The NFL Thread

[Browning]

Aaron Rodgers will surely storm it given everyone has written him off against the fucking redskins.

Yep. Was obvious. The RedSkins are crap.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh and let's all lol at Desean Jackson for, once again, forgetting to take the ball all the way to the end zone.

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DwlFqwD3CXckw9Hb95ORyYEkYHI=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5891985/desean.0.gif

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

686310111774687232

That's the greatest one though, although the fumble before crossing the goal line runs it close.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000620927/article/nfl-network-to-reair-super-bowl-i-for-first-time

I'll be all over that.

[Pleb]

Hopefully Sky shows it. I highly doubt it.

[Gray Fox]

We interviewed Coughlin today which makes 6 interviews and 5 candidates left. I'm not sure there is anyone else lined up. They were on about the Bengals defensive coordinator but I'm not all too sold on that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Indeed, I'll just download it though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

We interviewed Coughlin today which makes 6 interviews and 5 candidates left. I'm not sure there is anyone else lined up. They were on about the Bengals defensive coordinator but I'm not all too sold on that.

The defensive? I thought they'd go for Hue Jackson.

Guenther is a bit of a risk seeing as he's always been under Marvin Lewis's watchful eye. I don't think he's been anywhere in the NFL without Marvin, although he has done well.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000621200/article/vontaze-burfict-suspended-three-games-by-nfl

Burfict suspended for three games.

No fucking about there.

[Gray Fox]

The defensive? I thought they'd go for Hue Jackson.

Guenther is a bit of a risk seeing as he's always been under Marvin Lewis's watchful eye. I don't think he's been anywhere in the NFL without Marvin, although he has done well.

Yeah definitely the defensive. There's no interview officially announced though so we might not even do that. Jackson is supposedly to be offered the 49ers job today but may want to wait on the Giants.

In other news the team to LA meeting starts today. Rumors are that the Rams are currently the only ones that are likely to get the required 24 votes to move. The other proposal going in is to have the Chargers and Raiders share a stadium. The concern for this one is teams not being certain on how the Raiders will hold up after the move.
The Cowboys are to propose that the Rams and the Chargers move and share together as that plan would prove very popular. Either way we could have 0, 1 or 2 LA based teams by the end of Wednesday.

[The Bruce]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000621200/article/vontaze-burfict-suspended-three-games-by-nfl

Burfict suspended for three games.

No fucking about there.

Good. Aside from the filthy hit, he seems like a Grade A cunt.

[Giggles]

National Championship highlights (not wonderful ones at that).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8xg_CFcAec

[Ian]

Denver at home with a REVITALISED Peyton Manning against a "banged up" Steelers who are the lowest seed.

Can't think of a single way for this to disastrously wrong.

[The Bruce]

40 Peyton interceptions, please? :thbup:

[Ian]

He can't throw more interceptions than passes, silly.

[Giggles]

23 interceptions.

[Gray Fox]

I'm thinking he'll make it through the Steelers game. Just. But then the Manning hype train will completely de-rail in the championship game.

[Ian]

Don't forget the fumbles in the running game, and then Osweiler being brought on with a pat on the back once Denver are 17 points down in the fourth quarter.

(That's (obviously? :uhoh:) not going to happen but I don't have a good feeling about this weekend because it feels too much like a should-win.)

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000621645/article/rams-to-relocate-to-los-angeles-chargers-option-to-join

The LA Rams are back.

Chargers have the option to share the stadium if they so choose.

[Gray Fox]

Chargers have a year to decide to join or not. Should they reject a move, the Raiders will get the offer instead.

Both the Chargers and Raiders will be given $100m if they can build themselves a new stadium.

Understandably St. Louis are a bit pissed but this was all pretty obviously coming. They had apparently offered a $1.1bn project to the Rams for a new home on the water front. There's murmurings that the Chargers could be offered this deal to go to St Louis, but it's complicated by the upcoming vote in San Diego. Said vote is to decide whether the city will provide $350m to the team to build them a new place in San Diego.

[The Bruce]

Thank fuck for that! I'd grown sick fed up of this LA shit for the entirety of my time watching NFL so that it's a) happening and b) nearly completely resolved is a god send.

NFL network probably imploded from having something extra to wank off about.

[neo_hippy]

Started supporting the rams as a young kid back in their LA days. So with the return meaning probably more media coverage and far more chance of visiting the city I'm pretty happy. Pretty crappy on St Louis though

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Browns have hired Hue Jackson and given him 'significant personnel control' which many are taking to believe that he'll punt Johnny Dickhead out the door.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

\o/

A fair way of him leaving given what he's done for the Giants over his 12 years. Interested to see who we get in now though I hope McAdoo and Spags get kept on as coordinators.
McAdoo has been given the head coach role.

