2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[YoungJRNY]

^^^^^^^ Trav

Here comes JFB....wait.....wait for it....

Lmao, it's too easy

[mikemarrs]

I would NOT, without a shadow of a doubt, be surprised to see Pittsburgh sleeping here and play down to the competition, something we are KNOWN for. We have a very pathetic offensive line and very suspect tackles on the edges, Jonathan Scott and rookie Marcus Gilbert.

This worries me, especially with Ben nursing a knee injury. If we can't get our running game going, then I see Freeney and Mathis getting atleast 4-5 sacks on a banged up Roethlisberger. When our offense isn't tight, we look B-A-D. On the flip-side, we have the speed and potential on offense for the turf. I do however, see a HEAVY dose of Mendenhall this week.

In 2009, I've seen the Pittsburgh Steelers lose 5 straight to the worst teams in the league so trust me, Indy got atleast a chance on National Television.

I have Pittsburgh winning this 27-7.

This might be the game where Kerry Collins gets hurt or injured and if its not this game it will be against someone coming up on the schedule with a physical defense.Why in the hell they picked a mediocre washed up dude like Collins to be backup i'll never know.I am glad we got Hasselbeck though here in Tennessee and Collins is gone.I think Steelers just might shut them out and i'll go with 31-0 Steelers.

[mikemarrs]

One of the best games of the week is the Texans/Saints.

Any opinions on this one?


I do think we will see a lot of points scored.I'll go with Saints 38-35

[mikemarrs]

New England Patriots At Pittsburgh Steelers on October 30


Going to be a hell of a game.Can't wait

[YoungJRNY]

New England Patriots At Pittsburgh Steelers on October 30


Going to be a hell of a game.Can't wait

I'm ALMOST looking forward to seeing Brady go 34-39, 450 yards and 6 td's against that slow LeBeau, 3-4 zone blitz defense. The Steelers could dominate any offense in the league BUT New England's. Over the years, the Steelers STRUGGLE at their mightiest against stud tight-ends and with those two BEASTS coming out in the double tight set and scorching defense's with ease, the Steelers will probably once again look like a bunch of twerps against that New England offense that is starting to target, you guessed it, their tight ends more and more.

Ben is going to be on the top of his game and ATLEAST score 31 points just to be in it.

[S2M]

Travis, let's be real here, ok?

NE barely escaped their regular season meeting with NY. NY had a great defense with Tuck and Umenyiora. But even with that, they were on their way to that SB loss. The only kudos I give NY in that SB is that they were able to keep NE below 40 pts. Eli played like shit, and NY's offense sucked. Again, let's be real, and tell it like it is...3 holds by the O-line allowed NY to win that game...that was a 3rd and forever.

Mercury Morris was kneeling in his kimono, sword in hand....and I truly believed that SB was fixed.

[YoungJRNY]

Travis, let's be real here, ok?

Virtually impossible when talking with THEE S2M Especially with statements like this:

and I truly believed that SB was fixed.

The only kudos I give NY in that SB is that they were able to keep NE below 40 pts.

Try 17 points.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lk-wWUQKBg

[S2M]

17 is below 40, right?

[mikemarrs]

Backup QB's are very important especially for teams that are contending....


The Philadelphia Eagles are optimistic Michael Vick will be able to return Sunday against the New York Giants after suffering a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons. Vick returned to the practice field Thursday, one day after his replacement against Atlanta, Mike Kafka, took all of the first-team snaps in practice. That same day, newly acquired backup Vince Young returned to practice after suffering a hamstring injury in the preseason.

Kafka, drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft, did not see any regular-season action for the Eagles in 2010. That was one of the reasons Philadelphia signed Young as a backup QB.

While we don’t know who will start for Philadelphia on Sunday – signs point to Vick – we can analyze just how lucky the Eagles are to have Young as a backup.

