National Football League

[movingtarget]

I noticed that too. That shouldn't happen (in theory of course). NBC probably went with the lowest contract bidder for bandwidth.

Looked great today. Wiped the floor with a team with a supposed good defense and their own top picks. The team that has "the next Peyton Manning".

Curious what you think of Kyler Murray, Jamis Winston, Jeff George, Tim Couch, David Carr, Jamarcus Russell...

I honestly wasn't able to watch many games today, just some highlights. I did see the end of the Miami-Dallas game, and the Cowboys had every chance anyone could want to win that game, and couldn't do it. I'm not convinced Miami can win the Super Bowl, but I'm about convinced my early season prediction of the Cowboys losing in the playoffs (again) and Jerry Jones suffering some sort of medical episode (physical or mental) is looking ripe!

Rather ugly loss for Denver. Russ just way too inconsistent. Belicheck with this ragtag empty roster of mostly nobodies isn't as bad as their record.

There are some Raider fans who think their team can somehow beat KC. I honestly don't see it. Compete? Yes. They are playing very hard for Antonio Pierce, but KC needs to win, and they are simply a better team, at home. Raiders admittedly have some of the most idiotic fans. Many want Jon Gruden and Derek Carr back, or think if the team hires Jim Harbaugh and drafts JJ McCarthy, they will lead them to instant winning. Sure.

I think the Giants may be just what the Eagles needed at the right time: A competitive, but not very good team, and division rival, at home.

BAL@SF is basically the hype game of the year, and a potential Super Bowl preview. Can SF contain Lamar? Can the Ravens hold the SF offense in check?

Maybe if Kansas get a bad case of dropsy again and give away stupid penalties ? McKinnon to IR for the Chiefs while not a major blow is still a blow. He's been doing well and is more consistent than their other RBs who fumble a lot and tend to be a bit hit and miss lately.

What to make of Denver ?

Most people tend to think that the Ravens will be able to run on the 49ers. They have Hargrave back but Armstead is still out. They definitely have to tighten up the run defense and conversely many can't see the Ravens stopping Purdy and the YAC machine. 49ers also getting a lot of turnovers this season and Lamar can get the fumbles sometimes. Could go either way, a grind out game with good defense or a high scoring battle between the QBs. Both teams playing for top seed so it will be full on.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Dolphins also had every chance to blow out the Cowboys. Once they got out of the scripted drive the Cowboys struggled to move the ball besides a defense drop in coverage on their touchdown. I think they need to stop being cute with their short yardage runs and just run it up the middle. They’re converting less and less on those runs because it’s sniffed out. The oline also played really well with 4 starters out especially compared to the Titans game. Leading up for the 1 seed next week and the Ravens are always a frustrating crux for them. Though this game is in the right direction of Dolphins grinding a game out to win.

Lions and Browns at double digits wins while Patriots in their position, not many would have picked that before the year or even a couple years ago of this occurring. A lot of people are saying Lions will get bounced first round but they have that “dog in them”.

Broncos had their destiny in their hand and crapped the bed. It’ll be interesting their direction next year. Payton and Wilson don’t seem like they’re even cordial with the other. If Bill stays I wouldn’t be surprised in them keeping Zappe.

Raiders are weird in that they usually play better at KC vs when they’re home. They’re playing harder and Chiefs offense could get beat up from it but Chiefs are scheming better and their worst receiver is out. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a double digit or late comeback win from them. Now if, and it’s a big if, the Raiders play like last week, Chiefs are getting demolished.

 

[Sciatic]

Hawks are just not a very good team, especially on defense. But they have a few stellar players—particularly wide receivers who make big plays at the right moments. Hope that Geno’s overthrows in the 1st half were just rustiness for not playing for a few games.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Sean Payton looked like he was at a funeral at last night's presser. It's like whatever was cursing the Chargers has now inflicted the Broncos. I agree he and Wilson seem like completely different people. I have to wonder if Russ' "find happiness in every moment!" Tony Robbins-like mindset has run thin on Payton who is more of a perfectionist, OCD even.

