2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

by **Enigma869** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:20 am

Ehwmatt wrote:
Except the Browns have played Indy and Miami. Softer by default! Pitt's only got Indy so far (right?).

The Steelers played Arizona. Not much better than Miami with only one win.

by **Seven Wishes2** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:47 am

The Delphins (pun intended) could hire God as their head coach in 2012 and they'd still go 6-10.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 12:55 pm

Enigma869 wrote:
YoungJRNY wrote: Until then, there's a reason why New England should be favored and rightfully and deservedly so.

Not much of a story there. They're actually only favored by 3 points, and in my opinion, they're simply a better team, so I think it's a low point spread. I think the Steelers either win this game outright or lose by two or more touchdowns. I just have a hunch that the Steelers won't win a close game on Sunday.

I feel pretty much the complete opposite. In order for the Steelers to win this one, they must keep up on offense and force Brady into throwing his timing off and score some points. That means not letting N.E's defense play with a lead and not allow Brady and his offense play with a 2 T.D lead as well. If Pittsburgh can keep the game within 1 score throughout, then I think they can pull away late at home and win a close one. They are built to win close games, especially against a team like New England and what they possess on offense. If it's close, the Steelers are doing their job and giving themselves the best chance to win, whether it be consistent scoring on offense, or showing up on defense. It's all about how the Steelers offense can keep up and answer the call if need be.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 1:08 pm

Enigma869 wrote:
Ehwmatt wrote:
Can't be as soft as the Browns' schedule.

Browns opponents are a combined 13-25

Steelers opponents are a combined 16-29

Pretty much identical percentage wise!

The Steelers have a stiff schedule IMHO coming up. No gimmie games if you ask me. I think the next 4 games are tough tasks. New England (5-1) Baltimore (4-2) @ Cincinnati (4-2) @ Kansas City (3-3 Arrowhead is a tremendously tough place to play) and Cincinnati again (4-2.) Next 4 games, all teams with winning records, not to mention having to travel to a rejuvenated San Francisco late in the year (5-1.) The next 4 games are huge and very demanding, facing teams with a combined record of 16-9 as well as divisional matchups and we all know how heated those can be.

by **Enigma869** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 8:30 pm

YoungJRNY wrote:
I feel pretty much the complete opposite. In order for the Steelers to win this one, they must keep up on offense and force Brady into throwing his timing off and score some points. That means not letting N.E's defense play with a lead and not allow Brady and his offense play with a 2 T.D lead as well. If Pittsburgh can keep the game within 1 score throughout, then I think they can pull away late at home and win a close one. They are built to win close games, especially against a team like New England and what they possess on offense. If it's close, the Steelers are doing their job and giving themselves the best chance to win, whether it be consistent scoring on offense, or showing up on defense. It's all about how the Steelers offense can keep up and answer the call if need be.

For the record, I mis-spoke. I agree that they can win a close one. What I meant to say is that I don't believe they will lose a close one. If they lose (and I'm still on the fence, because I honestly have no idea what the Steelers are due to the teams they've played), I don't see them losing by three points.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 12:46 am

Enigma869 wrote:
YoungJRNY wrote:
I feel pretty much the complete opposite. In order for the Steelers to win this one, they must keep up on offense and force Brady into throwing his timing off and score some points. That means not letting N.E's defense play with a lead and not allow Brady and his offense play with a 2 T.D lead as well. If Pittsburgh can keep the game within 1 score throughout, then I think they can pull away late at home and win a close one. They are built to win close games, especially against a team like New England and what they possess on offense. If it's close, the Steelers are doing their job and giving themselves the best chance to win, whether it be consistent scoring on offense, or showing up on defense. It's all about how the Steelers offense can keep up and answer the call if need be.

For the record, I mis-spoke. I agree that they can win a close one. What I meant to say is that I don't believe they will lose a close one. If they lose (and I'm still on the fence, because I honestly have no idea what the Steelers are due to the teams they've played), I don't see them losing by three points.