[The Bruce]

So how will McAdoo-do-do? :checkit:

I'm hoping for some kind of advisor to come in and mentor those two because Spags was an absolute catastrophe in St Louis as head coach.

[Gray Fox]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000622478/article/niners-hire-chip-kelly-as-head-coach

Chip Kelly is now 49ers head coach.

In other news, Coughlin has withdrawn his application to the Eagles. We've now missed out on our 2 top targets. I hope we don't go and make a panic appointment.

[Gray Fox]

We've apparently all but hired Doug Pederson, to be announced after the Chiefs go out of the play offs.

Antonio Brown is also out for this weekend.

[Giggles]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000622478/article/niners-hire-chip-kelly-as-head-coach

Chip Kelly is now 49ers head coach.

In other news, Coughlin has withdrawn his application to the Eagles. We've now missed out on our 2 top targets. I hope we don't go and make a panic appointment.


Just wait and see the amazing stuff he does with Colin Ka..... actually no, it'll still be shite.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The media are wanking themselves furiously at the prospect of Colin Dickhead in 'THE SYSTEM'.

Even if he plays it will be amazing when they realise he can't pass for shit again.

[Gray Fox]

It'll start well, but then it will dawn on them that they don't have a good QB, or any WRs.

It looks like Johnny Football has finally burnt his last bridge in Cleveland. It was a clause of Jackson taking the job that he goes.

[The Bruce]

I'll still laugh at Chip Kelly's shambles but it's not in the same division as the Giants so I won't be as enthused as I was at the Eagles shambles.

[Pleb]

Antonio Brown out with Concussion. (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000622982/article/antonio-brown-concussion-ruled-out-by-steelers)

Broncos to run roit.

Should of saw Fox's post earlier :moop: Big Ben still questionable I imagine?

[Gray Fox]

Big Ben will play unless he tears his arm off in training. He's limited but looking at the end of the Bengals game he'll be fine.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah, Ben will start but it wont take long for Miller or Demarcus Ware to take him out of the game.

[Foe]

Gents staying up to watch Chiefs vs Pats tonight and Green bay vs Arizona?

I'm going to watch the first and record the second. Think the first one could be a good contest, but feel like the packers will crumble against the cardinals.

[Gray Fox]

I'll be watching both if I can. The first most certainly.

I think the Patriots and the Cardinals are both going through. Chiefs are on a roll, but they lack any punch on offense without Maclin, while the Patriots are just getting players back from injury. Of course the Chiefs defense is fantastic so it will be very close.

Packers will probably play well in Arizona, but they have a worse team in just about every position but QB. That all being said, it's the play-offs and anything can happen.

[Foe]

I'll be watching both if I can. The first most certainly.

I think the Patriots and the Cardinals are both going through. Chiefs are on a roll, but they lack any punch on offense without Maclin, while the Patriots are just getting players back from injury. Of course the Chiefs defense is fantastic so it will be very close.

Packers will probably play well in Arizona, but they have a worse team in just about every position but QB. That all being said, it's the play-offs and anything can happen.

The packers offensive line is just too unreliable. Particularly if Jones / Cobb can't get open early or have a 'free play'. Rodgers has bailed them out too much recently. Eddie Lacy also looks as though he's eaten half of Jordy Nelson.

[Dan]

Yeah, I'll probably watch the early game, but I'll have to bail on the second as I have to work tomorrow :(

Hoping for a Chiefs upset & a Cardinals win, but it'll probably be Pats/Cards, and the chances of a Packers win are greater than expected before last weeks game.

EDIT: Maclin's active, although I can't imagine he'll make much of an impact. They'll need a big game from Spencer Ware/Alex Smith, or a monster game from the defence, I feel.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The packers offensive line is just too unreliable. Particularly if Jones / Cobb can't get open early or have a 'free play'. Rodgers has bailed them out too much recently. Eddie Lacy also looks as though he's eaten half of Jordy Nelson.

Indeed.

I've seen a lot of people picking the Packers but I just can't see it.

Houston will have a fucking field day against the Packers O-Line.

I'm getting players/teams/games mixed up, I meant Freeney who is the only one who can rush the passer on the team.

[Gray Fox]

I've had the Cardinals in the sweepstakes from before the start of the season, so I'll hoping for a win for them.

Should they keep Rodgers planted in the pocket, they should be good.

[Foe]

Smith fooled the camera man on that 3rd and 13. :D

[Gray Fox]

Someone needs to smash Brady in the face. He's really easy to hate.

[Gray Fox]

I was expecting a very close game here. The limitations of the Chiefs passing offense is very clear though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

So much time wasted in this drive, pissing hell.

[Gray Fox]

They deserve nothing on this. They've wasted at least a minute of game clock on this drive.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Never seen a team go into a huddle in a 2 minute drill.

What the fuck is this clock management?

