National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Games this week I find interesting.

MIN@GB - With the Packers eliminated, and Rodgers obviously not playing up to expectations last week, and now on IR, and this is no revenge game. Viks win, but it won't be easy, even in GB cold.

MIA@KC - Will the real Chiefs please stand up? Alex Smith still somehow leads the league in passer rating. If he, and the team want to show they are for real, they must win, and look solid, against this tough defense.

CLE@CHI - If there's one game that could keep the Browns from going a perfect 0-16, this is it. Chicago has a very poor offense, but their defense is solid.

BUF@NE - Two weeks in a row Brady has looked iffy at times. They barely beat the Steelers to gain top seed (for now) and lost to Miami. The Bills defense can make him look bad, will they win though?

ATL@NO - This one is for real. The Falcons would love nothing more than to go into NO, and show they are the same team that went to the Super Bowl last year. But I don't see it. As I've said before, if I were a betting man, I'd put money on the Saints to win it all this year. This pick may change, but they run the ball very well in every way, and have an HOF QB and coach with plenty of experience, and a decent defense. They will be almost impossible to beat at home, and this team can win on the road in the playoffs.

LAR@TEN - The Titans have almost been pretenders. But they remain in the playoff hunt. A loss would really hurt them. The Rams are coming off a superb win over Seattle.

LAC@NYJ - The Chargers were all but humbled last week against the Chiefs. After looking like they'd win the division, they came crashing back to mediocrity. Here's a chance to step up against a good defense and a team that doesn't quit (though makes a lot of mistakes).

SEA@DAL - Both of these teams are barely hanging on to playoff hopes. I think Dallas has been playing better, and will have Eliot back. Seattle is maybe the most injured team in the NFL.

JAX@SF - By all reasonable thinking the Jags will win this. But the 49ers have been a different team since Garrapollo took over at QB. That's not enough to win, but it's enough to make it interesting, at home.

OAK@PHI - This is mostly interesting to see which Raiders team shows up, and to see if NIck Foles can really cement his hold as a QB who really can lead them to the SB. Oakland's pass defense is so uneven, here's his chance. Oakland must win to have any shot at the playoffs. But to me, the Eagles are just too good overall. Only NO, and maybe Minnesota are better in the NFC as I see it.

Finally, ESPN has their playoff machine up and running. You simply choose who wins and loses this week and next, then it shows you how the playoff picture will look.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

[movingtarget]

HO HO HO. JEFF FISHER WANTS CREDIT FOR RAMS SUCCESS.
Or, "Hey, I'm available".
Or, "The Rams are my roster (I just can't coach)".
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...in-pretty-good-shape-after-firing?share=other

He had nothing to do with their offensive success. Gurley was mediocre last year, Goff was being called a bust, the 49ers beat them twice ! He could still pick up another job when the heads start rolling. What was the Rams GM thinking extending Fishers contract before he was terminated ? Defensively they were not that bad but their offense had stagnated. Be interested to see how they handle the playoffs. Might be similar to the Cowboys last year, maybe a bit too early. Or they continue and make a fool of some of the critics who say they can't win the Super Bowl. i think the Super Bowl is more open this year.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

Games this week I find interesting.

MIN@GB - With the Packers eliminated, and Rodgers obviously not playing up to expectations last week, and now on IR, and this is no revenge game. Viks win, but it won't be easy, even in GB cold.

MIA@KC - Will the real Chiefs please stand up? Alex Smith still somehow leads the league in passer rating. If he, and the team want to show they are for real, they must win, and look solid, against this tough defense.

CLE@CHI - If there's one game that could keep the Browns from going a perfect 0-16, this is it. Chicago has a very poor offense, but their defense is solid.

BUF@NE - Two weeks in a row Brady has looked iffy at times. They barely beat the Steelers to gain top seed (for now) and lost to Miami. The Bills defense can make him look bad, will they win though?

ATL@NO - This one is for real. The Falcons would love nothing more than to go into NO, and show they are the same team that went to the Super Bowl last year. But I don't see it. As I've said before, if I were a betting man, I'd put money on the Saints to win it all this year. This pick may change, but they run the ball very well in every way, and have an HOF QB and coach with plenty of experience, and a decent defense. They will be almost impossible to beat at home, and this team can win on the road in the playoffs.

LAR@TEN - The Titans have almost been pretenders. But they remain in the playoff hunt. A loss would really hurt them. The Rams are coming off a superb win over Seattle.

LAC@NYJ - The Chargers were all but humbled last week against the Chiefs. After looking like they'd win the division, they came crashing back to mediocrity. Here's a chance to step up against a good defense and a team that doesn't quit (though makes a lot of mistakes).

