2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[S2M]

This just in: SF's play calling is absolutely horrendous!

[AR]

He called himself a top 5 QB and wants to name his price in the off-season.

The only chance Flacco ever has a chance of being a "top 5 QB" in the NFL is if the NFL contracts to only 5 teams. Even then it wouldn't happen, because he wouldn't be good enough to be a third string QB. The guy is as mediocre as mediocre gets!

For the 2011 season: Flacco

18th in Passer Rating at 80.9
11th in Completion Yardage at 3,610
25th in Completion % at 57.6
22nd in Yards per pass attempt at 6.66
13th in TD Passes at 20
18th in Yards Pass per game at 226

And the team is 12-4. Ravens are built differently. I watched Trent Dilfer win a Super Bowl. I'm not calling him "elite" but stats aren't everything. He has brought the Ravens back several times on his own. Again, he's obviously not Brady, brees, Rodgers, but he is good enough to get the team where they need to be.

[AlteredDNA]

Damn

[Don]

Even with the +4 in turnovers it came down to Alex Smith and he surprisingly rose to the occasion.
Great game.

[RedWingFan]

He called himself a top 5 QB and wants to name his price in the off-season.

The only chance Flacco ever has a chance of being a "top 5 QB" in the NFL is if the NFL contracts to only 5 teams. Even then it wouldn't happen, because he wouldn't be good enough to be a third string QB. The guy is as mediocre as mediocre gets!

For the 2011 season: Flacco

18th in Passer Rating at 80.9
11th in Completion Yardage at 3,610
25th in Completion % at 57.6
22nd in Yards per pass attempt at 6.66
13th in TD Passes at 20
18th in Yards Pass per game at 226

And the team is 12-4. Ravens are built differently. I watched Trent Dilfer win a Super Bowl. I'm not calling him "elite" but stats aren't everything. He has brought the Ravens back several times on his own. Again, he's obviously not Brady, brees, Rodgers, but he is good enough to get the team where they need to be.

I'll never understand Baltimore's offense. They can plug in top flight offensive players and they fall off the face of the Earth.

[Don]

That was quick, Broncos are done.

[Don]

Even with the +4 in turnovers it came down to Alex Smith and he surprisingly rose to the occasion.
Great game.

To think the 49er's passed on Aaron Rodgers to take Alex Smith....hmmmmmm..

Which was still the right decision. Smith was almost out of football at one point. He got really sloppy at the end of the first half but got his shit back together near the end.
Hard to see them having two offensive explosive weeks in a row though. I'll take the Niners over the G-Men but against the Packers, not so sure.

[AlteredDNA]

As a lifelong Saints fan - and in my youth a Cowboys fan (the Catch - ouch) - getting beat by the 49ers stings, but the Saints simply turned it over too many times. Great plays by Smith down the stretch as well. Congrats...

[Don]

Belicheat and Brady are just toying with Denver...Practice makes perfect.

Since the Steelers passed on it, New England will go ahead and treat this as their bye week.

[Enigma869]

To think the 49er's passed on Aaron Rodgers to take Alex Smith....hmmmmmm..

Even more odd is that they look like brothers! On another note, the San Francisco/New Orleans game was a GREAT, GREAT playoff game. One of the best ever. I loved watching that game and had to TiVo the beginning of the Patriots game, because I simply couldn't change the channel. Glad to see New Orleans out, because I thought they were a dangerous team.

[Enigma869]

To think the 49er's passed on Aaron Rodgers to take Alex Smith....hmmmmmm..

Which was still the right decision.

Did you seriously just say that picking Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers was "the right decision"? Really? Wow! Have you ever even watched a football game? Ever?

[RedWingFan]

When I watch Brady, all I can hear is "Hail to the Victors". I bet he hears it too!

[S2M]

When does BB call off the dogs?

Still a whole half to go....

[Don]

To think the 49er's passed on Aaron Rodgers to take Alex Smith....hmmmmmm..

Which was still the right decision.

Did you seriously just say that picking Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers was "the right decision"? Really? Wow! Have you ever even watched a football game? Ever?

Hahaha. Re-reading what I wrote, my reading comprehension skills failed me big time there.I made no sense at all as evidenced by me talking about the guy almost being out of professional football and the mistakes he made near the end of the half.
Obviously, It was the wrong decision by the Niners and I think in the end it worked out great for Rodgers as he wasn't thrown to the wolves his first years in the league and had time to acclimate himself to the pro game.

Here's a question. Who do you take between Flacco and Smith?

[Enigma869]

Here's a question. Who do you take between Flacco and Smith?

I've watched both of them play a lot of NFL games and neither guy is a legitimate NFL QB. They're both guys who can manage a game, if they are surrounded by a dominant defense (which they both have). At this point, they're the same guy, so it would be a coin flip for me. I'd probably give Flacco a slight edge, simply because up until today, I'm not sure that I've ever seen Alex Smith do anything at all.