[Gray Fox]

This is all out panic I think.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Over 5 minutes for that drive...

They also could have used timeouts before the 2 minute warning and been able to kick it to New England and hope their defence stops them.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Kicking the onside kick right to Gronk.

Smart.

[Gray Fox]

You can tell which team is used to playing in the play-offs here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Well that's just pure luck.

[Gray Fox]

That's really unfortunate, but there should still be another minute or two left on that clock.

[Gray Fox]

Oh well. Patriots in the Championship game yet again. Can't really see the Broncos/Steelers stopping them either.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I think in a 100m race I would beat Eddie Lacy.

That or we'd sack it off after 50m and go get something to eat.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Carson Palmer has had a few shocking throws.

It's like he's back in Oakland.

[Gray Fox]

They had all the momentum there too. He had best pick it back up when he gets back out there.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

A bit of Patriots luck there.

[Gray Fox]

Cardinals riding every inch of that luck there. This is going to get nervy.

[Gray Fox]

And with that the Packers should have thrown the game away. Though I'm sure Palmer will do his best to change that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Not a bad time to get your first sack of the game.

[Gray Fox]

Rodgers is so very good in these situations.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh fuck off.

[Gray Fox]

That's not a catch for me. But still fuck right off.

EDIT: It's a catch.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rodgers might just be better than Doug Flutie at a hail mary.

[Gray Fox]

He's just absolute nonsense.

[Gray Fox]

Palmer to throw a pick 6. Calling it now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Palmer :cool:

Fitz :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Larry Fitz is a fucking monster.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a fucking call.

Fitz :cool:

What a man, he deserves a Superbowl ring.

[Gray Fox]

If the Cardinals go all the way I'm buying a Larry Fitz jersey with my winnings.

That was an awesome game. Aaron Rodgers deserves so much more than 1 ring.

[niko_cee]

Someone needs to smash Brady in the face. He's really easy to hate.

It's not just Brady, although he does have an eminently punchable face, it's everything about the patriots from Kraft, to Belichek, to the way they play, to their shitty logo, there's nothing to like. I still can't believe they scabbed the superbowl last year. Shame KC couldn't get up, although I gave up on them at halftime and went to bed.

[Dan]

Fell asleep not long after the Gronk scored his second TD. Looks like things picked up after that, and the second game sounds pretty exciting, so I'll have to watch them on GamePass when I get some time.

My Chiefs heavy Playoff Challenge lineup is ruined now though :( Guess I'll have to load up on Patriots instead.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fell asleep not long after the Gronk scored his second TD. Looks like things picked up after that, and the second game sounds pretty exciting, so I'll have to watch them on GamePass when I get some time.

My Chiefs heavy Playoff Challenge lineup is ruined now though :( Guess I'll have to load up on Patriots instead.
The playoff challenge is bullshit because you'll always get some dick who predicts the exact team who will go to the Superbowl and win it because of the mental bonuses.

I did put Gronk in from week one though so that's not too shabby.

If the Hawks lose though I'm fucked.

[Gray Fox]

The Hawks are going all the way. The luck is with them after their last game.

Time to see what Cam Newton is all about though.

[Dan]

Yeah, I was gambling on KC, but that didn't quite pan out. I now only have David Johnson, Antonio Brown and Wilson/Olsen that are still in play :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah, I was gambling on KC, but that didn't quite pan out. I now only have David Johnson, Antonio Brown and Wilson/Olsen that are still in play :D

So far I've only lost West.

My team is Wilson, Lynch (I only put him in this week), West (now gone), Antonio Brown, Doug Baldwin, Gronk, Hauschka, Seahawks D.

[Gray Fox]

Yeah, I was gambling on KC, but that didn't quite pan out. I now only have David Johnson, Antonio Brown and Wilson/Olsen that are still in play :D

Yeah about that.

[Gray Fox]

That escalated quickly. :p

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah about that.

Yeah but if the Steelers go through he'll get a 3x multiplier for next week.

A lot of people pick people who are on a bye during the first week of playoffs for that reason.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Woof, the Panthers have started like a house on fire.

[Dan]

So, Carolina have started pretty well...

[Gray Fox]

The Hawks are going all the way. The luck is with them after their last game.

Time to see what Cam Newton is all about though.

Well done me. Wilson with a dodgy throw there though.

[Foe]

That interception :cab:

[Gray Fox]

It's good of the Panthers trying their best to get every kid in the stadium a ball. :D

[Foe]

It's good of the Panthers trying their best to get every kid in the stadium a ball. :D

They might run out of balls at this rate. Wilsons stats must be horrendous. 2 interceptions for what must be about 20 yards. can the panthers really start running down the clock in the second quarter?

[The Bruce]

Andy Reid's time management coming back to bite again :harold:

This Panthers/Seahawks game is going to be Super Bowl 48 levels of pasting.

