NFL 2007-2008 Season

[Munsu]

So the offseason has been full of piece of shit stories. The abundance of Vick and his puppies and Pac Man and his Wrestling, but now finally the season has started. But now we have the Pats "spying" on other teams, which I find absurd.

All that crap aside, the season finally started so who are your picks to go all the way? As always, I pick the Dolphins, but they always dissapoint. But don't sleep on them, don't discount what having a decent/good quarterback can do for them, especially if they bring their defense as usual. A decent offense might just be what they need.

The Pats, which I hate, have a strong team with Moss bringing it, and the Colts they still have Payton, so there'll always be at the top. Some are saying that the Saints are a team to watch out for, but I got my eyes on the Bengals. If they settle down on defense, they can be a very powerful team.

So who's your pick?

[python862]

Eh, I go for Denver... Their defense has almost always been solid, and with the additions of Lynch and Rice from Tampa these past few years, it's only gotten better. To be honest with you, I just don't like Cutler. I have nothing against his skills, just him. The offense on the whole, though is great, and Javon Walker, picked up last year was a great match for us.

All in all, I'm looking for a couple of playoff wins for this group.

NEXT!

[masamuneehs]

I'm a Buffalo Bills fan. And that means every football season is like sheer torture.

I don't know if there's a place I can find it, but I think they've had the most games in the last four years where they lose on the last play of the game... And that game against Denver was exactly that... I blame J.P.. He's a good athlete, but he's a fucking idiot and makes lots of bad decisions. Marshawn Lynch is going to be everything.

Injuries... christ... let's see: Starting FS? IR. Starting CB? IR. Backup TE? (you've probably been seeing alot of him in the sports news recently, his name is Kevin Everett) IR. Add that to two of our DEs and one WLB being out and you have me screaming my head off this coming Sunday when they play in Pittsburgh....

Everyone takes the Bills for granted, like the Broncos, but moreso. The Bills almost never get blown out, and they really are the second best team in the AFC East (I know you're going to love that, Munsu). They play like madmen because they're sick of nobody respecting them and knowing who they are.

I hate the Pats. I told my friend years ago that I thought something funny was going on, and I think they should be punished to the moon for getting caught cheating.

Well, although I'd imagine this thread dies out by week 4, anyone else watch football?

[rockmanj]

I'm a big Eagles fan, and i have well...not high hopes, but McNabb isnt looking too bad. They just have to learn how to hang on to the freaking ball...And im not sure about the addition of Takeo Spikes. Yea, he's a good player, but he seems to make teams worse. I think this might be last deep playoff run for Reid and Mcnabb, so im hoping they can make it there.

Also, i hate the Pats, and i'm with python on the Cutler thing...You know, there was some like rapist with that last name or something? Coincidence?? I think not...

[python862]

Well, of the teams listed here, their records stand:

Patriots: 2-0
Dolphins: 0-2
Broncos: 2-0
Bills: 0-2
Eagles: 0-2

Now, with the mention of the last team, and with recent goings-on, one begs to ask the question: what the hell does Donovan McNabb think he's doing? He won't make anything better with his whining and moaning... "We have to do more" my ass. The only reason you have to do more is because you constantly outshine white QBs anyway, and that sets a high standard for other players in the league.

Anyone is welcome to take a potshot at me for this, so have at me if you feel differently.

[masamuneehs]

i agree that McNabb isn't doing enough, but the WRs need to start playing football for Philly. Westbrook can not be an eleven man offense, even though he's worth more than almost six players.

The Giants suck balls at defense. The Cowboys stealing the NFC East? I didn't think Romo was for real, but he looks like it after all... Washington could run for Wild Card.

AFC East belongs to the Pats... ... unless Buffalo manages the miraculous and makes either one of their big WRs or Brady suffer this coming Sunday. Go Bills!

Speaking of the Bills, I don't know what has happened to Lee Evans. It's like he's disappeared... But I blame Losman. Well, I don't think the line is doing their work, and honestly, that is where football is won and lost, and he doesn't look comfortable ever... Marshawn Lynch, if he doesn't get in trouble off the field, is an All-Proer for years to come. Also watch for Trent Edwards.