[Don]

Here's a question. Who do you take between Flacco and Smith?

I've watched both of them play a lot of NFL games and neither guy is a legitimate NFL QB. They're both guys who can manage a game, if they are surrounded by a dominant defense (which they both have). At this point, they're the same guy, so it would be a coin flip for me. I'd probably give Flacco a slight edge, simply because up until today, I'm not sure that I've ever seen Alex Smith do anything at all.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.
Flacco has performed well on occasion in pressure moments only to turn around and lose a game on his own the next week. Very erratic player.
To me, Smith is a lot like Trent Dilfer was with the Ravens where you just want him not to make a mistake and let the defense win it.
Reading up on it, I see where this is the Niners fifth come from behind victory this season so maybe Smith is finally turning the corner.

[YoungJRNY]

I'm thrilled. I missed probably the greatest post-season game over the past couple years with San Fran/N.O by having a dinner to attend which followed by being home in time to see the WORST game in the playoffs over the last couple seasons. Play Tim Tebow STRAIGHT UP and you get this. What a complete wreck of an NFL playoff game. I'm crossing my fingers tomorrow's game's will be ELECTRIC.

[Angel]

When I watch Brady, all I can hear is "Hail to the Victors". I bet he hears it too!

You need to come up with new material...that's at least the 4th time I've heard you say that tonight.....yeah, he went to Michigan....we get it.....now pull your lips off his ass and move on.....

[S2M]

This is where knowing the game, and situation helps an intelligent defensive player immensely. You guys laugh at me all the time when I say play calling matters more than talent/execution. I don't want to hear about team doing X, when the other team is expecting Y...it doesn't work that way, and that is just antiquated thinking.

There was absolutely nothing good in ANY of ATL's 3 one-yard debacles yesterday. I didn't see any misdirection plays, which drastically slows down teams who overpursue. No flea-flickers, hook and ladders....reverses and/or double reverses....you may call these trickeration, but if used EARLY in a game - sets the tone for the ENTIRE game....the best thing NE can do in Saturday's game is come out the box in the hurry up.

In today's game, If I were an offensive coach in the NFL, calling plays....my team would NEVER have a 3 and out. Ever.

I'm here all season, peeps.

[Angel]

I'm here all season, peeps.

Fabulous.

[RedWingFan]

When I watch Brady, all I can hear is "Hail to the Victors". I bet he hears it too!

You need to come up with new material...that's at least the 4th time I've heard you say that tonight.....yeah, he went to Michigan....we get it.....now pull your lips off his ass and move on.....

This coming from a Tebow worshiper!

[Angel]

When I watch Brady, all I can hear is "Hail to the Victors". I bet he hears it too!

You need to come up with new material...that's at least the 4th time I've heard you say that tonight.....yeah, he went to Michigan....we get it.....now pull your lips off his ass and move on.....

This coming from a Tebow worshiper!

....and a pissed off one at that!!!

[AR]

Just rose from the dead at 6:34 am. Did the 49ers win over an "elite" QB.

Eddie Shore - old time hockey. (bonus points for who gets the reference)

[Enigma869]

Just rose from the dead at 6:34 am. Did the 49ers win over an "elite" QB.

They sure did, so the NFL could still get a dream scenario in the playoffs in two different ways. They could get a New England versus Green Bay shootout or they could get two great defenses with Baltimore versus San Francisco where we can listen to the Harbaugh parents wax poetic for two long weeks about their boys. God help all of us if we have to deal with that scenario. It will be like listening to how "great" the AWFUL Tim Tebow is. Denver really needs to re-think this Tebow thing, if this guy comes out next season and this is the best he can do. I get it. The guy can walk on water, doesn't fuck chicks, heals sick children, builds hospitals and cures cancer. That said, he is a fucking abortion of an NFL QB, in spite of the Steelers deciding not to cover anyone last week and making the guy look like Joe Montana. That Denver offense is excruciatingly painful to watch. There is a reason that "The Option" has NEVER EVER EVER been successful in the NFL and it won't be successful with Touchdown Jesus running it. Bring on the Ravens!

[YoungJRNY]

Just rose from the dead at 6:34 am. Did the 49ers win over an "elite" QB.

Bring on the Ravens!

I know Baltimore is likely to come out the victor playing a dome team IN Baltimore but isn't it WAY too premature for the "Bring on Baltimore" claims? Just like it was "Welcome to Gillette, Pittsburgh!" Right? Haha. I honestly think the Ravens are the Patriots worst nightmare. They matchup with them PERFECTLY and have the defense to destroy. They swarm to the ball and I don't see Gronkowski and Hernandez being left WIDE OPEN against a team like Baltimore if it comes to it. Houston will be a challenge but I believe New England can handle them in Foxboro. This may be the Ravens year where they get a shot at the title. A New England/Green Bay shootout would be fun though.

