2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[mikemarrs]

Who would've ever in a million years guessed before the season that besides Green Bay that the only other undefeated teams in the league would be Buffalo and Detroit as of week 4.Both Buffalo and Detroit have suffered over a decade or longer of nothing but losing and aren't exactly known as winners as of late but thats changing.

It definitely looks like Green Bay might repeat as Super Bowl champions.


Another interesting stat is literally half of the teams in the league right now have a 2-1 record.

[S2M]

Who would've ever in a million years guessed before the season that besides Green Bay that the only other undefeated teams in the league would be Buffalo and Detroit as of week 4.Both Buffalo and Detroit have suffered over a decade or longer of nothing but losing and aren't exactly known as winners as of late but thats changing.

It definitely looks like Green Bay might repeat as Super Bowl champions.


Another interesting stat is literally half of the teams in the league right now have a 2-1 record.

GB will not repeat. Write that down.

[conversationpc]

Former Pat, Tedy Bruschi, on yesterday's textbook PI call on Sergio Brown:

"Brown's back was to the ball and he wasn't looking to the ball. David Nelson did a good job showing the official that he was making an effort for the ball. The defensive back has to show the official he is making an effort for the ball, and not just shielding the receiver. If he had turned his head, it might have been different."

Again, turning one's head isn't playing the ball, and the WR still would have been shielded. So what would have been the call if Brown turned his head, but didn't raise his hands to try for the ball? If turning one's head is the difference between O, and D pass interference...that's a pretty lame rule, because if Brown turned his head and WR made a play on the ball - it would have been O PI. Lame call. Lame rule. Period.

Please explain, dan...what would the call have been if brown turned his head - but didn't raise his hands?

It was the right call. That being said, I hate the rule. Why shouldn't a defender be allowed to not play the ball if he doesn't want to? Why shouldn't he be allowed to defend his position the way he wants?

[Eric]

http://rikkerpowerrankings.blogspot.com ... -2011.html

[Enigma869]

http://rikkerpowerrankings.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-power-rankings-through-week-3-2011.html

I don't get these rankings, even a little. Detroit was my preseason pick as a playoff team this season and is a really good team, so I get that. That said, Buffalo, Oakland, and Dallas are absolutely, positively NOT top ten NFL teams. In fact, Buffalo probably won't make the playoffs. Yes, Buffalo beat the Patriots, but they also have wins against Oakland and Kansas City, so I'm not impressed. The Raiders may, just by virtue of being in a dog shit division with Denver and KC, but I still wouldn't bet on it. As for Romo looking "focused". Not sure where that anaylsis comes from. I watch a lot of NFL football, and while several QB's have stood out, he hasn't been one of them. You do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD last night, right? If anything, you should put their kicker in the top ten!

[Saint John]

http://rikkerpowerrankings.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-power-rankings-through-week-3-2011.html

I don't get these rankings, even a little. Detroit was my preseason pick as a playoff team this season and as a really good team, so I get that. That said, Buffalo, Oakland, and Dallas are absolutely, positively NOT top ten NFL teams. In fact, Buffalo probably won't make the playoffs. Yes, Buffalo beat the Patriots, but they also have wins against Oakland and Kansas City, so I'm not impressed. The Raiders may, just by virtue of being in a dog shit division with Denver and KC, but I still wouldn't bet on it. As for Romo looking "focused". Not sure where that anaylsis comes from. I watch a lot of NFL football, and while several QB's have stood out, he hasn't been one of them. You do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD last night, right? If anything, you should put their kicker in the top ten!

I agree with everything you said, but I think Oakland is starting to become a pretty good team. As for Detroit, anyone that saw Nick Fairley play in college realizes that his addition to the Detroit defense is going to be a scary matchup for opposing offenses! That team is young, blossoming and has loads of talent.

[Enigma869]

I agree with everything you said, but I think Oakland is starting to become a pretty good team. As for Detroit, anyone that saw Nick Fairley play in college realizes that his addition to the Detroit defense is going to be a scary matchup for opposing offenses! That team is young, blossoming and has loads of talent.