SEA@DAL - Both of these teams are barely hanging on to playoff hopes. I think Dallas has been playing better, and will have Eliot back. Seattle is maybe the most injured team in the NFL.

JAX@SF - By all reasonable thinking the Jags will win this. But the 49ers have been a different team since Garrapollo took over at QB. That's not enough to win, but it's enough to make it interesting, at home.

OAK@PHI - This is mostly interesting to see which Raiders team shows up, and to see if NIck Foles can really cement his hold as a QB who really can lead them to the SB. Oakland's pass defense is so uneven, here's his chance. Oakland must win to have any shot at the playoffs. But to me, the Eagles are just too good overall. Only NO, and maybe Minnesota are better in the NFC as I see it.

Finally, ESPN has their playoff machine up and running. You simply choose who wins and loses this week and next, then it shows you how the playoff picture will look.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

The Atlanta,Saints game at least on paper looks like game of the week. I still think the Vikings beat GB. Seattle and Dallas might turn into a dog fight. 49ers have the job ahead of them against the Jags especially if they get behind early. You would think the Jags defense will be too good but the 49ers offense is looking much better lately.

 

[The Hitch]

All the good games are early (6 oclock here).

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Good thing for DVRs, eh? Now a real die hard fan...

Agree completely there movingtarget on the jeff fisher comment. Kind of what I meant by my sarcastic Santa HoHoHo & 'ors'.

Agree also on all of Alpe's picks. Only game I might, but wouldn't, flip on is Atlanta, but not in NOLA. Nice game by Keenum & Viks last night. COOOOLD. Happy for Viks sewing up 1st round bye. I predict no Happy Holiday for Seattle today vs Dallas. Their best gift would be a parting of ways with their OL coach.

Happy Holidays. Cheers.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

If Jeff Fisher were coach of the Browns next year, would they finish 7-9?

Is Seattle's OL problems really the fault of Cable? What did he tell Pete and management? "Give me anyone, and I can turn them into the 1988 Hogs"? Or was he told, "We're spending everything on Wilson, our DBs and a couple other guys. You make it work with the pennies we're spending on no-name guys."??

ESPN has their Playoff Machine working. You pick this and next week's games, and they tell you who's in the playoffs and what the seeds/games are.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

I tried uploading a small jpeg showing my picks, but got this error:

Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached.

My file was 600x170, and only 65k. :sad:

 

[BullsFan22]

It would be something else if the Vikes got the #1 seed and marched all the way to their home Super Bowl this year and won it. It's obviously waaaay too early to call that, especially when we are talking about the Vikings, but it would be incredible, IMO.

Hope the Jaguars pull off a good last two games and the Steelers and Pats stumble and Jacksonville grabs the #1 in the AFC. They looking good and their defense is dangerous right now. Bortles isn't a top tier QB, but he is just good enough to make sure the offense does their thing. Be interesting to see what they do in the playoffs.

Eagles and Vikings are two franchises that probably deserve the SB title more than others right now. It would be an appropriate NFC title game if they both make it there.

The Rams have also had a great year and they deserve to be in the position they are in.

The Seahawks have too many injuries to overcome and Wilson, with that chronically weak OL has really disappointed the last two games. The previous game was the worst game of the Carroll era for the Hawks and while I certainly don't think they'll play like that vs Dallas or Arizona, they have to REALLY improve to simply make the playoffs. If they get to the playoffs, and that's a big IF at this point, not just with the standings but their level of play, they are probably going to lose in the first game. Losing 3 home games in one season, and who knows, maybe a 4th coming vs Arizona....the Hawks haven't exactly killed at home as one might expect. I looked at the stats and they lost 3 home games in 2015. Hadn't realized that. They made the playoffs that year, as they have every year since the 2011 season (Carroll's 2nd with the team), but it's looking grim right now. I really hope it's not the end of the LOB and the Seahawks run as a SB contender, but it very well could be.

 

[BullsFan22]

Back to the Seahawks...for some reason I think their chances may be higher in winning the division and making the playoffs than making it as a wild card. Too many variables going into the WC. The division title is simple, win two and hope that the Rams choke against inferior foes. Again, it's going to be hard either way, there's no doubt about that, even if the Hawks had a healthy roster, but I see them making the playoffs as the division champs rather than a wild card. I am sure those Walsh missed FG's and some head scratching decisions by Carroll mid season will be what decides it. Granted they've been down at various stages in each game this season, and Wilson has had to use some serious wizardry for the Hawks to even be where they are. They could easily be 6-8...or 4-10...

