National Football League

[SHAD0W93]

Bills I somewhat get, because they were facing a ticking clock and Allen was somewhat moving the ball. Miami was never going to win that game. They had so many hurt players, and they were human popsicles before the first kickoff. The Ravens however have no excuse. They were never far behind, and had the top running offense in the NFL coming into the game. The team was way too cocky, and I think Harbaugh thought Lamar would make big throws and get them back in it, but he borderline choked. Actually, that last interception into triple coverage was a total botch. Few QBs in the NFL would have made that same mistake.

I'm still going to give KC credit in all three wins, especially the win over Baltimore. Solid play, zero mistakes, better coaching on both sides of the ball.

Keep in mind not only were the Raiders a run-first team, they also had a very stiff, very physical defense. Especially in the 2nd half of the season. They completely took on the personality of their coach. Very old-school Raiders, smash-mouth football. I don't see the 49ers playing the same type of game on defense, no matter what they try.

With about 14 mins left in the fourth quarter down 27-24, so a one score game with a touchdown giving you the lead; Bills ran the ball 4 times to passing 17 times not counting the fake punt, punt, and missed field goal. They stopped going in the heavy formations that were getting them their run yards and relying on Allen to throw. Dolphins certainly not unless their offense showed up and played well but they were figuring out how to stay warm. Ravens were just disappointing for them to run so little.

Niners can’t play that same type of game but they could kill the clock more with running through all of their packages.

Chiefs defense deserves a lot of credit for their elite play every game this season and keeping the team in it despite the offensive struggles. Offense deserves credit for not turning the ball over and converting on previous missed plays. Niners would have to score first and go up double to put more pressure on the Chiefs. If their offense starts getting pressured they could start making mistakes again and they won’t have the benefit of going against depleted defenses. Chiefs are going to live and die by their defense and they’re most likely going to win due to that.

 

[jmdirt]

A loser? Really? Jamarcus Russell was a loser. Cousins reminds me of Trent Green, Carson Palmer, Duante Culpepper. Great arms, make some impressive throws, wins a few games...never gets the team to, or far in the playoffs. Every year signs another big contract, and every year the same result. Good QB? Sure. Going to take you deep in the playoffs? Highly unlikely. Worth $35m a year? Of course not!

The oddity of Cousins is he fell in that draft, and who he fell to. Some people thought he would go as high as the 2nd round, but he fell to Washington in the 4th - the same year they drafted RG3. There he sat, played in a mix of games over the next couple years, before finally starting. And he's been the same QB ever since. Some Raiders fans want him, but I ask why? He's not too different than Aiden O'Connell. Except Aiden is 24, while Cousins is 35, and Aiden makes $1.1m a year.

Who is intimidated by Mike Vrabel? I wonder how these people feel about Dan Campbell, or Antonio Pierce? Two other big dudes, ex-players, with much more intense personalities!

Oh look, a sneak peak at next year's Madden for PS5!

Financially JR was a winner too!

Cousins played on some bad teams at WA so his record/win% is a tough read, but he has been a winner in MIN.

LVR should stick with Aiden O.

 

[Unchained]

LA Chargers News, Rumors, Draft, Free Agency and Fan Community - Bolt Beat

Find the latest LA Chargers news, rumors, free agency and draft updates, plus all things Justin Herbert brought to you by Bolt Beat

boltbeat.com

Just too much..

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

But what about the haircut?

Chargers fans are devastated after Justin Herbert unveils shocking haircut

In the last game of the 2023 season Chargers QB Justin Herbert unveiled a new haircut that fans were not happy with.

boltbeat.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

My metric for not being a loser is making it to the NFL...

That's a low bar! Then again, some parents set bars for their kids with standards like: Stay out of prison.

With about 14 mins left in the fourth quarter down 27-24, so a one score game with a touchdown giving you the lead; Bills ran the ball 4 times to passing 17 times not counting the fake punt, punt, and missed field goal. They stopped going in the heavy formations that were getting them their run yards and relying on Allen to throw.

Your memory (research) is better than mine. Upon reflection you are obviously right. I think I even commented on that after the game how they gave up on the run when it had kept them in the game, or ahead. What I mostly remember is Norwood missing the kick, I mean Bass (same guy, whatever).

Niners can’t play that same type of game but they could kill the clock more with running through all of their packages.

You are exactly right in all you wrote. They will greatly benefit if they can get ahead by 7, or more points, and hold that lead much of the game. They also will benefit if McCaffery runs until his tongue is dragging on the ground, but they also get Mitchell the ball more.

