The official NFL Discussion Thread

[coolhandluke]

It's about time my Bengals finally did something correctly and clinched the division. It's not like I'm not used to losing (I grew up after their 80s teams), but they have much more skill and motivation (Chris Henry and coach Zimmer's wife) than what they've displayed in at least three of their 5 losses. They need to stop shooting themselves in the foot.

 

And I'm kinda glad there's no unbeatens this year. Nothing against the Colts or the Saints, as I love watching both teams play; I guess I prefer more balance in the league.

[spaceace12]

Jets control their own destiny now! Thanks Caldwell for taking Manning out, I doubt the Jets would have won without that gift.

 

Quote for truth. I didn't watch the second half, but heard Manning was pulled. If anything, this locks up MVP for him. For one, with the Saints loss, it takes Brees less and less a MVP contender. Colts were leading up to the point that he was pulled and Colts could do no more. The letters MVP mean Most Valuable Player. Today showed how valuable Peyton is to the Colts. Plus the only other people out there for MVP (my opinion) is Manning, Brees, Johnson (who isn't in the playoffs), Favre, and possibly Rivers (only because he is playing good). Favre isn't exactly playing so hot and Rivers, well, I don't know. Just looking at the schedule, they played quite a few weak teams.

 

I honestly didn't care about perfection. Just win in the playoffs.

[larrygator]

Quote for truth. I didn't watch the second half, but heard Manning was pulled. If anything, this locks up MVP for him. For one, with the Saints loss, it takes Brees less and less a MVP contender. Colts were leading up to the point that he was pulled and Colts could do no more.

 

All that means is that the Colts have a real crappy second team. Drew Bress was 32 for 37 in his game with no interceptions. The Saints lost their top RB to a rib injury, their kicker shanked a 37 yard FG that would have won it in regulation and the TB special teams dominated the game. I don't think the loss can be pinned on Brees.

 

For the record, I think Manning is a great QB, I just don't agree with your assessment that today's performances cinched the MVP for him.

[KPfreak519]

The Steelers now need two of these three teams to lose (as well as a win vs the Dolphins) next week to make the playoffs: Jets, Texans, Ravens

 

Jets play Bengals

Texans play Patriots

Ravens play Raiders

 

The Bengals, Raiders, and Patriots are probably my 3 least favorite teams so I never thought Id say this, but GO BENGALS, RAIDERS, AND PATRIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!! (and Steelers!!!)

[Jojo19799]

I wasn't paying too much attention to the Colts game, but did I hear right when the commentator said that some of the Colts starting line is on the bench this game? Now I don't remember the exact wording of this comment, but that was the basic gist of it. I'm a bit dumbfounded on this one. I hope someone can help straighten it out for me.

[chemical_echo]

I don't watch football often, and have no idea what the Ravens have to do to make the playoffs, but I just hope they can do it so my betting slip from Vegas can stay alive.

[KPfreak519]

I wasn't paying too much attention to the Colts game, but did I hear right when the commentator said that some of the Colts starting line is on the bench this game? Now I don't remember the exact wording of this comment, but that was the basic gist of it. I'm a bit dumbfounded on this one. I hope someone can help straighten it out for me.

 

To sum it up for you:

a. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

b. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

c. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

 

BEGIN RANT ON CALDWELL's STUPIDITY

 

First of all, let me say that I am a Colts fan (Steelers fan first though, and Caldwell has now not only singlehandedly ruined the Colts' perfect season but possibly the Steelers playoff chances as well)

 

