The superbowl!

[simon]

Is on tonight.

We traditionally have a standalone thread for it, so here is this one.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2016020700/2015/POST22/panthers@broncos#menu=gameinfo&tab=preview

[simon]

The title was meant to be all in caps and now I feel silly.

[randomlegend]

What a shit sport.

[Foe]

I'm going to record it and watch it tomorrow. Attempted to book tomorrow off but not convinced it registered so going to just not go in.

[Ian]

Your face is a shit sport.

This feels much like when United had Champions League finals against Barcelona in two years, for me. Before the Seahawks game I'd got myself feeling cautiously confident, as I had in that first Barcelona final.

This time I'm aware that it's going to require a lot of things to line up for Denver to win and am feeling fairly philosophical about it before we even start.

[Shindig]

Couldn't get tomorrow off so I'll catch up when I get in from work.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

BBC Two are rolling with: Mark Chapman (ugh), Jason Bell (meh), Osi and Mike Carlson (both :cool:)

Sky are rolling with Dara (fucking hell), Shaun Gayle and Jeff Reinbold (both :cool:) with Neil Reynolds pitch-side along with Brian Baldinger.

BBC wins.

[Gray Fox]

Looks like I'll watch on the BBC then.

Given the state of the Panthers team photo I'm begging for a Broncos win.

[simon]

BBC Two are rolling with: Mark Chapman (ugh), Jason Bell (meh), Osi and Mike Carlson (both :cool:)

Sky are rolling with Dara (fucking hell), Shaun Gayle and Jeff Reinbold (both :cool:) with Neil Reynolds pitch-side along with Brian Baldinger.

BBC wins.

WHERE THE FUCK IS KEVIN CADLE?

caps

[CJay]

Looking forward to this, despite knowing nothing about the teams (strong defence vs strong offence, right?) and forgetting the rules in the 365 days between each Super Bowl. Thankfully it's a sport with good commentators and the pundits are generally quite good too.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

WHERE THE FUCK IS KEVIN CADLE?

caps

Word was spreading that he was sacked by Sky/walked a few weeks ago after Dara stepped in for him for a while.

Those rumours went away when he made a couple of appearances in the playoffs but they're back with a bang today.

I think Sky pushed him but decided not to close the door fully after all the talk knowing fans still wanted him.

I highly doubt he'll be back at all next year, Sky are firmly behind the absolute train wreck that is Dara Kennedy. A female minority? The execs were probably creaming themselves when they found her.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Looking forward to this, despite knowing nothing about the teams (strong defence vs strong offence, right?) and forgetting the rules in the 365 days between each Super Bowl. Thankfully it's a sport with good commentators and the pundits are generally quite good too.

They both have a strong defence and the Broncos would have a strong offence if old man Manning wasn't under centre, he's barely able to throw a ball more than 20 yards.

[simon]

Word was spreading that he was sacked by Sky/walked a few weeks ago after Dara stepped in for him for a while.

Those rumours went away when he made a couple of appearances in the playoffs but they're back with a bang today.

I think Sky pushed him but decided not to close the door fully after all the talk knowing fans still wanted him.

I highly doubt he'll be back at all next year, Sky are firmly behind the absolute train wreck that is Dara Kennedy. A female minority? The execs were probably creaming themselves when they found her.

Seething. Kev. :(

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Seething. Kev. :(

He's more than happy going around the place trying to promote his book:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CV911JaWwAAGALY.jpg

So shit.

[Ian]

They both have a strong defence and the Broncos would have a strong offence if old man Manning wasn't under centre, he's barely able to throw a ball more than 20 yards.

The best thing he's done since he came back in is not try and win the game.

Also read an interesting thing about Newton and running with the ball, that when he's pressured he doesn't actually run out of the pocket all that often. He's been averaging nearly six yards a run but they're designed runs, if the pocket collapses he more often tries to get rid of it.

[CJay]

So who are the favourites then? Panthers? And why are Broncos persisting with a seemingly decrepit old man as their QB?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Panthers are 5.5 point favourites, this is the widest a team has been since the 2009 Superbowl when the 7 point favourites Steelers beat the Cardinals by 4.

Manning is starting because Osweiler (their backup) has a lot of things going against him, he has the arm strength to throw it but isn't that accurate and he also drops back way too much when passing and takes far too many sacks.

[Baz]

Someone I know just had a kid and called him Peyton. :cool:

[Spoonsky]

I love the Super Bowl, but I love it as an event. The idea of taping it and watching it the next day sounds terrible.

[Browning]

I wonder if they were faced with say 4th and 20 with the game on the line, whether they'd be tempted to put Brock in for 1 play. They won't because teams never do that, but they should seriously consider it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I wonder if they were faced with say 4th and 20 with the game on the line, whether they'd be tempted to put Brock in for 1 play. They won't because teams never do that, but they should seriously consider it.

