posted
Not to be confused with any Fantasy football stuff, I think there should be a place to discuss football in general without too much referring to how many points someone'll earn you next week.
For example...
I'm sick of TO. I caught a bit of "1st and 10" on ESPN the other day and I agree with the guy who said we should start calling him "TG" - for "That Guy (who we're sick of talking about)."
Another example...
How long will it take Kyle Orton to take over the starting (QB) job for the Bears and actually help them win a few games for once?
Or even...
Sticking with the NFC North, are the Vikings overrated? Can their offense produce enough points to win games without Randy Moss? And speaking of, how about those Raiders this year? Their WR lineup is rather stacked, I believe, and they should all put up very good numbers.
And so on and so forth...
Posts: 3932 | Registered: Sep 1999
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I also am sick of TO. He's a spoiled little boy who's never heard the word 'No'. His inability to communicate like a normal human being and him always, in his mind, being the victim will turn a fantastic football player into a guy no one wants on their team.
This is a guy who begged to play for the Eagles, even though they offered him less money than the Ravens. He promised Andy Reid that he'd been misrepresented in San Fran (he always thinks he's being misrepresented) and that he'd be a model citizen. He's the 3rd highest paid WR over the first 3 years of his contract. But he looks at this year like it's in a vacuum, and decides he's grossly underpaid.
Even if that were true - which it's not! - that's tough ****. You signed the contract, now honor it.
A player's only recourse if they don't like their contract is to hold out. If the team doesn't negotiate and is willing to play without them, then the player has no further bargaining chips. They have to go play, or they forfeit even more money. This is a fairly simple thing to grasp. But TO and his shark of an agent don't seem to realize this. They continue to go on TV and run their mouths, and every time they do this, TO's value drops a little more. Right now, he has two choices:
1) Shut up and play, or
2) Keep going and sit out the season.
If he picks option 2, he'll be 32 or 33 after the season, the Eagles'll cut him, and he won't get much in free agency because he's an aging, mouthy, injury prone wideout with a history of destroying locker rooms.
Kyle Orton, I predict, will get on the field in the first few games after Hutchinson does nothing (he doesn't do anything, that's the beauty of him). If he does an adequate or better job, he'll be starting by week 4.
I don't the Vikings are overrated by much. Their offense is still very good without Moss. Moss missed like 6 weeks last year with a bum hammy and they did fine.
Their defense won't be a good as people think it will be, simply because the new secondary is not as good as they think it is. Fred Smoot is soft, and can be beat deep. Darren Sharper is 3 years past his prime. When you want to spend money to upgrade your defense, don't pick up aging safeties and top tier cornerbacks (by far, corners are the worst value for your money in the NFL).
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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And yes, TO is a dork. For him or even anyone on NFL minimum to say anything about feeding the family. Ha!
Posts: 2845 | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
Your sick of TO? How about me, I live in Philly for goodness sake. If I see another news report of him doing push-ups, not signing fans autographs and crying because he has to "feed his family" I'll scream. Great players but I'm sick of it. He has one more chance. The fans already hate him. One more chance and he'll be gone. I don't know about any other topics this season because TO has taken over the ariways here Posts: 796 | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
Ummm. That's not just confined to Philly. He's on TV everywhere in America. This is preseason, and he's the biggest story in football for the past week.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Julius Jones, the Cowboys RB, is going to break out *BIG TIME*. The Cowboys have a shot at the playoffs if everything breaks right.
Posts: 201 | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
Here's another guy that's sick of T.O. It's sad when anybody with fame (celebrities, atheletes, whoever) start thinking that they are suddenly better human beings and have more rights than others based solely on the fact that they have a particular talent that has nothing more than entertainment value. T.O. needs to realize that everything he has in life is directly the result of our being easily entertained.
Anyway...I think the Vikings are going to be the biggest disappointment this year. The defense will take half a season to finally work together. The offense will be somewhat productive, but nothing great. The receivers will be a lot less impressive without Moss stretching the field. Bennett will probably get injured again and no one will effectively fill the spot of running back for an extended amount of time. Special teams will still suck. If they manage to back into the playoffs, they will be embarrassed by being thoroughly out-coached.
It's kind of a glass-half-empty perspective, but I've been disappointed by my Vikings for many years now. Just like my disappointment with the Twins and Wolves this year also. Posts: 1256 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
some of the boys back up RBs have been looking really good (as have the tight ends... ) so there might be a bit of a committee involved to keep "Juice" fresh...
They have an interesting looking team this year if they can fill right tackle and keep Glenn and Bledsoe healthy.
Ellis and Glover seem to be handling the transition to 3-4 about as well as can be expected... if their draft ends up as good IRL as it looks on paper...
I may actually start caring about football again...
