National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Not surprised to see some rust on Watson.

This is his second game back. He also didn't just return. He's been practicing with the first squad and around the team in practice for weeks now. There is no excuse for anymore "rust" at this point. In fact, he has no excuses at all, period. I fully expect to see MVP level performance from him here on out. If I were Kevin Stefanski I'd sit his ass down and let him know as clear as possible there is no more time in his life for screwing around. At $7m per game, he has to stand up, man up, lead the team, and will the team to win as a leader.

Be interesting to see if the Eagles keep the win streak going until season's end. Every other team has had a least a partial drop off.

Great assessment. You can look at every other top contender and see flaws, or ways they could lose a big game. Buffalo, SF, KC, Dallas, Minnesota, Cincinnati, etc. Philly however, seem capable of winning in every way. At least so far. One loss, and maybe two so-so games all year. They are also pretty healthy.

The Hawks game with the 49ers on Thursday should be a war...

Fully agree there. Seattle is at a level of must-win. But SF is just on fire, especially on defense. I've always believed the OL does most of the work for RBs, but when you start out the season with two very good backs, but then end up down to your 5th back... That's just asking too much.

I agree on Geno. He's turned into a very good team QB. But we've seen enough him this year to question whether you are going to ride his play into the playoffs, or feel really comfortable putting the ball in his hands and winning close games. Still, I can't see anyone better on the horizon, unless that top draft pick from Denver leads to Stoud or Young. Seattle needs real help at Edge, LB, and depth in the secondary, especially if Adams really is injury prone.

...That being said, CAR has turned it around considerably (and without CMc).

Yes. There is something going on there with them playing like a team as well ever since Steve Wilks took over. I can't see him not keeping the job next year. They still have more holes than Seattle. But are sticking together better every week. Sam Darnold actually looks okay. Enough to keep that job?

 

[Eyeballs Out]

I suspect Stefanski already knows that if Deshaun Watson wants to play then he's going to play and if it's not working then it won't be Watson getting benched

 

[Nomad]

There is 'little doubt' Kyler Murray tore ACL

The Arizona Cardinals suffered what is likely the biggest blow to a difficult 2022 season. Quarterback Kyler Murray went down on the third play of the game in the Cardinals' 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots with a knee injury. He had to be carted off the field.…

cardswire.usatoday.com

Unbelievable!...another QB lost! As if the Cardinals season hasn't gone bad enough then something like this happens.

And what has happened to the Cards this year? Sitting at 4-9 in last place after an impressive 11-6 last season (2nd in division) & WC playoff berth, they have all but officially been eliminated from post-season play.

And what to make of Kingsbury? In the tail end of his 4th season he sits at 28-33-1 with only one winning season & one playoff berth. The man that was snatched straight from the college ranks with no NFL coaching experience has failed miserably to elevate the Cardinals with a #1 OA franchise QB as a legitimate SB contender.

 

[Oldermanish]

There is 'little doubt' Kyler Murray tore ACL

The Arizona Cardinals suffered what is likely the biggest blow to a difficult 2022 season. Quarterback Kyler Murray went down on the third play of the game in the Cardinals' 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots with a knee injury. He had to be carted off the field.…

cardswire.usatoday.com

Unbelievable!...another QB lost! As if the Cardinals season hasn't gone bad enough then something like this happens.

And what has happened to the Cards this year? Sitting at 4-9 in last place after an impressive 11-6 last season (2nd in division) & WC playoff berth, they have been eliminated from post-season play.

Kyler Murray on synthetic turf....just a matter of time before and ACL or horrible hamstring tear. Tough and hope he recovers quickly.