Well teams don't do that now.

Buddy Ryan (Rex and Rob's dad) would have Ron Jaworski as his starting QB and would sub a rookie Randall Cunningham on during 3rd and long downs.

Edit: Oh and obviously Bill Walsh and Tom Landry had 2 QB systems at one point or another.

I knew watching the whole catalogue of A Football Life would come in handy.

[Ian]

So who are the favourites then? Panthers? And why are Broncos persisting with a seemingly decrepit old man as their QB?

Since he's come back in he seems to have been learned and/or has been told in no uncertain terms what he is and is not capable of. The gameplan today will be based around not allowing it to get to a stage where Manning has to try and "win" the game for Denver. If they think there might ever be a point when they want Osweiler to throw a pass they have to have him in the game earlier on "risk free" plays, otherwise it'll be clear as fucking day what's happening. As Mahow said though, it won't happen.

But then really Denver have to just keep the Panthers on their toes when they have the ball. Stuff like the bootleg Manning ran against the Steelers. Things like that here and there, even if they don't work, to keep the defense honest.

[Gray Fox]

Broncos need to surprise Newton early. Pick him off, sack him or force a fumble on someone early on.

From then on their best plan is to keep him sat on the sideline for as long as possible. We know Manning arm-wise, isn't what he once was, but his brain still works. He could still out smart them.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just come across this:

http://i.imgur.com/AGjlh5Q.png

The era of the underdogs right now, so worry not Ian it's in the bag.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's a shame Joe Namath is sober these days:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc65NC44dSk

[QE Harold Flair]

She's mangled the fuck out of that.

[Dan]

Not a single year goes by where the national anthem isn't a load of bollocks.

[QE Harold Flair]

Not a single year goes by where the national anthem isn't a load of bollocks.

It used to be good when people with talent sang it. Houston's will never be topped. Even as a non-American, that's spine tingling shit.


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

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Hoping for a coin toss fail:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zki61ZmKf4U

Almost as bad as Diljeet and his failure to understand what was happening a few years ago.

[Ian]

If Denver don't muff the snap and allow a safety on the first play. :drool:

[Ian]

:rave:

[Dan]

I was waiting for Keuchly to pick that first pass off :D

[Pleb]

NFL Network :sick:

[Pleb]

That's a shit flag.

[elth]

Fuck me, are they playing in a morgue? Only noise from the crowd so far was for the defensive penalty.

[Ian]

Kubiak probably would have taken that. Get some points on the board, have Manning complete a few. Settle the nerves a bit.

[Ian]

This is where, after all the talk about the Broncos defense, Newton torches them on the first play for an 80 yard touchdown.

[Browning]

Fuck me, are they playing in a morgue? Only noise from the crowd so far was for the defensive penalty.

They booed Tom Brady too.

[elth]

Newton bricking it :D

[elth]

They booed Tom Brady too.

Ahh, I had it muted until the actual kickoff.

Obviously an open stadium loses the crowd noise, but it still feels pretty quiet. Maybe it's just full of Broncos fans.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They booed Tom Brady too.

They also cheered Jerry Rice and Steve Young, although I'd have expected more even if there are little or no 49er fans in the stadium.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Martin O'Neil? :D

Why the fuck have they sent him over to California?

[Dan]

Encouraging set of opening drives there for the game. Denver's offence looked pretty solid, while Carolina looked a bit more shaky. Pretty much the way it needed to be for this to be a competitive game. Hopefully Manning doesn't chuck a pick now or something.

[elth]

Not convinced these dump passes are the way to attack a defense like Carolina.

[Pleb]

The special teams are shitting the bed here.

[Dan]

Why the fuck are they asking MON if he'd like to manage Cam? :D

Why are they asking him anything, actually?

[Pleb]

That's a catch you twats.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a catch you twats.

It's not.

Far too much movement in there for me.

[elth]

The ball hits the ground on the first bounce. Commentators are nuts.

[elth]

Well. That's not good for the Panthers.

[Dan]

Oh yes, that's exactly what we needed :drool:

'Von Miller's coming right in your face Cam!'. Great commentary. I see why there's no Al & Chris now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Von Miller :cool:

[Pleb]

That escalated quickly :D

[Ian]

Have some of that, Cam.

Miller is a fucking hero.

[Browning]

Get the fuck in.

[elth]

Is anyone here actually supporting Carolina? Peyton Manning as being one of the best and probably the worst QB to win a Super Bowl would be immense :cool:

[Dan]

Denver nearly had another turnover there.