I'm glad the Pats got docked. Those lines Belichick fed the media are BS. They were using that shit to spy on the other teams, and they got caught doing it. I think others do it too; but i'm glad those who got caught got docked.

Chargers and Bears falling apart? I don't think so. I think it's going to be between Indy and the Pats in the AFC Conference Final, and the winner of that is the Champ... The NFC looks weak this year... unless San Fran's defense continues its sickness.

[python862]

Yeah, about Belichick and the Pats getting penalized, I'ma love Commish Goodell for a long long time.

Obvious personal bias prevents me from liking them, but the bolts from the bay are an excellent team. BUT! Take away their LT, and what do you have? Not much at all. Take Tomlinson from the equation, and then you take away their offense. The Chargers use LT to score just as much as they use him to free up the pressure on the passing game, and without him, they have to go more for the air, without so much reliability set in stone in the running game. Sure, there are viable replacements for him, but only three come to mind that could fit easily, and they're sitting pretty in their own teams.

1) Larry Johnson - Probably the best fit, and could most likely be the quickest at adapting to the offense. Has great vision, a nice explosion out of the hole, and, with adequate blocking, can take off down the field at any time.

2) Clinton Portis - Big game back, strong runner, but doesn't seem to have the vision that LT and LJ share. Fast, fast, fast. Very dangerous in the open field, but limited for inside-the-pocket running.

3) Samkon Gado - Yes, I know, a second-year back, who doesn't get much playing time. But, from what I've seen of him in Green Bay from 2006, I feel he could be the future back for a good team in later years, if he gets some exposure.

Three very good options that SD could use, should LT be taken out, retire, whatnot. But, that leaves us with the passing game. Sure, Gates can hold his own, and Rivers seems to be on the ball so far in his career, but can Rivers show that he can keep up a good show for a good 4-5 years down the stretch? I leave that one to you.

Edit: If you'd like a rundown of your favorite team, just ask, give me a Sunday to watch one of their games, and I'll get back to you.

[Munsu]

Fucking Trent Green has been horrible. The Dolphin's pass protection doesn't help, but damnit he's throwing like a girl sometimes.

[Idealistic]

New England for life!!! lol...

But damn, Carson Palmer had a monster game this past weekend.... Scoring me 86 pts in my fantasy league. WhooOOoO!

But yeah, New England should definitely make it to the super bowl again. Their only obstacle.... Is probably only the colts. Their team is just so stacked! Saw Moss at training camp and he was phenomenal. And of course, he was also phenomenal in the last 2 games.

Pats baby! Pats!!!

[Abdula]

This thread really needs some new life, this is one of the most exciting seasons ever. Although I could just be on a high because all my teams are doing so good. My two favs are still undefeated and looking to that match up on Sunday and a possible rematch for the AFC Championship and although the Jets are really disappointing, The Giants are looking really good so if things work out they will be on top the NFC with the Packers no offense to Romo so 4 of my 5 teams are really looking unstoppable.

I can't believe the college thread only got 2 posts although it really shouldn't be a surprise.

[masamuneehs]

could you please explain how the hell you have five teams you root for? Like, who are you going to cheer for when the Pats play the Colts? If the Giants meet the Packers in the playoffs, who would you root for?

I understand liking other players, maybe even being fond of other teams and coaches... I can watch games where my team isn't playing, but I'd never watch any other game if my team was playing...

Well... moving on:

The Pats running up the score?
I hate the Patriots, I do. But I thought it was laughable that they were being accused of running up the score... that is, until this week. They might have beat up on the Dolphins, but the Fins scored some late in the game to make New England want to understandably open up the lead more.

But when a game is 38-0 and it's almost the end of the 3rd Quarter, you are just a fucking retard to put your star quarterback out there. You're putting him in against a team that has been beaten and insulted, and they're lucky one of the Redskins didn't just go renegade. Fake spike before half time is something you'd like to reserve for desperate teams, not an undefeated one. But going for it on 4th down TWICE in the 4th Quarter when you have a 45 point lead is running up the score, there is no question about it.

It's a patheticly egotistical gesture. You already have the best record in football so far. You've won 3 Bowls in the past couple years. Everyone knows you're good. They can see how well you play by how you dominate early. You're only trying to piss people off and maybe stoke your own ego when you decide to run up the score like that. I can see a team like the dolphins or Rams, when they finally win a game, running up the score then. It'd still not be sporting, but I can understand a team that's been shat on all season getting pissed and doing it to someone else for a change. But when you're undefeated, there is no reason to do what Belichick's been doing.