The key for Detroit is keeping Stafford on the field. I think the dude is a really good player and there isn't a receiver in the entire NFL who I would take over Calvin Johnson. Dude is a STUD receiver, and Detroit's defense is VERY formidable. I'm actually pulling for Detroit, because they've had way too many down years.

[mikemarrs]

Week 4
Sunday, Oct. 2

Saints at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Vikings at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Panthers at Bears 1:00 PM
Titans at Browns 1:00 PM
Steelers at Texans 1:00 PM
49ers at Eagles 1:00 PM
Redskins at Rams 1:00 PM
Bills at Bengals 1:00 PM
Lions at Cowboys 1:00 PM
Giants at Cardinals 4:05 PM
Falcons at Seahawks 4:05 PM
Broncos at Packers 4:15 PM
Patriots at Raiders 4:15 PM
Dolphins at Chargers 4:15 PM
Jets at Ravens 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 3
Colts at Buccaneers 8:30 PM

[Ehwmatt]

http://rikkerpowerrankings.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-power-rankings-through-week-3-2011.html

I don't get these rankings, even a little. Detroit was my preseason pick as a playoff team this season and as a really good team, so I get that. That said, Buffalo, Oakland, and Dallas are absolutely, positively NOT top ten NFL teams. In fact, Buffalo probably won't make the playoffs. Yes, Buffalo beat the Patriots, but they also have wins against Oakland and Kansas City, so I'm not impressed. The Raiders may, just by virtue of being in a dog shit division with Denver and KC, but I still wouldn't bet on it. As for Romo looking "focused". Not sure where that anaylsis comes from. I watch a lot of NFL football, and while several QB's have stood out, he hasn't been one of them. You do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD last night, right? If anything, you should put their kicker in the top ten!

I agree with everything you said, but I think Oakland is starting to become a pretty good team. As for Detroit, anyone that saw Nick Fairley play in college realizes that his addition to the Detroit defense is going to be a scary matchup for opposing offenses! That team is young, blossoming and has loads of talent.

Detroit is definitely an exciting team right now. If I were a fan of that team, I'd be thinking really positively about their future.

I also think Oakland is becoming a good team. I'm starting to see some mean streak and swagger in those guys. Campbell might not be amazing but he'll manage the game.

For all the talk about NFl now being a passer's league, you cannot convince me that by and large, the path to year-in, year-out consistent football is still running the ball and stopping the run. Oakland's running game is looking pretty good right now!

[mikemarrs]

Fear not, Colts fans: Help may be on the way at quarterback.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts are working out former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky and former Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle today and may sign one of them this week.

For the Colts, the need to add a quarterback is pressing because Kerry Collins may not be able to go on Monday night at Tampa Bay after having what is being described as “concussion-like symptoms.” If Collins is out, Curtis Painter would be the only quarterback available for Monday night.

But while the Colts don’t want to go into Monday night’s game with Painter as their only healthy quarterback, they also may need to ask themselves whether it really makes sense to have quarterbacks take up four places on the 53-man roster. The Colts have plenty of problems elsewhere and can use all the manpower they can get.

Peyton Manning is continuing to take up a roster spot even though it seems extremely unlikely that he will play this year.

Orlovsky would seem to be the better fit as a short-term stopgap while Collins recovers because he already knows the Colts’ offense, having spent training camp with the team.

Whether they sign Orlovsky or Croyle, either one would seem to fit right in with the 0-3 Colts: Orlovsky’s career record as a starter is 0-7, and Croyle’s career record as a starter is 0-10.

[conversationpc]

Fear not, Colts fans: Help may be on the way at quarterback.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts are working out former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky and former Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle today and may sign one of them this week.

For the Colts, the need to add a quarterback is pressing because Kerry Collins may not be able to go on Monday night at Tampa Bay after having what is being described as “concussion-like symptoms.” If Collins is out, Curtis Painter would be the only quarterback available for Monday night.