Oh yeah, I see what you're saying. I agree. They can win a close game but if they DO lose, IMHO I agree that it will be by atleast 2 possessions.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 1:17 am

Another thing that I fear is how New England could establish balance. They've been working on their running game this season and CAN run the ball on the ground if needed. Houston did this same exact thing to us. We prepared for a shootout/passing frenzy from Shaub and company but they ended up slaughtering us on the ground, something we weren't ready for and Green-Ellis had a big game last season against Pittsburgh (87 yards) & tore the Jets up with 137 yards rushing so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers very off-balanced as well of not knowing what to cover as far as attack, something the Ravens and Texans did flawlessly.

by **Enigma869** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 2:21 am

YoungJRNY wrote:Another thing that I fear is how New England could establish balance. They've been working on their running game this season and CAN run the ball on the ground if needed. Houston did this same exact thing to us. We prepared for a shootout/passing frenzy from Shaub and company but they ended up slaughtering us on the ground, something we weren't ready for and Green-Ellis had a big game last season against Pittsburgh (87 yards) & tore the Jets up with 137 yards rushing so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers very off-balanced as well of not knowing what to cover as far as attack, something the Ravens and Texans did flawlessly.

The Patriots actually have a very respectable running game. I believe they are ranked 9th in the league, which isn't bad, considering most don't view them as a team who runs the football. The impressive thing about Green-Ellis (and I think he's just an average player) is that he NEVER fumbles the ball. The guy has never had one fumble in his NFL career and didn't have a single fumble in his entire college career. No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm simply going to enjoy the game, because it will probably be one of the only watchable games on the schedule tomorrow. I am cringing for the second straight week as I look at these matchups between awful teams.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:40 am

Enigma869 wrote:
YoungJRNY wrote:Another thing that I fear is how New England could establish balance. They've been working on their running game this season and CAN run the ball on the ground if needed. Houston did this same exact thing to us. We prepared for a shootout/passing frenzy from Shaub and company but they ended up slaughtering us on the ground, something we weren't ready for and Green-Ellis had a big game last season against Pittsburgh (87 yards) & tore the Jets up with 137 yards rushing so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers very off-balanced as well of not knowing what to cover as far as attack, something the Ravens and Texans did flawlessly.

The Patriots actually have a very respectable running game. I believe they are ranked 9th in the league, which isn't bad, considering most don't view them as a team who runs the football. The impressive thing about Green-Ellis (and I think he's just an average player) is that he NEVER fumbles the ball. The guy has never had one fumble in his NFL career and didn't have a single fumble in his entire college career. No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm simply going to enjoy the game, because it will probably be one of the only watchable games on the schedule tomorrow. I am cringing for the second straight week as I look at these matchups between awful teams.

That's the thing about New England as a whole. The Steelers are known to beat you down on defense and force the other team to cough up the football via mistakes and confusion if anything, which is yet, another mis-match between philosophies with both teams. Hardly does New England EVER beat themselves and make the foolish turnover. Maybe once in a blue moon. Since that's been the Steelers identity for some time on defense is creating turnovers and a New England offense that is an well oiled machine that lacks personal mistakes, the Steelers are like dead last in the turnover ratio and that doesn't bode well going into this matchup on top of other things, even though New England and Brady over the last few weeks have coughed up the ball here and there. It may be a different feel all together tomorrow than what we might be use to. The Steelers are very much due to have a big game defensively. It'll either come this week or next week against Baltimore.

by **Enigma869** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 5:13 am

YoungJRNY wrote:
That's the thing about New England as a whole. The Steelers are known to beat you down on defense and force the other team to cough up the football via mistakes and confusion if anything, which is yet, another mis-match between philosophies with both teams. Hardly does New England EVER beat themselves and make the foolish turnover. Maybe once in a blue moon. Since that's been the Steelers identity for some time on defense is creating turnovers and a New England offense that is an well oiled machine that lacks personal mistakes, the Steelers are like dead last in the turnover ratio and that doesn't bode well going into this matchup on top of other things, even though New England and Brady over the last few weeks have coughed up the ball here and there. It may be a different feel all together tomorrow than what we might be use to. The Steelers are very much due to have a big game defensively. It'll either come this week or next week against Baltimore.

