2009 NFL

[Paelos]

You don't pull that kind of bullshit in the NFL.

The Colts do except they look at Manning rather than the sidelines. What that guy is currently doing is on a completely different level that I don't think we've seen in the NFL. I don't know that enough people truly appreciate it.

Well his aw shucks demeanor makes you think he barely made it into Indy on a turnip truck. Then, he just owns you in face. He's got the voice, he's got the hard-count, and he's got the change at the line. The key for Peyton, though, is that he has the best play-action fake in the world. That's probably the most underrated part of his success.

[caladein]

You don't pull that kind of bullshit in the NFL.

The Colts do except they look at Manning rather than the sidelines. What that guy is currently doing is on a completely different level that I don't think we've seen in the NFL. I don't know that enough people truly appreciate it.

"I just run an out route and hope he throws it to me."

[Trippy]

The Colts do except they look at Manning rather than the sidelines. What that guy is currently doing is on a completely different level that I don't think we've seen in the NFL. I don't know that enough people truly appreciate it.

Quarterbacks used to call their own plays. If you are referring to his ability to read defenses I don't know if he's the best ever but he's certainly at a level beyond what most current QBs and offenses are capable of. He really is like a player-coach out there on the field.

On a semi-related note, NBC adding Tony Dungy to Sunday Night Football/Football Night in America was awesome. I've learned tons by listening to him/watching his breakdowns. Makes me wonder what the fuck all the other coaches turned pre-game/post-game show analysts have been doing all these years.

[Abagadro]

The Colts do except they look at Manning rather than the sidelines. What that guy is currently doing is on a completely different level that I don't think we've seen in the NFL. I don't know that enough people truly appreciate it.

Quarterbacks used to call their own plays.

That was a different era though. The schemes are much more complex these days. He is basically an offensive coordinator on the field given free reign. He also helps set up the defensive adjustments at halftime because he sits and watches the other offense when he is off the field.

I love that Mayne clip. Manning definitely has a good sense of humor about himself.

[Trippy]

I agree that football is different now with its reliance on offensive and defensive coordinators as the game has gotten more complex. On the other hand Jim Kelly, while obviously not a contemporary of Peyton, played in this same environment and he called his own plays doing exactly what Peyton does which is to line up, read the defense, and audible the play so I still don't think Peyton is unique in what he's doing.

[HaemishM]

That and I honestly believe certain fans don't want black QBs to succeed in what they consider to be the last white-dominated skill position.

HEY RUSH, HOW YOU DOING?

Seriously, what the fuck are you thinking?

[Ingmar]

I think you got that backwards; Rush would be one of those fans he's talking about.

[Sky]

I used to love Favre's fakes with the Packers, I don't think he's selling it like that anymore.

[Paelos]

I think you got that backwards; Rush would be one of those fans he's talking about.

I think he missed my point as well.

[sigil]

I forget Coach, what are we doing here? NSFW

[Chimpy]

So I got to watch (well, have it running behind me while I was working and turning to catch a few plays) the Packers and Lions yesterday because I was working. I don't own a TV so seeing any game takes an effort.

Was the first time I have watched Rodgers play a full game, and as a Packers fan, I liked what I saw. I will say that I can't for the life of me figure out how Bigby still plays for them. He lost them games with his stupid penalties years ago, and is still doing the same stupid shit.

[Cyrrex]

Aaron Rodgers has a HUGE upside.  I think he'll be a top 3 quarterback once he figures out his pocket issues.

[Nebu]

Aaron Rodgers has a HUGE upside.  I think he'll be a top 3 quarterback once he figures out his pocket issues gets an offensive line.

FIFY

[Cyrrex]

Yeah, there are certainly issues with that line, but I still think he needs to develop better awareness, a better clock, and stop making some of the dumb plays he makes. 

[Tannhauser]

Wow, Indy is such a great team.  They just don't get flustered.  They make corrections and put points on the board.  Of course, Manning does so many things almost to perfection.  No ones the perfect NFL player but he comes closest.

[Sky]

Yeah, there are certainly issues with that line, but I still think he needs to develop better awareness, a better clock, and stop making some of the dumb plays he makes. 

Can't do that without a good line.

[HaemishM]

Rodgers certainly has his issues, the main one being the tendency to hold onto the ball too long against good coverage. But again, if he had an O-line worth half a fuck, and he is golden.

Watched about a half of the Bears/Vikings game - what the fuck happened to the Bears? They don't run the ball at all, and Cutler is constantly running for his fucking life. Wasn't this a good O-line last year? And their defense is pretty crap too. Guess trading away the future for Cutler wasn't such a good idea after all. Maybe Orton really is better than everybody thought.

I was impressed by the Steelers backup Dixon last night. What happened to Charlie Batch? Why wasn't he starting? Not that they missed him, necessarily. I was a bit disappointed that Tomlin didn't let the kid try to make the first down on that 3rd down play late in the 4th after Baltimore tied the game. Either you try to win with the team you have, or just punt the fucking ball on 3rd down. But even with the INT that lost them the game, you still have to give the kid props. He made some good throws and good reads against a top NFL defense. I can see someone trying to sign him to start next year - maybe Carolina? And holy fuck, Carolina - I think Jake Delhomme's days as a starting QB in the NFL are sadly over.

I still have doubts about the Colts in the playoffs, both for their lack of running game, their banged up defense and their young recieving corps. But they are getting the shit done in the regular season.

