National Football League

[Oldermanish]

Hawks played well in the first half but got sloppy in the second with the penalties and run defense. Metcalf and Geno couldn't replicate their first half and the turnovers eventually came while Purdy looked frustrated but came good in the second half. Aiyuk dropped another certain TD. 49ers had a few too many guns for the Hawks.

What was hoped for happened in the first half. You can only shoot your foot so many times before the lack of toes makes you fall over.....

 

[SHAD0W93]

Jaguars lucky(unlucky) they aren’t down 35-0 from Herbert’s two end zone touchdown misses.

Good comeback for Jags. Completely outplayed the Chargers in the second half. You can’t lose after getting 5 turnovers.

 

[jmdirt]

I have to keep reminding myself that I didn't expect SEA to have an OK season, and they should only get better with their draft capitol and young player development, but it still hurts watching that loss today!

LAC fell victim to having a big lead too early. Even a 1-2% 'we got this' letdown will let other team back in the game (as long as they don't suffer a 10% 'we can't win' letdown). TL was two completely different players tonight (26 minutes of poo, and 34 minutes of pretty good). They need to call ATL...

That is serious determination by TL. Most young guys would have crumbled.

 

[movingtarget]

Good comeback for Jags. Completely outplayed the Chargers in the second half. You can’t lose after getting 5 turnovers.

I was score checking...........couldn't believe the turnaround.........

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Terrific coaching by Doug Pederson. Tony Dungy said a couple key things in that game. One was at half when he at least implied that Pederson had the same attitude he had when he coached a Colts team back from 21 half time points, and how that score at the end of the 1st half was a true jolt for the Jaguars. Also when Dungy said right when the 3rd quarter started that the first two drives were crucial. The Jags had to stop the Chargers (they did) and then score (they did). That was the crux of the game right there. All of a sudden it seemed within reach, with Jacksonville having the momentum. I was talking with a friend at half and wondered why the Jags didn't throw more outs and screens and less slants into coverage. Well, in the 3rd quarter, they did just that. I could have been their OC today.

Once again, not the best refereed game, but the close calls seemed to balance between the two teams.

Admire the way Purdy didn't let it get to him when Seattle was playing damn smart on defense in the first half. 49er defense stiffened up too. I think this game, the fact Seattle pushed them, will help them next week.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Supposedly, [Lance] put himself on the map & became a top draft pick solely on his phenomenal showing at ND State's pro day ...

The 49ers certainly fell in love with him. Gave up big draft capital to move up to the no. 3 overall pick two years ago. They gave Miami their 2021, 2022 and 2023 first-round choices, along with a third-round pick in the 2022 draft. Here's an article showing how that turned out (hint: great for Miami, a huge "what if?" for SF). Below is a graphic that's not exact, but at least gives quick perspective.

To Lance's credit, according to what I can find out, he's pretty modest, respectful of his teammates, who like him in return, and a good student. He's still under his rookie deal, which goes through 2024, and I see no way they trade him...yet. Even if Purdy wins the Super Bowl. Unless, a really nice offer comes their way. They are paying him $8m a year, which is high for what he's done, but only slightly high for his potential. Purdy is of course an absolute steal at $800k a year.

It doesn't take a genius to know Garappolo is gone as soon as the season ends. But I can easily see the 49ers holding onto both Lance and Purdy as long as they possibly can. Especially with the attrition rate in the league.

People out there have stats comparing Lance and Purdy, but to me it's impossible to do. Trey runs more. Trey has a stronger arm (to some degree), Purdy goes through progressions faster. Trey played games without Kittle, and when the team didn't have McCaffery. Purdy put up a string of wins without Samuel. It goes on and on.

Here's the (somewhat accurate) what if graphic:

 

[SHAD0W93]

I don’t know how Branden Staley can keep his job after the lead was blown and from missing the playoffs previously. Already there are rumors of Sean Payton coming to town which would be pretty great with Herbert and the offensive talent. I think during the offseason Herbert has to work on his throwing motion. While the side arm is great for some throws, he also had open receptions get batted down from throwing it side arm and he’s 6’6” so it isn’t like he’s on the smaller side. Those batted down balls while lot the only reason Chargers lost, they could have won by getting a touchdown instead of 3 and converting third downs.

 

[movingtarget]

Jaguars game was crazy. Williams not playing was big for the Chargers. Lawrence really bounced back in the second half. Chargers also missed a kick their kicker would usually get

As for the 49ers, its looks like a very active QB market in the off season with many teams needing a starter. Should be plenty of interest for Carr and Jimmy G as they won't be asking for top dollar like Lamar. No doubt Purdy has killed off another return for JG and simply on the financial numbers its a no brainer to keep the two younger QBs as Lance currently has little trade value and the 49ers have barely begun to develop him or try to, and JG should be offered better money elsewhere anyway with the way the market is looking.

