National Football League

[movingtarget]

Most interesting division to me right now is the NFC West. All four teams are within a game of each other. Rams have won 3 in a row, but also have barely won each game, and have a -24 point differential. I fear Seattle is a work in progress, and same with Arizona.

49ers at some point will get McCaffrey back, and I presume Hufanga back (wrist), I'm curious if this extra time on IR for Hufanga will help his overall play from his ACL tear a year ago. Also Greenlaw is working out with the team, but being brought back slowly. I said at the beginning of the season how it's a league of attrition, and a key goal will be to get into the playoffs healthy. Is SF doing that?

It seems that Hufanga is in doubt to come back this season due to his new injury re wrist tendon, CMC is back this week but the workload is still in question, Greenlaw still a few weeks away it seems and they have their number one kicker back, in Moody. Expecting a hard game with the Buccs as both teams are desperate for the win and the 49er are coming off their bye while the Buccs are coming off an overtime game against Kansas which should be advantage for the 49ers but it doesn't always work that way. Both teams have been banged up and both need to improve their defense. 49ers seem to have the offense advantage on paper. If the 49ers are going to go on a run and make the playoffs it has to start now.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Ravens DB Kyle Hamilton's injury is only an ankle sprain, may actually miss no time. One of the best safeties in the league, so that is good. Baltimore absolutely has got to fix their defensive mistakes, or they won't get anywhere, no matter how great Lamar plays.

If that last play last night had been KC going for 2 instead of the Bengals, would the referees called roughing the passer - blow to the head on the Ravens for hitting Mahomes? They didn't call it for Burrow.

Hufanga looked a step behind when he was playing, definitely not the same all pro level before hurt. My guess is SF will take all the time they need, and may only bring him back in weeks 16 on, in order to fight for the playoffs, or in the playoffs, presuming they get there. Maybe the same with Greenlaw.

As horrible as Tre Lance was in the pre-season, if you were the Cowboys would you start him while Dak was out? You already know what you have in Cooper Rush. The season is all but lost.

 

[movingtarget]

Ravens DB Kyle Hamilton's injury is only an ankle sprain, may actually miss no time. One of the best safeties in the league, so that is good. Baltimore absolutely has got to fix their defensive mistakes, or they won't get anywhere, no matter how great Lamar plays.

If that last play last night had been KC going for 2 instead of the Bengals, would the referees called roughing the passer - blow to the head on the Ravens for hitting Mahomes? They didn't call it for Burrow.

Hufanga looked a step behind when he was playing, definitely not the same all pro level before hurt. My guess is SF will take all the time they need, and may only bring him back in weeks 16 on, in order to fight for the playoffs, or in the playoffs, presuming they get there. Maybe the same with Greenlaw.

As horrible as Tre Lance was in the pre-season, if you were the Cowboys would you start him while Dak was out? You already know what you have in Cooper Rush. The season is all but lost.

Ravens game was fun but the defense for both sides was very average. Once again a few questionable ref decisions.

The tip is that the 49ers won't re-sign Hufanga as he comes off contract at the end of the season, probably the same with Charvarius Ward. Instead they will spend on re-signing Purdy and Lenoir. Lenoir has been their most consistent CB in recent times. As for Greenlaw's next contract who knows ? I think the 49ers will pull CMC out of the Buccs game early if they are up in the second half comfortably.

Never understood the Cowboys spending a 4th round pick on Lance if they were not going to use him. Just another questionable Cowboys signing. Based on their current form, the Cowboys have little hope of making the playoffs.

 

[Unchained]

C'mon man, he has to say that BS to appease his coach. Reid is a Tomlin type coach - a player better careful what they say around him. Imagine if Mahomes said "I'm so effin glad Smith is finally out of here...sitting the bench behind him really sucked." LOL

You're becoming one of these NFL zombies that believes in this feel good BS with all these competing players respecting each other. These are modern day Gladiators that fight the crap out of each other. But afterall aren't you one of those zombies that believes most of the players are clean & not loaded up roid monsters? Lol.

The path is crystal clear, all the points connect!! Andy Reid would not be the revered coach, he and Mahommes would not have achieved Super Bowl greatest without Andy's experience coaching at Northern Arizona University, his time on Lumberjack staff molded everything you see today!!
All roads lead to Flagstaff!!!
When people review my extensive research, players and coaches will be beating the door down to participate in awesome football near Grand Canyon!!!

