National Football League

[Nomad]

Bengals were exposed. They look like a 7-10 team.

They do look terrible. I would think a 7-10 losing season & Taylor can pack his bags.

You made a very good point that this is now a game of attrition. In the GB -JAX game, Love injures his groin in the 1st Qtr, plays on it in 1st half but has to leave the game for good in the 3rd Qtr (good job by Willis preserving the win who played virtually the entire 2nd half). On the other side, Lawrence loses all 3 of his starting receivers at various points of the game & has to go with backups late in the 4th with the game on the line.

Jordan Love injury looms large despite Packers' gutsy road win vs. Jaguars

The Green Bay Packers found a way to win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, but at what cost?

lombardiave.com

The rate of injuries occurring is uncanny. We're only halfway through the season & guys are dropping like flies (I don't remember it being quite this bad last year at this point). Coaches have no control over this but they're going to see real quick how good or bad their backup players are that they selected for their 53. Backups are obviously not the best players in the league, but they're talented enough to make an NFL roster. Now we'll see how good they really are when they step on stage.

 

[Nomad]

Maye in concussion protocol. Missed helmet to helmet call:

View: https://youtu.be/DpgztL-KDAw?si=L0pqrayXL4sUZxxT

 

[Sciatic]

Great weekend of football, despite some bad outcomes!! Kingdome!! I saw King and Astrodome and biggest thing I saw before that was largest wooden dome in Flagstaff Arizona at NYU, Steve Largent was just another star we all tried to copy!! And as a kid going to Seattle from Phoenix, Pikes!! Completely different world!! Remember my uncle trying to explain how you get depressed because of all the rain or something like that.. Don't remember much of what he was yapping about over my mouth noise of chewing fresh seafood!! Don't know if this is common knowledge but it was easier to find a diamond ring on the ground in desert Arizona than delicious fresh seafood!! And seeing the dome stadium, seeing a pro game inside, dream come true for sure..
Domes no matter how flawed are awesome!!

Watching Griffey from his rookie year on saved the Kingdome experience for me. Never saw many Hawks games there but was there for their very 1st playoff game ( a win vs. Denver) just as the wave was becoming a phenomenon.

 

[Oldermanish]

Great weekend of football, despite some bad outcomes!! Kingdome!! I saw King and Astrodome and biggest thing I saw before that was largest wooden dome in Flagstaff Arizona at NYU, Steve Largent was just another star we all tried to copy!! And as a kid going to Seattle from Phoenix, Pikes!! Completely different world!! Remember my uncle trying to explain how you get depressed because of all the rain or something like that.. Don't remember much of what he was yapping about over my mouth noise of chewing fresh seafood!! Don't know if this is common knowledge but it was easier to find a diamond ring on the ground in desert Arizona than delicious fresh seafood!! And seeing the dome stadium, seeing a pro game inside, dream come true for sure..
Domes no matter how flawed are awesome!!

Anyone been to LA's stadium? It looks like the best, currently.

 

[Oldermanish]

Watching Griffey from his rookie year on saved the Kingdome experience for me. Never saw many Hawks games there but was there for their very 1st playoff game ( a win vs. Denver) just as the wave was becoming a phenomenon.

Seeing a football game there could be frustrating. Our seats were level 200 with a deck above and 10 rows of overhang. Any tall pass downfield you'd have to guess where it was going to see a reception. No serious Jumbotron replays to track, either. Same with a Griffey dinger; you heard that sound and saw him casually drop the bat while looking at the pitcher. Didn't need to see where that went: "GOODBYE MR BASEBALL!"

 

[jmdirt]

Watching Griffey from his rookie year on saved the Kingdome experience for me. Never saw many Hawks games there but was there for their very 1st playoff game ( a win vs. Denver) just as the wave was becoming a phenomenon.

They were doing the wave in the Kingdome in the early '80s, Griff didn't get there until the later part of the '80s, and their first playoff game was in the mid '90s (against the NY Yanks I think) (with the Big Unit on the mound I think).

My point: the wave was rollin' quite a bit before Griff or the first playoff game.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The dome was paid off in record time and actually generated profits for a decade, I'd heard.

Bzzzzttt. Looked it up. Was demod in 2000, and it took them until 2015 to pay it off.

