Official NFL Thread: 2014-2015 Season

Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:55 pm

Robbie wrote:Thursday night football after 3 quarters:

Tampa Bay - 0
Atlanta - 56

That makes a bigger cakewalk compared to the Super Bowl XLVIII score.

I don't think it will surpass the biggest lopsided score record in college football though of 222-0 in 1916.

I turned it off before half-time. Hester had just broken 'PrimeTimes' kickoff return TD record.........
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As for the on-going domestic violence issues...

One talk show was talking about a settlement ($30,000) paid out to a woman who Incognito had done somethings to at a Dolphins function (he threw a glass of water on her and stroked parts of her body with a golf club). Didn't happen too long ago and really only got some airplay due to his later issues with bullying a team-member in the lockerroom.

IOW, is this just another example of Malcolm Gladwell's tipping point. There have been many books and articles written about various bad apples, criminals etc... who happen to also have been at one point in time NFL players. There have also been numbers of stories about the polar opposites, the players (and their families) who do so much and volunteer and donate money to all these wonderful causes and movements. Perhaps there has ALWAYS been an element of domestic issues, they are just getting covered differently now. I just find it hard to believe that THIS ONE OFF-SEASON has been part of so many of these types of issues. Perhaps light is finally showing what has gone on to a degree for many years.

Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:23 am

Robbie wrote:Thursday night football after 3 quarters:

Tampa Bay - 0
Atlanta - 56

That makes a bigger cakewalk compared to the Super Bowl XLVIII score.

I don't think it will surpass the biggest lopsided score record in college football though of 222-0 in 1916.

Holy Moses. Glad I missed it (ferry-bound). Evidently, it ended 56-14. Fun for the home-crowd fans, I guess, but, geez, that's just embarrassing. A tough start for Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay. He's lacking a true starting quarterback with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon, and that will limit their offense. Also, really only one proven receiver (Vincent Jackson). And last night they had to go without their starting tailback (Doug Martin), out with a knee injury. But 56-14 against a fairly mediocre team. Back to the drawing board in a big way.

Here's the recap, not that anyone's likely interested:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/201409180 ... &tab=recap

Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:38 pm

Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:58 pm

Week 3 NFL Power Rankings from various sources:

NFL.com (Elliot Harrison):[/i] http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... wks-tumble

Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2203 ... t-football

ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

Fox Sports: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/power-rankings

SB Nation: http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/9/16/6 ... s-seahawks

Sports Illustrated: http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/09/17/nfl-po ... ti-bengals

Associated Press, Pro 32: http://pro32.ap.org/poll

Pro Football Talk: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ankings-5/
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And Week 3 picks:

Bleacher Report (6 raters): http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2203 ... redictions

ESPN (13 raters): http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2203 ... redictions

CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foo ... set-eagles

USA Today (7 raters): http://q.usatoday.com/2014/09/18/week-3 ... =feedblitz

SB Nation (7 raters): http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/9/17/6 ... rs-vikings

Pro Football Talk (2 raters): http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... e-picks-5/
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Interestingly, the Seahawks are favored almost universally over the Broncos, yet the Seahawks' power ranking ranges from 1st (in only one ranking) to 7th (in the above set of power rankings), while the Broncos are 1st in all but two rankings. Sure says a lot about the Seahawks' 12s!

Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:13 pm

Just watched the Goodell presser regarding the NFL, domestic violence and how things need to change.

Awesome presser IMO, said all the right things but it DID NOT have that LUTZ-like mantra concept. Yes, he repeated stuff but it didn't come across as a PR strategy. IOW, no 'we gotta get things right'. A great balance of personal responsibility and being willing to be part of MOVING the NFL and the people connected to it to a better place.

Goodell noted, like I did, there are so many positive stories about NFL and its people. These negative stories need to be dealt with consistenty, clearly and justly (those were pretty much HIS words but I agree). Lets hope we get to hear more about whats working rather than just its problems.... The problems will ALWAYS happen, just hopefully not to this degree....

Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:24 pm

notahomer wrote:Just watched the Goodell presser regarding the NFL, domestic violence and how things need to change.

Awesome presser IMO, said all the right things but it DID NOT have that LUTZ-like mantra concept. Yes, he repeated stuff but it didn't come across as a PR strategy. IOW, no 'we gotta get things right'. A great balance of personal responsibility and being willing to be part of MOVING the NFL and the people connected to it to a better place.

Goodell noted, like I did, there are so many positive stories about NFL and its people. These negative stories need to be dealt with consistenty, clearly and justly (those were pretty much HIS words but I agree). Lets hope we get to hear more about whats working rather than just its problems.... The problems will ALWAYS happen, just hopefully not to this degree....

Great to hear, nota. I missed it. It sounds as though you feel that Goodell is finally moving in the right direction in getting the league's act together for future off-field atrocities. There's just so much cynicism out there now about the guy.

