OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NFL season & predictions thread:

[Ehwmatt]

Did Cutler give up? Was he faking an injury? Apparently some NFL players think so.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl-311321

Dan (Saint John) and I were texting back and forth. To me, with his history of being a spineless pussy well noted, I thought it was pretty likely Cutler was faking or at least exaggerating the injury. I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were the case.

[Enigma869]

Come on John, you can do better than cherrypicking. The point is, it's far harder to build a consistently good football organization than a basketball organization because of the huge difference one player can make. In football, as you well know, that's not the case, or at least nowhere near to the same extent as it is in basketball.

Matt...I don't agree with you, AT ALL. One player doesn't make nearly as big of a difference as you think it does. Obviously, one player out of only 5 on the floor at a time versus the 11 on a football field is certainly more glaring. That said, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen were all GREAT, Hall of Fame NBA players and none of them won a damn thing until they were brought together. Also, Peyton Manning blows your argument to pieces, because that Colts team wouldn't win 4 games a season without him. A really good QB (just one player) can make an ENORMOUS difference in the NFL!

[RedWingFan]

Come on John, you can do better than cherrypicking. The point is, it's far harder to build a consistently good football organization than a basketball organization because of the huge difference one player can make. In football, as you well know, that's not the case, or at least nowhere near to the same extent as it is in basketball.

Matt...I don't agree with you, AT ALL. One player doesn't make nearly as big of a difference as you think it does. Obviously, one player out of only 5 on the floor at a time versus the 11 on a football field is certainly more glaring. That said, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen were all GREAT, Hall of Fame NBA players and none of them won a damn thing until they were brought together. Also, Peyton Manning blows your argument to pieces, because that Colts team wouldn't win 4 games a season without him. A really good QB (just one player) can make an ENORMOUS difference in the NFL!

C'mon we're almost done with the football season. Let's not ruin this thread so close to the finish line with basketball talk.

[Ehwmatt]

Come on John, you can do better than cherrypicking. The point is, it's far harder to build a consistently good football organization than a basketball organization because of the huge difference one player can make. In football, as you well know, that's not the case, or at least nowhere near to the same extent as it is in basketball.

Matt...I don't agree with you, AT ALL. One player doesn't make nearly as big of a difference as you think it does. Obviously, one player out of only 5 on the floor at a time versus the 11 on a football field is certainly more glaring. That said, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen were all GREAT, Hall of Fame NBA players and none of them won a damn thing until they were brought together. Also, Peyton Manning blows your argument to pieces, because that Colts team wouldn't win 4 games a season without him. A really good QB (just one player) can make an ENORMOUS difference in the NFL!

You're equivocating here man. As you just conceded, take Jordan away and the Bulls win nothing... and that's even with Scottie Pippen, who is definitely a top 40 if not top 25 player of all time. Granted, we're talking about the GOAT here, but I don't think the Bulls rack up 6 'ships without Pippen either (maybe 1 or 2 if Rodman's around... MAYBE). So, which is it? Either one player can make a huge difference or he can't.

I'm not saying that one player in football can't make a big difference, but you just can't go all the way on the backs of 1 or 2 players in the NFL. It just doesn't happen. To be consistently great for even one generation in the NFL, you can't just get lucky, draft one superstar, and ride it out for 5 to 10 years. You have to be a solid organization through and through. In the NBA, not so. The Cavs of the LeBron era and this season prove as much. That's why I think the Steelers' run is far more impressive than Celtics, Yankees etc. Don't egt me wrong, there can be great organizations in the NBA: The Celtics, Spurs, and Lakers definitely are. But, there's just a lot more legwork and a lot less blind luck involved in being a consistently great NFL organization. Just my opinion

[RossValoryRocks]

Damn...I shoud have gotten on earlier and taken Deano up on the $50 bet even spotting him 6 points! GO STEELERS!

The Jets are coming all the way back, just watch.

Well not quite, but close...I don't know what I was thinking saying I would spot you 6...the line was ONLY 3...which the Steelers covered.

[Rockindeano]

Damn...I shoud have gotten on earlier and taken Deano up on the $50 bet even spotting him 6 points! GO STEELERS!

The Jets are coming all the way back, just watch.

Well not quite, but close...I don't know what I was thinking saying I would spot you 6...the line was ONLY 3...which the Steelers covered.

I just don't understand the play calling when the jets had the ball on the PGH 2 with 3rd down. They throw it wide, and then the 4th and dive with LT...everyone in the continental United States knew that was coming. THAT changed the game right there. had they scored, I am pretty confident they win that game. But o well, another Stealer squeaker.