 

[Potomac]

I was so bored by that game. I stoppped watching at 27 - 0

 

[movingtarget]

https://www.nfl.com/news/examining-where-all-five-head-coach-searches-stand-entering-super-wild-card-week

 

[jmdirt]

Terrific coaching by Doug Pederson. Tony Dungy said a couple key things in that game. One was at half when he at least implied that Pederson had the same attitude he had when he coached a Colts team back from 21 half time points, and how that score at the end of the 1st half was a true jolt for the Jaguars. Also when Dungy said right when the 3rd quarter started that the first two drives were crucial. The Jags had to stop the Chargers (they did) and then score (they did). That was the crux of the game right there. All of a sudden it seemed within reach, with Jacksonville having the momentum. I was talking with a friend at half and wondered why the Jags didn't throw more outs and screens and less slants into coverage. Well, in the 3rd quarter, they did just that. I could have been their OC today.

Once again, not the best refereed game, but the close calls seemed to balance between the two teams.

Admire the way Purdy didn't let it get to him when Seattle was playing damn smart on defense in the first half. 49er defense stiffened up too. I think this game, the fact Seattle pushed them, will help them next week.

I agree, yet another poorly officiated game. I disagree that it balanced out though. My in game count was 5 bad or missed calls that hurt JAX, 2 missed calls that hurt LAC.

I also have always really disliked the 'its the playoffs so things are called differently'. BS!

 

[jmdirt]

In Q3 when the Jags scored and went for two I was yelling at my TV "NO!" It was too early to do that. If they just kick for 1, a TD and a FG win it. It ended up not mattering because of the way the game unfolded but...

 

[Unchained]

In Q3 when the Jags scored and went for two I was yelling at my TV "NO!" It was too early to do that. If they just kick for 1, a TD and a FG win it. It ended up not mattering because of the way the game unfolded but...

Had to turn off the game w Herbert doing ok..running game ok..no missed kicks..4 easy interceptions from a Lawrence.. and woke up to discover that Chargers got doormated!!!

 

[Potomac]

I only just realized all three Florida teams are in the playoffs

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

MIA@BUF - Both games they played in the season were close. I think this will be too, but will take Buffalo at home.

NYG@MIN - I'm going go stick with the Vikings. They are streaky, lucky at times, but I think they'll put together a complete game at home. But the Giants won't roll over.

BAL@CIN - Bengals.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I don’t know how Branden Staley can keep his job...

Interesting that the players on the Chargers are admitting they blew it, they choked. Is that all on the coach? Does owner Dean Spanos think there's no way Staley can bounce back and lead the team? That this loss was a terminal mistake, something they could never learn or grow from? Maybe he does.

The reason Staley could get fired for certain though is if Spanos thinks they can get Sean Payton. There's one huge problem with this: They fire Staley, offer Payton a lot of money, and the Walton group offers Payton a lot more money, as they have like 20x as much to throw around, and Payton takes that job. Then what do the Chargers do?

 

[movingtarget]

Interesting that the players on the Chargers are admitting they blew it, they choked. Is that all on the coach? Does owner Dean Spanos think there's no way Staley can bounce back and lead the team? That this loss was a terminal mistake, something they could never learn or grow from? Maybe he does.

The reason Staley could get fired for certain though is if Spanos thinks they can get Sean Payton. There's one huge problem with this: They fire Staley, offer Payton a lot of money, and the Walton group offers Payton a lot more money, as they have like 20x as much to throw around, and Payton takes that job. Then what do the Chargers do?

Last I heard the Spanos family wanted to sell the team. I think Staley will get some more time.

 

[jmdirt]

RE: Staley: They aren't going to get Payton, and there is no one out there who is going to do better for them than Staley, IMO.

BUF vs MIA: entertaining, but strange.
-Waddles drop on the opening drive was the game, IMO. Crazy thing to say right? If he catches that, the young QB3 has a better game, plus BUF doesn't get the upper hand. To top it off he had another (hard contested) drop as did Hill. Both of them were also running lazy routes 1/3 of the time. Remember that at contract time.

NYG vs MIN: entertaining. Jones is good (I don't watch much NYG football...).

Bring on the night game!

 

[BullsFan22]

More playoff pain for the Chargers and Vikings.

Seahawks played exactly the way they should have in the first half, then came the strip, then the penalties and predictably, the loss. 49ers are good, but the Seahawks hung in there for 2 1/2 quarters and showed the potential they have but also the number of things they’ve struggled with the whole season and that they need to work on if they want to get to the next level next year. Curious to see how well they draft and what sort of trade moves they make.

 

[Nomad]

Jaguars game was crazy. Williams not playing was big for the Chargers. Lawrence really bounced back in the second half. Chargers also missed a kick their kicker would usually get

That missed chip-shot FG was costly. Incredible 2nd half by the Jags. That's what you want to see with a #1 OA QB. The ability of Lawrence to keep his composure & reorganize at halftime, come out make play after play in the 2nd half & find a way to win the game shows his maturity & development as an elite QB. And the TO & call by Peterson late in the 4th on a 4th & inches to go with a full-house backfield handing off to Etienne on the sweep for a big run putting the Jags in chip-shot FG range was absolutely brilliant!