Last night's game was even worse for Denver than on the surface. The Patriots were starting a backup QB in Zappe, who many people barely know who he is. They were missing their best RB, missing their starting TE, missing 2 starting receivers, missing their starting LT, LG. On D were missing 2 starting CBs and their starting safety, 2 LBs and 1 DE were questionable for the game and playing hurt, often platooned in and out of the game. They also had two more DBs injured in the game. As the game went on, the Patriots were down to third string players almost across the board. Denver looked good on their next to last drive, but the next drive they absolutely just needed, Russ and the offense seemed to have no urgency and flatlined, against a terribly depleted defense on a weak team. They simply had to have this game, it was at home, and they couldn't get it done. Just an inexplicable, horrible loss by Denver. Unreal.

Clips showing up on line of Russ getting sacked, and the entire OL just turning their backs on him. The viewer was saying or implying his OL was done with him, and he was done in Denver. But maybe the entire team has just about given up, period. This may sound crazy, but he's starting to remind me of Tim Tebow. Tim would look bad for 3 quarters, then make some magical plays, great drives, and then go totally flat or make a horrible mistake when it mattered most, but later have that happy smile on his face later, after all, life is wonderful. But it will be a financial disaster for them to cut Russ after the season. And I don't mean cash for the billionaire Walton-Penner group. It's a massive cap problem. Consider this:

On March 21 of next year his entire $37m 2024 salary is fully guaranteed. Circle that date.

Don't want to pay him that? Well, the dead-money hit the Broncos cap would have to absorb if they cut Wilson that early is staggering. The 2024 dead-cap hit alone is $85m. That's nearly 1/3rd their ENTIRE cap!!! Imagine fielding a team with 2/3rds what other teams have...

Cutting him after June 1st isn't much better. Not only would he get the $37m check, it would carry a $35.4m dead-cap hit in 2024, followed by $18.4m in 2025 and 2026, and $8.4, in 2027. Russ is signed through 2028, if you can believe that.

Even if they look at him and rationalize because he's playing better under Payton than he was under Hackett it would take some extremely rosy glasses to think he's the guy for their future, at that amount of money. And if ownership hasn't give up on him, and Russ and Sean actually get along way better than it appears, the rest of the team, specifically the OL who is paid to protect him, may be forcing their hand.

 

[movingtarget]

Sean Payton looked like he was at a funeral at last night's presser. It's like whatever was cursing the Chargers has now inflicted the Broncos. I agree he and Wilson seem like completely different people. I have to wonder if Russ' "find happiness in every moment!" Tony Robbins-like mindset has run thin on Payton who is more of a perfectionist, OCD even.

Last night's game was even worse for Denver than on the surface. The Patriots were starting a backup QB in Zappe, who many people barely know who he is. They were missing their best RB, missing their starting TE, missing 2 starting receivers, missing their starting LT, LG. On D were missing 2 starting CBs and their starting safety, 2 LBs and 1 DE were questionable for the game and playing hurt, often platooned in and out of the game. They also had two more DBs injured in the game. As the game went on, the Patriots were down to third string players almost across the board. Denver looked good on their next to last drive, but the next drive they absolutely just needed, Russ and the offense seemed to have no urgency and flatlined, against a terribly depleted defense on a weak team. They simply had to have this game, it was at home, and they couldn't get it done. Just an inexplicable, horrible loss by Denver. Unreal.

Clips showing up on line of Russ getting sacked, and the entire OL just turning their backs on him. The viewer was saying or implying his OL was done with him, and he was done in Denver. But maybe the entire team has just about given up, period. This may sound crazy, but he's starting to remind me of Tim Tebow. Tim would look bad for 3 quarters, then make some magical plays, great drives, and then go totally flat or make a horrible mistake when it mattered most, but later have that happy smile on his face later, after all, life is wonderful. But it will be a financial disaster for them to cut Russ after the season. And I don't mean cash for the billionaire Walton-Penner group. It's a massive cap problem. Consider this:

On March 21 of next year his entire $37m 2024 salary is fully guaranteed. Circle that date.

Don't want to pay him that? Well, the dead-money hit the Broncos cap would have to absorb if they cut Wilson that early is staggering. The 2024 dead-cap hit alone is $85m. That's nearly 1/3rd their ENTIRE cap!!! Imagine fielding a team with 2/3rds what other teams have...

Cutting him after June 1st isn't much better. Not only would he get the $37m check, it would carry a $35.4m dead-cap hit in 2024, followed by $18.4m in 2025 and 2026, and $8.4, in 2027. Russ is signed through 2028, if you can believe that.