All I can say is go Packers. I fucking DESPISE Rapistberger. Funny now everyone in Pittsburgh loves this piece of shit, when only 17 weeks ago they wanted to trade him.

I just hope GB can pressure him like NY finally was able to do. IF GB can get him early and often, then the Packers will win.

[Peartree12249]

Did Cutler give up? Was he faking an injury? Apparently some NFL players think so.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl-311321

Dan (Saint John) and I were texting back and forth. To me, with his history of being a spineless pussy well noted, I thought it was pretty likely Cutler was faking or at least exaggerating the injury. I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were the case.

I can't wait to listen to the Chicago sports talk shows tomorrow. Word on the local Milwaukee news is that there are a lot of very angry Chicago fans leaving Soldier Field. They're not pissed at GB, their pissed at Cutler. Personally I don't think it would have made a difference in the final outcome of the game, but IMO if you're the starting quarterback and you get injured in the Conference Championship game, they better take you out on a stretcher. What did Cutler have a sore knee and some blood on his elbow?

[YoungJRNY]

What a matchup of great magnitude. The NFL is really going to bring in the dough with this Super Bowl. Possibly one of THEE two best franchises that were ever run in any era of sports franchise, tradition, and fandom between Pittsburgh and Green Bay. I think the Steelers need to attack the Packers decent O-line to make Rodgers hurry his throws. It's going to be an epic pairing. I think there will be no in between. I think Rodgers could pick Pittsburgh apart, OR we could come after him and make his day a living hell, one of the two. I think Ben and that offense can have their way with Green Bay's D. The Steelers have players better suited with speed on the fast track. What a game with great playoff meetings.

Here's to Dallas, Texas!!!!

[Ehwmatt]

Did Cutler give up? Was he faking an injury? Apparently some NFL players think so.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl-311321

Dan (Saint John) and I were texting back and forth. To me, with his history of being a spineless pussy well noted, I thought it was pretty likely Cutler was faking or at least exaggerating the injury. I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were the case.

I can't wait to listen to the Chicago sports talk shows tomorrow. Word on the local Milwaukee news is that there are a lot of very angry Chicago fans leaving Soldier Field. They're not pissed at GB, their pissed at Cutler. Personally I don't think it would have made a difference in the final outcome of the game, but IMO if you're the starting quarterback and you get injured in the Conference Championship game, they better take you out on a stretcher. What did Cutler have a sore knee and some blood on his elbow?

How was Quitler standing on the sideline the whole time and jumping up and down in celebration? Maybe he couldn't plant or something due to the injury, but anyone with any balls and verve would have had to be dragged out of that game, especially given Chicago's backup situation. He seems to have Jim Kelly'd it up, threw in the towel, and didn't even try. He was the anti-Favre today.

[Peartree12249]

What a matchup of great magnitude. The NFL is really going to bring in the dough with this Super Bowl. Possibly one of THEE two best franchises that were ever run in any era of sports franchise, tradition, and fandom between Pittsburgh and Green Bay. I think the Steelers need to attack the Packers decent O-line to make Rodgers hurry his throws. It's going to be an epic pairing. I think there will be no in between. I think Rodgers could pick Pittsburgh apart, OR we could come after him and make his day a living hell, one of the two. I think Ben and that offense can have their way with Green Bay's D. The Steelers have players better suited with speed on the fast track. What a game with great playoff meetings.

Here's to Dallas, Texas!!!!

+1 I totally agree, (except for the Steelers beating Green Bay part) I've always admired the Steelers franchise, and their winning tradition. In many ways it seems very similar to Green Bay. I'm looking forward to two well matched teams playing a close game. However I believe that Green Bay will win. Should be fun!

[YoungJRNY]

What a matchup of great magnitude. The NFL is really going to bring in the dough with this Super Bowl. Possibly one of THEE two best franchises that were ever run in any era of sports franchise, tradition, and fandom between Pittsburgh and Green Bay. I think the Steelers need to attack the Packers decent O-line to make Rodgers hurry his throws. It's going to be an epic pairing. I think there will be no in between. I think Rodgers could pick Pittsburgh apart, OR we could come after him and make his day a living hell, one of the two. I think Ben and that offense can have their way with Green Bay's D. The Steelers have players better suited with speed on the fast track. What a game with great playoff meetings.

Here's to Dallas, Texas!!!!

