2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[RPM]

I see where you are coming from. I didn't realize he was that blown out of proportion in the national media.
We are just worried about who is going to replace him in a few short years!

[Ehwmatt]

I see where you are coming from. I didn't realize he was that blown out of proportion in the national media.
We are just worried about who is going to replace him in a few short years!

Don't get me wrong man... I'd kill for my Brownies to have a LB like Urlacher!

[Rockindeano]

Hmm. Caldwell as OC? That would qualify as subtraction by addition :/. Sounds like an affirmative action hire from an affirmative action coach. Oh well.

Fuckin' A!! We sharted a brain for the 18 seconds to think this, as well as the 77 seconds it took me to type it out.


I fucking HATE that bastard coach. Please get off your high horse dude. Same thing with Sperm Edwards, although Coach Sperm has a bit of an edge to him, all 3 of these Fucks munch on sweaty scrotum hairs. No thanks. Give me that fuck Tuna, Chucky or even a dead Joa Pa 85.

[YoungJRNY]

Former Steelers OC Bruce Arians to become Indianapolis Colts new OC according to Adam Sheftler. Also, Mike Tomlin had a sit down diner with former Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, who can become the new Steelers OC in the upcoming days.

Hmm. Caldwell as OC? That would qualify as subtraction by addition :/. Sounds like an affirmative action hire from an affirmative action coach. Oh well.

Even though Caldwell is a candidate, I think he is just a first step, necessary plan of action for the Steelers in the hiring process of likely candidates and is only procedure. All signs point to in house, QB coach Randy Fichtner to eventually get the job done. I don't think the Steelers want to completely wipe house on their offensive scheme, but rather tweak it here or there within our weakest area's and going to the outside would be an interesting move if that's proven the case. As for Caldwell, some people are just better suited as coordinators rather than head coach. We see a lot of OC's and DC's make a rabid impact on players and directions of their respected camps but fail as head-coach's. Whoever Tomlin goes with, I'm atleast excited for change for an uprising offense.

[Jonny B]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears



Interesting tid-bit from #1 on that list, Ray Lewis about his friendship with Roethlisberger:

“Every time we see each other, you’re going to always see — nobody [has] never noticed it — but any time we play each other, I put my hand over my heart and he puts his hand over his heart, and we give each other the nod — warriors going at it — whatever it takes. And that’s the ultimate respect, because when you see guys back in the day, they gave that respect. That’s what the game was always built upon. That’s what makes the [rivalry] so fierce, because back then, when you looked at the old-school Dallas Cowboys and the old-school San Francisco 49ers, you knew what you were getting, but they respected each other so much. Today, when you think about Ben Roethlisberger and me, you think about old-school mentalities, no matter what it is. That’s why, every time — win, lose or draw — we’re going to always be friends.” -Ray Lewis on Ben Roethlisberger

Wow. I'm surprised there's no James Harrison or Ndamukong Suh on that Top 5 list. 20 and 40 years ago, most of their hits/tackles/dirty plays on players would've been perfectly legal and they likely wouldn't have been fined for most of the ones he laid out during his career. (and I do say 'most.' I think a couple of their hits would've likely laid down the rules to pussify the game a couple decades earlier.)

[YoungJRNY]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears



Interesting tid-bit from #1 on that list, Ray Lewis about his friendship with Roethlisberger:

“Every time we see each other, you’re going to always see — nobody [has] never noticed it — but any time we play each other, I put my hand over my heart and he puts his hand over his heart, and we give each other the nod — warriors going at it — whatever it takes. And that’s the ultimate respect, because when you see guys back in the day, they gave that respect. That’s what the game was always built upon. That’s what makes the [rivalry] so fierce, because back then, when you looked at the old-school Dallas Cowboys and the old-school San Francisco 49ers, you knew what you were getting, but they respected each other so much. Today, when you think about Ben Roethlisberger and me, you think about old-school mentalities, no matter what it is. That’s why, every time — win, lose or draw — we’re going to always be friends.” -Ray Lewis on Ben Roethlisberger

Wow. I'm surprised there's no James Harrison or Ndamukong Suh on that Top 5 list. 20 and 40 years ago, most of their hits/tackles/dirty plays on players would've been perfectly legal and they likely wouldn't have been fined for most of the ones he laid out during his career. (and I do say 'most.' I think a couple of their hits would've likely laid down the rules to pussify the game a couple decades earlier.)