Smallest Drop-off, Starter To Backup
Total QBR Difference, 2008-10
Starter Backup Diff
Matthew Stafford Shaun Hill -8.6
Ryan Fitzpatrick Tyler Thigpen -6.6
Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace 1.6
Michael Vick Vince Young 1.7
Chad Henne Matt Moore 3.6
Kyle Orton Brady Quinn 11.9
Kevin Kolb John Skelton 12.0
Matt Schaub Matt Leinart 13.8
Tarvaris Jackson Charlie Whitehurst 15.9
Matt Ryan Chris Redman 21.0
Tony Romo Jon Kitna 23.0
Josh Freeman Josh Johnson 33.9
Jason Campbell Kyle Boller 37.7
Aaron Rodgers Matt Flynn 39.0
>> Min. 100 action plays



As a refresher, Total QBR is a quarterback rating that takes into account all of a quarterback's contributions (passing, rushing, sacks, fumbles, penalties) to his team's scoring and winning and summarizes them into one number on a 0-100 scale, on which 50 is average.

Young’s Total QBR of 64.2 from 2008-10 is only a slight drop-off from Vick's (65.9). In that span, Young ranked 11th among the 75 quarterbacks with at least 100 action plays. Obviously, 100 action plays is a relatively small sample size, but since we are dealing with backup quarterbacks, there has to be some cutoff regarding what can be determined as an appropriate minimum value for assessing backups.

There are 14 teams in the NFL that have a backup with at least 100 action plays over the last three years. Among those teams, the Eagles have the fourth-smallest drop-off in Total QBR from starter to backup in moving from Vick to Young. The three teams with a "more favorable" backup situation feature three young QBs who are either playing very well (Ryan Fitzpatrick) or are considered the future of the franchise (Matthew Stafford and Colt McCoy).

A quick glance at the QBR leaderboard from the previous three seasons shows that Young actually rates higher than 22 other starting quarterbacks. That group includes Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Josh Freeman, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Kevin Kolb and Mark Sanchez.

[mikemarrs]

Kerry Collins isn't worth a flip but you do have to wonder if maybe the Colts had a solid and sound backup QB like maybe a Jon Kitna or someone decent at backup that they just might've had a little bit more of a chance to stay in games and maybe even win a few close ones.

Some may disagree but i think Brett Favre would've been a way better option than Collins and while he may or may not have been able to win he at least would've made things a bit competive especially compared to Collins who is horrible.After all Favre is a gunslinger and he can pass the ball better.

[Enigma869]

I was born in 1988

My socks are older than that!

[Rick]

I was born in 1988

My socks are older than that!

[Seven Wishes2]

If Manning is unable to play again, and Brady wins another SB before he retires, there should never be any doubt that Brady was the greatest QB in the history of the NFL. And no player more valauble to his team than Manning.

[mikemarrs]

Despite a 2-0 start, the Jets' game against Oakland is bigger than you think. New York follows this week with brutal back-to-back road games against the Baltimore Ravens (Oct. 2) and New England Patriots (Oct. 9). Both will be tough to win away from home. If New York beats Oakland and gets off to a 3-0 start, that takes some pressure off the next two weeks. But a loss to the Raiders on Sunday could put New York in a tough spot.


Back-to-back road games against the Baltimore Ravens (Oct. 2) and New England Patriots (Oct. 9).Playing both of those teams back to back and on the road too is a huge test.And get this a couple weeks after the Patriots they host L.T.'s former team the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 23.

[mikemarrs]

The last eight weeks of the season actually aren't that bad for Pittsburgh....


Nov 13 - at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM ET
Nov 20 - Open
Nov 27 - at Kansas City, 8:20 PM ET
Dec 4 - vs. Cincinnati, 1:00 PM ET
Dec 8 - vs. Cleveland, 8:20 PM ET
Dec 19 - at San Francisco, 8:30 PM ET
Dec 24 - vs. St. Louis, 1:00 PM ET
Jan 1 - at Cleveland, 1:00 PM ET

[mikemarrs]

Injured Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will attempt to assist his team from the coaches booth Sunday night.