I'm not that nostalgic about the place. While there was something bigger than life about domes back then, the Kingdome really was as bad as I said. It was everything bad everyone says about it, though as bad as football was there, baseball was worse.

You made a very good point that this is now a game of attrition. ...Backups are obviously not the best players in the league, but they're talented enough to make an NFL roster. Now we'll see how good they really are when they step on stage.

It's maybe worse than that. Several teams are reaching into practice squads, or signing players from other teams practice squads. Just 7 games into the season. Soon it will be guys off the street who saw some snaps in the UFL, and were cut early in NFL camp, or didn't even get invited to camp. This is asking a team a hell of a lot to figure out coaching systems, playbooks, timing, and everything else, without having much of a chance to even practice with one another. This gives teams who are healthy an immense advantage.

Speaking of UFL I'm surprised Hakeem Butler didn't make it to an NFL team. He was like the Megatron of the UFL for St. Louis. Was on the Bengals in pre-season, but they cut him.

Maye in concussion protocol. Missed helmet to helmet call:

They didn't flag it, but the announcers talked about it a fair amount. They also questioned how easily it could have been avoided, though by the letter of the law, it probably should have been a penalty. It also sucks because Maye had been playing fairly well. Good thing they were playing the Jets.

Anyone been to LA's stadium? It looks like the best, currently.

I agree. I'm not big on domes, but So-Fi is just beautiful. If I can scrape together the cash I'm hoping to see a Raider game down there in the next year or three. Less expensive tickets than Allegiant too, usually.

Cleveland's owner Jimmy Haslem has just about convinced nearby Brook Park to help fund a domed stadium for him. Beautiful glass roof as well. But I'd hate to see another cold weather team lose whatever weather advantage it may have, remove that drama. Quite a few fans of the team are very angry about this, and don't want to pay a single penny. Titans new stadium also another dome with a partial glass roof. They don't even get nasty weather.

 

[Sciatic]

They were doing the wave in the Kingdome in the early '80s, Griff didn't get there until the later part of the '80s, and their first playoff game was in the mid '90s (against the NY Yanks I think) (with the Big Unit on the mound I think).

My point: the wave was rollin' quite a bit before Griff or the first playoff game.

I think you missed that I was talking about the Hawks —their 1st playoff game was in 1984 vs. Denver at home, then they upset Miami’s on NY’s eve only to get swamped by the Raiders in the conference championship. Of course, we all know the M’s 1st playoff was in 1995.

 

[movingtarget]

Surprised the Chiefs game was so close but then this is the story of the Chiefs so far. They do enough to win and keep winning. Raiders played them well the past few seasons.

Browns win was a shocker. Another valuable win for the Cardinals in a tight division. Jets and Bengals just not happening for them. Commanders been the surprise of the season so far. Cowboys and Saints look already done. Expect the Cowboys to have a new coach next season.

Untidy win for the 49ers but they got the job done after another 4th quarter collapse. Nice game from Kittle and much better game from Purdy after last week's disappointment. They are getting Jennings back after their bye and possibly CMC as well. Greenlaw not ready yet. Lot of talk about the 49ers making a trade before the deadline.

 

[Nomad]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850708463657333204

View: https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1850708463657333204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1850708463657333204%7Ctwgr%5Ed7ac698e137456ab1ee8e7dc6e4b950eb40b5612%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-19284856983249495094.ampproject.net%2F2410081535000%2Fframe.html

2nd leading receiver & one of their deep threats.

 

[Nomad]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1851315923971686668

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1851315923971686668

Unbelievable: Stroud's #1 target & top 10 in the league in catches. Initial reports after the game was a suspected ACL tear but didn't show clear signs of a rupture (there was some optimism that it may only be a strain). I guess after a lengthy MRI evaluation, the medical staff found the tear.

 

[jmdirt]

I think you missed that I was talking about the Hawks —their 1st playoff game was in 1984 vs. Denver at home, then they upset Miami’s on NY’s eve only to get swamped by the Raiders in the conference championship. Of course, we all know the M’s 1st playoff was in 1995.

Sorry, I saw Griff and got stuck on the M's.

