NFL 2013-14

[RobVarak]

It's not that I don't enjoy the theater of watching a crazy game. But I don't buy into the cliches about teams adapting or the weather being a chance for the "tougher" team to win. It just adds an absurd level of random chance into the contest that'd I'd prefer not to have to watch.

Moreover, because inclement weather influences so few games it has an unfortunately large and inequitable impact on the season. Unlike other variables like travel or officiating, it doesn't have a chance to "even out" over the course of the schedule. Not that all variables ever do actually even out, but the greater the sample size, the less impact any one of those variables will have.

I'm not advocating for an all-dome league or anything. I accept that it's the way things are. I was just noting that it tends to bother me and ruin a game...even if I do get a kick out of seeing 6'6 260lb roid monsters doing snow angels.

[Wilk5280]

Couldn't disagree more, but that's the beauty of this great country.

[wco81]

The highlights from yesterday showed several instances where big plays result because defenders can't react to cuts. On the Cordell Patterson screen play, several defenders couldn't cut or plant in response to Patterson's cuts, with the safety actually falling trying to change directions.

The McCoy run also looked like he benefited because the defenders couldn't react quickly in the snow. Plus it makes defenders reactive rather than trying to take more aggressive angles. Plus apparently Detroit had 8 fumbles in the game?

[RobVarak]

Alshon Jefferey. Wow! What a delight to watch this kid develop. Also great to see how Marshall has helped him along the way both on and off the field. Really a tremendous job of mentoring from a guy nobody would have expected to fill that sort of role just a few years ago.

[RobVarak]

Sorry, but as a child of the 70's and a dyed-in-the-wool Cowboys hater, that was just so damn sweet.
Dan, they might end up 8-8, but getting there with ass kickings in Lambeau and on MNF against the Cowboys is not the worst thing in the world.

Never thought I'd see the day where the Bears became a Madden team, but apparently it's here.

[MizzouRah]

Now Arizona beats us... tough season for the Rammies!

Wait til next year?

Im giving one more year with this crowd. Youngest team in league.... Sam may or may not bust out when he gets back..

I am pretty optimistic bout 2014...

Yes, I'm always a POSITIVE fan, let's do this next season!

[MizzouRah]

Now Arizona beats us... tough season for the Rammies!

I'll trade ya.....

Uhhhhhh... touche!

[wco81]

Bears have as many weapons as any other teams.

McCown has to be putting up better numbers than Cutler has in any comparable stretch.

But that defense is generous to opposing running backs.

Otherwise, they could go on a run in the postseason like the Giants teams, which weren't that impressive in the regular season.

Philly seems to be peaking too, though their secondary is suppose to be suspect.

Can there be a hot team to topple the top seeds?

[Zeppo]

Bears have as many weapons as any other teams.

McCown has to be putting up better numbers than Cutler has in any comparable stretch.

But that defense is generous to opposing running backs.

Otherwise, they could go on a run in the postseason like the Giants teams, which weren't that impressive in the regular season.

Philly seems to be peaking too, though their secondary is suppose to be suspect.

Can there be a hot team to topple the top seeds?

I think it very unlikely. Both New Orleans and Seattle enjoy such massive home advantage, it's hard to see any team beating either of those two. Sure, they both are vulnerable when in the road, but neither seems beatable to me at home.

[Brando70]

Alshon Jefferey. Wow! What a delight to watch this kid develop. Also great to see how Marshall has helped him along the way both on and off the field. Really a tremendous job of mentoring from a guy nobody would have expected to fill that sort of role just a few years ago.

That TD catch last night wasn't quite as athletically impressive as the one against the Vikings, but his presence of mind to position his feet and stay in bounds was incredible. Amazing throw by McCown, too.

Marshall has been more than Bears fans could have ever hoped for. Productive, tough, and a great teammate. He pulled off some fantastic blocks last night.

It is a shame this offensive explosion is being undermined by offensive defense. The Bears also have three tough games left, as Cleveland is not a gimme despite their record. The good news is that chasing the Lions is way easier than chasing the Packers.

[dbdynsty25]

That TD catch last night wasn't quite as athletically impressive as the one against the Vikings, but his presence of mind to position his feet and stay in bounds was incredible. Amazing throw by McCown, too.

It also helps that he got away with pushing the DB, so he could position himself correctly.