[Dan]

So, is this going to be a bigger blowout than the Chiefs/Texans?

They're already outdoing the final score in that game...

[Foe]

Wonder if wullie is still watching.

This is painful to watch even as a neutral. This could conceivably be a 50+ point win if the Seahawks don't wake up.

[Gray Fox]

This is a mauling.

[Giggles]

Has Jesus taken the day off?

[Dan]

Well that didn't work out.

[Foe]

Well that didn't work out.

:D

Funny that. You've taken 3 plays to get 5 yards, have zero points and failed to get 5 yards in one play.

Carolina could feasibly send me in at qb in the 4th quarter.

[Dan]

That was awful from the Seahawks. Carolina exploded out of the blocks, and Seattle have just been sloppy on offence, dropping passes, giving up lots of pressure & then making a right mess of the final two drive of the half & coming away with no points at all.

I still expect them to get going in the second half, but surely it's too late at this point. Carolina are too good on the ground to not be able to run the clock if they feel like it, and it's not unreasonable to think Seattle will have to score 45-50pts in a half to win this one now. Unfortunately for them they're not playing the Saints or the Giants, so that's not very plausible.

[Gray Fox]

It depends how much of an eye that the Panthers start to keep on next week. If they keep their head in the game, this one is done.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

If they score a TD on this drive it could set up an interesting end.

[Foe]

Panthers need to calm the fuck down.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was a great throw and catch.

Now we've got a game on.

[Foe]

Panthers need to calm the fuck down.

:moop:

[Dan]

Yep, the comeback is on here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh and I fucking love Jeff.

https://jsportsblogger.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jeff-reinebold.jpg

What a man.

[Browning]

A TD on this drive (or a FG at least) will make it interesting. If not I think there's still too much to do.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a call.

Pete :cool:

[Browning]

That was incredible from Norman. For some reason I hate Carolina more than any other team, perhaps maybe excluding New England. I really want a comeback here but I doubt it.

[Browning]

That's a catch all day long.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Tyler Lockett looks like a legitimately good receiver which is unusual as return specialists are usually fairly shit at their other job.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a brilliant throw on the run.

If they stop Carolina on their next drive...

[Dan]

Yeah, I think his Dad is an ex-NFL WR, so he learnt all the skills from him & was supposed to be a very good college receiver, it's just his size that dropped him to the third round.

[Gray Fox]

Lockett coming up big for them.

Time to see what the Panthers are really made of.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just checked.

His Dad went in the second round although Tyler already has more TD's than his Dad.

[Foe]

Cam just seems very relaxed all the time. Too much so maybe. Brady would be going absolutely mental at his team if they started slipping like this.

[Dan]

Brady's teams wouldn't slip like this, to be fair.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Another great catch.

Seahawks want this bad.

[Gray Fox]

True that Brady and Belichick would be going ape-shit had this been the Pats.

[Foe]

This game is going to come down to the recovery of an onside kick. Which is absolutely mental from where it was at half time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jon Ryan TURNING the laces there, what a pro.

Blair Walsh needs a holder like that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was a solid recovery from Davis considering the hit he took.

[Browning]

Fuck Carolina, I hope Arizona crush them.

Seahawks would have blown them away if they bothered to turn up for the 1st half.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

My allegiance is firmly in the Cardinals camp with Larry Fitz.

[Gray Fox]

I'm in the Cardinals camp. I had Larry Fitz in fantasy this year and have Arizona in sweepstakes.

[Dan]

We're going to end up with Patriots/Panthers, aren't we?

But yeah, i'm backing the Cardinals as well. The Steelers/Cards shootout dream is still alive :yn:

[Foe]

I'm happy either way. I want someone new winning it. So as long as Denver / New England / Pitt has a mare then I'm good. Arizona or Carolina please.

[Giggles]

I'm all aboard the Cardinals train too, vs Pittsburgh hopefully.

[Gray Fox]

I want one of the NFC pair winning it. It's getting boring having the Pats always make it. The Manning hype train could use some derailing too.

[wullie]

It was never going to be a blowout even with the first half mainly because I'd come to peace with a drubbing but no I can't have a stress-free Sunday. I kept getting flashbacks to the NFC game vs Packers last year with the God-awful start but the crucial difference being the lead that Carolina built up. It needed five quarters really, but then they'd have to stop calling them quarters and that needs a load of admin.

Suspect Lynch may have played his last snap now, accelerated by Thomas Rawls' cameo earlier in the year.

[Gray Fox]

Yeah I'd think we've seen Lynch play his last game now.

He's got to be carrying so many injuries now and he has a ring. Only doing himself damage by carrying on really.

[Dan]

Nice try on the gimmick play there. I'm almost shocked Harrison didn't just plough right through Peyton on his way to blow the play up.