 

[Nomad]

Indianapolis Colts Benching 'Tired' Anthony Richardson For Old Joe Flacco

The Indianapolis Colts are benching quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

www.outkick.com

Anyone who thinks that's it's not all about winning with a high-drafted QB, think again. This is arguably the worst division in the AFC & the Colts are starting to lose ground to the Texans. He's a #4 OA pick last year, so undoubtedly the expectations are sky high - even with missing most of the season last year. If this move sticks & he sits the bench the rest of the year, he can always ask to be traded. Lol

Benching Anthony Richardson Makes Sense in NFL’s Relentless Win-Now Culture

This league does not give coaches and general managers time to let players develop. Jim Irsay himself has shown that.

www.si.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Read that and thought the same. It's not about potential, it's about winning. Maybe he'll improve in practice and garbage time in the future. Or if the season is lost they'll give him reps. But Flacco has shown he's still a very good QB and excellent leader. Toss out his years on the Jets, and seasons he was hurt. If he's healthy, the Colts can win with him. But it seems incredible to me that after just a handful of starts the Colts may be giving up on Richardson.

Richardson absolutely has to work on his accuracy, and decision making. But he has got to improve or they'll dump him, consider the experiment over, and move on. Let someone else sit him a few years, see if they can turn him into the next Geno Smith down the line.

I think a future vision for Richardson may be looking at guys like Wilson, Darnold, but also Tre Lance, who the Cowboys will owe $22m if they sign his extension, which means he will be released and sign for some team for a very low price. This is where Richardson might find himself in a couple years. And this leads me back to what Chris Brockman said on the Rich Eisen show. If a QB badly needs snaps, but no one will sign him for much more than the vet minimum to be a 3rd string QB, he should go to the UFL to get those snaps, and showcase his skills.

Like you Nomad, I'm curious about Zach Wilson. I want to see where he signs next season, who takes a chance on him. The worse the Jets look with Rodgers than they did with Wilson, the more it raises Zach's stock. The Jets have been a disaster on offense for a good 7 years, no matter who was at QB: Rodgers, Wilson, Boyle, Siemian, White, Flacco, Darnold, Falk, McCown, Geno Smith. That list has one certain HOF QB, another possible HOF QB, two guys drafted #2 and #3 overall, and Geno who was highly touted out of college. And yet the team has been terrible on offense. One losing season after another, because of their offense and lack of production from their QB, QBs who have done quite well elsewhere.

 

[movingtarget]

Flacco has become the Mr Fix It ...............

 

[movingtarget]

Vikings acquiring OT Cam Robinson from Jaguars in exchange for draft pick compensation

Panthers sending WR Diontae Johnson to Ravens in trade

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Somehow the Jets are 1.5 point favorites over the Texans tomorrow. Who makes these odds? Have they seen both teams play??!?

 

[SHAD0W93]

Somehow the Jets are 1.5 point favorites over the Texans tomorrow. Who makes these odds? Have they seen both teams play??!?

They’re hoping others haven’t seen the Jets play and pick them to win. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them lose by multiple scores and the NFL scheduler gets blamed for making them play on a Thursday night.

 

[Nomad]

Flacco has become the Mr Fix It ...............

That's so true & it's amazing he can still play at 39 with some of the big injuries he's had in his career (cervical spine herniated disk, torn ACL, concussions). But he's become a reliable backup in this league - and who knows - maybe a full-time starter again?

Good article by RGIII about veteran backups like Flacco:

RGIII reveals why teams don't like to sign backups like Joe Flacco

Do teams actively avoid backup QB drama?

clutchpoints.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

And that my friends, is why I don't gamble. Terrific defensive game by the Jets. The loss of Diggs was bigger than I expected (and addition of Reddick). Yes, I realize I'm the one posting about injuries and attrition and the impact it has.

 

[SHAD0W93]

And that my friends, is why I don't gamble. Terrific defensive game by the Jets. The loss of Diggs was bigger than I expected (and addition of Reddick). Yes, I realize I'm the one posting about injuries and attrition and the impact it has.

Dang I forgot there was a game tonight. Now we have to listen to another week of “our season is still alive and everyone counts us out.”

 

[jmdirt]

Somehow the Jets are 1.5 point favorites over the Texans tomorrow. Who makes these odds? Have they seen both teams play??!?