The one on the Vikings was nuts, no doubt. That dude is a stud. Funny that Lane Kiffin told him he'd be pumping gas if he didn't go to UofTennessee. Looks like Lane is gonna be pumping it before Jeffery is.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1883 ... ane-kiffin

[wco81]

If Philly wins the NFC East, they'll be a tough match up for anyone. That unconventional offense will wear out a defense, probably forcing them to play a lot of snaps, and especially if you have conditions again like this past Sunday.

Even if they beat Philly, the team could be worn down for the next game.

[Danimal]

Dan, they might end up 8-8, but getting there with ass kickings in Lambeau and on MNF against the Cowboys is not the worst thing in the world.

I hope I am wrong and they make the playoffs. It's not like I sit and watch the games and hope they don't do well, I cheer my ass off. As my kids tell me I talk to much to the TV during football. I think they beat Cleveland, I don't think the yahve a prayer against the Eagles. McCoy might set the NFL rushing record that day. GB is a toss up depending on Rodgers.

As fun as last night was the Cowboys have a worse defense then we do. I asked a few weeks ago I want to know who has a worse defense than the Bears, riddle solved. Also the coaching from Dallas was just ass nuts, they were running at will and I understand the game got away from them but they should of continued to run.

I'm a defensive guy. Played CB, coached defense in high school so watching that makes me sick. It's not fixable and there is no one to build around. However if Trestman can call plays like that every week we have a chance. Last night just shows you how winnable Minnesota and the last Detroit game were if we opened it up.

[Danimal]

It also helps that he got away with pushing the DB, so he could position himself correctly.

Like every other receiver in the league. This is the same guy who got flagged for 3 offensive PI calls in one game. He has either learned the tricks of the trade or put in enough time so the refs let it slide. Either way guy is a talent and more surprising a non-diva WR.

[Brando70]

It also helps that he got away with pushing the DB, so he could position himself correctly.

Well, he has been mentored by Brandon Marshall

[sportdan30]

This is fantasy football question, but I didn't think it really garners a new thread and it's football related. I have Cinci's defense that I've used all season and they're going up against the Steelers. I picked up Atlanta's defense thinking that they'll have success against the ragged Redskins. Any thoughts? My gut tells me to stick with the Bengals D, but it seems realistic that the Redskins are such a mess right now that any team will give them fits.

[RobVarak]

This is fantasy football question, but I didn't think it really garners a new thread and it's football related. I have Cinci's defense that I've used all season and they're going up against the Steelers. I picked up Atlanta's defense thinking that they'll have success against the ragged Redskins. Any thoughts? My gut tells me to stick with the Bengals D, but it seems realistic that the Redskins are such a mess right now that any team will give them fits.

One of my fantasy commandments for myself is that if there's an inherently better player, always go with him rather than the match-up. If I have two equal players, then I look to the match-up. Using that logic, I'd go with the Bengals.

No idea if this is wise, but it saves me from second guessing myself to death.

[ScoopBrady]

I would stick with the Bengals. The Falcons defense is not very good and the Bengals are playing a team they are very familiar with.

[Diablo25]

ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS pass interference call just handed a late TD to the Vikings. f***in joke. Eagles totally screwed by the officials. Pathetically incompetent. Hard to watch s*** like that. Game changing call. Bastards.

[Diablo25]

The officiating debacle in MN continues. Two BS spots by the refs screw the Eagles again. The 3rd down spot was placed a full foot behind where McCoy's arm hit the ground. Pathetic. 4th down spot...same thing. The review was a good call. Could see the ball so they couldn't over rule a puss call.

[sportdan30]

I would stick with the Bengals. The Falcons defense is not very good and the Bengals are playing a team they are very familiar with.

I stayed with the Bengals but it's not going to make a difference. Manning had a poor game, and I got nothing from Vereen or Fleener. Oh well.

[XXXIV]

The officiating debacle in MN continues. Two BS spots by the refs screw the Eagles again. The 3rd down spot was placed a full foot behind where McCoy's arm hit the ground. Pathetic. 4th down spot...same thing. The review was a good call. Could see the ball so they couldn't over rule a puss call.

Its been getting worse and worse...

[dbdynsty25]

Tom Brady looked human without Gronk. That was a fun game.

[XXXIV]

Tom Brady looked human without Gronk. That was a fun game.

Fun indeed!

Go Dolphins!

[Danimal]

Jefferies needs a 100 spectacular catch rating in Madden.

Bears win to make it interesting for one more week.

Oh yes, please cut Chris Conte