The first NFL game in Europe
Jesus Christ was it boring. Dolphins really are soft against the run. Neither team had anything going in the passing game. I laughed when the fans booed at the end of the game. The announcers said it was because they didn't understand why the winning team was taking a knee, but I think it was cuz they paid 80 pounds to watch a terrible football game... Also, they kept going on about how this was some kind of great expansion, but I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of the people in the stands were Americans living in England...

The best QB in the league right now is...
Derek Anderson. Yes, I said it. I've seen the numbers Brady is putting up. I've seen Favre's re-emergence. I've seen that Manning appears in almost every commercial ever. But I evaluate players based on what they have to go up against and what they produce with the team they have. Anderson does not have the best line in football. He doesn't have a good coah. He doesn't even have a decent running game to take the focus off of him. He has young receivers and puts up nasty numbers on a team that everyone thought would suck monkey balls this year. Even if you don't agree that he's better than Brady, you've got to be impressed with how he's turned that team around and made them into contenders.

Because I care about the Bills
I know they swept the season series with the Jets this Sunday, but that game had me frozen in fear at two points: when MArshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards went out temporarily with injuries. Lynch came back, and fought hard all game long even though his hip was obviously hurting him. But JP Losman, the dumbest piece of shit to ever throw the ball in Buffalo, is now back at the starter's job because Edwards has a hurt wrist.

Now, I've noticed one thing about the media coverage of Buffalo: nobody talking on the TV or writing the basic columns seems to actually have watched the game with any kind of scrutiny. Only Peter King seems to notice that the TD pass Losman threw to Lee Evans, which broke the game open against the Jets, was a horrible, horrible sitting duck that was only caught because Lee Evans is sick in the head and the Jets safety came over the top, crashing into his teammate and ruining both their chances for getting the INT. Losman was decent on a few other plays, but I'm still worried he's going to be picked apart by any team with a confusing blitz scheme...

Also, John DiGiorgio is my personal hero. That guy plays linebacker like something out of a movie, and he's undersized and completely unknown. The Bills defense is amazing considering they lost 3 starting defenders for the season (J. Webster CB, Ko Simpson FS, Paul Posluszny MLB), had backups injured, and lost Takeo Spikes, London Fletcher, and Nate Clements (all starters) in free agency. It's going to be a hell of a test this week against Cinnci.

[Abdula]

The Giants and the Colts are the teams I route for above all else obvious common denominator.

I agree with you about the Pats running up the score but if it was me I would too, Tom Brady left the Dolphins game but came back in after Cassel got intercepted which didn't make sense because there was absolutely no chance of them coming back but whatever and Brady didn't finish the Redskins game it was Cassel, he actually ran for a touchdown if I remember correctly.

I completely agree with you about the game in Europe it was absolute crap but I stuck with it only because the Giants were playing.

The Best quarterback in the League is not really an argument anyone can win. I think a good team makes a good QB, I don’t think Anderson is the best right now but I definitely give him credit, he is doing a lot with a little and actually giving the Browns a chance we’ll see what happens when they take on the Seahawks.

What can I say about the Bills, this season has been tragic so far, hopefully they can beat the Bengals and string 3 wins together because they really deserve to get something out of this season, The lack of performance by the Jets and the Dolphins seem to be to only break they are going to get and if Edwards is gone and Losman has to carry the team then this season is already over for them.

Why are you so angry?

[TheBladeChild]

With the amazing season they had last year, the Chargers have almost brought me to tears this season. How could they have gone from 14-2 in 2006 to 1-3 at the beginning of this season????? Well at least now they are 4-3 now and sad as that is, they are tied for 1st place in AFC West, so at least there is some glimer of hope.

Well all i can say keep this up and my Faith in this team will be resorted.

Go SD!!

[itadakimasu]

What is this NFL you people are talking about?

really though... I could care less about pro sports. I find the concept of fan-dom to be very inane when it comes to sports. you cheer for a team why? because they happen to plan in the state you live in? you like that the player can score more than other players? i just find the idea of latching onto a team and cheering for a team in most cases to seem very pointless.