Excellent play on the punt as well. Big Ben definitely doesn't look like he's going to be chucking the ball deep all the time today.

[Browning]

That play was absolutely fucking mental.

Peyton Manning threw it to a guy wearing orange... and he actually caught it.

[Ian]

Drop drop drop drop drop.

[Dan]

Steelers are still getting some big plays here, and the Broncos really don't seem to be up to much on offence - Manning isn't throwing the ball downfield, and the running game has hardly been any better than Pittsburgh's so far.

[Browning]

Get Brock in there you cunts.

[Dan]

I assume you mean put him in as a receiver. He'd probably drop less passes than the rest of the team has so far - got to be nearing double figure drops already.

[Browning]

Probably true. He should have started though. Guess it's hard to blame Manning for a million drops, but he's been shit all year and has no business being on the field.

In the 2nd most bizarre play of the game, they hand it to Anderson and he actually moves it forwards.

[niko_cee]

I wouldn't mind seeing Carolina erasing the Pats in the Superbowl. I have vague memories of 38 as being one of the first I watched when I got back into NFL. Such a skanking. Fucking Adam Viniteri. Fucking Patriots.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

38 was the first I watched, well I gave up on it just before halftime as I had school the next day.

Finding out I had missed out on Janet Jackson's tit the next day was awful.

[Gray Fox]

Omaha!

[Browning]

Just put the Patriots in already, as much as I don't want that to happen. Neither of these 2 will trouble them.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a joke, Manning was clearly giving himself up.

[Browning]

Tomlin should be charged a time out for that though, surely?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

No, they only take it if the play is re-viewable but was already going to be done so.

Like a turnover.

Oh and Wheaton is a fucking shambles on these returns.

[Gray Fox]

It's not a review and fail, just not reviewable, so no timeout charged.

[Browning]

If you're throwing your challenge flag around on plays that aren't reviewable you should be charged one for wasting everyone's time.

Fair enough if that's not the rule, but it should be.

[Gray Fox]

What is it with Mannings throws being wobbly?

[Ian]

A combination of a weakened arm and his grip on the ball not being right because of the injury. He'd really be better served just retiring after this year, regardless of what happens. He'd get a start somewhere if he decided to stay on but I'd rather it wasn't in Denver.

[Gray Fox]

Would you be happy with Brock going forward?

[Ian]

I wouldn't be tearing my hair out with worry. If the moves were made to improve the o-line in a few places he'd have everything you could hope for to give him the chance to succeed. A decent running game, a defence that'll more than hold up their end of the bargain and some great players to throw to. He has some weird quirks from what I've seen but if the coaching staff were to go through the off- and pre-seasons confident they could iron those out I'd be prepared to trust them on it if there wasn't an obviously better option available.

Also: :cool:

[Gray Fox]

You might not have a choice really. Looking around at the available QBs this off season you have RG3, Manziel, Bradford and that's about it. Not exactly thrilling options there.

The Branning bowl next week it is.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Cousins and Fitzpatrick too.

You'd imagine that Cousins will get a big offer from the Redskins though.

[Gray Fox]

You'd imagine Cousins will be tied up, but I'd forgotten about Fitzpatrick.

[Browning]

Fitzpatrick will stay at the jets. Fairly sure they already named him their starter for next year.

[Dan]

The dream is over :(

Pats/Cards then please.

[Browning]

If it's Pats/Panthers featuring Coldplay I don't think I would be able to handle the sheer levels of cuntery and may not bother.

[Gray Fox]

If it's Pats/Panthers featuring Coldplay I don't think I would be able to handle the sheer levels of cuntery and may not bother.

This is true. I've had the next day of work booked off but I may reconsider for this reason.

I'd like to say anyone but the Patriots would do at this point, but should the Panthers take it the bandwagon would be unstoppable.

[Ian]

I'd have Carolina win it ahead of the Pats every time, if it were my choice.

[Browning]

I'd probably be the same based on the teams themselves, but then I actually know a fan of both teams (as in, Americans who go to the games). The Pat's fan is a genuinely awesome girl I lived with at Uni, where as the Panther's fan constantly posts pro-gun or anti-immigrant statuses on Facebook, all of which are fucking stupid and make my blood boil, so that probably creates a bias for me against them. Seeing his reaction should they win it would probably be worse than seeing the cheaters prosper again.

Cardinals or Broncos please....

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1. Cardinals
2. Panthers
3. Broncos
4. Patriots.

That's who I'd want to lift the trophy.

[Giggles]

Anyone but Denver from that 4, but hopefully Arizona.

[Ian]

If I wasn't a Denver fan I wouldn't want them to win either so it's quite fortunate that it's never going to happen for the antis. Even aside from the frothing that would go on over Manning I don't know that the team is particularly likeable anyway.

