NFL Season 2010

[Diablo25]

Here is the replay I was referring to. I was mistaken, it was shown prior to the PAT....right before it. In my opinion, the ball did shift....no catch.

[Diablo25]

There was no "barely" in that Eagles loss. The Bears were in complete control for most of that game. It took a miraculous throw by Vick to even make it close. The Eagles defense got completely chewed up and spit out by a very average Bears offensive squad.

Really? Complete control? If it weren't for a tipped INT we could very easily be talking about an Eagles win. I saw a game where the Bears played well but were given a TD on a blown call. The Birds, whose defense did play horribly (without the best corner in the league), nearly came back on the road to win. Vick threw for over 330 yards. The Eagles offense played well. Were the Eagles outplayed...sure, but it was far from a man handling by the Bears. Barely is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. Tip of the cap to the Bears, they won and deserved it.

The Olsen catch was legit. Just watched it again and even if the tip did touch the ground, the ball didn't move. Touchdown. And LOL at "if it weren't for the tipped INT, we could very easily be talking about an Eagles win." That's like saying, "if that woman hadn't left with that other guy, I might have had sex with her."

That game was not that close. The Bears clearly traded yards for time off the clock at the end of the fourth. It took an incredible TD throw by Vick (and it was a hell of a throw) for the Eagles to even think about winning, and even then that required an onside kick and a drive with no timeouts left. If that's "barely" then I guess I can start saying my schlong is "barely" under 10 inches long. After the Olsen TD early in the third made it 28-13, the Eagles never really threatened to take the lead for the rest of the game.

I have no illusions that this Bears team has flaws and could very well s*** the bed at any given moment, but they beat the Eagles pretty soundly today, and that gives them as much legitimacy as every other flawed contender in the NFC this year.

I guess I could have put the "if it weren't for the tipped INT" statement a little better. My point was if they score there they take the lead into halftime. Instead it turns into a 21-13 deficit.

The Olsen catch wasn't legit and that changed the game.

[Diablo25]

Here's a quote for you guys...from Reuben Frank's (CSNPhilly.com) column on the game...referring to Vick's INT.

Vick was kicking himself for the interception. Even though it was his first one in four years.

Kinda hard to throw a pick while you are in prison. Wonder what his QB rating was while he was in jail?

[TCrouch]

That game was way too easy. I thought the Raiders would have put up more of a fight. Guess not. That was dominant.

Me, too. But either Pittsburgh showed everybody how to dominate Oakland's ground attack, or everybody just caught up. Watching Darren McFadden get cut down 3 yards in the backfield repeatedly amazed me. He never even reached the line of scrimmage but once.

I would have expected more reverses and a little power running game up the gut (they started it once right before Gradkowski's late throw to Ford that was picked off), but they just never seemed to really even get in a groove or press it more.

Bottom line, their undoing was Gradkowski's miserable play and Walter McFadden showing he obviously doesn't have enough to compete at this level at this point in his career. Oakland would force Miami into a 3rd and medium or third and long, and then McFadden would routinely give up a huge gainer like he had no idea they might throw at him...again and again.

But until Oakland can get better QB play, they'll have good days and bad days and never be more than a 7-9 or 9-7 team. Nnamdi was obviously not at full strength today, because he was on and off the field trying to work out the kinks in that ankle. But I've seen the guy play since his days at Cal, and he could NOT cut the way he normally does. Every time he left, McFadden came in and gave up a 25 yard completion.

There are so many things that Oakland has in place to be a really good team, but also so many little nagging issues that they'll end up on the wrong end of an ass whooping more often than they'd like. Any time they can't run AT ALL, though, it's a guaranteed loss. The question is just by how much.

They can sure as hell build a team around a kid like Jacoby Ford, though. Every time he gets a shot, he breaks out with some amazing plays.