I couldnt watch it but from what I understand Caldwell pulled a lot of the starters, halfway through when the Colts were only up by 5. Now, Ill admit Im not a fan of the whole "lets bench starters cause weve clinched a spot" in the first place, so Ill admit Im a little extra pi$$ed about that, but I mean in all seriousness, the way he did this was absolutely horrible. First of all, if youre going to bench your starters because your "afraid of them getting hurt" then WHY the hell do you play them in the first place? JUST DONT PLAY THEM AT ALL THE WHOLE GAME, there is JUST as much of a chance of them getting hurt in the first half as the second half. Secondly, If youre going to bench starters, you either a.) bench them once you have secured a decent, controllable lead (5 points is NOT secure lead, not by a LONG shot) or b.) bench them when you have secured a lead near the end of the game and there is not enough time left for the opponent to make a legitimate comeback. Now, the fact that they had secured a top seed was one thing, but they were 2 GAMES AWAY from MAKING HISTORY and going undefeated; I mean don't you want to at least TRY to do that? Seriously, benching the starter, before securing a good lead, halfway through the game, 2 wins from an undefeated season is just pathetic. PLUS, if there is ONE thing the Colts should have learned by now, it is the importance of momentum, and as if the bye wouldn't slow them down enough they are going to stop trying now and basically go several weeks without playing serious football...this is what has slowed them down in years past to the point where they choke in the playoffs, year after year after year. In short, I see basically NO bright side WHATSOEVER to what Caldwell did, and as much as I hate to say it I almost hope the Colts seriously choke in their first playoff game just to further show Caldwell's stupidity on this decision.

 

 

You PLAY to WIN the GAME!!!!!

 

END RANT ON CALDWELL's STUPIDITY

[Jojo19799]

^Wow. I guess I did hear right then! He's an idiot for doing that, and if I owned that team, he would have been GONE. I know he has a contract, and the owners will never fire him, well for now anyway. But, I can't believe he jepordized an almost perfect season like that. (I say almost because who knows what would have happened, but I'm sure they would of had one). Then again, we have no idea what was going through his head when he was making is so called "coaching desicions". Then again, I don't think I want to know.

 

I hope Caldwell chalks this up to experience and gets his head out of his bum and starts coaching. In other news, I think Bears fans are finally realizing that their team will not make the playoffs. However, I'm sure just about every fan wants Lovie Smith gone.

[mcjaco]

16-0 is not as important as a Superbowl.

 

He made the right decision.

[BeemerBoy]

To sum it up for you:

a. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

b. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

c. Jim Caldwell is an effing idiot

 

BEGIN RANT ON CALDWELL's STUPIDITY

 

First of all, let me say that I am a Colts fan (Steelers fan first though, and Caldwell has now not only singlehandedly ruined the Colts' perfect season but possibly the Steelers playoff chances as well)

 

I couldnt watch it but from what I understand Caldwell pulled a lot of the starters, halfway through when the Colts were only up by 5. Now, Ill admit Im not a fan of the whole "lets bench starters cause weve clinched a spot" in the first place, so Ill admit Im a little extra pi$$ed about that, but I mean in all seriousness, the way he did this was absolutely horrible. First of all, if youre going to bench your starters because your "afraid of them getting hurt" then WHY the hell do you play them in the first place? JUST DONT PLAY THEM AT ALL THE WHOLE GAME, there is JUST as much of a chance of them getting hurt in the first half as the second half. Secondly, If youre going to bench starters, you either a.) bench them once you have secured a decent, controllable lead (5 points is NOT secure lead, not by a LONG shot) or b.) bench them when you have secured a lead near the end of the game and there is not enough time left for the opponent to make a legitimate comeback. Now, the fact that they had secured a top seed was one thing, but they were 2 GAMES AWAY from MAKING HISTORY and going undefeated; I mean don't you want to at least TRY to do that? Seriously, benching the starter, before securing a good lead, halfway through the game, 2 wins from an undefeated season is just pathetic. PLUS, if there is ONE thing the Colts should have learned by now, it is the importance of momentum, and as if the bye wouldn't slow them down enough they are going to stop trying now and basically go several weeks without playing serious football...this is what has slowed them down in years past to the point where they choke in the playoffs, year after year after year. In short, I see basically NO bright side WHATSOEVER to what Caldwell did, and as much as I hate to say it I almost hope the Colts seriously choke in their first playoff game just to further show Caldwell's stupidity on this decision.

 

 

You PLAY to WIN the GAME!!!!!

 

END RANT ON CALDWELL's STUPIDITY

 

Okay, let me try my hand at it.

 

To sum it up for you:

 

A. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

B. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

C. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

 

I couldnt watch it but from what I understand Caldwell pulled a lot of the starters, halfway through when the Colts were only up by 5. Now, Ill admit Im not a fan of the whole "lets bench starters cause weve clinched a spot" in the first place, so Ill admit Im a little extra pi$$ed about that, but I mean in all seriousness, the way he did this was absolutely horrible. First of all, if youre going to bench your starters because your "afraid of them getting hurt" then WHY the hell do you play them in the first place? JUST DONT PLAY THEM AT ALL THE WHOLE GAME, there is JUST as much of a chance of them getting hurt in the first half as the second half.

