MLP Forums NFL Football Thread - Sched. Release to SBXLVII

[~The Snowy Wolf~ 1,579]

New Orleans Bon-Bons vs. Applezona Bloominals

 

Go Bon-Bons! Who dat?

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Here's my way-too-early season predictions (as of 8/5/12)

 

NFC West - 1. 49ers 2. Seahawks 3. Cardinals 4. Rams

NFC South - 1. Saints 2. Falcons 3. Panthers 4. Buccaneers

NFC East - 1. Eagles 2. Cowboys 3. Giants 4. Redskins

NFC North - 1. Packers 2. Lions 3. Bears 4. Vikings

 

Wild Cards - Lions, Falcons

NFC Championship Game - Packers vs. 49ers

 

AFC West - 1. Broncos 2. Chargers 3. Chiefs 4. Raiders

AFC South - 1. Texans 2. Titans 3. Jaguars 4. Colts

AFC East - 1. Patriots 2. Bills 3. Jets 4. Dolphins

AFC North - 1. Ravens 2. Steelers 3. Bengals 4. Browns

 

Wild Cards - Steelers, Bills

AFC Championship Game - Patriots vs. Ravens

 

Super Bowl - Packers vs. Ravens

 

Also did Kevin Kolb get hurt already? I'm not laughing at Kolb because that sucks getting injured, but I'm laughing at the Cardinals for making that terrible trade. Eagles fleeced them big time. LOL CARDINALS.

Edited August 6, 2012 by Doctor XFizzle

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Super Bowl - Packers vs. Ravens

 

I'm not sure that the Ravens will even sniff the playoffs with Suggs out for the majority of the season. That team won't do good against the elite of the AFC, and will probably fall prey to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in that tough-ass division of theirs. Plus their schedule is just fierce.

[grimchi3f 19]

Packers all the way baby! Super Bowl 47 will be won by the Green and Gold (as long as our Defense steps it up from last year).

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

 

McCourty shut down Calvin Johnson this game! The two picks sealed the deal that day. Optimus Prime does exist.

 

Oh, and I was crapping myself at this point, in this game back in January. Most intense final seconds of a game I've ever experienced.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elbWQNKg5es

[My little pwny 1,392]

Also did Kevin Kolb get hurt already? I'm not laughing at Kolb because that sucks getting injured, but I'm laughing at the Cardinals for making that terrible trade. Eagles fleeced them big time. LOL CARDINALS.

 

Yeah, in the Arizona Cardinal forums that I also read, almost everybody is saying start Skelton and cut Kolb because he is injury prone. I agree that he is injury prone, but I say they should give him one more preseason start before deciding that.

 

If you ask the Eagle fans who got the better trade, they would say the Cards got the better side because the cornerback DRC has sucked so far. They also don't know how well the second round pick they got will do. But yeah, LOL at that trade... in hindsight it would have been better just to stick with Skelton.

Edited August 6, 2012 by My little pwny

[Deeмo 100]

Terrell Owens is back in the NFL.

 

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a deal with free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, the team announced Monday night.

 

Sources told ESPN's Ed Werder that Owens received a one-year deal worth $1 million.

 

Owens had a very impressive workout Monday in Seattle, running the 40 in 4.45 seconds, according to sources.

 

 

On Monday night, Owens took to Twitter saying, "God is good. Thankful. Grateful. To ALL my new teammates & the "12th Man"... Let's Do This!! "

 

Owens hasn't played in the NFL since the 2010 season with Cincinnati when he caught 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns.

 

The 38-year-old Owens didn't get any NFL offers to play last season after surgery on his left knee.

 

ESPN

TBH, I don't really care too much about T.O. nowadays since his football career is winding down. On the brighter side, this could give the WR corps a little bit of help, since their wide receivers are thin and that Sidney Rice is still recuperating from shoulder surgery and a knee procedure.

Edited August 7, 2012 by Deeмo

[~The Snowy Wolf~ 1,579]

Yeah! Saints won the first game of the preseason! It's a good start, let's see if they can keep it up.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

The Browns are literally the Los Angeles Clippers of the NFL. Just can't catch a break with their high-pedigree running back getting his knee injured and having to rely on a rookie quarterback.