Even if they look at him and rationalize because he's playing better under Payton than he was under Hackett it would take some extremely rosy glasses to think he's the guy for their future, at that amount of money. And if ownership hasn't give up on him, and Russ and Sean actually get along way better than it appears, the rest of the team, specifically the OL who is paid to protect him, may be forcing their hand.

As bad as the Watson contract was and they haven't seen near the value so far and probably never will, the Wilson contract is horrific. Not sure what they were thinking apart from being tired of looking for a franchise QB but his last two seasons at the Hawks should have rung alarm bells. There was a clear drop off in effective QB play and I'm not sure if he was currently still with the Hawks, he'd be any better than Geno. The real winners were the Hawks in the long run, enabling them to rebuild for the future which is still a work in progress.

 

[movingtarget]

What a sloppy performance by the Chiefs. The gifted 14 early points was all the encouragement the Raiders needed.

 

[Nomad]

Sloppy? Lol. The Chiefs imploded right before our eyes! No running game (83 total yds with 53 of those coming on Mahomes scrambles). Pacheco gets kneed in the head after his helmet falls off & leaves the game for a concussion. Receivers are running the wrong routes. Mahomes throws a stupid pick flat footed "flicking" the ball right to the DB near the sideline. Lol. Mahomes takes off on a couple of nice runs but doesn't slide and goes head on with the defenders. Mahomes loses his temper chewing out his OL after giving them all custom golf carts for Christmas. Lol. Reid shoulder shoves Kelcy pretty hard on the sideline because it appeared when Kelce slammed his helmet down in frustration it hit Reid (?)

That being said, helluva win for the Raiders! No Josh Jacobs & the running attack was outstanding with White pounding out 145 yds! O'Connell looked impressive for a 4th rd rookie not making any mistakes & keeping his head in the game. The team looked very well prepared & gut punched the Chiefs.

And what an emotional scene there at the end with Antonio Pierce. He could barely hold the tears back & said the motivating statement all week long in preparation for the game was "Enough is enough." If Davis doesn't offer him the HC job - he's a total idiot!

I got it wrong about the Chiefs. They're in so much disarray it's not even funny. The way they're are currently playing, they wouldn't advanced past the 1st rd of the playoffs!

I guess all good things must come to an end.
 

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZXGkVAh7oaA?si=YIxfHC7phdEsAYod

 

[Nomad]

Broncos had their destiny in their hand and crapped the bed. It’ll be interesting their direction next year. Payton and Wilson don’t seem like they’re even cordial with the other. If Bill stays I wouldn’t be surprised in them keeping Zappe.

Well said. Didn't see any of the game though. With that loss, the ESPN computer is saying the Broncos now have only a "5%"  chance of making the playoffs. Lol

Typical no running game - 83 total yards with 20 of those from Wilson on scrambles. Williams continues to disappoint with only 24 yds on 11 carries. Not what you'd expect from a high 2nd rd pick. The kickoff return fumble by Mims was catastrophic.

I have no idea how the Broncos lost this game. At home on prime time against a lousy Patriot team with everything to play for & they lay an egg. Lol.

The only thing I can think of is the team is not as good as their record would indicate. They were hammered on the road at Detroit, one of the best teams in the NFC. They lost to an above-average Houston team on the road. And the big wins against the Chiefs & Bills don't look all that impressive now as these two teams are not what they were last season.

The Broncos will end up going 9-8 or 8-9 --- a coin flip with this most unpredictable team.

 

[movingtarget]

Ravens played well. 49ers imploded in the second half. Five turnovers, Purdy was off his game. 49ers gave up the run too early as CMC was testing the Ravens defense. Bad team performance by the 49ers , once again the run defense was mediocre. Outplayed and outcoached. Back to the drawing board.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Back on track for the Eagles and they get helped out with the Cowboys and Niners loss though they need Niners to lose another one.

Chiefs got completely bullied by the Raiders defense and while their own defense played extremely well, it finally got run into the ground at the end. Chiefs don’t have anyone that scared you besides Kelce and if he and Mahomes aren’t playing their best they’re not going to win and now they’re both openly showing their frustration. Other defenses don’t care when Chiefs motion at all because they know the receivers aren’t a threat. Crosby found out the hard way that there’s holding on every play. I felt bad for Pacheco not only getting that concussion but the table giving out from under him too.