Cam absolutely rips the shit out of the ball when he throws it, doesn't he?

[Pleb]

The rushing plays have gone out the window.

[Dan]

Oh wow, that's fucking awful from Talib :face:

[Pleb]

Taunting for no reason :D

[Ian]

Fuck off, Talib.

[Dan]

Luckily for him it only ended up costing them field position in the end. No doubt he got a verb beatdown for it.

They're going to go on about that challenge for the whole fucking game, aren't they? :moop:

[Pleb]

Sack central in full swing :D

[elth]

Yeah, there's no reason to block Luke Kuechly.

[Ian]

Could have driven a fucking tank through that.

[elth]

The Panthers might want to consider running a different play than "run it up the middle for bugger all" on first down.

[elth]

I hate it when they mark the ball from where a QB finishes sliding rather than where he first hits the ground.

[Browning]

Is Talib a Panther in disguise?

[Ian]

That completion to Olsen came after a play that was looking completely and irrevocably broken.

Fuck. That looked a bit more like it. :uhoh:

Broncos' offense needs to pull their finger out now.

[elth]

Is Talib a Panther in disguise?

That was a "good" foul. Gave up nothing, made it absolutely impossible for the receiver to stay inbounds and score a TD.

[Dan]

Talib clearly doesn't want a ring this year.

Denver probably needed to get at least twice as many points as they have before Carolina started ticking. Can see this starting to slide away very quickly now.

[Browning]

That was a "good" foul. Gave up nothing, made it absolutely impossible for the receiver to stay inbounds and score a TD.

Maybe, but with the taunting and the blown coverage that lead to a big pass, he's been easily the worst player on the field.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He got high but not in the Ricky Williams sense

:D

Carlson is great.

[Dan]

Nice to hear Carlson's still doing the 'x got high, but not in the Ricky Williams sense' schtick :D

[Browning]

Why do we have commentators who seem to assume this is everyone's first game they've ever seen?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rivera is going to win that but why chuck your last challenge at that? Leave it for something that will actually matter.

[elth]

Rivera is going to win that but why chuck your last challenge at that? Leave it for something that will actually matter.

Yeah, he's right but it's stupid to risk it.

Riverboat Ron strikes again.

[igor_balis]

It used to be good when people with talent sang it.
Agreed


Houston's will never be topped.
Perhaps, but what about


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvVzaQ6i8A

?

[Ian]

Not a thing done on offense so far. All this good defensive work is going to go to waste.


Why do we have commentators who seem to assume this is everyone's first game they've ever seen?

Because it's the BBC, covering NFL is a novelty and by getting the NFL Network World feed that's exactly what they're assuming. My brother-in-law doesn't have Sky else we'd be on that I think.

[elth]

Wow, rode the bump and took off. What a return.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Proper lol at none of the Panther gunners not realising that Norwood hadn't called a fair catch.

[Dan]

That's a great return. Not sure about the coverage though :D

[Dan]

This Denver offence is fucking awful.

[elth]

Didn't get away with it, but that's a smart hold by the lineman once he was blown up.

[elth]

This game is fucking crazy. The hits.

[Ian]

This Denver offence is fucking awful.

It's dreadful. That first drive aside they've not done a thing. You've got guys like Thomas and Sanders and you're basically unable to use them.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:drool:

Broncos defence is going to win this.

[Dan]

How many times are the Panthers going to lose the football in this game?!

If the Broncos offence was a quarter as good as their defence we'd be watching a slaughter.

[Ian]

You CANNOT AFFORD TO DROP THE BALL, MONGOS.

He's not going to get you on the numbers that often these days, make it count.

CJ. :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Woof, that was a lovely run from CJ.

Just what we needed.

[elth]

It's dreadful. That first drive aside they've not done a thing. You've got guys like Thomas and Sanders and you're basically unable to use them.

When Thomas does drops like that, you're probably better off not using him. He's been awful this season.

Anderson!

[Ian]

Oh for fuck's sake, you useless cunt.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Peyton :face:

[Dan]

Yeah, there we go...

[elth]

You get a turnover! You get a turnover! Everybody gets turnovers!

[elth]

The ball speed difference on Manning and Newton's throws :D

[Ian]

I dunno which game it was just before he got benched ("injured") but Manning was trying to throw it harder and the ball was going fucking everywhere. Playing shotgun in the truest sense of the word.

Need to find a way to do something. Anything.

[Browning]

Can we reinstate the Patriots and Cardinals and have them play instead? Both these teams are shite.

[elth]

That is a catch and a half.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Would not have thought they'd get a completion there, Newton looked nervy as fuck whilst watching his pocket crumble.

[Ian]

Can we reinstate the Patriots and Cardinals and have them play instead? Both these teams are shite.

