to tune in before the pregame show is over. Otherwise, I don't watch anymore. I used to like the FOX group, but not since Strahan joined.
I'm not sure your data supports Jackson's contention. First, I'm not willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, so I assume he meant 74. This means he doesn't know what he's talking about (which is easy for me to believe). But, even dropping the sack number down to 54, it looks to me like there are enough counter examples to invalidate his statement.
But then I think his whole statement is nonsense: "This is football knowledge from whenever: If he gets sacked 74 times, you will never see the same guy again." I don't think you can take this as anything more than hyperbole. You don't "see the same guy" from game-to-game, sometimes from play-to-play. The guy has been sitting next to Chris Berman for too long.
Your points are all valid. However, the main point was--it gave me something to do for half an hour.
And I should have phrased it differently--it absolutely does not say that Jackson's right. It says that on balance, more QBs who take a ton of sacks get worse than don't, unless they are in their first few years in the league.
I really wish Tom were smarter. He's a Bronco!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:18pm
He was a middle linebacker. Maybe he took too many blows to the head. The teams and the NFL certainly didn't seem to care about head injuries during his days.
He is a fantastic thrower. He just is an atrocious decision-maker. The thing that bothered me, as a Bronco fan, was that his decision-making absolutely never improved. If he ever does, he could be scary. He's the Raul Mondesi of the NFL.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Harris :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:14pm
That makes him a less-greasy Jeff George. Can we hope to see breathless (and incessant) paeans to his greatness coming from Whitlock?
Hail Hydra!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:16pm
Flashback! :)
Bad decisions, sure. But if you want to put a QB in a situation to fail, and look bad doing so, you give him 1) Bad passs-pro 2)bad defense (playing from behind) 3) bad recievers (Olsen excluded) AND 4) a strong arm. If the Bears had, say Orton, under center the Bears would loose a lot of games without a fighting chance. With Cutler they at least have a little hope.
None of this applies to the SF game - Cutler just sucked. A total stinker of a game.
I'm starting to think this is going to come up every single week, aren't you? From the few highlights I saw, it did look like 2 of the picks weren't really Cutler's fault (though I don't remember which).
And definitely, playing in Chicago is doing Cutler no favors at the moment. If I didn't hate him, I would feel sorry for him.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Strong Bad (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 6:46pm
it's funny. from reading FO, it appears when Jason Campbell struggles behind a crappy line and crappy receivers, it's because he sucks.
but when Cutler struggles behind a crappy line and crappy receivers, it's because he has a crappy line and crappy receivers.
when the daBears had Orten under center, they had a winning record. just sayin'.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:10pm
Thar Orton-to-Marshall touchdown looked so easy, that i had a hard time celebrating - I was sure a flag was comming.
The announcers are really spotlighting Loadholt. He's getting a lot of attention for a rookie right tackle on a team that includes several big stars. However, he does look very good.
Vikings drive down the field but then [Vikings QB] does just enough to force them to kick the field goal.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Athelas :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:13pm
A 50-yd field goal that hits the upright square and is no good.
Should Cincy have gone for it?
(I say if he was that close, the coach had a reason to think he could do it.)
Edit: sp
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:18pm
The Redskins offense is showing life. They are dealing well withh the pass-rush and going far with dumpoffs and screens. Plus they are sticking it to the Broncos on the ground.
I'm thinking I should be glad I don't get the Denver game this week.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:23pm
Unfortunately Carlos Rogers seems to think the reason he doesn't get INTs isn't that he can't catch, it's that he doesn't jump enough routes.
And Shazam kicks it out of bounds. The offense looks not terrible, but ugh, they're not getting any help so far.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:19pm
Ben, you won't lose your macho cred if you slide instead of diving head first.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:21pm
TD Redskins. Very nice drive. Ca. 80 yards. good balance. Three 3rd down conversions (incl. the TD score from the 2 yard line).
So far the Broncos D has looked like the 2008 version = dying not neccesarily by the big play, but by thousands of screens and dumpoffs.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:22pm
The great thing about being a Bucs fan this year is every week there's a new thing to be depressed about. The starting receivers are Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall? That's just awful.
And Sabby Piscatelli misses a tackle and Ronnie Brown goes for 50+ yards. Brown didn't even have to make a move, Piscatelli just missed him. Sucks!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:23pm
PIT drives down the field, but has to settle for a FG. 3-0 PIT
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Athelas :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:25pm
Same old Steelers--give up a TD on the ensuing kickoff.
Same old Bengals--miss XP.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:26pm
LOL
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:23pm
Uh a gift! KO out of bounds. Broncos go to work on the 40.
Whatching the game, the guy i don't wanna hear?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:25pm
Jeff Reed is completely useless as a tackler. Beautiful KO return for a TD by Cincy. But, they botch the PAT. 6-3 Cincy.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Athelas :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:26pm
Yes, he was in a good position to make a tackle, but completely whiffed.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:27pm
What's going on in the NO-STL game? It's 0-0 with about 4 minutes to go in the 1st quarter.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:32pm
I went to ESPN.com and pulled up the GameCast. Each team has about 6 minutes TOP and each has a turnover. Weird.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by steveo_in_sd (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:33pm
Shockey tipped a pass, which was intercepted. Rams get down to the RZ, then Bulger throws an INT in the end zone. Saints slowly working their way back down the field. The tempo is pretty low on the Saints side, just taking their time and running a lot.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by steveo_in_sd (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:36pm
Bush up the middle for an easy 5 yd TD. Saints 7-0.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:28pm
Buckhalter hit from behind, coughs it up, Redskins ball.
Both offenses really clicking so far - at this pace we're looking at a shootout!
Seriously. Does any receiver have "Randy Moss-type skills?" Sidney Rice not only has nowhere near Moss's overall ability, but is a totally different type of player.
Haven't you learned by now that I never know who the announcers are?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:38pm
LOL. Sorry, no I haven't. I flipped over to the DET-MIN game myself to see if I could tell. I couldn't, but I caught the start of the 2nd quarter when they said it is Tim Rosen and Tim Ryan. That help explains their idiocy.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:30pm
...and the vikings try a little razzle-dazzle, and fumble the second exchange, lions ball. vikings QB still having fun.
The Vikings try a flea-flicker-type play (I'm not sure what technically constitutes a flea-flicker.) and fumble the ball away in the backfield. Lions recover. Isn't that a play you save for when you're going to have a hard time beating someone instead of breaking it out against the Lions? Brad Childress is remarkably bad.
That was a very generous spot. Cincy challenging. I think they have a shot at an overturn, if there's a good angle.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:35pm
Cincy challenge succeeds to force 4th down for PIT, and they punt.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:34pm
Orton going DEEEEEEEEP. DeAngelo Hall got TOASTED. 75-yard TD
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:34pm
MArshall: 2-115-2TD
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:38pm
Even though Marshall was wiiide open on both bombs, Orton is showing some armstrenght. Not Cutler-I'll-sling-it-60-yards-across-my-body-strenght, more like let-me-get-my-feet-set-and-I-can-throw-it-about-60-yards-strenght.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:41pm
Maybe Orton just remembered to eat his spinach this morning.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:39pm
Goodman got burned by Santana Moss, but Campbell overthrew him. This is weird - both teams moving the ball almost at will...
Left for five minutes--pizza guy apparently cannot come during commercial--and came back to see [Vikings QB] get taken down and Loadholt get called for a penalty. Vikings punt.
The Lions are still in a game in the second quarter--that's an accomplishment for them.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:47pm
Here's how that vikings series went:
Punt returned 30 yards by Reynaud to the detroit 35. Called back on penalty back to Minnesota 30. Peterson for 3 yards. Min Penalty, holding, Incomplete, Sack with penalty for holding declined.
They then punt and start the Detroit series with a penalty for encroachment.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:45pm
yippee, my early game choices are either lions at vikings or denver at washington. I mean, why would I want to see if cincy can take control of the division when I can watch denver on the road?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Athelas :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:46pm
My condolences--where are you?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:45pm
William Gay nicely defenses Coles on an attempt to the endzone.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:46pm
Maddens "PA Waggle" working well with 88 Scheffler on the recieving end.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:46pm
didn't the lions have a lead on minnesota through halftime of their first game?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:49pm
Yes. The Vikings looked completely lost in the first half of that game, as the Lions drove right down the field at will on them.
Last year, Detroit lead the vikings twice, the two closest games they came to winning. They honestly should have won the second one, which they lost by one point on a last second FG after a really questionable pass interference call got Minnesota in range.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:48pm
south dakota. which, as a packer fan, is preferable to living in minnesota.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:49pm
Ugh. Washington D calling TO before a third-and-17. 17!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:49pm
Cincy just tried to take a delay of game penalty so they could punt from their 41 instead of their 36. PIT declines the penalty! I love it. The punt "works" as the returner catches the ball at the 8.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:51pm
I'm sorry, they were in Steelers territory, not their own territory.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:03pm
Great call by the Steelers. I didn't know you could decline delay of game.
It seems like Cincy isn't even trying to win. I don't care if it's 4th and 30 - punting from the 36 is dumb.
109
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Big-Hairy-Andy :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:08pm
Especially when you consider how awesome their field goal unit is this year.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Mr Shush :: Mon, 11/16/2009 - 7:44am
The longest field goal in the history of Heinz Field is a 51 yarder by current Colts punter Pat McAfee, made during his sophomore season at West Virginia in a game against Pitt. I don't think attempting a 53 yarder when your field goal unit is struggling generally, in a tight, low-scoring game, would be a good move. The options are go for it or punt.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Alexander :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:50pm
Fox isn't even showing a game?
All I get is the Steelers game. It could be worse, but boo.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:50pm
And after the TO, Royal gets waaahiiide open - Orton overthrows him, though.
If Sandra Bullock even gets nominated for an Oscar, ever, I will cry. That will be one of the worst travesties in the history of the Oscars, who have a long history of such horrendous decisions (witness Al Pacino not winning for "The Godfather" or "Dog Day Afternoon" or even "And Justice for All" but winning for "Scent of a Woman").
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:53pm
The Broncos will win this. I'm calling it right now. Nolan will adjust the hell out of the Redskins offense - those screens are all they have.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:54pm
Two great efforts on that play: Big Ben avoids a sack to get a dump off to Ward. But Johnson makes a great open field tackle on Ward to limit the gain to a yard.
This has been pretty much a defensive struggle.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:55pm
And after sputtering for a bit the Vikings get a long pass to Berrian then Peterson rips off a 22 yard TD.
Microcosm of the Vikings' season: Detroit jumps offside to give them a free play. [Vikings QB] sees the flag and so throws deep to Rice. Rice shoves the defender away and makes the catch (but of course this is not called). Then, Purple Jesus breaks a couple of tackles and goes 22 yards for a TD.
Fox is apparently having a nickname contest for the Vikings' D-line. My mischievous nature immediately leads me to think about submitting: The Starcaps.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:00pm
LMAO
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 2:59pm
They just showed Polamalu limping to the locker room with an injury to his right leg. Also, Keenan Lewis just walked off the field after being hurt on a punt return.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:14pm
An update: Lewis has bruised ribs and is not expected to return.
And I guarantee three people will pop up and say, "Russell Crowe iz awseommmme! Gladiator iz da best movee eva!!!"
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:19pm
I never saw "Gladiator". I liked Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind" and in "Master and Commander". Don't know if he won any awards for those roles because I stopped watching the Oscars 20 years ago or so.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Sifter :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:42pm
But, but, but, Gladiator IS awesome! Yeah I really like it BTW, have watched it many times. Let me just add that Russell Crowe's love of football is limited the his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL (National Rugby League) of Australia, not to the Bengals/Steelers. One of the most awesome pics of him at a Souths game is him giving the thumbs down signal to the team - go for the kill boys and HOLD THE LINE!!!
He also loves cricket too, he was sitting in the Sky commentary box during the Ashes earlier this year while he was having a day off from filming Robin Hood - for those who know what cricket is and what the Ashes mean...
Just so you know, it's fine to like a bad movie. Don't take it personally.
I'm one of those freaks who has seriously studied film, and I make a distinction between a "good movie" and a "movie I like." For example, I love "Clue." One of the funniest movies ever. Is it actually good? No. It's not awful, but it's not very good, either.
