OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NFL season & predictions thread:

[Maui Tom]

Moss released...all over Twitter...

[Ehwmatt]

Moss released...all over Twitter...

Wow... fucking weird ass season in so many respects this year.

[Don]

Moss released...all over Twitter...

Wow... fucking weird ass season in so many respects this year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5752939

I wonder if KC will pick him up?

[Enigma869]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5752939

I wonder if KC will pick him up?

The NFL waiver process is all based upon win loss record. Because KC has a 5-2 record, 25 other teams would have to pass on him before KC would even have a shot.

[Rockindeano]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5752939

I wonder if KC will pick him up?

The NFL waiver process is all based upon win loss record. Because KC has a 5-2 record, 25 other teams would have to pass on him before KC would even have a shot.

So who exactly wanted Moss waived? Chilly or OG? I am guessing BOTH did. I bet you my extra sperm that the OG was pissed he quit on the potentially easy TD catch, and I also bet Chilly listened to OG, and then watched film of it. I am positive OG wanted his slimy Predator looking ass gone. What OG needs is Simeon Rice back on the field. How long til that dude starts playing again?

[Everett]

Moss released...all over Twitter...

That didn't take long

[Enigma869]

So who exactly wanted Moss waived? Chilly or OG?

If you saw Moss' press conference (I posted the link here yesterday), I'm certain that Zygi Wilf wasn't happy after watching that presser. Moss basically spent 5 minutes talking about how great the Patriots were and how Belichick was the best coach in the history of the NFL. It was bizarre. I'm certain that douche Favre had nothing to do with this. In case you haven't noticed, Childress and Favre hate each other. Favre has been in the NFL long enough to know Randy's game. Randy has been short-arming catches and not running all out for his entire career and Favre has had a hard on for the guy forever. He was openly campaigning for the guy back in his Green Bay days before the Patriots traded for him. Favre's probably too busy holding his own presser right now about the pimple on his ass, to even notice that Moss has been released

[Rockindeano]

So who exactly wanted Moss waived? Chilly or OG?

If you saw Moss' press conference (I posted the link here yesterday), I'm certain that Zygi Wilf wasn't happy after watching that presser. Moss basically spent 5 minutes talking about how great the Patriots were and how Belichick was the best coach in the history of the NFL. It was bizarre. I'm certain that douche Favre had nothing to do with this. In case you haven't noticed, Childress and Favre hate each other. Favre has been in the NFL long enough to know Randy's game. Randy has been short-arming catches and not running all out for his entire career and Favre has had a hard on for the guy forever. He was openly campaigning for the guy back in his Green Bay days before the Patriots traded for him. Favre's probably too busy holding his own presser right now about the pimple on his ass, to even notice that Moss has been released

Perhaps OG wanted Predator back in Green Bay because he was available and they didn't have squat in Lambeau? And secondly John, why would OG have a hard on for a black looking Chewbacca who doesn't lay his body on the line like OG himself does? That's why Rice is so needed. OG loves Rice and Harvin, because those two guys know how to play with heart. Why any single GM or Head Coach would want Moss is besides me.

PS, I don't think Chilly and OG hate each other John....perhaps the stress of being NFC favourites and the fact they are 2-5 now is the reason for the ice buildup. Chilly works for OG, not the other way around. Remember that.

[Enigma869]

why would OG have a hard on for a black looking Chewbacca who doesn't lay his body on the line like OG himself does?

You'd have the NFL's biggest douche that question, Dean. The guy could hardly contain himself when he heard that Minnesota had traded for Moss.

I don't think Chilly and OG hate each other John

I'm reasonably certain they do. Hell, Childress actually called Favre out in front of the media after last week's game, and NFL head coaches simply don't do that. I've seen enough interviews where Favre is asked about his relationship with Childress and he doesn't exactly try to hide the fact that he can't stand the guy.

[RossValoryRocks]

Who in their right mind is going to sign Moss???

Remember: HE PLAYS WHEN HE WANTS TO!

I wish I could get away with that, "Hey Boss...I am going to work when I want to, ok??"

Next week...in the unemployment line, "Gee maybe I should have worked?!"

[Saint John]

Childress is an atrocious coach who, at times, seems like he's brain dead. How about the challenge yesterday on the interception that got no closer than 4 feet from the ground?!?! What the fuck was he challenging?!?! That he didn't like the play???