You're not as daft as that, they're just both donning it on defense. Denver's offense is shit, Carolina's just can't cope (at the moment, and long may it continue.)

[elth]

Carolina's only decent offensive play is basically running Newton. Their receivers can't beat man coverage consistently and Stewart's banged up, he really doesn't look good.

Broncos need to figure out how to get Sanders into some seams instead of just hoping for him to beat players with his legs.

[Gray Fox]

Broncos almost perfect on defense so far.

The first drive after half time will be key. If the Broncos bully them to a 3 and out, or stop a score they could well get in the Panthers heads. Peyton needs to throw a few good balls to settle himself too. He looks shot.

[Ian]

Coldplay singing a song for Broncos lineman Matt Paradis. :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bruno Mars might be the worst lip syncer ever.

Also, I'm always stunned at how small he is. He's basically a 13 year old boy.

[Gray Fox]

I'm either out of sync on audio or absolutely everything so far has been lip synced.

[Ian]

They always lip sync the half time shows now, don't they? "Live" recorded and then mimed during the show.

The sound has been off all day though on the BBC, unless Mike Carlson was lip-syncing his own punditry earlier.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah, I think one guitarist of a band said in an interview that he really hammed it up once in anger at it all.

[-james-]

The last bit of that was pretty great.

[Browning]

I was actually enjoying that much more than I expected when it was just Coldplay. The other stuff just killed it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.eonline.com/uk/news/507391/red-hot-chili-peppers-flea-admits-he-played-air-bass-during-super-bowl-halftime-show-and-here-s-why

[Gray Fox]

I seem to remember a great show put on by Bruno Mars a few years back too. In my mind he was singing live, though now I'm not so sure.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I seem to remember a great show put on by Bruno Mars a few years back too. In my mind he was singing live, though now I'm not so sure.

It was with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and he wasn't. Kiedes was singing live though apparently.

[Gray Fox]

I'm never trusting anyone again.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It used to be good when people with talent sang it. Houston's will never be topped. Even as a non-American, that's spine tingling shit.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lCmBvYMRs
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/02/whitney-houstons-star-spangled-secret/

She actually mimed it.

[Ian]

So back to the game, the biggest issue for Denver isn't just that their offense is playing terribly but that Carolina's offensive issues a) are more likely to be worked out at some point, to some extent or another and b) Carolina will have a big play or two in them but Denver may not through the air unless somebody does something big after the catch.

Hopefully the running game will wear Carolina down and create some holes.

EDIT; There you go. :moop:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'm never trusting anyone again.

The NFL require instruments to be pre-recorded due to time constraints, with vocals they make you record them before (http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/garth-brooks-the-super-bowls-lip-sync-legacy/) but they've relaxed rules and you can sing live if you choose.

I believe Chris Martin was live (or in parts he was), Bruno and Beyonce weren't.

[Gray Fox]

Here comes Ginn to rain on the Broncos parade.

[elth]

Eugh, all these flags. Picked up but still destroys the tempo. I guess it doesn't matter as much on the FG this time though.

That could be a big miss.

[Gray Fox]

Denver need to score after the missed FG, put the hurt on them.

[Ian]

Get in.

Even Gano's PAT was very nearly wide, what's he up to?

[Browning]

Supposedly Talib was offside on the Field Goal. God he's having a nightmare.

[Gray Fox]

Panthers have no challenges left too. Could be crucial.

[Ian]

I fucking love Sanders.

EDIT:
Supposedly Talib was offside on the Field Goal. God he's having a nightmare.

I thought somebody was bloody close to it and I said to my brother-in-law that it was Talib on the PAT so I thought he might be about to get flagged.

[Gray Fox]

Broncos defense fantastic so far, but I'm not sure they can keep this up all game.

[Browning]

Thank fuck Trevethan was there.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ward is a fucking moron, just stay on the ground.

[Gray Fox]

Peyton hasn't had a pick 6 in a while...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's great when the refs are really going for it in those scrums.

[Ian]

We know Manning's past it but the Broncos o-line simply has to give him more time. He's not helping himself either but Kubiak and Dennison need to do something here because they're at risk of throwing this away.

[Gray Fox]

If they can hold on defense, run the ball every play. I wouldn't trust Manning for anything right now.

[Gray Fox]

Now it's going to get nervy.

[elth]

Not sure Denver can get anywhere on the ground, either.

Thomas...he looks slow, he's not just dropping the ball.

[Gray Fox]

Can't see anyone but the Panthers from here.

[Browning]

I think Denver will hang on, but it's much closer than it should be.

[elth]

It won't be Carolina if they keep running it for 0 yards on first down and taking 5 yard penalties on second.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Broncos should throw some screens in there.