And I think too many people (not necessarily you) insist that if they like a movie, that makes the actors in it good, which isn't necessarily the case. I have long said that "JFK" is my all-time favorite movie, but Kevin Costner is at least in the top 5 worst actors ever (and his performance in "JFK" is particularly bad).
Russell Crowe is, in a way, a classic actor. Back in the days of the studio system, the big stars were people who would play the same role over and over again (e.g., Jimmy Stewart or Marilyn Monroe--though the former outlasted the system and later did some different stuff) and it was supporting actors (e.g., Strother Martin or Burgess Meredith) who were required to show versatility. However, I think most would agree now that the latter group are in fact more impressive. In fact, even at the time, it was not atypical to believe that--John Ford actually many times expressed the belief that Strother Martin was the finest actor in the world.
I admit I haven't watched "A Beautiful Mind"--I can't bring myself to. I have a psychology degree and it's tough for me to watch inaccurate depictions of psychological disorders because I get so annoyed at them that I don't pay attention to the movie. So, it's possible, even though I doubt it, that he does show a range in that film that he otherwise has never displayed. He won his Oscar for "Gladiator" and also got nominated for "The Insider" and "A Beautiful Mind" (though surprisingly not for "Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World").
With that aforementioned caveat, all of his roles, from "L.A. Confidential" to "Master & Commander" and beyond" are the same part. He's effective in "L.A. Confidential," because he's just a big, tough cop and Crowe just has the right face for that (and a perfect voice for it). Even in "Master & Commander" (made by Peter Weir--my favorite director on earth, who has a long history of getting the best performances out of his actors), he's fine (though there are a few scenes where it seems he's mugging a bit). However, it's another very limited role and largely the same as "L.A. Confidential." It doesn't show us that he is anything other than a square-faced guy with a great deep voice.
Which leads us to "Gladiator." It's an awful film in all respects (except Joaquin Phoenix, who is excellent). The odd part, though, is that Crowe's character goes through this long, calculated process of getting his revenge on the emperor while evincing no real anger or hatred. I blame Crowe for this, because even if it's in the writing, he should have had enough of a nose to know that rang false. It's possible that his limitations as an actor would preclude him from performing the type of seething anger this part would then require (see Kenneth Branagh in the opening of his "Henry V" if you want to see the right way to perform such anger), and I'm tempted to say that it must because I doubt he truly did not see that. And yet he wins an Oscar for this. Why? Because Ridley Scott is friends with a lot of Oscar voters.
And Russell Crowe continues on, being listed everywhere as one of the best actors alive and getting automatic Oscar consideration every time he breaks wind, based on this incredible history. Meanwhile, as a few examples, one of other nominees from when Crowe won his Oscar, Ed Harris, truly is among the best actors alive and has no Oscars; Kenneth Branagh has only been nominated once; Kate Winslet didn't win any of the four or five she should have won before last year; and Al Pacino, the greatest film actor in history, has one lone Oscar that we all know was an honorary award and was for one of his weakest performances.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:03pm
Frustrating. Campbells pocket is constantly collapsing, but before going down he barely gets the ball to an outlet = +10 yards.
Witness the most pathetic sorry excuse for officiating so far this year in the Panther-Falcon game. On 4th and 8 Atlanta throws the ball incomplete. Atlanta coaches complain loudly because of what they thought was a hold the play before and the idiot refs throw the pass interference flag. Not only was there no pass interference, that jerk Gonzales was busy beating on a Panther on the other side of the field with no call. I could unterstand this crap if it was in Atlanta. But why are the refs laying down for the visiting coach and team?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by montanapanthersfan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:37pm
No kidding. I got dirty looks for screaming out some kind of profanity at that call. Playing the ball is now pass interference?
Sidney Rice is a mile away from anyone. [Vikings QB] actually throws so short (admittedly on the run) that he has to stop and watch it seemingly interminably (and yet he's so open that a defender can't get there). Awful, awful defense to leave him that open.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:18pm
Guarantee at least one talking head calls it a perfect throw - he just gives his receivers a chance to catch the ball.
Did AP just fumble a ball 20 yards forward for a touchback? That's what ESPN's scoreboard just told me. I'm confused.
He went 43 yards, then fumbled forward (I'm not sure how far) for a touchback.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:05pm
Another patented Big Ben scramble/pump fake combo to connect to Holmes at the 15-yard line.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:06pm
Campbell throws a ball to NOONE. Not a redskin within 15 yards. Intentional grounding. Endzone cam shows a TE wide open in the endzone in the direction Campbell was looking. It looked like he saw his guy and just threw it 15 yards short of him. Very weird.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:07pm
Big Ben throws into double coverage in the endzone. Both defenders get hands on the ball, but the pass falls incomplete. PIT lucky to have a 3rd and goal play.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:08pm
The wackiest play I've ever seen. Youll see on game breaks in your game. Wild. I can't describe it. Tied at 14.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:42pm
Was this the play where Hunter Smith took the snap, ran almost to the right sideline, then threw the ball to Mike Sellers who was standing all alone at the 2-yard line near the *LEFT* sideline who then walked into the end zone? Yep, a wacky play.
Childress gains some man points by going for it on 4th and inches at the Lions' 8. Then he loses play-calling points by deciding to put a TE at fullback and run up the middle. Lions ball.
Wait, Childress has to already be at the theoretical low for play-calling points.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:13pm
You are Brad Childress. You have the Lions down 10-0, having outgained them something 251 to 57.
You have 4th and 1 at their 8 yard line.
Do you:
1. Kick the field goal
2. Give it to Adrian Peterson, who is averaging almost 6 yards per carry
3. Have Favre with play action throw it to someone against the 31st ranked pass defense in the NFL
or
4. Give it to Jeff Dugan, your backup fullback.
Dugan gets stuffed, Detroit ball.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:16pm
You left out line up in a wildcat formation, bring [Vikings QB] in motion, hand it off to him, and have him throw a pass on the run.
Now they show a replay and it was more questionable than I thought at first. But the call stands.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:25pm
PIT has another first and goal. CIN has another sack.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:27pm
2nd and goal: Big Ben throws it out of the back of the end zone.
3rd and goal: Big Ben just barely overthrows Holmes in the end zone. Incomplete.
4th and goal: Reed hits the FG. 9-6 PIT with 0:12 to go in the first half.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:25pm
Orton looking like a real QB again. A combo of improvement and not playing the Steelers/Ravens anymore. But he's going deep pretty often, being extremely accurate on his short throws. Nothing pro bowl about it - just really solid play. I needs to be said though, that he has had clean pockets all day.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:26pm
predictactly if you let someone stick around, they can come back to get ya. Calvin JOhnson gets untracked, couple of big gains has Detroit threatening to make this a one score game.
That's bad. I know I said that Tim Minchin's song "You Grew on Me" reminded me of him, but he's not really a tumor.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:30pm
Great Cincy special teams. Number 53 commits a block in the back, pushing the Steelers player right into the path of the returner causing the tackle. 9-6 PIT at the half.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:32pm
Eight seconds left, 3rd and 6 and the Minnesota 20. Detroit kicks the FG. Wouldn't you at least try one more shot at the end zone there? Its not like Stafford is being sacked lot... they've only gotten him once...
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:32pm
Detroit is also not even trying to win, kicking a FG on 3rd down with 8 seconds left rather than taking another shot at the TD they should've had, if not for a drop.
You're down 10 despite giving up over 300 yards in the first half. Settling for field goals is sure to help.
I sound like Easterbrook.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:36pm
It's half time in the CIN-PIT game, so I popped over to this game to see DET do a stupid pooch kick giving the Vikings the ball at their 38-yard line. Now, I haven't been watching this game so maybe Brad made the right decision (did I just type that?), but I can't believe he didn't have his QB use his laser rocket arm on a Hail Mary pass. You could have gotten a DPI. I think that play is nearly the same level of fraidy cat as DET not taking one more shot at the end zone.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:40pm
I got up to get food so I didn't even see that. Maybe they're playing to keep Favre's INT totals lower and make Childress look smarter?
62 yards is a pretty low percentage pass, but I don't see why it's not worth at least trying. (Is a DPI there helpful though? Can time not expire on that kind of penalty either?)
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:43pm
A period cannot end on a defensive penalty. If there had been DPI, there would have been one untimed play from the spot of the DPI.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by morganja :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:34pm
Hey. An Atlanta penalty. Their first with 2 minutes to play. A 3 yard penalty for a blow to Delhomme's head. I guess there was no way they couldn't call that one.
I feel bad for Lions fans. That team is still so very, very bad.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:38pm
Roethlisberger looked more like a statue than even Rodgers at his worst on that one sack he took at the 10 earlier in the 2nd quarter.
I'm constantly amazed at how often the Steeler (and Packer) receivers are completely unable to get open for 5+ seconds. Both teams have talented receivers. Obviously the QBs can be indecisive... but how can you not get open when you're given that much time?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:14pm
They just had one of these, except on Cincy this time. The Steelers rushed 4. The OL held for 4 maybe 5 seconds, but Palmer was ultimately sacked. I guess the defenses just play pass defense very well sometimes.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:44pm
The spleen machine, aka. Chris Simms will be under center for the Broncos to start the 2nd half. Yikes...
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:48pm
I'm not a Broncos fan, but it's a shame Orton can't go in the second half. He's been having a very nice year. I have no idea how good Chris Simms is, or can be.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:52pm
I had a pet theory that the Titans would've been better with their third stringer (Simms) than either of the first two last year.
No way to prove it, of course. But it wouldn't have surprised me if Simms won the Bronco starting job this year. He was looking fine before the spleen injury and never really got much of a chance after that.
At the very least, he's a capable backup. And since it's the Redskins, he should do just fine.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by seastreet (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 6:15pm
He was looking fine before the spleen injury? Er... we're talking about Chris Simms, right? Just checking. Because I remember his not having scored a touchdown in the first two games of 2006, and having three interceptions in week one and a couple in week two as well. Bruce Gradkowski was actually an improvement (for awhile).
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:46pm
Big Ben throws to Ward, who's double covered, the ball bounces off someone's helmet, and Cincy intercepts. The return is into the red zone.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:49pm
Didn't look double covered to me. I thought it was just a bad throw.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:53pm
I'm not a particularly sophisticated observer. I see two nearby defenders and think double coverage. Oh well. It's true it was a bad throw; well behind Ward.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:55pm
Still more sophisticated than most announcers.
Simms may have been right that it had to be behind him due to the coverage, but that wasn't just a back shoulder throw. That was well behind him.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:49pm
Just saw the replay. The trailing defender actually got his hand on the ball to cause the deflection.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Mike B. In Va :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:47pm
Chris Simms starts the second half for Denver.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:49pm
Ha ha. DeAngelo hall is just useless in run support. Got destroyed by Morenos stiff arm there.
PIT defense holds and forces a CIN FG. 9-9. Clark had a big hit on one of the Cincy TEs to force the FG.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by montanapanthersfan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:12pm
Should've been a personal foul from what I saw.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:16pm
I was a little surprised there wasn't a flag, too. It was very close between a shoulder hit and a head hit.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:52pm
Simms is a lefty. The Broncos haven't flipped their O-line. Is that normal? Paging Cardinals fans!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:54pm
After Detroit kicks the FG on 3rd down, they open the half by fumbling the kickoff. Two AP runs later, they're down 17-3.
Sometimes Easterbrook columns write themselves.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:56pm
Don't they all? He has the entire thing on autotext nowadays except for one or two observations.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:55pm
The PIT special teams haven't been particularly impressive today. On the KO after the FG, Logan mishandles the kick in the end zone. Instead of taking a knee, he runs it out and ultimately runs out-of-bounds around the 14-yard line.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:57pm
Simms looks frantic and insecure. Whether it's insecurity or the recievers not getting open is hard to tell.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:58pm
The PIT OL hasn't been particularly impressive today, either. Big Ben has been under duress most of the game. If I sorta half closed my eyes and squinted, I might think I was watching the Packers. Wait....I don't have to do that. I can just wait for the late game.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 3:59pm
deleted double post
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:00pm
DT Kenny Peterson of the Broncos looks done for the year. Tries to get up, but just cannot. Something is wrong with that knee.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:04pm
Aw the Broncos got screwed by the Refs there. The ruling was forward progress, but the wistle was clearly blown AFTER the fumble. Zebra-karma maybe?
Does the karma stick with the franchise? Couldn't it follow Cutler or Shanahan?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:05pm
Pet Peeve: "the one inch line" is just a silly expression. There is no such thing.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:07pm
Cincy has another drive stall and settles for the FG. 12-9 Cincy.