 

[movingtarget]

It would be something else if the Vikes got the #1 seed and marched all the way to their home Super Bowl this year and won it. It's obviously waaaay too early to call that, especially when we are talking about the Vikings, but it would be incredible, IMO.

Hope the Jaguars pull off a good last two games and the Steelers and Pats stumble and Jacksonville grabs the #1 in the AFC. They looking good and their defense is dangerous right now. Bortles isn't a top tier QB, but he is just good enough to make sure the offense does their thing. Be interesting to see what they do in the playoffs.

Eagles and Vikings are two franchises that probably deserve the SB title more than others right now. It would be an appropriate NFC title game if they both make it there.

The Rams have also had a great year and they deserve to be in the position they are in.

The Seahawks have too many injuries to overcome and Wilson, with that chronically weak OL has really disappointed the last two games. The previous game was the worst game of the Carroll era for the Hawks and while I certainly don't think they'll play like that vs Dallas or Arizona, they have to REALLY improve to simply make the playoffs. If they get to the playoffs, and that's a big IF at this point, not just with the standings but their level of play, they are probably going to lose in the first game. Losing 3 home games in one season, and who knows, maybe a 4th coming vs Arizona....the Hawks haven't exactly killed at home as one might expect. I looked at the stats and they lost 3 home games in 2015. Hadn't realized that. They made the playoffs that year, as they have every year since the 2011 season (Carroll's 2nd with the team), but it's looking grim right now. I really hope it's not the end of the LOB and the Seahawks run as a SB contender, but it very well could be.

The Jags were outplayed by the 49ers today, only 49ers mistakes let them back into the game. Shanahan has the 49ers offense clicking but the O Line is the big weakness at the moment. Jags will need to do a lot better than that in the playoffs. Bortles didn't play well and the defense was even off. 49ers final game against the Rams could be fun with both offenses playing well at the moment. Vikings did what they needed to do against GB. Cowboys now gone. I think the Seahawks are in a worse position going into the play offs this year but the playoffs look pretty open, more so than last year.

 

[BullsFan22]

LOL. Well so much for my predictions. The Rams held on (barely, with some home town cooking with the refs...) and therefore they win the division. The Hawks path to the playoffs is simple, beat the Cards at home and hope that the Panthers beat the Falcons. The Cards aren't playing that bad now and it's a divisional rivalry game and last game of the regular season....The Seahawks are favorites, but not by a long ways and anything can happen. The Panthers vs Falcons game will be a good one to finish of the season. As a Hawks fan I would obviously cheer for the Panthers. Whatever happens, the NFC is seriously loaded this season. We've seen that throughout...Vikings, Eagles, Saints, Rams, Panthers and either Seahawks/Falcons. If the Seahawks beat the Cards, that's another 10 win season for them. That would mean all the playoff bound teams from the NFC have at least 10 wins. And if the Falcons beat the Panthers, same thing. Quite incredible. Even the wildcard teams have a shot to go far. The Hawks haven't played as well at home as the have in previous years, as we all know, but their road record isn't bad and they've done well enough to have some hope in the playoffs (should they get there).

The AFC is essentially the Patriots and Steelers. The Jags lost to the 49ers. Granted SF is playing quite well the last part of the season, but still, the Jags were favored and playing really well themselves. That'll be a major punch to the face of Jacksonville's D. They did win their division, but a third seed is the best they'll have. That said, they should be happy with the way their season has gone. A division title and first playoff birth in ten years. I would be shocked if they or anyone else in the AFC beats the Pats or Steelers.

 

[jmdirt]

I hate it when my two favorite teams play (EDIT: each other)...especially when they both play poorly. Let's see what SEA can do now.

SF?! No other surprises this week.

It would be pretty cool to see the Vikings win a home SB!

The "catch rule" strikes again.

 

[Nomad]

The AFC is essentially the Patriots and Steelers. The Jags lost to the 49ers. Granted SF is playing quite well the last part of the season, but still, the Jags were favored and playing really well themselves. That'll be a major punch to the face of Jacksonville's D. They did win their division, but a third seed is the best they'll have. That said, they should be happy with the way their season has gone. A division title and first playoff birth in ten years. I would be shocked if they or anyone else in the AFC beats the Pats or Steelers.

I like the Pats & Steelers in the AFC title game.