Crazy stuff happens/happened on the field, but it definitely doesn't make sense for the Jets to be the favorite over the Texans.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Reading various articles, posts, it's still shocking to me how many people think an NCAA quarterback playing this year will turn an NFL team around, almost instantly. Like every QB drafted is "their guy" and the next Jayden Daniels. Could be Ward, Sanders, Nussmeier, Beck, Milroe. Doesn't matter who it is. This guy is THE guy. Nearly guaranteed success for any NFL team that drafts him. Considering Anthony Richardson got all of 10 games before being benched (I think because he was just overwhelmed "tired"), and really needs some time, coaching, and reps, it's borderline crazy talk. Corporate CEO instant success, zero patience, talk. A crazy business.

To be honest, if I were an NFL team, I'd be looking at first the big picture of my offense, starting with my OL in pass protection. I'd then consider trading for Richardson, or Hooker, or Levis, or even Zach Wilson. See if I can develop that guy into my starter over time. I can't possibly imagine these guys have any worse chance than any rookie at succeeding. Certainly if going to a junk team.

 

[Unchained]

Crazy stuff happens/happened on the field, but it definitely doesn't make sense for the Jets to be the favorite over the Texans.

The offensive line should be made to get in a line and walk up and offer a personal apology to CJ Stroud for not blocking at all, each should forfeit a days pay for not showing up for work. Absolutely ridiculous sacks, hurried, and people running unblocked into the backfield. Disgraceful.

 

[Nomad]

Reading various articles, posts, it's still shocking to me how many people think an NCAA quarterback playing this year will turn an NFL team around, almost instantly. Like every QB drafted is "their guy" and the next Jayden Daniels. Could be Ward, Sanders, Nussmeier, Beck, Milroe. Doesn't matter who it is. This guy is THE guy. Nearly guaranteed success for any NFL team that drafts him. Considering Anthony Richardson got all of 10 games before being benched (I think because he was just overwhelmed "tired"), and really needs some time, coaching, and reps, it's borderline crazy talk. Corporate CEO instant success, zero patience, talk. A crazy business.

To be honest, if I were an NFL team, I'd be looking at first the big picture of my offense, starting with my OL in pass protection. I'd then consider trading for Richardson, or Hooker, or Levis, or even Zach Wilson. See if I can develop that guy into my starter over time. I can't possibly imagine these guys have any worse chance than any rookie at succeeding. Certainly if going to a junk team.

Because there has been instant success with some of these high-drafted 1st rd QBs, albeit very few & the exception rather than the norm, expectations run extremely high with these top guys coming out of college. And when some of are being compared to legends that doesn't help matters either (e.g. the next "Payton Manning," "Drew Brees," "Brett Favre," "Mahomes 2.0," etc). And the college system, at least at the Power-4 level, has been elevated to more like a MLB farm system. Most of the top college QBs are just playing 3 yrs & declaring for the draft entering the NFL at 20 or 21 yrs of age.

For example, If you wipe out Mahomes' rookie year because he sat under Smith & start with his 2nd year as his actual rookie season = instant success. Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record, division title & playoff win. The following year was the SB run & the start of the dynasty. Jackson replaced a struggling Flacco mid-season during his rookie year going 6-1. The following the year he led the team to 13 wins, division title, playoffs and was the league's MVP. And of course last year, Stroud surprised most everyone leading the team to a 10-7 record, division title, playoff win & rookie of the year honors (I knew he was really good in college - much better than Young - but I didn't think he would be that successful his rookie year).

Richardson's draft stock jumped through the roof when he threw those bombs at the combine when no one expected that he had an arm of that caliber. He was a top dual-threat QB at Florida & played about as well as you could on a lousy team but never showed that kind of arm talent (he was basically a FB that could throw the ball fairly well). So, after his aerial display, he was being touted as the next "Lamar Jackson" just based on his combine performance! And we've talked about that one alien throw by Zach Wilson at his pro day that had every scout drooling that this guy could be a great NFL QB. Just one throw at a pro day & he moves up to a #2 OA pick!

Nothing is going to change as long as there are occasional pockets of success here & there with these top drafted rookie QBs. Sanders is tearing up things at CU like crazy - making the team a legitimate playoff contender. He's not only moved up to the #1 QB prospect but #1 OA projected player to be taken in next year's draft. And having a NFL superstar dad as your coach throughout your HS & college playing career - can you just imagine the expectations that will be placed on him his rookie year? It doesn't matter what team drafts him & how bad they, Sanders will be expected to perform miracles & win right away.