OT: NFL 2006 Season Discussion

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:49 pm

XXXIV wrote: I am not looking forward to the ass kicking they will give My Rams week 14.

Not looking forward to that game, or next week against Seattle. The Rams "should be" 2-3 considering that Warner and Favre gifted them the ball in the red zone at the end of both of those games. Sucks that they laid an egg against the Niners (what's new?), a 5-0 would look way sweeter for wildcard purposes later on.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:34 pm

jondiehl wrote:
XXXIV wrote: I am not looking forward to the ass kicking they will give My Rams week 14.

Not looking forward to that game, or next week against Seattle. The Rams "should be" 2-3 considering that Warner and Favre gifted them the ball in the red zone at the end of both of those games. Sucks that they laid an egg against the Niners (what's new?), a 5-0 would look way sweeter for wildcard purposes later on.

Agreed...The Rams have been very lucky. Someone has been smiling on them. I aint gonna fight it ...Im going to celebrate it.

Hopefully they take advantage of it all...Time will tell.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:07 pm

Brando70 wrote:Incredible performance by the Bears. No question they are the most complete team in the league right now. When you throw a pass and it gets deflected 30 feet in the air and still caught for a first down, you know it's your year.

No doubt. Take it from a Bills' fan.

Despite all the justified buzz about the Bears' defense, the Bears' offensive line absolutely annhiliated the Bills' front seven today. Just pushed Buffalo all over the field, in pass and especially run situations.

Da Bears are stacked.

Take care,
PK

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:18 pm

I have a sneaking suspicion the Bears are pretenders.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:25 pm

Chargers may have found themselves a QB tonight in Phillip Rivers.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:29 pm

Great season so far by the bears but who have they really played. I still think the Eagles would probably beat them in the playoffs. Don't want to say they are a bad team, but once they get past their easy schedule for the first few months and play some real tuff teams, then we'll know.

I don't think they are pretenders though. Last year they were with that dump and pass offense, but this year both sides of the ball look to be cliking.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:54 pm

They'll probably get HFA for at least one playoff game and maybe all the way through on the NFC side.

But they've lost at home in the playoffs, including last year to Carolina.

Grossman's put up great numbers but you wonder if he's not living a charmed life right now. In the highlights, the TD pass he threw to Davis in the end zone, either he can throw guided missiles all the time or he threw that just over a lot of defenders in the end zone.

We'll see though. Teams which can consistently pass rush can go a long way, like the Steelers last year. But the pass rush only needs to be shut down for a few plays to make big plays.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:57 pm

Inuyasha wrote:Great season so far by the bears but who have they really played.

A Seahwaks team minus S. Alexander doens't count?

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:03 am

wco81 wrote:I have a sneaking suspicion the Bears are pretenders.

Based on what?

Their scheduled has been easy and will continue to be so until November. But they are also annihilating teams right now, while also gutting out a win in Minnesota when their offense played poorly.

It's early I don't want to look too far down the road, but right now they are playing better football than anyone else. With their running game picking up, they are executing very well in every area of the game.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:23 am

The whole "Bears haven't played anyone" argument carries no weight, because they are crushing teams. In the NFL, there are so few blowouts, and the Bears are blowing teams out on a weekly basis almost.

The only questions I have against the Bears are:

How will Rex react and perform when they play a team that really gets after the QB. He's looked great this year, but there's been a lot of room between him and the pass rush to fling it.

If the Bears get in to a real dogfight can they run the ball effectively against a big time defense?

Their defense is lights out, but when it comes time to play in the postseason, and they see some teams that can play defense on the same type of level they can, will they be able to be effective enough on offense to make a run deep in to the playoffs?

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:12 am

bkrich83 wrote:The whole "Bears haven't played anyone" argument carries no weight,

No s***!!!!!!

Didnt they crush the seahags?...They could have had 7 Alexanders and it would have been a blowout.
The Seawhatevers had no clue and no chance...

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:24 am

If Rex doesn't get hurt like usual, the Bears will probably win the Super Bowl. Those are some pretty big odds though.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:41 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:If Rex doesn't get hurt like usual, the Bears will probably win the Super Bowl. Those are some pretty big odds though.

That's what I'm hoping!

If they did as good as last year when they had no Offense, and this year the O is most definatly improved...... I think they will go further. Combine the dominating D with Rex's ability to throw, and the great receivers the Bears have......

I think when they face "tougher teams" as some of you think, they will still fare pretty damn good.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:02 am

wco81 wrote:I have a sneaking suspicion the Bears are pretenders.

I think they are the real deal. Blech! I think I just threw up in my mouth having to say that, but it's true.

The Bears stomped on the Seahawks, a 3-0 team at the time, and last year's NFC champions. So there's at least 1 great team they've played so far.

It's going to be one heck of an NFC championship game with the Bears vs the Seahawks in Chicago

My other team (the Packers) looks like they are trying hard for that #1 draft pick. They find new ways to screw up their chances each week. The Rams were nothing but lucky yesterday. Morency gifted them the first score by fumbling on his own 30, and then Favre fumbled away what would have been at least a tie at the 11.

If they do get the 1st pick, I hope grab a QB. I fear Rogers is going to amount to nothing more than a Joey Harrington clone.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:18 am

I can only use the Bills as a barometer, as I watch every down of every one of their games.

