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Bears should have taken the points when they had the chance instead of going of it. Rams with a good win but I don’t think they have a chance against Seahawks.
Both regular season matchups were close. I'd expect similar next week.
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I think the Rams have a chance, though Seattle looks like an absolute juggernaut right now. If the Rams can keep the game close, not too high scoring, and get the ball last/very late, maybe get a turnover or bounce or two, they can beat Seattle. Will all that happen?
I'm also expecting many media "experts" to pick the Rams to win it all.
I'm also expecting many media "experts" to pick the Rams to win it all.
Whereas I thought it might be a disadvantage for the Hawks to play the 49ers back to back (I thought Shanahan would make adjustments seeing what didn’t work), I think Hawks last meeting with the Rams could work to their benefit. Not because they won by some very good fortune. But because the Rams defense was able to disguise coverages and lure Darnold into two picks. Hoping they can be better prepared for that.
Scheduling seems slightly helpful to Seahawks who played yesterday. Rams not only have one less day of rest but also had to play into the evening in tough overtime game that was very demanding.
No "gasket" blown over the Nix injury. Lol. I made an inappropriate comment volating the forum rules & was banned accordingly. I'll leave it at that.
On the Nix injury: It's funny because after the game I left for the gym listening to a local sports radio show when they're going live with Payton's postgame media address. I hear Payton in a somber voice talking about a "tragedy" with a player. I thinking who is it? Is it a player in the hospital or something? Then Payton identifies Nix with the broken ankle out for the season.
How & where exactly did the injury occur is very strange. Payton said it was the 2nd to last play on a designed QB run before he took a kneel down centering the ball for the game winning FG. I saw Nix walk off the field with a barely detectable slight limp & complete an interview with the network - all looked okay.
This sport medicine doc has a YT channel where evaluates player injuries. He's dumbfounded on the dynamics of the injury. He's not even sure where it occurred. He said there's no rotational force seen like you do most of the time with fractured ankles. He said there's no players that fell on it. Reallty good analysis here:
I tend to agree with you that I don't see Stidham beating the Patriots. Stidham has only had 4 starts in his career with the last being in 2023 when he started the last two games after the benching of Wilson. In his 4 starts, he's been sacked 14 times throwing 6 TDs to 4 picks. His career comp pct is under 60%. The main thing is you lose a lot of mobility & running ability with him. Scrambling & running is big part of Nix's game as you saw.
Payton was doing some nice damage control stating that Stidham could start for several teams & that they expect to win with him. I guess you can't expect him to say anything else. Lol
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Yeah, you got me on that one. Other than the two stripped fumbles, Maye looked very good. Didn't seem to be bothered much in those bad weather conditions.
Looks like he'll be able to play in some nice weather here in Denver. The long range forecast for next Sunday is unseasonably warm temps around 50s, sunny & dry.
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I'm not going to write Sean Payton off though. Stidham had one excellent game in his career, his first start for the Raiders when they weren't very good, and he almost led them to a win over SF. His other games he looked like your typical backup. The likelihood of a Nick Foles SB is highly improbable.
However, there is a reason Payton kept him over Zach Wilson (who did look very good in last year's preseason). Consider this, even if you throw out all the wins with Drew Brees: Sean was 5-0 with Teddy Bridgewater, 7-2 with Taysom Hill (as QB!), and 5-1 with Jameis Winston. The outlier here was his time with Russell Wilson, but it was very apparent the two were simply not on the same page, hence Sean having no problem ripping that bandaid off, even at it's high cost. He kept Stiddy though. I'm not saying they are going to win. I think New England will. But I expect them to still be competitive.
Since you're back, I'm looking forward to your post about "genius" Ben Johnson refusing to kick FGs in a tight game, and DJ Moore's pathetic lazy route running costing the Bears big time, when they were a handful of yards from winning the game. Almost laughable collapse from my perspective.
Also how CJ Stroud has launched himself into the pantheon of Tony Eason, Richard Todd and Jake Delhomme, for downright horrible playoff game losses.