 

Patriots vs Saints this evening. Can't wait to finally see the draftees in action - Jones is a freak of nature who can be a force of an edge rusher and Hightower is a versatile linebacker who can play as a pass-rushing linebacker and can stop the run effectively. Both of them will have to learn from the vets, but I suspect Jones will immediately make an impact on the defensive line and Hightower is complementing an already solid linebacker corps. Mayo, Spikes, Hightower, and if I'm not mistaking his position, Rob Ninkovich (emerging very well).

 

Secondary is still a bit suspect, but they're all healthy now and if I'm right, Dowling will be an extremely physical DB at the line of scrimmage who can slow down receivers well, not to mention cover good. McCourty has a great shot at coming back to his rookie form where he made the pro-bowl over Champ Bailey himself. That, along with the safeties being upgraded (Chung now having help from Gregory, Wilson, and Ihedigbo is recovering from an injury), we should see a dramatic decrease in passing yards allowed.

Edited August 9, 2012 by Devin McCourty

[~The Snowy Wolf~ 1,579]

Patriots vs Saints this evening.

 

It's going good enough for the Saints so far.

 

I don't care who's playing, I hope I can get my parents to get tickets to the super bowl, since it's going to be in my home town this year. That'd be amazing!

Edited August 10, 2012 by Vinyl Blade

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

It's going good enough for the Saints so far.

 

I don't care who's playing, I hope I can get my parents to get tickets to the super bowl, since it's going to be in my home town this year. That'd be amazing!

 

Nice game. As predicted, Chandler Jones looks like he can regularly dominating opposing offensive tackles with those huge arms of his and amazing footwork, while the secondary looks like it is heading in the right direction. Trevor Scott made a nice strip-sack and Bequette showed off his skills with a sack of his own. Offensive line looked really rusty tonight, so we'll have to address that. Once Mankins, Waters, and Vollmer all return though, expect the o-line to bounce back to its 2011 form. Maybe even better.

 

Might as well post the current defensive set we have right now. It looked like we had a 3-4 to begin with.

 

NT: Love

DE: Wilfork

DE: Jones

OLB: Mayo

OLB: Ninkovich

ILB: Dane Fletcher

ILB: Hightower

CB: McCourty

CB: Arrington

FS: Gregory

SS: Chung

 

Inactives: Vollmer, Mankins, Waters, Branch, and Spikes as far as I know. That's why Fletcher was in the starting lineup tonight instead of Spikes.

 

I think we'll be seeing more of Fanene and Dowling later on.

Edited August 10, 2012 by Devin McCourty

[Cupcake Ice Cream 436]

The only team that matters to me...the Green Bay Packers. I love dat Pack. I lived through the Don Majkowski years, then Brett Favre and our new boy Aaron!

 

Two superbowls in my fan years

 

Also...I love the Giants for smacking the Cheatriots twice and that prime donna Brady

 

ready for another season!

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

 

Enjoy Superbowl XLV as much as you can, because the Niners will own the NFC for years to come.

[Cupcake Ice Cream 436]

Enjoy Superbowl XLV as much as you can, because the Niners will own the NFC for years to come.

 

I do...I enjoy the many we have won...and enjoy Aaron whether we win or lose :-p

 

but seriously I don't do trash talk. So long as the Packers play I am happy...and I don't really place alot of stock in it...just love watching my boys play

[FaZe Vinyl 521]

For as long as I have been a fan of Tim Tebow, it seems he has almost got everything down after last night. He is finally starting to get rid of the ball quicker, and the only time he keeps it for a long time is when the O-Line can't freakin' stop anything from gettting past them. I do realize that was the backup squad though, so I can forgive them.