The Bills were VERY competitive in their first two losses this season, 19-17 to New England and 28-20 to the Jets. They never were on the same field as the Bears. Chicago made Buffalo look like the JV Sunday, something no other team has done to the Bills this year.

So hell, yes, the Bears are for real based on what I saw yesterday.

Doubters act as if the entire offense depends on Grossman. Well, I saw the Bears' offensive line absolutely destroy a decent front seven for Buffalo yesterday, so I think the running game can carry the Bears pretty well if Rex has an off day. Don't forget the Bears' kicker is perfect this year, and he might pull out a tight game or two this year, too.

I know the Bears are getting a ton of praise for their defense, and Rex and his receivers are getting their share of due props, too. But Chicago's offensive line Sunday was the best I've seen in the league this year. It deserves props, too.

This is a pretty damn complete football team right now, from stem to stern.

Take care,
PK

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:21 am

Not so fast buddy, the Lions are way ahead of the Pack as worst team (I.E. another #1 pick bust). The Detroit media are comparing them to some of the alltime worst teams in history.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:35 am

bkrich83 wrote:The whole "Bears haven't played anyone" argument carries no weight, because they are crushing teams. In the NFL, there are so few blowouts, and the Bears are blowing teams out on a weekly basis almost.

The only questions I have against the Bears are:

How will Rex react and perform when they play a team that really gets after the QB. He's looked great this year, but there's been a lot of room between him and the pass rush to fling it.

If the Bears get in to a real dogfight can they run the ball effectively against a big time defense?

Their defense is lights out, but when it comes time to play in the postseason, and they see some teams that can play defense on the same type of level they can, will they be able to be effective enough on offense to make a run deep in to the playoffs?

The only team in the NFC that worries me is the Eagles. They get a lot of pressure on the QB, McNabb is the best player in the league right now, and they don't need to run much to be effective. If Reid hadn't played Martyball in the second half of the Giants game, they would be undefeated.

I think Chicago can handle the other NFC teams. They have historically matched up well against Atlanta, Carolina and Seattle don't look as strong as last year, and the Rams have some real offensive issues, especially their redzone playcalling. All those teams could definitely beat the Bears, but I like Chicago's chances against them.

They should win their next two games (San Fran, at Arizona) before they face a tough three game away stretch in November (at the Giants, Jets, and Patroits). That will be the real test for them.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:57 am

The Bears is pretty awesome, crushing Buffalo like a paper tiger.... I can't wait for the Patriots to play them to see how the Pats measure up. I don't think the Pats can beat them but if it is a close game, it would be good enough!

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:34 am

Brando70 wrote: the Rams have some real offensive issues, especially their redzone playcalling.

The Rams are no threat to the Bears in their present state. That 4-1 record is a mirage. They have gotten some very nice bounces of the ball in some very critical situations.

You are right about the redzone offense. Its brutal. Id be interested to see Bulgers qb rating in the zone as opposed to his overall.

Id be surprised if the Rams actually finish above 500. I wont be dissapointed as It is the first year of a new regime.

In the meantine I will enjoy the fact that my boys are in first place

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:37 am

The Eagles are the only NFC team in the same league with the Bears _right now_. The Giants, Cowboys, Skins etc. are at least a half-step down, I think. Any of them could probably beat the Bears on a given day, but the way they're playing now I'd take the Bears as favorites over any of them.

That said, the Bears haven't really been punched in the mouth by anyone except a game but overmatched Vikings team. OTOH, Rex's health is not as big a concern in that the Bears wouldn't drop down to Orton-land if he got hurt. Griese is a much better option as a backup, and the drop off would be less severe...especially with the quality OL and running game that the Bears have.

Please don't give me any bushlit about them not playing anyone though. There are upsets and close games that shouldn't be every week in this league. Walloping opponents for five straight weeks is a significant accomplishment.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:35 pm

RobVarak wrote:Any of them could probably beat the Bears on a given day...

That's pretty much the gospel of the NFL these days, as the Titans showed yesterday. You can't take any team for granted. While I expect the Bears to beat the Cards and Niners, it wouldn't shock me if they lost. Both those teams have guys who can make some big plays. After all, when David Carr is the top rated passer, you know to expect the unexpected.

I am also keeping the 2005 Colts in mind. They looked very dominant for most of the year and still flamed out. Being the best in week 5 is pretty meaningless in January.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:07 pm

Let's put it this way. Among the three undefeated teams, Da Bears look the best.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:27 pm

Brando70 wrote:I am also keeping the 2005 Colts in mind. They looked very dominant for most of the year and still flamed out. Being the best in week 5 is pretty meaningless in January.

If you flip offense and defense, the teams are very similar--the Bears offense, after years of futility, suddenly steps up to the plate and turns the team into World-beaters. The Colts D made that same improvement for the first half of last year.

At least the 2006 Colts aren't getting my hopes up, despite the undefeated record. If they can't hold teams under 5 yards/carry, it'll be another quick trip to the playoffs.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:31 pm

Well it's 10 years later but the Steelers finally resigned Chad Brown. He was one of my favorite players and I hated it when he left in free agency, hopefully he still has something left and can help them out with Porter and Harrison both injured.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:14 pm

Wow it doesn't seem like he's been around that long.

That means Greg Lloyd was even longer ago.

Cowher sure has the touch with linebackers.