2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[RossValoryRocks]

Stealers resorting to dirty play again uh....not surprising...

Yeah...like the Ravens are playing so pure...fuck off dickwad.

[YoungJRNY]

Alright! I'm ready for some Pittsburgh Baltimore. Time to show up, huge game. Going to be a good one. When's kickoff?

[YoungJRNY]

Oh wait.

[AR]

Steelers look TERRIBLE...this is just a good old fashioned ass beating.

There is a former Journey singer hating it as much as you did my friend.

[YoungJRNY]

Steelers look TERRIBLE...this is just a good old fashioned ass beating.

Nothing went right. It was a Chinese fire-drill out there today. Steelers looked slow and flabbergast while Baltimore was sharp on all cylinders. That's the WORST Pittsburgh will look all season and possibly the best Balty will look. All credit to Balty, they looked like a team sick of getting beat and rubbed it in and had every right to. Just remember there's 2 and possibly 3 of these things. Regroup.

[AR]

I couldn't be much happier football wise than I am right now.

[Enigma869]

Nothing went right. It was a Chinese fire-drill out there today. Steelers looked slow and flabbergast while Baltimore was sharp on all cylinders. That's the WORST Pittsburgh will look all season and possibly the best Balty will look. All credit to Balty, they looked like a team sick of getting beat and rubbed it in and had every right to. Just remember there's 2 and possibly 3 of these things. Regroup.

I'll wait a couple of more weeks to pass judgement on the Steelers, because it is just one week. That said, they looked fucking putrid out there and they looked older than Baltimore (which is interesting, given how fossil-like the Ravens are). This outcome is the result of another scenario where Pittsburgh ran their mouths in the off-season about how much Flacco sucked, and Flacco simply toyed with them. I know this...The Rapist can't be throwing 3 picks in one game and be successful. Dude simply isn't that good. I'm also thinking that Polamalu is really starting to look old and slow, so I'm not sure that contract they just gave the guy makes a whole lot of sense. I thought Troy played WAY below average last season (especially late in the season) and the beginning of the season is starting to make his bad play look like a trend.

[YoungJRNY]

Nothing went right. It was a Chinese fire-drill out there today. Steelers looked slow and flabbergast while Baltimore was sharp on all cylinders. That's the WORST Pittsburgh will look all season and possibly the best Balty will look. All credit to Balty, they looked like a team sick of getting beat and rubbed it in and had every right to. Just remember there's 2 and possibly 3 of these things. Regroup.

I'll wait a couple of more weeks to pass judgement on the Steelers, because it is just one week. That said, they looked fucking putrid out there and they looked older than Baltimore (which is interesting, given how fossil-like the Ravens are). This outcome is the result of another scenario where Pittsburgh ran their mouths in the off-season about how much Flacco sucked, and Flacco simply toyed with them. I know this...The Rapist can't be throwing 3 picks in one game and be successful. Dude simply isn't that good. I'm also thinking that Polamalu is really starting to look old and slow, so I'm not sure that contract they just gave the guy makes a whole lot of sense. I thought Troy played WAY below average last season (especially late in the season) and the beginning of the season is starting to make his bad play look like a trend.

Like I said, nothing went right, which makes me excited to know that the worst has been seen and the best is yet to come. A good, humbling ass-whooping is sometimes needed. It's good it happened this early.

This Steelers team is too persistent to let a game like this happen again, it's just not in the cards. 7 turnovers, 3 in the redzone and 3 straight to start the second half. I agree with everything you said. The Steelers looked as putrid as I've ever seen them but I assure you, when things go right and when the team isn't committing 7 turnovers and running around not knowing what their doing, it'll be a much better performance and they'll start playing what their capable of. If this was Week 9 or so, I'd be a nervous and panicked wreck, but the entire team didn't show up. Coaching can change that. If that performance continues 3,4 weeks down the road, so be it, I'd truly be disgusted but this was just one game to where everything was chaos. Every team is capable of at least a couple sleepers, like Cleveland owning New England and New Orleans last season.

