National Football League

[Unchained]

As of midnight (PST), the closest thing to an official report from the NFL is he had a cardiac arrest of some sort. But there are doctors out there if not on regular TV, but social media going into detail. I think this doctor pretty much identified it. "Commotio Cortis". Watch this video here.
This orthopedic surgeon explains things fairly clearly too.

One doc on another link had a similar, but long winded conclusion. He did however point out concerns about hypoxia causing potential neurological damage, which is completely unknown at this point.

I'm not going to share any links, but there are some really disgusting people on social media saying this entire thing was staged by the NFL and is fake. What a sick world we live in.

I have seen very very little real time.. was watching the game when Lawrence Taylor broke the leg of Joe Thiesmand..not really the same and the other things that immediately came into my memory was Ray Mancini pacing and freaking out after Kim fell in the ring..as a young guy my family had a series of crazy events our neighbor who was a produce manager for a Phoenix area grocery store was arrested for being a cocaine trafficker and not soon after Len Bias collapsed and died and in a Nancy Reagan, just say no moment my parents said, see drugs are bad don't do drugs..
This was profoundly different watching in real time as a 24 year old stallion laying there getting CPR..pretty hard to process.. where I live cardiac events are pretty common with ATV,motorcycle, side by side people smash their chest against the machine, rocks,or something and go into cardiac arrest.. but seeing what looked pretty routine in an instant turn into anything but shocked everyone.
As far as mental illness and just something soulless about the human condition, some of the comments made by people are just horrible and the worst part about being alive. And over in Covid thread and touched on here..really really need to process what and who people are.. to make and state a conclusion as to cause before the young man's ambulance has even turned off it's engine, to spew that type of crazy ,all of us should know not to even let those type of poisonous fools into our community, life or head..until I read and saw some of the commentary I didn't see how things could be worse.. Man was I caught in a moment of being naive

 

[Nomad]

First Seattle and now Denver. The grumbling was quieter at the Seahawks...at first.

I think Seattle pulled a fast one on the Broncos - I think Carroll knew there was a problem. Lol

I was talking with a friend of mine at the gym last night on how disgusting this Bronco season has been with RW. Picked my many talking head "experts" to contend for the division title or at least make the playoffs as a WC. And here the beloved Broncos are at 4-12 at the bottom of the division with one game left that they'll more than likely lose. Their PF currently sits at a league low of 256!

Unbelievable when you consider RW played most of the season & was supposed put points on the board. And look at the fallout: A rookie HC is booted before the season even ended, internal strife amongst the players and a GM now being questioned as to his competency for putting this deal together in the first place.

This year's addition of the Denver Broncos are a laughingstock of the league.

 

[SHAD0W93]

https://www.nfl.com/_amp/nfl-announces-bills-bengals-game-will-not-be-resumed-this-week

So far doesn’t sound like the game or upcoming games will be set at a later date with no changes to week 18 schedule. If they don’t move playoffs back the question is how they go about this for seeding. Do the Bills forfeit or lose because score was 7-3, hardly fair. Is there a tie, which isn’t fair for either team. All it does is help the Chiefs with number 1 seeding. Also, how does this affect everyone in the NFL on a mental and emotional level. How many people present and future will this affect negatively.

All of that is minuscule to the health and life of Hamlin and we have to wish he recovers and has no lasting heath concerns with a speedy recovery. Above all giving support to his family in such an unexpected and devastating situation.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Going to try to stick to football here. Will comment on an updated on Hamlin when things progress. Don't want to mention Stockton or his ilk ever again, if I can help it.

One of the curiosities of last night's game is that it really puts KC in the driver's seat for HFA. All they have to do is beat the Raiders (in Vegas) and they get HFA (on Saturday). The Bills had a real chance if they could beat Cincinnati to keep HFA, but this "no contest" result changed everything. Having said that, I think there's a chance the Raiders can beat KC. Just a chance. This is basically their Super Bowl here. Should be entertaining.

Presuming Jacksonville beats Tennessee, they will win their devision, and host a playoff game riding a 5 game win streak, hosting probably the Chargers. Could be the Ravens.