 

[Nomad]

No, I think Reid wouldn't have been the "revered" coach he is achieving SB stardom without his experience winning the MNF's "Punt, Pass & Kick" competition. Lol

View: https://youtu.be/B4gNFL2upZE?si=WKbgqB2E_XRCGW3l

 

[Nomad]

As horrible as Tre Lance was in the pre-season, if you were the Cowboys would you start him while Dak was out? You already know what you have in Cooper Rush. The season is all but lost.

Probably not a bad idea since Prescott might need surgery & miss the remainder of the season. Rush isn't their future QB anyway & seems to fit the journeyman backup role. And if Lance is going to make it as starter, they better pull him out of QB rehab giving him playing time & see if there's any hope.

Unlike the situation in Jacksonville where Jones is the backup & I think still has the potential to start in this league (15th OA pick in 2021). If the team looks like they're not going anywhere - which seems to be the case at 2-7 - and Lawrence decides to get the surgery on his bad shoulder sooner than later, Jones would get valuable playing experience starting for the rest of the season. I guess it all hinges on when Pederson wants to pull the plug on the season, and when Lawrence decides to get the surgery.

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence Likely Out, Considering Options ...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence appears to be far more hurt than initially believed, and could be dealing with surgery or other options.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Nomad]

The path is crystal clear, all the points connect!! Andy Reid would not be the revered coach, he and Mahommes would not have achieved Super Bowl greatest without Andy's experience coaching at Northern Arizona University, his time on Lumberjack staff molded everything you see today!!
All roads lead to Flagstaff!!!
When people review my extensive research, players and coaches will be beating the door down to participate in awesome football near Grand Canyon!!!

Let's not forget it was GM Brett Veach who discovered Mahomes' golden arm & "magical ability" at TT. Veach, who was co-director of player personnel at the time, had to sell Reid on the Gunslinger. This find will probably go down as the one of the greatest, if not the greatest, in NFL history! And Veach never played pro ball - he played some college ball at Delaware & started his coaching career as an intern with the Eagles. And he'll probably go down as one of the best GMs in NFL history.

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article291594865.html

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

It appears Dak is likely out for the season. I won't be surprised if Lawerence is at least on IR, if not out for the season. Unlike Zach Wilson, I don't see a real future for Mack Jones as a true NFL starter, just because Zach has a much better arm. He also endured more and seems to have kept his head. Someone will take a chance on him next season. Jones? Less likely.

It's not a question of if, but who gets fired in Jacksonville, and Dallas, and when.

ATL@NO - Can Saints save their season at all, with new coach? Clock also ticking on Carr.
SF@TB - A lot of people think the 49ers "are back" and are favored, but Tampa is better than their record.
PIT@WAS - Two first place teams going at it! A real test for Daniels and the Commanders offense.
MIN@JAX - I'm curious how the Jags do with Jones. Which Vikings team will we see?
PHI@DAL - Curious how the fans will react if the Cowboys get beat badly, which is possible.
NYJ@AZ - After a bounce back game, can the Jets handle an aggressive Cardinal team?
DET@HOU - This could be pretty exciting! Can Houston's degraded OL protect CJ?

 

[Potomac]

Regarding some of these firesale trades, I think this article nails it. The NFL is approaching what happens in MLB and the NBA. Teams who don't see a chance to really make the playoffs just jettison good players to winning teams, who go all-in when scooping them up, often for almost nothing. It's bad for the league, and greatly reduces any semblance of parity:

The NFL Trade Market is Completely Broken.

The trades in this article here point that out clearly. It almost cements who will make the playoffs, and how few teams really have a chance to get to the Super Bowl.

That article, and this post by extension, needs to be revisited at the start and finish of the playoffs.

 

[movingtarget]

Jets need a win and the Cardinals can cement their position at the top of the NFC West with a win. Cards to win, and they look better than last season so does Murray who only returned late last season.

49ers get CMC and Jennings back but Bosa is in doubt. Should be an interesting game based on what the Buccs produced against the Chiefs. Think Purdy is starting look better after a slow start and the 49ers even with injuries have been putting up plenty of offense, 3rd in the league but losing games in silly ways with defensive errors and special teams mistakes. Think the 49ers can win but maybe not convincingly.

Don't expect the Lions, who are on a roll to lose to a Texans team that has struggled to find the form of last season.