 

[Oldermanish]

Some us can never forget or forgive who Geno Smith was as a Jet..he is having the best season of his career, hands down.. and I not a hater but if the train falls off the tracks will not be a surprise, just more of the same.
Liked watching SF know that they could get more snaps using another backup QB..and it was on heavy rotation about how the McCaffrey acquisition looked fantastic.. The guy was a machine.
It was also noted that Herbert has the good quality of not turning the ball over.. Herbert should call Mahomes and admit that he copied that under-side armed flip pass..
I am wondering what the crowd game day colors will look like when Chargers meet Rams in their home stadium. Years previous in San Diego.. Often there would be equal numbers of Raiders fans at San Diego Chargers home games..
I am saying today that I am going for Eagles Superbowl

Geno won't go of the rails if the OL has a running back with some lateral acceleration. The almost un-coverable plays they had with two tight ends and motion put almost all defenses in the back seat. Geno is hitting receivers but also got caught throwing into coverage he couldn't see; hopefully he learned from that 'cause Carolina D anticipated like they had the Hawks playbook.
I would like to see Seattle draft UW QB Michael Penix Jr., though. That kid is a Mahomes at hyper speed.....

 

[SHAD0W93]

Cowboys Sign Veteran WR T.Y. Hilton

Cole Beasley reportedly unretires, plans to sign with Bills practice squad

Beasley returned to the Bills after being released in March.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[movingtarget]

Sounds like OBJ is offf the table for some teams after rumours about not passing a physical with the Cowboys.

 

[movingtarget]

There is 'little doubt' Kyler Murray tore ACL

The Arizona Cardinals suffered what is likely the biggest blow to a difficult 2022 season. Quarterback Kyler Murray went down on the third play of the game in the Cardinals' 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots with a knee injury. He had to be carted off the field.…

cardswire.usatoday.com

Unbelievable!...another QB lost! As if the Cardinals season hasn't gone bad enough then something like this happens.

And what has happened to the Cards this year? Sitting at 4-9 in last place after an impressive 11-6 last season (2nd in division) & WC playoff berth, they have all but officially been eliminated from post-season play.

And what to make of Kingsbury? In the tail end of his 4th season he sits at 28-33-1 with only one winning season & one playoff berth. The man that was snatched straight from the college ranks with no NFL coaching experience has failed miserably to elevate the Cardinals with a #1 OA franchise QB as a legitimate SB contender.

Plenty of the talking heads warned the Cardinals about extending the coach and paying Murray as both seemingly came with big question marks. Notably the past few seasons Murray and Lamar Jackson have been racking up the injuries and defenses are definitely playing them better.The Cardinals it seems have wasted a quality team on paper but last season players started to look elsewhere for new contracts. Their squad now isn't what it was. GB has also done similar by wasting numerous playoff oppportyunities. The 49ers will be hoping to avoid the same fate as with their roster they will continue to lose quality players who are searching for peak salary. Now they have to pay Bosa and play the playoffs with a QB3 if their form continues. Knowing how much Shanahan loves Bosa they are going to pay big !

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Wait until the NFL expands to 18 games. Maybe as soon as next year. You think injuries rip at teams now? The league may morph permanently when that happens. Teams requiring depth across the board to contend. A team on paper in weeks 1-4, could look quite different in weeks 17-18 and into the playoffs. We're on the fringe of seeing this now. I'm sure this won't stop greedy owners at all. They'd probably play a stupidly long 162 game season like baseball if they could.

Been saying it for years. Get rid of all astroturf, and preferably get rid of all domes. I'm not even sure how much I like retractable domes. Basketball is an indoor sport if you want to sit in a warm arena. Players rarely complain about the cold. Fans neither. You can cover most of the fans the way Seattle's stadium does, but get rid of the roof and let the sun and rain from mother nature help the grass grow. You'll see less injuries, for sure.

 

[movingtarget]

Wait until the NFL expands to 18 games. Maybe as soon as next year. You think injuries rip at teams now? The league may morph permanently when that happens. Teams requiring depth across the board to contend. A team on paper in weeks 1-4, could look quite different in weeks 17-18 and into the playoffs. We're on the fringe of seeing this now. I'm sure this won't stop greedy owners at all. They'd probably play a stupidly long 162 game season like baseball if they could.

