Ongoing NFL Discussion Thread V

[Pr4wn]

First topic message reminder :

Strong staff for us, I'm excited for next season!

[mikeygnfl]

So 49ers @ Panthers, Saints @ Seahawks, Indy @ Pats, Chargers @ Broncos in the divisional round..

Kaep stepping up in the playoffs again, now what can Cam do next week? Hopefully not too much!

Would like to see the 49ers vs Seahawks and Patriots vs Broncos in championship games. Probably the strongest four teams in the NFL this season. It is never that simple though.

[BamBam]

Well I thought that game winning field goal was close to being blocked. I just didn't realise how close

https://vine.co/v/hYpEQ5UeOmI

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

That's just unbelievable Bambam

[sodhat]

I thought the 49ers/Packers game was the best of the lot this weekend. It kept me interested throughout whereas after the Chiefs went to 38-10 I thought that Indy were out of it. Epic third and fourth quarter comebacks though.

It was a good snapshot of how a quarterbacks mental toughness can directly impact his team's result too. Luck played badly for swathes and then got it back together to brush off the past mistakes and trust himself to pull it back. Dalton couldn't do the same in a game that was a lot closer and wasn't over until San Diego added the Brown touchdown late in the 4th.

[Lowlandbrit]

Well I thought that game winning field goal was close to being blocked. I just didn't realise how close

https://vine.co/v/hYpEQ5UeOmI

Apparently the reason he got so close is that he was offside though.

[mikeygnfl]

I saw this yesterday and remember someone mentioning it on here before and that is... The last four Super Bowl winners played their first road game that year in Philadelphia.

2010 New Orleans Saints
2011 Green Bay Packers
2012 New York Giants
2013 Baltimore Ravens
2014

Spoiler:

[Number-25]

Man, Jim Harbaugh talks some amount of guff.... apparently Michael Crabtree is the greatest "catcher" of all time.

[BamBam]

Well .. he is bloody good!! Just adds so much to our offence, Kaep looks a different player when Crabtree is on song.

But yes of course he's not the greatest catcher of all time

[Number-25]

I see this yesterday and remember someone mentioning it on here before and that is... The last four Super Bowl winners played their first road game that year in Philadelphia.

2010 New Orleans Saints
2011 Green Bay Packers
2012 New York Giants
2013 Baltimore Ravens
2014

Spoiler:

I'm starting to think it might be written in the stars for the team hidden in Mikey's spoiler cos it would also continue the streak of the Redskins having beaten each of the last 3 eventual Superbowl winners during that season's regular season. There's only one team left in this year's playoffs that the Redskins beat this season.

[sodhat]

I can't look past the fact that the team in the spoiler is clearly the worst left though. It isn't like they got hot at the right time, they were just consistently inconsistent.

[Number-25]

Well .. he is bloody good!! Just adds so much to our offence, Kaep looks a different player when Crabtree is on song.

But yes of course he's not the greatest catcher of all time

I used to play football with a goalie that caught everything that came into his box. Didn't matter the weather - hail, rain or shine - or how many elbows he had in his face or how many guys punched him in the spuds as he jumped. He was a pretty good catcher.

You're certainly a better team with Crabtree though.

[Number-25]

I can't look past the fact that the team in the spoiler is clearly the worst left though. It isn't like they got hot at the right time, they were just consistently inconsistent.

Could also say that about the 2011 Giants though. Recent history is littered with Superbowl champs that got got at the right time. You're right though, it's a stretch to see them winning it but you can't write them off. The teams that have to scrap their way into the playoffs often end up playing with an intensity the better teams can't match.

[sodhat]

I won't write them off, but if they manage it and the hoodoo continues I for one will be 100% bought in. Because it would be the only sane way to explain it.

[mikeygnfl]

They have also won more games in the regular season against fellow playoff teams than anyone else.

[sodhat]

They also got beaten by Terrelle Pryor.

[Guest]

I'm probably months behind here but only just seen it on the Sport Illustrated facebook page

Is it true that Goodall wants to expand the playoffs and include more teams?

[mikeygnfl]

I'm probably months behind here but only just seen it on the Sport Illustrated facebook page

Is it true that Goodall wants to expand the playoffs and include more teams?

Yes, to seven teams per conference. Therefore only the top seed in each conference would receive a bye for the first week. The addition playoff games this year would have been the Steelers @ Patriots and the Cardinals @ Panthers.

[Guest]

ah, thought it was gonna be something huge then with like 20 teams haha

hardly a huge change (and Oakland still would have no hope of making them)

[mikeygnfl]

Also just realized that if the 49ers and Saints both win this weekend coming there will be one last hurrah at Candlestick Park and between former divisional rivals.