Steelers/Commanders could be the game of the week. Commanders in a close one.

Eagles will probably end the Cowboys playoff chances .

Think the Vikings will be too good for the Jags.

Same goes for the Falcons over the Saints.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Reid’s legacy was helped tremendously by Mahomes when before he was on the same track as McCarthy minus the Super Bowl. Amazing offense mind, great players loved him, and great coaching tree but couldn’t get it done when it mattered. He was married with coaching mistakes, poor clock and timeout management, and bad play calling when the going got tough. Now if he has any shortcomings, Mahomes is able to cover and overcome it with his ability/talent. Make no mistake, Reid’s offensive mine and attitude has helped out Mahomes but he was the teacher and Mahomes the settler.

 

[Potomac]

Referee Hochuli speaking German when telling the crowd what the flag was for in Munich today

 

[SHAD0W93]

Referee Hochuli speaking German when telling the crowd what the flag was for in Munich today

I like him and his dad.

 

[Unchained]

Reid’s legacy was helped tremendously by Mahomes when before he was on the same track as McCarthy minus the Super Bowl. Amazing offense mind, great players loved him, and great coaching tree but couldn’t get it done when it mattered. He was married with coaching mistakes, poor clock and timeout management, and bad play calling when the going got tough. Now if he has any shortcomings, Mahomes is able to cover and overcome it with his ability/talent. Make no mistake, Reid’s offensive mine and attitude has helped out Mahomes but he was the teacher and Mahomes the settler.

On a more serious note, when men, NFL players are in grave circumstances a couple of coaches are immediately in mind Tony Dungy and Andy Reid. It's probably obvious that before you are in trouble with the law, dealing with family, personal turmoil, going to one of these men for advice would have been preferred. Andy Reid has enough heartbreak in his life to qualify as in expert on the subject. Seeing him laugh,smile, be happy, share a joke, make silly TV commercials, all make what he does on and off the field that much more amazing to me. Reid's legacy is of a decent man, sound football coach and an example of success despite mountains of setbacks.. NFL players ( probably others) in need of sober advice are all lucky to have Reid as a resource.

 

[SHAD0W93]

On a more serious note, when men, NFL players are in grave circumstances a couple of coaches are immediately in mind Tony Dungy and Andy Reid. It's probably obvious that before you are in trouble with the law, dealing with family, personal turmoil, going to one of these men for advice would have been preferred. Andy Reid has enough heartbreak in his life to qualify as in expert on the subject. Seeing him laugh,smile, be happy, share a joke, make silly TV commercials, all make what he does on and off the field that much more amazing to me. Reid's legacy is of a decent man, sound football coach and an example of success despite mountains of setbacks.. NFL players ( probably others) in need of sober advice are all lucky to have Reid as a resource.

Absolutely, players could relate to him vs someone like Belichick. Reid went through that life, walked the walk, and kept his head held high. Football aside he seems like a very well rounded and caring person. Honestly, Big Red Reid for president.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

What a way to lose a game. Felt bad for Tracy to play so well well all game, then give it away at the end.

Honestly sick of hearing about the Chiefs, Reid, Mahomes. Toss in Kelce and Tay Tay. Not just here, but the fact many of them are on what seems like every third commercial. Every fifth sports news story.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Some wild finishes.

Hero ball by Baker couldn't get it done in Tampa. McCaffrey looked okay, but Purdy played clutch. Mac Jones shows his noodle arm, and that he's not a starting NFL QB, like I suspected. The Saints almost blew it against the Falcons, but pulled it off. Great win for coach Rizzi.

The way the Commanders lost to the Steelers was crazy painful.

Similar to Denver's loss, which was almost predictable. I'm not sure everyone will agree with me, but I just don't see how KC is going to run through the playoffs playing the way they are, inching their way down the field, keeping teams from scoring, in the most unlikely ways? Everyone expects them to just turn it on, and blow teams out with Mahomes. When are we going to see that? Are we? Or are they just going to finish 17-0, and win every playoff game by less than a TD on things like blocked kicks? Or are they the 2020 Steelers, who started the season 11-0, only to lose in their first playoff game.

Fun watching the Cards whip the Jets, after Rodgers talked about how great they felt after last week's win, and how in sync they seemed, blah, blah.