It's starting to feel like whichever team can score an offensive TD first will win the game.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:08pm
The redskins go for it on 4th and 3-inches on the Broncos 29. Campbell trying to draw an offside. No luck in that depatment. Checks to an outside run, which is absolutely blown up by Dawkins for a loss of 2. At least it was obvious that the fans wanted Zorn to go for it.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:09pm
Swae orotn get hurt. is stikll out? if so is Barnstrater playing? Any good? Probably not good is best guess
Stafford just got his bell rung. Ray Edwards is called for "launching himself at the quarterback" (I didn't know that existed as a penalty.) and he stands right on top of the referee as he's calling it.
A couple of plays later, over very loud hometown booing, Stafford makes his best throw of the day to get a Detroit touchdown.
The best part is that Edwards was standing so close to the referee while he was announcing the penalty that when he pointed to show the team who had the penalty, he had to adjust to avoid poking Edwards in the chest. I don't think I've ever seen a player stay so on top of the referee during the announcement.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:21pm
So Edwards was called for hitting Stafford while he still had the ball, and without using his helmet?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:10pm
I'm as big a fan of Brian Dawkins as the next guy, but he is just plain an simply a dirty player.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:15pm
LaDell Betts having a good day. He falls forward for two extra yards every time, by keeping his legs moving.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:16pm
Great play by the Bengal punter getting off a 48 yarder from the back of the end zone.
I wonder though - wouldn't the 2 points from a safety be roughly equal to the 30 extra yards of field position they'd gain by free kicking after a deliberate safety? In a game like this, the risk of a blocked kick might make that an idea worth considering. 12-11 isn't really too much worse than 12-9. The Steelers are already in FG range now.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:22pm
It's an interesting thought. I suspect Lewis thought his defense would hold again. They've been playing pretty well, today.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by SlantNGo (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:25pm
This is a routinely made decision in the CFL where it is more difficult to sustain drives and the field is longer. If you're backed up, take the safety and punt it deep. In the CFL you don't even need to worry about the punt being blocked because the end zone is 20 yards deep. I've never seen it done in the NFL.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by AndyE :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 8:54pm
Nov 3, 2003, Patriots at Broncos. Not an identical scenario, but down a point, three minutes left, 4th and 10 on their own 1, Pats took an intentional safety, boomed a punt, forced a three and out, and scored a TS on their next possession to win the game.
If LaDell Betts is able to kill them, that defense has to have been a mirage. Betts just isn't very good (or at least wasn't a couple of years ago).
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:25pm
Betts is a weird guy. He's basically a pretty good running back who has none of the things you want in your #2--he's awful in spot duty, not very good in pass protection, and gets hurt a lot. But as a starter, he's not worse than a post-prison Jamal Lewis or Cedric Benson.
Of course, now that the Skins have 17, the best they can hope for is a tie. But with Chris Simms at QB, it's not out of the question.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Strong Bad (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 6:59pm
Betts is useless if you run him 5 time a game, or send wide. but give him 20 carries up the gut and he'll rack up a C-note. he hits holes hard and keeps on digging.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:21pm
I'm torn. Detroit is somehow still in this game. I obviously want to root against the Vikings, but I also want to root against the Lions because they don't deserve to be rewarded for their spineless play at the end of the first half.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:28pm
Right after I typed this they punted on 4th and 1 from beyond midfield. Grr.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:24pm
PIT gets a dubious spot on a 3rd down play. PIT disdains the challenge, lines up in a power formation, and Big Ben sneaks for the first down.
Then, on the first down, penalty: holding PIT.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:24pm
Detroit converted three consecutive 3rd downs all of 7 yards or more (albeit one by penalty). That was a 15 play drive.
Vikings second half defense seems abysmal, and it will be their downfall.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:26pm
I flipped over to this game at the end of the 3rd quarter of the CIN-PIT game to hear a resounding chorus of boos. Your post helps explain that.
They were still booing from Edwards' "launching" penalty (which seems to have been the right call). They kept booing through the rest of the drive.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:24pm
Tied in D.C. at 17. I dont have much confidence in Simms putting together a drive. A defensive or special teams score (or big play) is the best hope. Ugh.
I more and more hate the idea of sending the offense out to go for it and then calling a timeout to punt because you just wanted to get them offside. Especially when it's fourth-and-one or -two.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:28pm
Yeah, you've gotta have your QB check to a FB dive.
And why are you willing to concede a timeout like that?
You should always just go for it on fourth-and-one or -two unless you already have the game in hand.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:25pm
And Suisham kicks it out of bounds. Again.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:26pm
Suisham kicking out of bounds for the second time today. Same old 'Skins?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:28pm
Josh Freeman throws a beautiful pass that Maurice Stovall gets for a TD. Just perfect touch on it.
I was really doubtful about this guy coming out of college with his reputed accuracy and decision-making questions, but he's looked very impressive the last two weeks. He's still clearly a very raw rookie, but he has loads of the proverbial upside. Really impressed.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:33pm
I saw much of the second half of last week's GB-TB game. I thought Freeman looked incredibly good for a rookie QB coming from one of those wacky Big 12 offense schools. It'll be interesting to see how good he looks at the end of the year and next year.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:38pm
Yeah, I'm trying to mitigate my optimism somewhat, because new QBs often look good until defensive coordinators get enough tape to come up with good game plans. I mean, Bruce Gradkowski looked pretty decent for his first couple games as the Tampa QB years ago until defenses realized he couldn't throw the ball 15 yards downfield without a strong tailwind.
That being said, it's not just about physical skills at this point. Freeman looks far more comfortable in the pocket than expected, and he really hasn show great touch on a number of throws. Stuff like that should stick around regardless of what the defense is doing.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:28pm
remember when Raiders bveat steelers couple years ago after seaosn when Pitt beat seahakws in superbowl? That going to gappen again this yera.veggting more confident about. Raiders going to be 9-7 ot 10-6 only quesiton is if win Thanksibing game or not.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:28pm
remember when Raiders bveat steelers couple years ago after seaosn when Pitt beat seahakws in superbowl? That going to gappen again this yera.veggting more confident about. Raiders going to be 9-7 ot 10-6 only quesiton is if win Thanksibing game or not.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:29pm
PIT stalls in the red zone for the 4th time today. Big Ben misses an open Holmes in the end zone on the 3rd down play. PIT settles for the FG to even the score at 12.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:30pm
Hayenswoth in pain. Ouch - the big guy getting helped off the field. He's not comming back today, if not this month.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:31pm
The limp looked bad, but I think Haynesworth's already been carted off the field three times this season. I wouldn't read anything into his status until the coaches announce something.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:32pm
haynesowrth always getting injure.d like 2009 joe kelcko
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:33pm
Sideline reporter Laura Okmin in the Bucs-Dolphins game looks like Iggy Pop in drag.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:33pm
Simms picked by Hall.. I hate when bad players happen to be in the right place at the right time, and just getting big plays giftwrapped. It's so unfair.
Simms went deep to Marshall in double coverage. The pass was way short and Hall made the best adjustment.
Lions guard Stephen Peterman is down. Able to leave under his own power, but limping very badly.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by montanapanthersfan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:34pm
The Matt Ryan roughing call on Tyler Brayton was horrendous, especially considering the chop-block Atlanta got away with on Peppers in the third quarter. This is simply bad comedy.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:39pm
Which crew is it?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:36pm
Dan Dierdorff just said: "what's going wrong for the Broncos at the moment is the statistical battle of the turnover differential."
[Vikings QB] throws a legitimately good deep ball to . . . Sidney Rice. Rice is going to have 500 yards today the way it's going.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Raiderjoe :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:40pm
sorry abput roughing call. read post wrong. see now Ryan was rughed and Baryton do the ruging. dierdorf take too many blow yto head in 70s to make any sense in 00s
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:42pm
Much better deep ball by Vikings QB on that one to Rice, who actually had a guy somewhat nearby that time.
That flip of the field pretty much ends the game, regardless of how the drive ends.
Tim Ryan, who really should know more about injuries, given how many he had, blabbers about how much more accurate VQB is because of his biceps repair. Says his arm strength was unaffected but his accuracy was. Which is pretty stupid.
Betts eclipses the 100 yard mark. It feels like 200. seven yard gain on seven yard gain.
Redskins knocking on the door. Simms hasn't been looking like a gut able too come back.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:41pm
In a game of drives stalling in the red zone, Cincy settles for their third field goal of the game to make it 15-12 Cincy about half way through the 4th quarter.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:42pm
Devin Thomas shows a *very* nifty bit of running on a WR screen. 1st and goal, Redskins.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:44pm
Sidney Rice is now over 200 yards receiving at the start of the 4th quarter.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:44pm
Miller should've caught that, but another terrible throw by Ben on a very easily make-able 3rd and 3. So the Bengals have the lead, the ball, and 6 minutes to go.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:46pm
I think the Cincy pressure has really bothered Big Ben today.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:44pm
Devin Thomas breaking tackles. McDaniels calling timeouts to save time.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:45pm
TD, Redskins. 2:44 to go in the game. Looking bleek.
"A blinding light the sun had died
A new moon took its place
Tidal waves and open graves
The fate of the unhuman race
The city's heart no longer beats
No pity have I left to lend
A sinner sits reciting Dylan
It's now that I welcome the end"
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:47pm
3rd and goal, Betts TD. The Redskins score more than 17 points for the first time this season, and more than 17 at home for the first time since September 08.
Bittersweet's not quite the word.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:48pm
Tipp drill! Brandon Stokley! 70 yards for the tying TD!
Just kidding. Or hoping..
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:49pm
Haynesworth's back in. Not sure how effective he can be with that ankle, but with Simms at QB, shouldn't take much.
...not that the drops are doing Denver any favors.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by perly :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:50pm
Tip drill... hits the turf. 4th & 10.
Haynesworth hurt, again.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by sldfkjsfls (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:50pm
and MJD takes a knee at the one so that the Jags can run out the clock before attempting a game-winning FG. Brilliant.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:54pm
I was actually kind of hoping for a fumbled snap. It was smart of MJD to take the knee at the one to run clock, but why not sneak it in with 15 seconds left? It's not common for what would be more or less an extra point to be blocked, but it happens.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dennis :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 7:32pm
That was a totally stupid play by MJD. When you're losing, you take the points. If they were winning, it was a great play. But when you're losing, you can't take the risk of blowing the FG. It worked out, as it will 99% of the time, but you can't risk that one percent chance of missing the FG.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Still Alive (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 9:24pm
He reported that his coaches told him to do it.
Also the % of blocked extra poitns is probably lower than the % chance the toehr team scores with 1:00 left.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by iapetus (not verified) :: Tue, 11/17/2009 - 9:01am
Garbage. If there's a 1% chance of blowing the FG, what about the chance of the Jets driving for a winning TD after you kick to them? It's not like the Jags haven't given up eleven TDs in under two minutes so far this season, including one earlier in the same game, after all.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:50pm
After Minnesota goes up 24-10, Detroit is facing a 4th and 6 from their own 39. Already Easterbrook would be chastizing them for punting.
But the Vikings are flagged for "Defensive delay of game".
5 yards.
They now have 4th and 1.
They punt.
The the scribbling noise from his notebook is deafening...
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:51pm
Went out for food and listened to the vikings game on the radio. And quickly turned it off. I forgot how much I hate paul allen.
First Harvin turns a should-be short gain into 40 yards, then a play action leaves Shiancoe as open as can be. Vikings are going to score again.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:57pm
3rd and 6, 2:10 left in the game, down by 6, Maurice Stovall drops the ball.
And that would be the ballgame. I suppose suggesting that every Bucs receiver not named "Sammie Stroughter" be set on fire would be inappropriate?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:02pm
Miami throws on third and long and Tampa picks it off. Not dead yet!
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 4:59pm
The Steelers are flirting with disaster. They had Cincy with 3rd and 8, but Palmer hard counts to make the Steelers jump offsides. Then, on the 3rd and 3 play, the Steelers stuff the run for a two yard loss. At the two minute warning, Cincy has 4th and 5 at the 26-yard line. They will be trying for their 4th FG to give them a 6 point lead.
And, the 33-yard FG is good. Cincy leads 18-12 with 1:56 to go in the game. PIT has only one time out.
