National Football League

[movingtarget]

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.

Scary moment when the Texans played the 49ers a few weeks ago. The Texans QB Savage was pounded in a heavy hit by multiple players and he was laying on the ground with his hands twitching and his eyes fluttering. Unbelievably he came back on the field after going off for a few minutes made two terrible throws and was brought off. Who are these doctors they are paying and what the hell are the coaches doing ?

 

[movingtarget]

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.

Yeah I'd like to see the Browns competitive again. Would be a good story for the NRL and Browns fans and players.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Enjoying the holidays everyone? Here's the games I find interesting:

NYJ@NE - For two reasons, it will be bitterly cold and windy, which tends to equalize games, it's also a test to see how well the Pats look going into the playoffs, and how well Bryce Petty looks.
CLE@PIT - Steelers resting everyone, Browns trying for a perfect season.
DAL@PHI - Oh how the Cowboys would love to win this, and with the Eagles resting most vets, even Foles some. Almost as cold in Philly as NE. Expect a low scoring game.
SF@LAR - The Rams will be resting some players, vets, and I fully expect the 49ers and Garrapolo to go pedal to the metal here and send the league a message about their future, "we're coming..."
KC@DEN - While the Chiefs have nothing to play for, they do, as they have been so inconsistent. What do they get out of this game?
JAX@TEN - The Titans must win, but the Jags would love to win.
CAR@ATL - This matchup somewhat favors the Panthers, but I think a determined and focused Atlanta team can beat them. Carolina gets into the playoffs no matter what. But will the right Falcon team show up?

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

So did you return from the future before writing up those predictions? Not bad sir.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

Enjoying the holidays everyone? Here's the games I find interesting:

NYJ@NE - For two reasons, it will be bitterly cold and windy, which tends to equalize games, it's also a test to see how well the Pats look going into the playoffs, and how well Bryce Petty looks.
CLE@PIT - Steelers resting everyone, Browns trying for a perfect season.
DAL@PHI - Oh how the Cowboys would love to win this, and with the Eagles resting most vets, even Foles some. Almost as cold in Philly as NE. Expect a low scoring game.
SF@LAR - The Rams will be resting some players, vets, and I fully expect the 49ers and Garrapolo to go pedal to the metal here and send the league a message about their future, "we're coming..."
KC@DEN - While the Chiefs have nothing to play for, they do, as they have been so inconsistent. What do they get out of this game?
JAX@TEN - The Titans must win, but the Jags would love to win.
CAR@ATL - This matchup somewhat favors the Panthers, but I think a determined and focused Atlanta team can beat them. Carolina gets into the playoffs no matter what. But will the right Falcon team show up?

Nice picking. The Browns get close again but no cigar. Bills make the playoffs. First time since 1999 but McCoy has sprained his ankle ! The Chiefs were disappointing this year. But I really didn't expect the collapse of the Cowboys and Raiders after their last seasons. Interestingly some pundits picked the Cowboys to drop back and also the Jaguars to improve although Jaguars progressing far in the playoffs is another matter. Seattle I thought would either scrape into the playoffs or just miss out. Be interesting to see what changes they make next season. Eagles going into the playoffs in a similar situation to the Raiders last year with the loss of their QB. I think the playoffs are very open this year. Rams could win the Super Bowl but I have some doubts. Maybe they make it but lose. For a first time head coach to win in his first year would be something. Wouldn't mind seeing the Vikings do well.

 

[Nomad]

Yeah...and the collaspe of the Raiders just cost Del Rio his job. And now the axe is falling: Fox out (it's about time) and Pagano out. This one with Pagano goes beyond any logic and shows how screwed-up the league is getting. Pagano in 6 seasons with Indy was 53-43 with 3 seasons making the playoffs (2 divisional titles) with one of those an apperance in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, he went 4-12 this year but didn't have the services of Luck the entire year. Contrast Pagano's situation with Todd Bowles at the Jets who just received a 2 yr contract extension and vote of confidence from ownership. Bowles in 3 seasons is 20-28 with NO playoffs! Sure...he had a 10-6 season 3 yrs ago, but again I reiterate NO playoffs in 3 seasons. I say Pagano should have been given one more year and see how he does with Luck back at the helm (presumably).

And now we've got the boring playoffs coming up, at least in the AFC. It's NE & Pitt and the rest just pretenders this year. AFC title game: Big Ben vs GOAT Brady - should be a dosey! I'm rooting for Tomlin's boys but I've got a feeling it'll be NE booking a flight to Minneapolis.

