National Football League

[Potomac]

dammit! effing ravens

now...the effing lions blowing 27 point lead

 

[Unchained]

dammit! effing ravens

now...the effing lions blowing 27 point lead

Ravens never showed up, Lions showed up but went home at halftime!!

 

[Sciatic]

ugh, 49ers.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Great second half adjustments and comeback for the Niners!!!!

Those Lions drops will haunt them for a long while and Campbell’s going for it on fourth could have been the game going their way. That reception the Niners had off the Lions defender’s helmet was crazy.

We have a Super Bowl rematch that should be a great game. Hopefully McCaffery recovers, that looked like a very nasty hit on his head he took at the head.

 

[Sciatic]

Great second half adjustments and comeback for the Niners!!!!

Those Lions drops will haunt them for a long while and Campbell’s going for it on fourth could have been the game going their way. That reception the Niners had off the Lions defender’s helmet was crazy.

We have a Super Bowl rematch that should be a great game. Hopefully McCaffery recovers, that looked like a very nasty hit on his head he took at the head.

Reynolds dropped at least 3 passes at critical points in the 2nd half that could have made a difference.

Now I have the dilemma of who to root for in the SuperBowl: I really don’t want to KC snag yet another title, buts as a Hawks fan the 49ers are the enemy. Good thing is they are both interesting teams to watch.

 

[jmdirt]

I was eating dinner, but at t half time I was going to type: WOW DET! Now you MUST keep focused coming out of the locker room....even a 1% "we got this" mentality can bite you (ask ATL among other teams).

Going for it on 4th down early in the 3rd wasn't aggressive, it was a bad decision. Sure 'if' Reynolds would have caught it...no, wrong time of the game. In the 4th quarter going for it on 4th down instead of (attempting) tying the game wasn't aggressive, it was stupid. Both times SF had a short field and marched down for touchdowns. Nothing like just handing the excitement (notice I avoided the word momentum) to the other team. Yes, like Greg said, aggressive play calling is what got them to this game, but there is a fine line between aggressive and bad decisions.

Kudos to SF for not getting mentally out of it and fighting.

Shadow did you see all of the D line holding by SF that didn't get called?! I don't think it affected the game though because on most of those plays the DET back gained big yards.

 

[BullsFan22]

Lions, like the Packers, beat themselves. Niners got lucky in two consecutive games. Won’t be watching this SB.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Shadow did you see all of the D line holding by SF that didn't get called?! I don't think it affected the game though because on most of those plays the DET back gained big yards.

Yes, I think Lions had some more missed holds but both sides got big plays from them. Their ruling of the Niners receiver being down after catching the ball off the face mask was good too. That looked like a touchdown.

But it’s also easier to notice more stuff when you don’t like the team

 

[Nomad]

Kelce had a push off on his touchdown extending his right arm fully before the defender pushed his arm back
There was a hold by the right tackle on Mahomes big run when he got hit by like 4 defenders while diving forward
Blind side block when the defender was facing and standing towards the RB and the Chiefs receiver hit him in the back, though that didn’t affect the play

Then wasn’t able to watch after the 7-7 and was listening on and off when had connection so it’s hard to say by the fan reaction to calls or no calls.

Then the DPIs on Ravens int drive.

But no one told Ravens to go out there and taunt, jump offsides, 12 men on the field, rough the passer, or get physical with anyone. That’s on them.

There was a hold on Smith that nullified Rice's nice catch & run for a score. It didn't look like an egregious hold. As I said before holding could be technically called on just about every pass play at this level. The edge rushers these days are not only super strong with massive biceps & 3D shoulders, but they're effin fast with incredible quickness. So, you tell me how is an offensive lineman supposed to pass block these monsters without grabbing them somewhat?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Have to credit SF for the comeback, and stopping Detroit in the 2nd half. Though the Lions gave up on the run too soon also (and Ben Johnson is supposed to be an offensive genius?).

