National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

49er legend John Brodie has passed away, at the ripe old age of 90. I don't remember him playing, as much as hearing about him, how he was The Man™ in SF for many years. Then a revolving door of guys until Montana came along.

John Brodie, legendary 49ers QB and 1970 NFL MVP, dies at 90

 

[movingtarget]

Well, I guess Dobbins isn't playing after all (he did return to practice this week from IR). As I mentioned their running game diminished significantly when he went down & Harvey & Co couldn't pick up the slack. No running game is going to put more pressure on Stidham. OTOH, the Patriots come in with the the 6th best rushing attack led by impressive rookie TreVeyon Henderson.

Yeah and Raimondre Stevenson had a bad run of the fumbles previously but is playing well at the moment

 

[movingtarget]

NFL Divisional Round averages 39.2 million viewers, second-highest on record

 

[movingtarget]

Rams defense looking forward to flashing 'receiver skills' vs. Sam Darnold, Seahawks

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

That's a good article, and why I pointed out earlier just not turning the ball over may help Sam "lead" the Seahawks to victory. They also twice fell behind the Rams early in both games this year, and it took their defense almost a full half in both games to get pressure on Stafford, which pushed Sam into heroics. One game he almost pulled a win out anyway, the other he actually did.

I think Schula's plan is sound, to rattle Sam. If the Rams can get ahead early (again), and keep the game close as it goes on, that is their best chance. If they can protect Stafford in 4Q, he can win the game for them. But Seattle also absolutely has the ability to make that very hard for the Rams to do.

I would encourage anyone to at least watch the highlights on YouTube of both games the played this year (link to first game here, in LA. Second game, in Seattle). If you have an NFL+ account, you can watch the entire condensed games (or the full broadcast). Both games were close, tough. There's a reason both are here in the NFL championship.

 

[Oldman]

That's a good article, and why I pointed out earlier just not turning the ball over may help Sam "lead" the Seahawks to victory. They also twice fell behind the Rams early in both games this year, and it took their defense almost a full half in both games to get pressure on Stafford, which pushed Sam into heroics. One game he almost pulled a win out anyway, the other he actually did.

I think Schula's plan is sound, to rattle Sam. If the Rams can get ahead early (again), and keep the game close as it goes on, that is their best chance. If they can protect Stafford in 4Q, he can win the game for them. But Seattle also absolutely has the ability to make that very hard for the Rams to do.

I would encourage anyone to at least watch the highlights on YouTube of both games the played this year (link to first game here, in LA. Second game, in Seattle). If you have an NFL+ account, you can watch the entire condensed games (or the full broadcast). Both games were close, tough. There's a reason both are here in the NFL championship.

The best feature of both prior games is neither team gave in; even when the NFC title wasn't on the line. This, like the last game may come down to the coaches that can adapt play and gain momentum from that. Hopefully we get another classic between these rivals.

 

[SHAD0W93]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2015131439252066698

View: https://x.com/espn/status/2015131439252066698



Alright Rodgers, time to play another season and go big.

 

[BullsFan22]

That's a good article, and why I pointed out earlier just not turning the ball over may help Sam "lead" the Seahawks to victory. They also twice fell behind the Rams early in both games this year, and it took their defense almost a full half in both games to get pressure on Stafford, which pushed Sam into heroics. One game he almost pulled a win out anyway, the other he actually did.

I think Schula's plan is sound, to rattle Sam. If the Rams can get ahead early (again), and keep the game close as it goes on, that is their best chance. If they can protect Stafford in 4Q, he can win the game for them. But Seattle also absolutely has the ability to make that very hard for the Rams to do.

I would encourage anyone to at least watch the highlights on YouTube of both games the played this year (link to first game here, in LA. Second game, in Seattle). If you have an NFL+ account, you can watch the entire condensed games (or the full broadcast). Both games were close, tough. There's a reason both are here in the NFL championship.

Agreed. Seahawks haven’t always gotten out of the gate fast this season, including the two regular season games vs the Rams. They need to start off well. The Rams are more healthy and have the better team (in my opinion) than the Niners, so I don’t think it will be 41-6, but the Seahawks are at home and have the the top defense. Darnold not turning the ball over is crucial, but what about Stafford turning the ball over? If the Seattle defense can get to him early, it could really set the game up nicely for them. Charbonnet not being there is significant, but the Seattle offense has plenty other very good options to pick from. JSN, Walker, Kupp, Bobo, etc. If Darnold stays steady and clean, the Seahawks have the edge.

 

[Nomad]

I'm actually hoping for a Nick Foles game by Stiddy, but I'd be foolish to pick the Broncos to win.

One factor on the comparison being made with Foles is that he started in the divisional round playoff game, then the NFCCG & culminating with the SB win. He also started the last 3 games of that season when Wentz tore his ACL. So, Foles came into the playoffs having 3 games experience under his belt.

OTOH, Stidham has not played at all this season. In fact, his last starts were the last 2 games of the 2023 season after Wilson was benched. Having no starting experience for over 2 yrs, he's being thrown into what is at this juncture the biggest game of the year. I just don't see it happening.