I wonder, though, if this is Big Ben's last rodeo. At the freezing Idaho Potato Bowl over the weekend, it was mentioned that Elway and the GMs from the Steelers & Giants were there scouting Josh Allen from Wyoming. We all know why Elway was there, but the Steelers? Hmmm...interesting.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

According to WalterFootball at least, Josh Allen is the 4th best QB available in the draft. They have Josh Rosen going first, which surprises me because of his baggage. They then have Lamar Jackson 2nd. I just don't see that. The Browns don't need a headache that Rosen could be, when he and Jackson are about even. If the Browns are to take a QB, and I think they will, I think it will be Jackson. But we're months from the Combine, Pro Day and more. Next on their list is Baker Mayfield, who I put in the same camp as Rosen. You'll find people who are wow'd by him, and others who think of him as a prospect, a risk. Sam Darnold of USC is another question mark. If he declares.

If the Giants didn't play Davis Webb this past week, even a single down, they won't next. And he may not even be on the roster next season, as I'm sure the new Giants GM and coach will take whichever top QB the Browns don't, to start anew. I'm not sure how well the hot headed Rosen would do playing in the Big Apple though. The other question is, where does Eli end up, if anywhere at all?

Next week's match-ups are interesting. For one, the 49ers would love to send a message to the Rams, "we're coming", and close out the season with 5 wins in a row with Garrapollo under center, while the Rams just punched their ticket, and a win doesn't change much. They get a home game first round no matter what.

If the Panthers lose or win against Atlanta means little. They go on the road in the WC game, very likely against New Orleans, who beat them twice this year. If they win, it means that Seattle goes to the Rams, instead of Atlanta. If Carolina wins, and the Rams lose, then Carolina goes to LA for the WC, which I imagine they'd secretly prefer.

Jacksonville plays at Tennessee. The irony is, if they lose, they likely face them in the WC game a week later, but at home. But I'm certain they would love to bounce back and take out the Titans in this one. Which would push, probably, the Ravens into the playoffs.

I believe the Eagles have the #1 seed locked up. If so, don't be surprised if key players only play a half or even quarter of football. I am not a fan of resting them the whole game. Teams have done this in the past (2005 Colts, 1985 Raiders) and paid for it with rusty, sloppy play.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

According to WalterFootball at least, Josh Allen is the 4th best QB available in the draft. They have Josh Rosen going first, which surprises me because of his baggage. They then have Lamar Jackson 2nd. I just don't see that. The Browns don't need a headache that Rosen could be, when he and Jackson are about even. If the Browns are to take a QB, and I think they will, I think it will be Jackson. But we're months from the Combine, Pro Day and more. Next on their list is Baker Mayfield, who I put in the same camp as Rosen. You'll find people who are wow'd by him, and others who think of him as a prospect, a risk. Sam Darnold of USC is another question mark. If he declares.

If the Giants didn't play Davis Webb this past week, even a single down, they won't next. And he may not even be on the roster next season, as I'm sure the new Giants GM and coach will take whichever top QB the Browns don't, to start anew. I'm not sure how well the hot headed Rosen would do playing in the Big Apple though. The other question is, where does Eli end up, if anywhere at all?

Next week's match-ups are interesting. For one, the 49ers would love to send a message to the Rams, "we're coming", and close out the season with 5 wins in a row with Garrapollo under center, while the Rams just punched their ticket, and a win doesn't change much. They get a home game first round no matter what.

If the Panthers lose or win against Atlanta means little. They go on the road in the WC game, very likely against New Orleans, who beat them twice this year. If they win, it means that Seattle goes to the Rams, instead of Atlanta. If Carolina wins, and the Rams lose, then Carolina goes to LA for the WC, which I imagine they'd secretly prefer.

Jacksonville plays at Tennessee. The irony is, if they lose, they likely face them in the WC game a week later, but at home. But I'm certain they would love to bounce back and take out the Titans in this one. Which would push, probably, the Ravens into the playoffs.

I believe the Eagles have the #1 seed locked up. If so, don't be surprised if key players only play a half or even quarter of football. I am not a fan of resting them the whole game. Teams have done this in the past (2005 Colts, 1985 Raiders) and paid for it with rusty, sloppy play.

I wonder what the hapless Browns are thinking now ? They wanted Jimmy but the Patriots didn't want to do the deal, then later they do a deal with the 49ers for even less than the Browns offered ! They can't seem to draft the QB they need so why not pick up an experienced one ? But of course it has to be the right one. The coach probably won't be going anywhere yet ! With all of these draft picks over they past few years they have to be picking up some good players. Even if others don't turn out. But like the 49ers recent woes at QB the Browns have to get it sorted out soon and stick with one they hope can be a franchise player. Picking up another rookie QB who is 50/50 or even 60/40 to be a success could cost the coach and GM their jobs eventually if it doesn't work out. I don't watch the Browns games so I can't comment on their play or their QB and they seem to have been unlucky in a few losses but it's the win column that matters. With constant high draft picks they will have to start showing something for that luxury soon or once again management and coaching will turned over for another upheaval and the cycle starts again.