One thing the Raiders did was pound Zamir White for 145 yards against KC. But White is mostly a between the tackles north/south RB. The Raider OL also is much better in run blocking than pass blocking. That's another way they differ from SF. But the 49ers will have to find a way to do similar. They have very good receivers, and Purdy can make magic with his legs, and often finds guys open 10+ yards down field. However, KC covers that area of the field extremely well, and even Lamar's scrambling didn't impact KC.

I posted before about how the SF defense isn't like the Raiders. I don't think casual fans realize just how good the Raiders defense was late. Here's some numbers after Pierce took over as HC: The Raiders led the NFL in fewest points per game allowed (16), most defensive touchdowns (4) and fewest penalties (31) while tying for third in sacks (30).

Financially JR was a winner too!

Fleeced a senile Al Davis for $60m. Blew about $3m of that on cough syrup.

Cousins played on some bad teams at WA so his record/win% is a tough read, but he has been a winner in MIN.

Define "winner".

50-37-1 in Minnesota. But just 1-2 in the playoffs with them. I think some teams, teams used to a lot of losing seasons, might be satisfied with this. An owner looking to put butts in seats maybe too. But at $33m a season?

LVR should stick with Aiden O.

So many pundits saying the Raiders need to find a QB. But who? To me Justin Fields would be a disaster. He's a bust at this point. 10-28 career record, has I believe just two wins over winning teams. Kirk Cousins would be way too expensive. Tampa will re-sign Mayfield. Who else is out there? Tannehill? Brissett? Winston? Are those guys better than O'Connell? Will the Colts bail on Minshew? He might be a good sign at $5m or so. Is Jake Browning a serious option? Then there's all the fans and "experts" who are certain a guy who does good in college will do the same in the NFL, expecting Penix, McCarthey, Nix, Rattler to light up the NFL. But we've pointed out many times that's not the case.

People also forget Aiden was a rookie, tossed into action after an ineffective (and overpaid) Garappolo was benched. O'Connell had some up/down games, but he also threw 8 TDs without a pick in the Raiders final four games. And he's due just $1.2m next year. If I were GM I'd be sinking money into the OL. Raiders also need a DT.

 

[BullsFan22]

Can both team lose?

 

[Nomad]

Wow! Was I wrong I dismissed Cousins, checked his Wikipedia page and he is actually a good player.. above average. Hardly a loser..
Kinda like saying Trent Dilfer is a loser.. Record says otherwise..
My metric for not being a loser is making it to the NFL
Next parameter, multiple years in the league
And the widely accepted definition of success, playoffs, Super Bowl win or appearance

I'm talking strictly about Cousins' playoff record. In terms of making it in the NFL as a starter with a winning record, of course he's not a loser. I said before just to make an NFL roster, a QB is got to be very talented - they're the best of the best of the college QBs.

But isn't the objective of a professional sports team to win in postseason and eventually win a championship? Otherwise why play professional sports? A starting QB in the league makes great money - the top ones make a King's ransome. They're expected to not only win during the season but to make...and go deep in the playoffs giving the team a chance to contend for a championship.

In 8 full-seasons of starting (3 with Wash & 5 with Minn) Cousins took the teams to the playoffs only 4 times (1 with Wash & 3 with Minn) with a disappointing 1-3 record. And Wash wasn't sold on him as they didn't want to re-sign him to a long-term deal. Lol.

Recall the situation with Alex Smith at KC (#1 OA pick in 2005/SF). In 5 seasons with the Chiefs (2013-2017), he was an impressive 50-26 with 2 division titles. In the 2017 season he threw a career high in passing yards & led the league that year in QB rating! But here come the playoffs where everything went downhill: 1-4 was his record.

Smith was a loser in the playoffs & it cost him his job. Ownership had higher expectations. Consequnetly, the Chiefs traded the farm away to move up 17 spots in the 2017 draft to take Mahomes & the rest is history.

 

[movingtarget]

With about 14 mins left in the fourth quarter down 27-24, so a one score game with a touchdown giving you the lead; Bills ran the ball 4 times to passing 17 times not counting the fake punt, punt, and missed field goal. They stopped going in the heavy formations that were getting them their run yards and relying on Allen to throw. Dolphins certainly not unless their offense showed up and played well but they were figuring out how to stay warm. Ravens were just disappointing for them to run so little.

Niners can’t play that same type of game but they could kill the clock more with running through all of their packages.