But while the Colts don’t want to go into Monday night’s game with Painter as their only healthy quarterback, they also may need to ask themselves whether it really makes sense to have quarterbacks take up four places on the 53-man roster. The Colts have plenty of problems elsewhere and can use all the manpower they can get.

Peyton Manning is continuing to take up a roster spot even though it seems extremely unlikely that he will play this year.

Orlovsky would seem to be the better fit as a short-term stopgap while Collins recovers because he already knows the Colts’ offense, having spent training camp with the team.

Whether they sign Orlovsky or Croyle, either one would seem to fit right in with the 0-3 Colts: Orlovsky’s career record as a starter is 0-7, and Croyle’s career record as a starter is 0-10.

Sounds like they may as well make the punter a backup QB.

[Eric]

http://rikkerpowerrankings.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-power-rankings-through-week-3-2011.html

I don't get these rankings, even a little. Detroit was my preseason pick as a playoff team this season and is a really good team, so I get that. That said, Buffalo, Oakland, and Dallas are absolutely, positively NOT top ten NFL teams. In fact, Buffalo probably won't make the playoffs. Yes, Buffalo beat the Patriots, but they also have wins against Oakland and Kansas City, so I'm not impressed. The Raiders may, just by virtue of being in a dog shit division with Denver and KC, but I still wouldn't bet on it. As for Romo looking "focused". Not sure where that anaylsis comes from. I watch a lot of NFL football, and while several QB's have stood out, he hasn't been one of them. You do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD last night, right? If anything, you should put their kicker in the top ten!

Oakland is a big nasty team that is strong on both lines. The west is theirs and they could make noise in the playoffs - especially with a team needing to travel west to play to them.

Buffalo is a top 10 team through week 3. And if you noticed by the lack of asterisk, I don't have them making the playoffs.

[Enigma869]

Oakland is a big nasty team that is strong on both lines. The west is theirs and they could make noise in the playoffs - especially with a team needing to travel west to play to them.

Buffalo is a top 10 team through week 3. And if you noticed by the lack of asterisk, I don't have them making the playoffs.

We'll agree to disagree. Oakland has a great running game, but no team with Jason Campbell as their QB is winning anything. I'm also not sold on the idea that the west is theirs. As bad as KC and Denver are, San Diego is a very good team with a MUCH better QB. I noticed how you glanced over your point about how great you seem to think Dallas and that fraud Romo are.

[YoungJRNY]

My top 10 through week 3. IMHO, it's the Green Bay Packers and everybody else. Best team in the AFC is still New England:

1. Green Bay Packers: In a league of their own at this point. Defense is still giving up yardage (In 2011's NFL, who ISN'T giving up yardage and points?) but they looked good against the Bears, a very hard team to beat in the North, as a rival, on the road.
----------------------------

2. New Orleans Saints: New Orleans made a game out of week 1's matchup against Green Bay and have been 2-0 since. They mounted a comeback from a big deficit against a good Houston team, even with Brees throwing a couple harsh interceptions.

3. New England Patriots: So they lost to the Bills. Still, Brady will probably never turn in a 4 interception performance for the rest of his career and New England had Buffalo by 21 at one point. The offense is fine, it's that defense that's the problem. They are still in good shape right now but owning a defense giving up the most yards in the league will be their downfall in January.

4. Detroit Lions: I had Detroit at # 5 last week, so they are slowly creeping up the rankings. Are there teams better? Maybe, but Sunday is a game they would have certainly lost a mere year or two ago. Stafford is healthy and he loves playing catch with Calvin Johnson. Their defense can take them to a Wild Card birth.

5. Baltimore Ravens: Good teams respond when getting beat. Baltimore did just that so this could spark Baltimore into some kind of winning streak. Nice matchup next week vs New York Jets.