[Lowlandbrit]

Seems like the Lions are the only team left with a clear idea of who they want the HC to be, everyone else in that stage where they're just interviewing everyone. Add both Bengals co-ordinators to the list of people being interviewed pretty much everywhere.

[GSC]

http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/dan-snyder-gave-apples-as-holiday-bonuses-wanted-brady-quinn/

[Number-25]

http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/dan-snyder-gave-apples-as-holiday-bonuses-wanted-brady-quinn/

Haha! Nice try GSC! I read that article in the WaPo at the time and it was actually a lot more balanced than this Sports Grid thing makes out. The bits relating to football are old news, some of it from last century!

Meanwhile, in actual news, the Redskins have plans to interview another batch of candidates for their HC position, taking the total now to 11! Won't be long before some of us on here will be getting a call from them At this rate! I mean, there's being thorough and then there's looking like you have no idea about what sort of guy you're looking for! Maybe Snyder should take control of the search.... at least he's decisive  

[mikeygnfl]

Wildcard games Madden style:- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1909894-wild-card-round-madden-25-preview-and-prediction-simulations

So Madden 25 gets the winner right in all four wildcard games.

[Lowlandbrit]

I mean, there's being thorough and then there's looking like you have no idea about what sort of guy you're looking for!

I feel the same about the Vikings. People they've asked to interview so far include the OC and DC of both the Seahawks and Bengals. Nothing wrong with keeping an open mind and making sure you get the best guy for the job, but you'd think there'd be a short(er)list.

In other news: Patriots have placed Brandon Spikes on IR.

[GSC]

Interview 50 guys if that's what it takes to find the right one

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

In other news: Patriots have placed Brandon Spikes on IR.

And with him goes any hope of us stopping the run. Shame cos he was having a nice season, not sure if he'll be back in New England, though I can't see him getting too much interest in free agency

[mikeygnfl]

The Colts have picked up former Patriots receiver Deion Branch.

[mikeygnfl]

The 49ers-Packers game was the most watched wildcard game ever.

[sodhat]

It was nice to see the refs being a bit less hot on pass interference - or at least physical contact between DBs and receivers in the 9ers/Packers game. Receivers have it too easy.

[TM Moot]

It was nice to see the refs being a bit less hot on pass interference - or at least physical contact between DBs and receivers in the 9ers/Packers game. Receivers have it too easy.

Yeah, i thought they ref'd it better, kept the game moving.

[mikeygnfl]

Here is the leaderboard from the nfl.com playoff challenge after the wildcard games
1 anonemouse's picks 74 pts
2 jvaszst's picks 69 pts
3 ollyrules's picks 67 pts
4 mikeygnfl 63 pts
5 Take it to the house 55 pts
6 pr4wn's picks 49 pts
7 Shepton Mallet Matadors 44 pts
8 redmistx's picks 39 pts
9 wadey101's picks 36 pts
10 BamBam's picks 34 pts
11 The Stormbringers 26 pts
12 crazydave23's picks 19 pts
13 gb1919's picks 4 pts
14= leebenbow's picks 0 pts
14= nicklj88's picks 0 pts
14= rduncan8's picks 0 pts

[Lowlandbrit]

http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/dan-snyder-gave-apples-as-holiday-bonuses-wanted-brady-quinn/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/will-robert-griffin-iii-help-or-hurt-the-next-washington-redskins-coach
No wonder everyone's lining up for that job...

[crazy_dave23]

The 49ers-Packers game was the most watched wildcard game ever.

probably because half the country couldn't leave there homes due to it being so damn cold!

[mikeygnfl]

Jeff Ireland and the Dolphins have 'mutually agreed to part ways'. Ireland quickly follows Mike Sherman out of the door in Miami. I would think Joe Philbin will be staying though.

[Number-25]

http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/dan-snyder-gave-apples-as-holiday-bonuses-wanted-brady-quinn/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/will-robert-griffin-iii-help-or-hurt-the-next-washington-redskins-coach
No wonder everyone's lining up for that job...

Haha! You're really sticking it to the Redskins this week GSC. Well, in the interests of balance, I trust you will also read this:-

http://thefingerman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/washington-post-sports-watch-sally.html

I'm sure you'll also be aware that Sally Jenkins is the journalist that wrote Lance Armstrong's autobiography and who still holds the disgraced drugs cheat in high regard. Oh, and she's a New Yorker.... no axe to grind there then with a Washington sports team.

Just thought it best to give her article a bit of context.