Baltimore is already in, even if they lost to the Bengals. However, the following week, they'll have to go straight back into the den, and play them again. This creates an interesting problem for both teams. Which players do you rest? For Cincy, it's easier, pull starters early if worried. But for Baltimore, they badly need momentum. But have also been hurt.

In an oddity, the Lions need to not only beat GB, but they need Seattle to lose (at home, to the Rams) to get in. But the winner likely goes to SF.

Steelers need the Jets to beat Miami to get in. If Miami wins, they likely go back to Buffalo. If the Jets win, the Steelers likely go there too.

I think Carson Wentz may be finished in the NFL. This was the last year of his contract that had been tossed around. Some team could sign him to sit on the bench, and I believe the vet minimum at his point is $1.5m, which isn't much. But why would you if you were a team. Has he shown any team any reason to think he will lead them to anything? His next game may be in the USFL, or XFL(3), if he's even interested.

 

[SHAD0W93]

For the Chiefs I wonder when their strangle hold of the division will end and the other teams actually beat the chiefs when they’re playing at home instead of in Arrowhead. I thought Chiefs overall came a long way from last year even with their mistakes still popping up. I would say it’s a coin flip between Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals on who would win any given day.

 

[jmdirt]

Yes, sticking to football:

I have yelled at my TV for years about teams who 'defer'. If I have a good O, I'm taking the ball every time! Just like CIN did last night. I'm sure that someone can pull all of the analytics up, but the numbers will be irrelevant because so many teams defer.

If you've got a poor O, or a you're on QB3 it still doesn't make sense to give the other team the ball first, especially if they have a good O. Gambling for the two'fer isn't the way I would game plan. I'm sure that there are analytics on that too...

 

[SHAD0W93]

Yes, sticking to football:

I have yelled at my TV for years about teams who 'defer'. If I have a good O, I'm taking the ball every time! Just like CIN did last night. I'm sure that someone can pull all of the analytics up, but the numbers will be irrelevant because so many teams defer.

If you've got a poor O, or a you're on QB3 it still doesn't make sense to give the other team the ball first, especially if they have a good O. Gambling for the two'fer isn't the way I would game plan. I'm sure that there are analytics on that too...

I think the popularity of deferring came from NE deferring and doubling up scores, especially at away games when the crowd could not be as in it and how much adjustments they would make. I like both sides. Take the ball and march down the field to set a tone and score or potentially getting 6-16 points up/back on your opponent. If I was a run first team I think I’d want the ball first to score while dragging out the clock and start making it harder for the opponent. A team like Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, Eagles (with Hurst) or Niners I don’t think it matters if they defer or receiver.

I also think teams should try going for it on fourth and short or fake punting more, especially if they have nothing else to lose.

 

[Jumbo Visma Fan :)]

Going to try to stick to football here. Will comment on an updated on Hamlin when things progress. Don't want to mention Stockton or his ilk ever again, if I can help it.

One of the curiosities of last night's game is that it really puts KC in the driver's seat for HFA. All they have to do is beat the Raiders (in Vegas) and they get HFA (on Saturday). The Bills had a real chance if they could beat Cincinnati to keep HFA, but this "no contest" result changed everything. Having said that, I think there's a chance the Raiders can beat KC. Just a chance. This is basically their Super Bowl here. Should be entertaining.

Presuming Jacksonville beats Tennessee, they will win their devision, and host a playoff game riding a 5 game win streak, hosting probably the Chargers. Could be the Ravens.

Baltimore is already in, even if they lost to the Bengals. However, the following week, they'll have to go straight back into the den, and play them again. This creates an interesting problem for both teams. Which players do you rest? For Cincy, it's easier, pull starters early if worried. But for Baltimore, they badly need momentum. But have also been hurt.

In an oddity, the Lions need to not only beat GB, but they need Seattle to lose (at home, to the Rams) to get in. But the winner likely goes to SF.

Steelers need the Jets to beat Miami to get in. If Miami wins, they likely go back to Buffalo. If the Jets win, the Steelers likely go there too.