The Kirk Cousins talk re the 49ers seems to have stalled completely for obvious reasons. It seems he has missed that boat if he wanted out of Washington. Everyone expects the 49ers to sign Jimmy to a four or five year contract. Lynch and Shanahan have six year contracts.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Re:

If Jeff Fisher were coach of the Browns next year, would they finish 7-9?

Is Seattle's OL problems really the fault of Cable? What did he tell Pete and management? "Give me anyone, and I can turn them into the 1988 Hogs"? Or was he told, "We're spending everything on Wilson, our DBs and a couple other guys. You make it work with the pennies we're spending on no-name guys."??

ESPN has their Playoff Machine working. You pick this and next week's games, and they tell you who's in the playoffs and what the seeds/games are.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

I tried uploading a small jpeg showing my picks, but got this error:

Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached.

My file was 600x170, and only 65k. :sad:

As for Fisher, IF he were made the new HC of the Browns (by wrongfully selling out on Hue Jackson so early) and then IF he drafted one of the top QBs (e.g. Darnold, Allen, Mayfield, Jackson, or Rosen) he would be certain to ruin their careers like he started to do with the Rams' Goff, and the Browns owner or GM would have to fire Fisher there too. Hehe.

Cable's situation is complicated. Yes, he may have been asked to do more with less talent and with less budget. By analogy, if I was responsible for a $5M project and management asked me to do it for $1M, and if I knew it could not be done for $1M it would also be my responsibility for me to tell management so and give the minimum the job could be done for. By agreeing to it, if Cable did, then he's part of the problem with how much they have spent on OL guys.

Truth is, all of these guys are Cable's picks. He traveled to interview them and work them out. He agreed to draft them. Only Sweezy and Britt have worked out, but Sweezy (a converted DL, now a Buc on IR) was just serviceable and showed the same lack of technique that current Seattle RT (Ifedi) does; reaching and off balance by getting the shoulders way out in front of the feet because they are both overly aggressive. Britt is just serviceable and still gets beat. Gilliam, a converted TE, did not work out and was cut. Fant, a converted Hoopster, was promising before an ACL tear ended this season. Glowinski, another Cable pick cut 2 weeks ago, was also overly aggressive and off balance often. So, Seattle brings in Joeckel and Brown to save the day and they have helped, but Joeckel is not a solution, and Brown now some say has regressed since arriving at Seattle. Regressed? How does a top LT in the league regress in Seattle? How is it players (on or off the roster) show the same lack of technique (reaching, off balance, not keeping the butt down so cannot gain leverage)? Cable told Brad Sowell that if he worked hard "I can fix you". Brad played hard, but only lasted one year in Seattle. To me, these are signs coaching is lacking. Maybe Cable is too old school and unable to correct the mistakes being made by the young players coming out of college these days. But besides Brown-Joeckel-Britt, Seattle has 2 young players (Pocic at RG and Ifedi at RT) that are in obvious need of coaching up. Rather than risk letting them bust under Cable, I'd replace the coach, and get a new younger set of eyes on the Seattle OLinemen in hopes of saving them before they go bust. On the flip side, Seattle does need to spend draft picks on better OL talent, so I kind of give Cable a break there, but not enough a break to save his job because of what he had agreed to do; more with less.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good points on Cable. One way or the other, I do think he'll likely be gone by off-season.

Reports are that Josh Rosen doesn't want to play for the Browns, and may pull an Eli to play for the Giants, having more faith in their organization. I honestly wonder how well he will do in NYC, as he's pretty cocky, but Namath did fine in NY, so who knows.

SEC Nation is guessing that Sam Darnold will come out early, even though Darnold hinted at staying at USC (possibly to avoid going to Cleveland). SC Nation doesn't even have former Heisman winner Jackson going in the first round, and being instead the 6th QB drafted, which shows you just how much of a slippery crap shoot this entire process is, and how far we have to go until we can really evaluate who the best QB is going to be for which team. Even then, how often do rookies pan out? We've discussed this before.

Cleveland has the #1 and possibly #4 or 5 pick in the draft. Would they trade away the top pick for a stack of other picks and/or another player, and take the 3rd or 4th best QB in the draft with their top pick? Keep in mind all of these QB's will be likely be free agents in 2018: Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees, Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick. And many others could be attained, such as AJ McCarron. Granted, there is NO possible way Brees leaves NO, but would, say, Bradford play for Cleveland?

As far as Hugh Jackson goes, as I said before, if you are going to can him, you better have a damned good idea who you are going to replace him with, and if you can't get that guy, you'd be happy with your second choice, and view it as an improvement over Jackson. I was of course kidding that the Browns would take Jeff Fisher to improve to 7-9, that would be a disaster, for the reason you said, and more.