[TM Moot]

Here is the leaderboard from the nfl.com playoff challenge after the wildcard games
1 anonemouse's picks 74 pts
2 jvaszst's picks 69 pts
3 ollyrules's picks 67 pts
4 mikeygnfl 63 pts
5 Take it to the house 55 pts
6 pr4wn's picks 49 pts
7 Shepton Mallet Matadors 44 pts
8 redmistx's picks 39 pts
9 wadey101's picks 36 pts
10 BamBam's picks 34 pts
11 The Stormbringers 26 pts
12 crazydave23's picks 19 pts
13 gb1919's picks 4 pts
14= leebenbow's picks 0 pts
14= nicklj88's picks 0 pts
14= rduncan8's picks 0 pts

surprised i was so high, i think the 49ers rescued me, bloomin' charles, colston, jackson and graham only amassed 11pts between them   

[sodhat]

http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/dan-snyder-gave-apples-as-holiday-bonuses-wanted-brady-quinn/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/will-robert-griffin-iii-help-or-hurt-the-next-washington-redskins-coach
No wonder everyone's lining up for that job...

Haha! You're really sticking it to the Redskins this week GSC. Well, in the interests of balance, I trust you will also read this:-

http://thefingerman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/washington-post-sports-watch-sally.html

I'm sure you'll also be aware that Sally Jenkins is the journalist that wrote Lance Armstrong's autobiography and who still holds the disgraced drugs cheat in high regard. Oh, and she's a New Yorker.... no axe to grind there then with a Washington sports team.

Just thought it best to give her article a bit of context.

I've read more than a few times that she is a bit discredited. I notice too she never names any sources - or no-one is willing to go on the record with what they are telling her.

I'm getting a bit tired of the constant chasing of RG3 and the attempts to either bring him down a peg or character assassinate him. I have no idea what the truth actually is in all of this, and I don't care enough to see articles about it all the time. Let the kid learn and grow. If he is a man sausage, he's a man sausage and he'll fail without the reporters hounding him.

[mikeygnfl]

There is a strong possibility that the NFL could see its first female GM with the Dolphins owners keen on appointing Dawn Aponte.

[Lowlandbrit]

Speaking of which:

Jason Cole ‏@JasonPhilCole

Based on what I'm hearing, it's unlikely #Bucs will be able to hire #Chiefs personnel man Chris Ballard since Lovie Smith has final say.

Always interesting when teams hire a coach before a GM.
Also in Tampa: Tony Sparano is the new OL coach.

[GSC]

Josh McDaniels will not be the next Browns HC

Jay Gruden favorite for the Redskins job

[Lowlandbrit]

Josh McDaniels will not be the next Browns HC

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter

One person who knows Josh McDaniels said he had “an awesome” meeting with Browns, but it isn’t right time for him to become a head coach.

So it's come to this: the Cleveland Browns job is now so unattractive, the very thought of getting it makes coaches reconsider even wanting to be a HC.

Although they do have an interview lined up with Ben McAdoo.
...
Me neither, apparently he's the QB coach in Green Bay.

[GSC]

New England isn't it

Makes sense for McDaniels not to use his last chance on the negativity there

[GSC]

Bear in mind Reid was hired as GBs QB coach and Harbaugh as a ST coach.

[Pr4wn]

Looks like Jay Gruden is going to be the next boss in Washington. What do our resident Skins fans think of that?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

If his last name wasn't Gruden he'd be nowhere near a HC job

[Lowlandbrit]

It's weird seeing a Gruden actually take a HC job, instead of just being linked with every opening.

[skins4ever]

No word yet on how much, but its a done deal:

Jay Gruden signs with the Skins

[mikeygnfl]

New England isn't it

Makes sense for McDaniels not to use his last chance on the negativity there

I have seen a few cynical comments suggesting he ruled himself out to avoid the embarassment of not getting the job.

[sodhat]

New England isn't it

Makes sense for McDaniels not to use his last chance on the negativity there

I have seen a few cynical comments suggesting he ruled himself out to avoid the embarassment of not getting the job.

Would it be worse than the embarrassment of getting the job?

That was low, sorry Cleveland. I like Cleveland, I swear. My created pro plays for them on Madden 25.

[skins4ever]

Clicked send too soon, and forgot to comment!   

I like the signing from the perspective he's produced a good offense in Cincy and been consistent. My one worry is Dalton's lack of progress in the last 2 years. Is that down to Dalton or Gruden's lack of ability to develop a QB? Then again, like I said before, I want a HC who can develop a team not just one position, so I'll reserve judgement at least until I see how he gets on with the draft and FA.

Be curious about the assistants - indications are he's keeping Haslett and promoting McVay to OC. The latter did well with Davis last year and Reed this year, but how that translates up to OC remains to be seen.

As far as Haslett goes, I don't have a lot of confidence in him. Maybe the focus for the draft and FA will be on D and he'll do something with more talent, but the current lot aren't lacking some talent and they were appalling so...  

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