[Browning]

The Broncos should throw some screens in there.

I feel like I've been saying that all day. All this needs is one big drive from Manning and it's done. I just don't know if he has it in him.

[Ian]

If the Broncos had even a mediocre passing game this would probably be done. I'm surprised they've not had a bash at an end around with Sanders or anything like that.

This is agony. Somebody asked the question of the BBC pundits about putting Osweiler in but that'd be a disgraceful thing to do. Even with a Super Bowl on the line he'd nearly have more to lose than gain.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Cooper is telling all the little kids there that he'd be doing a better job than Peyton right now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Clearly given up any hope of doing something on offence.

[Gray Fox]

So Peyton letting it all rest on the defense? Like I said this surely can't go on all game.

[Ian]

Not even pretending to try and get a first down now. This is genuinely infuriating. I trust the defense but if Denver win the offense won't be in a position to take any credit, some of the running plays and Sanders aside.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Von Miller is a fucking behemoth.

What a fucking player he is.

[elth]

They're just *really* committed to establishing the play action.

Von Miller just wrapped up MVP.

[Gray Fox]

I'll just shut the fuck up. Von Miller. Damn.

[Ian]

This fucking defense. Jesus.

[Browning]

Yea, Von Miller for MVP is a certainty. Well, him or Talib.

[elth]

That kind of contact has been happening all game, so it's a bit of a tough call to ping them now.

Game.

[Gray Fox]

Yes Broncos! Get in!

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

This fucking defense. Jesus.

Offences win games, defences win championships :cool:

[elth]

Manning finally scores some points :D

[Ian]

The better brother. :henn0rz:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Manning throwing for 2 points just to rub some salt in the wound :drool:

[Gray Fox]

In the pre-SB photoshoot, Cam Newton has all the Panthers pose pointing at their ring fingers.

He may be regretting that right now.

[elth]

Soooo close to the safety :D

[Ian]

This has been fucking agony, by the way.

[elth]

Well that wasn't exactly a good game, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Gray Fox]

Osi is fucking loving this. :p

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Eli wasn't all that pleased now that Peyton has the same amount of rings as him.

[The Merse]

Hate seeing DeMarcus Ware in a Broncos jersey. :(

[Ian]

It was torture but that defense is something else. Feels fucking good though and a memorable win as a Denver fan, even though I suspect the game will be a bit forgettable for many.

The Better Brother. :cool: (Now fuck off, Peyton, please? kthx)

EDIT:
Hate seeing DeMarcus Ware in a Broncos jersey. :(

Last year he really went off the boil halfway through the year but this year he's been phenomenal.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Von Miller is the MVP, it's already up on the NFL homepage.

[Gray Fox]

That, personally is probably the best defensive performance I've ever seen.

[Ian]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaqVsCjUcAAJz-i.png:large

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Joe Namath is loving it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Anabelle looks like a pound shop version of Dolly Parton.

[Gray Fox]

Can you imagine how horrifying this would be to watch, had the Panthers won?

Dabbing left right and center.

[The Merse]

It was torture but that defense is something else. Feels fucking good though and a memorable win as a Denver fan, even though I suspect the game will be a bit forgettable for many.

The Better Brother. :cool: (Now fuck off, Peyton, please? kthx)

EDIT:

Last year he really went off the boil halfway through the year but this year he's been phenomenal.

Probably our finest player since Smith retired. Witten will also go down as a great, and Romo likely will be have the far too oft used version of the 'legend' tag applied.

The mid noughties D including Williams, Canty, Spears and Ware really deserved more. Sodding Phillips and Garrett. The latter being confirmed for next season is just baffling.

[Ian]

I didn't realise John Elway was doing a reference, there. When Denver won their first in the 90s Bowler took the trophy and said "This one's for John!" So he was doing a Thing.

[Browning]

Proof that the draft system works though. 2011 Cam and Von Miller taken 1 and 2 and 5 years later they're both donning it (Cam not tonight but the rest of the season) and driving the 2 teams to a super bowl.

Strange that Denver had a decent defense when Tebow was costing them games, then a shit defense when Manning was scoring 700 points a game, and then they turn up again when Manning gets to be shitter than Tebow.

[Ian]

That, personally is probably the best defensive performance I've ever seen.

I'd be interested to see how tonight compares with the Seattle one against Denver in terms of field position and the like. Though the Seattle D didn't win that one on their own. Denver's did tonight, or as good as.

Special teams were on it too, to be. I love a bit of Britton Colquitt.

[Spoonsky]

The Broncos are Salt Lake City's surrogate team so I'll claim that as a win.

It's been said a lot but Von Miller is great. He really seems like a good dude.