Bah Humbug

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000900272/article/nfl-coaching-tracker-latest-moves-developments

 

[repre]

Yeah...and the collaspe of the Raiders just cost Del Rio his job. And now the axe is falling: Fox out (it's about time) and Pagano out. This one with Pagano goes beyond any logic and shows how screwed-up the league is getting. Pagano in 6 seasons with Indy was 53-43 with 3 seasons making the playoffs (2 divisional titles) with one of those an apperance in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, he went 4-12 this year but didn't have the services of Luck the entire year. Contrast Pagano's situation with Todd Bowles at the Jets who just received a 2 yr contract extension and vote of confidence from ownership. Bowles in 3 seasons is 20-28 with NO playoffs! Sure...he had a 10-6 season 3 yrs ago, but again I reiterate NO playoffs in 3 seasons. I say Pagano should have been given one more year and see how he does with Luck back at the helm (presumably).

And now we've got the boring playoffs coming up, at least in the AFC. It's NE & Pitt and the rest just pretenders this year. AFC title game: Big Ben vs GOAT Brady - should be a dosey! I'm rooting for Tomlin's boys but I've got a feeling it'll be NE booking a flight to Minneapolis.

Bah Humbug

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000900272/article/nfl-coaching-tracker-latest-moves-developments

I just dont understand the Del Rio firing...Man has got the garbage defense with tough schedule and almost non-existant wrs (cooper is a straight trash), also 12-4 last season. And to make things worse they reportedly hiring Jon Gruden, who hasnt coach in nfl for like thousand years, and even offerred him ownership stake. Al Davis is nodding in approval somewhere.

 

[repre]

Yeah...and the collaspe of the Raiders just cost Del Rio his job. And now the axe is falling: Fox out (it's about time) and Pagano out. This one with Pagano goes beyond any logic and shows how screwed-up the league is getting. Pagano in 6 seasons with Indy was 53-43 with 3 seasons making the playoffs (2 divisional titles) with one of those an apperance in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, he went 4-12 this year but didn't have the services of Luck the entire year. Contrast Pagano's situation with Todd Bowles at the Jets who just received a 2 yr contract extension and vote of confidence from ownership. Bowles in 3 seasons is 20-28 with NO playoffs! Sure...he had a 10-6 season 3 yrs ago, but again I reiterate NO playoffs in 3 seasons. I say Pagano should have been given one more year and see how he does with Luck back at the helm (presumably).

And now we've got the boring playoffs coming up, at least in the AFC. It's NE & Pitt and the rest just pretenders this year. AFC title game: Big Ben vs GOAT Brady - should be a dosey! I'm rooting for Tomlin's boys but I've got a feeling it'll be NE booking a flight to Minneapolis.

Bah Humbug

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000900272/article/nfl-coaching-tracker-latest-moves-developments

wild card round in AFC is like the minor league game compared to NFC's majors. Buf-Jags game will be a comedy of mistakes and offensive struggles. NFC will be slightly more insteresting, especially for NFC South fans, Panthers-Saints game can be a massacre and Falcons-Rams game must be an offense heaven. Atlanta will struggle to defend Gurley, so Rams with home field have slightly more chances.

 

[movingtarget]

Yeah...and the collaspe of the Raiders just cost Del Rio his job. And now the axe is falling: Fox out (it's about time) and Pagano out. This one with Pagano goes beyond any logic and shows how screwed-up the league is getting. Pagano in 6 seasons with Indy was 53-43 with 3 seasons making the playoffs (2 divisional titles) with one of those an apperance in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, he went 4-12 this year but didn't have the services of Luck the entire year. Contrast Pagano's situation with Todd Bowles at the Jets who just received a 2 yr contract extension and vote of confidence from ownership. Bowles in 3 seasons is 20-28 with NO playoffs! Sure...he had a 10-6 season 3 yrs ago, but again I reiterate NO playoffs in 3 seasons. I say Pagano should have been given one more year and see how he does with Luck back at the helm (presumably).

And now we've got the boring playoffs coming up, at least in the AFC. It's NE & Pitt and the rest just pretenders this year. AFC title game: Big Ben vs GOAT Brady - should be a dosey! I'm rooting for Tomlin's boys but I've got a feeling it'll be NE booking a flight to Minneapolis.