That's football sometimes, things can get out of hand quick. I don't expect that performance to carry over and continue. That's just as bad as it gets. The Steelers won't lose like that every week. If you think that, you're dreamin.

[Enigma869]

Is the Pittsburgh D too old?

Plenty of teams made significant roster moves this offseason, but not the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defending AFC champions made a couple of offensive line changes and let slot receiver Antwaan Randle El go. On defense, however, the players from last season's team are back for another shot at the title, just one year older. In the case of the Steelers, that one year older means the defense is pretty old.

On Sunday, the Steelers will start the same 11 defenders that started the 2010 opener. And that defense will be among the oldest in NFL history. The planned lineup going into 2010 averaged 30.5 years of age, although the actual lineup for the season ended up averaging 29.5 years because Ziggy Hood replaced an injured Aaron Smith. Now Smith is back, and the average age of Pittsburgh's projected defensive starting lineup for 2011 is 31.5. If those remain the starters for the entire season, the Steelers will be the oldest defense of the century by more than a year. Only Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley are under the age of 30.

They may be too old. That said, it's impossible to predict anything after just one week in the NFL season. I personally think the Steelers will be a good team. That said, they simply don't have the margin of error that some other teams have. Ben can't throw 3 picks in one game. The guy simply isn't good enough to overcome shit play like that. I think the larger issue for Pittsburgh may be their defense. They didn't exactly go up against a team yesterday who is known for their offense, and Baltimore scored whenever they felt like scoring. Hell, that extra point fake was embarrassing. I'm not sure that I've ever seen an opposing player walk into the end zone completely untouched on a play like that. Troy Polamalu is a player I've always loved. Always thought the guy plays football the way it should be played. Having said that, the guy looked really bad toward the end of last season, and was less than impressive yesterday, getting beat several times. If his play starts deteriorating, that team is in trouble, because their secondary isn't that good with him playing at the top of his game.

[Pelata]

Car @ Ari: Can't wait to see that smile be wiped right off of Cam Newtons arrogant face. Kolb, meet Larry. Larry, meet Kevin. Arizona by 17.

So, Arizona won by only 7...but while Cam took a loss, he also took Peyton Manning's rookie debut passing record with 422 yards in the air...3 TD's...whole team was playing very well. Aside from the loss (by 1 yard in the 4th quarter), Cam Newton has nothing to frown about. He will be a force.

[Greg]

I'm just laughing at how off most of those predictions were.

And, Hail To The Redskins!

[YoungJRNY]

Is the Pittsburgh D too old?

Plenty of teams made significant roster moves this offseason, but not the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defending AFC champions made a couple of offensive line changes and let slot receiver Antwaan Randle El go. On defense, however, the players from last season's team are back for another shot at the title, just one year older. In the case of the Steelers, that one year older means the defense is pretty old.

On Sunday, the Steelers will start the same 11 defenders that started the 2010 opener. And that defense will be among the oldest in NFL history. The planned lineup going into 2010 averaged 30.5 years of age, although the actual lineup for the season ended up averaging 29.5 years because Ziggy Hood replaced an injured Aaron Smith. Now Smith is back, and the average age of Pittsburgh's projected defensive starting lineup for 2011 is 31.5. If those remain the starters for the entire season, the Steelers will be the oldest defense of the century by more than a year. Only Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley are under the age of 30.

The sky is falling, the sky is falling. If I had an nickel for EVERY year someone said the Steelers d is "too old" after a bad performance over the years, I'd be rich.

I love how people panic and then everyone else jumps on and starts pointing out the defense and how they are "too old" and talk about the weak secondary when they turn in a performance like that MAYBE once or twice every year or so. That whole Steelers team wasn't ready to play yesterday, period. Had nothing to do with age, these were the same guys just 6 months ago that were #2 overall in the league and played lights out for being "so old" and led most of the league in defensive stats across the board.

It was one game to where everything was out of place and when things DID get going, it fell apart quick. It's fixable. We'll see what everyone has to say when they turn in a 6 sack, 3 interception game and pitch's a shutout. The Ravens simply had a better game plan and hit us in the mouth with it. That performance won't be duplicated. I guarantee it.