Right, but if you believe in trends, the Steelers eventually have to break through and win a game against the Patriots. It's been a pretty one-sided matchup (Brady is 6-1 lifetime), given how good the Steelers have been for a very long time. At some point, even a blind squirrel finds a nut. Honestly, if Pittsburgh were actually battle tested, I'd probably pick them to win easily tomorrow. I just don't have a clue about that team, given they are current a number 2 seed in the entire conference. This much I'm sure of...they aren't that good, but the AFC is WIDE, WIDE open, and I still haven't seen a team in the NFL without flaws this season. After Green Bay (who I still think might win all of their games), I don't know who the second best team in the NFL is after almost half a season, and I could probably be talked into two or three of them with a good argument.

by **YoungJRNY** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 1:23 pm

Bengals over Seahawks by 6
Ravens over Cardinals by 14
Panthers over Vikings by 7
Texans over Jaguars by 13
Titans over Colts by 10
Saints over Rams by 17
Giants over Dolphins by 14
Bills over Redskins by 10
Lions over Broncos by 13
Patriots over Steelers by 10
49'ers over Browns by 7
Eagles over Cowboys by 3
Chargers over Chiefs by 14

by **Enigma869** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:56 pm

Bengals versus Seahawks - Seattle is just a really bad team. Bengals by 4.

Ravens versus Cardinals - Another stellar matchup. The Ravens are going to be rip-roaring mad after laying an egg last week. That said, they still have an offense that is putrid. Ravens by 9.

Panthers versus Vikings - Cam Newton continues to look like the best pick in the draft. Panthers by 7.

Texans versus Jaguars - This game will probably end up being a whole lot closer than it should be. Texans by 3.

Titans versus Colts - Not much to say about this one. I didn't think the Titans were a good team when they started out with a reasonable record, and my opinion hasn't changed. That said, the Colts are AWFUL. Titans in a close one by 7.

Saints versus Rams - This may be the biggest mis-match of the week. Saints by three TD's.

Giants versus Dolphins - Giants by 14

Bills versus Redskins - Bills continue to hang in there. I'm still not sold on the Bills, but this is the Redskins they're playing. Bills by 7.

Lions versus Broncos - No TeBLOW magic this week. Lions by two TD's.

Patriots versus Steelers - I have no idea what the Steelers are, but I'm confident they're probably not as good as their record indicates, given the high school schedule they've played. Eventually the Steelers have to get over the hump and beat the Patriots, and I would probably pick the Steelers to win this game if they were actually battle tested. Until I see them beat anyone, I'm not buying anything they're selling. Patriots by 13.

49'ers versus Browns - Tempted to make this my upset pick, but I just can't bring myself to pick the Girl Scouts. Niners by 7.
Eagles versus Cowboys - This will probably be only one of two games worth watching this weekend. I still can't believe the Eagles are as bad as they have shown, and the Cowgirls couldn't have less heart if they tried. Eagles by 7.

Chargers versus Chiefs - I've never liked Norv Turner as a coach and still can't figure out how the guy has a job. I've always liked Rivers as a QB, but the guy has been dreadful this season. Chiefs in the upset by 7.

by **Yoda** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 12:09 am

Enigma869 wrote:Bills versus Redskins - Bills continue to hang in there. I'm still not sold on the Bills, but this is the Redskins they're playing. Bills by 7.

Hail To The Redskins!

by **Enigma869** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 12:17 am

Yoda wrote: Hail To The Redskins!

The Redskins haven't been relevant since the world was flat!

by **YoungJRNY** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:54 am

No Hines Ward. No James Farrior. I love Hines Ward. A true Steeler. I love James Farrior. But this is a blessing in disguise for Pittsburgh. Emmanuel Sanders and Cotchery will replace Ward (who is a liability compared to the two with speed & Cotchery played with the Jets all those years, who played against this Pats D consistently) and Farrior was the only one on defense that is the oldest and slowest. I'm 100% more confident in our replacements this season VS last season. The youth movement has officially arrived in Pittsburgh! (Emmanuel Sanders replaces Hines, Sylvester Stevenson will replace Farrior, McClendon has played very well at nose in place of Hampton, Ziggy Hood at End and Cameron Heyward has shown to be a beast in bear/goalline situations.)

Also, no Bodden, no Dowling for N.E. Shootout anyone? IMHO, this is the most unpredictable Steelers/Pats game in a long time. Either Pats crush or Steelers surprise.

by **Enigma869** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:57 am

YoungJRNY wrote: Also, no Bodden, no Dowling for N.E. Shootout anyone? IMHO, this is the most unpredictable Steelers/Pats game in a long time. Either Pats crush or Steelers surprise.

Bodden isn't really out. The Patriots cut him. As for Ras-I...dude can't get on the field. I think Ben is going to put up some points against this defense today. I doubt the Steelers will even try to run the ball.

by **YoungJRNY** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:03 am

Enigma869 wrote:
YoungJRNY wrote: Also, no Bodden, no Dowling for N.E. Shootout anyone? IMHO, this is the most unpredictable Steelers/Pats game in a long time. Either Pats crush or Steelers surprise.

