OFFICIAL NFL Week by Week Thread:

[YoungJRNY]

NFL ponders changing OT rule for playoffs

By Cliff Brunt • The Associated Press • February 27, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS – An NFL spokesman said Saturday the league could change its overtime format for playoff games at a meeting next month.

Under the new format, both teams would get the ball at least once unless the first team to get the ball scores a touchdown, Greg Aiello said. If the first team to get the ball makes a field goal and the other team ties the game, action would continue until a team scores again.

Under the current rules, the first team to score wins.

“There have been various concepts that have been discussed in recent years, but this one has never been proposed,” Aiello said.

The competition committee will discuss the new concept with teams and players at league meetings March 21-24 in Orlando, Fla., when it could come to a vote. At least two thirds of the teams would need to agree to the changes for new rules to be adopted.

The competition committee met with the players’ union and players on Thursday during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Discussion continued when the competition committee met with a general managers’ advisory committee on Friday.

The debate about the rules gained steam after the NFC championship game, when New Orleans beat Minnesota 31-28 in overtime and Brett Favre’s Vikings never got the ball in the extra period. Under the proposed rule, Minnesota would have gotten another possession because the Vikings didn’t allow a touchdown.

Overtime was adopted for regular season games in 1974, a sudden-death format that allowed games to end in a tie if neither team scored in 15 minutes. Overtime for playoff games always has been sudden death.

Saw this. Too much going on. I don't see what's wrong with both teams having the ball. 3 points beats 0 points, and 7 points beats 3 points. Boom, done. Either go for both teams has possession with the ball, or keep sudden death.

[squirt1]

All the rule changes in the NFL, even though the overtime one sounds good, make me dizzy and the refs evidently already are in the last 6 yrs of all the new rules. Therefore, the discussion huddles by the refs ,could become more befuddled.

[7 Wishes]

Does anyone remember those old Bud Light commercials which featured a group of blind referees who were unable to see more than two feet in front of their faces, pour a beer into a glass, or see their own feet?

[Rockindeano]

Does anyone remember those old Bud Light commercials which featured a group of blind referees who were unable to see more than two feet in front of their faces, pour a beer into a glass, or see their own feet?

Wasn't it actually a Day's Inn commercial with the Zebras in the lobby getting coffee and one of them was pouring sugar straight on the floor because dude couldn't see his fuckin cup? He had on these thicker than shit coke bottle glasses on.

[Ehwmatt]

The rumors are swirling this morning about a trade deal for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to be sent off to the St. Louis Rams. In exchange the Eagles would acquire an early second round draft pick and free up a whole bunch of money to be spent on free agent prospects.

Basically, the Rams need a quarterback and we've got three. St. Louis had been looking at Sam Bradford, rookie out of Oklahoma, but they may very well choose to go a more tried and tested route. Some might say the more likely QB to go would be Michael Vick. We have to say we'd be pretty happy with Kevin "300-yard throwing" Kolb as our quarterback of the future, something that's not going to happen if Don's still around. Keeping Vick as a back-up for one more year and letting Kolb take a shot at playing lead seems like a reasonable option. Especially since the recent release of Brian Westbrook indicates the Eagles are looking to put together a leaner, meaner, younger squad going into training camp this year.

Could it really happen? Well, your local FOX affiliate seems to think so. ESPN radio does, too. Given Andy's unnatural attachment to his boy in the number 5 jersey, we're not sure. It just might be a fight to the finish between the direction of upper management and desires of Coach Reid. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes on this story as the day goes on.

I hope the Browns don't get Donovan or at lesat don't give up much if they do. They've heavily figured in McNabb rumors. What does getting McNabb do for the Rams at this point? I'm not real familiar with their team, but I didn't know they really had much offensive talent at all that a good QB could take advantage of.

[Red13JoePa]

I hope the Browns don't get Donovan or at lesat don't give up much if they do. They've heavily figured in McNabb rumors. What does getting McNabb do for the Rams at this point? I'm not real familiar with their team, but I didn't know they really had much offensive talent at all that a good QB could take advantage of.

[lights1961]

FREE AGENT TIME in the NFL... weird though with the LOCK OUT RUMORED for after the 2010 season... how do you make long term commitments with any team at this stage...

[Ehwmatt]

I hope the Browns don't get Donovan or at lesat don't give up much if they do. They've heavily figured in McNabb rumors. What does getting McNabb do for the Rams at this point? I'm not real familiar with their team, but I didn't know they really had much offensive talent at all that a good QB could take advantage of.

You have to understand my love for Donovan: We took Tim Couch instead of him. At least Donovan's taken you guys deep in the playoffs several times.

[Red13JoePa]

And single-handedly ended most of his playoff runs. '00, '01, '02, '03, '04 all with suicidal, usually multiple mind-blowing picks and 08 and this past year with just shitty overall play.

And a more thin-skinned, passive/agressive crybaby you will never see.