In fact, QBs making their first start of the season in a playoff game are a dismal 1-7 since 1950, with the only win coming from the Bills' Frank Reich in the 1992 win over the then Houston Oilers.

Because of the weather, some fans are selling off their tickets for up to 35% off ($300 asking $200). I gave it some thought for about a couple of minutes, and decided no. I'm just getting too old to be sitting in single-digit wind chills in the nosebleed seats. Lol.

 

[movingtarget]

Dolphins expected to promote Bobby Slowik to offensive coordinator

Joe Flacco discusses potential retirement: 'I don’t think that’s hit me yet'

 

[Nomad]

49er legend John Brodie has passed away, at the ripe old age of 90. I don't remember him playing, as much as hearing about him, how he was The Man™ in SF for many years. Then a revolving door of guys until Montana came along.

John Brodie, legendary 49ers QB and 1970 NFL MVP, dies at 90

I vaguely remember him. He was pretty much an ynderachiever having played in only 5 playoffs games (no championship games) in a very long career of 17 seasons. He came in the league with huge expectations drafted #3 OA in 1957. He had cannon (they called him "rifle arm") and elite size for those days (6'1" 200). He was a stud at Stanford making the college HOF. But other than MVP, he really didn't do much in the NFL.

 

[movingtarget]

Arthur Smith expected to become next offensive coordinator at Ohio State

 

[Nomad]

Don't ask Saleh about Rodgers either...........it would be negligent of the Steelers to go with Rodgers again. They were lucky to make the playoffs and most people picked them to go out early as they did and looked second rate doing it. They need a shake up on the offense across the board. They have a good RB but the rest doesn't look close to being good enough. Young offensive minded coach maybe what they need right now and that goes for the QB as well, instead of sticking with 40 plus veterans who get exposed in the playoffs and are way past their best days.

Couldn't agree more but the reports that I'm seeing say McCarthy was hired to lure Rodgers into playing another year?

Rodgers is a shadow of his former self - a once Tier 1 QB that's probably a top 10 all-time great. Sure, he finished the season uninjured & threw the ball fairly well (slightly above average statistically), but way sub-par by his standards. And they barely won the division as well as one & done in the playoffs. That doesn't look like a winning formula for a SB run. Lol.

I don't know why the Steelers are so delusional believing they can win a SB with a way past his prime 42 yr old Rodgers? The guy was really good...but not anymore.

 

[movingtarget]

Couldn't agree more but the reports that I'm seeing say McCarthy was hired to lure Rodgers into playing another year?

Rodgers is a shadow of his former self - a once Tier 1 QB that's probably a top 10 all-time great. Sure, he finished the season uninjured & threw the ball fairly well (slightly above average statistically), but way sub-par by his standards. And they barely won the division as well as one & done in the playoffs. That doesn't look like a winning formula for a SB run. Lol.

I don't why the Steelers are so delusional believing they can win a SB with a way past his prime 42 yr old Rodgers? The guy was really good...but not anymore.

Some people think that hiring McCarthy will get Rodgers to move on. It seemed to get pretty bitter towards the end of his run at GB. Who knows but if they go with Rodgers again I see a possible replay of this season and they are getting no closer to a SB win or even a conference win. Very surprised that the Steelers see McCarthy as a long term solution as they don't have a habit of turning over coaches regularly like some other teams. McCarthy didn't do a lot at the Cowboys apart winning the division but he also had to cope with the erratic team owner who likes to have control over too much re drafting and spending.
I also heard that Lamar Jackson wants Kliff Kingsbury as his new OC as does Robert Saleh at the Titans. Also Klay Kubiak has turned down further head coach interviews and will stay at the 49ers. The Browns were hopeful of signing him for the head coach role him among others.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I seem to recall Rodgers and McCarthy's relationship being quite strained when Mike departed. Maybe it's the other way around, get Rodgers to move on? McCarthy has to be a bridge HC. Someone to come in for a few seasons, keep the team competitive, build before his contract ends and they all move on.

A couple days ago numerous reports about how Mike McDaniel was taking the Chargers OC job. After which he's since:
Scheduled an interview with the Bills. Scheduled an interview with the Browns. Cancelled the interview with the Browns. Cancelled the interview with the Bills.

Reports from Raiders media imply he's still in the hunt for their HC job.

I mean, how much of this is true? Maybe he's just shaking his thing at NFL executives, trolling them?

Stidham cannot be compared to Foles. Hard stop. Nick started 39 games before being called into duty for the Eagles. This included going 8-2 in his 2013 season, throwing a whopping 29 TDs to just 2 Ints, and making the pro bowl. The following year he went 6-2 before being hurt. Nick will never make the HOF, but at times he was a heck of a QB, who came up big in the biggest games of his career. I mean, look at his nickname fans gave him and chanted in Philly. Stidham is 1-3 in his career, in mostly mop up games.

Yeah, it's fun to tinker and tease with, Disney like end of season for Stidham, winning the Super Bowl. It also ain't happening. And I actually like the guy.