Seem to me like the Vikings have begun playing for next year, and they're trying to set the precedent that no one is going to question the head coach or the organization. While I disagree with what Moss said, you really can't fault the guy for telling the truth.

Lastly, Childress seems to be playing games with Favre and almost putting a "restrictor plate" on the guy. Last year they would have gone play action from the one yard line yesterday and scored. I know Favre isn't having nearly the season he did a year ago, but I get this feeling that Childress is looking for ways to keep the guy in check, and it's coming at the team's detriment. There's definitely a power struggle going on between those two.

[Rockindeano]

Childress is an atrocious coach who, at times, seems like he's brain dead. How about the challenge yesterday on the interception that got no closer than 4 feet from the ground?!?! What the fuck was he challenging?!?! That he didn't like the play???


Seem to me like the Vikings have begun playing for next year, and they're trying to set the precedent that no one is going to question the head coach or the organization. While I disagree with what Moss said, you really can't fault the guy for telling the truth.

Lastly, Childress seems to be playing games with Favre and almost putting a "restrictor plate" on the guy. Last year they would have gone play action from the one yard line yesterday and scored. I know Favre isn't having nearly the season he did a year ago, but I get this feeling that Childress is looking for ways to keep the guy in check, and it's coming at the team's detriment. There's definitely a power struggle going on between those two.

Look at Saint John dropping in a NASCAR reference? Especially after Talledega yesterday. Nice work, dude.

PS- Chilly sucks. He should hand the reigns over to OG and let him drive the bus the rest of the year. Chilly's dome will roll after 3 more losses, so, why not let OG run it?

[Don]

Wow, deja vu.

"...in 2006, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress cut his leading receiver a few days after some comments critical of the team's approach appeared in a local newspaper. Childress was so incensed, in fact, that he released receiver Marcus Robinson on Christmas Eve."

[YoungJRNY]

Moss released...all over Twitter...

Wow... fucking weird ass season in so many respects this year.

Read my mind Matt. What a goofy league this has become. It has now become such a mess that the integrity of the face of the game is one big jig-saw.

As far as Mr.Moss, it looks like his career is on its last legs, along with other home-wrecker Terrell Owens. Say what you want about Moss, but the dude is a flat out QUITTER and force feeds the offense into believing in him and does nothing but separate locker rooms and unity, even when he's not acting up. Everyone says Moss "plays when he wants" and could be "as dominant as ever." I say bullshit, other than that flash in the pan year that the 2007 New England Patriots offense produced, a Bill Bellichick type offense is better off not dealing with the kind of player he is when these things arrive. If I was any other team in the NFL, then no thanks.

[Don]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

[Enigma869]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

Childress has always been a fucking buffoon. Hell, the guy fined a receiver (I don't recall the guy's name) for missing an extra day after attending a relative's funeral. I believe it was his first year with the Vikings. Once you do something like that, players will NEVER EVER EVER respect you, and you're toast!

[Ehwmatt]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

Childress has always been a fucking buffoon. Hell, the guy fined a receiver (I don't recall the guy's name) for missing an extra day after attending a relative's funeral. I believe it was his first year with the Vikings. Once you do something like that, players will NEVER EVER EVER respect you, and you're toast!

He just looks like some clown who should be sitting in a bar on Monday night armchair coaching, not roaming the NFL sidelines. What a goof.

[YoungJRNY]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

Childress has always been a fucking buffoon. Hell, the guy fined a receiver (I don't recall the guy's name) for missing an extra day after attending a relative's funeral. I believe it was his first year with the Vikings. Once you do something like that, players will NEVER EVER EVER respect you, and you're toast!

He just looks like some clown who should be sitting in a bar on Monday night armchair coaching, not roaming the NFL sidelines. What a goof.

Which is pretty much what head coaches do anyhow when you have figure like Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. Even last week, Chilly got pissed because Favre was shying away from WIDE OPEN RECEIVERS who the play was designed to go in the first place.

Look at Jim Caldwell. Honestly, what actuall "say" does he have in that Colts offense? Everytime the camera pans on him, it literally looks like he's ready to fall asleep. Peyton Manning literally called every single play from the line of scrimmage last night. As far as Childress, there's no doubt he lost his team and lost his job for good heading into next season. This is beyond abomination.