[Leebo33]

The Olsen catch looked legit to me, but why is that big of a deal even if it wasn't? It was a first and goal play from the 9. It's not like the play involved a turnover or a loss on downs. The Bears had already scored from 2nd and goal from the 9 and 2nd and goal from the 6 earlier in the game. In my opinion, all it did was delay the TD a play or two against a hapless Eagles defense.

The NFL really needs to go back to basics with the rules. That's a catch and TD in any pickup, youth, or high school football game across the country on any day. In real time it's a TD. That's the way the game is played and should be officiated. There is an Eagles LB staring at the play from 5 feet away that isn't motioning for an incomplete pass because the ball "moved". The only reason it is even questionable is because the NFL complicates the rules and writes them so they can only be applied by watching the replay in super slow motion in high definition.

This is an interesting time for the NFL and they really need to get their act together. It's a time where you get a bigger fine for a football play than when you sucker punch a player after the whistle. It's a time when they seem to be doing everything they can to "protect" the players (well, mainly just QBs and defenseless receivers who are getting hurt because they've lost their fear of going in the middle of the field....where are the penalties when a RB lowers his head?) while simultaneously talk of expanding to 18 games. The officiating is a mess, there is impending labor doom, and having the Red Zone channel really opened my eyes to how many empty seats there are at NFL games this year.

[ScoopBrady]

I guess I could have put the "if it weren't for the tipped INT" statement a little better. My point was if they score there they take the lead into halftime. Instead it turns into a 21-13 deficit.

The Olsen catch wasn't legit and that changed the game.

So your point is another "IF" that didn't happen. The Bears defense stepped up to make a play where the Eagles offense did not. The Eagles offense had 5 trips to the red zone and only scored 1 touchdown. Don't even try to tell me that the Bears defense had nothing to do with that and it was only the Eagles not playing well. Peppers was an absolute beast out there, especially in the red zone.

You are the only person I have heard make any mention of the Olsen catch. It happened right in front of me and I didn't notice anything weird about the play. Doesn't sound like they made mention of it during the broadcast either. Have they been talking about it in Philly? Even if it is no catch it's still 2nd and goal so it's not like they wouldn't have had another 2 chances to score the touchdown.

When you lose by 5 and you end the game with the ball you barely lose. When you lose by 5 and have to rely on an onside kick to have a chance it's not as close.

I'm thrilled as a Bears fan with this victory. I knew they could do it and it's nice to see them play so well as a team. With that defense and special teams the offense doesn't need to be special, they just need to manage the ball. Now they have a very tough divisional game in Detroit.

On a side note, it's very sad that a Bears fan died yesterday after a fall in the stadium. Still not sure how it happened but you've got to figure alcohol was involved. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?sectio ... id=7813632

[Diablo25]

Ah, I'm done discussing this one! I'm just sour at the loss....bottom line. I guess my whole day was the old adage, "if the dog wouldn't have stopped to take a piss he would have got the rabbit." Sorry, old hunting cliche' - deer season opened today in PA. No school!

The NFL really needs to go back to basics with the rules. That's a catch and TD in any pickup, youth, or high school football game across the country on any day. In real time it's a TD. That's the way the game is played and should be officiated.

That I will agree with. We are just programmed now to look at the replay to decide. Its one of the reasons i dont want the MLB to goto anymore replays. About a month ago Calvin Johnson caught a TD pass took 3 steps, went down and then, after what seemed to be about 5 seconds, lost the ball and it was ruled an incompletion costing the Lions the game. THAT pissed me off and I'm not even close to a Lions fan. It is getting nuts.

On to the Texans.

[Danimal]

I guess I could have put the "if it weren't for the tipped INT" statement a little better. My point was if they score there they take the lead into halftime. Instead it turns into a 21-13 deficit.

The Olsen catch wasn't legit and that changed the game.

We can all play the What if game. If the Bears weren't up by so many points they might of clamped down on the dump off passes that allowed the Eagles all those 4th quarter points.

The Olsen catch was legit, I don't know what you're seeing but the ball didn't shift at all.

