NFL Season Thread

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:57 pm

The only FA QBs worth mentioning are Derek Anderson and Culpepper. Anderson's an RFA who the Browns will almost surely keep, and Culpepper has almost as many issues as Grossman. I don't think the Eagles are going to trade McNabb.

Benson is definitely a bust. The line has played poorly, but he shows no burst and no tackle-breaking ability even when he gets holes. You have to have one or the other to be a starting NFL RB.

All the division races are just about settled. Pats, Colts, Steelers, Packers, Cowboys, and Bucs are either official or just about done. San Diego and Seattle should also have things wrapped up barring some collapse. It's the earliest I can remember every division race being pretty well settled.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:07 pm

Brando70 wrote:The only FA QBs worth mentioning are Derek Anderson and Culpepper. Anderson's an RFA who the Browns will almost surely keep, and Culpepper has almost as many issues as Grossman. I don't think the Eagles are going to trade McNabb.

Don't be surprised to see J.P. Losman become available after this season. The Bills clearly are Trent Edwards' team, and Losman will want to try to be a starter somewhere. Plus he's probably too much of a cap hit as a backup.

Losman is a hard-working kid who throws a very nice deep ball and is a good scrambler. But he has problems with high-percentage passes, can get happy feet in the pocket and is prone to panic and make stupid throws under pressure.

I'm not convinced Losman is an NFL starter, but a change of scenery might help him. Plus he's accustomed to playing in snowy, cold weather, a plus for any Bears' QB.

Take care,
PK

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:15 pm

Brando70 wrote:Benson is definitely a bust. The line has played poorly, but he shows no burst and no tackle-breaking ability even when he gets holes. You have to have one or the other to be a starting NFL RB.

I'm going to disagree with this statement somewhat. I don't think Benson lacks the ability to be a good running back physically.

I just think he doesn't have the desire to be one. To me he seems just like a guy who is coming to his 9-5 job, he hates it, but it pays the bills and he can get by and get paid without doing much. Ced reminds me of Ricky Williams in terms of attitude, there is no denying that he is hurt this year. But I think his injury during the Super Bowl last year was him not giving a s***.

Same way I think Vasher is milking it this year, if the Bears were out in front then he would be on the field IMO. If he is not careful he is going to sit his ass right out of a job because I am getting more impressed with McBride every game.

An Scoop as far as the O-line goes just check back in this thread I have been saying they suck for 2 months and getting s*** for it. I totally agree they need to change. Fred Miller is horrible, but Tait is just as bad in my mind. When Miller was taking all that crap a few weeks back no one mentioned Tait. But if you watch that guy he gets folded like an accordian on a lot of plays. While we are getting rid of O-linemen we might as well can the O-line coach as well.

Watch when this season ends the number of minor coached who will lose their job with the Bears is going to be large. Lovie has to pass the buck somewhere.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:43 pm

Dan I think you are correct about Benson and attitude. He has more talent than Peterson but The Bears look better with Peterson in there.

Benson always drops the ball. Peterson catches it.

Benson goes down at first contact. Peterson fights for yards.

Its true that it all starts up front but Olineman are not easy to find. The Rams need about 3 of them themselves.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:50 pm

pk500 wrote:But he has problems with high-percentage passes, can get happy feet in the pocket and is prone to panic and make stupid throws under pressure.

Thanks, but I've been watching that for the past couple years already under the name "Grossman."

Seriously, though, I have to hand it to Jauron. Getting the Bills to .500 was not easy, and they could easily finish 8-8 or even 9-7 if they win one of their road games. They would be right in the playoff hunt if they were in the NFC, or bowl eligible if they were in the Big 10

Danimal, those are good points about Benson. All I know is he sucks and he's not getting any better. He is the worst starting RB in the NFC. In every Bears game I've watched this year, the other team's starting RB has been better than Benson. But I don't think they can cut his lazy ass loose for cap reasons.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:53 pm

Brando70 wrote:Seriously, though, I have to hand it to Jauron. Getting the Bills to .500 was not easy, and they could easily finish 8-8 or even 9-7 if they win one of their road games. They would be right in the playoff hunt if they were in the NFC, or bowl eligible if they were in the Big 10

Oh, if not for the last-second losses to Denver in the season opener and to Dallas in the Monday night game. What could have been ... what could have been.