[Shindig]

Watched some ten minute highlights just to piss Spoonsky off even more. Broncos just turned the pressure up in the second half. Well drilled.

[Spoonsky]

No, ten minute highlights are justifiable. But if you're going to watch an entire bloody football game you should at least be doing it with the rest of the world.

[wullie]

I feel sorry for Cam Newton, but his renowned humility will see him through and his tears can season his chips for the next eight months.

[CJay]

That was a decent game, although seeing an offence getting smothered like that over and over again is a bit depressing I think. I really like CJ Anderson - he batted off 3 guys for the TD before his mate showed up to push him over. And generally made a lot of hard yards for the Broncos.

[Foe]

That was an odd game to watch. Pleased for Manning getting his second ring but would've liked to have seen a new team win it.

Von Miller is a beast. Wonder how much money it's going to take to keep him around, he always said around the draft he wanted to be a cowboy so Jerry Jones is probably salivating at the thought of him hitting free agency.

[The Merse]

That was an odd game to watch. Pleased for Manning getting his second ring but would've liked to have seen a new team win it.

Von Miller is a beast. Wonder how much money it's going to take to keep him around, he always said around the draft he wanted to be a cowboy so Jerry Jones is probably salivating at the thought of him hitting free agency.

I'd kill for him. I thought with Manning offski they'd be happy enough with their cap and be able to break the bank to keep Miller and others?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was an odd game to watch. Pleased for Manning getting his second ring but would've liked to have seen a new team win it.

Von Miller is a beast. Wonder how much money it's going to take to keep him around, he always said around the draft he wanted to be a cowboy so Jerry Jones is probably salivating at the thought of him hitting free agency.
He wont hit the free agency, he's getting tagged if they can't work out a deal.

Also, he's a 3-4 OLB and the Cowboys run a 4-3.

[The Merse]

He wont hit the free agency, he's getting tagged if they can't work out a deal.

Also, he's a 3-4 OLB and the Cowboys run a 4-3.

Until Marinelli joins Garrett and Jones out the door. http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/82/93/82931f445fd564732e1ad09208b85e8a.png

Can't believe I've lost patience with Jerry himself now.

[Browning]

Cam crying is just beautiful.

[Foe]

He wont hit the free agency, he's getting tagged if they can't work out a deal.

Also, he's a 3-4 OLB and the Cowboys run a 4-3.

Aye, he's getting tagged for sure but a bit like the suh scenario - will the broncos Buck up the money someone else will?
The Broncos will be in an odd place with osweiller- he's flashed that he can do it but they'll be hesitant to give him dalton or even kaepernick money. He's just a huge big Unknown.

[Gray Fox]

Cam crying is just beautiful.

This needs a link.

I know Norman was crying at the end but I never saw Cam. The scenes had Peyton dabbed with the trophy. :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Aye, he's getting tagged for sure but a bit like the suh scenario - will the broncos Buck up the money someone else will?
The Broncos will be in an odd place with osweiller- he's flashed that he can do it but they'll be hesitant to give him dalton or even kaepernick money. He's just a huge big Unknown.

For Von? Yes.

Osweiler is a strange one, he's not the answer (and wont be for any teams) but the QB market is so thin this year as is the draft apparently.

[Browning]

He wasn't literally crying, I was just talking about him sulking like a bitch all the way through the press conference and then storming off.

I still don't even know what "dabbing" is but I feel like I'm better off for that.

[Gray Fox]

He wasn't literally crying, I was just talking about him sulking like a bitch all the way through the press conference and then storming off.

I still don't even know what "dabbing" is but I feel like I'm better off for that.

This shit:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000633576/article/panthers-dab-in-team-photo-on-eve-of-super-bowl?campaign=fb-nf-sf20515715-sf20515715

Hopefully this will break Cam into being a little less of a dick.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

'My squad', yeah you've done a grand job building it Courtney...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh and Star Lotulelei:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CakE6qMVAAAVRWL.jpg:large

:cool:

Rising above all the bullshit.

[Gray Fox]

I'd love for the 'ring finger point' picture to surface now.

I've just seen Cam sulking off in his press conference. Apparently got upset at overhearing a Broncos defender saying the plan was to pressure him into throwing it.

[niko_cee]

Ah, superb.

Now to catch up on the thread.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'd love for the 'ring finger point' picture to surface now.

I've just seen Cam sulking off in his press conference. Apparently got upset at overhearing a Broncos defender saying the plan was to pressure him into throwing it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Xr9Fecu7o

:drool:

Christ, I'm so glad the Broncos won.

[niko_cee]

It was a bit of a shame the Broncos defence didn't run that second touchdown in, as was merited. Newton being taken down for a safety at the death would have been even funnier.