I can see why people want to rag on a Steelers opening day loss. We haven't lost on opening day since 2002.

[YoungJRNY]

Car @ Ari: Can't wait to see that smile be wiped right off of Cam Newtons arrogant face. Kolb, meet Larry. Larry, meet Kevin. Arizona by 17.

So, Arizona won by only 7...but while Cam took a loss, he also took Peyton Manning's rookie debut passing record with 422 yards in the air...3 TD's...whole team was playing very well. Aside from the loss (by 1 yard in the 4th quarter), Cam Newton has nothing to frown about. He will be a force.

What I learned from the NFL is to expect the unexpected. You won't know what you get from teams until atleast mid-season. Making predictions about new squads in a new year is a tough finger to point on and it was evident in all our predictions. If the NFL was like Major League Baseball, I wouldn't even waste my time.

[mikemarrs]

Baltimore is gonna kill Tennessee next week.Our team has some serious issues right now on both sides of the ball.

[Ehwmatt]

I am disgusted at what I personally witnessed at the Browns game yesterday. It's just sickening to see my team start all over again for the 800th time in 12 years. But, all in all, looks like we may be in for just as unpredictable first half of a season as we got last year. There were some crazy and inconsistent results early on. With the lockout and everything else this year plus this week's scores (e.g Pit v Balti; Chicago v. Atl), looks like we're in for another wild and tough ride for pick 'em people.

[AR]

Nothing went right. It was a Chinese fire-drill out there today. Steelers looked slow and flabbergast while Baltimore was sharp on all cylinders. That's the WORST Pittsburgh will look all season and possibly the best Balty will look. All credit to Balty, they looked like a team sick of getting beat and rubbed it in and had every right to. Just remember there's 2 and possibly 3 of these things. Regroup.

I'll wait a couple of more weeks to pass judgement on the Steelers, because it is just one week. That said, they looked fucking putrid out there and they looked older than Baltimore (which is interesting, given how fossil-like the Ravens are). This outcome is the result of another scenario where Pittsburgh ran their mouths in the off-season about how much Flacco sucked, and Flacco simply toyed with them. I know this...The Rapist can't be throwing 3 picks in one game and be successful. Dude simply isn't that good. I'm also thinking that Polamalu is really starting to look old and slow, so I'm not sure that contract they just gave the guy makes a whole lot of sense. I thought Troy played WAY below average last season (especially late in the season) and the beginning of the season is starting to make his bad play look like a trend.

Actually the Ravens got younger this year. They are only the 13th oldest team according to ESPN's chart:

Here is the entire chart:

1. Detroit
2. New Orleans
3. Pittsburgh
4. New England
5. Washington
6. Arizona
7. New York Giants
8. Miami
9. Philadelphia
10. St. Louis
11. New York Jets
12. San Diego
13. Baltimore
14. Minnesota
15. Oakland
16. Dallas
17. Atlanta
18. Denver
19. Tennessee
20. Buffalo
21. Indianapolis
22. Cincinnati
23. Houston
24. Kansas City
25. Seattle
26. Jacksonville
27. Chicago
28. San Francisco
29. Cleveland
30. Carolina
31. Green Bay
32. Tampa Bay

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... graybeards

[Seven Wishes2]

This can be deceptive. For instance, the Pats are carrying five guys who will be very minimally involved with the team, but collectively bring up the average age of the Pats from 17th to 4th.

[Enigma869]

Actually the Ravens got younger this year. They are only the 13th oldest team according to ESPN's chart:

Here is the entire chart:

1. Detroit
2. New Orleans
3. Pittsburgh
4. New England
5. Washington
6. Arizona
7. New York Giants
8. Miami
9. Philadelphia
10. St. Louis
11. New York Jets
12. San Diego
13. Baltimore
14. Minnesota
15. Oakland
16. Dallas
17. Atlanta
18. Denver
19. Tennessee
20. Buffalo
21. Indianapolis
22. Cincinnati
23. Houston
24. Kansas City
25. Seattle
26. Jacksonville
27. Chicago
28. San Francisco
29. Cleveland
30. Carolina
31. Green Bay
32. Tampa Bay

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... graybeards

That list is VERY suspect and clearly skewed. There is absolutely ZERO chance the Lions are the oldest team in the NFL. Maybe because their fucking placekicker Hanson is about 57 years old. The guys who actually play are probably some of the youngest in the league, so that's really a goofy list by the chumps at ESPN.