Bah Humbug

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000900272/article/nfl-coaching-tracker-latest-moves-developments

Pagano was probably hard done by but I'm sure there are more coaching changes to come. Todd Bowles still may not last if things don't happen next season. Jeff Fisher was extended last season then sacked a month or two later. Bengals and Denver coaches ? Seems to be some rumblings about the coaches at Cardinals, Cowboys and Seattle as well. Could be just media fishing. All three teams are in transition. Maybe not in rebuild mode but definitely need some pieces. Cardinals are probably close to a rebuild with their aging players.

 

[movingtarget]

Lions fire head coach Jim Caldwell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxi9bkwnuCg

 

[Riverside]

same in CHI with Fox...

 

[Unchained]

Nice try Chargers

 

[Riverside]

Arians retired. I loved him and glad he was able to pursue his dream to become HC at such a late stage of his career....

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Here is a little Jay Glazer summary of actual & possible coaching changes that is a little outdated being from yesterday but interesting (2nd clip on webpage, loads bit slow):
https://www.foxsports.com/southwest...-all-the-possible-nfl-coaching-changes-123117
Besides the coaches you guys mentioned now we know cards Arians is retiring and Raiders Del Rio has been fired. Impatient owner strikes again.

In the video they were bit surprised Pete Carroll is on the list as potential retiree, but with some minor rebuilding in store, Pete may decide to let someone else take over. To shed salary, to me Bennett has to go, Chancellor (who can't seem to stay on field, might retire anyway due to neck injury, & who was adequately replaced by legit starter Bradley McDougald) may be seen by management as a liability and might need to go. Other possible cap casualties: Cliff Avril, Sheldon Richardson on defense. On offense some may say Jimmy Graham, but not I as Jimmy was too valuable in the red zone this year... UNLESS they trade Jimmy for an OL starter.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

First a look at Black Monday and the coaching carousel. I'll post teams 2018 outlook, plus the draft, soon. Then on playoff thoughts.

I'm sure you have all heard by now it's almost a formality that Jon Gruden is coming back to Oakland, which explains Del Rio's quick exit. Mark Davis has known and been friends with Gruden for probably over 20 years and spoke fondly of him before. With a young franchise QB, and room to grow, and a new facility in two years, plus what appears to be a stake in minority ownership, if Gruden ever wanted to come back and give the NFL another shot, this would be it. If the Raiders are gambling, and can't lure Gruden, then canning Del Rio was a mistake for sure.

I agree that it was a mistake to let Pagano go. He took them to three 11-5 seasons (sharing one with Arians), he's a stabilizing person, and respected by his players. He missed his franchise player this year, and gets punished for it. Can you name one other (available) coach who would have taken this team to a winning season? Even a 7-9 season? I didn't think so.

Good for Arians to retire, good on him. He's going to be forever liked in Arizona. Excellent rebuilding period coming up for the Cardinals. They don't have a ton of cap room, but aren't in a tough spot either. Lots of hope for 2019 and beyond, if they can find a solid coach, and new franchise QB.

Zero surprise at Fox, and Caldwell being canned. I once heard about Caldwell that he was a very respectful man, but really would never be a top coach.

I still am not 100% convinced Hugh Jackson sticks around in Cleveland. I think if the Browns can find someone they like, that they think they can get, Hugh will be gone. His press conference was humbling, but also optimistic. So who knows. More on this later.

Dirk Koetter, Vance Joseph, and Jay Gruden both got a stamp of faith. I agree with Jay Glazer entirely, Washington's problem is not Gruden at all. It's the front office, headed up by the owner. Gruden has been making lemonade out of lemons there for a while.

As to Pete Carroll, I think what Seattle will do is look at both who they will release (Bennet for sure), who they will trade, who they will rebuild on (Wilson for sure), who they may draft, and get in FA. If they can on that in 3-5 years, Pete will stay on. If not, I can see him retiring. As Jimmy Johnson has said many times, it's a young man's game, even coaching, and rare is an older coach with the energy and stomach to tough it out.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

First a look at Black Monday and the coaching carousel. I'll post teams 2018 outlook, plus the draft, soon. Then on playoff thoughts.