Sat Sep 20, 2014 6:45 pm

South Pender wrote:Great to hear, nota. I missed it. It sounds as though you feel that Goodell is finally moving in the right direction in getting the league's act together for future off-field atrocities. There's just so much cynicism out there now about the guy.

These types of jobs ARE and ALWAYS will be tough. You penalize a guy and to different people you may SEEM to have different motives. "you were just doing this to hurt MY team etc..". So, he can't win in some ways....

That being said, things like the male professional sport have BEEN FORCED to change/adapt. Much of that progress was begun by the efforts/issues experienced by female reporters who started to force some of these changes many years ago now.

I haven't commented on it much but the BC Lions probably have been looked at and perhaps maybe copied due to their recent movement on this topic of domestic violence. It seems like the NFL realizes it has a right and a responsibility to take care of this for EVERYBODIES sake (society, the teams, the players and the victims).

I just really like Goodell ADMITTING how much of this is HIS FAULT, even though in a lot of ways, it isn't. He had HIT NOBODY but he (and his critics) all feel how he's reacted and punished players NEEDS TO BE CHANGED.

Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:22 am

The Superbowl rematch will be a highlight in many living rooms this afternoon. Alas, not mine! I will flip and try to stay on top of things but unless things get ugly in Regina, watching any two CFL teams would probably be the priority. The Riders and Redblacks BOTH are still teams that may/may not directly impact if/where/when the Lions get to play in this seasons playoffs.

I think it will be a LOT CLOSER than the Superbowl. BUT, the Seahawks need to prove they are who WE THINK THEY ARE. The Chargers EARNED that win over them last week but there are factors that come into play. I won't list them because they are easily labelled as EXCUSES. Seattle lost versus the Chargers because the SD was the better team. However, there are factors this week that the Seahawks WILL NOT have to work through and there are things they'll adjust based on what the Chargers did. The Broncos have all those same opportunities. I think its the Seahawks by a touchdown, 28-21

Sun Sep 21, 2014 5:34 pm

Caught some of the rematch of the Superbowl. IMO, of what I saw, the Seahawks were full value for the win. Led much of the game, the various times I tuned in. Then the CFL game went into overtime and lost track of what was going on. After it ended...?

Peyton takes his Broncos on a classic under a minute 80 yard drive that culiminates in a dagger of a throw for a touchdown. Manning then is able to wrap up that drive with a dagger to Thomas, beating 'the Greatest' aka Sherman for the 2 point convert.

My oh my. But then Wilson and the Seahawks do what their so-called crappy offence lead a strong mix of run/pass and Wilson houdinism to score a solid TD. So Manning leads his team to the endzone but then doesn't even see the field in OT.

Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:38 pm

Thought the Panthers would stay winning but NOPE....

Seahawks rebounded, Washinton stumbles to the Eagles, Giants find a way to win.

Hopefully by the time next weeks games roll around we can stay focussed on the games instead of more uncovered off field issues.....

Sun Sep 21, 2014 10:51 pm

notahomer wrote:Caught some of the rematch of the Superbowl. IMO, of what I saw, the Seahawks were full value for the win. Led much of the game, the various times I tuned in. Then the CFL game went into overtime and lost track of what was going on. After it ended...?

Peyton takes his Broncos on a classic under a minute 80 yard drive that culiminates in a dagger of a throw for a touchdown. Manning then is able to wrap up that drive with a dagger to Thomas, beating 'the Greatest' aka Sherman for the 2 point convert.

My oh my. But then Wilson and the Seahawks do what their so-called crappy offence lead a strong mix of run/pass and Wilson houdinism to score a solid TD. So Manning leads his team to the endzone but then doesn't even see the field in OT.

Russell Wilson really took the team on his back in OT. He ran for 21 yards and was 4 of 6 passing in OT. He outplayed Peyton Manning in this game. Manning's passer rating was 85.7, and Wilson's, 99.9. Wilson now leads all starting QBs after three games with a 108.9 QB rating--and that ignores the yards he picks up with his legs, which, as we saw today, can be game-changing.

I thought the Broncos played well defensively--much better than they did in the Super Bowl. The addition of DeMarcus Ware has made a big difference--along with a healthy Von Miller. They'll be a force to be reckoned with the rest of the way in 2014, and I still see them winning the AFC title. The Bronco offense seems to lack anything resembling a consistent running game, however, and that's something they'll have to fix.

Both teams have a bye week next week. The Seahawks have some guys who could be close to returning by the time they play again (a Monday nighter in Washington on Oct. 6). I think they miss their regular nickel CB (Jeremy Lane), who'll be out for quite a few games with a groin injury. Marcus Burley has been thrown into this spot and has been reasonably good. Maybe a couple more weeks of practice will get him more at home back there on passing downs.