6. Buffalo Bills: Give credit where credits due. Buffalo is a top 10 team heading into week 4 and they believe in themselves to finish games (well, I should say come BACK to be in games, and then finish it off.) Buffalo actually played well last season but just could not hold onto any leads and eventually dropped the ball. This season, they are playing better but they can't win every week coming back from being down 21 in the hole.

7. Houston Texans: Great performance offensively against the Saints, in New Orleans. Unfortunately for Houston, they still can't get to the point at making a statement. They can beat anybody, but they just can't put together a complete game.

8. San Diego Chargers: Barely squeaked by Kansas City. If they don't start beating teams convincingly, they are in for yet another let down of a season.

9. New York Jets: Let one get away from them. They had a chance to tie Buffalo for the division lead but at 3-0 but all of a sudden, is staring 2-2 in the face with a tough matchup against Baltimore.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers: I can't believe I have Pittsburgh here. I thought they weren't a top 10 team after Sunday Night's game and how that pathetic offensive line played but the rest of the league doesn't look to be in that good of shape. I don't see teams like the Titans, Giants, Raiders or even Chicago or Atlanta better than Pittsburgh at the moment, so the Steelers tip toe across the line in the top 10 due to other teams looking equally like shit. Better fix the offensive line quick or this season will be a one and done type scenario.

Bubble: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans

[RedWingFan]

Oakland is a big nasty team that is strong on both lines. The west is theirs and they could make noise in the playoffs - especially with a team needing to travel west to play to them.

We'll agree to disagree. Oakland has a great running game, but no team with Jason Campbell as their QB is winning anything. I'm also not sold on the idea that the west is theirs. As bad as KC and Denver are, San Diego is a very good team with a MUCH better QB.

I think Campbell is a solid game manager. You have to take into account the receivers he's working with. They're all either very young or have very little experience because they're always hurt (see Chaz Shillens)

What worries me more about my Raiders is the young inexperienced secondary. That's their weak point.

[mikemarrs]

Can't wait for the Titans visit to the dawg pound to take on the Cleveland Browns next Sunday afternoon.Both teams are 2-1 and both are nearly identical in many categories so far.I think it will be one of those physical hard fought games where the best defense wins.I predict Titans win 14-13 in a one point victory.

[Ehwmatt]

Can't wait for the Titans visit to the dawg pound to take on the Cleveland Browns next Sunday afternoon.Both teams are 2-1 and both are nearly identical in many categories so far.I think it will be one of those physical hard fought games where the best defense wins.I predict Titans win 14-13 in a one point victory.

I will be in row 4 of the dawg pound watchin the game. I like our chances a lot better than I did before Britt went down. But you guys are playing surprisingly solid ball. I like it to be a close game too. Outcome will depend on whether CJ picks it up or not. You guys are the better team at this point, but not by much, and the Britt injury throws things outta whack.

I'm actually bummed about Britt - I wanted to see Joe Haden on him. Haden is looking to be the league's next lock down corner. Probably the most exciting thing about the Browns season so far.

[Eric]

I noticed how you glanced over your point about how great you seem to think Dallas and that fraud Romo are.

I think Dallas is a pube away from being 3-0. Romo has won 2 games coming from behind since he broke his rib. Gritty is probably a better word than focused. Neither the Niners nor the Skins are pushovers defensively.

[mikemarrs]

Can't wait for the Titans visit to the dawg pound to take on the Cleveland Browns next Sunday afternoon.Both teams are 2-1 and both are nearly identical in many categories so far.I think it will be one of those physical hard fought games where the best defense wins.I predict Titans win 14-13 in a one point victory.

I will be in row 4 of the dawg pound watchin the game. I like our chances a lot better than I did before Britt went down. But you guys are playing surprisingly solid ball. I like it to be a close game too. Outcome will depend on whether CJ picks it up or not. You guys are the better team at this point, but not by much, and the Britt injury throws things outta whack.

I'm actually bummed about Britt - I wanted to see Joe Haden on him. Haden is looking to be the league's next lock down corner. Probably the most exciting thing about the Browns season so far.