 

Im also really interested to see how the Cowboys and Panthers play out this year. If Romo doesn't flake like he has as of late, I think they could be a serious contender. If DeMarco Murray can keep healthy I see him having at least 1,500 yards rushng, and with Robinson finally getting his act together, Romo finally has a decent reciever or two to throw at. Also with Sean Lee finally getting used to the 3-4 defense that we run, along with getting his first year or so out of the way, I think he and Morris Claiborne will put up some points this year. I also want to say I think we found our first reliable kicker in a long time with Dan Bailey

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

For as long as I have been a fan of Tim Tebow, it seems he has almost got everything down after last night. He is finally starting to get rid of the ball quicker, and the only time he keeps it for a long time is when the O-Line can't freakin' stop anything from gettting past them. I do realize that was the backup squad though, so I can forgive them.

 

The Patriots offensive line faced similar issues against the Saints highlighted by when Brady got sacked and fumbled the ball courtesy of Will Smith. It's one game after a long break, so knees are a little stiff and the line isn't healthy as of now, but help is on the way in packages of Vollmer, Mankins, and Brian Waters.

 

As for the Tebow business, 53% of ESPN readers are predicting he'll score more total TDs than Sanchez. Go figure. Shows you how much faith everyone has in the Jets offense.

 

The biggest problem the Cowboys faced was consistency and collapsing in the 2nd half. Disregard all that, and you are probably looking at an 11-5 team with the NFC East crown... and the Giants wouldn't have won the superbowl as a result.

 

AFC PREDICTIONS

 

AFC East

 

1. Patriots: 14-2 They have a bit of a cakewalk schedule, but also have a few tough games at home like the 49ers and Texans, and both of them have young and very althetic defenses eager to pound the quarterback. It'll be a real test for the offense. Other than that, I think this division is easy enough to walk through. They've improved their d-line in great amounts and everyone is healthy and primed for another superbowl run. Brady's got new weapons in Lloyd, Gaffney, and Stallworth to throw to, so this offense should be even more prolific than last year's.

 

2. Bills - 9-7 I think the Bills will get over the hump this year, but that may or may not be enough for them to creep into the playoffs. Their pass defense has definitely improved though, with the addition of Mario Williams (looks to be a bit injury prone, though), Mark Anderson, and the new guy Stephon Gilmore. Shawne Merriman finally gets some help.

 

3. Jets - 8-8 They'll get the 8 wins because their coach, as controversial and annoying as he is, he's still a defensive genius and they'll win some close games. However, other than that, until they prove they can rise to the expectations and not be the media's punching bag, they're going to sit pat at a .500 record.

 

4. Dolphins - 4-12 Their defense is somewhat fearsome... but they've got a long way ahead of them starting with a rookie quarterback and a distraught WR corps, also playing in a competitive division.

 

AFC North

 

 

1. Steelers - 11-5 The Steelers experience will pay off and they'll edge out the Ravens as top dog. Wallace returns, Mendenhall returns, Roethlisberger returns, and they've acquired a bit of a revamped offense. That being said, due to the competitive nature of the AFC North, they just can't finish above 12 wins.

 

2. Ravens - 11-5 Suggs is out for the season. If you think that won't affect the team, then you are sorely mistaken. The Ravens will miss his QB pressures and sacks, so other players must step it up. I know it's just one player, but Suggs was the defensive player of the year and a team leader. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will also age a year further. That defense isn't getting old. Their offense is jittery and it showed last year when Flacco couldn't do shit most of the time, though he had a nice outing in the AFC title game. 11-5 is a pretty generous prediction because their coach can keep them in check, also they have enough playmakers to help them win some games.

 

3. Bengals - 10-6 Dalton and AJ Green combo, anyone? The drafting of Dre Kirkpatrick will bolster that already nice-looking defense. If these guys weren't in the AFC North, they could net 12 wins this year.

 

4. Browns - 3-13 I think the Bengals will just finally overshadow Cleveland this year. Bengals are growing up, but the Browns are stuck in the basement... again.

 

AFC South

 

 

1. Texans - 12-4 Arian Foster, Matt Schaub, and Andre Johnson make for a potent offense. The hiring of Wade Phillips as their DC last year was the difference maker in this franchise, and I don't doubt that they'll return to form this year as well.

 

2. Titans - 8-8 Jake Locker will have to prove himself by turning the Titans lackluster offense into something better. The Titans defense on the other hand, looks primed to be a bit better than last year where they finished 8th in points allowed. If not, you're looking at another .500 Titans team.