Manning, still recovering from offseason neck surgeries, will work alongside quarterbacks coach Ron Turner high above the field at Lucas Oil Stadium as the Colts look for their first win of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Indianapolis Star reported.

"My first obligation to the team is to get myself healthy," Manning told The Star. "But I do believe that [since] I'm not on the active roster, I have an obligation to help the team in some capacity.

"This is new to me," he added. "But I want to be a resource. I want to help."

Manning, who had three surgeries in 19 months on his bothersome neck, has been making appearances at Colts' practice this week, mostly walking laps around the team's indoor training facility.

The four-time NFL MVP is out indefinitely as he recovers from his latest procedure, conducted Sept. 8.

The nagging injury forced Manning to miss his first game in 14 seasons. He previously made 208 regular-season starts — second only to Brett Favre's NFL-record streak of 297 games — after being drafted by the Colts with the first overall pick in 1998.

Indianapolis will hope to get the 11-time Pro Bowler back in the starting lineup as soon as possible before its season slides out of control.

Manning, 35, signed a five-year, $90 million contract in July. The deal contained an average annual salary of $18 million, tying him with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as the NFL's highest paid player.

[Jonny B]

Kerry Collins isn't worth a flip but you do have to wonder if maybe the Colts had a solid and sound backup QB like maybe a Jon Kitna or someone decent at backup that they just might've had a little bit more of a chance to stay in games and maybe even win a few close ones.

Some may disagree but i think Brett Favre would've been a way better option than Collins and while he may or may not have been able to win he at least would've made things a bit competive especially compared to Collins who is horrible.After all Favre is a gunslinger and he can pass the ball better.

Whatever happened to Jim Sorgi anyway? He was starting to become a decent backup and then the Colts got rid of him?

[YoungJRNY]

The last eight weeks of the season actually aren't that bad for Pittsburgh....


Nov 13 - at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM ET
Nov 20 - Open
Nov 27 - at Kansas City, 8:20 PM ET
Dec 4 - vs. Cincinnati, 1:00 PM ET
Dec 8 - vs. Cleveland, 8:20 PM ET
Dec 19 - at San Francisco, 8:30 PM ET
Dec 24 - vs. St. Louis, 1:00 PM ET
Jan 1 - at Cleveland, 1:00 PM ET

What's telling there, is that in the last 7 games, 4 of them games are humongous because they are divisional games (only a few weeks apart) and 6 of them are conference games. I see them going about, 7-0 in that stretch or POSSIBLY dropping one that is usually a trap late in the season in unfamiliar territory (maybe @ San Fran OR St.Louis can possibly sneak it as well) going 6-1 at worst. I still have Pittsburgh at 12-4.

[YoungJRNY]

So the Bengals and 49'ers are not sold out tomorrow...bonus points to anyone who can tell me a way to watch it online...preferably free.

I use the streaming site, frontrowsports.tv. I never have problems and is the best I've used. Hope this helps.

http://www.firstrowsports.tv/sport/amer ... n-football

[YoungJRNY]

49'ers @ Bengals: Could go either way. Cincy has been playing better than expected with such a young offense operating at such a young age without Palmer and their honcho's but so is San Fran. The Bungles are at it again with their latest scandal and Benson distracting the young team could put San Fran at an advantage, who has some weapons with Vernon Davis and Frank Gore on offense and Patrick Willis on D. San Francisco by 10.

Patriots @ Bills: Last season, the Bills stood toe to toe with Brady and lost a shootout, 38-30 in Foxborough but then got KILLED at home later in the season. New England seems to struggle atleast once out of the two times they face division opponents and with the Bills and Fitzpatrick looking solid on offense, I still don't think Brady can be stopped when playing at this high of a level. Patriots by 14.