Definitely going to be a good one.We are bringing in receivers right now for tryouts so one will be signed soon.Losing Britt will definitely bring our offense down a notch.We have the best total defense in the league right now and also it looks like we are going to have to start running the ball better because the Titans are dead last in rushing.CJ is going to have to do something soon because 48 rushes for 96 yards is horrible.

[Enigma869]

Romo has won 2 games coming from behind since he broke his rib. Gritty is probably a better word than focused.

I'll say it again...you do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD the other night, right? I'll give Romo the respect when he actually earns it. The truth of the matter is the guy is WAY overhyped and gives away FAR more games than he ever wins, playing on a team with far more talent than what their win total usually is.

[conversationpc]

Romo has won 2 games coming from behind since he broke his rib. Gritty is probably a better word than focused.

I'll say it again...you do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD the other night, right? I'll give Romo the respect when he actually earns it. The truth of the matter is the guy is WAY overhyped and gives away FAR more games than he ever wins, playing on a team with far more talent than what their win total usually is.

I don't think he's way overhyped at all. He's a good, not great, quarterback but most of the talk I've ever heard about him, even before blowing the opener this year, was that he makes too many critical mistakes at inopportune times. I wouldn't call that overhyped, overrated, or whatever.

[Eric]

Romo has won 2 games coming from behind since he broke his rib. Gritty is probably a better word than focused.

I'll say it again...you do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD the other night, right? I'll give Romo the respect when he actually earns it. The truth of the matter is the guy is WAY overhyped and gives away FAR more games than he ever wins, playing on a team with far more talent than what their win total usually is.

I don't think he's way overhyped at all. He's a good, not great, quarterback but most of the talk I've ever heard about him, even before blowing the opener this year, was that he makes too many critical mistakes at inopportune times. I wouldn't call that overhyped, overrated, or whatever.

Yeah...I've been more than likely to call him a choke than anything over the years. I'm just giving the guy some credit for gutting out a couple W's with a busted rib, no Austin and a young offense overall.

[Rick]

Romo has won 2 games coming from behind since he broke his rib. Gritty is probably a better word than focused.

I'll say it again...you do realize that the Cowgirls didn't score a single TD the other night, right? I'll give Romo the respect when he actually earns it. The truth of the matter is the guy is WAY overhyped and gives away FAR more games than he ever wins, playing on a team with far more talent than what their win total usually is.

I don't think he's way overhyped at all. He's a good, not great, quarterback but most of the talk I've ever heard about him, even before blowing the opener this year, was that he makes too many critical mistakes at inopportune times. I wouldn't call that overhyped, overrated, or whatever.

Yeah...I've been more than likely to call him a choke than anything over the years. I'm just giving the guy some credit for gutting out a couple W's with a busted rib, no Austin and a young offense overall.

I think if you put Romo where Aikman was in the heyday, Romo would have been the better QB. Aikman had it all in respect to a great team around him. Romo doesn't. Not even close.

[YoungJRNY]

Romo isn't terrible. He can gash defense's in the league and has done so for quite some time. Just another excuse for people fawning over Fantasy Football numbers. When it comes down to it over the years, no matter how good Romo is playing in the game, he will always commit the back breaking interception, fumble or some kind of ill fated decision to not just put his team in a bad situation, but a fatality position. That's what separates the elite from the gamers and Romo, more times than not, is making that ugly decision that loses his team the game, esp in big ones.

[Rick]

Romo isn't terrible. He can gash defense's in the league and has done so for quite some time. Just another excuse for people fawning over Fantasy Football numbers. When it comes down to it over the years, no matter how good Romo is playing in the game, he will always commit the back breaking interception, fumble or some kind of ill fated decision to not just put his team in a bad situation, but a fatality position. That's what separates the elite from the gamers and Romo, more times than not, is making that ugly decision that loses his team the game, esp in big ones.