However, there is a reason Payton kept him over Zach Wilson (who did look very good in last year's preseason). Consider this, even if you throw out all the wins with Drew Brees: Sean was 5-0 with Teddy Bridgewater, 7-2 with Taysom Hill (as QB!), and 5-1 with Jameis Winston. The outlier here was his time with Russell Wilson, but it was very apparent the two were simply not on the same page, hence Sean having no problem ripping that bandaid off, even at it's high cost. He kept Stiddy though. I'm not saying they are going to win. I think New England will. But I expect them to still be competitive.
Since you're back, I'm looking forward to your post about "genius" Ben Johnson refusing to kick FGs in a tight game, and DJ Moore's pathetic lazy route running costing the Bears big time, when they were a handful of yards from winning the game. Almost laughable collapse from my perspective.
Also how CJ Stroud has launched himself into the pantheon of Tony Eason, Richard Todd and Jake Delhomme, for downright horrible playoff game losses.
Right up to the last pic. There are two LA Rams D-backs that will be roasted over that moonball TD. They both had no idea who was behind them, Cole Kmet. Who? My guess is Shaun McVay will make them both get a tattoo of his name, at least.
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To no one’s surprise
dailysnark.com
BREAKING: The Buffalo Bills Have Fired Sean McDermott
This one’s a stunner. The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott following another disappointing playoff loss. The move comes less than 48 hours after the team’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs. McDermott went 98-50 over nine seasons in...
dailysnark.com
I was nervous but picked all 4 winners, but still lost 2 football pools because I overestimated the scores by all teams. I did factor cold weather and thought kicking and passing totals would be lower.. Oh well.
I think Bills made an emotional mistake, coach was hardly the problem. Bills spotty all year.
Despite the loss I thought that Purdy played ok, his best, no but decent.
Don't know what Denver will look like..for today I feel better about Seahawks so far, Rams pulled one out of the hat..
Weird made up controversy about speech editing after Texans lost. Network did a service in my opinion keeping camera on players from both teams kneeling in prayer together after a crazy battle. Overtime rules are excellent.. And Texans couldn't protect the ball!!!! Too many turnovers and yes as pointed out, ripping, stripping, punching the ball are all effective techniques for turnovers but arm tackles allow runners to consistently fall forward and get extra yards on majority of plays.
I did find some humor in network commentary screaming about score when you can instead of going for every fourth down walking away with no points.
I think Bills made an emotional mistake, coach was hardly the problem. Bills spotty all year.
Despite the loss I thought that Purdy played ok, his best, no but decent.
Don't know what Denver will look like..for today I feel better about Seahawks so far, Rams pulled one out of the hat..
Weird made up controversy about speech editing after Texans lost. Network did a service in my opinion keeping camera on players from both teams kneeling in prayer together after a crazy battle. Overtime rules are excellent.. And Texans couldn't protect the ball!!!! Too many turnovers and yes as pointed out, ripping, stripping, punching the ball are all effective techniques for turnovers but arm tackles allow runners to consistently fall forward and get extra yards on majority of plays.
I did find some humor in network commentary screaming about score when you can instead of going for every fourth down walking away with no points.
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Going for it on 4th was I think the big mistake Ben Johnson made. In such a tight game, in bad weather, you take the points. Bears were 1-4 on 4th down. They kick just one single FG during regulation, they win the game.
I don't think McDermott was a bad coach, but I do think it was time for him to move on. Both for the team, and for him. Similar to Harbaugh's situation in Baltimore. Even if everyone agreed that last int was a catch, or the Bills got shafted on two PI calls, things were still stale in Buffalo. This year was SB or nothing for McDermott, especially with Mahomes, Lamar and Burrow all at home.
Even though they've been winning games by the skin of their teeth, and travelled a heck of a lot, I still think the Rams-Seahawks game could very well be close.