 

3. Jaguars - 8-8 Gabbert finally gets a talented WR to work with, so the Jaguars will definitely score more points. The addition of Andre Branch bolsters their defense, but their offense will still kill them from time to time. An improvement this year, but don't expect anything fancy from them.

 

4. Colts - 5-11 Luck will need to do everything in his power to help out Colts fans around the world. Sadly their defense has been at its worst since 2006. They are going to give up points in bunches. A lot of points. That said, Luck's presence should really help out those WRs down in Indy.

 

AFC West

 

 

1. Broncos - 10-6 Peyton Manning alone makes Denver a threat, despite his age. I'm sure he can turn those WRs in Denver around, but their defense is still very suspect. That said, it'll be their downfall if they face Tom Brady in the playoffs.

 

2. Chiefs - 10-6 Injuries plagued the Chiefs last year, including their starting quarterback coming off a pro-bowl season. They've finally got a guy to plug the middle of the defense in Dontari Poe - risky pick, as he could turn out to be a product of the combine, but they've been sorely lacking in health all of last year. And Tamba Hali will continue to rack up sacks.

 

3. Chargers - 8-8 Same old Chargers, losing Vincent Jackson to Tampa. They have potential to make it to the playoffs, but that rests on Rivers' shoulders, really. Him and Antonio Gates.

 

4. Raiders - 4-12 Seriously... have you seen their schedule? Not even Darren McFadden or Richard Seymour will be able to save these goons.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Really hope the NFL decides to stop being cheap and pays the referees union before the season starts. I don't want replacement refs influencing the outcomes of games that actually matter.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Really hope the NFL decides to stop being cheap and pays the referees union before the season starts. I don't want replacement refs influencing the outcomes of games that actually matter.

 

The NFL start with their regular refs, no worries. They aren't having this dispute because the refs are being treated unfairly or whatever. They're doing it for ratings. The NFL isn't stupid enough to go into the season with replacement refs because all hell will break loose.

 

Here's my current season prediction (Patriots):

 

Week 1 @ Tennesee - W 31-10: Brady has a terrific season opener, while the Patriots defense shuts down either Locker or Hasselbeck as the new-look defense shines.

 

Week 2 vs. Arizona - W 35-14: Brady tears up the Cardinals defense. Not much of a difference from last week except maybe the cardinals QB does better than either Locker or Hasselbeck.

 

Week 3 @ Baltimore - W 21-14: This will be a tricky one, but the loss of Terrell Suggs will negatively impact their pass rush. That said, Brady may struggle from time to time with good coverage by the Ravens secondary, but the Patriot defense holds strong in this one.

 

Week 4 @ Buffalo - W 27-17: The improved pass-rush and defense of the Bills will be a nice challenge for the Patriots, but they'll pull away in the 4th.

 

Week 5 vs Denver - W 31-20: Manning will be Manning - 20 points given up is very generous in Foxborough. I suspect he'll be thrown to the turf a few times and Brady shows the Broncos offense how it's done.

 

Week 6 @ Seattle - L 24-21: I think we lose a close in Seattle; haven't played them in a long while, plus I think the Seahawks' defense will surprise a few people this year. Marshawn Lynch has a good outing.

 

Week 7 vs New York Jets - W 34-10: No contest. The Jets offense will stutter all game long as Sanchez/Tebow get slammed by Jones, WIlfork, Ninkovich, and Hightower, while Brady redeems himself from week 6 by scoring with his legion of receivers.

 

Week 8 @ St. Louis (international game) - W 27-7: Brady has a good game, while Bradford throws a couple of picks and gets slammed to the turf multiple times.

 

Week 9 @ BYE

 

Week 10 vs. Buffalo - W 31-21: The Bills provide the Patriots a tough outing, but the Pats pull away in the 4th with some key stops and decisive drives.

 

Week 11 vs Indianapolis - W 42-17: The Patriot offense carves up the Colts defense and makes Luck's debut in Foxborough a nightmare. Meanwhile Luck has a decent game outside of the INTs and sacks.