[Ehwmatt]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

Childress has always been a fucking buffoon. Hell, the guy fined a receiver (I don't recall the guy's name) for missing an extra day after attending a relative's funeral. I believe it was his first year with the Vikings. Once you do something like that, players will NEVER EVER EVER respect you, and you're toast!

He just looks like some clown who should be sitting in a bar on Monday night armchair coaching, not roaming the NFL sidelines. What a goof.

Which is pretty much what head coaches do anyhow when you have figure like Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. Even last week, Chilly got pissed because Favre was shying away from WIDE OPEN RECEIVERS who the play was designed to go in the first place.

Look at Jim Caldwell. Honestly, what actuall "say" does he have in that Colts offense? Everytime the camera pans on him, it literally looks like he's ready to fall asleep. Peyton Manning literally called every single play from the line of scrimmage last night so there's no doubt Chilly lost his team and lost his job for good next season.

Good point. Trent Dilfer finally made a salient point when he said at the end of the day, the job of the head coach doesn't boil down to Xs and Os; rather, it boils down to managing players and personalities. This gets lost on the pundits and fans time and time again. At the end of the day, the head coaching job is much like any other managerial job - all the technical skill in the world (to be sure, a requirement to coach at the NFL level) won't save you if you can't deal with your people and devise strategies for reconciling personality conflicts.

[YoungJRNY]

Zygi Wilf is not a happy camper. Childress better be careful or he might find himself on the waiver wire.

Childress has always been a fucking buffoon. Hell, the guy fined a receiver (I don't recall the guy's name) for missing an extra day after attending a relative's funeral. I believe it was his first year with the Vikings. Once you do something like that, players will NEVER EVER EVER respect you, and you're toast!

He just looks like some clown who should be sitting in a bar on Monday night armchair coaching, not roaming the NFL sidelines. What a goof.

Which is pretty much what head coaches do anyhow when you have figure like Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. Even last week, Chilly got pissed because Favre was shying away from WIDE OPEN RECEIVERS who the play was designed to go in the first place.

Look at Jim Caldwell. Honestly, what actuall "say" does he have in that Colts offense? Everytime the camera pans on him, it literally looks like he's ready to fall asleep. Peyton Manning literally called every single play from the line of scrimmage last night so there's no doubt Chilly lost his team and lost his job for good next season.

Good point. Trent Dilfer finally made a salient point when he said at the end of the day, the job of the head coach doesn't boil down to Xs and Os; rather, it boils down to managing players and personalities. This gets lost on the pundits and fans time and time again. At the end of the day, the head coaching job is much like any other managerial job - all the technical skill in the world (to be sure, a requirement to coach at the NFL level) won't save you if you can't deal with your people and devise strategies for reconciling personality conflicts.

Without a doubt. Reality is, is that the coordinators, whether it be offensive or defensive and assistants in between, do most of the work not only on the practice film, but dialing up schemes and plays as well on game day. The head coach always has final say within a play call and suggestions, but he's more of a game manager than the quarterback is. Not sure who the QB hears most in his helmet, but I'm sure it's more of the offensive coordinator than anyone.

[Enigma869]

Trent Dilfer finally made a salient point when he said at the end of the day, the job of the head coach doesn't boil down to Xs and Os;

I don't agree with Dilfer. Manning is one of the few QB's in the history of the NFL who X's and O's don't matter to. Manning could run that team without a single coach anyhwere near the stadium. That said, coaching matters more in the NFL than any other league. If you don't believe that, look at San Diego, Minnesota, and Dallas and you'll be convinced. I promise you if any of those three teams had competent head coaches that they wouldn't be below .500.

[Ehwmatt]

Trent Dilfer finally made a salient point when he said at the end of the day, the job of the head coach doesn't boil down to Xs and Os;

I don't agree with Dilfer. Manning is one of the few QB's in the history of the NFL who X's and O's don't matter to. Manning could run that team without a single coach anyhwere near the stadium. That said, coaching matters more in the NFL than any other league. If you don't believe that, look at San Diego, Minnesota, and Dallas and you'll be convinced. I promise you if any of those three teams had competent head coaches that they wouldn't be below .500.