[Ehwmatt]

And single-handedly ended most of his playoff runs. '00, '01, '02, '03, '04 all with suicidal, usually multiple mind-blowing picks and 08 and this past year with just shitty overall play.

And a more thin-skinned, passive/agressive crybaby you will never see.

So basically he's the black Brett Favre in your eyes then?

[Red13JoePa]

And single-handedly ended most of his playoff runs. '00, '01, '02, '03, '04 all with suicidal, usually multiple mind-blowing picks and 08 and this past year with just shitty overall play.

And a more thin-skinned, passive/agressive crybaby you will never see.

So basically he's the black Brett Favre in your eyes then?

Not even CLOSE to Favre talentwise, leadershipwise, and of course, ringwise.

Babywise, yes

[S2M]

D-town making some early moves...NE, on the other hand, standing Pat.

[Rockindeano]

.NE, on the other hand, standing Pat.

Oh, in that case, enjoy third place. If a team needed to make a move, it was NE.

[Ehwmatt]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ult-again/

Woerthlisberger's at it again

I didn't believe the first one. I will reserve judgment until more facts come to light. But, the more I think about it, given his general scummy character and bad reputation, I can see him hearing "Yes" in his head when the girl ain't having any of it. At any rate, any girl who sleeps with him willingly has no self respect anyway, as he's one of the ugliest persons I've ever laid eyes on.

[Rockindeano]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/05/roethlisberger-accused-of-sexual-assault-again/

Woerthlisberger's at it again

I didn't believe the first one. I will reserve judgment until more facts come to light. But, the more I think about it, given his general scummy character and bad reputation, I can see him hearing "Yes" in his head when the girl ain't having any of it. At any rate, any girl who sleeps with him willingly has no self respect anyway, as he's one of the ugliest persons I've ever laid eyes on.

Paging YoungJRNY, paging YoungJRNY..

[Saint John]

Bah, 2 rings gets you a mulligan on these things. And don't kid yourselves, these girls read the papers and set guys up. I'll reserve judgment until I hear the facts. I wanna know a little bit more about this broad.

[Ehwmatt]

Breaking news: Worthlessberger will dodge the rape charge by claiming sex addiction. He will be entering treatment which is conveniently just long enough to get him out in time for the start of practice.

In other news, Tiger Woods has taken a remarkable interest in the story and is refreshing ESPN for updates like Phyllis refreshing MR waiting to start her next fight

[YoungJRNY]

Heard about it last night. The guy can't catch a break. Goes out and hangs with his buddies and all of a sudden is charged with sexual abuse. It went from a bathroom, to a hallway, and the chick is 20 years old? After all that has happened with this case of 'raping a woman' in Nevada, he's just going to go out and do it again and put himself the chance of agony and embarrassment to himself, and family?

This woman doesn't even know of the man herself. It was people around that said Roethlisberger because "they were together in groups." I call horseshit. I wish I was a women, all you got to do is find a hot catch with money and BOOM, you're in. Roethlisberger's name is getting dragged through the mud with no mercy from these women, who are CLEARLY out to rip reputation. Sucks to be him. He's very young, a superstar and he pretty much can NOT come intact with ANY women of his liking. This is why celebrities are jackoffs to the normal Joe and quite frankly, I don't blame them.

But, the more I think about it, given his general scummy character and bad reputation

"He was very polite with everybody," said Frank Pendergrast, owner of The Brick. "He was down here from about 11:30 until about 1:30 having a good time, talking to a lot of people. Looked like he was signing autographs and letting people take pictures. Other than that, it was really uneventful."

What terrible reputation to mingle with fans and sign autographs to strangers and being polite. What a rapist.

[Red13JoePa]

Well, dude, avoiding the LADIES room might help him avoid these persecutions.

[YoungJRNY]

Well, dude, avoiding the LADIES room might help him avoid these persecutions.

Haha, yes indeed. I can care less with that players do outside of the field, but speaking on behalf of being a man (who he probably did something like us 'normal' dudes do.. go to a bar and mingle with women. We've all done it.. we just don't have the privilege to be set up with millions UPON millions of dollars..) and on the other side of him being a human being, I can't wrap my head around the fact as to why he would do such things as far as ruining a so far blessed career in a privileged league in a privileged city.

It just doesn't add up and I feel for the dude. If he would of caused a scene, shot himself in the leg, or sold alcohol to 17 year olds (otherwise known as CAUGHT IN THE ACT- solid evidence) I would be upset to the point of wanting him gone, but these are allegations against him that anyone/man/or woman could make and fib so it's unfortunate it has to go on his record in the public eye and one that could cripple his self being and overall image of something he PROBABLY didn't do. It's shameful and unfortunate if innocent.

[squirt1]

It seems to me that Ben would have had an earlier history of sexual aggression. Say maybe in H S & college, when he didn't have $$$$$$$$$$$$.

[YoungJRNY]

It seems to me that Ben would have had an earlier history of sexual aggression. Say maybe in H S & college, when he didn't have $$$$$$$$$$$$.