I’ll take KC in the Super Bowl, by maybe 2 scores. I don’t believe in SF I’m afraid to say. They are streaky, a few very impressive plays between average drives. KC is much more consistent, if not explosive.

 

[SHAD0W93]

There was a hold on Smith that nullified Rice's nice catch & run for a score. It didn't look like an egregious hold. As I said before holding could be technically called on just about every pass play at this level. The edge rushers these days are not only super strong with massive biceps & 3D shoulders, but they're effin fast with incredible quickness. So, you tell me how is an offensive lineman supposed to pass block these monsters without grabbing them somewhat?

I wouldn’t be able to speak on the holds jmdirt was referring to yet as I didn’t see them and it wasn’t during me listening to it. My audio of the game kept cutting in and out. I haven’t had the time to watch the highlights yet.

 

[Unchained]

Holding can be called on every play if rules were enforced literally and most certainly away from the ball.
You can see, the NFL can see that they have created a monster w video playback of all pass plays. There is typical defensive and offensive contact, and viewers at home are becoming ( already) disillusioned about what constitutes pass interference.
Right now the criteria look to be the referee has the whistle in their mouth and it's called less if they have to reach down and relay the whistle to their mouth or the play finishes before they get a breath out.
As I said before, no reason for the chains to come out to measure for first down, can be done with technology, stepping out, how far was the ball advanced up the field, again all can be done with technology.
And depending on who you are talking to ultra advanced frame rates can tell if offsides, illegal motion or degrees of encroachment have happened..
We have seen many many behavior and rule changes that turn people off from the game, many people I am exposed to hate football economics and think players are overpaid millionaire Prima donnas.
I personally can't stand that the NFLs solution to the problem is putting another person in the commentary booth to clarify the rules for the layman. I don't need to hear from some guy in New York if the ref is right or wrong or if it's a legit penalty..
Video of pass plays is ultimately going to make people furious.
I love football but for fans of the losing team to have a visual record that their team got ripped off and how many times is not good for the game.
The NFL should fine their rules and officiating advisor when he says multiple times per game " I think that they may have gotten away with one there " referring to a call the TV audience sees that was not enforced.
Don't know if Lions or Ravens are victims, but other teams are..

 

[jmdirt]

Kelce had a push off on his touchdown extending his right arm fully before the defender pushed his arm back
There was a hold by the right tackle on Mahomes big run when he got hit by like 4 defenders while diving forward
Blind side block when the defender was facing and standing towards the RB and the Chiefs receiver hit him in the back, though that didn’t affect the play

Then wasn’t able to watch after the 7-7 and was listening on and off when had connection so it’s hard to say by the fan reaction to calls or no calls.

Then the DPIs on Ravens int drive.

But no one told Ravens to go out there and taunt, jump offsides, 12 men on the field, rough the passer, or get physical with anyone. That’s on them.

Hamilton had DPI before Kelce's slight push with his hand.

 

[movingtarget]

You can't say that the Lions and GB didn't have their chances to knock out the 49ers. Some fans sound a little sour................Lions led 24-7 and were scoreless in the second half until late, that's not the 49ers fault. Dan Gambler also has to check himself sometimes and take the 3 points.

 

[BullsFan22]

You can't say that the Lions and GB didn't have their chances to knock out the 49ers. Some fans sound a little sour................Lions led 24-7 and were scoreless in the second half until late, that's not the 49ers fault. Dan Gambler also has to check himself sometimes and take the 3 points.

Plus Josh Reynolds needs to work on catching footballs, kind of a big thing in this sport.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Going to somewhat repeat what I said before, but more pointed:

• Baltimore was the #1 running team in the NFL.
• KC has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Good, but not great against the run.
• Last week's game in Buffalo, the Bills gave up on the run after being somewhat successful with it, and lost.

In this game the Ravens primary RB Gus Edwards carried the ball for three times, totaling 20 yards. Not one drive, not one quarter, the entire game. That's it. Only one single running play in the 2nd half. Their leading rusher was Lamar, with 8 carries for 54 yards. I can't recall more than 1 play that was a designed run for him though.