Well done Peyton. They'd have been better off playing an extra offensive lineman. That 2 points though.

:drool:

He should have tried to run it in.

[Spoonsky]

Oh and Star Lotulelei:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CakE6qMVAAAVRWL.jpg:large

:cool:

Rising above all the bullshit.

He's from Utah you know. I imagine most Pacific Islanders in the NFL will be. Thank the Mormons.

[Gray Fox]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Xr9Fecu7o

:drool:

Christ, I'm so glad the Broncos won.

They'd all be at the stadium now, still dabbing, had the Panthers won.

Broncos deserve so much love from the neutrals. They got rid of the Brady bunch and then stopped Team Bandwagon. This is about the best outcome that was possible. Peyton gets his ring, but plays a bit shit so we don't hear about it 24/7.

Von Miller though. :drool:

[Lewis]

Can somebody explain the NARRATIVE of this to me? This 'Cam Newton' (that sport monopolises shit names) appears to have crushed everything all season, so did he BOTTLE IT, or is he just not as good as he thinks he is?

[Browning]

Can somebody explain the NARRATIVE of this to me? This 'Cam Newton' (that sport monopolises shit names) appears to have crushed everything all season, so did he BOTTLE IT, or is he just not as good as he thinks he is?

I'd say he bottled it. He was really, really good all season and then completely fucking useless in the big game, although a lot of credit for that does also go to the Denver defense. It was summed up though when he lost a fumble and, despite having a chance to recover it, seemed to jump away from the ball rather than risking taking a hit to get the ball back. He certainly bottled that play, and it was the one that iced the game.

He was also an arrogant cunt who seemed to feel like he'd won it before the game even started, so it was glorious.

[The Bruce]

I'm going to drink lots of beer tonight Tracey, BUDWEISER BEER! *kisses Papa John*

Fuck off you whore of a big foreheaded shitehawk.

Denver had Carolina at arms length the whole game and Cam not diving on the fumble was hilarious. Bottling twat.

[Ian]

The Panthers coaching staff should be on the receiving end of a few more lols. It's now fairly clear that the way Denver's defense was there wouldn't be much stopping them if they were on. But Carolina either decided they're too good to try and adjust or just didn't bother.

[Lewis]

Now that I'm into American football, what is Peyton Manning about? You lot seem to dislike him/think he's shit. Is he just past it? Was he ever good (he seems to have some records)? Is he just a twat?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's past it.

I don't mind him.

Bruce dislikes him because Peyton gets all the media attention and people claim he is the best despite, until Sunday, only having 1 ring compared to Brother Eli's 2.

[Ian]

The better brother. :cool:

He's BOTTLED a couple of Super Bowls but has most of the passing records now, amongst others.

Well past it though and if he doesn't retire now he wants his massive head looking at.

[Giggles]

Now that I'm into American football, what is Peyton Manning about? You lot seem to dislike him/think he's shit. Is he just past it? Was he ever good (he seems to have some records)? Is he just a twat?

He is one of the best ever but has had too many surgeries on this throwing arm now and just can't get any power into the ball any more. As good as the mental aspect of his game is (he was probably the best of all time in this regard) his lack of throwing ability means he's almost a liability now.
I more dislike the media wankathon that surrounds him (his Dad is an ex player and his brother is QB for the Giants so the hype is a given) rather than actually disliking him.

[Sam]

I'm with Giggles on this. Peyton himself is one of the best ever and seems a rather good person away from football. Dislike the hype and media wankathon over them all, though the look on his brothers face as it dawned that Peyton had his second ring was priceless.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Indeed it was.

696537841971683328

[Gray Fox]

Can somebody explain the NARRATIVE of this to me? This 'Cam Newton' (that sport monopolises shit names) appears to have crushed everything all season, so did he BOTTLE IT, or is he just not as good as he thinks he is?

He thinks he's the dogs bollocks and it came across as the rest of the team believed in their own hype too. They had 2 weeks to prepare for the game and came in offering no surprises and did not deviate from their plan. He wasn't very good but the defense he faced didn't allow him to do anything. Things like not chasing after his own mistake/fumble, or being willing to put his body on the line like his defense were doing, were very noticeable.

They've been crushing teams all year but it looked like they expected to turn up and just win. He is just a massive bell end though. He will snatch any flags/scarfs/jerseys out the crowd that away fans bring to the Panthers stadium and he'll rip them up/throw them away. He often takes time outs late in games just so he can go off and do a lap of honour for himself and 'dab' on people. 35% bottle job, 65% defense stopping him.


Now that I'm into American football, what is Peyton Manning about? You lot seem to dislike him/think he's shit. Is he just past it? Was he ever good (he seems to have some records)? Is he just a twat?