[Giggles]

If I wasn't a Denver fan I wouldn't want them to win either so it's quite fortunate that it's never going to happen for the antis. Even aside from the frothing that would go on over Manning I don't know that the team is particularly likeable anyway.

I don't really mind most of the team, it's mainly just because of Manning. Plus it'll take a while for the John Fox effect to wear off.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't really mind most of the team, it's mainly just because of Manning. Plus it'll take a while for the John Fox effect to wear off.
That and letting 'Pot Roast' go to the Redskins.

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2014/0428/20140428_124040_terrance-knighton-broncos-super-bowl.jpg

Third best nose tackle around after Vince Wilfork (who went to a slightly more likeable team) and Brandon Williams.

I quite like Denver's linebackers and secondary as well as Demaryius Thomas.

[Ian]

There are quite a few really good players who are good to watch but nobody who I think I'd find especially likeable in comparison to other teams and a couple of bell-ends.

Other than that they're not New England.

[Dan]

Cards, Pats, Broncos & then the Panthers for me.

Cardinals are the most fun to watch, and I've always liked the Patriots, then the Broncos & Panthers are both fine, but I don't really give a shit about either of them. Panthers last just because I don't want to have to see Cam Newton dance every dance ever danced before running fifty laps around the stadium, waving to the crowd with a smug grin on his face.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Or shit like this:

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/0112_Panthers_inside.jpg

Wanker, mate.

[Giggles]

Pederson confirmed at the Eagles with Frank Reich as OC.

[Dan]

Or shit like this:

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/0112_Panthers_inside.jpg

Wanker, mate.

Wasn't that with the game still going on as well? :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Wasn't that with the game still going on as well? :D

Yep, during the Buccaneers game in week 17 who had just failed on a 4th down.

Whilst it was happening Derek Anderson and whoever the fuck wasn't in front of the camera were taking a couple of knees.

They also did it against the Falcons in week 14.

https://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/capture_20151213_152332.jpg?w=1000&h=567

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/4e59ff45819bcaed3ea8d0d215f7d463ebd484ff/c=220-0-3667-2592&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2015/12/14/USATODAY/USATODAY/635857097673583596-USP-NFL-ATLANTA-FALCONS-AT-CAROLINA-PANTHERS-78271682.JPG

Such dicks.

[The Bruce]

Anyone but Denver from that 4, but hopefully Arizona.

Is the correct answer. Fuck this Peyton fairytale NARRATIVE.

I'm on the Cardinals bandwagon though, Arians is a really likeable chap. As is Larry Fitz.

[niko_cee]

I'd quite like to see Manning win it (for the seethe), preferably with a 40 yard running TD in the last second. Can't beat a bit of running Peyton. Obviously, for him to make 40 yards the entire defense would have to suffer some mass, simultaneous death incident.

[wullie]

I'd just like to avoid seeing them take Manning out back and shot which looks increasingly likely with each week.

[Browning]

The scenes when they get RGIII in and he's even worse.

[Gray Fox]

News of the day is that the Browns have all but confirmed that they'll be taking a QB in the draft. The circle of life is complete.

Problem for them is that the Titans have the only pick ahead of them and they're more than willing to trade it, as they probably have their FRANCHISE QB. As it stands now the Browns look likely to take Jared Goff. If any team wants to take him instead, you'd imagine the Titans will be getting some quality on the O-Line at the very least.

Elsewhere, Lacy has been told to cut his weight.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

News of the day is that the Browns have all but confirmed that they'll be taking a QB in the draft. The circle of life is complete.

Problem for them is that the Titans have the only pick ahead of them and they're more than willing to trade it, as they probably have their FRANCHISE QB. As it stands now the Browns look likely to take Jared Goff. If any team wants to take him instead, you'd imagine the Titans will be getting some quality on the O-Line at the very least.

Elsewhere, Lacy has been told to cut his weight.
I'm stunned that the Packers let it get this far and only came out and said it's an issue after their season has finished.

Lacy looked more like a nose tackle this year.

The Packers are also ending the Clay Matthews middle linebacker experiment as he's been shit there all year.

[Pleb]

Panthers will probably end up winning the whole thing.

I can't see Arizonia doing anything...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just checked the odds.

£10 on the Cards @ 5.

[Ian]

Can't beat a bit of running Peyton.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2mMeUQ2hws

:drool:

I love how even the cameraman takes a couple of seconds to pick up on it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Any other QB and they'd already be in for a score by the time he panned back.

Oh and 'Tebow didn't age well' :D

[niko_cee]

Aye. The best bit about it is that even with half the field empty you still aren't sure he's going to make it. And that it was against the cowboys, natch.