Ooh, a Molly Hatchet reference! This game is boring.
The announcer just claimed Jared Allen as "so intelligent."
Ask Jared about a "schism" again.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Big-Hairy-Andy :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:00pm
I have a horrible feeling that missed XP is about to come back to haunt the Bungles.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Big-Hairy-Andy :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:05pm
I like Pittsburgh, but I am very very pleased to be wrong. I really feel the Bengals deserve this one.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:07pm
Nope.
I can't be the only one who was somewhat surprised not to see a flag fly on that deep ball he threw to Wallace. The Bengals kept them down all day, but it's still the Bengals-Steelers. I kept waiting for the Steelers to turn it around and stomp them.
4-0 against the two "better" teams in the division. Even crazy Bengal fans can't have expected that.
Viking QB removed for TJack.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Shane S. (not verified) :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:04pm
PIT drive:
1st and 10: Big Ben nearly sacked. Incomplete.
2nd and 10: Pump fake and a deep ball that's nearly picked. Incomplete.
3rd and 10: Nearly intercepted on a deep in to Holmes. Incomplete.
4th and 10: Big Ben nearly sacked. Wild throw falls incomplete with no Steelers receiver in the picture.
That's the ball game. The Steelers had only 87 yards of offense in the second half.
Cincy was very impressive today. I didn't think they were going to win today. Now, they have a pretty good hold on the AFC North.
T-Jack comes in and throws a pass to Rice that I could have caught. And Rice drops it.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:09pm
He only likes catching passes from Viking QB.
They're showing him doing pushups now as pennance. That's pretty funny.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:08pm
I flip over to the DET-MIN game just in time to hear the blithering idiots say Rice can only catch passes thrown by [Vikings QB] as Rice drops a T-Jack pass. Blech.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:09pm
Vikings up 27-10 now, put Tarvaris Jackson in to run out the clock. First drive: two incomplete passes, run for 1 yard, punt.
Not sure they get this 4 minute offense thing.
However, I'm just glad Peterson... and yes, even [[Minnesota QB]] are safely on the sideline. Last year they'd run Peterson another 10 times for about 25 yards.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:13pm
Aw, Milkman, that must suck... Sooooo close.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:24pm
We're supposed to be family-friend, right? Not supposed to use profanity, right?
Puppies! Kittens! Flowers and rainbows! Giant shiny buckets of teddy bears!
Now, imagine me saying the exact opposite of that in the most offensive way possible, and that pretty much expresses my attitude towards the end of that game.
Same thing as usual. Absolutely no push up the middle, and the tackling this year has been utterly abysmal. I can understand the defensive lapses in the secondary more or less, as hey, you've had some injuries and it's a new defensive system, but bad tackling? That's just frustrating as hell.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:28pm
Hey, man, my team just got killed by Ladell Betts - I know of bad tackling!
But obviously not as extreme as your afternoon.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by andrew :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:15pm
Dolphins give up lead late, trailing 23-22.
So Henne leads them down to about the 35 (aided by a PI call (seemed legit)), then with one timeout lead, Ricky Williams breaks loose to about the 10 yard line. Dolphins immediately call their timeout with 14 seconds left... then kick the FG.
You think, since Williams was in bounds, and the Bucs had no timeouts, you'd run it down to 3 seconds or so?
They're probably okay but Bucs do get a few seconds to try something.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:16pm
Some surprising outcomes in the early games:
NO 28 STL 23: wtf?
CAR 28 ATL 19: wtf?
WSH 27 DEN 17: ZOMG! I said on IRC last night that I didn't think the Broncos would collapse after their good start. That'll teach me to say anything nice about them.
JAX 24 NYJ 22: The Jets have fallen off the edge of the map.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Danish Denver-Fan :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:19pm
@ Jets: Don't fear - the Broncos are rushing towards the very same edge. Company is always nice.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:19pm
Earlier when I heard Rosen say something to the effect of "those of you in the home markets of teams in the late games will get taken to those games shortly" I decided I must have mis-heard.
But no. FOX has two excellent games in the 4:00 slot, both of which have started, and in Indianapolis they are still showing garbage time of the Vikings game. Must be there's something really important to ask Vikings QB in the post-game interview that the entire nation needs to see instead of a competitive game?
I've switched to KC@Oak until the Vikings are done. In St. Paul, MN, there's no way out of [Vikings QB's] shadow.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:26pm
I live in Chicago and am Indianapolis right now and I still can't escape it. I'm 9 for 9 on being forced to watch the Vikings and they haven't even played the Bears yet. I leave the state and they play a scrub team and I still get force fed every last second of them.
It's sad. Because if not for Vikings QB, I'd probably really like watching the Vikings this year.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:23pm
Yeah, this is incredibly annoying. But, it's probably one of the stupid TV rules the NFL forces on the networks.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:23pm
Dallas is in the red zone in your featured national broadcast! Why do I need to watch Vikings QB standing on the sideline as Jackson takes a knee? Go to hell, Fox.
For about the 376,183,900th time, the announcers explain to us that AWWE stands for the names of the Vikings line--Allen, Williams, Williams, Edwards. If they do this again, I'm going to go find them and . . . do something.
JaMarcus comes in, completes a pass on 3rd and 5 that should be a first down, but Johnnie Lee Higgins thinks it's a better idea to come back toward the line a couple of yards instead of just getting the first down because, well, he plays for the Raiders.
Wow--that sucked watching that game for six plays.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by Dave :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:31pm
Aikman's being a bit of an apologist for Rodgers so far, regarding the sacks - says none of the 6 last week were on him and that it could well have been 8. While I agree that he avoids a lot of sacks, I think that just cancels out the ones he takes that he shouldn't. And on the play he was talking over, he had Jennings open, but decided not to throw it to him (ran for 2 yards under pressure, no sack, but same kind of decision as on sacks). Aikman blamed the pressure. Yes, there was pressure, but the throw could've been made.
And I say that as a pretty big Rodgers apologist.
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
by jayinalaska :: Sun, 11/15/2009 - 5:36pm
Does Joe Buck even prepare for the games he calls? He just said the bad Packers pass rush will be worse because their best pass rusher, Aaron Kampman, is out with a concussion. But, the knock on the Packers defense and Capers 3-4 is that they haven't been using Kampman as a rusher. He's been asked to be a pass defender. So, if Kampman's not really rushing the passer when he's in, how can that aspect of the Packers defense be degraded by him not playing? Idiot.
Are you denigrating the Great and Powerful Joe Buck? As though he were some sort of incompetent guy who had no business announcing anything, let alone providing anything approaching analysis?
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Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
It's kind of amazing how familiar Millen sounds as tonight's color guy after so many years out of the booth.
I wonder how much different things in Detroit would be right now if he had just stayed with this job all along.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Interesting, sound effects/crowd noise/refs, no announcers. *sniff* This is the greatest broadcast :p
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
*sigh* A few glorious minutes only, ruined by going back to normal announcing...
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I can't believe the NFL can't tell that the Thursday night games just generally suck. Obviously tonight's teams aren't helping, but they've been like this for 2 years now.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I dunno, I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicago - San Francisco game. It's one of the more intense matchups I've seen this year.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I want all NFL games on Sunday. One night game, fine, but I don't even want Monday night. It will never happen, but it's the way I wish things were.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Why?
I would hate short weeks as a player/coach but as a fan, I wish there was a game every night. That way when I get force fed Brett Favre (9 for 9 now this year) it's not at the expense of other games I'd rather watch.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Maybe the 49er coaches have finally figured out they should just rush? Gore is a much better weapon here than the passing game.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
A mincing, fraidy-cat punt! 49ers punt from Bears' 34.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
But the Bears appear to be determined to go nowhere..
Bears
Good thing they were hanging onto that timeout at the end! May not have made a difference but that was some ridiculous clock management.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Cutler's best (only good?) play of the night didn't even count. Calmly hung in there in the face of an unblocked behemoth right there on top of him, waited, fired a dart before getting hit... and it comes back (and wipes out a 15 yard 49er penalty on top of that) because some moron lineman just forgot the rules and just barreled on down the field. He was 10 yards beyond the line for no reason whatsoever when the ball was caught. What an idiot.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I am not sure about that. The play clearly seemed to have Garza leading Forte through the hole, probably for a shovel pass or similar. Why else would Garza be pulling around the left side on a passing down. Yeah the play Cutler made was amazing but I think it was probably always going to be called back. Maybe the flag was a bit ticky-tacky as Cutler got the ball out pretty fast but I don't think it was Garza's fault.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Just finished watching the recording I made of the game. A few thoughts:
1. Both defenses seemed to play pretty well.
2. Cutler's red zone interceptions were atrocious throws, one and all.
3. Alex Smith, while not doing a whole lot to win the game, didn't really do anything to lose the game, either. The one long interception I remember was more on Crabtree for not making a better effort on the play.
4. That was definitely not the smoothest of television productions. There were many weird camera shots near the start of the game. The production got somewhat better as the game went on.
5. I think I like Brian Papa (sp?) as a play-by-play announcer. He had all of the spots and downs/distances right. He noticed all penalty and challenge flags. He usually had a good idea who the penalty was on. He got almost all the player names right and quickly corrected himself if he was wrong. He called all of the plays. And, I think he worked fairly well with Matt Millen. I can't say I'm overly fond of Papa's voice, but it seemed to me that he's better than just about anyone working on Sunday when it comes to describing the action on the field as it's happening and making me feel I'm part of the game.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
It's easy to notice all the flags when it's a Ron Winter game. Just say "flag on the play" after every down.
Seriously though, those two worked well together and I found Papa's voice less objectionable than last year. It seemed like they changed his mic levels or something.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Cutler shouldn't have thrown the ball on the first pick, all it did was take 3 points off the board. My bigger problem is with the play calling when the Bears got the ball on first and goal from the five. They came out with an extra tackle along with Clark and Kellen Davis at TE and McKie in the backfield. I see what Turner was trying as the Bears have been gashed the last three weeks with unbalanced formations (although not generally in goal to go situations) but if you are going to send a huge package out then run the ball. I question the logic behind leaving the team's best red zone target (Olsen) off the field in the first place but having come out in the heavy package they should just have run the ball three times as the play call on third down left three targets out and nobody open. Hving said that Cutler should have thrown it away.
The play at the end of the game was unfortunate but that kind of thing can happen when you effectively have one play to score from ten yards out. As someone points out above they wasted ten seconds spiking the ball earlier in the drive which would have given them enough time for another go (or two). It goes a lot further than that though with the dumb penalties (eg Williams going over the pile late earlier in the drive) that just make life difficult for the QB and probably took even more time off the clock.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Agreed on all three game-related points.
1. I was pleasantly surprised by Chicago's defense - even considering their opponent - especially after watching their game against Arizona earlier this week. Yes, the difference between Alex Smith and Kurt Warner is night and day, but so was the difference between their tackling against Arizona and against San Francisco.
2. Cutler bombed, but I really see why so many people are lambasting his line. It seemed like he was running for his life on 75% of passing plays, and the run game was going nowhere fast. When your center is botching snaps, your guards are being flattened by inside rushers, and your tackles are being beaten by edge rushers, there's just not a lot you can do on offense. More to the point, when your best blocker appears to be your halfback, you're in serious trouble.
3. Alex Smith also impressed me. He wasn't outstanding, but he didn't really need to be as their defense played so well and Cutler played so poorly. I'm beginning to wonder if SFQB is the new CHIQB. All he needed to do was avoid turnovers, and he pretty much did just that. He showed good athleticism on some plays, and avoided critical errors - even the interception was no worse than a punt would have been. Unspectacular, but passable (no pun intended).
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Bob Papa is guy. also is guy for giants radio broadcats
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
If he's a radio guy, maybe that's why he was better?
I've only ever once listened to a football game on the radio, but it seems like you would have to be better about noting everything there, since the listeners can't see it.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
preictions for week 10
Pnathers 23, Falcons 17
Dolphins 34, Bucs 13
Jets 28, Jagusr 16
Steelers 28, bengals 27
vikings 33, Lions 12
Titans 24, Bills 14
Saints 47, Ramms 6
Redskins 21, Broncos 3
Raiders 34, Chiefs 7
C ardinals 30, seahawks 20
Cowboys 17, packers 14
Eagles 23, Chargers 20
Colts 29, Patriots 24
Browns 35, Browns 0
new Afc west standings
Brocnos 6-3
chargers 5-4
Raiders 3-6
Chiefs 1-8
Raiders omly be 3 back with 7 gams to go
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Gotta love those Browns. Even when they're winning, they're still getting blown out.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
If ever there was a team that beat itself every week...