Been saying it for years. Get rid of all astroturf, and preferably get rid of all domes. I'm not even sure how much I like retractable domes. Basketball is an indoor sport if you want to sit in a warm arena. Players rarely complain about the cold. Fans neither. You can cover most of the fans the way Seattle's stadium does, but get rid of the roof and let the sun and rain from mother nature help the grass grow. You'll see less injuries, for sure.

It seems more and more, elite players are speaking out about the playing surfaces now, as well. I would like them to have a mid season break and do away with the Thursday games They can't really drop the preseason games any further. 3 is a good number. Rather not see an increase in the games.

 

[movingtarget]

Baker Mayfield and the intriguing fallout from the 2018 NFL draft

Four quarterbacks went in the top 10 of the 2018 draft. Their varied fortunes have illustrated the difficulties of building the foundations for success

www.theguardian.com

 

[jmdirt]

Wait until the NFL expands to 18 games. Maybe as soon as next year. You think injuries rip at teams now? The league may morph permanently when that happens. Teams requiring depth across the board to contend. A team on paper in weeks 1-4, could look quite different in weeks 17-18 and into the playoffs. We're on the fringe of seeing this now. I'm sure this won't stop greedy owners at all. They'd probably play a stupidly long 162 game season like baseball if they could.

Been saying it for years. Get rid of all astroturf, and preferably get rid of all domes. I'm not even sure how much I like retractable domes. Basketball is an indoor sport if you want to sit in a warm arena. Players rarely complain about the cold. Fans neither. You can cover most of the fans the way Seattle's stadium does, but get rid of the roof and let the sun and rain from mother nature help the grass grow. You'll see less injuries, for sure.

If the NFL adds more games, they also need to expand the rosters. This CAN help at almost every position, but not QB1 or WR1.

You can't complain about player safety and then call for playing outside in the winter.

I prefer indoor games because we get to see the teams play 'their' game, not whatever they can manage due to weather. This isn't 1960 when a bunch of construction workers got together at the local high school for a game.

AZ has a solution for grass in an enclosed stadium.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I prefer indoor games because we get to see the teams play 'their' game.

Their? You mean the kicker's game? Weather is the same for everyone.

Agree that when the league expands to 18 games they need to expand rosters by several players, as well as practice squads. Owners won't want that, because of the cost.

Fully agree we need to go back to 2 bye weeks. And any team that plays on a Thursday, can only do so after a bye week. That could mean even three bye weeks. I'd be okay with that as well, especially for an 18 week season. What I do NOT want, is the playoffs expanded any more than they already are. The NBA did that and it's ridiculous.

 

[SHAD0W93]

I still like my 19 game with 3 byes season. Since with 17 and 18 game seasons they just pick a random opponent while with 19 you can do with the opposite conference same division placements like you do in the same conference. Then we could even see more matchups when before we’d have to wait 4 years or the Super Bowl. Imagine the previous qb era rivalry if Manning/Brady/Ben vs Manning/Rodgers/Favre/Brees. Currently NFC doesn’t have as much qb hype like AFC but NFC has some very good defenses.

I like the way stadiums are, home field advantage is supposed to mean home field advantage. Whether it’s the extreme heat or cold, weather conditions, or fans. Just like in baseball with the different sizes fields and home run zones.

 

[jmdirt]

Their? You mean the kicker's game? Weather is the same for everyone.

Agree that when the league expands to 18 games they need to expand rosters by several players, as well as practice squads. Owners won't want that, because of the cost.

Fully agree we need to go back to 2 bye weeks. And any team that plays on a Thursday, can only do so after a bye week. That could mean even three bye weeks. I'd be okay with that as well, especially for an 18 week season. What I do NOT want, is the playoffs expanded any more than they already are. The NBA did that and it's ridiculous.

Yes, and frequently we see two teams not playing their game.