Chiefs defense deserves a lot of credit for their elite play every game this season and keeping the team in it despite the offensive struggles. Offense deserves credit for not turning the ball over and converting on previous missed plays. Niners would have to score first and go up double to put more pressure on the Chiefs. If their offense starts getting pressured they could start making mistakes again and they won’t have the benefit of going against depleted defenses. Chiefs are going to live and die by their defense and they’re most likely going to win due to that.

Have a feeling that there will be some surprises in this game but the run defenses for both teams could decide it. Can the 49ers leaky defense limit Pacheco especially in the first half when they seem to be at their worst and can the Chiefs hold the 49ers over four quarters with their run game. Be very surprised if Shanahan didn't lean on the run more than usual. Also wondering how effective Deebo will be against the Chiefs defense. Many teams have struggled to stop him getting a t least a few big plays.

 

[Unchained]

Can both team lose?

Football has new priorities!!!

Where to Dine Like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in Las Vegas for Super Bowl Weekend

There’s a little game called the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11, but all anyone can talk about is America’s Couple

vegas.eater.com

 

[Nomad]

50-37-1 in Minnesota. But just 1-2 in the playoffs with them. I think some teams, teams used to a lot of losing seasons, might be satisfied with this. An owner looking to put butts in seats maybe too. But at $33m a season?

No...the Vikings are not satisfied with losing - even winning seasons where they make the playoffs! Zimmer coached 8 season there with an impressive record of 72-56 & a fair 2-3 playoff record including a championship appearance against Philly in 2017.

Not good enough & ownership canned Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman in 2021. The press release from ownership was they wanted "new leadership" to elevate the team so they can "consistently contend for championships." There's also wording in there about the loyal Viking fans "deserving" of a SB champion, etc.

Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman General Manager & Coach Changes

So, they hire O'Connell to turn it around & he blasts out of gates his first year with a 13-4 record & division title but choked in the first round of the playoffs. This past season he completely regresses to a losing 7-10 record, but of course, he's going to say he lost Cousins for half the season & the backups couldn't get the job done. Lol.

O'Connell's job is on the line this upcoming season. I think that's why he's looking at a new QB - Cousins isn't fulfilling the expectations for a SB run that ownership demands.

Will the Vikings Draft a QB? New Rumors Suggest Team Might Trade Up To Grab Kirk Cousins’ Replacement

Fresh rumors have emerged that the Vikings could trade up for a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft. Could they trade into the top three?

www.profootballnetwork.com

 

[Nomad]

So many pundits saying the Raiders need to find a QB. But who? To me Justin Fields would be a disaster. He's a bust at this point. 10-28 career record, has I believe just two wins over winning teams. Kirk Cousins would be way too expensive. Tampa will re-sign Mayfield. Who else is out there? Tannehill? Brissett? Winston? Are those guys better than O'Connell? Will the Colts bail on Minshew? He might be a good sign at $5m or so. Is Jake Browning a serious option? Then there's all the fans and "experts" who are certain a guy who does good in college will do the same in the NFL, expecting Penix, McCarthey, Nix, Rattler to light up the NFL. But we've pointed out many times that's not the case.

Minshew has to accept a backup role or go elsewhere - this is the Richardson show. He essentially has to start over missing all of last season with the shoulder injury. But the Colts are all in on the #4 OA pick.

Why don't the Raiders just trade the house away & trade up in the draft to get one of the top 3 projected guys?

Last year I was sold on Stroud. This year my pick is Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. He's somewhat of a Lamar Jackson 2.0 but can throw the ball better. He's a Mahomes-type playmaker that played against SEC competition. I'll talk more about him as we get closer to the draft.

 

[jmdirt]

That's a low bar! Then again, some parents set bars for their kids with standards like: Stay out of prison.

Your memory (research) is better than mine. Upon reflection you are obviously right. I think I even commented on that after the game how they gave up on the run when it had kept them in the game, or ahead. What I mostly remember is Norwood missing the kick, I mean Bass (same guy, whatever).

You are exactly right in all you wrote. They will greatly benefit if they can get ahead by 7, or more points, and hold that lead much of the game. They also will benefit if McCaffery runs until his tongue is dragging on the ground, but they also get Mitchell the ball more.

One thing the Raiders did was pound Zamir White for 145 yards against KC. But White is mostly a between the tackles north/south RB. The Raider OL also is much better in run blocking than pass blocking. That's another way they differ from SF. But the 49ers will have to find a way to do similar. They have very good receivers, and Purdy can make magic with his legs, and often finds guys open 10+ yards down field. However, KC covers that area of the field extremely well, and even Lamar's scrambling didn't impact KC.