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Joe is just old-school. He refuses to acknowledge the "Ravens." That game really is the Browns vs. the Browns.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Living in South Florida, as a non-local fan, my choices on broadcast TV this sunday afternoon:
Bucs-Dolphins
Jags-Jets
Chiefs-Raiders
This is the first week that not getting Sunday ticket this year really hurt me. Time to find a bar....
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
CBS has really punted today. They have one game: KC@Oak
So I guess I'll be watching Det@Min (I can't tell you how excited I was to wake up this morning and know the Lions are in town.) and Dal@GB.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Looking at the listings this morning, I'm getting DET-MIN and CIN-PIT for the early games and DAL-GB for the late game. For the early game, I'll start with CIN-PIT since I prefer to watch something that has the potential to be a good football game instead of something that only has the potential to be a bad scrimmage.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Do you get the Vikings every week or does it just seem like that to me?
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I've gotten a lot of Vikings games this year, true. My FOX affiliate seems to have the following decision tree:
1) If the Seahawks are good, show their game.
2) If the Packers are good, show their game.
3) Show the "best" team available. But, the best team doesn't necessarily mean the best record. It might mean biggest stars instead.
This is all speculation on my part, of course.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Mike Lupica on the "Sports Reporters": (The Packers) are the single biggest disappointment of the league this year."
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I've decided this is how to survive watching any pregame stuff (and all I wanted is to know whether DeAngelo Williams is playing!)--research idiocy from the talking heads. Tom Jackson just said of Aaron Rodgers, "This is football knowledge from whenever: If he gets sacked 74 times, you will never see the same guy again."
Here's the list of QBs getting sacked 74 times in history: David Carr (Hou-2002). So the question is was he the same after that? No. He was better. He was a rookie then, so of course he improved. I guess it's not really evidence AGAINST Jackson, but it's certainly not supporting evidence.
So, if we give him the benefit of the doubt (a dubious notion regarding Tom Jackson, I know) and say he just means that kind of huge number of sacks, say 64 or more--well, that gets us Carr again in 2005 and second-year Randall Cunningham in 1986, who also showed vast improvement after that.
So if we drop it down to 54, then we get a decent data set of 22 seasons (that includes Randall Cunningham 4 times!).
Players who showed no real change: Jon Kitna (Det-2006, age 34), Mark Brunell (Jax-2000, 2001, age 31), Jeff George (Oak-1997, age 30), Phil Simms (NYG-1984, age 30), Carr (2005, age 26)
Players who improved: Carr (2002, age 23), Cunningham (1986-88, age 25), Tim Couch (Cle-1999, age 22), Jeff George (Ind-1991, age 24)
Players who got worse: Drew Bledsoe (NE-1999, age 27), Drew Bledsoe (Buf-2002, age 30), Steve Beuerlein (Car-2000, age 35), Hugh Millen (NE-1991, age 28), Neil Lomax (StL-1985, age 26), Ken O'Brien (NYJ-1985, age 25), Tony Eason (NE-1984, age 25), Greg Landry (Det-1976, age 30), Cunningham (1992, age 29)
Note: I removed Craig Morton (Den-1981)--he had his best year as a pro that year (and it was an amazing season that no one remembers) but he played very little after that, so it's really not possible to say how he compared after.
Overall, the only players who improved were very young players. A few really didn't change (and they are all veterans except for Carr). However, overall, Jackson looks surprisingly right. Obviously, this is a totally unscientific and generally useless look (not a study) at his statement, but a number of these players (Bledsoe, Lomax, O'Brien, and Cunningham) were young or early in their primes and yet they did decline. Not sure it means anything, but it gave me something to do for half an hour.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
I use the mute button, myself, if I have to tune in before the pregame show is over. Otherwise, I don't watch anymore. I used to like the FOX group, but not since Strahan joined.
I'm not sure your data supports Jackson's contention. First, I'm not willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, so I assume he meant 74. This means he doesn't know what he's talking about (which is easy for me to believe). But, even dropping the sack number down to 54, it looks to me like there are enough counter examples to invalidate his statement.
But then I think his whole statement is nonsense: "This is football knowledge from whenever: If he gets sacked 74 times, you will never see the same guy again." I don't think you can take this as anything more than hyperbole. You don't "see the same guy" from game-to-game, sometimes from play-to-play. The guy has been sitting next to Chris Berman for too long.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
Your points are all valid. However, the main point was--it gave me something to do for half an hour.
And I should have phrased it differently--it absolutely does not say that Jackson's right. It says that on balance, more QBs who take a ton of sacks get worse than don't, unless they are in their first few years in the league.
I really wish Tom were smarter. He's a Bronco!
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
He was a middle linebacker. Maybe he took too many blows to the head. The teams and the NFL certainly didn't seem to care about head injuries during his days.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
He was an outside linebacker, but your point stands.
In fact, I don't think Denver ever had a middle linebacker in his career (they were a 3-4 team most of the time in those days).
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
it's time to stop adavancing the myth of Cutler as a 'franchise QB'.
arm, and some stats, but nothing about this guy says 'winner'.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
He is a fantastic thrower. He just is an atrocious decision-maker. The thing that bothered me, as a Bronco fan, was that his decision-making absolutely never improved. If he ever does, he could be scary. He's the Raul Mondesi of the NFL.
Re: Week 10 Open Discussion Thread
That makes him a less-greasy Jeff George. Can we hope to see breathless (and incessant) paeans to his greatness coming from Whitlock?
Hail Hydra!
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Flashback! :)
Bad decisions, sure. But if you want to put a QB in a situation to fail, and look bad doing so, you give him 1) Bad passs-pro 2)bad defense (playing from behind) 3) bad recievers (Olsen excluded) AND 4) a strong arm. If the Bears had, say Orton, under center the Bears would loose a lot of games without a fighting chance. With Cutler they at least have a little hope.
None of this applies to the SF game - Cutler just sucked. A total stinker of a game.
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I'm starting to think this is going to come up every single week, aren't you? From the few highlights I saw, it did look like 2 of the picks weren't really Cutler's fault (though I don't remember which).
And definitely, playing in Chicago is doing Cutler no favors at the moment. If I didn't hate him, I would feel sorry for him.
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it's funny. from reading FO, it appears when Jason Campbell struggles behind a crappy line and crappy receivers, it's because he sucks.
but when Cutler struggles behind a crappy line and crappy receivers, it's because he has a crappy line and crappy receivers.
when the daBears had Orten under center, they had a winning record. just sayin'.
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Thar Orton-to-Marshall touchdown looked so easy, that i had a hard time celebrating - I was sure a flag was comming.
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The announcers are really spotlighting Loadholt. He's getting a lot of attention for a rookie right tackle on a team that includes several big stars. However, he does look very good.
Vikings drive down the field but then [Vikings QB] does just enough to force them to kick the field goal.
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A 50-yd field goal that hits the upright square and is no good.
Should Cincy have gone for it?
(I say if he was that close, the coach had a reason to think he could do it.)
Edit: sp
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The Redskins offense is showing life. They are dealing well withh the pass-rush and going far with dumpoffs and screens. Plus they are sticking it to the Broncos on the ground.
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I'm thinking I should be glad I don't get the Denver game this week.
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Unfortunately Carlos Rogers seems to think the reason he doesn't get INTs isn't that he can't catch, it's that he doesn't jump enough routes.
And Shazam kicks it out of bounds. The offense looks not terrible, but ugh, they're not getting any help so far.
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Ben, you won't lose your macho cred if you slide instead of diving head first.
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TD Redskins. Very nice drive. Ca. 80 yards. good balance. Three 3rd down conversions (incl. the TD score from the 2 yard line).
So far the Broncos D has looked like the 2008 version = dying not neccesarily by the big play, but by thousands of screens and dumpoffs.
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The great thing about being a Bucs fan this year is every week there's a new thing to be depressed about. The starting receivers are Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall? That's just awful.
And Sabby Piscatelli misses a tackle and Ronnie Brown goes for 50+ yards. Brown didn't even have to make a move, Piscatelli just missed him. Sucks!
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PIT drives down the field, but has to settle for a FG. 3-0 PIT
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Same old Steelers--give up a TD on the ensuing kickoff.
Same old Bengals--miss XP.
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LOL
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Uh a gift! KO out of bounds. Broncos go to work on the 40.
Whatching the game, the guy i don't wanna hear?
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Jeff Reed is completely useless as a tackler. Beautiful KO return for a TD by Cincy. But, they botch the PAT. 6-3 Cincy.
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Yes, he was in a good position to make a tackle, but completely whiffed.
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What's going on in the NO-STL game? It's 0-0 with about 4 minutes to go in the 1st quarter.
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I went to ESPN.com and pulled up the GameCast. Each team has about 6 minutes TOP and each has a turnover. Weird.
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Shockey tipped a pass, which was intercepted. Rams get down to the RZ, then Bulger throws an INT in the end zone. Saints slowly working their way back down the field. The tempo is pretty low on the Saints side, just taking their time and running a lot.
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Bush up the middle for an easy 5 yd TD. Saints 7-0.
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Buckhalter hit from behind, coughs it up, Redskins ball.
Both offenses really clicking so far - at this pace we're looking at a shootout!
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"Sidney Rice has Randy Moss-type skills."
Seriously. Does any receiver have "Randy Moss-type skills?" Sidney Rice not only has nowhere near Moss's overall ability, but is a totally different type of player.
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Who are the announcers for the game?
I share your disdain of their comment.
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Haven't you learned by now that I never know who the announcers are?
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LOL. Sorry, no I haven't. I flipped over to the DET-MIN game myself to see if I could tell. I couldn't, but I caught the start of the 2nd quarter when they said it is Tim Rosen and Tim Ryan. That help explains their idiocy.
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...and the vikings try a little razzle-dazzle, and fumble the second exchange, lions ball. vikings QB still having fun.
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The Vikings try a flea-flicker-type play (I'm not sure what technically constitutes a flea-flicker.) and fumble the ball away in the backfield. Lions recover. Isn't that a play you save for when you're going to have a hard time beating someone instead of breaking it out against the Lions? Brad Childress is remarkably bad.
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I like seeing Orton have 124 yards on 4 passes.
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And one of those passes was for no gain.
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That was a very generous spot. Cincy challenging. I think they have a shot at an overturn, if there's a good angle.
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Cincy challenge succeeds to force 4th down for PIT, and they punt.
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Orton going DEEEEEEEEP. DeAngelo Hall got TOASTED. 75-yard TD
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MArshall: 2-115-2TD
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Even though Marshall was wiiide open on both bombs, Orton is showing some armstrenght. Not Cutler-I'll-sling-it-60-yards-across-my-body-strenght, more like let-me-get-my-feet-set-and-I-can-throw-it-about-60-yards-strenght.
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Maybe Orton just remembered to eat his spinach this morning.
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Goodman got burned by Santana Moss, but Campbell overthrew him. This is weird - both teams moving the ball almost at will...
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Left for five minutes--pizza guy apparently cannot come during commercial--and came back to see [Vikings QB] get taken down and Loadholt get called for a penalty. Vikings punt.
The Lions are still in a game in the second quarter--that's an accomplishment for them.
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Here's how that vikings series went:
Punt returned 30 yards by Reynaud to the detroit 35. Called back on penalty back to Minnesota 30. Peterson for 3 yards. Min Penalty, holding, Incomplete, Sack with penalty for holding declined.
They then punt and start the Detroit series with a penalty for encroachment.
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yippee, my early game choices are either lions at vikings or denver at washington. I mean, why would I want to see if cincy can take control of the division when I can watch denver on the road?
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My condolences--where are you?
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William Gay nicely defenses Coles on an attempt to the endzone.
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Maddens "PA Waggle" working well with 88 Scheffler on the recieving end.
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didn't the lions have a lead on minnesota through halftime of their first game?
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Yes. The Vikings looked completely lost in the first half of that game, as the Lions drove right down the field at will on them.
Last year, Detroit lead the vikings twice, the two closest games they came to winning. They honestly should have won the second one, which they lost by one point on a last second FG after a really questionable pass interference call got Minnesota in range.