 

[jmdirt]

I still like my 19 game with 3 byes season. Since with 17 and 18 game seasons they just pick a random opponent while with 19 you can do with the opposite conference same division placements like you do in the same conference. Then we could even see more matchups when before we’d have to wait 4 years or the Super Bowl. Imagine the previous qb era rivalry if Manning/Brady/Ben vs Manning/Rodgers/Favre/Brees. Currently NFC doesn’t have as much qb hype like AFC but NFC has some very good defenses.

I like the way stadiums are, home field advantage is supposed to mean home field advantage. Whether it’s the extreme heat or cold, weather conditions, or fans. Just like in baseball with the different sizes fields and home run zones.

But even the home teams don't play their game when its snowing, raining, 12 degrees...

 

[Unchained]

Don't know if there is a data set anywhere to show the historical outcomes of let's say San Diego or Miami Dolphins playing in below zero temperatures.. Teams like Patriots, Packers, Bears,Buffalo, Giants, Jets would all have an obvious advantage playing at home to some degree I would guess but I certainly don't know..
I feel like the NFL QB situation is as bad as it's ever been.. One team waiting for criminal charges are passing in order to get the guy and Arizona playing some kind of a wildcat offense with a QB that is no taller than a garden gnome...
I personally like the weather factor but it's not for everyone.. saw Vinitari with the Manning brothers and they showed him kicking a field goal in white out conditions w 4 in of snow on the ground.. As a kid loved watching Steelers or Bears play in conditions were could not see marking on the field..

 

[jmdirt]

Don't know if there is a data set anywhere to show the historical outcomes of let's say San Diego or Miami Dolphins playing in below zero temperatures.. Teams like Patriots, Packers, Bears,Buffalo, Giants, Jets would all have an obvious advantage playing at home to some degree I would guess but I certainly don't know..
I feel like the NFL QB situation is as bad as it's ever been.. One team waiting for criminal charges are passing in order to get the guy and Arizona playing some kind of a wildcat offense with a QB that is no taller than a garden gnome...
I personally like the weather factor but it's not for everyone.. saw Vinitari with the Manning brothers and they showed him kicking a field goal in white out conditions w 4 in of snow on the ground.. As a kid loved watching Steelers or Bears play in conditions were could not see marking on the field..

Like I said, its not the '60s anymore!

 

[movingtarget]

49ers get it done with the rookie. 7th win in a row. Defense impressive again. Clinched a playoff spot. Purdy doing better than most expected.

 

[Oldermanish]

Geno won't go of the rails if the OL has a running back with some lateral acceleration. The almost un-coverable plays they had with two tight ends and motion put almost all defenses in the back seat. Geno is hitting receivers but also got caught throwing into coverage he couldn't see; hopefully he learned from that 'cause Carolina D anticipated like they had the Hawks playbook.
I would like to see Seattle draft UW QB Michael Penix Jr., though. That kid is a Mahomes at hyper speed.....

Had to watch tonight's game in pieces. The first half was all SF defense and missed cues by SEA. Went to eat and wasn't recording...
Came back to the 2nd half and saw exactly what I'd hope to see until a serious tag-team hit on Homer gave SF the ball and another score. Dammit. SEA defense was working and it looked like a win was possible but now it's survival time and Lockett's injured.
By the way: Metcalf has to progress into his later teen years. The bullsh*t theatrics and resulting penalties are beginning to negate his offensive value. Taken as a whole this season the impact isn't minor.
SF got out alive but the offensive tells are there for a qualified defense to stuff the run.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

49er defense just too good. Seattle didn't play bad, just not as deep, not as talented. SF is almost impossible to come back on. The only way I see someone beating them is having a double digit lead early, and holding it deep into the second half. That's how KC and ATL beat them. But this 49er team is completely different than they were, what, 8 weeks ago now?

San Francisco's remaining games are WAS, @LV, ARI. The only team in real contention there are the Commanders, who play NYG this week. But after 9 days rest for SF, Washington isn't good enough on offense. I simply cannot see 49ers not finishing 13-4, riding a 10 game win streak into the playoffs.