Barring a meltdown next week Ravens should lock up the one seed over the Dolphins due to Fins being unable to keep up with the physicality. Niners have to be happy there isn’t really a team like the Ravens in the NFC.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Agree completely on the 49ers. I saw the exact same thing. As soon as they got behind they relied on Purdy to carry them with passes over the middle, all but gave up on the run, and it bit them, bad. Tipped passes resulting in interceptions were only part of it. They were indeed outcoached, outplayed. Great win for the Ravens. They have beaten some very good teams this year and deserve all the praise given them. I'm not sure who is going to go into Baltimore and beat them leading to the Super Bowl.

That being said, helluva win for the Raiders! No Josh Jacobs & the running attack was outstanding with White pounding out 145 yds! O'Connell looked impressive for a 4th rd rookie not making any mistakes & keeping his head in the game. The team looked very well prepared & gut punched the Chiefs.

And what an emotional scene there at the end with Antonio Pierce. He could barely hold the tears back & said the motivating statement all week long in preparation for the game was "Enough is enough." If Davis doesn't offer him the HC job - he's a total idiot!

Gut punch is right. This was the best Raider win in some time, and the first time the Raiders have actually looked like The Raiders, in years. The way Jack Jones took that pick-6, held it out in front of a kid wearing a Chiefs hat, then pulled it back was a total, classic old-school Raiders move. I agree 100% if Mark Davis doesn't hire Antonio Pierce he is a total idiot. I mean, who else could he possibly get? And while you could name some names (Belicheck, Harbaugh) would anyone, and I mean anyone on the planet, be a better coach for this team than Pierce? The plug from Michael Strahan during the later game was also nice, saying Pierce was the most intelligent player on that NY Giant championship team. I think the fact that Pierce is also seeking sage advice from everyone from Tom Couglin to Marvin Lewis to Adam Gase, and a few others is also very telling.

KC does indeed have some problems. The weight of a championship can do that. But other issues than just receivers. Their OL was spotty at times, and their run blocking was weak. Granted, the Raiders strength is D. But still. KC needs to find another gear. Right now it looks like if the had to host Cleveland, or even Buffalo in the WC round, they might even lose at home. And going into Baltimore or Miami will be an incredible hurdle.

There are Raider fans who are still not happy after this win, and you guys are lucky you don't follow the team elsewhere. LOL. You should hear some of the idiotic claims. "We need a new QB." is the most common. Even though Aiden played quite smart, some balls were dropped, and he lead the team to a win. But also blaming Bo Hardagee, the OC. Then saying stupid things like if the Raiders still had Carr they would have put up 50 points. Or if the team hires Harbaugh and Pierce goes back to being linebackers coach... (as if Pierce would accept this humiliation. The players would also revolt!), or if Harbaugh were the coach and JJ McCarthy or Michael Penix were the QB they would have scored 40 points. Or the team needs a QB who can run like Justin Fields... etc. These idiots must not follow football or they would have realized the Dolphins, Bills, and Jaguars had a very hard time moving the ball on the KC defense as well.

Nice win for the Eagles. Bouncing back like I suspected they might.

 

[movingtarget]

Agree completely on the 49ers. I saw the exact same thing. As soon as they got behind they relied on Purdy to carry them with passes over the middle, all but gave up on the run, and it bit them, bad. Tipped passes resulting in interceptions were only part of it. They were indeed outcoached, outplayed. Great win for the Ravens. They have beaten some very good teams this year and deserve all the praise given them. I'm not sure who is going to go into Baltimore and beat them leading to the Super Bowl.

Gut punch is right. This was the best Raider win in some time, and the first time the Raiders have actually looked like The Raiders, in years. The way Jack Jones took that pick-6, held it out in front of a kid wearing a Chiefs hat, then pulled it back was a total, classic old-school Raiders move. I agree 100% if Mark Davis doesn't hire Antonio Pierce he is a total idiot. I mean, who else could he possibly get? And while you could name some names (Belicheck, Harbaugh) would anyone, and I mean anyone on the planet, be a better coach for this team than Pierce? The plug from Michael Strahan during the later game was also nice, saying Pierce was the most intelligent player on that NY Giant championship team. I think the fact that Pierce is also seeking sage advice from everyone from Tom Couglin to Marvin Lewis to Adam Gase, and a few others is also very telling.