I don't think McDermott was a bad coach, but I do think it was time for him to move on. Both for the team, and for him. Similar to Harbaugh's situation in Baltimore. Even if everyone agreed that last int was a catch, or the Bills got shafted on two PI calls, things were still stale in Buffalo. This year was SB or nothing for McDermott, especially with Mahomes, Lamar and Burrow all at home.
Even though they've been winning games by the skin of their teeth, and travelled a heck of a lot, I still think the Rams-Seahawks game could very well be close.
Super confusing why he kept favoring right side, he threw a near pick and very next play through an interception. Had a couple of near catastrophic tosses, not including tips and arm being hit during throwing motion, CJ was terrible.
I know Taylor Swift has concluded her historical world tour, made a few videos short, full length that include the love of all our lives, Travis Kelce. Teammate Travis should call Gronk or a few others who either delayed retirement or came back. Mahomes could use him as he has rehab season.
I really hope to see a healthy and effective, motivated Cooper Kupp. A late Christmas gift maybe.
I don't know if Rams or Seahawks have many more turnovers than each other, but looks like a QB shootout is brewing.
Also seeing the stat about were Patriots were under last 3 coaches.. Raiders, Dolphins, Bills, Ravens, Steelers, etc.. NFL better hope for freshman luck because if half the NFL is going to be in rebuild, get to know each other mode next year is up for grabs.. Crazy coaching shakeup
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Seattle has to get some pressure on Stafford, without relying entirely on the blitz to do so. When the Panthers did this, they were able to throw him off his game. It wasn't until their genius decision to play prevent defense late that Stafford absolutely burned them.
Between the two games, Darnold threw 7 interceptions, a couple were tipped, some were high risk throws. He just game manages this weekend and that should help a great deal as Seattle are kings at field position.
Between the two games, Darnold threw 7 interceptions, a couple were tipped, some were high risk throws. He just game manages this weekend and that should help a great deal as Seattle are kings at field position.
- Aug 13, 2011
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Rams have the better quarterback and receivers but I think Seahawks are better in everything else. It’ll be a slugfest and Niners have to be annoyed a rival will be playing in their stadium in Feb. To win Seahawks have to score first and get out to a 10 point lead. I don’t think they can come back by more than a score.
Broncos will be playing their heart out but I think they’re screwed without Nix. Broncos only hope is to play like 2015 AFCCG but Patriots oline isn’t beat up like it was then and their defense is a lot better now.
Broncos will be playing their heart out but I think they’re screwed without Nix. Broncos only hope is to play like 2015 AFCCG but Patriots oline isn’t beat up like it was then and their defense is a lot better now.
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Seahawks dug out of two holes last times they played the Rams though. So...
Ravens and Bills will be in "win now" mode with their new HC, and very likely to hire a veteran. Unsure on the Steelers. Does Rodgers come back? I can see McDermott landing in Pittsburgh or Baltimore. Tomlin isn't going to coach for a year.
Raiders in total rebuild. Likely to go maybe 4-13 next year with Mendoza and a slew of young players, very likely a young new coach. Raiders have interviewed (or talked to) a whopping 15 candidates. Last year they only talked to 4 before settling on Pete Carroll.
Dolphins are in a pickle because of Tua's contract. I think they should cut him, eat the dead money, and accept a rebuild through 2027 until they can draft more players and have some FA cash. Hard to tell if a vet or young coach would be better in such a situation.
Ravens and Bills will be in "win now" mode with their new HC, and very likely to hire a veteran. Unsure on the Steelers. Does Rodgers come back? I can see McDermott landing in Pittsburgh or Baltimore. Tomlin isn't going to coach for a year.
Raiders in total rebuild. Likely to go maybe 4-13 next year with Mendoza and a slew of young players, very likely a young new coach. Raiders have interviewed (or talked to) a whopping 15 candidates. Last year they only talked to 4 before settling on Pete Carroll.
Dolphins are in a pickle because of Tua's contract. I think they should cut him, eat the dead money, and accept a rebuild through 2027 until they can draft more players and have some FA cash. Hard to tell if a vet or young coach would be better in such a situation.