 

Okay, first of all, you're correct about the chance of injury being the same in the first half as in the second, but here's something to ponder. Late in his career, Joe DiMaggio was asked why he hustled on a play that meant little in a game that had little bearing on the Yankee’s fate that year. "Because there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time," DiMaggio explained. "I owe him my best."

 

Now I'm not saying this is Peyton's credo, but the fact remains, there are a LOT of seats filled each week because of that man. I don't see much harm in treating the last two games like preseason - play the starters for as long as you feel necessary, and then sit 'em.

 

That quote from Joe D. is probably my favorite sports quote of ALL TIME. You never know who may be in attendance for their first and only chance to see their hero play. And because of that factor, I do believe Caldwell made a fair and reasonable move, whether any ounce of this factored in to his train of thought or not.

 

Now, the fact that they had secured a top seed was one thing, but they were 2 GAMES AWAY from MAKING HISTORY and going undefeated; I mean don't you want to at least TRY to do that? Seriously, benching the starter, before securing a good lead, halfway through the game, 2 wins from an undefeated season is just pathetic.

 

A. A perfect regular season has been done before, so you're NOT "making any history."

B. By the way, how'd that work out for the Pats?

 

PLUS, if there is ONE thing the Colts should have learned by now, it is the importance of momentum, and as if the bye wouldn't slow them down enough they are going to stop trying now and basically go several weeks without playing serious football...this is what has slowed them down in years past to the point where they choke in the playoffs, year after year after year.

 

Yeah, I'm sure it's gonna suck to be rested, with home field advantage throughout the playoffs. I feel for them.

This is for Colts fans who feel let down.

[Philrad71]

Okay, let me try my hand at it.

 

To sum it up for you:

 

A. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

B. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

C. Quit your whining. The Colts are currently still the best team in the league.

 

^

 

Really...things could be a LOT worse...say being a Buffalo Bills fan for instance and not even making the playoffs for ten freaking years? Heck, I would take 9-6 anyday, let alone 14-1!!!! Make that 15-1...the Colts play the Bills next Sunday.

 

If the Colts played Archie Manning at QB and had a 3rd string linebacker playing running back, they would still pass for over 300 yards and run for over 150 against my hapless Bills!

[alpengeist04]

I'm not sure this was a good idea by Caldwell. While I agree "rest" is a good thing, too much rest can actually have a negative effect. I can understand doing this in the last game of the season against the Bills, but doing it in week 16 is a little much in my opinion. And momentum does play a role in football, so by doing this, you do risk possibly losing it.

 

Also remember this isn't the first time Indy has been in this situation and how did that turn out the last time?

 

For the record, I'm a Dolphins fan and I think they should have went for the undefeated season.

[BeemerBoy]

^ I think I'm gonna ask you to turn in your "DolFan" card now, thanks.

 

I just don't buy into the whole momentum argument in football, and somewhat for hockey as well. Those are two sports where the regular season really wears you down, and rest can never hurt you.

 

In comparison, basketball and baseball are less strenuous, and rely more on hand-eye timing and coordination. Therefore, if they're on a hot streak, I'd rather see them keep the momentum due to that factor.

 

To me, it just seems that the "momentum" argument for the Colts is all in their heads. By the time you're in the playoffs, you either win or lose based on three primary reasons: scheming, weather, and subsequently, turnovers.

 

And let's face it, the Colts haven't exactly steamrolled the league this year either. They could very well have had several losses at this point. I say take the rest, and focus on playoff game plans. It's better to be rested, refreshed, and focused going into the playoffs.

 

And if you lose, sometimes you just have to admit you were OUTPLAYED - not "out-momentumed."

[alpengeist04]

I don't know, it's a very fine line in football. Too much rest can throw off timing, that killer instinct, and that knack of winning the close games. Not to mention most athletes are creatures of habit, especially Peyton. Whether they won or lost yesterday, there's going to be a lot of pressure on this team in the playoff. ...Because it's Peyton Manning. I just don't think it a good thing anytime you lose, resting players or not.