I think Carson Wentz may be finished in the NFL. This was the last year of his contract that had been tossed around. Some team could sign him to sit on the bench, and I believe the vet minimum at his point is $1.5m, which isn't much. But why would you if you were a team. Has he shown any team any reason to think he will lead them to anything? His next game may be in the USFL, or XFL(3), if he's even interested.

Now, I do think the Patriots likely won’t win, but right now they are the 7 seed. Assuming they are going to lose is dangerous, especially if the Bills aren’t in the best mental state from the tragic events that took place. So I wouldn’t rule out the Pats yet.

 

[jmdirt]

I think the popularity of deferring came from NE deferring and doubling up scores, especially at away games when the crowd could not be as in it and how much adjustments they would make. I like both sides. Take the ball and march down the field to set a tone and score or potentially getting 6-16 points up/back on your opponent. If I was a run first team I think I’d want the ball first to score while dragging out the clock and start making it harder for the opponent. A team like Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, Eagles (with Hurst) or Niners I don’t think it matters if they defer or receiver.

I also think teams should try going for it on fourth and short or fake punting more, especially if they have nothing else to lose.

I agree, NE wasn't the first to do it, but they were the first to do it every game.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

NFL said Hamlin improving. But still in ICU. Not sure what that means, I'm guessing stabile vital signs? Lower oxygen in his breathing? I'm no MD, just wild guessing.

I would say it’s a coin flip between Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals on who would win any given day.

I don't know how Monday's game will affect anyone. But it seemed to me the Bengals were the team who is the most dangerous, most consistent, and most focused at the right time. In fact, I can see them winning the Super Bowl this time.

The Bills have a load of talent and solid D, the Chiefs have Mahomes. So either could win it all. But I don't see them quite at Cincinnati's level. We may find out more as soon as Sunday.

Still unsure on the NFC. I probably like the 49ers. But are the really going to ride Purdy to the SB? Really? D gave up too much against the Raiders as well. I don't know what to think about the Eagles at this point. They almost look like one of those teams that pours it all out there in the first playoff game, then falls flat the following week (save this prediction!). I'm calling out the Vikings. Sorry. Dallas has been playing consistent, a bit under the radar, and pretty healthy.

I won't count New England out of much of anything, but Mac Jones has yet to really impress me with any consistency to think he can lead them to playoff wins. He teeters between being inspired, and pouty.

In a same way I think GB's winning is something I notice. But I don't see them really beating enough of the top NFC teams.

I like the coin flip analysis that if you have a good run game, and think you can get at least two first downs, and have a very good chance at at least getting a FG and chewing a few minutes off the clock, getting the ball first would be what I would do. Set the tone of the game, slow, grinding, tough, inches. While the other team's offense just sits there and waits. Then, if you can stop their offense (even if they get a quick score), their defense has to go right back out there and deal with your O again.

 

[SHAD0W93]

NFL said Hamlin improving. But still in ICU. Not sure what that means, I'm guessing stabile vital signs? Lower oxygen in his breathing? I'm no MD, just wild guessing.

I don't know how Monday's game will affect anyone. But it seemed to me the Bengals were the team who is the most dangerous, most consistent, and most focused at the right time. In fact, I can see them winning the Super Bowl this time.

The Bills have a load of talent and solid D, the Chiefs have Mahomes. So either could win it all. But I don't see them quite at Cincinnati's level. We may find out more as soon as Sunday.

Still unsure on the NFC. I probably like the 49ers. But are the really going to ride Purdy to the SB? Really? D gave up too much against the Raiders as well. I don't know what to think about the Eagles at this point. They almost look like one of those teams that pours it all out there in the first playoff game, then falls flat the following week (save this prediction!). I'm calling out the Vikings. Sorry. Dallas has been playing consistent, a bit under the radar, and pretty healthy.

I won't count New England out of much of anything, but Mac Jones has yet to really impress me with any consistency to think he can lead them to playoff wins. He teeters between being inspired, and pouty.