I'm sure you have all heard by now it's almost a formality that Jon Gruden is coming back to Oakland, which explains Del Rio's quick exit. Mark Davis has known and been friends with Gruden for probably over 20 years and spoke fondly of him before. With a young franchise QB, and room to grow, and a new facility in two years, plus what appears to be a stake in minority ownership, if Gruden ever wanted to come back and give the NFL another shot, this would be it. If the Raiders are gambling, and can't lure Gruden, then canning Del Rio was a mistake for sure.

I agree that it was a mistake to let Pagano go. He took them to three 11-5 seasons (sharing one with Arians), he's a stabilizing person, and respected by his players. He missed his franchise player this year, and gets punished for it. Can you name one other (available) coach who would have taken this team to a winning season? Even a 7-9 season? I didn't think so.

Good for Arians to retire, good on him. He's going to be forever liked in Arizona. Excellent rebuilding period coming up for the Cardinals. They don't have a ton of cap room, but aren't in a tough spot either. Lots of hope for 2019 and beyond, if they can find a solid coach, and new franchise QB.

Zero surprise at Fox, and Caldwell being canned. I once heard about Caldwell that he was a very respectful man, but really would never be a top coach.

I still am not 100% convinced Hugh Jackson sticks around in Cleveland. I think if the Browns can find someone they like, that they think they can get, Hugh will be gone. His press conference was humbling, but also optimistic. So who knows. More on this later.

Dirk Koetter, Vance Joseph, and Jay Gruden both got a stamp of faith. I agree with Jay Glazer entirely, Washington's problem is not Gruden at all. It's the front office, headed up by the owner. Gruden has been making lemonade out of lemons there for a while.

As to Pete Carroll, I think what Seattle will do is look at both who they will release (Bennet for sure), who they will trade, who they will rebuild on (Wilson for sure), who they may draft, and get in FA. If they can on that in 3-5 years, Pete will stay on. If not, I can see him retiring. As Jimmy Johnson has said many times, it's a young man's game, even coaching, and rare is an older coach with the energy and stomach to tough it out.

Chip Kelly may have jumped too soon at taking the college job with UCLA. He may have ended up back in the NFL with all of the vacancies. Surely the Cardinals won't sign Jeff Fisher ................

 

[repre]

Re:

First a look at Black Monday and the coaching carousel. I'll post teams 2018 outlook, plus the draft, soon. Then on playoff thoughts.

I'm sure you have all heard by now it's almost a formality that Jon Gruden is coming back to Oakland, which explains Del Rio's quick exit. Mark Davis has known and been friends with Gruden for probably over 20 years and spoke fondly of him before. With a young franchise QB, and room to grow, and a new facility in two years, plus what appears to be a stake in minority ownership, if Gruden ever wanted to come back and give the NFL another shot, this would be it. If the Raiders are gambling, and can't lure Gruden, then canning Del Rio was a mistake for sure.

I agree that it was a mistake to let Pagano go. He took them to three 11-5 seasons (sharing one with Arians), he's a stabilizing person, and respected by his players. He missed his franchise player this year, and gets punished for it. Can you name one other (available) coach who would have taken this team to a winning season? Even a 7-9 season? I didn't think so.

Good for Arians to retire, good on him. He's going to be forever liked in Arizona. Excellent rebuilding period coming up for the Cardinals. They don't have a ton of cap room, but aren't in a tough spot either. Lots of hope for 2019 and beyond, if they can find a solid coach, and new franchise QB.

Zero surprise at Fox, and Caldwell being canned. I once heard about Caldwell that he was a very respectful man, but really would never be a top coach.

I still am not 100% convinced Hugh Jackson sticks around in Cleveland. I think if the Browns can find someone they like, that they think they can get, Hugh will be gone. His press conference was humbling, but also optimistic. So who knows. More on this later.

Dirk Koetter, Vance Joseph, and Jay Gruden both got a stamp of faith. I agree with Jay Glazer entirely, Washington's problem is not Gruden at all. It's the front office, headed up by the owner. Gruden has been making lemonade out of lemons there for a while.

As to Pete Carroll, I think what Seattle will do is look at both who they will release (Bennet for sure), who they will trade, who they will rebuild on (Wilson for sure), who they may draft, and get in FA. If they can on that in 3-5 years, Pete will stay on. If not, I can see him retiring. As Jimmy Johnson has said many times, it's a young man's game, even coaching, and rare is an older coach with the energy and stomach to tough it out.

Caldwell firing is a bit puzzling but definetely not surprising. He isn't a top coach, but a good one, and Lions recently gave him extension. And it's not like Detroit have a roster to get over the hump of mediocricity.