[Ian]

I'm fairly certain that in the old board's thread the response was a lot of amusement at the run. I'd say that'd be one worth busting out again, to be honest. In the Championship game or the Super Bowl if Denver should find a way past New England. Obviously give him orders to fucking get rid of it and take the incompletion if the defense don't bite (because if he's caught in the open field he's getting wiped out) but it's the sort of daft thing that could work a treat in the right situation.

Doubt they'd risk breaking him further though.

[Gray Fox]

I'm stunned that the Packers let it get this far and only came out and said it's an issue after their season has finished.

Lacy looked more like a nose tackle this year.

The Packers are also ending the Clay Matthews middle linebacker experiment as he's been shit there all year.

I'm imagining they were trying to keep his morale up. Or they must have thought Starks wasn't a good enough replacement. He had a break away run in the Cardinals game that really highlighted it. He just looked far too bulky and probably would have had a TD had he been a little faster.
It'll be interesting to see what kind of shape he turns up in, in August.

[Giggles]

Matthews was great inside this year, he just doesn't get the stat lines there that he did on the outside and is largely wasted. They needed it though.

[The Bruce]

The Manning brothers know how to prolong the glory of a touchdown run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQHEOF-VTRw

Best video I could fine :(

[Browning]

NFL.com really has a way with headlines..

"Packers fire assistants Gash".

There's another name after it but who cares.

[Ian]

The Manning brothers know how to prolong the glory of a touchdown run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQHEOF-VTRw

Best video I could fine :(

Some families just have pure athleticism in their genes. :cool:

[Foe]

"After the game, we gon talk about that slide..."

The Manning brothers could probably play qb on their knees as well as their feet.

[Gray Fox]

Tickets for the games went on sale today and the work lot have given the money to one of the guys who went on to buy them today. There are 6 of us going, but he's just messaged me telling me he's only managed to get a set of 3 together, then 2 together and then 1 off by itself.

I can see me being the one off by himself.

[Browning]

Which game are you going to? Didn't realise they only just went on general sale I've had mine for about a month.

[The Bruce]

Going to see the good Manning in action live :cool:

[Ian]

Cooper's going to be there!?

[The Bruce]

http://images.tvfanatic.com/iu/s--CDC4CDzM--/t_full/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_75/v1371134889/cooper-eli-and-peyton-manning-on-simpsons.png

Only one less Super Bowl ring than Peyton too...

[Browning]

Did that end with Cooper getting the pick?

[The Bruce]

Nah, they had to add the ball with CGI later as Peyton didn't have the arm strength to throw it over his head :(

[Gray Fox]

Which game are you going to? Didn't realise they only just went on general sale I've had mine for about a month.

Ideally I'd like to have gone to all 3, but it's payday next week so money was a bit thin. I could only afford the one so we've gone for Giants @ Rams. Beckham and Gurley to good to pass up(watch both get injured).

If I get any spare money I'll go to the Colts @ Jags. But that's not looking likely right now.

[Giggles]

It's begun already :drool:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000627057/article/rival-dc-colin-kaepernick-a-nightmare-in-chips-o

[The Bruce]

Is that what Mike Mayock does when he isn't spreadsheeting 40yd dash times?

It'll be a disaster, the read option died on it's arse a few years ago.

[niko_cee]

Kapernick is more of a pick option offence type QB.

[Giggles]

They really need to redirect the url too.

http://www.stlouisrams.com/

[Dan]

Anybody watching the East/West Shrine game?

Turned on about 10-15mins ago, and it's pretty one-sided coming to half-time. Vernon Adams has looked pretty handy for the East. Would've been nice to have seen Keenan Reynolds out there too, as he sounds like an interesting option.

Stave just got picked off by his own college teammate :D

EDIT: Excellent interception from Fejedelem there. Sounds like this has been a pickfest - missed at least two before i started watching.

"I've been 5' 11" my whole life" - Vernon Adams is a smart kid...Add another one to the pick list too.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

This could well be a bloodbath.

The Pats D should shuffle old man Peyton away easily and Brady will just keep finding Gronk.

[The Bruce]

You surely have to have some self respect when you can't throw the ball further than 15yds with any accuracy?

Old Yeller to be put out of his misery with a Seattle-esque pasting.

[Ian]

The Broncos offensive line is where it'll be won and lost. Not just in terms of keeping Manning clean because that doesn't mean he won't balls up more than a few throws today, but because there needs to be a running game for the passing game to have a chance.

[Foe]

Thought tickets went on sale this Tuesday. Apparently not and are sold out.

:mad:

[niko_cee]

Cuntface lucky not to be picked there.

[Ian]

Good hands, there. Sanders is such a good player.

I also like starting with passes. I don't think it'll get the Pats backing up much but it'll give them something to think about if Manning gets a few first downs.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Well that caught them out.

The rollout almost fooled the camera man.

[niko_cee]

:cool:

Fucking have some of that.