I posted before about how the SF defense isn't like the Raiders. I don't think casual fans realize just how good the Raiders defense was late. Here's some numbers after Pierce took over as HC: The Raiders led the NFL in fewest points per game allowed (16), most defensive touchdowns (4) and fewest penalties (31) while tying for third in sacks (30).

Fleeced a senile Al Davis for $60m. Blew about $3m of that on cough syrup.

Define "winner".

50-37-1 in Minnesota. But just 1-2 in the playoffs with them. I think some teams, teams used to a lot of losing seasons, might be satisfied with this. An owner looking to put butts in seats maybe too. But at $33m a season?

So many pundits saying the Raiders need to find a QB. But who? To me Justin Fields would be a disaster. He's a bust at this point. 10-28 career record, has I believe just two wins over winning teams. Kirk Cousins would be way too expensive. Tampa will re-sign Mayfield. Who else is out there? Tannehill? Brissett? Winston? Are those guys better than O'Connell? Will the Colts bail on Minshew? He might be a good sign at $5m or so. Is Jake Browning a serious option? Then there's all the fans and "experts" who are certain a guy who does good in college will do the same in the NFL, expecting Penix, McCarthey, Nix, Rattler to light up the NFL. But we've pointed out many times that's not the case.

People also forget Aiden was a rookie, tossed into action after an ineffective (and overpaid) Garappolo was benched. O'Connell had some up/down games, but he also threw 8 TDs without a pick in the Raiders final four games. And he's due just $1.2m next year. If I were GM I'd be sinking money into the OL. Raiders also need a DT.

Define "winner".

50-37-1 in Minnesota. But just 1-2 in the playoffs with them. I think some teams, teams used to a lot of losing seasons, might be satisfied with this. An owner looking to put butts in seats maybe too. But at $33m a season?

That definition is tough to pin down I suppose: 51 and 49 is a winning record technically, but not really what we are talking about I guess. 57% winning is top 50 (top 30?) all time so that's pretty good. Not all of the MIN teams that he played on could take any QB1 too far, yet he eked out 57%.

Plus, I'll repeat something that I've said too many times: the QB isn't the team. Too much blame is placed on the QB1...flip side, too much praise is given to the QB1.

The disgusting amount of money that pro athletes make has bothered me for years. I got to a point that it was destroying my enjoyment so I had to decide, do I quit watching or keep watching and forget about the money? I chose to keep watching the NFL, and not stress about the money. Is he worth $33MIL? Hell no! Is he worth $900,000. Sure.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

No...the Vikings are not satisfied with losing...
Not good enough & ownership canned Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman in 2021. The press release from ownership was they wanted "new leadership" to elevate the team so they can "consistently contend for championships."

Good detective work/memory there. If that's the case, Cousins isn't the guy. I was curious this past season why they didn't play Jaren Hall more. They had him on a quick leash. I'm now speculating is that they weren't thinking about developing him for 2025, 2026. They, like many teams, will try to find a way to win, now.

Minshew has to accept a backup role or go elsewhere - this is the Richardson show.

Agree there.

Why don't the Raiders just trade the house away & trade up in the draft to get one of the top 3 projected guys?

You mean like what Carolina did to get Bryce Young? SF did to get Tre Lance? Chicago did to get Trubisky? How well did that work out?

That aside, they just might do that! I can see them packaging Adams, Renfrow, Jacobs, and a few draft picks to move up. The other problem though is their OL is just average, above average in run blocking, below in pass blocking.

Last year I was sold on Stroud. This year my pick is Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.

I'll watch more for him. The guy I would be hesitant to draft #1 is Caleb Williams. I'm not as sold on him being the guy, as so many other people. I'll need to watch more film on him, and see him at the Combine/Pro Day.

As to the leftovers, the one guy I would not draft in the first few rounds is Michael Penix, QB for Washington. He folded like a cheap suit in the championship, big time. Many of his wins in college were against very soft defenses. But he also was in college for 6 years, and missed huge chunks of time with 2 torn ACLs, and 2 shoulder surgeries. Looks like the Greg Oden of football.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Plus, I'll repeat something that I've said too many times: the QB isn't the team. Too much blame is placed on the QB1...flip side, too much praise is given to the QB1.

I agree there. While teams need a playmaker, the QB holds the ball more than anyone, I still ascribe to the adage that games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. No OL, then the QB has less time to throw, less space to throw, and RBs have smaller holes to run through.