This past Saturday Jay Glazer implied that after this season a record number of coaches will be fired, as many as 13.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

Good points on Cable. One way or the other, I do think he'll likely be gone by off-season.

Reports are that Josh Rosen doesn't want to play for the Browns, and may pull an Eli to play for the Giants, having more faith in their organization. I honestly wonder how well he will do in NYC, as he's pretty cocky, but Namath did fine in NY, so who knows.

SEC Nation is guessing that Sam Darnold will come out early, even though Darnold hinted at staying at USC (possibly to avoid going to Cleveland). SC Nation doesn't even have former Heisman winner Jackson going in the first round, and being instead the 6th QB drafted, which shows you just how much of a slippery crap shoot this entire process is, and how far we have to go until we can really evaluate who the best QB is going to be for which team. Even then, how often do rookies pan out? We've discussed this before.

Cleveland has the #1 and possibly #4 or 5 pick in the draft. Would they trade away the top pick for a stack of other picks and/or another player, and take the 3rd or 4th best QB in the draft with their top pick? Keep in mind all of these QB's will be likely be free agents in 2018: Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees, Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick. And many others could be attained, such as AJ McCarron. Granted, there is NO possible way Brees leaves NO, but would, say, Bradford play for Cleveland?

As far as Hugh Jackson goes, as I said before, if you are going to can him, you better have a damned good idea who you are going to replace him with, and if you can't get that guy, you'd be happy with your second choice, and view it as an improvement over Jackson. I was of course kidding that the Browns would take Jeff Fisher to improve to 7-9, that would be a disaster, for the reason you said, and more.

This past Saturday Jay Glazer implied that after this season a record number of coaches will be fired, as many as 13.

I think there will be plenty of coaches under threat. Jeff Fisher to the Browns would have been as likely as Chip Kelly probably and now Chip has the USC job anyway. I think Jackson will get another year at least, it all depends on the owner and whether he can hold his nerve for much longer and have enough patience to play the long game but one win from 31 games is pretty dire, even the fire storm that was the 49ers last year had two wins and five the year before with a first time head coach. Not to say that Fisher won't pick something up but it probably would not have been the Browns anyway. Bengals or Colts some team like that maybe. With Bridgewater on the way back I wonder if the Browns would be interested in Bradford once he is back from injury ? As far as Kaepernick goes I have real doubts he will ever be back now. It will take someone with very big cojones to go down that path not so much because of Kaep's ability but because of the fan reaction although he has stopped the sideline protests so he says. I think Hoyer is the sort of QB nomad that would play for the Browns if the Patriots dumped him which will happen sooner or later but that would add to the Browns problems not solve them !

Also a rumour that Bruce Arians is leaving the Cardinals but he says it is fake news which means there is probably some truth to it !

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Good points Alpe & Movingtarget. The whole draft-QB-Cleveland situation will be an interesting one to watch. I agree Hue Jackson as CLE HC "should" be safe for now. But with CLE who the heck knows, right? Their new GM will have a lot to say about Hue's immediate future. Josh Rosen could just be carrying enough baggage to keep him out of team's crosshairs as the #1 QB taken in the draft. Interesting that he could be playing that card a little bit to give him a way of staying out of CLE - different than Elway or Eli did, but with the same result.

As for Arians, by the same token are his recent comments about playing their final game in Seattle calculated to get himself fired (meaning he'd want to be fired)? Or just trying to fire his team up for that finale? Or is he just stupid?

"We know that's our home field. We're goin' up there to kick their a*s." -Bruce Arians to his team after today's game. Cards play at Seattle next week. (@ShaneDaleABC15)

With SEA still in playoff hunt, that's like tossing gas on a fire. Small fire maybe, but still...

 

[BullsFan22]

I think no matter who Cleveland drafts it's going to be another losing season, I am afraid. They've changed so many QB's over the last 15-20 years you'd lose count. They'll need to have some luck and more than just a good quarterback to make them into something worth watching, let alone a playoff contender. Seeing that nobody wants to go there anyway, who will they have as QB? Would be interesting if Kaepernick goes there, for example.