Jaguars @ Panthers: The Jaguars made a huge mistake at getting rid of veteran QB Garrard, who has been better than what some people may think for Jacksonville. Not only 2 weeks in, and they are going with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. Everyone knows about Cam Newton by now and I thought he would of got rocked against Green Bay last week. He didn't. Carolina gets their first win of the season at home. Panthers by 13.

Dolphins @ Browns: One of those other games that could go either way. McCoy was my favorite QB coming out of his draft class and reminds me a lot of Aaron Rodgers for some reason. He plays with a confident composure but their ace in the hole, Peyton Hillis, is under the weather and the Dolphins are one of those teams that could look great one week and do bad the next. Henne should have a good game in a close one. Dolphins by 7.

Lions @ Vikings: I absolutely LOVE what the Lions have been doing to their franchise. After givin Millen the boot, they actually drafted like winners and now they are climbing the latter in a tough division. Still, I think going on the road, against a desperate Vikings team could be the first letdown of the season for Detroit. Adrian Peterson is still Adrian Peterson and I don't think the Lions are quite right there yet to put on 3 straight dominating performances. Vikings by 4.

Texans @ Saints: Drew Brees is coming into his own in the 2011 season and I don't think the Texans will know what exactly hit them. Even though the Texans could win their beat up division, I don't see them going head to head with a team like the Saints. Shaub VS Brees in a shootout and I'll take Brees everytime, Andre Johnson or not. Saints by 8.

Giants @ Eagles: The Eagles should kind of be pissed off right now, losing Vick late in a sure victory against Atlanta and going up against a BAD football team against the Giants. The Eagles should redeem themselves because I watched the Giants and I think their actually very horrid. Eli Manning is the second coming of Chad Pennington. NOODLE ARM. Eagles by 13.

Broncos @ Titans: There's something about Denver that is appealing. I think it's gun-slinger Kyle Orton but they only dressed like, 2 wideouts or so last week, being FORCED to put BUST Tim Tebow on the outsides. How pathetic. The Titans just won a game last week in Baltimore that could be a jump-start. Hassebeck is still a good QB and Britt is a huge wideout. The Titans could be a surprise team later in the season. Titans by 10.

Ravens @ Rams: Talk about old and slow? The Titans took the Ravens to school last week and Baltimore's secondary is suspect-able at best. Lee Evans is out and traveling TO St.Louis could be a another trap game, two weeks in a row but if Baltimore keeps blabbing about how good they can be, and after getting their ass kicked against an inferior team, then they HAVE to beat a mediocre St.Louis Rams team. Ravens by 20.

Chiefs @ Chargers: Chiefs are pathetic. No writeup needed. Chargers by 23.

Jets @ Raiders: I just don't see the upset in this one. The Raiders could give teams fits this season but Campbell looks like a lost puppy-dog against blitz heavy defense's like the Jets. Even though Ryan has a big fat mouth, you got to give him credit. His team plays for him. Jets by 10.

Falcons @ Bucs: Tough for me to pick for some reason. I love Freeman, reminds me almost to a tee like Roethlisberger but Atlanta is coming off of a big conference win. I think Atlanta is better overall all around the board than Tampa Bay but I expect this to be a good one. Matt Ryan is the kind of patience needed in a quarterback. Falcons by 7.

Cardinals @ Seahawks: Seattle continues their sorry bid for Andrew Luck. Cardinals by 17.

Packers @ Bears: Cutler is unpredictable and that makes up a bad quarterback. He's either throwing for 4 TD's or 4 INT's. Green Bay is giving up a huge chunk of yards on defense but it all comes down to Rodger's performance and hoping Capers defense gets after Cutler and gets the 4 INT's performance. Packers by 10.