Being that Ben is a young man and all, if he is having sexual confrontations with these women, which I would expect anyhow, I believe it to be consensual. He's admitted that he's havin' contact with that McNutty chick but would never do ANYTHING to lay his hands or take advantage of any women. My guess is, is that the dude is sexually active, just like every other male at his age. It's easy for the woman to pull a dude in and act interested and go through with it and being consensual and all, but easy to say after the fact that it was forced and she was in fact abused.

My opinion, with Ben's already civil suite on the horizon last year in Nevada, I would of never step foot and put myself in the situation to falter in another, so I blame him for being around woman trouble and presence. On the other hand, the dude earned the right to go out and have some drinks with friends and whoever else he may be in contact with. This looks like to be the case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time and crowd. He was out with buds, with a big group of people that involved women and all of a sudden he's caught in the middle of non sense once again. Shame.

[YoungJRNY]

In other news: Free Agency. How about this huge shakeup the Bears are creating? Holy shit, did Dan Snyder secretly work behind the scenes and acquire the Bears as one of his owned franchises? The Bears are going OUT OF THEIR MIND in F.A.

The Ravens, through trade, addressed their WR dilemma in a HUGE way in acquiring Boldin. What a move. I am now scared that if the Steelers secondary doesn't step it up and put some men back there that could cover (looks like Ryan Clark is on his way out) then they'd get TORCHED in a big way up against Boldin.

The Browns also signed Cribbs to a 3 year extension, so they are in good shape at building a solid team pretty much around him. As for the Steelers? NOTHING, as usual. (I guess Ben's bullshit counts.)

[Ehwmatt]

In other news: Free Agency. How about this huge shakeup the Bears are creating? Holy shit, did Dan Snyder secretly work behind the scenes and acquire the Bears as one of his owned franchises? The Bears are going OUT OF THEIR MIND in F.A.

The Ravens, through trade, addressed their WR dilemma in a HUGE way in acquiring Boldin. What a move. I am now scared that if the Steelers secondary doesn't step it up and put some men back there that could cover (looks like Ryan Clark is on his way out) then they'd get TORCHED in a big way up against Boldin.

The Browns also signed Cribbs to a 3 year extension, so they are in good shape at building a solid team pretty much around him. As for the Steelers? NOTHING, as usual. (I guess Ben's bullshit counts.)

Just to be clear, it's not a 3-year extension, as he was locked in for three years already. We merely restructured and gave him more $ to make him happy.

We also got rid of Cory Williams, who turned out to be a complete bust. Other than that, I'm hoping to see a bit more flare from Holmgren & Heckert so far. I figured we'd be one of the huge players early on, but so far, all I've heard are rumors about underwhelming QBs like David Carr and Seneca Wallace. I'm hoping for better. Watching Danny Ferry and Dan Gilbert literally rape the NBA year after year in trades and FA signings has spoiled me a bit, I guess.

Boldin's a GREAT pickup for the Ravens. There's still major concern to be had for their aging defense though, imo. Also, Boldin hasn't exactly been the poster child for staying healthy in recent times, so that's always a variable to consider.

The Bears are going nuts and could be pretty damn good next year. They still need a stud receiver for Cutler. The Peppers signing is huge but man are they on the hook for a while with that contract.

[S2M]

Peppers went for the money, not to win. Shame. He could have won in NE. Selfish bastard.

[Ehwmatt]

Peppers went for the money, not to win. Shame. He could have won in NE. Selfish bastard.

And he's different from every other athlete how exactly?

Make no mistake, all of these buffoons who talk about how bad they want to win and this and that... when it comes to leaving millions on the table, it ain't gonna happen.

[YoungJRNY]

You're nuts for thinking otherwise, Malone. 42 million GUARANTEED MONEY? On a team notorious in building great defense's? I thought Philly would land him, but Chicago is a great fit for Peppers. That D unit could be vicious. The Bears could be great and are in a tight division. If these big names pan out, atleast for a season they could have an outstanding squad, standing toe to toe with Minny/GB.

[Rockindeano]

Peppers went for the money, not to win. Shame. He could have won in NE. Selfish bastard.

Dude, back away from the glass bong. NE is over. They are a third place team, and a team that must win some key ghames just to get into the Wild card. Chicago may win more games this year than NE.

Regarding Peppers, he isn't all that. Guy takes plays off. His work ethic is underwhelming. Perhaps Belichek didn't want a guy who takes plays off. Peppers is 6'7" 270, tremendous speed and quickness and yet only averages 10 sacks a year. No thanks.

[S2M]

All NE was missing last year was a passrusher. Peppers will be disappointed in Chicago.

[Rockindeano]

All NE was missing last year was a passrusher. Peppers will be disappointed in Chicago.

That's all they were missing? LOL, their defense was awful, and while a pass rusher would definitely help, you need a helluva lot more than just that. Your secondary is old and tired. When your head coach decides to go for it 4th and 1 on your own 30 late in the 4th, you know your defense sucks....He knew punting that ball away would just delay the inevitable.