But is it merely a matter of Xs and Os or more? I'm not denying (and I don't think Dilfer) is denying that technical skill is an absolute necessity. I just think the case of Childress, whatever his coaching shortcomings or talents may be, demonstrates that if you can't manage people you can't be effective as a head coach, period.

BTW, the latest about Moss:

Moss, per Silver, berated workers from a local restaurant that catered the team's Friday afternoon meal.

"What the [expletive]?" Moss reportedly said. "Who ordered this crap? I wouldn't feed this to my dog!"

Here's how an eyewitness explained the situation to Silver: "It was brutal. The truth is, he deserved to be cut after that. It was such an uncomfortable moment. You know that feeling where you just can tell someone feels so small? That's what it was like being there.

"This wasn't a chain - it was a mom-and-pop restaurant, and you could tell it was their best stuff. They had a special carving station set up, and there were players and other support staff lining up to eat it. And [Moss] is at his locker saying, 'You know, I used to have to eat that crap -- but now I've got money.' You just felt so sad for them. I had never seen anyone treated like that.

"And by the way, the food was actually really good."

What a dickhead. I hope the next generation of pro athletes that come about in the next 10-20 years that are growing up watching the LeBrons and Mosses of the world make asses of themselves represent a bit of a return to humility. I understand that the Internet age makes stories like these a dime a dozen and that shit like this went down in the "good old days" too, but I still think the entitlement of today's pro athlete is sickening and unprecedented. It's really getting harder for me to watch pro sports the more you hear about shit like this.

Meanwhile, I just shelled out $100 to go watch the Brownies take on Tom Brady in the Dawg Pound on Sunday, so I guess I'm a bit far from giving it all up

[Enigma869]

But is it merely a matter of Xs and Os or more?

There is definitely more to it than just X's and O's Matt. I certainly don't disagree with that. My larger point is that there is absolutely NO way that teams like Dallas, Minnesota, and San Diego should have the records they have. The truth of the matter is that the FraudBoys have far more talent than the Patriots have (except at QB and head coach) and they have as many wins as the Patriots have losses! IF you ever watch a Patriots game, watch Belichick on the sidelines. It's not at all uncommon to see him kneeling on the ground in the middle of his team actually coaching them. Conversely, look at that jackass Phillips. Dude doesn't even know where he is half the time.

[Enigma869]

By the way, I agree with your take on Moss. I've always been a Moss fan, from a talent perspective, but never quite figured out why this guy couldn't carry himself like a normal human being. The sad thing about Moss is that he is easily the most talented receiver that I've ever seen play but most pop warner kids have more maturity. The reality is that if he didn't take a few years off in Oakland, he would probably break every one of Jerry Rice's records.

[Ehwmatt]

By the way, I agree with your take on Moss. I've always been a Moss fan, from a talent perspective, but never quite figured out why this guy couldn't carry himself like a normal human being. The sad thing about Moss is that he is easily the most talented receiver that I've ever seen play but most pop warner kids have more maturity. The reality is that if he didn't take a few years off in Oakland, he would probably break every one of Jerry Rice's records.

I think LeBron is gonna end up much the same way. Putting aside what he did to Cleveland, it's sad from a pure sports fan perspective to see talent go to waste (relatively speaking, of course).

[Enigma869]

I think LeBron is gonna end up much the same way. Putting aside what he did to Cleveland, it's sad from a pure sports fan perspective to see talent go to waste (relatively speaking, of course).

I think I'm somewhat in the minority on the LeBron issue. I had zero problem with him leaving Cleveland. No disrespect to the fine folks of Cleveland, but most big time athletes simply don't want to play in a place like that (even if he did grow up nearby). LeBron was a free agent, so he had every right to leave and I was 1000% confident that he would. That said, the whole "decision" thing was a complete fucking embarrassment. He and Favre would probably get along well. He should have just signed his contract like everyone else and held a press conference. It is an impossibility to do what he did (and I'm referring to the tv special...not the decision to leave Cleveland) and not look like a complete jackass.

[YoungJRNY]

My power rankings for Week 8:

1. New England Patriots: Hate them all you want, but respect them. Even though New England isn't the dominant force they once were, they may be an even harder team to beat nowadays. Their running game is coming along, and their defense is improving weekly. They find ways to win in many forms, and that's a hard team to contend with. A quiet 6-1, which is the best record in the entire NFL.

2. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts were in a position in prime time to beat a team on the rise within a division. Well, if anyone has any doubts, the Colts are still the class of the AFC South and are in the lead once again from slipping a bit in the first weeks of the season. Manning is looking better than ever.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sooner or later, the Steelers were going to have a hiccup game. Going into that atmosphere, on the road, in prime time on Halloween night might be the loudest stadium the Steelers will play in this year. Turnovers got the best of them in a highly competitive game against the Saints. They now have a chance to re-bound against a division foe in Cincinnati who swept them last season.

4. N.Y Giants: So far, the class of the NFC by far, but that isn't saying much. Going to be interesting to see how the G-MEN take control of their status in the NFC, rather than blowing their wad like they did last year. The Giants have a nice team and are very solid across the board.

5. N.Y Jets: The Jets lost a defensive struggle to where coach Rex Ryan called some gusty calls within the game like going for a fake punt, and early 4th downs. The Jets are still a team not to take lightly and that defense shut out a tough Green Bay offense for the whole game so don't let the shutout fool you into dropping the N.Y Jets on the food chain.

6. New Orleans Saints: The Saints finally rebounded HUGE against a Pittsburgh team who everyone said was the best. The Saints needed this win more than anyone since the NFC South is doing nothing but pulling out wins after win. A 3 way dance has occurred, but the Saints are the reining champs & should not be overlooked.

7. Baltimore Ravens: It was a good week for the Ravens, and they didn't even have to play a game. Both of their AFC North rivals fell (Bengals/Steelers) and they now have the tiebreaker at 5-2 in the North against the Steelers thus far. This should be a wild and crazy finish to the finish line between the Ravens and Steelers from here on out.

8. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons had a bye week, so it's hard to place a high flying team in the rankings without even playing, but the Falcons are worthy of a mid-top 10. They could be the class of the NFC, but they are in a serious dog fight with the NFC South with the Buccaneers & Saints. Should be an interesting season for the Falcons and their Division.

9. Green Bay Packers: The Packers are sticking in there and will be competing with the Falcons, Giants & Saints for supremacy of the NFC. They are finding ways to win close games and beat a tough as nails Jets team. They also lost some tight games this season, as well as over time affairs so Green Bay is certainly in the mix of being a contender for Dallas in February.

10. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs over the weeks have been putting up major points, but yet, squeaked out a very close call in a near-hit of being tied with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are giving it their all this season and almost bringing teams down a peg, so I'd say the Chiefs digging down and finding a way to win with time running out in OT is impressive. Their defense can go far, esp in Arrowhead.

[Ehwmatt]

I think LeBron is gonna end up much the same way. Putting aside what he did to Cleveland, it's sad from a pure sports fan perspective to see talent go to waste (relatively speaking, of course).

I think I'm somewhat in the minority on the LeBron issue. I had zero problem with him leaving Cleveland. No disrespect to the fine folks of Cleveland, but most big time athletes simply don't want to play in a place like that (even if he did grow up nearby). LeBron was a free agent, so he had every right to leave and I was 1000% confident that he would. That said, the whole "decision" thing was a complete fucking embarrassment. He and Favre would probably get along well. He should have just signed his contract like everyone else and held a press conference. It is an impossibility to do what he did (and I'm referring to the tv special...not the decision to leave Cleveland) and not look like a complete jackass.

Well I think the whole LeBron issue and the backlash outside of Cleveland stems from the decision, with a healthy side of sour grapes for those suitor cities that he did not choose (NY, Chicago etc). So, I think you're not really in the minority at all re: your feelings about the decision. But, that's neither here nor there and I don't want to discuss LeBoob any further. Let's stick to talking about a good league.

[Enigma869]

My power rankings for Week 8:

1. New England Patriots: Hate them all you want, but respect them. Even though New England isn't the dominant force they once were, they may be an even harder team to beat nowadays. Their running game is coming along, and their defense is improving weekly. They find ways to win in many forms, and that's a hard team to contend with. A quiet 6-1, which is the best record in the entire NFL.

2. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts were in a position in prime time to beat a team on the rise within a division. Well, if anyone has any doubts, the Colts are still the class of the AFC South and are in the lead once again from slipping a bit in the first weeks of the season. Manning is looking better than ever.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sooner or later, the Steelers were going to have a hiccup game. Going into that atmosphere, on the road, in prime time on Halloween night might be the loudest stadium the Steelers will play in this year. Turnovers got the best of them in a highly competitive game against the Saints. They now have a chance to re-bound against a division foe in Cincinnati who swept them last season.

4. N.Y Giants: So far, the class of the NFC by far, but that isn't saying much. Going to be interesting to see how the G-MEN take control of their status in the NFC, rather than blowing their wad like they did last year. The Giants have a nice team and are very solid across the board.

5. N.Y Jets: The Jets lost a defensive struggle to where coach Rex Ryan called some gusty calls within the game like going for a fake punt, and early 4th downs. The Jets are still a team not to take lightly and that defense shut out a tough Green Bay offense for the whole game so don't let the shutout fool you into dropping the N.Y Jets on the food chain.

6. New Orleans Saints: The Saints finally rebounded HUGE against a Pittsburgh team who everyone said was the best. The Saints needed this win more than anyone since the NFC South is doing nothing but pulling out wins after win. A 3 way dance has occurred, but the Saints are the reining champs & should not be overlooked.

7. Baltimore Ravens: It was a good week for the Ravens, and they didn't even have to play a game. Both of their AFC North rivals fell (Bengals/Steelers) and they now have the tiebreaker at 5-2 in the North against the Steelers thus far. This should be a wild and crazy finish to the finish line between the Ravens and Steelers from here on out.

8. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons had a bye week, so it's hard to place a high flying team in the rankings without even playing, but the Falcons are worthy of a mid-top 10. They could be the class of the NFC, but they are in a serious dog fight with the NFC South with the Buccaneers & Saints. Should be an interesting season for the Falcons and their Division.

9. Green Bay Packers: The Packers are sticking in there and will be competing with the Falcons, Giants & Saints for supremacy of the NFC. They are finding ways to win close games and beat a tough as nails Jets team. They also lost some tight games this season, as well as over time affairs so Green Bay is certainly in the mix of being a contender for Dallas in February.

10. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs over the weeks have been putting up major points, but yet, squeaked out a very close call in a near-hit of being tied with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are giving it their all this season and almost bringing teams down a peg, so I'd say the Chiefs digging down and finding a way to win with time running out in OT is impressive. Their defense can go far, esp in Arrowhead.

Interesting list. I still think Baltimore is better than New Orleans (who I'm simply not sold on this season). Hell, I think Atlanta may be better than New Orleans. As for the Patriots not being the "dominant force" they once were...I'll remind non-Patriots fans that they won 3 championships when they weren't dominant. The most dominant team they ever had and ever existed in football was the 2007 season and as I recall, it didn't end in a championship. The unique thing about the Patriots is that they are the only contending team in the NFL who has countless rookies starting for them. I actually think that talent-wise, every team you listed (except the Chiefs) has more talent than the Patriots and I see your Steelers moving back to number one on your list after they beat the Patriots in two weeks

[YoungJRNY]

I'll remind non-Patriots fans that they won 3 championships when they weren't dominant. The most dominant team they ever had and ever existed in football was the 2007 season and as I recall, it didn't end in a championship.

Yeah, but they have dominated the NFL the past decade and the formula of Brady and Bellichick is the common denominator. Watching the Pats this season kind of reminds me of their Super Season teams back in '03 and '04. Like you said, Brady has won Super Bowls with less talent around him than most, but there's no denying that New England owns a formula that is hard to defend, and if Brady can make Deion Branch and Troy Brown look like Super Bowl MVP's, then we saw shades of what he can do with Brandon Tate, or Danny Woodhead. Brady has some young prospects at tight end as well so N.E, again, could be tough to get through (esp now since they are rounding up a run game.)

As far as the Steelers/N.E matchup: If there was any game on the schedule that scares me, it's none other than New England. Baltimore doesn't scare me, the Bengals don't scare me, nor do the Jets. It's New England and for good reason. The Steelers only beaten Brady one time, in '04 (which proved later to mean jack shit.) Other than that, N.E has had our number this entire decade so they will always be one I worry about. Looking forward to the game, but even if we lose, all of Pittsburgh wants N.E in the playoffs sooner or later.