[RedWingFan]

Seabass just hit a 63 yarder to tie the NFL record.

[Enigma869]

Seabass just hit a 63 yarder to tie the NFL record.

Ah yes...I had Jason Elam on my fantasy team back in the day when he hit the 63 yarder to tie Dempsey.

[mikemarrs]

Week 2
Sunday, Sept. 18
Chiefs at Lions 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Steelers 1:00 PM
Raiders at Bills 1:00 PM
Packers at Panthers 1:00 PM
Ravens at Titans 1:00 PM
Browns at Colts 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Vikings 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Redskins 1:00 PM
Bears at Saints 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Jets 1:00 PM
Cowboys at 49ers 4:05 PM
Chargers at Patriots 4:15 PM
Bengals at Broncos 4:15 PM
Texans at Dolphins 4:15 PM
Eagles at Falcons 8:20 PM
Monday, Sept. 19
Rams at Giants 8:30 PM

[Maui Tom]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJyhTKJG ... r_embedded

[Ehwmatt]

Anybody watching the Bill Belichick documentary tonight? I don't get NFL Network but Profootballtalk sure gave it a glowing review. Hope there's a way I can watch it soon.

[Enigma869]

Anybody watching the Bill Belichick documentary tonight? I don't get NFL Network but Profootballtalk sure gave it a glowing review. Hope there's a way I can watch it soon.

I don't get the channel either Matt and am disappointed, because I suspect that it's quite interesting, and I believe tonight is only "Part 1". I'm still stunned that Belichick agreed to be mic'd up for an entire season. I've never seen a coach in any sport less comfortable in the spotlight than this guy is. He seriously looks like he's ready to either cry or smack the shit out of someone at every press conference, so this would be an interesting look into the coaching side.

[Enigma869]

Ravens fans will appreciate hearing Bill tell Ed Reed "You’re the greatest free safety I’ve ever seen play this game”. Good article in the NY Times today on the documentary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/sport ... ntary.html

[AR]

Ravens fans will appreciate hearing Bill tell Ed Reed "You’re the greatest free safety I’ve ever seen play this game”. Good article in the NY Times today on the documentary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/sport ... ntary.html

Belichick should have been the Ravens first coach, but Modell fired him in favor of Ted Marchibroda - probably figuring Ted had a link to the city being a former Baltimore Colts coach.

Belichick was actually on Marchibroda's staff as an assistant in 1975.

I'd reallly like to see this documentary. Hope they re-run it.

[Enigma869]

I'd reallly like to see this documentary. Hope they re-run it.

If you get the NFL Network, it will be running several times over the next 3 days.

[YoungJRNY]

There's a couple vids on the homepage of NFL.com airing snippets of the Billichick autobiography. It's just amazing to see even 6:00 of it.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-t ... ent_stream

Love when he tells Derrick Mason to go fuck himself, lmao.

[AR]

There's a couple vids on the homepage of NFL.com airing snippets of the Billichick autobiography. It's just amazing to see even 6:00 of it.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-t ... ent_stream

Love when he tells Derrick Mason to go fuck himself, lmao.

Mason CAN go fuck himself.

I shouldn't really say that because he was a warrior for the Ravens for a long time. He's the enemy now though.

[Enigma869]

There's a couple vids on the homepage of NFL.com airing snippets of the Billichick autobiography. It's just amazing to see even 6:00 of it.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-t ... ent_stream

Love when he tells Derrick Mason to go fuck himself, lmao.

Him telling Mason to go fuck himself was absolutely classic. I only wish there were a camera rolling when Tom Jackson tried approaching Belichick after winning one of his Super Bowls to congratulate him and Belichick telling Jackson to fuck off. One of my all-time favorite Belichick stories.