 

Also, while I think the teams with bye weeks have an advantage, so do the teams going into the playoffs hot. Just ask teams like the Ravens, Steelers, and Giants, who all got hot in December and rode it right to a Super Bowl victory. I know you can make an argument that teams with byes win the Super Bowls more than the non-bye teams, but it is the Colts we are talking about. I don't think it was a coincidence that the one year they won it, they had to play till the end of the season.

 

With that said, I guess we'll see how it goes. Right now, I have to go with the hot teams, and that means SD, NE, Philly, and Dallas.

[Jojo19799]

16-0 is not as important as a Superbowl.

 

I just think a 16-0 record is impressive, but yes a Superbowl is important. However, didn't the Patriots have a 16-0 record then go on to lose to either the Colts or Giants in the Superbowl? I don't remember what team it was, but I'm pretty sure a Manning was the QB playing in that game.

[spaceace12]

It was the Giants and yes, they went 18-1 that year.

[Jojo19799]

It was the Giants and yes, they went 18-1 that year.

 

Thank you. My memory isn't that great these days. I'm getting old.

 

I may not understand why Caldwell did what he did because I'm not the coach. He had his reasonings. I do think that his decision was a bit stupid, but he did what he did. It's over and done with, and with all the backlash he's getting I'm sure he won't be making the same mistake twice. That is if you want to call it a mistake.

[BeemerBoy]

^ Think of it this way. If the Colts do go on to the Super Bowl, they will not:

 

A. Be playing with an even bigger target on their backs, going in as an undefeated team.

 

B. Be bombarded with countless stupid questions concerning whether they can complete "their mission."

 

C. Have to feel as miserable as the Pats did when they went 18 and D'oh!....should they lose the big game.

 

 

 

Scott "Did I mention that the Pats lost the Super Bowl after an undefeated regular season?" B.

[alpengeist04]

C. Have to feel as miserable as the Pats did when they went 18 and D'oh!....should they lose the big game.

 

That was great, wasn't it?

[stingrock23]

Go Bears!

 

I can't believe I just said that.

[Pufferfish]

So, how about them Panthers last weekend? We completely DEMOLISHED the Giants! I only have one more thing to say, Saints, prepare to meet revenge!

[Jew]

I wish the starters would have stayed in so would could still be on track to never have to hear about the 1972 Dolphins again. Mercury Morris would finally stop finding people to give him the spotlight!

 

And while I understand the logic of pulling starters, I'm never a fan of a coach "over coaching" something. It's like in baseball when a manager pulls a starter dominating the game after 7 innings because the numbers say the guy at the plate is batting .100 against a guy in his bullpen...it's just bad mojo.

 

Now the pressure is really on, as the coach and GM have basically just promised a Super Bowl victory by making the decision to pull starters and essentially quit on the game.

[spaceace12]

After seeing the end of the Vikes/Bears game, I was left wondering. If Chicago could have played like this the whole season, they might be in for some playoff action. But also, the Vikings are not exactly playing so hot. Is this the year Favre finally, finally, finally, finally retires if he doesn't get his SB ring?

[bigstevet07]

I wish the starters would have stayed in so would could still be on track to never have to hear about the 1972 Dolphins again. Mercury Morris would finally stop finding people to give him the spotlight!

 

And while I understand the logic of pulling starters, I'm never a fan of a coach "over coaching" something. It's like in baseball when a manager pulls a starter dominating the game after 7 innings because the numbers say the guy at the plate is batting .100 against a guy in his bullpen...it's just bad mojo.

 

Now the pressure is really on, as the coach and GM have basically just promised a Super Bowl victory by making the decision to pull starters and essentially quit on the game.

 

Agreed 100%. My biggest problem from the Colts resting people is it had backfired on them pretty much every time they've done it. The only time they won it all was when they played out the entire season.

 

As for the rest of the AFC, thanks to all the mediocre teams for hanging around and making week 17 very interesting. There are so many different scenarios that can play out for a bunch of teams to get in as a wildcard.

[BeemerBoy]

I can certainly do without even another minute of off-field Brett Favre coverage, but last night reminded me why he's still the most fun quarterback to watch play the game.