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south dakota. which, as a packer fan, is preferable to living in minnesota.
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Ugh. Washington D calling TO before a third-and-17. 17!
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Cincy just tried to take a delay of game penalty so they could punt from their 41 instead of their 36. PIT declines the penalty! I love it. The punt "works" as the returner catches the ball at the 8.
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I'm sorry, they were in Steelers territory, not their own territory.
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Great call by the Steelers. I didn't know you could decline delay of game.
It seems like Cincy isn't even trying to win. I don't care if it's 4th and 30 - punting from the 36 is dumb.
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Especially when you consider how awesome their field goal unit is this year.
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The longest field goal in the history of Heinz Field is a 51 yarder by current Colts punter Pat McAfee, made during his sophomore season at West Virginia in a game against Pitt. I don't think attempting a 53 yarder when your field goal unit is struggling generally, in a tight, low-scoring game, would be a good move. The options are go for it or punt.
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Fox isn't even showing a game?
All I get is the Steelers game. It could be worse, but boo.
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And after the TO, Royal gets waaahiiide open - Orton overthrows him, though.
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If Sandra Bullock even gets nominated for an Oscar, ever, I will cry. That will be one of the worst travesties in the history of the Oscars, who have a long history of such horrendous decisions (witness Al Pacino not winning for "The Godfather" or "Dog Day Afternoon" or even "And Justice for All" but winning for "Scent of a Woman").
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The Broncos will win this. I'm calling it right now. Nolan will adjust the hell out of the Redskins offense - those screens are all they have.
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Two great efforts on that play: Big Ben avoids a sack to get a dump off to Ward. But Johnson makes a great open field tackle on Ward to limit the gain to a yard.
This has been pretty much a defensive struggle.
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And after sputtering for a bit the Vikings get a long pass to Berrian then Peterson rips off a 22 yard TD.
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Microcosm of the Vikings' season: Detroit jumps offside to give them a free play. [Vikings QB] sees the flag and so throws deep to Rice. Rice shoves the defender away and makes the catch (but of course this is not called). Then, Purple Jesus breaks a couple of tackles and goes 22 yards for a TD.
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Fox is apparently having a nickname contest for the Vikings' D-line. My mischievous nature immediately leads me to think about submitting: The Starcaps.
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LMAO
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They just showed Polamalu limping to the locker room with an injury to his right leg. Also, Keenan Lewis just walked off the field after being hurt on a punt return.
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An update: Lewis has bruised ribs and is not expected to return.
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Reggie Bush has two touchdowns?!
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He's back in the Heisman hunt!
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Yup, against mediocre college defenses he's still an effective player.
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Orakpo with the 3rd down stop. The announcers call him "everything [the redskins] wanted and more." Is that story-line hunting or actually true?
And of course Robert Ayers (the guy who the broncos took instead of Orakpo), answers Orakpos great play, with a personal foul on the ensuing punt.
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Does anyone care that Russell Crowe is at the CIN-PIT game?
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I already created a mini-rant about the Oscars and now you're baiting me for a longer one.
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I take entertainment where ever I can find it. :-)
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At halftime, I'll give you my Russell Crowe rant.
And I guarantee three people will pop up and say, "Russell Crowe iz awseommmme! Gladiator iz da best movee eva!!!"
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I never saw "Gladiator". I liked Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind" and in "Master and Commander". Don't know if he won any awards for those roles because I stopped watching the Oscars 20 years ago or so.
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But, but, but, Gladiator IS awesome! Yeah I really like it BTW, have watched it many times. Let me just add that Russell Crowe's love of football is limited the his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL (National Rugby League) of Australia, not to the Bengals/Steelers. One of the most awesome pics of him at a Souths game is him giving the thumbs down signal to the team - go for the kill boys and HOLD THE LINE!!!
He also loves cricket too, he was sitting in the Sky commentary box during the Ashes earlier this year while he was having a day off from filming Robin Hood - for those who know what cricket is and what the Ashes mean...
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Just so you know, it's fine to like a bad movie. Don't take it personally.
I'm one of those freaks who has seriously studied film, and I make a distinction between a "good movie" and a "movie I like." For example, I love "Clue." One of the funniest movies ever. Is it actually good? No. It's not awful, but it's not very good, either.
And I think too many people (not necessarily you) insist that if they like a movie, that makes the actors in it good, which isn't necessarily the case. I have long said that "JFK" is my all-time favorite movie, but Kevin Costner is at least in the top 5 worst actors ever (and his performance in "JFK" is particularly bad).
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Russell Crowe is, in a way, a classic actor. Back in the days of the studio system, the big stars were people who would play the same role over and over again (e.g., Jimmy Stewart or Marilyn Monroe--though the former outlasted the system and later did some different stuff) and it was supporting actors (e.g., Strother Martin or Burgess Meredith) who were required to show versatility. However, I think most would agree now that the latter group are in fact more impressive. In fact, even at the time, it was not atypical to believe that--John Ford actually many times expressed the belief that Strother Martin was the finest actor in the world.
I admit I haven't watched "A Beautiful Mind"--I can't bring myself to. I have a psychology degree and it's tough for me to watch inaccurate depictions of psychological disorders because I get so annoyed at them that I don't pay attention to the movie. So, it's possible, even though I doubt it, that he does show a range in that film that he otherwise has never displayed. He won his Oscar for "Gladiator" and also got nominated for "The Insider" and "A Beautiful Mind" (though surprisingly not for "Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World").
With that aforementioned caveat, all of his roles, from "L.A. Confidential" to "Master & Commander" and beyond" are the same part. He's effective in "L.A. Confidential," because he's just a big, tough cop and Crowe just has the right face for that (and a perfect voice for it). Even in "Master & Commander" (made by Peter Weir--my favorite director on earth, who has a long history of getting the best performances out of his actors), he's fine (though there are a few scenes where it seems he's mugging a bit). However, it's another very limited role and largely the same as "L.A. Confidential." It doesn't show us that he is anything other than a square-faced guy with a great deep voice.
Which leads us to "Gladiator." It's an awful film in all respects (except Joaquin Phoenix, who is excellent). The odd part, though, is that Crowe's character goes through this long, calculated process of getting his revenge on the emperor while evincing no real anger or hatred. I blame Crowe for this, because even if it's in the writing, he should have had enough of a nose to know that rang false. It's possible that his limitations as an actor would preclude him from performing the type of seething anger this part would then require (see Kenneth Branagh in the opening of his "Henry V" if you want to see the right way to perform such anger), and I'm tempted to say that it must because I doubt he truly did not see that. And yet he wins an Oscar for this. Why? Because Ridley Scott is friends with a lot of Oscar voters.
And Russell Crowe continues on, being listed everywhere as one of the best actors alive and getting automatic Oscar consideration every time he breaks wind, based on this incredible history. Meanwhile, as a few examples, one of other nominees from when Crowe won his Oscar, Ed Harris, truly is among the best actors alive and has no Oscars; Kenneth Branagh has only been nominated once; Kate Winslet didn't win any of the four or five she should have won before last year; and Al Pacino, the greatest film actor in history, has one lone Oscar that we all know was an honorary award and was for one of his weakest performances.
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Frustrating. Campbells pocket is constantly collapsing, but before going down he barely gets the ball to an outlet = +10 yards.
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How does Denver's O-line look so far?
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Witness the most pathetic sorry excuse for officiating so far this year in the Panther-Falcon game. On 4th and 8 Atlanta throws the ball incomplete. Atlanta coaches complain loudly because of what they thought was a hold the play before and the idiot refs throw the pass interference flag. Not only was there no pass interference, that jerk Gonzales was busy beating on a Panther on the other side of the field with no call. I could unterstand this crap if it was in Atlanta. But why are the refs laying down for the visiting coach and team?
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No kidding. I got dirty looks for screaming out some kind of profanity at that call. Playing the ball is now pass interference?
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Sidney Rice is a mile away from anyone. [Vikings QB] actually throws so short (admittedly on the run) that he has to stop and watch it seemingly interminably (and yet he's so open that a defender can't get there). Awful, awful defense to leave him that open.
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Guarantee at least one talking head calls it a perfect throw - he just gives his receivers a chance to catch the ball.
Did AP just fumble a ball 20 yards forward for a touchback? That's what ESPN's scoreboard just told me. I'm confused.
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He went 43 yards, then fumbled forward (I'm not sure how far) for a touchback.
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Another patented Big Ben scramble/pump fake combo to connect to Holmes at the 15-yard line.
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Campbell throws a ball to NOONE. Not a redskin within 15 yards. Intentional grounding. Endzone cam shows a TE wide open in the endzone in the direction Campbell was looking. It looked like he saw his guy and just threw it 15 yards short of him. Very weird.
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Big Ben throws into double coverage in the endzone. Both defenders get hands on the ball, but the pass falls incomplete. PIT lucky to have a 3rd and goal play.
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The wackiest play I've ever seen. Youll see on game breaks in your game. Wild. I can't describe it. Tied at 14.
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Was this the play where Hunter Smith took the snap, ran almost to the right sideline, then threw the ball to Mike Sellers who was standing all alone at the 2-yard line near the *LEFT* sideline who then walked into the end zone? Yep, a wacky play.
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The Lions seem to have an odd defensive strategy: Leave Sidney Rice open every play and see if [Vikings QB] will forget about him.
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Bengals make a great defensive stand and get a coverage sack on Big Ben on the 3rd and goal play. PIT settles for the figgy. 6-6.
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Childress gains some man points by going for it on 4th and inches at the Lions' 8. Then he loses play-calling points by deciding to put a TE at fullback and run up the middle. Lions ball.
Wait, Childress has to already be at the theoretical low for play-calling points.
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You are Brad Childress. You have the Lions down 10-0, having outgained them something 251 to 57.
You have 4th and 1 at their 8 yard line.
Do you:
1. Kick the field goal
2. Give it to Adrian Peterson, who is averaging almost 6 yards per carry
3. Have Favre with play action throw it to someone against the 31st ranked pass defense in the NFL
or
4. Give it to Jeff Dugan, your backup fullback.
Dugan gets stuffed, Detroit ball.
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You left out line up in a wildcat formation, bring [Vikings QB] in motion, hand it off to him, and have him throw a pass on the run.
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Your first sentence removed all possible logic from the decision.
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Ryan Clady one-on-one with Haynesworth. Clady dominated him as much as you can without putting the guy on his butt.
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Vikings special teams are much improved, but that's the second big punt return called back on penalty...
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Purple Jesus breaks a very long run (I think it would have been about 60 yards), but fumbles into the endzone and the Lions recover.
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The fumbling Adrian peterson strikes again...
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Vikings have five times the yards detroit has, but somehow are keeping them in the game. They have 3 red zone trips with 0 points so far.
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Big Ben throws a jump ball into double coverage. The Cincy defender (#41) arm bars the PIT receiver. DPI. PIT ball on the Cincy 30.
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Odd. Booth review of a play that didn't even look questionable to me in real time. And Fox is showing no replays.
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Now they show a replay and it was more questionable than I thought at first. But the call stands.
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PIT has another first and goal. CIN has another sack.
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2nd and goal: Big Ben throws it out of the back of the end zone.
3rd and goal: Big Ben just barely overthrows Holmes in the end zone. Incomplete.
4th and goal: Reed hits the FG. 9-6 PIT with 0:12 to go in the first half.
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Orton looking like a real QB again. A combo of improvement and not playing the Steelers/Ravens anymore. But he's going deep pretty often, being extremely accurate on his short throws. Nothing pro bowl about it - just really solid play. I needs to be said though, that he has had clean pockets all day.
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predictactly if you let someone stick around, they can come back to get ya. Calvin JOhnson gets untracked, couple of big gains has Detroit threatening to make this a one score game.
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I know Megatron is tall. But he looks a lot taller than 6'5". He looks more like 6'8".
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.... and now he limped off the field...
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Orton fell akwardly. both ankles and one knee got twisted. Looked bad - but he limped to the locker by own power...
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That's bad. I know I said that Tim Minchin's song "You Grew on Me" reminded me of him, but he's not really a tumor.
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Great Cincy special teams. Number 53 commits a block in the back, pushing the Steelers player right into the path of the returner causing the tackle. 9-6 PIT at the half.
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Eight seconds left, 3rd and 6 and the Minnesota 20. Detroit kicks the FG. Wouldn't you at least try one more shot at the end zone there? Its not like Stafford is being sacked lot... they've only gotten him once...