[Browning]

Manning. :cool:

I forgive you for being shit all fantasy season, as I won anyway. Just please put the Patriots out.

[Ian]

A bit of luck early on but I like the playcalling on that drive, especially doing everything to try and keep the defense honest.

[Browning]

Thought tickets went on sale this Tuesday. Apparently not and are sold out.

:mad:

All 3 games?

[Browning]

Doesn't seem to be sold out. Ticketmaster is finding me tickets in most price ranges.

[Foe]

Neil mentioned the Giants and bengals games were sold out.

There is tickets on ticket master. Just will end up overpaying I think.

[niko_cee]

Squeaky bum time.

[Ian]

Well that was a proper bollock dropped.

[niko_cee]

Looked forward to me on that overhead.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Steven Jackson :cool:

[Gray Fox]

What a way to throw away your momentum. Bit of a shame they blew the play dead instead of a fumble recovery TD.

[Spoonsky]

Gostklolwski.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Even when he can't go deep, he can go deep by underthrowing a receiver and make them take it from a defender :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Put money on Gronk to score the first TD with Betfair who double up winnings if they score a second.

My curse has meant Daniels gets it :moop:

[Gray Fox]

Has Eli secretly got onto the field disguised as Peyton?

[Ian]

Dat athleticism.

[Gray Fox]

I feel Broncos needed to score more when their defence was on top. I doubt the Patriots will come out the same in the 2nd half.

[Ian]

You can already pick out a couple of fuck-ups for Denver that you can see being the difference but I'd hope the defense can keep doing what they've been doing to give Manning and co. some breathing room.

[Gray Fox]

You have to imagine the Patriots will get to 25-30 points in the 2nd half. Can the Broncos get 2 more TDs? That or 4 FGs.

I think that backwards pass fumble will cost them in the end.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Manning running for 12/13 yards on 3rd and 10?

What the fuck is happening?

[Browning]

Manning. :D

[Ian]

Why are the Patriots suddenly getting four or five touchdowns? It's possible of course because it's Brady but it's a weird assumption that you think an elite defense is suddenly going to crumble.

Unless you're banking on more turnovers and such.

Manning running. :drool: :uhoh:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Peyton needs to have his piss tested after the game.

[Gray Fox]

Why are the Patriots suddenly getting four or five touchdowns? It's possible of course because it's Brady but it's a weird assumption that you think an elite defense is suddenly going to crumble.

Unless you're banking on more turnovers and such.

Manning running. :drool: :uhoh:

Right now the Patriots are taking their time, allowing the defense to get set. Into the 4th you're going to see them speed it up out of necessity, that'll help the Pats. Though I had expected a few scores by now.

[Browning]

Carolina or Arizona should slaughter either of these if today's performances are anything to go on.

[Dan]

Well I think Denver have got this now. Please don't make me have to watch them play the Panthers now...

[Ian]

Right now the Patriots are taking their time, allowing the defense to get set. Into the 4th you're going to see them speed it up out of necessity, that'll help the Pats. Though I had expected a few scores by now.

Denver have a number of good man coverage guys at the moment, just speeding it up might not be a simple solution.

Still in the balance. Nervy stuff.

[Giggles]

This would almost make you root for the old goat.

Almost.

[Ian]

Ironic that Manning has overthrown two guys in the end zone. :moop: Overcompensating I suspect and it's ballsing up his accuracy even on shorter throws.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I think White could have caught that.

[Ian]

YESSSSS.

:dance:

Need some fucking points this time though.

[Browning]

Please hang on and avoid the cunt bowl.... please.

[Gray Fox]

Manning has looks the best I've seen him this year, but that's not saying much.

Into squeaky bum time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Gronkowski's little chimp out was amazing.

[Browning]

Gronk. :D

Such a cunt given he pushes off on almost every play.

[Browning]

When Denver challenged that incomplete pass I wondered.... has anyone ever challenged one and had it ruled a catch but had the guy ruled down by contact, so it backfires spectacularly? Is that even possible? Would be incredible.

[Ian]

Fucking hell. Nothing happening with the ball at all.

[Ian]

By post-season time last year Ware looked knackered but he's just kept going this season.

EDIT: FUUUUUUUUUUCK.

[Browning]

Brady getting raped by Von Miller and Ware all game. :D

Watch him score a TD here on 4th down....

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a throw and catch that was.

[Spoonsky]

Oh christ.

[Ian]

Brady getting raped by Von Miller and Ware all game. :D

Watch him score a TD here on 4th down....

He's done brilliantly given the relentless pressure.

[Dark Soldier]

Brady for life.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Patriots offensive tackles are having a nightmare game, they might as well not even be there.

[Browning]

Hope they get the TD and miss the 2 pointer.

[Spoonsky]

Hoooly christ.

Manning's face there. :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Woof, Gronk is so damn good.