Harrison came in at #10 and Suh came in at #18/20 players.

[AR]

Ray Lewis's speech after the loss to the Patriots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN2DDBWRZP0

I'm even motivated.

[Enigma869]

Wow. I'm surprised there's no James Harrison or Ndamukong Suh on that Top 5 list. 20 and 40 years ago, most of their hits/tackles/dirty plays on players would've been perfectly legal and they likely wouldn't have been fined for most of the ones he laid out during his career. (and I do say 'most.' I think a couple of their hits would've likely laid down the rules to pussify the game a couple decades earlier.)

I disagree. While things were a bit rougher in the NFL decades ago, dirty players have never been embraced, in ANY era. Harrison and Suh are both very talented players. That said, they're both dirty cocksuckers, as well, and everyone in the league knows it!

[Enigma869]

Ray Lewis's speech after the loss to the Patriots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN2DDBWRZP0

I'm even motivated.

I saw this last week. I have no commentary on Ray Lewis as a human being, but as a football player, I've always loved the guy. He is one of the most impressive linebackers, ever to play in this league. I was a huge Mike Singletary fan growing up, and and Lawrence Taylor was a fucking BEAST, but Lewis is right there with the best ever. He's not as good as he once was, but given his age, it's tough not to be impressed how this guy just keeps motoring along.

[Enigma869]

My early pick for next week's game...Giants - 27 - Patriots - 24

[Enigma869]

Well that's a week away, more pressing is your pick for todays game.

AFC by +17

I LOATHE the "Pro Bowl". It's always offended my senses, as a football fan. I'm stunned that anyone watches the game.

[YoungJRNY]

Ray Lewis's speech after the loss to the Patriots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN2DDBWRZP0

I'm even motivated.

I saw this last week. I have no commentary on Ray Lewis as a human being, but as a football player, I've always loved the guy. He is one of the most impressive linebackers, ever to play in this league. I was a huge Mike Singletary fan growing up, and and Lawrence Taylor was a fucking BEAST, but Lewis is right there with the best ever. He's not as good as he once was, but given his age, it's tough not to be impressed how this guy just keeps motoring along.

Lewis is an ageless wonder out there. His game has dropped off but a dropped off Ray Lewis is still better than half of the young backers in this league. Still, it's pretty easy for a linebacker in a 3-4 system when you have beasts like Ngata in front of you taking on triple teams, paving way all the guts and glory to the men behind him. Same thing can be said about James Farrior, Steelers middle linebacker who had the same benefit of playing with one of the best defensive lines in football with that 3-4 alignment. All his success should go to guys like Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton, the best 3-4 players at their position in the league. It's the d-line that determines your fate as a 3-4 middle linebacker but no doubt Ray Lewis is amongst THEE greatest in the game possibly ever.

[Enigma869]

All his success should go to guys like Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton, the best 3-4 players at their position in the league.

I suspect that some would rank Vince Wilfork ahead of Hampton at "their position"!

[YoungJRNY]

All his success should go to guys like Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton, the best 3-4 players at their position in the league.

I suspect that some would rank Vince Wilfork ahead of Hampton at "their position"!