+1 I totally agree, (except for the Steelers beating Green Bay part) I've always admired the Steelers franchise, and their winning tradition. In many ways it seems very similar to Green Bay. I'm looking forward to two well matched teams playing a close game. However I believe that Green Bay will win. Should be fun!

Man, I seriously couldn't be happier with this matchup. I'm on record of saying that if my Steelers were to lose a Super Bowl, the pain would be subdued only if we'd lose to the only team I respect, which would be the Green Bay Packers. What a great franchise through and through. I love everything they ever stood for and their tradition is so historic and rich, kind of like Pittsburgh's. Win or lose it's going to be the best game of the year, which it should be! Good luck.

[Enigma869]

Matt...I don't agree with you, AT ALL. One player doesn't make nearly as big of a difference as you think it does. Obviously, one player out of only 5 on the floor at a time versus the 11 on a football field is certainly more glaring. That said, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen were all GREAT, Hall of Fame NBA players and none of them won a damn thing until they were brought together. Also, Peyton Manning blows your argument to pieces, because that Colts team wouldn't win 4 games a season without him. A really good QB (just one player) can make an ENORMOUS difference in the NFL!

You're equivocating here man. As you just conceded, take Jordan away and the Bulls win nothing... and that's even with Scottie Pippen, who is definitely a top 40 if not top 25 player of all time. Granted, we're talking about the GOAT here, but I don't think the Bulls rack up 6 'ships without Pippen either (maybe 1 or 2 if Rodman's around... MAYBE). So, which is it? Either one player can make a huge difference or he can't.

I'm not saying that one player in football can't make a big difference, but you just can't go all the way on the backs of 1 or 2 players in the NFL. It just doesn't happen. To be consistently great for even one generation in the NFL, you can't just get lucky, draft one superstar, and ride it out for 5 to 10 years. You have to be a solid organization through and through. In the NBA, not so. The Cavs of the LeBron era and this season prove as much. That's why I think the Steelers' run is far more impressive than Celtics, Yankees etc. Don't egt me wrong, there can be great organizations in the NBA: The Celtics, Spurs, and Lakers definitely are. But, there's just a lot more legwork and a lot less blind luck involved in being a consistently great NFL organization. Just my opinion[/quote]

I'm not equivocating at all, kid. As I said, it goes without saying that one out of five guys has more of an impact that one out of eleven guys. It's basic mathematics. That said, I view Peyton Manning EVERY bit as significant as a guy like Bill Russell was. Incidentally, it's also probably worth mentioning that during the down years you alluded to that the Celtics had (which is 100% true), they had TWO player DIE! Reggie Lewis was the best player on the entire team when he died and Len Bias was the next Michael Jordan, according to the experts. There isn't a team in any sport I can ever remember that happening to even once (maybe the Chiefs with Derrick Brooks). On another note, thanks for reminding me of the biggest in embarrassment in my hometown...that we have absolutely NOTHING to honor Bill Russell. Red Auerbach has a statue, Larry Bird has his Converse sneakers bronzed, Ted Williams has a tunnel, and Russell...the greatest winner in the history of sports has absolutely nothing honoring him!

[Enigma869]

Man, I seriously couldn't be happier with this matchup. I'm on record of saying that if my Steelers were to lose a Super Bowl, the pain would be subdued only if we'd lose to the only team I respect, which would be the Green Bay Packers. What a great franchise through and through. I love everything they ever stood for and their tradition is so historic and rich, kind of like Pittsburgh's. Win or lose it's going to be the best game of the year, which it should be! Good luck.

This is a GREAT, GREAT matchup for the NFL, with two of the most storied franchises in the NFL going head to head. That said, if I'm a Pittsburgh fan, this is the absolute worst matchup they could have got (The Steelers would have KILLED the Bears). The Steelers haven't had a good corner since Rod Woodson and are stout against the run. Green Bay can't run and shouldn't even try to against Pittsburgh's defense. If McCarthy is smart (and I'm not sure he is), he won't even attempt to run the ball in this game and just allow Rodgers to pick apart a below average secondary.

[YoungJRNY]

Man, I seriously couldn't be happier with this matchup. I'm on record of saying that if my Steelers were to lose a Super Bowl, the pain would be subdued only if we'd lose to the only team I respect, which would be the Green Bay Packers. What a great franchise through and through. I love everything they ever stood for and their tradition is so historic and rich, kind of like Pittsburgh's. Win or lose it's going to be the best game of the year, which it should be! Good luck.