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Detroit is also not even trying to win, kicking a FG on 3rd down with 8 seconds left rather than taking another shot at the TD they should've had, if not for a drop.
You're down 10 despite giving up over 300 yards in the first half. Settling for field goals is sure to help.
I sound like Easterbrook.
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It's half time in the CIN-PIT game, so I popped over to this game to see DET do a stupid pooch kick giving the Vikings the ball at their 38-yard line. Now, I haven't been watching this game so maybe Brad made the right decision (did I just type that?), but I can't believe he didn't have his QB use his laser rocket arm on a Hail Mary pass. You could have gotten a DPI. I think that play is nearly the same level of fraidy cat as DET not taking one more shot at the end zone.
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I got up to get food so I didn't even see that. Maybe they're playing to keep Favre's INT totals lower and make Childress look smarter?
62 yards is a pretty low percentage pass, but I don't see why it's not worth at least trying. (Is a DPI there helpful though? Can time not expire on that kind of penalty either?)
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A period cannot end on a defensive penalty. If there had been DPI, there would have been one untimed play from the spot of the DPI.
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Hey. An Atlanta penalty. Their first with 2 minutes to play. A 3 yard penalty for a blow to Delhomme's head. I guess there was no way they couldn't call that one.
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I feel bad for Lions fans. That team is still so very, very bad.
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Roethlisberger looked more like a statue than even Rodgers at his worst on that one sack he took at the 10 earlier in the 2nd quarter.
I'm constantly amazed at how often the Steeler (and Packer) receivers are completely unable to get open for 5+ seconds. Both teams have talented receivers. Obviously the QBs can be indecisive... but how can you not get open when you're given that much time?
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They just had one of these, except on Cincy this time. The Steelers rushed 4. The OL held for 4 maybe 5 seconds, but Palmer was ultimately sacked. I guess the defenses just play pass defense very well sometimes.
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The spleen machine, aka. Chris Simms will be under center for the Broncos to start the 2nd half. Yikes...
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I'm not a Broncos fan, but it's a shame Orton can't go in the second half. He's been having a very nice year. I have no idea how good Chris Simms is, or can be.
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I had a pet theory that the Titans would've been better with their third stringer (Simms) than either of the first two last year.
No way to prove it, of course. But it wouldn't have surprised me if Simms won the Bronco starting job this year. He was looking fine before the spleen injury and never really got much of a chance after that.
At the very least, he's a capable backup. And since it's the Redskins, he should do just fine.
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He was looking fine before the spleen injury? Er... we're talking about Chris Simms, right? Just checking. Because I remember his not having scored a touchdown in the first two games of 2006, and having three interceptions in week one and a couple in week two as well. Bruce Gradkowski was actually an improvement (for awhile).
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Big Ben throws to Ward, who's double covered, the ball bounces off someone's helmet, and Cincy intercepts. The return is into the red zone.
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Didn't look double covered to me. I thought it was just a bad throw.
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I'm not a particularly sophisticated observer. I see two nearby defenders and think double coverage. Oh well. It's true it was a bad throw; well behind Ward.
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Still more sophisticated than most announcers.
Simms may have been right that it had to be behind him due to the coverage, but that wasn't just a back shoulder throw. That was well behind him.
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Just saw the replay. The trailing defender actually got his hand on the ball to cause the deflection.
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Chris Simms starts the second half for Denver.
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Ha ha. DeAngelo hall is just useless in run support. Got destroyed by Morenos stiff arm there.
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I'm not sure "in run support" was needed.
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ouch. probably true, but ouch.
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PIT defense holds and forces a CIN FG. 9-9. Clark had a big hit on one of the Cincy TEs to force the FG.
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Should've been a personal foul from what I saw.
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I was a little surprised there wasn't a flag, too. It was very close between a shoulder hit and a head hit.
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Simms is a lefty. The Broncos haven't flipped their O-line. Is that normal? Paging Cardinals fans!
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After Detroit kicks the FG on 3rd down, they open the half by fumbling the kickoff. Two AP runs later, they're down 17-3.
Sometimes Easterbrook columns write themselves.
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Don't they all? He has the entire thing on autotext nowadays except for one or two observations.
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The PIT special teams haven't been particularly impressive today. On the KO after the FG, Logan mishandles the kick in the end zone. Instead of taking a knee, he runs it out and ultimately runs out-of-bounds around the 14-yard line.
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Simms looks frantic and insecure. Whether it's insecurity or the recievers not getting open is hard to tell.
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The PIT OL hasn't been particularly impressive today, either. Big Ben has been under duress most of the game. If I sorta half closed my eyes and squinted, I might think I was watching the Packers. Wait....I don't have to do that. I can just wait for the late game.
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DT Kenny Peterson of the Broncos looks done for the year. Tries to get up, but just cannot. Something is wrong with that knee.
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Aw the Broncos got screwed by the Refs there. The ruling was forward progress, but the wistle was clearly blown AFTER the fumble. Zebra-karma maybe?
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Does the karma stick with the franchise? Couldn't it follow Cutler or Shanahan?
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Pet Peeve: "the one inch line" is just a silly expression. There is no such thing.
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Cincy has another drive stall and settles for the FG. 12-9 Cincy.
It's starting to feel like whichever team can score an offensive TD first will win the game.
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The redskins go for it on 4th and 3-inches on the Broncos 29. Campbell trying to draw an offside. No luck in that depatment. Checks to an outside run, which is absolutely blown up by Dawkins for a loss of 2. At least it was obvious that the fans wanted Zorn to go for it.
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Swae orotn get hurt. is stikll out? if so is Barnstrater playing? Any good? Probably not good is best guess
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Simms is in.
At least it's not JaMarcus Russell. Had to say it.
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Sye shld.
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Anyone else think that Roethlisberger looks absolutely awful today? Even when he does get time his throws are bad.
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Stafford just got his bell rung. Ray Edwards is called for "launching himself at the quarterback" (I didn't know that existed as a penalty.) and he stands right on top of the referee as he's calling it.
A couple of plays later, over very loud hometown booing, Stafford makes his best throw of the day to get a Detroit touchdown.
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The best part is that Edwards was standing so close to the referee while he was announcing the penalty that when he pointed to show the team who had the penalty, he had to adjust to avoid poking Edwards in the chest. I don't think I've ever seen a player stay so on top of the referee during the announcement.
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So Edwards was called for hitting Stafford while he still had the ball, and without using his helmet?
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I'm as big a fan of Brian Dawkins as the next guy, but he is just plain an simply a dirty player.
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LaDell Betts having a good day. He falls forward for two extra yards every time, by keeping his legs moving.
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Great play by the Bengal punter getting off a 48 yarder from the back of the end zone.
I wonder though - wouldn't the 2 points from a safety be roughly equal to the 30 extra yards of field position they'd gain by free kicking after a deliberate safety? In a game like this, the risk of a blocked kick might make that an idea worth considering. 12-11 isn't really too much worse than 12-9. The Steelers are already in FG range now.
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It's an interesting thought. I suspect Lewis thought his defense would hold again. They've been playing pretty well, today.
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This is a routinely made decision in the CFL where it is more difficult to sustain drives and the field is longer. If you're backed up, take the safety and punt it deep. In the CFL you don't even need to worry about the punt being blocked because the end zone is 20 yards deep. I've never seen it done in the NFL.
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Nov 3, 2003, Patriots at Broncos. Not an identical scenario, but down a point, three minutes left, 4th and 10 on their own 1, Pats took an intentional safety, boomed a punt, forced a three and out, and scored a TS on their next possession to win the game.
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Bernard Berrian called for holding. Berrian seems to be just falling further and further in [Vikings QB]'s estimation.
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The Cretin just said Big Ben "triple-pumped". Can he really say that on TV and can they really show Ben doing it? ;-)
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Well, the announcers do it every time they see a certain QB.
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I'll change it to: LaDell Betts is just killing the Broncos...
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If LaDell Betts is able to kill them, that defense has to have been a mirage. Betts just isn't very good (or at least wasn't a couple of years ago).
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Betts is a weird guy. He's basically a pretty good running back who has none of the things you want in your #2--he's awful in spot duty, not very good in pass protection, and gets hurt a lot. But as a starter, he's not worse than a post-prison Jamal Lewis or Cedric Benson.
Of course, now that the Skins have 17, the best they can hope for is a tie. But with Chris Simms at QB, it's not out of the question.
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Betts is useless if you run him 5 time a game, or send wide. but give him 20 carries up the gut and he'll rack up a C-note. he hits holes hard and keeps on digging.
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I'm torn. Detroit is somehow still in this game. I obviously want to root against the Vikings, but I also want to root against the Lions because they don't deserve to be rewarded for their spineless play at the end of the first half.
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Right after I typed this they punted on 4th and 1 from beyond midfield. Grr.
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PIT gets a dubious spot on a 3rd down play. PIT disdains the challenge, lines up in a power formation, and Big Ben sneaks for the first down.
Then, on the first down, penalty: holding PIT.
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Detroit converted three consecutive 3rd downs all of 7 yards or more (albeit one by penalty). That was a 15 play drive.
Vikings second half defense seems abysmal, and it will be their downfall.
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I flipped over to this game at the end of the 3rd quarter of the CIN-PIT game to hear a resounding chorus of boos. Your post helps explain that.
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They were still booing from Edwards' "launching" penalty (which seems to have been the right call). They kept booing through the rest of the drive.
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Tied in D.C. at 17. I dont have much confidence in Simms putting together a drive. A defensive or special teams score (or big play) is the best hope. Ugh.
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I more and more hate the idea of sending the offense out to go for it and then calling a timeout to punt because you just wanted to get them offside. Especially when it's fourth-and-one or -two.
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Yeah, you've gotta have your QB check to a FB dive.
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And why are you willing to concede a timeout like that?
You should always just go for it on fourth-and-one or -two unless you already have the game in hand.
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And Suisham kicks it out of bounds. Again.
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Suisham kicking out of bounds for the second time today. Same old 'Skins?
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Josh Freeman throws a beautiful pass that Maurice Stovall gets for a TD. Just perfect touch on it.
I was really doubtful about this guy coming out of college with his reputed accuracy and decision-making questions, but he's looked very impressive the last two weeks. He's still clearly a very raw rookie, but he has loads of the proverbial upside. Really impressed.
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I saw much of the second half of last week's GB-TB game. I thought Freeman looked incredibly good for a rookie QB coming from one of those wacky Big 12 offense schools. It'll be interesting to see how good he looks at the end of the year and next year.
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Yeah, I'm trying to mitigate my optimism somewhat, because new QBs often look good until defensive coordinators get enough tape to come up with good game plans. I mean, Bruce Gradkowski looked pretty decent for his first couple games as the Tampa QB years ago until defenses realized he couldn't throw the ball 15 yards downfield without a strong tailwind.
That being said, it's not just about physical skills at this point. Freeman looks far more comfortable in the pocket than expected, and he really hasn show great touch on a number of throws. Stuff like that should stick around regardless of what the defense is doing.
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remember when Raiders bveat steelers couple years ago after seaosn when Pitt beat seahakws in superbowl? That going to gappen again this yera.veggting more confident about. Raiders going to be 9-7 ot 10-6 only quesiton is if win Thanksibing game or not.
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remember when Raiders bveat steelers couple years ago after seaosn when Pitt beat seahakws in superbowl? That going to gappen again this yera.veggting more confident about. Raiders going to be 9-7 ot 10-6 only quesiton is if win Thanksibing game or not.
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PIT stalls in the red zone for the 4th time today. Big Ben misses an open Holmes in the end zone on the 3rd down play. PIT settles for the FG to even the score at 12.
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Hayenswoth in pain. Ouch - the big guy getting helped off the field. He's not comming back today, if not this month.
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The limp looked bad, but I think Haynesworth's already been carted off the field three times this season. I wouldn't read anything into his status until the coaches announce something.
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haynesowrth always getting injure.d like 2009 joe kelcko
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Sideline reporter Laura Okmin in the Bucs-Dolphins game looks like Iggy Pop in drag.
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Simms picked by Hall.. I hate when bad players happen to be in the right place at the right time, and just getting big plays giftwrapped. It's so unfair.
Simms went deep to Marshall in double coverage. The pass was way short and Hall made the best adjustment.
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I probably caused this by calling Hall useless earlier, didn't I?