Bodden isn't really out. The Patriots cut him. As for Ras-I...dude can't get on the field. I think Ben is going to put up some points against this defense today. I doubt the Steelers will even try to run the ball.

Bellichick has something up his sleeve. I know it. You can just smell it. He has two weeks to prepare against this inconsistent Steelers team. I think the Steelers have to play the game of their lives to make a statement today. I'm hoping rust has a lot to do with things this week for N.E coming off a bye and traveling into a frenzy of Heinz. I seriously don't know what to think today. Confidence lacks but at the same time, excited to see the youth and speed of the new Steelers faces. Being at home this time may make a difference.

by **Enigma869** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:05 am

YoungJRNY wrote:I'm hoping rust has a lot to do with things this week for N.E coming off a bye and traveling into a frenzy of Heinz.

Heinz Field won't have anything to do with anything. I'm not sure there is a team in the NFL more comfortable playing in that stadium than the Patriots are. Hell, the NFL makes the Patriots play the Steelers every season and somehow or another, the game always seems to be in Pittsburgh!

by **YoungJRNY** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:09 am

Enigma869 wrote:
YoungJRNY wrote:I'm hoping rust has a lot to do with things this week for N.E coming off a bye and traveling into a frenzy of Heinz.

Heinz Field won't have anything to do with anything. I'm not sure there is a team in the NFL more comfortable playing in that stadium than the Patriots are. Hell, the NFL makes the Patriots play the Steelers every season and somehow or another, the game always seems to be in Pittsburgh!

Truth. But MAYBE. This one time? haha. I agree with your statements above though. No matter what happens, I'm just going to enjoy this game for what it is because not only do we have to wait, we have to put up with this SLOP beforehand between these ugly teams. Win or lose today, I predict this won't be the last time the Steelers/Pats see each other this season.

by AR » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:13 am

Go Patriots! (Sorry YoungJRNY) :wink:

by **YoungJRNY** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:15 am

AR wrote:Go Patriots! (Sorry YoungJRNY)

Wouldn't have it any other way buddy :lol:

Go Cards!

by AR » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:16 am

YoungJRNY wrote:
AR wrote:Go Patriots! (Sorry YoungJRNY)

Wouldn't have it any other way buddy Go Cards!

Exactly!

by **RedWingFan** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:17 am

OMG. Did anyone see the McNabb interview on NFL Network's pregame show?

The whole interview looked through the prism that McNabb not being a starting QB wasn't a reflection of his abilities, but a flaw in the league itself. It's pathetic how the media still runs interference for a guy that at best was an above average QB.

by **slucero** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:46 am

the only thing McNabb needs to start is his retirement...

by **YoungJRNY** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:08 am

Cards 17-7 so far over the Ravens. Baltimore is suddenly becoming the worst team in the AFC NORTH. Flacco is a clown and is putting on his best joke in front of their own fans. Even if the Ravens pull this out, revenge game next week. Baltimore's going to get their fuckin ass kicked.

by AR » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:12 am

YoungJRNY wrote:Cards 17-7 so far over the Ravens. Baltimore is suddenly becoming the worst team in the AFC NORTH. Flacco is a clown and is putting on his best joke in front of their own fans. Even if the Ravens pull this out, revenge game next week. Baltimore's going to get their fuckin ass kicked.

Fuck you.

This is horrible. :wink:

by **Enigma869** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:30 am

I would be stunned if the Ravens come back. Their offense is fucking embarrassing and not designed to play catch up. Without their defense, they have nothing. Flacco has never been that good and never will be.

by AR » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:37 am

Enigma869 wrote:I would be stunned if the Ravens come back. Their offense is fucking embarrassing and not designed to play catch up. Without their defense, they have nothing. Flacco has never been that good and never will be.

It's not even so much Flacco. Look how awful the O-line is and how the receivers are not getting open.

Thank God I have a full keg of beer here.

by **Enigma869** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:42 am

AR wrote:It's not even so much Flacco.

They rank in the bottom third of the league in passing offense, dude. That's on the QB, like it or not!

by AR » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:56 am

Enigma869 wrote:
AR wrote:It's not even so much Flacco.

They rank in the bottom third of the league in passing offense, dude. That's on the QB, like it or not!

Yes and no. The long completion to Boldin was beautiful.

MR

2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

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