I'm sure people do but Hampton has been the Steelers starter in the middle since 2001 and played on countless number of #1 defense's, including #1 ranked run defense for so many years as well. Wilfork is in the same mold as Hampton but I've always saw Hampton as being the best 3-4 NT in the game but they are interchangeable as 1-2 respectively in how you would see it. As for Wilfork, he's by far and above the Patriots MVP not named Brady. Every game I watched, the dude is wrecking things all over the place and a big success in why they are winning lately. Hampton had one of his best years as well, always in the offensive backfield. Looks like that era might end though, Hampton blew out his ACL in Denver. Look for Pittsburgh to draft a 3-4 NT high in the draft to accommodate their last two studs at DE the past few years.

[conversationpc]

Well that's a week away, more pressing is your pick for todays game.

AFC by +17

I LOATHE the "Pro Bowl". It's always offended my senses, as a football fan. I'm stunned that anyone watches the game.

Yep...I haven't watched it in years and have always though it to be the worst of the major sports leagues all-star games. Mike and Mike said as much on their show this morning as well.

[conversationpc]

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter is reporting that “not only do the Indianapolis Colts plan to add former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to their staff...

Yet another sign that, at the very least, Peyton Manning will not be with the Colts next season, if he's playing at all. The fact of the matter is, an offensive coordinator is not even necessary if Peyton Manning is QB'ing the team.

[conversationpc]

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter is reporting that “not only do the Indianapolis Colts plan to add former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to their staff...

Yet another sign that, at the very least, Peyton Manning will not be with the Colts next season, if he's playing at all. The fact of the matter is, an offensive coordinator is not even necessary if Peyton Manning is QB'ing the team.

Peyton WOULD be with the Colts next year if not for that pesky $28 Million he's due in March. If he really wants to play and stay in the city like he says he does, then I'd think he'd renegotiate that roster bonus. I would not blame Indy for cutting him to save that much money. Frickin $28 Million will buy alot of good NFL Players.

You're right...At this point, and I heard Irsay say as much in an interview, the Colts are in the rebuilding process. That $28 million would go a long way in getting some good players but the question is, would Peyton want to wait at least two more years before they are competitive again? At this point, even with him back at full strength, which is a stretch, they probably wouldn't win more than 5 games or so, if that.

[Enigma869]

You're right...At this point, and I heard Irsay say as much in an interview, the Colts are in the rebuilding process. That $28 million would go a long way in getting some good players but the question is, would Peyton want to wait at least two more years before they are competitive again? At this point, even with him back at full strength, which is a stretch, they probably wouldn't win more than 5 games or so, if that.

They'd win more games than that if Peyton were healthy, given that they made a change at head coach. I thought the Cotls were fading when Peyton was still healthy and playing, so I don't think they would be a playoff team. I just think they would at least be .500. It's still amazing to me that Peyton's little brother is very likely going to win more championships than Peyton. Talk about a kick in the gut!

[conversationpc]

You're right...At this point, and I heard Irsay say as much in an interview, the Colts are in the rebuilding process. That $28 million would go a long way in getting some good players but the question is, would Peyton want to wait at least two more years before they are competitive again? At this point, even with him back at full strength, which is a stretch, they probably wouldn't win more than 5 games or so, if that.

They'd win more games than that if Peyton were healthy, given that they made a change at head coach. I thought the Cotls were fading when Peyton was still healthy and playing, so I don't think they would be a playoff team. I just think they would at least be .500. It's still amazing to me that Peyton's little brother is very likely going to win more championships than Peyton. Talk about a kick in the gut!

We'll probably never find out but if Peyton were to come back at full strength, unless they pick up at least three or four really good players in the offseason, I would be surprised if they won seven games.

[YoungJRNY]

Steelers do NOT offer Jim Caldwell the offensive coordinator position and instead, he signs with the Ravens to be their new QB coach. Thank Christ. Maybe he was as impressive in the interview as he was on the sidelines as the Colts head coach:



As for Peyton, atleast his new OC (Bruce Arians) has history with him. Arians use to be Indianapolis's QB coach and Arians mentored Peyton before he went on to coach in Cleveland and then later on, Pittsburgh. Hard to see Peyton play for anybody else, but the contract stipulations and the enormous amount of money and necessities could force Indy to cut his ass and send him off. Could you imagine if N.Y Jets pick him up? The NFL's very own wet dream. Brady VS Manning TWICE a year, IN the same division as fierce rivals.