The playoff race is still open, teams fighting to stay in, or move in, keep their positions or move up to get home field advantage...I think it should make for an exciting final week. The Rams said they'll rest their starters. That will give the Niners a solid shot. I understand LA's worry about rest and injuries, but what about rusty legs and minds? The Vikes and Eagles for the #1? And are the Saints a contender that is one to watch above all in that conference? Panthers vs Falcons might be the best game this week. A very good Panthers D vs a very good Falcons O. Both have things to play for, so we'll see what happens. The Seahawks don't need Arians' trash talk to motivate themselves. They have to play the game like they are down a TD in the 4th quarter of a SB. With the home field, they should be fired up. Otherwise they don't deserve to be in the playoffs. That should be another good game.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

I think no matter who Cleveland drafts it's going to be another losing season, I am afraid. They've changed so many QB's over the last 15-20 years you'd lose count. They'll need to have some luck and more than just a good quarterback to make them into something worth watching, let alone a playoff contender. Seeing that nobody wants to go there anyway, who will they have as QB? Would be interesting if Kaepernick goes there, for example.

How's this for the list of Browns QBs since Bernie Kosar (in parentheses = number of games each player started during the season):
2017 DeShone Kizer (14) / Kevin Hogan (1)
2016 Robert Griffin III (5) / Josh McCown (3) / Cody Kessler (8)
2015 Josh McCown (8) / Johnny Manziel (6) / Austin Davis (2)
2014 Brian Hoyer (13) / Johnny Manziel (2) / Connor Shaw (1)
2013 Jason Campbell (8) / Brandon Weeden (5) / Brian Hoyer (3)
2012 Brandon Weeden (15) / Thad Lewis (1)
2011 Colt McCoy (13) / Seneca Wallace (3)
2010 Colt McCoy (8) / Jake Delhomme (4) / Seneca Wallace (4)
2009 Brady Quinn (9) / Derek Anderson (7)
2008 Derek Anderson (9) / Brady Quinn (3) / Ken Dorsey (3) / Bruce Gradkowski (1)
2007 Derek Anderson (15) / Charlie Frye (1)
2006 Charlie Frye (13) / Derek Anderson (3)
2005 Trent Dilfer (11) / Charlie Frye (5)
2004 Jeff Garcia (10) / Kelly Holcomb (2) / Luke McCown (4)
2003 Kelly Holcomb (8) / Tim Couch (8)
2002 Tim Couch (14) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2001 Tim Couch (16)
2000 Doug Pederson (8) / Tim Couch (7) / Spergon Wynn (1)
1999 Tim Couch (14) / Ty Detmer (2)
1996–1998 Suspended operations
1995 Vinny Testaverde (12) / Eric Zeier (4)
1994 Vinny Testaverde (13) / Mark Rypien (3)

 

[movingtarget]

I think no matter who Cleveland drafts it's going to be another losing season, I am afraid. They've changed so many QB's over the last 15-20 years you'd lose count. They'll need to have some luck and more than just a good quarterback to make them into something worth watching, let alone a playoff contender. Seeing that nobody wants to go there anyway, who will they have as QB? Would be interesting if Kaepernick goes there, for example.

How's this for the list of Browns QBs since Bernie Kosar (in parentheses = number of games each player started during the season):
2017 DeShone Kizer (14) / Kevin Hogan (1)
2016 Robert Griffin III (5) / Josh McCown (3) / Cody Kessler (8)
2015 Josh McCown (8) / Johnny Manziel (6) / Austin Davis (2)
2014 Brian Hoyer (13) / Johnny Manziel (2) / Connor Shaw (1)
2013 Jason Campbell (8) / Brandon Weeden (5) / Brian Hoyer (3)
2012 Brandon Weeden (15) / Thad Lewis (1)
2011 Colt McCoy (13) / Seneca Wallace (3)
2010 Colt McCoy (8) / Jake Delhomme (4) / Seneca Wallace (4)
2009 Brady Quinn (9) / Derek Anderson (7)
2008 Derek Anderson (9) / Brady Quinn (3) / Ken Dorsey (3) / Bruce Gradkowski (1)
2007 Derek Anderson (15) / Charlie Frye (1)
2006 Charlie Frye (13) / Derek Anderson (3)
2005 Trent Dilfer (11) / Charlie Frye (5)
2004 Jeff Garcia (10) / Kelly Holcomb (2) / Luke McCown (4)
2003 Kelly Holcomb (8) / Tim Couch (8)
2002 Tim Couch (14) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2001 Tim Couch (16)
2000 Doug Pederson (8) / Tim Couch (7) / Spergon Wynn (1)
1999 Tim Couch (14) / Ty Detmer (2)
1996–1998 Suspended operations
1995 Vinny Testaverde (12) / Eric Zeier (4)
1994 Vinny Testaverde (13) / Mark Rypien (3)

What a nightmare list that is. It also shows they might need some new scouts ! Kaep would not have gone to the Browns before I don't think but would he go there now ? I think he would. Even if the draft and the constant high picks is not picking up a lot of good players they must be drafting some good players but it also takes time to develop most young players especially on defense. One of the major problems for them is getting good experienced players yo go there as free agents. Good players want to be paid but they also want to go to the playoffs. If a high profile coach went there that could attract more players of course and he wouldn't go there without being overpaid.