In a same way I think GB's winning is something I notice. But I don't see them really beating enough of the top NFC teams.

I like the coin flip analysis that if you have a good run game, and think you can get at least two first downs, and have a very good chance at at least getting a FG and chewing a few minutes off the clock, getting the ball first would be what I would do. Set the tone of the game, slow, grinding, tough, inches. While the other team's offense just sits there and waits. Then, if you can stop their offense (even if they get a quick score), their defense has to go right back out there and deal with your O again.

They’re weaning him off the oxygen and ventilator so he can be extubated and have the artificial airway removed to breath on his own. Either at room air or with the assistance of a noninvasive airway delivery device. The air we breathe is 21% Fio2, while he was receiving 100% Fio2 to now if everything is true 50%. So yes he is slowly getting better respiratory wise. After he is extubated then comes the other checks to see if anything is wrong and how he is doing. I’m sure he will still be in the hospital till Monday next week unless he starts improving drastically.

I think Bengals are the best team but we can’t say how the game would have went, especially since games have been crazy this year. All I know is it is unfair for all three potential seeds no matter what they decide to do. There was even talk of having a number randomized and whatever week that falls on the teams lose their win or loss that week. Or this even crazier talk of pushing everything back to have this game. Then there’s the rumor of if Bills win next week they get the 1 seed, Chiefs win and Bills lose they get it, and finally if Bengals win and the other two lose they get it. Either way, I think any of the three can go to the others stadium and win an away game in the AFCGG.

NFC is wide open and a case can be made for every team that potentially makes the playoffs to go all the way besides Giants, Lions, and Seahawks if they make it.

That is also true, kill a whole bunch of time while killing clock and tiring out the opponents defense. Many are quick to blame teams playing it safe causing them to lose defensively but it’s very hard for the defense to not get tired into the final of a game. Heck sometimes even in the beginning. I remember when Packers went to NE in 2018 and NE opened with the hurry up offense and Packers defense was completely unprepared for it and got gassed while dropping their mouth guards on the ground. That’s why it’s always crazy to me when coaches don’t take a timeout for their defense while leading late when they see they’re tired and need a breather.

 

[movingtarget]

Didn't realize Hamlin's sternum was broken by the impact. On TV it didn't look any worse than many tackles seen in every other game but I noticed on the replay that the ball runner really lowered his shoulder before impact but Hamlin bounced to his feet almost instantly. Just goes to show especially on kick returns that the speed of the runner is underestimated when it comes to the impact between the players. What might look normal in an NFL game or average, obviously still causes damage. The concussion hits with kick returners are the most glaring examples. Even the QB hits where the QB often isn't running at speed are more than enough in the head and neck area and sometimes even in the chest and midriff especially with the size difference between the QB's and some of the defenders.

 

[movingtarget]

The Chiefs seem to be struggling with the Bengals of late. I don't know how the Bills will respond in the playoffs now. Have a gut feeling that the Chiefs won't make it to the SB. Miami fell short, maybe the Chargers can do something.

As for the NFC. There seems to be plenty of scope for upsets in the first weekend of games but I would still be surprised to see the Buccs, Vikings,Giants, Hawks, Lions win more than one game. GB may have more scope to get on a roll if they win their first game. Even though the 49ers can be pushed and their secondary is a weakness at times, I think they will be hard to stop especially with Deebo and Mitchell returning and with the form CMC is in plus the defense even though the defense in the past two games took a dive but their offense responded well. If Purdy can replicate what he has been doing for the past month, the rest of the team has enough talent to make enough plays. It will be interesting to see how the defenses attack Purdy. He's had some luck but also showed resilience up till now.

 

[jmdirt]

Didn't realize Hamlin's sternum was broken by the impact. On TV it didn't look any worse than many tackles seen in every other game but I noticed on the replay that the ball runner really lowered his shoulder before impact but Hamlin bounced to his feet almost instantly. Just goes to show especially on kick returns that the speed of the runner is underestimated when it comes to the impact between the players. What might look normal in an NFL game or average, obviously still causes damage. The concussion hits with kick returners are the most glaring examples. Even the QB hits where the QB often isn't running at speed are more than enough in the head and neck area and sometimes even in the chest and midriff especially with the size difference between the QB's and some of the defenders.