As you said your entitled to your opinion but I think most will say the Eagles were beat soundly. That still doesn't make the Bears a better team, the whole NFC is one big crap shoot. 4 weeks ago the Giants were the top s***, now look at them. Then it was the Eagles and they got punched in the jaw by the Bears who no one thought could win that game.

Bottom line the NFC has no power team and it's anyone's ball game.

[fletcher21]

There was no "barely" in that Eagles loss. The Bears were in complete control for most of that game. It took a miraculous throw by Vick to even make it close. The Eagles defense got completely chewed up and spit out by a very average Bears offensive squad.

Really? Complete control? If it weren't for a tipped INT we could very easily be talking about an Eagles win. I saw a game where the Bears played well but were given a TD on a blown call. The Birds, whose defense did play horribly (without the best corner in the league), nearly came back on the road to win. Vick threw for over 330 yards. The Eagles offense played well. Were the Eagles outplayed...sure, but it was far from a man handling by the Bears. Barely is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. Tip of the cap to the Bears, they won and deserved it.

Revis and Asomugha are better than anyone else in the league by a landslide.


It was nice to see conVick come back to earth. I like the guy and am a huge fan. I just think it's funny how he has a few nice games and people are saying he's the best player in the league, and he's the best qb. He should get a long term deal inked asap, since his stock will probably never be this high again. I would love to see him as the Vikes qb next year. Vick to Rice.. We're comin, we're comin!!!1

[Diablo25]

There was no "barely" in that Eagles loss. The Bears were in complete control for most of that game. It took a miraculous throw by Vick to even make it close. The Eagles defense got completely chewed up and spit out by a very average Bears offensive squad.

Really? Complete control? If it weren't for a tipped INT we could very easily be talking about an Eagles win. I saw a game where the Bears played well but were given a TD on a blown call. The Birds, whose defense did play horribly (without the best corner in the league), nearly came back on the road to win. Vick threw for over 330 yards. The Eagles offense played well. Were the Eagles outplayed...sure, but it was far from a man handling by the Bears. Barely is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. Tip of the cap to the Bears, they won and deserved it.

Revis and Asomugha are better than anyone else in the league by a landslide.


It was nice to see conVick come back to earth. I like the guy and am a huge fan. I just think it's funny how he has a few nice games and people are saying he's the best player in the league, and he's the best qb. He should get a long term deal inked asap, since his stock will probably never be this high again. I would love to see him as the Vikes qb next year. Vick to Rice.. We're comin, we're comin!!!1

If 330+ yards passing, 2 TD, 1 INT with a QB rating approaching 100 (95) is coming back to earth then I'll take it. It wasn't his best game but he is just not going to light up every team like he did the Skins. The Bears D did a great job but I think he had a pretty decent game. It was the Eagles defense and special teams that lost that game. And, yes, I also hope the Eagles lock up Vick. He has proven to me he has his head on straight and deserves it.

Again, as far as replay rules go, I won't change my view on the Olsen catch. It moved when the nose of the ball hit the ground. Again, by replay rules. By the naked eye you couldn't really tell.

[GTHobbes]

From SI -- can't wait 'til tonight. Only question is when to start drinking:

"You can argue there may be a better rivalry than Steelers-Ravens, but none pack a better punch. These teams hate one another. Players hate each other. Fans from each side hate each other. And when it comes to backing up the talk, say hello to Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, James Harrison ... on and on it goes. The meanest, hardest-hitting players in the league line up for these teams. Buckle up. This is football the way God and John Facenda meant it to be."

[MizzouRah]

From SI -- can't wait 'til tonight. Only question is when to start drinking:

"You can argue there may be a better rivalry than Steelers-Ravens, but none pack a better punch. These teams hate one another. Players hate each other. Fans from each side hate each other. And when it comes to backing up the talk, say hello to Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, James Harrison ... on and on it goes. The meanest, hardest-hitting players in the league line up for these teams. Buckle up. This is football the way God and John Facenda meant it to be."

I can't wait for this one tonight!

[XXXIV]

Only question is when to start drinking:

The answer is always now.