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No, after watching Royal abuse him last year I was aware of his uselessness...
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Lions guard Stephen Peterman is down. Able to leave under his own power, but limping very badly.
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The Matt Ryan roughing call on Tyler Brayton was horrendous, especially considering the chop-block Atlanta got away with on Peppers in the third quarter. This is simply bad comedy.
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Which crew is it?
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Dan Dierdorff just said: "what's going wrong for the Broncos at the moment is the statistical battle of the turnover differential."
A statistical battle.
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Coming up next: DYAR vs. ANY/A in an all out battle for QB stat supremacy!
In some markets, you will instead be viewing Rushing attempts vs. yards per carry.
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Dierdorf is to announcing what Millen was to running a football team. Or what a certain Raiders fan is to the English language.
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why Ryan rough Brayton? was it cheapshot like snachez do against a guy this year or Frve do in preseaon game vs houston player?
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[Vikings QB] throws a legitimately good deep ball to . . . Sidney Rice. Rice is going to have 500 yards today the way it's going.
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sorry abput roughing call. read post wrong. see now Ryan was rughed and Baryton do the ruging. dierdorf take too many blow yto head in 70s to make any sense in 00s
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Much better deep ball by Vikings QB on that one to Rice, who actually had a guy somewhat nearby that time.
That flip of the field pretty much ends the game, regardless of how the drive ends.
Tim Ryan, who really should know more about injuries, given how many he had, blabbers about how much more accurate VQB is because of his biceps repair. Says his arm strength was unaffected but his accuracy was. Which is pretty stupid.
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Sidney Rice, the guy I drafted in every fantasy league last year and avoided this year, now has 202 yards today. I'm starting to hate him.
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Why is Jeff Dugan so involved today? Anyone know?
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Betts eclipses the 100 yard mark. It feels like 200. seven yard gain on seven yard gain.
Redskins knocking on the door. Simms hasn't been looking like a gut able too come back.
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In a game of drives stalling in the red zone, Cincy settles for their third field goal of the game to make it 15-12 Cincy about half way through the 4th quarter.
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Devin Thomas shows a *very* nifty bit of running on a WR screen. 1st and goal, Redskins.
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Sidney Rice is now over 200 yards receiving at the start of the 4th quarter.
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Miller should've caught that, but another terrible throw by Ben on a very easily make-able 3rd and 3. So the Bengals have the lead, the ball, and 6 minutes to go.
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I think the Cincy pressure has really bothered Big Ben today.
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Devin Thomas breaking tackles. McDaniels calling timeouts to save time.
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TD, Redskins. 2:44 to go in the game. Looking bleek.
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"A blinding light the sun had died
A new moon took its place
Tidal waves and open graves
The fate of the unhuman race
The city's heart no longer beats
No pity have I left to lend
A sinner sits reciting Dylan
It's now that I welcome the end"
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3rd and goal, Betts TD. The Redskins score more than 17 points for the first time this season, and more than 17 at home for the first time since September 08.
Bittersweet's not quite the word.
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Tipp drill! Brandon Stokley! 70 yards for the tying TD!
Just kidding. Or hoping..
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Haynesworth's back in. Not sure how effective he can be with that ankle, but with Simms at QB, shouldn't take much.
...not that the drops are doing Denver any favors.
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Tip drill... hits the turf. 4th & 10.
Haynesworth hurt, again.
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and MJD takes a knee at the one so that the Jags can run out the clock before attempting a game-winning FG. Brilliant.
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I was actually kind of hoping for a fumbled snap. It was smart of MJD to take the knee at the one to run clock, but why not sneak it in with 15 seconds left? It's not common for what would be more or less an extra point to be blocked, but it happens.
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That was a totally stupid play by MJD. When you're losing, you take the points. If they were winning, it was a great play. But when you're losing, you can't take the risk of blowing the FG. It worked out, as it will 99% of the time, but you can't risk that one percent chance of missing the FG.
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He reported that his coaches told him to do it.
Also the % of blocked extra poitns is probably lower than the % chance the toehr team scores with 1:00 left.
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Garbage. If there's a 1% chance of blowing the FG, what about the chance of the Jets driving for a winning TD after you kick to them? It's not like the Jags haven't given up eleven TDs in under two minutes so far this season, including one earlier in the same game, after all.
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After Minnesota goes up 24-10, Detroit is facing a 4th and 6 from their own 39. Already Easterbrook would be chastizing them for punting.
But the Vikings are flagged for "Defensive delay of game".
5 yards.
They now have 4th and 1.
They punt.
The the scribbling noise from his notebook is deafening...
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Went out for food and listened to the vikings game on the radio. And quickly turned it off. I forgot how much I hate paul allen.
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The Broncos last drive:
Chris Simms = useless.
Haynesworth = in the game again.
Turnover = close: Doughty had both hands on it.
Haynesworth = out of the game again.
Turnover = on downs.
Game = over.
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First Harvin turns a should-be short gain into 40 yards, then a play action leaves Shiancoe as open as can be. Vikings are going to score again.
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3rd and 6, 2:10 left in the game, down by 6, Maurice Stovall drops the ball.
And that would be the ballgame. I suppose suggesting that every Bucs receiver not named "Sammie Stroughter" be set on fire would be inappropriate?
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Miami throws on third and long and Tampa picks it off. Not dead yet!
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The Steelers are flirting with disaster. They had Cincy with 3rd and 8, but Palmer hard counts to make the Steelers jump offsides. Then, on the 3rd and 3 play, the Steelers stuff the run for a two yard loss. At the two minute warning, Cincy has 4th and 5 at the 26-yard line. They will be trying for their 4th FG to give them a 6 point lead.
And, the 33-yard FG is good. Cincy leads 18-12 with 1:56 to go in the game. PIT has only one time out.
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Ooh, a Molly Hatchet reference! This game is boring.
The announcer just claimed Jared Allen as "so intelligent."
Ask Jared about a "schism" again.
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I have a horrible feeling that missed XP is about to come back to haunt the Bungles.
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I like Pittsburgh, but I am very very pleased to be wrong. I really feel the Bengals deserve this one.
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Nope.
I can't be the only one who was somewhat surprised not to see a flag fly on that deep ball he threw to Wallace. The Bengals kept them down all day, but it's still the Bengals-Steelers. I kept waiting for the Steelers to turn it around and stomp them.
4-0 against the two "better" teams in the division. Even crazy Bengal fans can't have expected that.
Viking QB removed for TJack.
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hey. they're finally showing cincy-pittsburgh!
captcha is: chili frisked
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I think T-Jack is warming up. Does he get booed?
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PIT drive:
1st and 10: Big Ben nearly sacked. Incomplete.
2nd and 10: Pump fake and a deep ball that's nearly picked. Incomplete.
3rd and 10: Nearly intercepted on a deep in to Holmes. Incomplete.
4th and 10: Big Ben nearly sacked. Wild throw falls incomplete with no Steelers receiver in the picture.
That's the ball game. The Steelers had only 87 yards of offense in the second half.
Cincy was very impressive today. I didn't think they were going to win today. Now, they have a pretty good hold on the AFC North.
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T-Jack comes in and throws a pass to Rice that I could have caught. And Rice drops it.
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He only likes catching passes from Viking QB.
They're showing him doing pushups now as pennance. That's pretty funny.
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I flip over to the DET-MIN game just in time to hear the blithering idiots say Rice can only catch passes thrown by [Vikings QB] as Rice drops a T-Jack pass. Blech.
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Vikings up 27-10 now, put Tarvaris Jackson in to run out the clock. First drive: two incomplete passes, run for 1 yard, punt.
Not sure they get this 4 minute offense thing.
However, I'm just glad Peterson... and yes, even [[Minnesota QB]] are safely on the sideline. Last year they'd run Peterson another 10 times for about 25 yards.
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Aw, Milkman, that must suck... Sooooo close.
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We're supposed to be family-friend, right? Not supposed to use profanity, right?
Puppies! Kittens! Flowers and rainbows! Giant shiny buckets of teddy bears!
Now, imagine me saying the exact opposite of that in the most offensive way possible, and that pretty much expresses my attitude towards the end of that game.
Same thing as usual. Absolutely no push up the middle, and the tackling this year has been utterly abysmal. I can understand the defensive lapses in the secondary more or less, as hey, you've had some injuries and it's a new defensive system, but bad tackling? That's just frustrating as hell.
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Hey, man, my team just got killed by Ladell Betts - I know of bad tackling!
But obviously not as extreme as your afternoon.
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Dolphins give up lead late, trailing 23-22.
So Henne leads them down to about the 35 (aided by a PI call (seemed legit)), then with one timeout lead, Ricky Williams breaks loose to about the 10 yard line. Dolphins immediately call their timeout with 14 seconds left... then kick the FG.
You think, since Williams was in bounds, and the Bucs had no timeouts, you'd run it down to 3 seconds or so?
They're probably okay but Bucs do get a few seconds to try something.
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Some surprising outcomes in the early games:
NO 28 STL 23: wtf?
CAR 28 ATL 19: wtf?
WSH 27 DEN 17: ZOMG! I said on IRC last night that I didn't think the Broncos would collapse after their good start. That'll teach me to say anything nice about them.
JAX 24 NYJ 22: The Jets have fallen off the edge of the map.
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@ Jets: Don't fear - the Broncos are rushing towards the very same edge. Company is always nice.
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Earlier when I heard Rosen say something to the effect of "those of you in the home markets of teams in the late games will get taken to those games shortly" I decided I must have mis-heard.
But no. FOX has two excellent games in the 4:00 slot, both of which have started, and in Indianapolis they are still showing garbage time of the Vikings game. Must be there's something really important to ask Vikings QB in the post-game interview that the entire nation needs to see instead of a competitive game?
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I've switched to KC@Oak until the Vikings are done. In St. Paul, MN, there's no way out of [Vikings QB's] shadow.
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I live in Chicago and am Indianapolis right now and I still can't escape it. I'm 9 for 9 on being forced to watch the Vikings and they haven't even played the Bears yet. I leave the state and they play a scrub team and I still get force fed every last second of them.
It's sad. Because if not for Vikings QB, I'd probably really like watching the Vikings this year.
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Yeah, this is incredibly annoying. But, it's probably one of the stupid TV rules the NFL forces on the networks.
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Dallas is in the red zone in your featured national broadcast! Why do I need to watch Vikings QB standing on the sideline as Jackson takes a knee? Go to hell, Fox.
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For about the 376,183,900th time, the announcers explain to us that AWWE stands for the names of the Vikings line--Allen, Williams, Williams, Edwards. If they do this again, I'm going to go find them and . . . do something.
They're too close to really threaten them.
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Oakland is running Wildcat right now--all six people watching this game have to be very happy to see JaMarcus on the sideline.
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JaMarcus comes in, completes a pass on 3rd and 5 that should be a first down, but Johnnie Lee Higgins thinks it's a better idea to come back toward the line a couple of yards instead of just getting the first down because, well, he plays for the Raiders.
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Wow--that sucked watching that game for six plays.
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Aikman's being a bit of an apologist for Rodgers so far, regarding the sacks - says none of the 6 last week were on him and that it could well have been 8. While I agree that he avoids a lot of sacks, I think that just cancels out the ones he takes that he shouldn't. And on the play he was talking over, he had Jennings open, but decided not to throw it to him (ran for 2 yards under pressure, no sack, but same kind of decision as on sacks). Aikman blamed the pressure. Yes, there was pressure, but the throw could've been made.
And I say that as a pretty big Rodgers apologist.
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Does Joe Buck even prepare for the games he calls? He just said the bad Packers pass rush will be worse because their best pass rusher, Aaron Kampman, is out with a concussion. But, the knock on the Packers defense and Capers 3-4 is that they haven't been using Kampman as a rusher. He's been asked to be a pass defender. So, if Kampman's not really rushing the passer when he's in, how can that aspect of the Packers defense be degraded by him not playing? Idiot.
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Are you denigrating the Great and Powerful Joe Buck? As though he were some sort of incompetent guy who had no business announcing anything, let alone providing anything approaching analysis?
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I have to admit that even the commercials for Fox's animated shows make me want to change the channel.
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I don't understand why Fox runs those shows...
Do they just love Seth Mcfarlan?
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I could go off and explain this, but I think I would get myself guilty of a Rule 1 violation by the end.
However, I think the simple answer is that for whatever reason people do watch them.