Having the WC and Division games at home in the playoffs could also be a real advantage. Hosting likely Washington, NYG, Seattle, or Detroit. Then hosting either Dallas, Tampa, maybe Minnesota. It seems almost inevitable that the NFC championship is the 49ers at Philadelphia, unless Dallas, Minnesota or someone on a streak (Detroit? Seattle if they can get their mojo back?) somehow, some way knock off the Eagles.

Didn't like the Seahawk blue pants with the green tops they usually wear for "rush" colors tonight. Not as feng shui.

 

[movingtarget]

49er defense just too good. Seattle didn't play bad, just not as deep, not as talented. SF is almost impossible to come back on. The only way I see someone beating them is having a double digit lead early, and holding it deep into the second half. That's how KC and ATL beat them. But this 49er team is completely different than they were, what, 8 weeks ago now?

San Francisco's remaining games are WAS, @LV, ARI. The only team in real contention there are the Commanders, who play NYG this week. But after 9 days rest for SF, Washington isn't good enough on offense. I simply cannot see 49ers not finishing 13-4, riding a 10 game win streak into the playoffs.

Having the WC and Division games at home in the playoffs could also be a real advantage. Hosting likely Washington, NYG, Seattle, or Detroit. Then hosting either Dallas, Tampa, maybe Minnesota. It seems almost inevitable that the NFC championship is the 49ers at Philadelphia, unless Dallas, Minnesota or someone on a streak (Detroit? Seattle if they can get their mojo back?) somehow, some way knock off the Eagles.

Didn't like the Seahawk blue pants with the green tops they usually wear for "rush" colors tonight. Not as feng shui.

And the 49ers could still get Deebo, Mitchell, Jimmy G and Kinlaw back for the playoffs although Mitchell and Jimmy G will be borderline at best. CMC was probably the trade of the season.

 

[jmdirt]

By the way: Metcalf has to progress into his later teen years. The bullsh*t theatrics and resulting penalties are beginning to negate his offensive value. Taken as a whole this season the impact isn't minor.

This!

I have to keep reminding myself that SEA is so much better this year than I expected, but that doesn't keep me from being frustrated/disappointed.

 

[SHAD0W93]

I honest like Purdy more t than Jimmy. He looks kkke he goes for throws that Jimmy doesn’t or misses on. For the playoffs though the more experienced quarterback should be more valuable. Lance has to be wondering what he has to do in order to play.

I know it was a divisional game but Niners scoring at will on TB just shows overall how much they’re struggling on defense as well as offense despite their rank. Even more drama with the report that Brady has the offensive skill players and they change the game plan the night before the game and coaches don’t know anything about it which he denies and says the offense only game plans for three hours a week (which is crazy in my opinion). Bowles is putting it on the players to perform while ignoring the costly penalties that aren’t getting fixed and poor play calling. Would be a terrible year for Brady to come back to his first losing season but they deserve it. Bucs might have better odds if winning the division but I think Panthers can sneak in.

 

[movingtarget]

I honest like Purdy more t than Jimmy. He looks kkke he goes for throws that Jimmy doesn’t or misses on. For the playoffs though the more experienced quarterback should be more valuable. Lance has to be wondering what he has to do in order to play.

I know it was a divisional game but Niners scoring at will on TB just shows overall how much they’re struggling on defense as well as offense despite their rank. Even more drama with the report that Brady has the offensive skill players and they change the game plan the night before the game and coaches don’t know anything about it which he denies and says the offense only game plans for three hours a week (which is crazy in my opinion). Bowles is putting it on the players to perform while ignoring the costly penalties that aren’t getting fixed and poor play calling. Would be a terrible year for Brady to come back to his first losing season but they deserve it. Bucs might have better odds if winning the division but I think Panthers can sneak in.

A coaching change seens probable. Some of Bowles comments after the 49ers game were bizarre. A touch of denial. maybe from frustration with the results.