 

[SHAD0W93]

To be fair, Chiefs have been close to blocking kicks all season and almost had one or two last week. I think they’re even more like the 2018 Patriots. Offense does what it needs to in order to win while the defense and special teams keep them in the game with their elite playing. Last year offense was just as dysfunctional and they still went the distance, albeit the first two playoffs games luck went their way to the huge number of injuries to Bills and Dolphins defense. But the offense did what needed to be done and now with a deep, reliable threat in DHop who can take over a game like he did last week, their offense will surprise you to put som quick points on the board. I don’t think the offense will turn it on like the Bucs in 2020, but they absolutely can turn it in on in a game, half, or quarter to win the game. I do agree with Alpe that the multiple commercials of the Chiefs all over is annoying but they’re making their money and you can’t hate that.


Jets getting spanked like they were supposed to last week by Texans. At least now we shouldn’t hear anything about them anymore.

 

[movingtarget]

49ers get it done but they may rue cutting their previous substitute kicker. Moody is definitely no Robbie Gould. Kittle and Purdy class saved the day. Good to see Pearsall get his first TD.

Bad loss for the Bears. Cards too good for the Jets as i expected. Vikings game didn't sound like a thrill a minute ! Cowboys can plan for Cancun now. McCarthy needs a miracle to retain his job as does Pederson.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Texans playing like they should have done last week. This can get ugly for the Lions if they can’t get their offense back on track for the second half.
23-7

 

[Nomad]

Similar to Denver's loss, which was almost predictable. I'm not sure everyone will agree with me, but I just don't see how KC is going to run through the playoffs playing the way they are, inching their way down the field, keeping teams from scoring, in the most unlikely ways? Everyone expects them to just turn it on, and blow teams out with Mahomes. When are we going to see that? Are we? Or are they just going to finish 17-0, and win every playoff game by less than a TD on things like blocked kicks? Or are they the 2020 Steelers, who started the season 11-0, only to lose in their first playoff game.

That was a strange ending with Lutz's block FG. I'm sure no one is talking with the FG unit on the flight back home. Lol. I watched most of the 2nd half & the drive there by Nix at the end to get into FG range was textbook. The 3rd down pass completion to Sutton putting them in chip shot FG range leaving no TOs left for KC to stop the clock was done to perfection. How this 35 FG attempt was blocked is beyond me. Lutz should know to kick it extra high on these short attempts to avoid a block. It's not like a very long FG attempt where the kicker has to kick it lower to get the distance. This should have been a walk off winning FG & KC's first lost of the year. I'm stunned as to how this could have happened.

At 5-5, the Broncos are still very much in the playoff hunt with a fairly easy remaining schedule. The bright spot is Nix is playing very well exceeding expectations & keeping the Broncos competitive.

As far as KC goes, this team has some kind of good Karma going on (doesn't Taylor Swift have a song titled "Karma?"). They're winning games they shouldn't be winning. However, I doubt they will go undefeated - they're bound to lose at least one game here on out. But I got them still returning to the SB. Call it the "Mahomes factor" or something like that, but is a true dynasty that can continue to dominate the NFL as long as Mahomes is healthy.

Bad day for the FG kicking teams: Deebo Samuel, pissed off over Moody missing 3 easy FG attempts, gets into a altercation with the long snapper. Lol

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/4MWLnuCDYGw?si=qoOfOUlTC1LGAJqV

 

[Nomad]

Hilarious!

Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi admits to clogging toilet before first NFL win

Darren Rizzi has no problem being blunt with reporters, and he proved that on Sunday after his first win as interim head coach of the Saints on Sunday.

nypost.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Incredible comeback win by Detroit. Just amazing.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Incredible comeback win by Detroit. Just amazing.

Especially after Goff threw another 2 interceptions in the second half and gave the ball right back to the Texans after Davis got their first interception. Crazy game but they grinded out a win after offense was terrible. Good for playoff time to have games like this under your belt.

 

[jmdirt]

Five interceptions...and a win! Pretty crazy stuff! (granted two of the ints were tipped and one was a mary).

KC...9-0

A lot of really close games.

Rant on: Why the (profanity) did DET go for two early in Q3?!
-They finally got a little spark and then immediately doused it!
-Too early in the game to go for two. Take the point and keep the energy high.
-If they would have made the point after, they wouldn't have needed the last drive/kick.

Alpe, there were several hits to QB heads that got missed this weekend...completely unacceptable IMO!