The same goes on D in many ways. You need 3 or all 4 guys who can not only get at the QB, but can also stuff the run without having the LBs bail them out all the time. Down after down, inch by inch, that's the game right there.

Go back to the Super Bowl where Tampa beat KC. The Buccaneers OL gave Brady time, and he (of course) delivered. His numbers weren't huge, but he made many key throws. The Tampa DL was superb and harassed Mahomes and got to him more and more as the game went on. That was the game, but hardly on stat lines or highlight reels.

The disgusting amount of money that pro athletes make has bothered me for years.

The owners make a disgusting amount of money too.

But I completely hear what you are saying. You may recall On3m@n@rmy on here. He pretty much gave up on the NFL (and Div 1 in the NCAA) for this very reason. I totally get it.

This is why I'm very eager to watch the UFL (XFL-USFL merger, starting March 30th!). The base pay for a player will be around $60k a year. About the same as a construction worker, logging rigger , pipe setter, or any other physically demanding job. Tickets to games are about $30-$45 (some were as low as $10 in some places last year), and fantastic seats on the 50 yard line mid-way up are maybe $150. Perhaps less in some venues, maybe more in a few others. Go ahead and look up comparable prices for NFL games (and don't get me started on Super Bowl prices). Plus, if anyone watched any of the XFL or USFL games last year, the play was actually pretty good!

 

[movingtarget]

List of 'NFL Honors' award winners from 2023 NFL season

The NFL celebrated another year of excellence around the league on Thursday night at the 13th annual NFL Honors. Here is the complete list of winners announced at Phoenix’s Symphony Hall.

www.nfl.com

 

[movingtarget]

Cowboys hiring former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator

Mike Zimmer is back in the NFL -- and back where it all began. Dallas is hiring Zimmer, a former head coach for the Minnesota Vikings and a longtime Cowboys assistant, to be its new defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.

www.nfl.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Dak Prescott was 2nd in MVP voting, and Patrick Mahomes didn't get a single vote? WTF?

Here's Dan Orlovsky perfectly breaking down why I'm not 100% sold on Caleb Williams (at least as #1 overall). He seems to have a terrific arm, great pocket presence, and can throw on the run really well. But he also seems to benefit playing in an NCAA conference where he can make plays up a lot of the time, move around looking for the superman throw for maximum impact, and get away with it. Orlovsky touches on this. Put another way, some are calling him the next Patrick Mahomes (since Bryce Young apparently isn't), but I'm maybe seeing the next Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield. Starters in the NFL, but...

 

[SHAD0W93]

Tom Brady And Kim Kardashian Reportedly Decide On The Way Forward As Dating Rumors Intensify - News

The two were said to have been very flirty during the recent “All White” Hamptons party thrown by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. Eyewitnesses claimed Brady and

mortoday.com

Move over Kelce and Swift, we have the new NFL power couple.

 

[jmdirt]

Dak Prescott was 2nd in MVP voting, and Patrick Mahomes didn't get a single vote? WTF?

Here's Dan Orlovsky perfectly breaking down why I'm not 100% sold on Caleb Williams (at least as #1 overall). He seems to have a terrific arm, great pocket presence, and can throw on the run really well. But he also seems to benefit playing in an NCAA conference where he can make plays up a lot of the time, move around looking for the superman throw for maximum impact, and get away with it. Orlovsky touches on this. Put another way, some are calling him the next Patrick Mahomes (since Bryce Young apparently isn't), but I'm maybe seeing the next Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield. Starters in the NFL, but...

I hate to predict how a guy will do, but you nailed it I think, I see Williams being similar to Mayfield. I'd love to see him end up closer to Mahomes though.

 

[jmdirt]

The owners make a disgusting amount of money too.

That is one of the factors that makes it easier for me to 'accept' how much players make...it means that the owners might not be able to buy as many private islands.

 

[Nomad]

Plus, I'll repeat something that I've said too many times: the QB isn't the team. Too much blame is placed on the QB1...flip side, too much praise is given to the QB1.

I agree with you & that's an good assessment, but it's the owners that have put all the emphasis the QB "being the team."

QBs have been taken #1 OA in 7 out of the last 10 drafts (Walker, Garrett & Clowney - all DEs - were the only non-QBs taken). If the prediction is correct for this draft, there will be QBs taken #1, 2 & 3 - the second time in 3 yrs where Lawrence, Wilson & Lance were taken 1, 2 & 3 in 2021.

The last  RB & WR taken #1 were Keyshawn Johnson (96) & Ki-Jana Carter (95). And only 3 offensive lineman were ever drafted #1 the in modern-era!