In other words, if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle.

Take care,
PK

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:01 pm

Danimal wrote: Same way I think Vasher is milking it this year, if the Bears were out in front then he would be on the field IMO. If he is not careful he is going to sit his ass right out of a job because I am getting more impressed with McBride every game.

I don't know of anyone who has questioned the veracity of Vasher's injury status. He could have played yesterday, but the medical staff thought it best not to bring him back due to the field and weather conditions.

Are you basing this on anything other than your opinion? I seem to recall the typical time lost to a serious groin injury to be aroudn 6-8 weeks, so this doesn't seem even remotely out of line.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:11 pm

Berman and Tom Jackson were saying the Bears became overcautious in the red zone so they moved the ball well but then played it safe in the red zone, ending up with 16 points instead of 30.

After all of Grossman's screwups, it wouldn't be surprising if the coaching staff really reined him in, had him check down instead of relying on his instinct, which is to throw the deep routes even when they're not there.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:20 pm

RobVarak wrote:Are you basing this on anything other than your opinion? I seem to recall the typical time lost to a serious groin injury to be aroudn 6-8 weeks, so this doesn't seem even remotely out of line.

It's purely my opinion, but I did go to school for Sports medicine and at one time had a certification in Athletic training and I don't know many people who sit out 9 weeks with a groin pull. Never did they say he did anything other then pull his groin, if they did and I missed it then I'll retract what I said.

If it is that serious to miss 9 games then I see no point in bringing him back at all now. Put him on IR and get another body.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:25 pm

wco81 wrote:After all of Grossman's screwups, it wouldn't be surprising if the coaching staff really reined him in, had him check down instead of relying on his instinct, which is to throw the deep routes even when they're not there.

Well that might play if the Bears were 7-4, but at 5-6 and needing to win every game you need to go balls out.

No the problem is not they were trying to rein in Grossman. The problem is the coaching staff can't adjust. They still think the Bears are a run first team that will win games with their defense. They don't and never have gone for the jugular. In other words they are not living in the present.

I just heard a stat on the radio, the Bear prior to the Giants game had 19 take aways which they turned into 23 points. That beyond f***in pathetic.

Now i am getting pissed again, time to go hit something.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:06 pm

Danimal wrote:If it is that serious to miss 9 games then I see no point in bringing him back at all now. Put him on IR and get another body.

Here's where that damn "still mathematically alive" phrase comes into play. We all know the Bears aren't making the playoffs but until they are told they are out they'll do everything they can to win. I just want to see what Orton brings to the table and we likely never will this season. That's too bad.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:45 pm

Seriously they would need to win 4 straight and hope for a lot to get in. Considering they haven't won 2 in a row all year that is a pretty tall order.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:51 am

Shocking officiating in the MNF game. Despite the drama of the holding call on the last Pats drive I think the awfulness balanced out. And how was there no flag on Derek Mason on the Hail Mary? He tackled not one, but two different guys while the ball was in the air LOL

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:59 am

That holding call could have been called at any time, on either side.

Selective officiating.

But Ravens lost the game, from the Boller int., the conservatism trying to sit on the lead.

And then on the final drive, all those 3-man rushes. Brady converts a 4th and 6 by running for it and then throws the winning TD. Both plays against 3-man rush.

Of course Ravens dodged big plays, like Moss dropping a post in the end zone.

So they were damned if they did, damned if they didn't.

After two close games, whatever chances the Steelers had, Pats may be more focused next week.

Or the league is catching up to the Pats a little bit.

Or the Eagles and Ravens matched up better against the Pats than most opponents.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 2:19 am

RobVarak wrote:Shocking officiating in the MNF game. Despite the drama of the holding call on the last Pats drive I think the awfulness balanced out. And how was there no flag on Derek Mason on the Hail Mary? He tackled not one, but two different guys while the ball was in the air LOL

Ya I saw that too!