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Personally, I'm happy to see TO on any team that's not my favorite. The Eagles got what they were warned of. But still, the guy either needs to shut up and play or take the Ricky Williams Memorial World Tour for a year.
I think the Vikings have been overrated for years and this year they'll perform about like always 8-8, or 9-7 or 7-9... same old, same old. Moss or no Moss, there's just something that doesn't mesh properly in that team. They've been kinda lucky that the NFC North has been a bit mushy over the past few years.
On Kyle Orton, I watched him play in the preseason game against the Dolphins and was really impressed. If he had a year as a backup, he could go in as one heck of a starter in his second year. Sadly, I'm betting Hutchinson lasts about two and a half games. I still feel sooo sorry for Grossman, though. Poor kid.
The Raiders will be last place in the AFC West. Collins has a strong arm and a modest amount of accuracy, but the Black and Silver defense didn't change from last year's group of turnstiles. And Randy Moss will be T.O.-level poison to the organization is my bet.
Posts: 2848 | Registered: Feb 2003
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The Cowboys have problems beyond just keeping people healthy. Their defense, so dominant two seasons ago and bad last season, has still proved nothing to me. Bledsoe's a cardboard cutout. Glenn's a prima donna with no wheels left. Getting this team to the playoffs would be a coaching miracle from Parcells, unless these draft picks all turn out to be absolute studs.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
This might not be the year to give up on them.
Kurt Warner is a shadow of what he was (and I thought he was overrated his MVP year), but I really like JJ Arrington, and the Cards have the best young wide receiver corps in the league (apologies to Detroit). I also like the defense - they're young and they hit.
Believe me, as a Saints fan I totally understand.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Bledsoe's a super bowl winning cardboard cut out though... with a good cast he's capable... it remains to be seen whether the line will work, but Keshawn, for all his bravado, is a talented possession receiver, as is Jason Witten. Glenn is past his prime, but still fast enough to be a deep threat and stretch a defense out as a good #2 receiver should.
Not saying they'll all work, but it *could*. Especially with talent and depth at RB.
As for defence, they are much improved at corner... the question is whether they have the depth/talent at linebacker to pull off the 3-4. They've got a bevvy of Defensive line talent, especially, again, if the draft is as strong as it looked.
Not saying they're gonna knock off the eagles, but I wouldn't wrtie them off just yet... and I'll bet you they have a better record than the cards this year El JT... care to choose terms?
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Okay, after an in-depth analysis of the schedules (by that I mean I went down and said, "Win, Loss, Loss, etc.") I have the Cowboys at 7-9 (although I think 8-8 is more realistic) and the Cards at 9-7 (playoffs?).
What terms do you suggest?
EDIT: Bledsoe's ring came as a backup (when he got benched for Brady). Jason Witten is a talented TE, but there's no more overrated receiver in the league than Keyshawn Johnson.
Although I'm not sure Warner could beat Bledsoe in a footrace (timed with a sundial).
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I'm blaming any problems the Cards have this year on the fact they're terrified of playing next year in a stadium that looks like a flying saucer, a steel pillow, or a marshmellow that partially melted while being chromed.
And yes, I add my vote to the TO option of "Shut up and play."
EDIT: Proof! For a better illustration, watch the animation. RealPlayer Required.
Maybe I can deliver/pick up in person... Louisiana is between here and Dallas... and I'll be visiting from time to time...
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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Who, out of the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals will have a better regular season record.
The Stakes:
The Loser will buy the winner a dozen Krispy Kremes sometime between the end of the regular season and the Rapture.
In the event that the two teams finish with the same regular season record, it only seems fair that both Jim and JT consume 6 Krispy Kremes each.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I can't for the life of me pick the NFC. The AFC's top teams are pretty clearly defined - but I think my hometown NFC bias overshadows any rational thought. I can't believe some teams are good, mostly because I grew up hating them. Or their coach's son.
I'm from Green Bay. I hate the Vikings. I went to middle school (Vincent T. Lombardi Middle School, as a matter of fact) with Garrett Reid, Andy Reid's son - and he was a... well, he wasn't very nice (yes, I did actually know him, this isn't just rumour), so there goes any hope of thinking the Eagles good. I just... don't like any other NFC team well enough to think them worthy of my good opinion. Oh well. Posts: 3932 | Registered: Sep 1999
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posted
I just wish the Bears could figure out how to keep a starting QB healthy and functional for more than a single season. One of the time-out segues during the game against the Dolphins was a graphic showing the number of starting quarterbacks we've had... 15 in I think it was 10 years. The scary part is that I only recognized half the names... and I call myself a Bears fan???
Posts: 4515 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
No, I know exactly what you're saying, Goody. I don't call myself a Bears fan, but I do follow their trials and tribulations fairly closely. I recognized maybe 2/3 of the names on the list, but also only because I follow college ball rather closely.