[Enigma869]

Hard to see Peyton play for anybody else, but the contract stipulations and the enormous amount of money and necessities could force Indy to cut his ass and send him off.

There is no "could" about it. Peyton is absolutely, positively NOT coming back to the Colts. Maybe if he agreed to forego the $28 million dollar bonus (unlikely) and agreed to mentor Luck for a season (also unlikely), there would be a chance, but I say the chance is less than zero. I'm still not convinced that any doctor is going to clear the guy to play for anyone. He really is starting to feel like a guy who may never play again.

[Rockindeano]

Could you imagine if N.Y Jets pick him up? The NFL's very own wet dream. Brady VS Manning TWICE a year, IN the same division as fierce rivals.

Not as wet as you might imagine. Peyton is gone, dude. NO WAY he is staying in Indy. You could have both brothers in New Jersey, err, New York. Brady v manning like you said in the AFC East. How about Manning in San Francisco? Harbaugh, an ex QB as his coach? Nice weather. Shitty division. Guaranteed playoffs every year. How about Peyton in Miami? Same scenario...Nice weather; AFC East, etc. I can see him in Minnesota or Seattle even. Pete Carroll is a QB's dream coach. Was one himself and also was a QB coach too. I see SF, NYJ, SEA, MIA or Minnesota as possible landing spots. Hell, how about Houston? God knows they have had QB issues...however, they are in the same divisiion as indy so maybe not. Can you imagine if they lost PM to the Texans who they would face, and lose to twice a year? Probably not.

[Rockindeano]

He really is starting to feel like a guy who may never play again.

Very eerily similar to what Sidney Crosby is going through. And dare I say he too, may never play again. Man, can you imagine a kid, a true kid at 22 yrs old, having his HOF career shut down by some dirty clown hit by an Washington Crapitol player AWAY from the puck on Winter Classic day LAST year? Oh man. What a severe blow this would be to the NHL and to the City of Pittsburgh.

[YoungJRNY]

Could you imagine if N.Y Jets pick him up? The NFL's very own wet dream. Brady VS Manning TWICE a year, IN the same division as fierce rivals.

Not as wet as you might imagine. Peyton is gone, dude. NO WAY he is staying in Indy. You could have both brothers in New Jersey, err, New York. Brady v manning like you said in the AFC East. How about Manning in San Francisco? Harbaugh, an ex QB as his coach? Nice weather. Shitty division. Guaranteed playoffs every year. How about Peyton in Miami? Same scenario...Nice weather; AFC East, etc. I can see him in Minnesota or Seattle even. Pete Carroll is a QB's dream coach. Was one himself and also was a QB coach too. I see SF, NYJ, SEA, MIA or Minnesota as possible landing spots. Hell, how about Houston? God knows they have had QB issues...however, they are in the same divisiion as indy so maybe not. Can you imagine if they lost PM to the Texans who they would face, and lose to twice a year? Probably not.

You know Daniel Snyder is going to throw the house at him and has the bank account to pick up whatever contract that is going to follow with the Peyton Manning NAME alone. The one thing that really hurts Manning more-so than his actual neck injury would be his age. The dude doesn't have many more years to play and the healthiest Manning can be at 35 would probably still be severe and the jeopardy of his career could end short. A hit will do it, but so will a little twist in the neck and the throwing motion of a QB use's that muscle. Scary thing if this injury is as serious as thought to be.

[YoungJRNY]

He really is starting to feel like a guy who may never play again.