Big factor for upcoming Hawks-Rams contest: Turns out Charbonnet is out for the rest of the playoffs with knee injury (probably ACL). That's a big deal. Perhaps it's good that he and Walker shared the workload all year, so Walker should be able to handle a bigger load in carries. But Charbonnet is waaaay better as a blocker on blitzes and in other schemes, so that will be huge. And when Walker gets a breather it will be a very inexperienced running back in his place. If Holani can be back that will be the best scenario as he can handle the blitzes better. Seahawks only have 1 other back (not counting fullback) on the active roster the last two games. Maybe that's the norm in the NFL?
Stafford and Nacua sliced them up badly in the last game, but the disclaimer is that the Hawks were down 2 defensive backs in that game, and are now at full strength. Regardless the Rams big receivers can really hurt the Seahawks in creating space and making tough catches. At least the Hawks secondary is excellent at limiting yards after the catch. Hawks need a big game from Emmanwori. He was badly out of position on two of the 49ers receptions (of their very few big gainers), so that will be important to correct against an even more canny QB.
It reminded me a bit of Wout's broken ankle--he was just was putting his foot down the way crossers do (although MVDP does it less) throughout the race on some tight corners. In his case the "when" of the injury was obvious but it looked strange that he put his foot out while sliding a bit on the ice and the ankle just collapsed under his weight. Anyways, I'm sorry for Denver fans, though their defense can still give them a chance.
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- Aug 13, 2011
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- Mar 11, 2009
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Another example why the UFL has rules right. Every single play can be challenged and reviewed, and every possible call and penalty, there is no "does not qualify for replay". The only limitations is how many challenges a coach has.
I also have said 20-30 times the days of a ref on the field looking at a tablet should have died over a decade ago.
I also have said 20-30 times the days of a ref on the field looking at a tablet should have died over a decade ago.
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When you say you expect the Broncos to be "competitive" are you talking about them being in the game having a chance to win or are you implying that they won't get blown out & embarrassed?
I get it that Payton kept Stidham over Zach Wilson but that's not saying much. Wilson is a complete bust - I think we can agree on that? (remember McDaniel benched Tua replacing him with QB3 Ewers over Wilson).
There's a reason why Nix was taken #12 OA & Stidham was drafted low 4th rd. The talent level difference is significant. Nix's eight 4th QT comebacks are the most by a QB through his first two seasons in NFL history (Elway has the record here with 31). Nix is clutch & can beat you with his arm or legs. I just don't see Stidham performing at that same level come Sunday.
And the Broncos are in trouble in their receiving corps with two starters out: Bryant in concussion protocol & Franklin with a hamstring. Bryant is questionable, and Franklin doubtful at this point. If these two can't go that makes things even harder for Stidham.
On Ben Johnson: I didn't see the first half, so I don't know the circumstance of those decisions (would they have been long FGs with a higher risk of not making them because of the weather?).
I think Johnson has done a remarkable job in developing Williams & turning the team around. He took a 5-12 team last year into 11-6 division title winners. And a playoff win nonetheless (this is only Williams' 2nd yr & he's won a playoff game).And the Bears set a franchise record in yards gained while Williams set the team's single-season passing record with 3,942 yds (previous held by Cutler). Plus Williams threw for 27 TDs to only 7 picks & rushed for another 3 scores (I bet without a shadow of a doubt, you'd take these numbers for Geno Smith & a 11-6 record for the Raiders?).
IMO, Williams is a shorter version of Brett Favre. Similar arm strength, same throwing motion, good scrambling & running ability, etc. And look at Favre's trajectory at GB: His first yr (I'm calling it his actual rookie yr) no playoffs. His 2nd & 3rd yr 1-1 in each of those playoff seasons. His 4th yr NFCCG appearance & 5th yr SB. So, Williams winning a playoff game in just his 2nd season is impressive.
How the Bears, Caleb Williams became an offensive juggernaut
Ben Johnson helped build one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL in Chicago. Here's how he did it.
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Maybe when he's in his mid-40s he'll also come out of retirement & try to save the Bills. Lol.
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