The NFL does have seem to have some bizarre Detroit Lions hate.

[Rodster]

I think it's fair to say it's over for the Dolphins. So who's the scapegoat, Henne, Sparano, Ireland? Man 3 int's by Henne, the bad news is if Stephen Ross decides to start over the rumor is Jon "Chucky" Gruden is on his radar, the same guy who destroyed the Bucs after Tony Dungy built the team.

Are the Dolphins cursed after Marino left?

[XXXIV]

Are the Dolphins cursed after Marino left?

Curses are bullshit. Dont buy em at all....but...That last pass did look like it might have been given the "evil eye".

[dbdynsty25]

Henne sucks, but that game should have been over the previous drive when Carroll dropped the easy pick that would have been returned for a TD. So it's not all Henne's fault but pretty close. That guy has regressed since last year. I'm over it now and I'm pretty much completely convinced he'll only be a serviceable QB (see backup) and that's it. Time for a new QB. Henne obviously doesn't have the aptitude...he should be getting better by now. Just another failed QB experiment. Sporano won't be fired.

[XXXIV]

The first place Rams win 19-6!

The lammies are 6-6.

Six wins. Thats the total over the last three years. Six wins. Six wins over three years and six wins this year. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dare I say? Dare I dream? ...The NFC is a HUGE pile of s***! this year..... Super Rams!!! Super bowl!!!

Super Bowl prediction.......Rams 27 Steelers 20

[10spro]

Not so fast 34. You got company now. After a pathetic first half, I was damn sure that CAR would be getting their second win of the year at the hands of the helpless Seahawks. But the D woke up in the second half and Hasselbeck started airing the ball. The result, they turned the game around keeping the Panthers scoreless while scoring 28 points of their own.

Still with the lingering injuries, this team has no rushing game at all and for now it must rely on the D to stop any further damage.

[XXXIV]

James!.....I welcome the company!

[Rodster]

Henne sucks, but that game should have been over the previous drive when Carroll dropped the easy pick that would have been returned for a TD. So it's not all Henne's fault but pretty close. That guy has regressed since last year. I'm over it now and I'm pretty much completely convinced he'll only be a serviceable QB (see backup) and that's it. Time for a new QB. Henne obviously doesn't have the aptitude...he should be getting better by now. Just another failed QB experiment. Sporano won't be fired.

Of course not it's spelled Sparano

IIRC Henne was Parcells boy and even Parcells had his doubts going into this season. Yep Henne is going in reverse and in today's NFL it's either sink or swim as a QB. He had one year on the bench holding the clipboard too. I hope Tony Sparano doesn't go or Jeff Ireland unless Bill Cowher came calling then all bets are off. If it's Chuckie replacing Tony, no thanks.

[vinny-b]

congrats on yo Rams, Alex.


off topic: liked viewing the Tampa Bay game in their creamsicle uniforms. Takes you back to the 1980's. They need to switch back to them permanent. The same for Buffalo...

[Rodster]

Hella game by Tampa Bay, now there's a team on the rise. Josh Freeman looks like a solid QB almost pulled one out until a late INT. And they Tampa fan was calling for Raheem Morris' head after the first year. He's done a solid job starting last year.

[vinny-b]

Hella game by Tampa Bay, now there's a team on the rise. Josh Freeman looks like a solid QB almost pulled one out until a late INT. And they Tampa fan was calling for Raheem Morris' head after the first year. He's done a solid job starting last year.

definitely

[Rodster]

Big Ben just got his nose broken...ouch.

[Leebo33]

It's also amazing that no opposing player has been flagged for hitting Ben illegally in 7 games. Not one hit too low, late, to the head, to the thigh (that's what Hampton was called for in the Bengals game believe it or not) with the crown of the helmet, with too much of a percentage of body weight (probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard), etc in over 240 passing plays. That's amazing discipline on the part of the opponents.

What the f*ck does it take for the Steelers to draw a roughing the QB penalty?