Denver seriously need a good QB as well as do about four or five other teams. The Giants will certainly look to draft a QB.

The Rams only beat the 49ers by two points earlier in the season with Hoyer at QB and being a divisional game and the form the 49ers have been in I don't think it would have mattered if the Rams rested players or not, they were still going to get a difficult game as the Jaguars found out last week. The season is ending too soon for the 49ers but I hope the current form carries over into next season. The offense has finally clicked and without their best WR Garcon.

 

[BullsFan22]

I think no matter who Cleveland drafts it's going to be another losing season, I am afraid. They've changed so many QB's over the last 15-20 years you'd lose count. They'll need to have some luck and more than just a good quarterback to make them into something worth watching, let alone a playoff contender. Seeing that nobody wants to go there anyway, who will they have as QB? Would be interesting if Kaepernick goes there, for example.

How's this for the list of Browns QBs since Bernie Kosar (in parentheses = number of games each player started during the season):
2017 DeShone Kizer (14) / Kevin Hogan (1)
2016 Robert Griffin III (5) / Josh McCown (3) / Cody Kessler (8)
2015 Josh McCown (8) / Johnny Manziel (6) / Austin Davis (2)
2014 Brian Hoyer (13) / Johnny Manziel (2) / Connor Shaw (1)
2013 Jason Campbell (8) / Brandon Weeden (5) / Brian Hoyer (3)
2012 Brandon Weeden (15) / Thad Lewis (1)
2011 Colt McCoy (13) / Seneca Wallace (3)
2010 Colt McCoy (8) / Jake Delhomme (4) / Seneca Wallace (4)
2009 Brady Quinn (9) / Derek Anderson (7)
2008 Derek Anderson (9) / Brady Quinn (3) / Ken Dorsey (3) / Bruce Gradkowski (1)
2007 Derek Anderson (15) / Charlie Frye (1)
2006 Charlie Frye (13) / Derek Anderson (3)
2005 Trent Dilfer (11) / Charlie Frye (5)
2004 Jeff Garcia (10) / Kelly Holcomb (2) / Luke McCown (4)
2003 Kelly Holcomb (8) / Tim Couch (8)
2002 Tim Couch (14) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2001 Tim Couch (16)
2000 Doug Pederson (8) / Tim Couch (7) / Spergon Wynn (1)
1999 Tim Couch (14) / Ty Detmer (2)
1996–1998 Suspended operations
1995 Vinny Testaverde (12) / Eric Zeier (4)
1994 Vinny Testaverde (13) / Mark Rypien (3)

Jeez. I am not sure if that's funny, scary, sad, curious, annoying, or all of the above. What's even more incredible is that their last playoff win was under the leadership of.....Bill Belichick. He then moves to New England and the rest is history.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

It has been so bad that to me, all of the above except for funny. Furthermore, I really hope the Browns can finally get it together and become a seriously competitive team. As for Belichick & the Browns, some GM & owner must have lamented over what could have been.

 

[BullsFan22]

I mean it's not like the Browns were a complete failure before the 90's. They had good teams before then, especially the 80's where they simply choked. Since the team came back to Cleveland, they've had only one season where they made the playoffs, and that was, to repeat myself, with Belichick as the head coach, other than that one year they've been anywhere from below par to downright atrocious. They haven't even been good enough to where they have a possibility in choking, lol. I do think their fortunes will change, just not in the immediate future. It's a shame for the entire league, because they do have a long history, had good results in the past and it's a passionate/loyal fan base. I mean every franchise goes through some nasty years...the Patriots had plenty of those, the Seahawks had many of those, the Packers went many years between Starr and Favre...likewise the Steelers from Bradshaw to Big Ben...maybe the Browns will catch a big break, get a very good QB, build around him, get a coach that's decent and make something happen.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Back to head trauma & CTE, besides rule changes and equipment improvements, it sounds like the NFL can also use a dose of culture change according to recently concussed LB KJ Wright of Seattle. Not too surprising I guess. http://sports.mynorthwest.com/385182/seahawks-kj-wright-concussion-culture-change/
Such as 1 week not being enough time off for recovery from some concussions.

With all the injuries to players, some team rosters have been decimated. As a result, maybe players feel more urge or pressure to return too early from injury (including concussions). Maybe the league ought to consider expanding regular season and/or practice rosters, say by 10 players and increasing team salary accordingly.