KC does indeed have some problems. The weight of a championship can do that. But other issues than just receivers. Their OL was spotty at times, and their run blocking was weak. Granted, the Raiders strength is D. But still. KC needs to find another gear. Right now it looks like if the had to host Cleveland, or even Buffalo in the WC round, they might even lose at home. And going into Baltimore or Miami will be an incredible hurdle.

There are Raider fans who are still not happy after this win, and you guys are lucky you don't follow the team elsewhere. LOL. You should hear some of the idiotic claims. "We need a new QB." is the most common. Even though Aiden played quite smart, some balls were dropped, and he lead the team to a win. But also blaming Bo Hardagee, the OC. Then saying stupid things like if the Raiders still had Carr they would have put up 50 points. Or if the team hires Harbaugh and Pierce goes back to being linebackers coach... (as if Pierce would accept this humiliation. The players would also revolt!), or if Harbaugh were the coach and JJ McCarthy or Michael Penix were the QB they would have scored 40 points. Or the team needs a QB who can run like Justin Fields... etc. These idiots must not follow football or they would have realized the Dolphins, Bills, and Jaguars had a very hard time moving the ball on the KC defense as well.

Nice win for the Eagles. Bouncing back like I suspected they might.

Can't believe some Raiders fans were not happy about that win. Kansas fans should be the ones worried.

 

[Nomad]

I felt bad for Pacheco not only getting that concussion but the table giving out from under him too.

What was going on with Pacheco losing his helmet twice in the game? Not securing it properly? The second time it happened is when he was accidentally kneed by his own teammate at the end of the play. Now he's in the concussion protocol after just coming back from the shoulder injury. Totally bizarre the examine table collapses under him - the guy can't catch a break.

View: https://youtu.be/ebFRBhm6wF8?si=HR5FEQIW11SbzC9h

 

[Unchained]

First things first Pacheco situation is just ridiculous, poor coaching!! When a player routinely loses his helmet because he is accommodating a hair style absolutely uncalled for!! The equipment managers for the team have repair and replacements for everything, this is an all season problem with his helmet coming off, often multiple times per game. They have analysts for everything, engineering the game in every way but especially the helmet and head injury issues. Not being able to keep the helmet on his head, in my book is a job loss for someone.
If the NFL doesn't see this as some ugly phenomenon they are out of their heads, helmets coming off has to be solved,

Now that is out of the way, I am absolutely enjoying the end of season play out, Eagles coaching staff screaming at each other, over the top nervous that another game may slip away. Slip away is what Mahomes couldn't do, and slip must be the reason that Purdy had such a high completion rate to other team.
Still hate Raiders.
Rams surging
Lions solid.
Cowboys still good
Same with Dolphins
Ravens are solid
I for one won't mind if playoff football is an 10 or 11 wins I like not knowing who is going to win..
Good luck to Seahawks..?

 

[Nomad]

Curious what you think of Kyler Murray, Jamis Winston, Jeff George, Tim Couch, David Carr, Jamarcus Russell...

Are you kidding? Winston, George, Couch & Russell are hall of shame 1st rd busts - zero playoffs among all four! Lol.

We've talked about Murray before & the window is closing on him to turn around the team & make a SB run. In 4 complete seasons, and counting the 6 games he's played so far this season coming back from the ACL, he's a disappointing 27-35-1. And he's 0-1 in the lone playoff appearance he's had so far. This is no way near #1 OA superstar status that's expected of him.

Your hero Carr is already a bust & how he became the starter at NO is beyond me? (desperation I guess. Lol). In 9 seasons with the Raiders he was a disappointing 63-79 with only two winning seasons & 0-1 in one playoff appearance. Lol.

He was pick #36, round 2, in the 2014 draft - the 4th QB taken behind Bortles, Manziel & Bridgewater. Comparing to Favre - another near identical 2nd rd drafted QB (pick #33), who's career winning record was 186-112 (3×NFL MVP!) & 13-11 in the postseason with one SB victory.

So Carr couldn't get it done in 9 seasons with the Raiders, and the patience that Davis had holding on to him that long is unbelievable (I think his dad would have lost his patience with Carr & canned him a lot sooner than 9 seasons! Lol).