I hadn't read that his sternum was broken. It is possible that the fracture happened during CPR. It also depends on what 'they' (whoever reported what your read) mean by sternum fracture.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good posts by all. When I look at every team heading into the playoffs, the Bengals still look the most consistent, ready to play deep all the way to the Super Bowl. I believe they have beaten KC a few times in a row now, including in KC.

But I simply can't just dismiss the Chiefs. I've watched several of their games now, and there's only so many times magician Mahomes can keep pulling the rabbit out of his hat. Yet, somehow he does. If the game is close late, and he has the ball, with Reid running that offense, they are capable of beating anyone.

As I said before, not just here but most of social media, not many people talking about the Cowboys, who have only lost a couple close games (not including the week 1 dumpster fire against Tampa). Yes, they lost to Jax recently, but they didn't look terrible that game, and their offense can put up a lot of points, and yards on the ground. Jax is going to win that division.

Using the ESPN playoff machine, I came up with this.

 

[Nomad]

Weiterleitungshinweis

www.google.com

You have to wonder if the Bills are even up to playing out the remainder of the season. If the Patriots game is postponed, how does the league make-up two games for the Bills? NE is in the hunt for a playoff spot & needs to play this weekend & Cincy is the hunt for the #1 seed & deserves to play that game against the Bills. The WC round of the playoffs starts in 10 days & the WCs & the seeding hasn't even been determined yet.

Who knows...maybe the Bills will forfeit this season which gives the Patriots the division & playoff spot but Cincy loses out on #1 seeding potential.

 

[jmdirt]

Good posts by all. When I look at every team heading into the playoffs, the Bengals still look the most consistent, ready to play deep all the way to the Super Bowl. I believe they have beaten KC a few times in a row now, including in KC.

But I simply can't just dismiss the Chiefs. I've watched several of their games now, and there's only so many times magician Mahomes can keep pulling the rabbit out of his hat. Yet, somehow he does. If the game is close late, and he has the ball, with Reid running that offense, they are capable of beating anyone.

As I said before, not just here but most of social media, not many people talking about the Cowboys, who have only lost a couple close games (not including the week 1 dumpster fire against Tampa). Yes, they lost to Jax recently, but they didn't look terrible that game, and their offense can put up a lot of points, and yards on the ground. Jax is going to win that division.

Using the ESPN playoff machine, I came up with this.

DAL and JAX are both tough. As I've said, KC looks bored in many of their games until they realize that they need to win. That may or may not work in the playoffs. I agree, CIN is tough all around. I know that MIN is the least liked god team in the NFL, but don't be shocked if they move through the playoffs. Obviously can't leave PHI out of the conversation (if Hurts is back and at least 98%), or BUF, BAL, SF, LAC, NYG, DET.. TB, GB? I'd love for SEA get in!

 

[jmdirt]

I just heard a talking head 'opine' that the BUF vs. CIN ended 7-3 so CIN gets a W and BUF a L. I don't really like that, but it is one 'option'.

 

[Nomad]

It's official - game cancelled & Cincy is crowned AFC North champions making Sunday's game against the Ravens meaningless:

Weiterleitungshinweis

www.google.com

Too bad for the Ravens as they hold the tie breaker against the Bengals (assuming a Bengals loss to the Bills, if the game were played, and a Ravens win over Cincy this Sunday - both clubs would finish 11-6).

NFL considering postponing Bills - Patriots game:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/nfl/patriots/.amp/news/new-england-patriots-week-18-reschedule-buffalo-bills-damar-hamlin-troy-vincent

With all the injuries to the QBs, and the devastating injury to Hamlin, this is turning out to be a season that will be remembered.

 

[movingtarget]

I hadn't read that his sternum was broken. It is possible that the fracture happened during CPR. It also depends on what 'they' (whoever reported what your read) mean by sternum fracture.