I say that if you put a good team around him, those mistakes disappear. I am of the thinking that if the seats keep selling, Jerry Jones doesn't give a flying fuck what the W/L record is. It's an abysmal time for Cowboys fans. Hey, we've got a good field goal kicker.

[mikemarrs]

Anyone think Painter can do a better job than Kerry Collins?

Painter will most likely start next Monday night against Tampa Bay

I definitely think they can do better with Painter.Collins is so horrible i was scratching my head trying to figure out why in the hell a team as good as Indy would even sign him.Oh and a stat for all of you.....

Kerry Collins is 4-18 in his last 22 starts.

[YoungJRNY]

ESPN's power rankings are identical to mine. Must be nice making a living giving your opinion on football and making millions. WTF

As far as Painter, I just don't see it. I learned that reputation is humongous to a football team and I played Tight End. Everytime a QB came into the huddle the whole team kind of feeds off the energy the QB brings to the team and Painter has had no opportunity to show anybody, especaally his teammates, what he can do. Mix that in with 0 reps within the first 2 team offense's and you have poor chemistry. Atleast with Collins in there, the team knew they were getting a veteran capable of atleast gaining a first down to move the chains and just manage the clock, in and out of the huddle, etc.

I don't feel bad one bit for Indianapolis. That is a very poor managed team the way they didn't have one body ready to step into the fire if their top dawg went down. No sympathy whatsoever. They are getting what they deserve.

[Ehwmatt]

.Collins is so horrible i was scratching my head trying to figure out why in the hell a team as good as Indy would even sign him.

Don't know anything about Painter, but the answer to your headscratcher is simple: Indy isn't a good team and probably hasn't been for the last few years. What a piss-poor organization. In basketball, you lose one player like LeBron (like my Cavs did), the decline is predictable and understandable. In football, you lose one player, even of Manning's stature, and the decline shouldn't be this steep.

[mikemarrs]

ESPN's power rankings are identical to mine. Must be nice making a living giving your opinion on football and making millions. WTF

As far as Painter, I just don't see it. I learned that reputation is humongous to a football team and I played Tight End. Everytime a QB came into the huddle the whole team kind of feeds off the energy the QB brings to the team and Painter has had no opportunity to show anybody, especaally his teammates, what he can do. Mix that in with 0 reps within the first 2 team offense's and you have poor chemistry. Atleast with Collins in there, the team knew they were getting a veteran capable of atleast gaining a first down to move the chains and just manage the clock, in and out of the huddle, etc.

I don't feel bad one bit for Indianapolis. That is a very poor managed team the way they didn't have one body ready to step into the fire if their top dawg went down. No sympathy whatsoever. They are getting what they deserve.

Painter is horrible.The thing thats really bad is Collins is even more horrible.

[mikemarrs]

.Collins is so horrible i was scratching my head trying to figure out why in the hell a team as good as Indy would even sign him.

Don't know anything about Painter, but the answer to your headscratcher is simple: Indy isn't a good team and probably hasn't been for the last few years. What a piss-poor organization. In basketball, you lose one player like LeBron (like my Cavs did), the decline is predictable and understandable. In football, you lose one player, even of Manning's stature, and the decline shouldn't be this steep.

With Manning Indy is pretty good.The team is set up on defense to blitz and attack and they are built to play like a team holding a lead which they usually do when Manning plays.I agree that if you take Manning away the Colts are bad.

The mistake Indy made is they depend way too much on Manning.If he is healthy they are 12-4 team without him they are 4-12.when he leaves they are going to suffer from it for quite a long time.
Basically they build whole team around Manning.

You are right the decline shouldn't be steep but that whole team is basically Peyton Manning because he is that good.He is the best quarterback i've ever seen and Brady is close behind.Peyton is like a damn robot almost when he is running plays and he could probably lead a team to victory with 18 seconds left in his sleep.


I'll make a comparison.Manning is to the Colts what Michael Jordan was to the Bulls.Take either away from team and team goes from being very good to flat out sucking.Remember how bad Chicago was when Jordan left in '93 then when he came back they were great again.