What team, or coach on earth would have this kind of game plan?

One who was grossly overconfident, then panicked.

I believe when they were down 14-7, Harbaugh thought, "oh no, how are we going to keep up with Mahomes?" and started throwing nearly every play. Completely forgetting what got them to where they were - the run game, and assuming Lamar would step up and win the game anyway. I also think Steve Spagnola, DC for the significantly superior coaching staff on KC, saw this, and started running defensive plays to stop it. I haven't seen the A-22 (coaches footage) yet, but my other speculation is that KC was somewhat soft on the short throws - focusing more on stopping Lamar from running than completing 5 yard passes, and Lamar panicked just like his coach and started running around more looking for huge pass plays downfield, like the one TD they got to Flowers. But KC wasn't going to let that happen, and Lamar choked, forcing the ball way too often.

The turnovers, and two were especially bad, stupid penalties and stupid mistakes, were just extra nails in the coffin. Harbaugh and OC Todd Monken should be ashamed of themselves, as should their hot headed, way overconfident players who acted like KC would be just another team they could stomp over.

KC on the other hand was very well coached, very well prepared, confident but measured, and played almost totally mistake free. This is what wins games, championships.

Maybe Harbaugh should look for another job as he walks away in shame. I hear Michigan has an opening.

 

[Oldermanish]

Seahawks might be able to grab Lion’s offensive coordinator as their new head coach—and I love the way the Lion’s offense operates. Problem is I don’t think either of Hawks QBs can do the quick reads that Goff is excelling at. And they don’t have an o-line anywhere near as good as Lions, so maybe it’s a mirage that the play-calling is making a big difference.

The Hawks have most of the O line they need if all of their rookies come back healthy and they can keep a center for more than half the season. That's every team's challenge with the added game exposure.
As for the QB reads; Geno seemed to do very well when he had more than two weeks of a predictable offense. Maybe the Offensive coordinator is a great place to start?

 

[jmdirt]

Going to somewhat repeat what I said before, but more pointed:

• Baltimore was the #1 running team in the NFL.
• KC has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Good, but not great against the run.
• Last week's game in Buffalo, the Bills gave up on the run after being somewhat successful with it, and lost.

In this game the Ravens primary RB Gus Edwards carried the ball for three times, totaling 20 yards. Not one drive, not one quarter, the entire game. That's it. Only one single running play in the 2nd half. Their leading rusher was Lamar, with 8 carries for 54 yards. I can't recall more than 1 play that was a designed run for him though.

What team, or coach on earth would have this kind of game plan?

One who was grossly overconfident, then panicked.

I believe when they were down 14-7, Harbaugh thought, "oh no, how are we going to keep up with Mahomes?" and started throwing nearly every play. Completely forgetting what got them to where they were - the run game, and assuming Lamar would step up and win the game anyway. I also think Steve Spagnola, DC for the significantly superior coaching staff on KC, saw this, and started running defensive plays to stop it. I haven't seen the A-22 (coaches footage) yet, but my other speculation is that KC was somewhat soft on the short throws - focusing more on stopping Lamar from running than completing 5 yard passes, and Lamar panicked just like his coach and started running around more looking for huge pass plays downfield, like the one TD they got to Flowers. But KC wasn't going to let that happen, and Lamar choked, forcing the ball way too often.

The turnovers, and two were especially bad, stupid penalties and stupid mistakes, were just extra nails in the coffin. Harbaugh and OC Todd Monken should be ashamed of themselves, as should their hot headed, way overconfident players who acted like KC would be just another team they could stomp over.

KC on the other hand was very well coached, very well prepared, confident but measured, and played almost totally mistake free. This is what wins games, championships.

Maybe Harbaugh should look for another job as he walks away in shame. I hear Michigan has an opening.

I was really surprised that BAL only ran 16 times (80 yards). I however wasn't surprised by the overjacked behavior because that is their identity.