 

[repre]

Re: Re:

First a look at Black Monday and the coaching carousel. I'll post teams 2018 outlook, plus the draft, soon. Then on playoff thoughts.

I'm sure you have all heard by now it's almost a formality that Jon Gruden is coming back to Oakland, which explains Del Rio's quick exit. Mark Davis has known and been friends with Gruden for probably over 20 years and spoke fondly of him before. With a young franchise QB, and room to grow, and a new facility in two years, plus what appears to be a stake in minority ownership, if Gruden ever wanted to come back and give the NFL another shot, this would be it. If the Raiders are gambling, and can't lure Gruden, then canning Del Rio was a mistake for sure.

I agree that it was a mistake to let Pagano go. He took them to three 11-5 seasons (sharing one with Arians), he's a stabilizing person, and respected by his players. He missed his franchise player this year, and gets punished for it. Can you name one other (available) coach who would have taken this team to a winning season? Even a 7-9 season? I didn't think so.

Good for Arians to retire, good on him. He's going to be forever liked in Arizona. Excellent rebuilding period coming up for the Cardinals. They don't have a ton of cap room, but aren't in a tough spot either. Lots of hope for 2019 and beyond, if they can find a solid coach, and new franchise QB.

Zero surprise at Fox, and Caldwell being canned. I once heard about Caldwell that he was a very respectful man, but really would never be a top coach.

I still am not 100% convinced Hugh Jackson sticks around in Cleveland. I think if the Browns can find someone they like, that they think they can get, Hugh will be gone. His press conference was humbling, but also optimistic. So who knows. More on this later.

Dirk Koetter, Vance Joseph, and Jay Gruden both got a stamp of faith. I agree with Jay Glazer entirely, Washington's problem is not Gruden at all. It's the front office, headed up by the owner. Gruden has been making lemonade out of lemons there for a while.

As to Pete Carroll, I think what Seattle will do is look at both who they will release (Bennet for sure), who they will trade, who they will rebuild on (Wilson for sure), who they may draft, and get in FA. If they can on that in 3-5 years, Pete will stay on. If not, I can see him retiring. As Jimmy Johnson has said many times, it's a young man's game, even coaching, and rare is an older coach with the energy and stomach to tough it out.

Chip Kelly may have jumped too soon at taking the college job with UCLA. He may have ended up back in the NFL with all of the vacancies. Surely the Cardinals won't sign Jeff Fisher ................

Kelly got back to his comfort zone after an NFL whirlwind. Cardinals need to hire an young HC and do rebuild, their roster now is 8-8 team's at best.

 

[repre]

Some good news for Baltimore: Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs said he wants to play "for a few more years."

 

[BullsFan22]

Really cool to see them sneak in to the playoffs after almost 20 years of nothing. I think the 'snow bowl' game from a couple weeks ago really was the make or break point for them and they won it.

Sad way for the season to end for the Hawks, but it was such a typical 2017 Seahawk game. Slow start, apart from the 99 yard return. The offense struggling, Wilson carrying the team with a comeback in the 4th, aaaand Blair Walsh AGAIN missing a field goal. Of course it was all academic at that point, as the Falcons were already through, but still, to lose your final game (at home, what's more) with a missed field goal....pretty depressing. The game against the Redskins where so many things went wrong for them, but still should have won, will be the one that did them in. A couple bad calls from Carroll and missed FG's by Walsh.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Here are some early picks.

TEN@KC - The Titans barely made the playoffs and were more inconsistent than KC, who have quietly won 4 in a row. In KC, I just don't see them losing this game at home.

ATL@LAR - If there is one game I think could be an upset this weekend, it's this one. The Falcons, if they can just play four quarters, are as dangerous as any team left. I also think on defense they have the ability to stop the endless stream of screen passes the Rams like to throw. But the Rams also have Gurley, and Goff can throw deep. Still, experience counts, and I'll take the Falcons as my upset.

BUF@JAG - The Bills are riding high, and Jacksonville ended the season with two almost meaningless losses. But Jacksonville's defense is way more deep and dynamic than anything Buffalo can toss at them.

CAR@NO - Twice this season the Saints beat the Panthers (by 21, and 10), and I think they will again. They are my dark horse for the whole playoffs. Cam will have some big plays, but the Panther defense has not been playing great of late, and I think in the end the Saints will just overwhelm them in the Superdome.