Tbh, QBs have been taken #1 OA starting way back in the past: Broadway Joe, Bradshaw, Elway & Aikman were all #1's that turned out to be legends. One of the key differences now is that owners expect these #1 OAs to step in day #1 & start playing well winning right off the bat (and when they don't you saw what happen with Tepper & his frustration with the team). Broadway Joe, Bradshaw, Elway & Aikman all started at some point of their rookie season but it took a couple of years for them to start winning & making a difference.

 

[Nomad]

This is why I'm very eager to watch the UFL (XFL-USFL merger, starting March 30th!). The base pay for a player will be around $60k a year. About the same as a construction worker, logging rigger , pipe setter, or any other physically demanding job. Tickets to games are about $30-$45 (some were as low as $10 in some places last year), and fantastic seats on the 50 yard line mid-way up are maybe $150. Perhaps less in some venues, maybe more in a few others. Go ahead and look up comparable prices for NFL games (and don't get me started on Super Bowl prices). Plus, if anyone watched any of the XFL or USFL games last year, the play was actually pretty good!

Excellent post - and I'll have to make an effort to watch some of the games. I watched a few last year & couldn't get into it that much. Watching pro-football in the spring felt strange considering the NBA season was winding down heading into the playoffs & the cycling spring season was ramping up.

One problem with me is the NFL season is so long with the preseason starting in the middle of summer concluding with the SB in late winter! Then comes the Combine & the draft, and I'm kinda burned out needing a break from football.

And speaking of the draft - I find myself watching less & less of that drama. It's become a three-ring circus complete with cheerleaders, rock bands & drunken fans. Lol. I just assume to read about it the next day then to watch how ESPN has dramatized & sensationalized the event all in the name of ratings.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Tom Brady And Kim Kardashian Reportedly Decide On The Way Forward As Dating Rumors Intensify - News

The two were said to have been very flirty during the recent “All White” Hamptons party thrown by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. Eyewitnesses claimed Brady and

mortoday.com

Move over Kelce and Swift, we have the new NFL power couple.

Oh dear god, Swift and Kelce I can almost handle (with all this public scrutiny I'm not sure their relationship can in the long run), but anyone involved with the Kardashians is about to be cast on a reality TV show...

Don't do it, Tom, just don't!

 

[Nomad]

Weiterleitungshinweis

Part of the legendary "Orange Crush" defense of the 1970's (he's now one of eleven Broncos in the HOF). I met him in person at one of the Bronco preseason training camps in the late 70's when I playing HS ball.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

... One of the key differences now is that owners expect these #1 OAs to step in day #1 & start playing well winning right off the bat (and when they don't you saw what happen with Tepper & his frustration with the team).

Exactly. Here's a good link to top name QBs drafted, and when they played. I looked at other sites, videos. There is no clear-cut "best" plan. Several people talk about all the overdrafted, overpaid QBs, but that was too obvious. The best argument I could cull from this is if a QB you like is available to you and you think you can bring him along in your timeframe (whenever that is in your plan), and you've logically thought it through and planned it, then draft him. Otherwise, don't. I realize that's no formula though. Arizona thought Josh Rosen dropped to them when they needed a QB.

And speaking of the draft - I find myself watching less & less of that drama. It's become a three-ring circus complete with cheerleaders, rock bands & drunken fans.

I missed it entirely last year, and will this year too. It's crushingly boring and the hype is ridiculous.

[Randy Gradishar] Part of the legendary "Orange Crush" defense of the 1970's...

Cool story! That's maybe the first SB I remember clearly, sort of (XII) There was a lot of excitement over the Broncos that season. They started 6-0, and 12-1 before losing the last game of the season in Dallas, when both teams rested a few starters. Denver took out both Oakland and Pittsburgh in the playoffs, before an eagerly awaited rematch with Dallas for the Super Bowl. But the game was rather dull, mistake filled with fumbles, heaps of penalties, and Denver's offense fared badly. Roger Staubach had a very good game though, and the game has a famous "catch" by Butch Johnson for a TD that would be ruled incomplete today. But it was really Dallas defense that carried the day. Craig Morton had the worst Super Bowl QB performance in history. It was so bad that since Morton had previously played for the Cowboys, some sportswriters joked he was still playing for the Cowboys. It was way later revealed he was more banged up than people realized before the game even started, and Too Tall Jones hit his elbow early in the game injuring it, but Craig played through it, before being benched by some guy named Norris Weese. A sad end to a storybook season for Denver.