Poor play by the Chargers in the 2nd half. Pathetic performance by Herbert - he couldn't compete crap in the 2nd half overthrowing/underthrowing receivers, panicking when the pocket broke down & playing like a rookie instead of a 3rd yr player. Lol. And what's up with Bosa? Two freaking unsportsmanlike conduct penalties cursing the ref on one & slamming his helmet down on the playing field on the other. And one of those was costly moving Jacksonville up to the one yard line on the 2 pt conversion where Lawrence just extended his long arm forward over the GL for the easy conversion.

Can the Jags take either KC or Buffalo in the divisional round? Don't know but I wouldn't automatically rule them out - this is one hot team playing with a lot of confidence.

 

[Nomad]

Interesting that the players on the Chargers are admitting they blew it, they choked. Is that all on the coach? Does owner Dean Spanos think there's no way Staley can bounce back and lead the team? That this loss was a terminal mistake, something they could never learn or grow from? Maybe he does.

The reason Staley could get fired for certain though is if Spanos thinks they can get Sean Payton. There's one huge problem with this: They fire Staley, offer Payton a lot of money, and the Walton group offers Payton a lot more money, as they have like 20x as much to throw around, and Payton takes that job. Then what do the Chargers do?

That's a turd operation over there. Lol. Staley is a loser - two years on job with a #6 OA drafted supposedly stud QB making the playoffs just once with a one & done loss. Lol. How can you be ahead 27 zip at halftime & end up losing the game? How are the players going to have any confidence in this loser next season?

And what's with all this Sean Payton hype? He's way overrated - Brees made him a winner at NO. Case in point: Brees' last yr at NO the team went 12-4 & playoffs. The following yr without Brees the team goes 9-8 & no playoffs. Lol. What happened here? If Payton was such a great coach - why couldn't he win with Winston at the helm. Perhaps he realized he couldn't win without Brees because he retired after that 9-8 season. Lol

So forget Payton - how about Eric Bieniemy? I hear he's interested in a HC job. He might good for Herbert - maybe he can straighten him out so he plays better in the 2nd half of games where they have a huge lead.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Last I heard the Spanos family wanted to sell the team. I think Staley will get some more time.

I think there was a lot of internal bickering between Dean Spanos, and the "minority" owning sisters as to what could best be done with daddy's trust money (as in, the Chargers). But I thought that sort of went away, with Dean agreeing to funnel a lot of money to them.

So forget Payton - how about Eric Bieniemy?

My understanding is that:

A) Teams that interviewed him in the past felt he didn't interview well, or have much of an overall plan. The long, long list of OCs who would peter principle as a HC (Norv Turner, Bill Callahan, Marty Mornhinweg, etc.).

B) He was hugely hyped 2+ years ago, then was completely out coached in the Super Bowl against Tampa by Todd Bowles (who may possibly be a brilliant DC, but average HC himself? Jury still out).

Is Bieniemy more suited now than he was 2 years ago? Or is it just that he has the best QB in the NFL he's coaching, and one of the best HCs in the NFL, who make him look great? You tell me.

 

[SHAD0W93]

I see a lot of people trying to say Bills and Bengals are frauds for having two close games, yet they played Dolphins and Ravens close both times and they’re division rivals. Those games are always crazy and close, especially if they meet 3 times.


I think Bucs will win tomorrow, even ignoring the stat that Bucs are the only team to beat the Cowboys on turf this year. I think overall they’re in the right mindset and getting healthy. Whether they can show up in SF Bay Area next week is another story.

 

[Oldermanish]

More playoff pain for the Chargers and Vikings.

Seahawks played exactly the way they should have in the first half, then came the strip, then the penalties and predictably, the loss. 49ers are good, but the Seahawks hung in there for 2 1/2 quarters and showed the potential they have but also the number of things they’ve struggled with the whole season and that they need to work on if they want to get to the next level next year. Curious to see how well they draft and what sort of trade moves they make.

SEA O line will get better just aging a year for the two rookies. Yes, TWO! How'd they get that far? Defensive rush is A #1 in my mind after mending the O-line.

 

[Oldermanish]

I see a lot of people trying to say Bills and Bengals are frauds for having two close games, yet they played Dolphins and Ravens close both times and they’re division rivals. Those games are always crazy and close, especially if they meet 3 times.


I think Bucs will win tomorrow, even ignoring the stat that Bucs are the only team to beat the Cowboys on turf this year. I think overall they’re in the right mindset and getting healthy. Whether they can show up in SF Bay Area next week is another story.

That 98 slow-motion takeaway play is my first choice for Run Play of the Year.