I should also note the four teams with byes are likely to be favored next week, but if one team is ripe for an upset, it's Philly, without Wentz. Foles hasn't been consistent enough. He never really has, and likely won't be now. Minnesota will be very difficult to beat at home, no matter who goes there.

In the AFC I just don't see the Patriots losing, though they could to Pittsburgh maybe, but at home?

Another way I slice this is: Big name QB's tend to carry teams in big games and in the playoffs. That means Brady, Brees, Roethlesburger, and maybe Ryan. Cam can be dynamic, but I don't see him carrying the Panthers far enough. Smith is consistently good, rarely great. Goff too young, Bortles, Mariota, Taylor, Foles I don't see them carrying their teams more than a game. That leaves Case Keenum. Hmmm.

 

[movingtarget]

Really cool to see them sneak in to the playoffs after almost 20 years of nothing. I think the 'snow bowl' game from a couple weeks ago really was the make or break point for them and they won it.

Sad way for the season to end for the Hawks, but it was such a typical 2017 Seahawk game. Slow start, apart from the 99 yard return. The offense struggling, Wilson carrying the team with a comeback in the 4th, aaaand Blair Walsh AGAIN missing a field goal. Of course it was all academic at that point, as the Falcons were already through, but still, to lose your final game (at home, what's more) with a missed field goal....pretty depressing. The game against the Redskins where so many things went wrong for them, but still should have won, will be the one that did them in. A couple bad calls from Carroll and missed FG's by Walsh.

Surely Walsh has missed his last kick for the Hawks ?

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

Here are some early picks.

TEN@KC - The Titans barely made the playoffs and were more inconsistent than KC, who have quietly won 4 in a row. In KC, I just don't see them losing this game at home.

ATL@LAR - If there is one game I think could be an upset this weekend, it's this one. The Falcons, if they can just play four quarters, are as dangerous as any team left. I also think on defense they have the ability to stop the endless stream of screen passes the Rams like to throw. But the Rams also have Gurley, and Goff can throw deep. Still, experience counts, and I'll take the Falcons as my upset.

BUF@JAG - The Bills are riding high, and Jacksonville ended the season with two almost meaningless losses. But Jacksonville's defense is way more deep and dynamic than anything Buffalo can toss at them.

CAR@NO - Twice this season the Saints beat the Panthers (by 21, and 10), and I think they will again. They are my dark horse for the whole playoffs. Cam will have some big plays, but the Panther defense has not been playing great of late, and I think in the end the Saints will just overwhelm them in the Superdome.

I should also note the four teams with byes are likely to be favored next week, but if one team is ripe for an upset, it's Philly, without Wentz. Foles hasn't been consistent enough. He never really has, and likely won't be now. Minnesota will be very difficult to beat at home, no matter who goes there.

In the AFC I just don't see the Patriots losing, though they could to Pittsburgh maybe, but at home?

Another way I slice this is: Big name QB's tend to carry teams in big games and in the playoffs. That means Brady, Brees, Roethlesburger, and maybe Ryan. Cam can be dynamic, but I don't see him carrying the Panthers far enough. Smith is consistently good, rarely great. Goff too young, Bortles, Mariota, Taylor, Foles I don't see them carrying their teams more than a game. That leaves Case Keenum. Hmmm.

I think Kansas sneak by the Titans. Neither team are a threat.

Rams too good for the Falcons I think especially with Gurley and Donald. Goff will do enough.

Can't see the Bills beating the Jags especially if McCoy is either out or not 100% but if the Jags play without discipline like they did against the 49ers and with the Bills being on a high it could be close.

Saints to beat the Panthers.

I think Pittsburgh have a real shot at the SB and along with the Rams maybe the only other team that could beat the Patriots. Not so sure about the Saints even though they have had a good season. I have a feeling the Jags have peaked already same with the Eagles and without Wentz don't see them getting it done. Vikings are good defensively but have trouble seeing their offense being good enough against the best teams.

 

[movingtarget]

QB Carousel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--ksSpWLHYM

 

[jmdirt]

Seattle fan take:
-Too many attitudes
--too many penalties that kill SEA drives/extend opp drives, too many distractions, pouty play
-Too many injures
-Poor roster selection
-Poor coaching
-Poor execution

I would like to see Pete stay, but Cable and Bevell need to go so that may include Pete if they are his guys. They need to clear the attitudes, bring in a few solid vets, and draft well (including a kicker).