Nomad will like this factoid - Chip Kelly implemented a RPO variation when he decided to start Nick, a close system to what Nick played in college. Nick then went to StL, and then returned to the Eagles. Guess who else played RPO in college? Carson Wentz. And then Eagles coach Doug Pederson implemented an RPO variation for the young Wentz, also later stating he knew Nick could play well in that system if called upon. And he was right.

 

[Oldman]

Agreed. Seahawks haven’t always gotten out of the gate fast this season, including the two regular season games vs the Rams. They need to start off well. The Rams are more healthy and have the better team (in my opinion) than the Niners, so I don’t think it will be 41-6, but the Seahawks are at home and have the the top defense. Darnold not turning the ball over is crucial, but what about Stafford turning the ball over? If the Seattle defense can get to him early, it could really set the game up nicely for them. Charbonnet not being there is significant, but the Seattle offense has plenty other very good options to pick from. JSN, Walker, Kupp, Bobo, etc. If Darnold stays steady and clean, the Seahawks have the edge.

Charbonnet is a good blocker. It's going to take some tight end and running back effort to keep Rams out of Darnold's face. Not you, Mr. Walker. You just run the ball.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I again think Charbonnet being out is being overemphasized by the media. He took about 40% of the snaps, that's it. He absolutely did contribute, but this is not 1979 football. And he wasn't the pass blocker that, say, Walter Payton was, which seems to be how he's being thought of. I mean, good for him I guess, but it's not like the team lost Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry here. Seattle also has 3rd RB George Holani back in full participation in practice, and he's their other tough running back.

Seattle could lose, certainly, but I don't think we're going to see a game where Darnold is sacked and pressured all game, with announcers talking over and over about, "if only Seattle still had the mighty Charbonnet..."

Well, they could I suppose. 😉

One can also have a little conspiracy theory fun, and say the NFL (and media) want to see the Rams (and Patriots) in the Super Bowl. So look for calls to go those teams way, and excuses (such as Charbonnet being out) being instead emphasized.

 

[Unchained]

I again think Charbonnet being out is being overemphasized by the media. He took about 40% of the snaps, that's it. He absolutely did contribute, but this is not 1979 football. And he wasn't the pass blocker that, say, Walter Payton was, which seems to be how he's being thought of. I mean, good for him I guess, but it's not like the team lost Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry here. Seattle also has 3rd RB George Holani back in full participation in practice, and he's their other tough running back.

Seattle could lose, certainly, but I don't think we're going to see a game where Darnold is sacked and pressured all game, with announcers talking over and over about, "if only Seattle still had the mighty Charbonnet..."

Well, they could I suppose. 😉

One can also have a little conspiracy theory fun, and say the NFL (and media) want to see the Rams (and Patriots) in the Super Bowl. So look for calls to go those teams way, and excuses (such as Charbonnet being out) being instead emphasized.

I wouldn't argue the numbers, but part of Charbonnet's effectiveness is his blocking or his hold blocks, he can pick up guys off the edge or bump and release and gives the QB another short range option, and he has great run after catch instincts that are hard to measure.. With him on the field he can freeze a linebacker or two because he can't go uncovered even when he isn't getting the ball, he can lead defenders away from the ball and tackle.
With him it's not bad coaching to have him angle for the sidelines and someone on the defense will just follow him.. He has respect from defensive coordinators. Shame his body is broken..
Funny that when you watch Kansas City part of their offensive schemes have multiple receivers streaking and no intention of throwing to them but it takes multiple defensive backs completely out of the play.
Denver is going to force the issue of quarterback running Bo Nix could freeze the linebackers and they had to respect pass or run, decent runner. Jarrett Stidham is going to have to bring his A game he is going to need to do it all, if he does anything wrong or substandard I think it will be disastrous. Decisions he makes under pressure are going to be the game,

 

[Nomad]

Nomad will like this factoid - Chip Kelly implemented a RPO variation when he decided to start Nick, a close system to what Nick played in college. Nick then went to StL, and then returned to the Eagles. Guess who else played RPO in college? Carson Wentz. And then Eagles coach Doug Pederson implemented an RPO variation for the young Wentz, also later stating he knew Nick could play well in that system if called upon. And he was right.

Looks like Foles played in the air raid offense for his 3 yrs at Arizona (2008-2011). Mike Stoops, a defensive guy, was HC at the time but Seth Littrell was his OC. If you recall Littrell cut his teeth coaching under Mike Leach at TT, and Leach is one of the fathers of the air raid O. And man did Foles "air" it out his senior yr at AZ - throwing for almost 4400 yds (over 10,000 total yds in 3 starting seasons).

However, Foles was the true definition of a "big stiff" QB -- slow, immobile & unable to provide any running threat (at 6-6, 245, I think he's one of biggest QBs to play in the NFL?).

OTOH, Wentz was not only a big guy with a cannon arm, but he was fast, mobile/athletic & provided a legitimate running thread (he rushed for over 1000 yds in the two full seasons he started at North Dakota St). Looks like they ran some RPO schemes with the West Coast/Pro-Style offense being used by Craig Bohl at that time (and Bohl, when he later took the job at Wyoming, is credited with recruiting Josh Allen -- who he said reminded him of Wentz).