This is not as much the case i guess w\ college teams since most of their fans go there or are alumni.... those are my 2 cents.

[Abdula]

I don't root for a team simply because I live in the state or because they can score, I root for teams I like, win-loss records, scoring and whether I live in the state are not doesn't influence anything. I don't know why you bothered to post in this thread if you loathe pro sports as much as you claim. Your 2 cents are very much unappreciated.

@BladeChild
The Chargers should easily defeat the Vikings this week although I expect both teams to have a great ground game. SD +7

[masamuneehs]

well, i do enjoy the revival of this conversation, but i'd like to move on to something different this weke: spreads.

As I am unemployed, betting on the spreads provides me with a source of income. In short, you bet not only on which team will win the game, but if the 'favorite' can score a certain amounf more than the 'underdog'. That number is the spread.

Arizona vs Tampa Bay (Tampa +3.5)
A game I don't want to bet on, but have to in my 'best of all' groups... Both these teams are flaky as hell, and Tampa has lost two in a row with Garcia finally looking bad in the last one. But Tampa has a solid defense and Kurt Warner is hurting...
Masa's taking: Tampa, but don't be surprised if they win and don't break the spread...

Denver vs Detroit (Denver +3)
Detroit is for real. They are starting to run the ball more (gashed da Bears last week) and they have an excellent passing game. Denver is struggling to get consistency out of Jay Cutler, and teams preparing to stop their running attack will win. This game being in Detroit makes me wonder why the spread isn't higher.
Masa's Taking: Detroit

Carolina vs Tennessee (Tenessee + 4)
A potential trap... Carolina did get blown out by Indy last week, but they stuck with them for awhile. Vince Young was positively horrible last week, and I guarantee they won't be able to run the ball on Carolina like they did against the Raiders. How well players have recovered from injuries will decide this one. Titans have been getting points from field goals and not TDs, but they play at home and have a solid defense... I strongly feel that they'll win. Something tells me picking them to beat the spread is much more questionable, but...
Masa's taking: Tennessee

Green Bay vs Kansas City (Kansas City +2)
At first glance the spread here looks wrong. KC struggled early on, Favre's been playing hero as of late, and the KC offense still isn't much to write home about. But KC is at home where they play very well. Green Bay lost DeShawn Wynn, who I believe to be their most talented RB option, last week, and he's out for the rest of the season. KC's defense has been stout as hell recently. But one seemingly insignificant thing makes up my mind on this game: Brett Favre has beaten every team in the NFL except for Kansas City. And that's exactly why-
Masa's Taking: Green Bay

San Diego vs Minnesota (San Diego +7)
The Chargers absolutely raped fools last week. Minnesota still isn't utilizing Adrian Peterson to his full extent. I have no idea who their quarterback is. Seven is a wide margin to bet on, especially for a team going on the road that really didn't live up to expectations this early on this year. But LT and the Chargers D make picking Minnesota sound crazy.
Masa's Taking: San Diego

Jacksonville vs New Orleans (Saints + 3)
Quinn Gray won his first NFL start for the Jags, and the Jags have a brutal running game. The Saints aren't as physical on defense. It's in New Orleans, and maybe the Saints recapture some of their magic from last year, but...
Masa's taking: Jacksonville

San Fransisco vs Atlanta (Atlanta + 3.5)
Wow, one of these teams has to win? All I really know about them is that Frank Gore is hurting, Vicklicious' departure has sapped the Falcons, and San Fran sucks at scoring. I expect a boring, boring game that is decided with special teams and maybe a pivotal turnover.
Masa's Taking: San Fransisco

Washington at New York Jets (Washington +3.5)
Kellen Clemens gets the start and revitalizes a team whose only win is against the Dolphins? Not with how wild he looked in the 4th quarter against Buffalo. Washington's defense is even tougher. The 4 point spread makes this one easy.
Masa's Taking: Washington

Cinncinati vs Buffalo (Cinci +1)
When the line for this game first came out on monday, it had the Bills as the favorite by 2 points. Buffalo is one of those teams that almost always wins in the spread but loses the game, but that can't happen this week. Cinci can score like woah, and I think it's going to be a long day... I'd really love for the Bills to pull this one out, but starting Losman scares me... He can throw it deep and maybe keep a shoot-out going, but he holds on to the ball for too long...
Masa's Taking: Buffalo But I'd advise everyone to pick Cinci for this one.