He's one of the top QBs of all time. Probably the best at reading the game there has been. He's a little bit tarnished by bottling a superbowl, and receiving the same treatment the Panthers just got, in another. Unfortunately he's now 39 in a league surrounded by players in their mid-late 20's. He's lost his arm power and ability to move, but his smarts got him around that for the most part. His glory years were at the Colts but we're talking 8ish years ago now. Probably in the top 4/5 QBs ever.

[Browning]

Yea Peyton as a man seems really likeable, not sure how anyone could dislike him. And he was the best of all time. Well past it now though and does need to call it a day.

[Giggles]

As someone said on a podcast today, spot the difference.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dskIRHVCZow


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b697uu-jAHw

[Browning]

After watching that I looked up Super Bowl 32, and this is genuinely insane:

Elway's touchdown play involved a fake handoff to Davis, who was previously taken out of the game during the drive because the onset of a migraine headache after being inadvertently tripped by LeRoy Butler had severely impaired his vision. But head coach Mike Shanahan decided to send him into the game for the 3rd-down play, believing that the Packers would not be fooled by a fake handoff without Davis on the field. Davis later said his vision was so impaired that he was afraid Elway would call an audible at the line and try to hand him the ball.[citation needed] Despite his blurred vision, Davis perfectly executed the play, drawing the Green Bay defense into the middle of the line as Elway rushed to the right and into the end zone completely untouched. By the second half, Davis had taken migraine medication, and his vision had returned to normal, allowing him to play the rest of the game.

What a guy.

[Giggles]

I was gutted at the time but hard not to respect Davis in retrospect, he was a beast.
The fact he's so close to the hall of fame, and will probably get in in the coming years, after such a short career just shows how dominant he was.

[Giggles]

After watching that I looked up Super Bowl 32, and this is genuinely insane:

Elway's touchdown play involved a fake handoff to Davis, who was previously taken out of the game during the drive because the onset of a migraine headache after being inadvertently tripped by LeRoy Butler had severely impaired his vision. But head coach Mike Shanahan decided to send him into the game for the 3rd-down play, believing that the Packers would not be fooled by a fake handoff without Davis on the field. Davis later said his vision was so impaired that he was afraid Elway would call an audible at the line and try to hand him the ball.[citation needed] Despite his blurred vision, Davis perfectly executed the play, drawing the Green Bay defense into the middle of the line as Elway rushed to the right and into the end zone completely untouched. By the second half, Davis had taken migraine medication, and his vision had returned to normal, allowing him to play the rest of the game.

What a guy.

Video on it here http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/09000d5d810a5972/Top-Ten-Gutsiest-Performances-Terrell-Davis

Also has the "this one's for John" in it from Pat Bowlen that was referenced by Elway on Sunday :cool:

[Ian]

I saw on MMQB yesterday that Davis averaged the better part of 150 yards rushing over 7 playoff appearances. :|

[mikem]

It all makes me feel so old. My wife and I run 2-3 ultra marathons a year and are in better shape than almost everyone we know. But I went to high school with Peyton Manning and he is the modern American embodiment of "broken old man". What's worse is that he was either three or four years behind me and I can't really remember which is accurate.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

After watching that I looked up Super Bowl 32, and this is genuinely insane:

Elway's touchdown play involved a fake handoff to Davis, who was previously taken out of the game during the drive because the onset of a migraine headache after being inadvertently tripped by LeRoy Butler had severely impaired his vision. But head coach Mike Shanahan decided to send him into the game for the 3rd-down play, believing that the Packers would not be fooled by a fake handoff without Davis on the field. Davis later said his vision was so impaired that he was afraid Elway would call an audible at the line and try to hand him the ball.[citation needed] Despite his blurred vision, Davis perfectly executed the play, drawing the Green Bay defense into the middle of the line as Elway rushed to the right and into the end zone completely untouched. By the second half, Davis had taken migraine medication, and his vision had returned to normal, allowing him to play the rest of the game.

What a guy.

You should watch the TD A Football Life, it's great.

[Giggles]

Where do you see all those Mahow? Do you have GamePass?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Where do you see all those Mahow? Do you have GamePass?

I pirated them all.

They're all on Youtube as well though.

[Giggles]

Happy days. I'll stick one on now.

[Giggles]

Just watching the Brown's '95 one now. What Packers are covered Mahow? I presume there's Ice Bowl but any modern-ish?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Football_Life

Lombardi is about it.

The only one I've skipped is Tebow because he didn't deserve one.

[Giggles]

That crew of guys with Belichick in Cleveland is unreal. I'd forgot most of them were there, some assembly of talent.