Steelers @ Colts: Facing an 0-2 team, on the road, on National Television just scares me. Like I said, I've seen Pittsburgh stumble down to the competition before but I see Pittsburgh as Super Bowl contenders and if they see it as well, then they need to destroy a Colts team who is bad at best. The Steelers haven't looked like the Steelers yet this season, so it'll be a good time to start Sunday Night in front of an audience. Mendenhall should have a big game. Steelers by 20.

Redskins @ Cowboys: Good game on paper but it looks like Dallas is down to two of their water boys at the wide reciever position and down to their mascot at the QB position. I love Kitna and the spark he gives, but Romo can barely breathe and he hurts his team more-so than he helps it even when he's 100% healthy. Grossman is actually playing really well and their pressured defense will come after the Cowboys injured fest offense. Redskins by 4.

[Enigma869]

10 minutes late posting this, but here goes.

Patriots at Bills - I'm not buying the Bills being 2-0. They played Kansas City and Oakland, so I'm not sold. That said, I'm also not sold on the Patriots defense. I just think the Patriots have WAY too much offense for Buffalo. Patriots by 24.

Lions at Vikings - This should be a close game, but I believe the Lions are the better team and win by a TD.

Giants at Eagles - Tough division matchup. Eagles by 3

Jaguars at Panthers - Jacksonville by 4

49ers at Bengals - Niners by a TD

Texans at Saints - Should be a shoot out with Brees and the Saints getting the final score and winning by a TD.

Dolphins at Browns - Two middle of the road teams. I still like some players on the Miami defense and think they pull it out by a FG.

Broncos at Titans - This game is only interesting because both teams stink. Broncos by 4.

Chiefs at Chargers - The Chiefs are awful. Chargers by 17.

Ravens at Rams - Ravens bounce back after a very underwhelming performance last week. Ravens by 14.

Jets at Raiders - Upset. Raiders by 3.

Packers at Bears - Pack by 10.

Falcons at Buccaneers - Atlanta by 14.

Cardinals at Seahawks - Cardinals by 3.

Steelers at Colts - This is a really bad Colts team, and I believe they have zero shot of hanging with the Steelers. Pittsburgh by 21.

Redskins at Cowboys - Cowboys by 10.

[S2M]

Gailey already panicking in the 1st Q. Going for it on 4th and 14? This NE defense will jell...Arrington with 2nd pick. Welcome to the slaughterhouse....

[YoungJRNY]

I laughed my ass off when Buffalo differed the opening kickoff. It was over from that decision. Not only do you need to desperately need to get ahead of a Brady-led offense but you know what New England is capable of doing and that's taking the crowd out of the game early. They go 70 easy yards to open the game, come out force a turnover and it's a quick 14-0. Dumb decision by Gaily.

[YoungJRNY]

Jags 10-5 in a torrential DOWNPOUR. Ridiculous, haha.

[S2M]

Ochocinco is a fucking waste of space...

[S2M]

Fixed. End of story. What was Brown supposed to do, teleport out of the WR's way? The ball was underthrown...bogus, bogus, bogus....

[YoungJRNY]

0_o. Enough said.

[S2M]

0_o. Enough said.

Refs have been controlling this game since halftime....

[S2M]

NFL desperate for a feel good story allow Buffalo to get their 3rd win. That call in the endzone against Sergio Brown for merely existing,cand taking up space, cost NE that game...ball was underthrown AND an INT. And what happened to that timeout?!

[YoungJRNY]

NFL desperate for a feel good story allow Buffalo to get their 3rd win. That call in the endzone against Sergio Brown for merely existing,cand taking up space, cost NE that game...ball was underthrown AND an INT. And what happened to that timeout?!

Dude. Brady threw 4 interceptions + a pick 6. New England had a 21-0 lead. I think you missed the part where a Patriots defensive player had the Bills receiver hugged in the endzone, preventing him to atleast make a play on it. Take the loss, sulk in it and cry some more. New England wins, "welcome to the slaughterhouse." New England loses "it's fixed." Good luck with THAT defense. Fuck New England.