Seattle vs Cleveland (Cleveland + 1.5)
Shaun Alexander looks like his old MVP self, rushes for a 100+ yards in the Dog House, gets pelted with milk bones. Derek Anderson throws some TD bombs, but one of them is a pick by the other team that cuts the legs out from under the upstart Browns.
Masa's Taking: Seattle

Houston vs Oakland (Oakland + 3)
Another game I wouldn't bet on where I could avoid it... Rosenfals leads a sagely road victory? Or Daunte redeems himself and finds paradise in Oakland? Neither. Okay, then what? The fact that I can't name either teams' starting RB makes this no easier... In games like this where I'm really just spitballing, I always go with the underdog
Masa's Taking: Houston

New England vs Indianapolis (New England +5)
The big game, huh? The media circus around this whole thing ensures I come back from the sports bar after Brady's first TD drive and organize Hentai Traders some. I still feel like an ass for thinking that Washington would cover the 17 point spread from last week...
Masa's Taking: New England

Dallas vs Philadelphia (Dallas +3.5)
Sunday Night football. This is a game I will certainly watch, as my pick for the NFC East (Philly) struggles to keep themselves relevant in what has become the toughest division in not just their conference, but in all of football. Watch Brian Westbrook be the most complete offensive player in a losing effort. Philly needs serious help on defense. They would do well to take a page from the Bills' a few weeks ago and throw the kitchen sink blitz schemes against Romo. If they can't get pressure, he'll torch 'em.
Masa's Taking: Dallas

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (Steelers + 9)
Willie Parker brings all the boys to the yard. And they're like "he's better than ours!" The Ravens are coming off a bye and hope to have Todd Heap back, but they've yet to win a game against a team with a winning record, and playing in the Steel City is no picnic. There's no question that Pittsburgh wins this game. The only question is if Ray-Ray and that once unstoppable D can keep them within the spread. I hate betting on a game when an over-emotional murderer and his cronies hold the key to it...
Masa's Taking: Pittsburgh

Teams on bye this week:
Dolphins (0-8): boy do they need it...
St. Louis (0-8): ditto
Chicago (3-5): trying to find some defense is going to be tough
NY Giants (6-2): you bet they'll be watching Sunday Night's game also.

[Abdula]

I agree with on most of those picks but there are 2 I must dispute.

First up Houston vs Oakland: I don’t think Houston can do anything offensively without Schaub not that he was all that spectacular to begin with but I would definitely take Oakland it’s a safe bet.

Secondly New England vs Indianapolis: After re-watching the AFC Championship game I really have to give the edge to the Colts. The Pats seem to be a completely different team compared to the one they were then and I’m sure Brady will come out and walk right down the field on the first drive but Colts have home field, their defense will definitely be able to handle Brady, and they’ve beaten the Pats three times in a row.

Secondly, the Colts are a second half team and perform best on both sides of the ball in the second half especially when they are coming from behind, the ground game is going to become very important later in the game and I give the Colts the edge when it comes to the ground game offensively and defensively. Another thing that important here is that the Pats give up big plays in the second half especially when they think they have a nice cushion so all the Colts have to do is perform in the redzone that’s the only advantage I give the Pats they perform when it counts.

There is a lot more I can say about this game but none of it really matters, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens when they get out on the field. If the Colts defense can keep Brady under control in the first half, then they could definitely pull this on out in the second half. This is definitely going to be an exciting game no matter what happens but I’m obligated to give it to the Colts.

Colts +3

[TheBladeChild]

San Diego vs Minnesota (San Diego +7)
The Chargers absolutely raped fools last week. Minnesota still isn't utilizing Adrian Peterson to his full extent. I have no idea who their quarterback is. Seven is a wide margin to bet on, especially for a team going on the road that really didn't live up to expectations this early on this year. But LT and the Chargers D make picking Minnesota sound crazy.
Masa's Taking: San Diego

You forgot the great passing game between Rivers and Gates

[Abdula]

All I have to say is Vikings, Saints, Lions. WOW

[TheBladeChild]

SD y!??!?!??????!!!!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!