 

[Nomad]

Cowboys still good

Cowboys still good? LOL!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Your hero Carr is already a bust & how he became the starter at NO is beyond me? (desperation I guess. Lol). In 9 seasons with the Raiders he was a disappointing 63-79 with only two winning seasons & 0-1 in one playoff appearance. Lol.

My hero?!? WTF? That's what you're giving me for Christmas?! LOL!

Let's see, what did I say about Carr, let me dig up what I sad about my "hero"...

Ahhh, here we go.

(after a loss earlier this year).

Classic Derek Carr game. He threw some very nice passes, then didn't convert a few key times either just out of FG range or failed to convert 4th downs, spoiling drives. He also couldn't get his team into the red zone or end zone to keep them within reach. Then when the game was out of reach threw some nice passes to pad his stats and show up on highlight reels. Another season just missing out for him and his team. Another what if season. I saw this year after year after year for the Raiders. Same player, different jersey. Yet he, his agent, his family, his fans, got the Saints thinking he was worth a $150m contract. He's shown potential his entire career, and he forever will.

Another from a couple weeks ago:

The Saints are seeing the same Derek Carr that played for the Raiders for years. A very expensive guy who will tease you with some impressive throws, only to make just enough bad ones to kill drives, lose games, give you ulcers.

And another:

The Saints are paying Derek Carr $37m to be average, and Jamis Winston $10m to back him up and be average.

I'm not going to dig deeper into last season and find any number of those games. The Rams one was especially bad.

I will say this though, he's a nice guy. He's loyal, was loyal to the Raiders. While he shows too much emotion and has called out teammates, he's also had many more who have said he's a leader in the locker room. But he's just an average QB, period, who has convinced a lot of people he's one step, one game, one play from greatness. When he's not. Mark Davis was definitely one of those people. It took Dave Ziegler to get rid of Carr, and it may be one of the things that somehow cost Ziegler his job (that and hitching his pony to the Josh McDaniels as HC post). Carr was above average before he was hurt in successive seasons in 2016-2017. Maybe. But I'll be really surprised if he ever takes the Saints, or anyone else, deep into the playoffs. It's more likely he never wins a playoff game, or never even leads them to one.

 

[Nomad]

I always though you had a soft spot for Carr & was sorry to see him go? Lol

I would disagree - I think he's a below-average QB that is more suitable as a journeyman backup - if he so desires to keep playing. That 9 season record with only one playoff appearance is pathetic for the expectations that come with a high 2nd rd pick.

Someone like Andy Dalton would be more of an average QB, IMO. Also another high 2nd rd pick (#35), he has career record of 83-78-2, and 5 winning seasons in 9 at the Bengals, but a disastrous 0-4 playoff record. Another 2nd rd failure. However, he's still hanging around the league as a journeyman backup. Lol.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I always though you had a soft spot for Carr & was sorry to see him go? Lol

Ha! You're out of your mind! Maybe a "soft spot" as a person, and loyalist. But as a player? Yikes!

I would disagree - I think he's a below-average QB that is more suitable as a journeyman backup - if he so desires to keep playing. That 9 season record with only one playoff appearance is pathetic for the expectations that come with a high 2nd rd pick.

Someone like Andy Dalton would be more of an average QB, IMO.

Excellent analysis. You might be right. He's had some average seasons (pumped by stats to look better) but many below-average seasons, and plenty of below average games. If he hadn't been given so many chances by the Raiders (and now Saints) one could surmise he's probably closer in ability to Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Chase Daniel, Nick Mullens, etc. Toss Winston in there too. Though Winston is now in his proper place on a team. Solid back-up, good pay for a vet ($10m a year). Carr is robbing the Saints at $37m this year, and a $150m deal with most of it guaranteed. It was just madness that a team drafted him #1 overall (and Mariota just behind him at #2).