Players get a lot of the blame for losses, "Jackson can't win a playoff game", IMO, his coaches reduced his chances of winning. Plus, KC played well.

 

[Unchained]

Funny Alpe points out Ravens best running team, Commentary all said, go w what you know run, and that includes your best rusher, just didn't use Jackson. And commentary, more than once, 2nd and 2, 3rd and 2 or 3 and they set up to throw the ball instead of run.
McCaffrey and San Francisco just kept running into a brick wall but stayed with the plan until the wall fell down in the second half.
Pacheco's name will be first on the list for Andy Reid's game plan

 

[jmdirt]

I have made small photos of Taylor Swift and am putting them everywhere, including on my bicycle to bring me good luck. I am trying so very hard to enjoy her music

Taylor might be a good thing for the NFL. Not for hardened fans, but for the rest she is probably good. I could live without seeing her 87 times per game, but the NFL is making money on her clips, and gaining some fans along the way (how many will stay?).

Now I don't want to jinx the couple, but if her/his history is any indication, we won't see her again next season. But then again, this could be the one.

I bought some new shoes Saturday from a 25 ish young lady wearing a KC 87 jersey so I inquired about her thoughts for the upcominig game...she knew absolutely nothing about football (hadn't even heard of the Ravens), just that Tay-Tay was with Kelce.

I just don't enjoy her music, but several years ago she did a colaboration with Def Leppard that was OK. She has certainly made a few $$ in the music/marketing biz though.

 

[Nomad]

Maybe Harbaugh should look for another job as he walks away in shame. I hear Michigan has an opening.

I don't think there's any shame in making it to the championship game & losing to Mahomes & the defending champions (btw, the Michigan vacancy has already been filled. Lol). With the parity in the league, you've got to be damn good to make it to the championship game. Imagine the cartwheels, backflips & shuffle dancing Jones would be doing if his Cowboys had made it to the championship game - he'd declare a state holiday in Texas! Lol.

Baltimore's loss reminds me of the 2005 Mike Shanahan led Broncos that lost in the championship game at home against Pittsburgh. That season the Broncos were  thee #1 seed with the best record in the AFC at 13-3 - and a SB favorite! The Steelers finished 11-5 & made the playoffs as a WC. The Steelers with Big Ben came into the Mile High City & smoked the Broncos 34-17! Jake "The Snake" Plummer played one of his worst games in his career committing 4 turnovers himself (2 picks & 2 fumbles).

The Bronco fanatics were calling for Shanahan's firing. The Bronco faithful acted like it was the end of the World. Lol. Pat Bowlen retained Shanahan & he coached another 3 seasons. But Shahanan blamed Plummer for the debacle & convinced Bowlen to trade up in the draft & get Curtler - the hot QB prospect that year (#11 OA). It didn't help much as the Broncos could never make the playoffs with Cutler - and this ultimately cost Shanahan his job with his firing at the end of the 2008 season.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

So, now you're on the KC bandwagon? Didn't you predict Baltimore winning by double-digits? Lol. You shouldn't bet against the Gunslinger in post-season.

I won't be in the Super Bowl! In fact, when I heard this morning oddsmakers had SF as a 3 point favorite I had thoughts of cashing out my 401k and putting it all on KC. I fully expect KC to win the game, and by about 8 points. 31-23 is my guess. Even if KC is somehow behind late, I fully expect them to win the game. Experience, consistency, coaching, Mahomes. It just all adds up.

...Did you see all of the D line holding by SF that didn't get called?! I don't think it affected the game though because on most of those plays the DET back gained big yards.

Where I saw yesterday's games, friends had a real eye on holding. They seemed to think both games had a handful of close, questionable calls, and non-calls. But neither game was ruined by the officiating. In the end it was a wash. And as Nomad and others have said, holding could feasibly be called in just about every play.

Lions, like the Packers, beat themselves. Niners got lucky in two consecutive games. Won’t be watching this SB.