Still I would never had called that holding...and that TO was retarded!

Poor Don Shula

He was having a heart attack.

Back to that holding call against the Ravens...The f***in Pats held the Rams the entire SB XXXVI...sighs....LOL

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:00 am

I think all good teams have to win games like the Pats did last night. Even against losing teams, road wins are no gimme in the NFL. The Ravens had two chances to stop the Pats on 4th down and blew it. You have to hand it to Brady, he's got the same Borg programming that Belichick does. He feels no emotion and executes like the cold, hard, killing machine he is

As far as them being focused, last week's close shave against the Eagles should have focused them. I don't think last night was a lack of focus. Their AARP defense may be wearing down and they can't run the football, so everything rests on Brady and the receivers. Not a good formula as the winter weather approaches. I think they'll still beat the Steelers but I also think the Steelers have a decent chance of pulling the upset. However, if the Steelers don't do it, the Pats waltz against the Jets and Dolphins at home, then trigger the most rampant outbreak of The Manning Face in history against the Giants in the finale.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:48 pm

Griese nice passes....Moron!..There is a reason he doesnt play. Mia culpa. Im the Bears Id rather have the d***** in there.

Hester on offense is a dumb idea unless he is going deep...and even then he cant adjust. There is a reason he is a return guy who has never played on offense.

Berrian go out of bounds.

What a s*** game.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:55 pm

The NFL should send written apologies to every fan watching this debacle. The simultaneous presence of Brian Griese and Todd Collins should trigger some sort of doomsday scenario where the game is cancelled and the stadium evacuated as fast as possible.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:07 pm

RobVarak wrote:The NFL should send written apologies to every fan watching this debacle. The simultaneous presence of Brian Griese and Todd Collins should trigger some sort of doomsday scenario where the game is cancelled and the stadium evacuated as fast as possible.

As if Campbell and Grosmann wasnt bad enough

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:12 am

RobVarak wrote:The NFL should send written apologies to every fan watching this debacle. The simultaneous presence of Brian Griese and Todd Collins should trigger some sort of doomsday scenario where the game is cancelled and the stadium evacuated as fast as possible.

Collins may not be as bad as u think (for a gibbs offense)...

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:16 am

They already talking about Pittsburgh at NE game instead of tonight's game.

I guess they hype it because it might be the best remaining chance to stop NE from making history.

Didn't the Pats go into Pittsburgh and beat them without any WRs?

What is Anthony Smith thinking?

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:33 pm

RobVarak wrote:The NFL should send written apologies to every fan watching this debacle. The simultaneous presence of Brian Griese and Todd Collins should trigger some sort of doomsday scenario where the game is cancelled and the stadium evacuated as fast as possible.

With Bryant Gumbel announcing. This is the kind of game you see on Sundays in Hell.

I think the Bears need to focus on the offense this offseason and draft. The D needs help, but with the field position they get from Hester and from teams kicking away, they need to be able to capitalize. I think if they could get two new offensive line starters and find a Thomas Jones-type RB in free agency (potential but cheap because of other issues), they could have a reasonable offense. QB will be an issue, but they won 11 games in 2005 with the Neckbeard, so if they can run the ball that can be put on hold for a season. Plus it's going to take at least two seasons worth of moves before they can even think of being an NFC contender again.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 12:23 pm

I hate to say it, but I'm more interested in seeing if the Dolphins go 0-16 than I am in the Pats going undefeated.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:05 pm

If the Dolphins win, does that mean that a bunch of old Tampa Bay Bucs will get together with a bottle of champagne and have a toast to their imperfect season?

If the Fins lose out and the Pats win out, I would still argue that the Fins are closer to a title than the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:50 pm

I have this feeling that someone will beat the Pats in post season....Either the Jags, Steelers Colts or Cowboys can do it....

I know they have beaten 3 out of 4 them already but history has shown us there is a reason that only one team has gone undefeated. Think of all the great teams of the past ( 60s Pack, 70s Steelers, 80 Niners)..The dynasties of the NFL and how none of them managed a perfect season....Its just plain hard.