Edit. I actually think Nick Mullens is a good comparison to Carr, if one has seen enough of his games. Carr has just been given way, way more chances (and is older). Early in his career Nick made some impressive throws. He's had drives, quarters, even a few games early as a 49er where he was very quick going through progressions, and finding the open guy, looking every bit of a pro. Then, he'd get into scoring position and throw a bad pick, take a bad sack, fail to get the team into the end zone when it mattered. A game would be within reach, and he couldn't finish it. Or it would be out of reach and he'd make great throws that pad stats and make him look like a true NFL starter. Nick is still this way to this day for Minnesota. Also like Carr he's affable, impossible to truly dislike as a person. One can also argue that after Nick injured his throwing elbow (eventually getting the surgery Purdy got), he was never really the same, just like Carr after he first broke his leg, then transverse fracture in his back. One could easily say both guys went from having real potential, if average, to if one is honest being just below average. Except one guy is still a starter and making a heap of cash.

 

[movingtarget]

Ha! You're out of your mind! Maybe a "soft spot" as a person, and loyalist. But as a player? Yikes!

Excellent analysis. You might be right. He's had some average seasons (pumped by stats to look better) but many below-average seasons, and plenty of below average games. If he hadn't been given so many chances by the Raiders (and now Saints) one could surmise he's probably closer in ability to Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Chase Daniel, Nick Mullens, etc. Toss Winston in there too. Though Winston is now in his proper place on a team. Solid back-up, good pay for a vet ($10m a year). Carr is robbing the Saints at $37m this year, and a $150m deal with most of it guaranteed. It was just madness that a team drafted him #1 overall (and Mariota just behind him at #2).

Edit. I actually think Nick Mullens is a good comparison to Carr, if one has seen enough of his games. Carr has just been given way, way more chances (and is older). Early in his career Nick made some impressive throws. He's had drives, quarters, even a few games early as a 49er where he was very quick going through progressions, and finding the open guy, looking every bit of a pro. Then, he'd get into scoring position and throw a bad pick, take a bad sack, fail to get the team into the end zone when it mattered. A game would be within reach, and he couldn't finish it. Or it would be out of reach and he'd make great throws that pad stats and make him look like a true NFL starter. Nick is still this way to this day for Minnesota. Also like Carr he's affable, impossible to truly dislike as a person. One can also argue that after Nick injured his throwing elbow (eventually getting the surgery Purdy got), he was never really the same, just like Carr after he first broke his leg, then transverse fracture in his back. One could easily say both guys went from having real potential, if average, to if one is honest being just below average. Except one guy is still a starter and making a heap of cash.

Or as some 49ers fans used to call him...............Pick Mullens..............he actually broke rookie records for his first 8 or so games then he settled into his stereotypical play. latest game against the Lions, he threw for 411 yards ! Trouble is he had four intercepts............I thought 2016 was Carr's best season but he had the terrible bad luck to break his leg just before the playoffs scuttling the Raiders playoff hopes and stalling his own career. To me he's like Jimmy G with a better arm. Has a great long throw like Wilson used to have, maybe Jimmy is better with the slice and dice stuff on his good days.

 

[Nomad]

Vikings lose TE Hockenson to torn ACL, MCL

Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee during Sunday's game, according to coach Kevin O'Connell.

www.espn.com

Having an All-Pro season.

 

[Oldermanish]

Hawks are just not a very good team, especially on defense. But they have a few stellar players—particularly wide receivers who make big plays at the right moments. Hope that Geno’s overthrows in the 1st half were just rustiness for not playing for a few games.

It's been a tough season to watch. I disagree that they are not a very good team but your point on a few stellar players is super-valid. The defense has endured secondary injuries early and often so accommodating that triage strategy has had them lose games they shouldn't have. Many other teams are in the same boat and a 10+ win record may mean most of those teams are limping into the Wild card round.
Geno and his receivers need to come to some seriously simple rules; like running routes reliably. The last two games Metcalf seems to have recovered from injury and turned the bad part of his brain off to succeed. In those same games Tyler Lockett has been chasing some very poorly thrown timing-route passes. He can only do so much and, if he's not injured; they should go down field with him. That might loosen coverage enough that he isn't always ducking a season-ending hit or diving for an uncatchable sideline pass.
Also; be big boys and use your Big Boys. Seattle's tight ends have delivered all season and with a healthier O-line it's time to have Fant and Colby do their Kittle impressions.

 

[Unchained]

Cowboys still good? LOL!

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8xDSty_QtLA&pp=ygUOZGFsbGFzIGNvd2JveXM%3D

 

[Unchained]

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XOde-rLdthk

 

[Nomad]

View: https://youtu.be/eeEFm5GjGjg?si=4zQVkNQSL92TKMXn