Agree they dodged two bullets, and are overrated. But you won't watch the game? Really? I dislike both teams (being a Raiders fan) and would like both to lose, but even I will watch it.

A little secret: I'm honestly really looking forward to the UFL. The merger between the XFL and USFL. I've gotten sick of so many small and not so small things in the NFL. I still watch, cheer for the teams I like, but I have March 30th circled on my calendar eagerly awaiting. Very high hopes for this league. I think it will be the best play we've ever seen in spring football, and I like that ticket prices are reasonable so average folks can go see games, and many are in cities that don't have an NFL team, but could (San Antonio and St. Louis come to mind). I also like no bloated multi-million dollar contracts for players. I wish they made as much or more than practice squad NFL players, but maybe that day will come. Also disgusted by the NFL embracing gambling. And I absolutely love the rules in this new UFL league. Vastly better than the NFL which seems more and more rigged, or susceptible to being so.

I was really surprised that BAL only ran 16 times (80 yards). I however wasn't surprised by the overjacked behavior because that is their identity.

Good point. I haven't looked in more detail, but I believe only about half of those runs were by design, the rest were Lamar taking off. Put another way, the top running team in the entire NFL..ran the ball 2 times per quarter, against a team with an excellent pass defense. Unbelievably foolish coaching.

I don't think there's any shame in making it to the championship game & losing to Mahomes & the defending champions (btw, the Michigan vacancy has already been filled. Lol).

I thought you might agree with me with all the coaches you've talked about firing? Wasn't saying they should can the guy, just that he was completely out coached and should walk away with his head in shame. Sure, they lost to Mahomes, but they also had a terrible game plan and execution. But judging by their mistakes, they would have lost anyway. They were too hot headed coming into the game, and the days of someone like Tom Landry keeping everyone disciplined are a quaint notion!

Baltimore's loss reminds me of the 2005 Mike Shanahan led Broncos that lost in the championship game at home against Pittsburgh.

Good throwback.

There were also two years where the Steelers had the #1 overall seed, and lost to the Patriots at home. One of those years they were 15-1, and Tom Brady and company methodically drilled them.

This game was a little similar though to that year the Packers went 15-1, only to play flat, especially their defense, in a divisional game against the Giants. They had beaten NY a month previous, and were way overconfident.

Totally agree on Jay Cutler. There's a perfect example of a guy with a great arm, who would make some really impressive throws, while repeatedly falling short when his team needed him. Happend time and again in his career. Dude played for 12 seasons, took one single team to the playoffs where they went 1-1.

 

[jmdirt]

And as Nomad and others have said, holding could feasibly be called in just about every play.

Yes, that has been the adage for as long as I can remember. Beyond the glarily obvious ones why are some called and not others (rhetorical question).

I had two points with my post above: one, a light dig at Shadow, and two, the excessive amount of holding by the SF interior D line. I didn't see it much on the live play, but when they would show the replay, in a better/narrower focus, it was shocking that they were blatenly holding on nearly every run play. It really didn't work as planned though because DET ran well on those plays that's why they were replaying it.

 

[SHAD0W93]

On questionable play calls another one is the Lions running for it on third and goal causing them to burn a timeout. Now Niners almost certainly getting a first down anyways since they had run the Lions defense down but that was a bad play call as well. A lot of questions left unanswered for fans and teams but we have a Super Bowl rematch to look forward to. Only way I think Niners stay in it is if they keep committed to the run which is the Chiefs weakness on defense while hoping Chiefs offense doesn’t run them down. The one question we can have answered is what will Toney be ruled out with for the Super Bowl.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Oh and on the refs and what I wish we had Alpe’s suggestion from the XFL to be able to hear the refs is what the penalty was for on that helmet ricochet catch that got picked up. The ref threw it after it looked like the ball was intercepted or knocked down but we never got to hear if it was for DPI or OPI, just that the penalty was picked up. Since you could make a case based on the players positioning for it being a penalty on either side.

View: https://youtu.be/ULCcKQK2Fqk?si=26Yb6-Z4QC7GiK98