Very eerily similar to what Sidney Crosby is going through. And dare I say he too, may never play again. Man, can you imagine a kid, a true kid at 22 yrs old, having his HOF career shut down by some dirty clown hit by an Washington Crapitol player AWAY from the puck on Winter Classic day LAST year? Oh man. What a severe blow this would be to the NHL and to the City of Pittsburgh.

Yeah, it's certainly looking that way. It's now said that Pittsburgh doctor's missed the early diagnosis and with the help of Tom Brady lending a hand to Crosby, he went to Utah for a second opinion and they said he has a spinal chord injury. That's just brutal for everyone involved in the sport a well as the city like you said. That's one of the downsides of brutal, contact sports. What these guys sign up for is no laughing matter.

[Enigma869]

The dude doesn't have many more years to play and the healthiest Manning can be at 35

And aging by the minute. He'll be 36 in March.

[Enigma869]

It's now said that Pittsburgh doctor's missed the early diagnosis and with the help of Tom Brady lending a hand to Crosby,

How exactly did Tom Brady help Sid Crosby?

[Enigma869]

Man, can you imagine a kid, a true kid at 22 yrs old, having his HOF career shut down by some dirty clown hit by an Washington Crapitol player AWAY from the puck on Winter Classic day LAST year? Oh man. What a severe blow this would be to the NHL and to the City of Pittsburgh.

Pretty sad, actually. The NHL REALLY needs to get a handle on this concussion thing. I've been watching hockey for decades, and hitting has always been part of the game. It seems that a ridiculous amount of players are being affected on a very severe level with these endless concussions. I understand that the awareness level about concussions has gone up in all sports, but this just seems bizarre to me. It's simply not a good thing for the NHL to lose immense talents like Sid Crosby before his career has really got close to its prime.

[YoungJRNY]

It's now said that Pittsburgh doctor's missed the early diagnosis and with the help of Tom Brady lending a hand to Crosby,

How exactly did Tom Brady help Sid Crosby?

http://www.thepensblog.com/tpb/jan2012/ ... areer.html

On HOCKEY CENTRAL Saturday, Bob McCown of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reported that Crosby was concerned about the treatment he was receiving in Pittsburgh, so he saw a specialist in Utah where an MRI indicated that there was an abnormality with Crosby's C1 and C2 vertebrae.

The Prime Time Sports host said he learned of the news on Wednesday and said there were two unnamed sources close to the situation that he was in contact with.

Crosby went to the Utah doctor on the recommendation of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is Crosby's friend.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada has more:

Crosby agent Pat Brisson: Sid did suffer a concussion, but last week, the possibility of two fractured vertebrae (C1 and C2) was discovered. A third doctor is being consulted to determine the exact diagnosis. When I refer to "another concussion," it's from the Krejci hit. After receiving some advice from Tom Brady (and specifically Gisele Bundchen) Crosby saw a specialist in Utah.

[Enigma869]

It's now said that Pittsburgh doctor's missed the early diagnosis and with the help of Tom Brady lending a hand to Crosby,

How exactly did Tom Brady help Sid Crosby?

http://www.thepensblog.com/tpb/jan2012/ ... areer.html

On HOCKEY CENTRAL Saturday, Bob McCown of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reported that Crosby was concerned about the treatment he was receiving in Pittsburgh, so he saw a specialist in Utah where an MRI indicated that there was an abnormality with Crosby's C1 and C2 vertebrae.

The Prime Time Sports host said he learned of the news on Wednesday and said there were two unnamed sources close to the situation that he was in contact with.

Crosby went to the Utah doctor on the recommendation of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is Crosby's friend.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada has more:

Crosby agent Pat Brisson: Sid did suffer a concussion, but last week, the possibility of two fractured vertebrae (C1 and C2) was discovered. A third doctor is being consulted to determine the exact diagnosis. When I refer to "another concussion," it's from the Krejci hit. After receiving some advice from Tom Brady (and specifically Gisele Bundchen) Crosby saw a specialist in Utah.

Interesting. Looks like Sid has some friends in high places.