[SnakeCharmer]

Batch, I think, went down with a back injury in the same game that Rothlesberger went out with a concussion.  But yeah, Dixon looked pretty sharp.  Definately has some wheels on him.

[JWIV]

Batch, I think, went down with a back injury in the same game that Rothlesberger went out with a concussion.  But yeah, Dixon looked pretty sharp.  Definately has some wheels on him.

Batch is out with a wrist injury that required surgery.   Dixon looked really good - the sorry excuse that is the Ravens secondary helps, but the kid showed some great speed and promise.

[naum]

So I got to watch (well, have it running behind me while I was working and turning to catch a few plays) the Packers and Lions yesterday because I was working. I don't own a TV so seeing any game takes an effort.

Was the first time I have watched Rodgers play a full game, and as a Packers fan, I liked what I saw. I will say that I can't for the life of me figure out how Bigby still plays for them. He lost them games with his stupid penalties years ago, and is still doing the same stupid shit.

Eh, the Lions defense will make any QB look all-pro. Brady Quinn put up huge numbers the week before, with an offense that struggles to tally a TD a game against any other squad…

Steelers seemed to handcuff Dixon too much — too many 3rd downs, they just gave up and ran the ball. Then all of a sudden in 4th quarter, expect him to run hurry-up and zone defense seemed to confuse him. Which Ravens smartly pocketed that trend for OT…

Game of the week (thus far, maybe tonight big matchup surpasses) was Vince Young v. Matt Leinart Rose Bowl Redux and VY going 99 yards, converting 3 4th downs, throwing from the pocket, and finishing with game winning TD pass with 0:00 left. And Chris Johnson, who did have another typical Chris Johnson performance (close to 200 YFS, 150 yards rushing), was almost invisible on that last drive, though he did do some blitz blocking…

[Nebu]

And Chris Johnson, who did have another typical Chris Johnson performance (close to 200 YFS, 150 yards rushing), was almost invisible on that last drive, though he did do some blitz blocking…

That's an incredibly important role for a RB.  It's just not as glamorous. 

[Paelos]

WHO DAT?!? 

[sigil]

At this point, best team in the league. Sorry Peyton.

[sigil]

So, who beats the Saints?

[Azuredream]

Looking at their remaining schedule, uh.. the Cowboys? Falcons? 16-0 looking downright easy.

[BoatApe]

WHO DAT?!? 

A fellow traveler!?
It's been a looong time comin' but we look damn good at this point. McKenzie acted like he was glad to be home.

Lotta good football handegg yet to go this year.

[Trippy]

At this point, best team in the league. Sorry Peyton.

I know who you meant but Sean Peyton is the head coach.

I also think the Vikings are better than the Colts at the moment.

Peyton (Manning, that is) still is my pick for MVP up to now, though.

[Tannhauser]

Saints are best team right now I agree.  I can't wait for the Indy/TN game next week. OMG.  I bet Bud Adams is driving Fisher crazy;  "I told ya VY can do it I told ya!"  Unfortunately, Peyton should shred the Titans weaksauce secondary.

[SnakeCharmer]

Holy crap what a game.  Seemed like everytime the Saints O took the field Brees was going vertical. 

(Bourbon Street was insane last night.  Reminded me of Mardi Gras.  Havent been to sleep yet.  Time for bed.)

[HaemishM]

Fucking fantastic game unless you're a Pats fan. Yeah, Saints are hands down the best team in the league without any hesitation. Without Reggie Bush or Lance Moore, they still shredded that defense with impunity. That long TD to Henderson where the closest defender was 30 yards back upfield was just 

It's a 3-team league at the moment, and the Vikings are the only team that can maybe beat the Saints. I think the Colts are 11-0 because they are that much better than everyone else in the AFC that they've played, but I'm not sure they can beat either the Vikes or the Saints. The Vikes can shut their offense down, while the Saints can outshoot them. At this rate, if the Vikes play the Saints in the NFC championship game, that'll be a more interesting game than any Super Bowl matchup possible. The dark horse AFC team is the Chargers though - they've got the same strengths and problems that the Colts do, they just lost a few early games due to having no running game. But the Bolts are clicking on all cylinders now, so that will be an interesting matchup when/if it happens.

[Cyrrex]

I really thought the Pats were going to give them a game, so much so that it wasn't until the last hour before kickoff that I changed my pick to New Orleans.  But holy God, did they give them a a good old fashioned cornhole stomping.  What a thing of beauty.

The Vikings might be able to give them a game.  Only (I think) a team that can slow down that offense and put up big numbers of their own has a chance (other than the usual Any Given Sunday puncher's chance that all teams have).  Vikings are the only team that fit the mold.  I like both of those teams a lot, so I don't even know who I root for.

I know who I'm not rooting for, though, and that's the same tired old AFC that never seem to go away.

[JWIV]

Talk about Trap Game Day.  Good christ.  Saints are only maybe avoiding it because the Redskins are that bad.

[Cyrrex]

I cannot believe NO pulled that off.  No way Washington can lose that game, and somehow they managed it.

[Tannhauser]

Wow, Miami over NE; Oakland over Pittsburgh; NO over Wash; crazy-ass week!  This shit is exactly why I watch the NFL. 

My prediction was right as well;  Indy beat TN.  TN HAS to win out to get a wild card shot.  Probably just not gonna happen.
Oh and Tony Dungy is great on "Football Night in America", Rodney Harrison sucks.  Something about him makes me want to punch my TV.

[Hoax]

I went from despising the Raiders to loving them very quickly.  Fuck you Steelers.  Them not making the playoffs would be so sweet.