This is a GREAT, GREAT matchup for the NFL, with two of the most storied franchises in the NFL going head to head. That said, if I'm a Pittsburgh fan, this is the absolute worst matchup they could have got (The Steelers would have KILLED the Bears). The Steelers haven't had a good corner since Rod Woodson and are stout against the run. Green Bay can't run and shouldn't even try to against Pittsburgh's defense. If McCarthy is smart (and I'm not sure he is), he won't even attempt to run the ball in this game and just allow Rodgers to pick apart a below average secondary.

Agreed. If they don't come out with 5-wide then they are seriously out of their mind (even though the Steelers pass-defense has seriously gotten tighter during the second half of the season. ) Their Super Bowl rides on Aaron Rodgers arm, point blank. I think both teams have the tools that could counter-act what the other team does so well which is why I seriously can't put a finger on this game. I think these two teams mirror each other in so many ways. I think the main matchup to look at is the Steelers defensive line versus the Packers offensive line. Aaron Rodgers can still be tortured against the pressure and rush the Steelers can bring. That said, they had a stat earlier that Rodgers completion percentage is like, 95% against the blitz. He's a stud. If there was going to be any defense to stop Rodgers, it will be Pittsburgh's and vice versa.

[RPM]

Did Cutler give up? Was he faking an injury? Apparently some NFL players think so.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl-311321

Dan (Saint John) and I were texting back and forth. To me, with his history of being a spineless pussy well noted, I thought it was pretty likely Cutler was faking or at least exaggerating the injury. I wouldn't be shocked at all if that were the case.

I can't wait to listen to the Chicago sports talk shows tomorrow. Word on the local Milwaukee news is that there are a lot of very angry Chicago fans leaving Soldier Field. They're not pissed at GB, their pissed at Cutler. Personally I don't think it would have made a difference in the final outcome of the game, but IMO if you're the starting quarterback and you get injured in the Conference Championship game, they better take you out on a stretcher. What did Cutler have a sore knee and some blood on his elbow?

How was Quitler standing on the sideline the whole time and jumping up and down in celebration? Maybe he couldn't plant or something due to the injury, but anyone with any balls and verve would have had to be dragged out of that game, especially given Chicago's backup situation. He seems to have Jim Kelly'd it up, threw in the towel, and didn't even try. He was the anti-Favre today.

I think it would be best to wait on the MRI before rushing to judgement, he has been hit more than any other QB this year, and despite his faults in other areas, has shown to be a pretty tough dude. Word is he could not plant
and get anything on his throws. Honestly he was not playing well anyway. this leads us to the thing that really
has fans pissed off. There is no way no how todd collins should have been number 2. he has looked unplayable
everytime he has touched the ball. Caleb has always shown potential, he came in without having any reps at all
in months, made some mistakes but made a game out of it, If i was a green cheese fan that second half was a disaster
for them. Urlacher damn near took over that game. So i think people here in Chicago are more pissed at lovie and martz
for not seeing what a 2 year old would know.

[mikemarrs]

i think the steelers win in this one.

[lights1961]

WOW... filled with emotion this morning... just pretty damn amazing....with the Packers beating the Bears... they almost blew it in the end... but the W is all that matters... all the teams started with the same goal and now 2 are left..

I know everyone picked the Packers in the beginning of the season, I just never thought it would happen and didnt see it at all with all those early loses against the Redskins and the Dolphins and the Lions... with all the bodies out Rodgers out with concussion a game... but this team has so much heart and fight in them... just as the steelers have a lot of heart... all I will say is GO PACK GO... dont even want to go there regarding who might win...




Rick

[Rockindeano]

This surprises me....Packers 2.5 point favourites.

[Enigma869]

Their Super Bowl rides on Aaron Rodgers arm, point blank.

No it doesn't. You do realize that Green Bay had the third best defense in the NFL this past season, right? If all Green Bay had was Aaron Rodgers, I would favor Pittsburgh to win this game. Their defense is VERY good, and I think Rodgers is a better QB than Rapelisberger. That said, I would be surprised if it weren't a very close game.

[Enigma869]

This surprises me....Packers 2.5 point favourites.

Why? They have a better QB and almost as good as a defense. No surprise to me.

[Ehwmatt]

This surprises me....Packers 2.5 point favourites.

Why? They have a better QB and almost as good as a defense. No surprise to me.