Posts: 3932 | Registered: Sep 1999
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I like the Panthers to rebound this year, but they're in the toughest division. I also think the Falcons are a playoff team, but from the same division. The Eagles will still win at least 10 games, although I don't know what TO will do, and they have very little depth behind him.
Green Bay is suspect. I like the Vikes to take that division (although I'm not as high on them as most people). Detroit may finally break through as well, but I'll have to see it to believe it. Joey Harrington has had plenty of time, as far as I'm concerned.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
What about the Jaguars? Everyone seems to think this is Leftwich's year...
And who will he throw to? Will Jimmy Smith keep putting up big numbers? (He's on a different fantasy team of mine)
What about the Texans? Is this the year they WIN a few of those 3 point losses from last year? Will Domanick Davis get 2000 yds combined rushing and receiving? etc etc
Posts: 201 | Registered: Mar 2005
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quote:Originally posted by El JT de Spang: The Eagles will still win at least 10 games, although I don't know what TO will do, and they have very little depth behind him.
Little Depth? Sure, Pinkston is gone, but there's still Greg Lewis, Westbrook, LJ Smith, Reggie Brown. Sure, these guys aren't the best in the NFL(well, maybe westbrook is), but they can certainly get the job done. Reggie Brown is going to be awesome though, he was a huge pick up for the Eagles. Westbrook IS the Eagles' offense(well, and McNabb). The Eagles made it to the superbowl without TO, they didn't make it there without Westbrook.
My predictions: The NFC will be horrible like last year. The Eagles will make the superbowl. AFC is a tougher call. I think the Pat's are going to have an off year. The Chargers might do well. If the Steelers' offense is plays well they'll have a good shot at the superbowl.
I'm thinking it's gonna be an all PA superbowl.
Posts: 204 | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
NinjaBirdman: Two of the three starting wideouts from last year are gone. We know the deal with the one remaining.
Just naming WR's on the roster does not indicate depth. I like Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis, but they're both unproven, to say the least. Westbrook is a running back and LJ is a TE. That's why I say they have little depth at WR.
When your number 2 and 3 receivers have 17 catches between them in their professional careers, and Terrell Owens is your number 1, cross your fingers.
I still wouldn't be surprised if they make it 4 straight NFC championships, and I'll tell you what else - Ryan Moats is gonna be a big time player, maybe even this year.
EDIT: Jim-Me, this morning on espnradio, Mike Golic picked the Cards to win their division. Things are looking good.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
People have been picking the Cards to "break out and win the division" since they were still in St. Louis. I'll believe it when I see it.
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
I've gotta say, I really do like the Steelers, also. And Hines showed some real class, even with his holdout. It's a first rate organization and I'd like to see The Bus make it to the Super Bowl, carrying the team on his back in his quietly heroic manner.
But, I'm a Panthers fan through feast and famine. I just think this year will be the one for them.
Posts: 2848 | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote: I've gotta say, I really do like the Steelers, also. And Hines showed some real class, even with his holdout. It's a first rate organization and I'd like to see The Bus make it to the Super Bowl, carrying the team on his back in his quietly heroic manner.
Amen!
I really have come to love those guys. Hines did behave in a very professional, classy manner. I have to admit the earrings he wore on Monday night were a bit distracting. I could hardly focus anytime they pointed the camera his way.
Polamalu is ultra cool in my book as far as football players go. He practices barefoot and he never lifts more than 20 pounds. He's a soft-spoken, hard-hitting warrior.
Even though I'm in the heart of Panthers country, I can't get into them.
Posts: 3771 | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
I think it should be noted that last year was the first time the Eagles had a decent WR corps and they still made it to three previous NFC Championships. I mean they're starting recievers in 2003 were James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, not exactly the best WR tandem. What's really important is Westbrook is healthy and the defense is largely intact...
Posts: 796 | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
Westbrook is definitely the one guy (beside McNabb) they need healthy to get anything done. Which is why I like Moats. He's very similar, but a much more powerful runner than Westbrook.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Cowboys 1st team offense didn't look too good last night. I see Bledsoe still hasn't learned not to throw deep into coverage.
Either that, or the Seahawks are absolutely dominant, because they embarrassed the Dallas in the first quarter.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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on a technical note for the bet, are we gonna count the head to head result as a tie breaker, or are we just going by record?
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
very good.. so if they're both 7-8-1 because they tie each other, then we'll each buy each other 6 krispy kremes Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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Also, Patrick Crayton would seem to have solidified his lead at #3 receiver, and Pettiti wasn't mentioned until 4th quarter when he was on the bench (which is a good thing when you are trying to learn Right Offensive Tackle).
Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
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Hi Jim-Me!