I think broken ribs are not uncommon with CPR especially with children. Not sure about sternum injuries. Can't remember what site I read about the sternum injury. But good to hear he has made some progress.

 

[movingtarget]

It's official - game cancelled & Cincy is crowned AFC North champions making Sunday's game against the Ravens meaningless:

Weiterleitungshinweis

www.google.com

Too bad for the Ravens as they hold the tie breaker against the Bengals (assuming a Bengals loss to the Bills, if the game were played, and a Ravens win over Cincy this Sunday - both clubs would finish 11-6).

NFL considering postponing Bills - Patriots game:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/nfl/patriots/.amp/news/new-england-patriots-week-18-reschedule-buffalo-bills-damar-hamlin-troy-vincent

With all the injuries to the QBs, and the devastating injury to Hamlin, this is turning out to be a season that will be remembered.

What a mess for the AFC teams. I always thought the the gap between the end of the season and the playoffs could be a week longer with more scope for replaying a weather effected game or whatever before the playoffs but even that would only work if the Bills and Bengals decided to replay the game which it seems they don't. But it was too late this season to change dates in the playoffs anyway, that would effect too many other things.

 

[Koronin]

Yes, sticking to football:

I have yelled at my TV for years about teams who 'defer'. If I have a good O, I'm taking the ball every time! Just like CIN did last night. I'm sure that someone can pull all of the analytics up, but the numbers will be irrelevant because so many teams defer.

If you've got a poor O, or a you're on QB3 it still doesn't make sense to give the other team the ball first, especially if they have a good O. Gambling for the two'fer isn't the way I would game plan. I'm sure that there are analytics on that too...

The big reason to defer (and the reason some college teams do it) is they have a much better defense than offense and/or their defense is the best in the league. We're talking defenses like the '70's Steelers or '85 Bears defenses.



Watched the press conference with the doctors taking care of the Bill's player Hamlin. Sounds like he is progressing and the signs so far are good.


As for how the NFL is going to figure out the playoffs with the AFC, I have no idea.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Bills' Damar Hamlin is speaking with team after breathing tube is removed, Buffalo says in major health update | Fox News

The Bills said Hamlin spoke to the team via FaceTime on Friday morning

www.foxnews.com

 

[Unchained]

Listened to an NPR story about Damar Hamlin..blew me away.. and they added at the end that his condition dramatically improved. I guess it's an old interview were he says that he will carry water bottles for the privilege to be in the NFL. 2 doctors on his medical team interviewed and are nothing but optimistic. And the tidbit that floored me.. The first thing he asked when he woke up " who won the game? "
too much parity in the league to see any clear favorite.. Sure I will go full lottery and ask for a few Chargers miracles.
And I don't know how much I put into momentum in the post season with teams winning or losing after securing a playoff spot of any sort..saw couple of things about possible Tom Terrific retirement.. again..
Really struggling to like Seattle.. Love the coach and chemistry, but Geno is part of a legacy that includes Mark Sanchez, were I spent thousands to see games and Smith and Sanchez could never get the Jets out of the catbox..I still enjoyed the experience but living in NYC and returning after Jets were normally crushed ,hard to forget.. but then again Brett Favre came to town did some ultra personal naked selfies and did nothing to help the team.. I still sort of like him despite himself..
Go Eagles!!

 

[SHAD0W93]

Listened to an NPR story about Damar Hamlin..blew me away.. and they added at the end that his condition dramatically improved.

At the end of the day he is still a top tier athlete and in far better shape than almost everyone who goes through the same thing he did. He would always recover fast, the worry was any neurological damage but it sounds like he’s fine and on the mend. Gets to fix up his sore throat from the intubation, potentially broken sternum and ribs from CPR, and see a cardiologist for awhile. I wonder if he will play professionally again if he is cleared or if this puts too much of a damper on himself and his family.

Crazy they’re canceling the game as this sets a precedent for future happenings that could change to the teams wanting to play if it affects seeding like this. There’s nothing the NFL can do that won’t screw one of the three over. But they have beat Chiefs in Arrowhead, they know it’s possible.