I'm a bit surprised. I love the matchup and think we got the best possible match-up in terms of styles/talent. I do think the Jets would have posed more matchup issues for GB since their corners/secondary are far better than the Steelers'

On paper, I share John's feelings. I think the Packers are the better team, especially in terms of match-ups with the Steelers mediocre secondary and their mostly uninventive offense against a good, creative Packers D. But, in reality, I am still surprised that the Packers are favored. The Steelers's core consists of many of the same guys who were there for the 05-06 and 08-09 SB teams, including key defensive players and of course Consentlessberger. Plus, history shows you simply do not bet against this Steelers team in big, likely-to-be-close games.

[Saint John]

My breakdown is as follows:

QB-Steelers
Running backs-Steelers
Receivers-Packers
Offensive line-Draw (Packers gain the advantage if Pouncey is out)
Tight Ends-Steelers

Defensive line-Steelers
Linebackers-Steelers
Secondary-Packers

Coaching-Steelers

Pittsburgh wins 26-20.

[Enigma869]

Consentlessberger

Fucking hilarious

[Saint John]

Consentlessberger

Fucking hilarious

Dang, I missed that the first time around! Classic shit, Matt!

[Frontiers65]

Fuck the steelers! I hate those pussy ass fuckheads! GO PACK! I also hate the Pack. Damn! This SB is gonna be nothing for me.

[RossValoryRocks]

This surprises me....Packers 2.5 point favourites.

Why? They have a better QB and almost as good as a defense. No surprise to me.

A better QB? How in the fuck do you figure that? I know I know...Roethisbeger is a pitiful human being...but he is a superior QB. Top 3 in the AFC for sure...maybe the league.

There is no better QB in a crunch than Roethisberger...with MAYBE Brady as the exception.

Rodgers hasn't proven anything yet. Rings on the fingers are what count...Roethisberger has 2.

You are suffering Myopia due to SDS...Steeler Derangement Syndrome.

Take off the hatred glasses and be objective.

[YoungJRNY]

No it doesn't. You do realize that Green Bay had the third best defense in the NFL this past season, right? If all Green Bay had was Aaron Rodgers, I would favor Pittsburgh to win this game. Their defense is VERY good, and I think Rodgers is a better QB than Rapelisberger. That said, I would be surprised if it weren't a very close game.

In my strict opinion it does. This Steelers/Packers matchup is something both teams are very used to going up against, esp defensive wise (Pack/Chi; Pitt/Balty.) I think it boils down to Rodgers arm and if he can attack a ferocious Steelers defense. I don't think Pittsburgh will have that much trouble with the Pack D since it's a model of exactly what we have been doing for decades. This is the 2nd year the Pack is in their 3-4 and there are holes that can be taken advantage of. I don't think Rodgers is a better big-time QB like Ben is yet, but the dude certainly scares the living shit out of me if we don't get to him, dude is straight up baller.

This game is featuring the two most promising young/primeful QB's in the league in Rodgers/Roethlisberger and the two defensive MVP candidates, Polamalu/Matthews. It doesn't get better than this. For me, this is awesome. A win win. Even if the Steelers lose this one, I will be dissapointed and devastated but would be very happy for the Pack and their organization regardless of the outcome.

Dan, Pouncey is going to play, he just has an ankle sprain that isn't serious at all and said he won't miss the big game.

[Frontiers65]

God I wish Montana was still playing.....

[RPM]

Report: Jay Cutler Has Torn MCL

There's a certain Chicago athlete who is about to receive many apologies.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL), according to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cutler has been receiving a heavy dose of criticism from fellow NFL players via Twitter for leaving the NFC Championship game with what first appeared as nothing more than a minor leg injury.
The Bears quarterback was removed from the game in the first half and lasted just one drive in the second half when attempting to play through the pain. He was 6-for-14 for 80 yards and one interception.

[Enigma869]

A better QB?

Yes

How in the fuck do you figure that?

It's simply the eye test. Rapelisberger doesn't suck and if he wins this game, he has to be commended for being in a very select group (i.e. QB's with at least three rings). I simply think Rodgers is a better QB. While I don't disagree with you, AT ALL, about the fact that Rodgers has proven absolutely nothing as of yet, I suspect he'll have his first ring two weeks from now.

Rapelisbeger is a superior QB. Top 3 in the AFC for sure...maybe the league.

I agree. I never said the guy sucked. He's a VERY good NFL QB. At the end of the day, I still think Green Bay has a better team, with or without my hatred glasses. That said, the best team doesn't always win in the NFL and may not win this one.