I've been surprised that the Seahawks haven't been able to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks so far in 2014. They got one sack today from O'Brien Schofield, but with sack artists like Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril up front and Bruce Irvin from the OLB position, they should be really getting to QBs. Something for Dan Quinn to work on over the next couple of weeks.

Here's the recap of the game--with some good video and lots of relevant statistics:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/201409211 ... &tab=recap

Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:42 pm

Caught a fair amount of the Bears game and IMO, Trestman has really got these guys playing well. They are going to battle for the division this year. The Packers seem a little slow out of the gate BUT there is a long way to go. It will be special watching these two teams go at it later in the season.

It just seems like the Bears are a little hobbled and banged up right now. Easy excuses for just folding your tent and saying hey we're hurting....BUT they are still finding ways to win. Had to do lots of player positional juggling today and it was on defence, which if obviously NOT Trestmans specialty.

Lovie Smith really built a solid defensive power so it only made sense an offensive guru like Trestman was needed to then rebuild a struggling offence but it almost seems like both sides are now struggling. Offence due to injuries and defence also due to injuries but also not having that IDENTITY that Bears defenses had under Smith and other Bears coaches.

But the Bears are winning. I do not think they do much other than perhaps win the division and possibly make the playoffs. Still too many missing pieces, IMO. I've enjoyed taking them in two NIGHT games in a row. It is weird because it often seems like a team will end up playing some of those 'speciality games' (Monday Night, Sunday Night & Thursday) a few weeks so you get a bit more exposure to them than usual....

Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:47 pm

He doesn't seem to want to admit it or discuss it but it just shows how classy and professional he is, IMO....

Who? What? WHen?

Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Apparently the Ravens had a meeting soon after the Rice incident happened early this spring. A discussion was had by all the big parties (owner, GM, coach etc...). Harbaugh wanted Rice CUT!

He really has handled this well IMO. It would have been tough to put up with some of the comments etc... when he knew PERSONALLY his choice was to send Rice his pink slip IMMEDIATELY. It would still be easy to say "I told you so, I knew all along etc..." but I've seen pressers given by him over the past few days. Exactly the type of professional but TRUE team leader an organization like the Ravens need at this point in time.

Tue Sep 23, 2014 12:36 pm

notahomer wrote:Caught a fair amount of the Bears game and IMO, Trestman has really got these guys playing well. They are going to battle for the division this year. The Packers seem a little slow out of the gate BUT there is a long way to go. It will be special watching these two teams go at it later in the season.

It just seems like the Bears are a little hobbled and banged up right now. Easy excuses for just folding your tent and saying hey we're hurting....BUT they are still finding ways to win. Had to do lots of player positional juggling today and it was on defence, which if obviously NOT Trestmans specialty.

Lovie Smith really built a solid defensive power so it only made sense an offensive guru like Trestman was needed to then rebuild a struggling offence but it almost seems like both sides are now struggling. Offence due to injuries and defence also due to injuries but also not having that IDENTITY that Bears defenses had under Smith and other Bears coaches.

But the Bears are winning. I do not think they do much other than perhaps win the division and possibly make the playoffs. Still too many missing pieces, IMO. I've enjoyed taking them in two NIGHT games in a row. It is weird because it often seems like a team will end up playing some of those 'speciality games' (Monday Night, Sunday Night & Thursday) a few weeks so you get a bit more exposure to them than usual....

Damn, missed the game--ferry bound on a ferry that was running late. I agree that Marc Trestman has the Bears playing well. Given the Packers' performance in the first three games, I think that this could be the Bears' year in the NFC-North. I think it all depends on Cutler staying healthy.

Wed Sep 24, 2014 1:05 pm

Poll finds fans still love the NFL, but are sick of Goodell
Posted by Michael David Smith on September 24, 2014, 2:49 PM EDT

NFL fans still love their football. They don’t love the man who runs the league.

That’s the word from a poll of football fans taken by Marketing & Research Resources for Sports Illustrated. The poll found that despite all the recent news about players’ off-field misconduct, fans aren’t turning away from the league at all. In fact, 32 percent of fans say their level of interest in the NFL has risen compared to last year, while only 9 percent say it has decreased. The rest say their interest remains the same.

But as for Goodell, the fans seem to be tiring of the commissioner. The poll found that only 28.5 percent of fans want him to remain as commissioner. A plurality of 37.8 percent of fans think he should be fired, and 33.6 percent of fans aren’t sure if Goodell should keep his job or not.

The response to the latter question may sound like bad news for Goodell, but the response to the former question demonstrates why the owners are in no hurry to get rid of him. As ugly as the news from the last few weeks has been, the NFL continues to thrive because the paying customers — the fans — still love the game. Until Goodell’s unpopularity begins to cost the owners money, the owners have little reason to get rid of him. And right now, Goodell hasn’t diminished the passion of football fans.

Official NFL Thread: 2014-2015 Season

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