 

Week 12 @ New York Jets - W 24-10: The Jets defense gets to Brady a bit but the Patriot defense along with the Jets bad offense ends up being the key here, as the Pats pull away in the 2nd half.

 

Week 13 @ Miami - W 27-13: Miami's now-inept offense shows its lackluster colors. Brady gets slammed to the turf a few times due to this being a rivalry game, but he makes the big plays as the game goes on.

 

Week 14 vs. Houston - W 21-17: An ugly game from start to finish. Schaub, Johnson, and Foster have decent games, but the Patriot defense holds tough, while Brady and the offense get ready for the first real big test of the season by going up one of the league's best defenses.

 

Week 15 vs. San Francisco - W 14-10: Coming off an ugly game vs. the Texans, the offense is battered a bit and will struggle against the Niners pass rush and coverage. Luckily the Patriot defense catches Alex Smith and Frank Gore on bad days and they fail to gain much momentum, thus sealing a Pats win. This will most likely come down to the wire.

 

Week 16 @ Jacksonville - L 27-21: The Jaguars defense gives the Patriots a tough outing in Jacksonville, while Maurice-Jones Drew and Blackmon have good games.

 

Week 17 vs. Miami - W 35-21: I'm giving the Dolphins 21 points because the score will be 35-14 by the 4th quarter, and the extra 7 are garbage points.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

WEEK 1 WEEK 1 WEEK 1!!

 

Well technically it began Wednesday night but Cowboys/Giants was not a pretty game to watch.

 

I am surprised and disappointed that we will be having replacement officials for regular season games. Even more surprised Wednesday's night game didn't have a giant fail. Sources say Goodell was very happy with the game and greeted the replacement refs after the game. Excellent. Not.

 

Anyways, Lions slaughter the Rams. Making Bradford look BADford.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Well technically it began Wednesday night but Cowboys/Giants was not a pretty game to watch.

 

I thought for sure the Cowboys would be forced to give the ball up after that holding penalty call on them late in the 4th, giving Eli the opportunity to march right down the field and tie the game. Guess you really can't count out any team in the NFC East.

[The Razor Wing 879]

I will say this. No one can stop them boys in Black & Yellow. Its all about the Steelers this year baby. Going for ring number seven. And even one of my OC's is a fan.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

It turns out that Logan Mankins played the entire 2011 season with a torn ACL, and in the playoffs, also with a torn MCL. This guy might be the toughest player in the NFL.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Man today was not gracious to my nerves or health. No way Lions should ever have to comeback at home against the Rams. Stafford was haunted by the ghost of Joey Harrington that first half.

 

BUT a win is a win. Gonna need to fix the mistakes for SNF next week @ Frisco.

[FaZe Vinyl 521]

This could very well the best sports week I have had in a while

 

1. Busch Bros. miss Chase (NASCAR)

2. Cowboys win on Wednesday

3. Saints get beat

4. Small chance local media will shut up about the Panthers going to the Super Bowl

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

Looks like this became a ghost thread just as the football season started. Ohhhh, spooky! But Aureity told me all football comments must be made here, so here they be. Let's resurrect this bad boy! Or bad colt, whatever.

 

First thing, the replacement refs. I was worried when the season started, but I never expected anything this bad. Missed calls, blown calls, phantom calls, calls that have cost at least two teams their games recently--the Patriots and the Packers just last night. I know nobody's going to feel sorry for them outside of New England and Wisconsin, but just wait until a team people actually like, such as the Texans or Broncos, get screwed like that.

 

The Packers/Seahawks one especially was a travesty. Golden Tate shoved Sam Shields out of the way to even get that half-catch he shared with another defender. It was obvious, especially on the replay, that call should not have stood. I heard the ref who made the decision had only called high school and junior college games before this, and obviously he let the pressure or the home crowd get to him. NFL, pay the real refs whatever pensions they want and get those bush-leaguers off the field, because this is ridiculous.

 

Anyway! My Vikings are 2-1 after upsetting the Niners and it wasn't even that close. My Lions are 1-2 after dropping a Tennessee game they should've won (disastrous field position call) and my Texans are 3-0 with no real controversy, thank goodness.