Hail to HOMEFIELD? Road teams are 0-6 going into the 1:00 Houston @ Baltimore game in 2011 postseason play.

[Jonny B]

There was one debacle in that Pats game that I was really disappointed about...What business did the Pats have trying to run the ball for the 7th touchdown anyway? Not only did they not get the TD, but they also pass up on putting Brady in the record books for most TD Passes in a playoff game? I don't care if they're a team that doesn't care about personal records, it's inexcusable!

...

Tell you what though, I watched the 49ers for the first time all year and was completely surprised. I thought they'd be one-and-done because they have an overachieving-but-average QB and a lack of playoff experience. These guys can play. They have a strong running game, they rarely miss tackles, and Alex Smith does just enough to get things done. Reminds me a lot of the 2000 Ravens that won it all. Wasn't that Smith to Davis TD pass that sealed the game very reminiscent to the Young-to-Owens catch from so many years back? These guys are old-school; fundamentally sound in all aspects.

[Enigma869]

There was one debacle in that Pats game that I was really disappointed about...What business did the Pats have trying to run the ball for the 7th touchdown anyway? Not only did they not get the TD, but they also pass up on putting Brady in the record books for most TD Passes in a playoff game? I don't care if they're a team that doesn't care about personal records, it's inexcusable!

I couldn't disagree more. Say what you want about the Patriots, but Belichick has been VERY consistent with the way he coaches his teams. He doesn't pull players out of the game, and in spite of the accusations, he doesn't try running up the score. But, he does keep playing until the game is over. Belichick and Brady have always been team guys and I honestly don't think either of them cares about records, even half as much as we fans do. Tom Brady was asked about this after the game last night, and he seemed shocked that someone would even ask him about a record. As he said, his objective is to win games and isn't concerned with anything else. There is a reason that Belichick and Brady have won more games than any coach/QB combination in the history of the NFL. It's all about winning games.

[Enigma869]

I know Baltimore is likely to come out the victor playing a dome team IN Baltimore but isn't it WAY too premature for the "Bring on Baltimore" claims?

Maybe, but that is the team I suspect is coming to Foxboro.

Just like it was "Welcome to Gillette, Pittsburgh!" Right?

What can I say. I gave the Steelers far more credit than they deserved. I REALLY wanted the Patriots to play Pittsburgh, because I honestly didn't think the Steelers had a chance against the Patriots in the playoffs. The win against Denver is nowhere near as gratifying for me, but I'll take it.

I honestly think the Ravens are the Patriots worst nightmare.

Maybe, maybe not. Last I checked, the Ravens lost to Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Seattle. Not exactly an elite collecton of teams to lose to. When they finally faced a team who had any sort of an offense, San Diego wiped the field with their vaunted defense and beat them by 3 TD's. Baltimore is good, but as beatable as any other team in the NFL.

They matchup with them PERFECTLY and have the defense to destroy.

Again...maybe, maybe not. Baltimore clearly has the advantage on defense. That said, I'm not sure there is a single player on their offense who I would take over anyone on New England's offense.

I don't see Gronkowski and Hernandez being left WIDE OPEN against a team like Baltimore if it comes to it.

You obviously don't watch many Patriots games if you really believe that Gronkowski is "left wide open". Very rarely, is the guy open and when he is, it's usually because he worked his way open and not because of a blown assignment. The guy set an all-time NFL record for both catches and TD's for a Tight End (quite impressive, given that he is a second year player and the many TE's in the NFL Hall of Fame). It's not like he is a "secret" that nobody has ever heard of and defenses are ignoring him. Teams are game planning for the guy, at this point. That doesn't mean that they're going to stop him. The guy is almost 6'7", 265lbs, and tough as nails, so he's not exactly the easiest guy to matchup with and cover. You can have two defensive backs on him the entire game and they're not much of a matchup for his unique skill set. Even if they take Gronk out of the game (which they certainly could do), it's not like the Patriots have nobody else to throw the ball to. I seem to remember Welker catching more than 120 passes this season. Ultimately, they have to play with 11 guys, just like everyone else, so they're not going to be able to double cover everyone. This game will come down to the same thing that most games come down to. If the Patriots don't turn the ball over and Brady is on his game, they'll beat Baltimore or Houston, because neither of those teams are built to come back from two or three touchdown deficits.

[YoungJRNY]

To: Ravens
From: Texans

[YoungJRNY]

Is Joe Flacco the right-handed Tim Tebow as far as passing is concerned? His highest percentages in completing a pass seems to be airing it out vertically. Nearly not as bad as Tebow in skill-set with technique, obviously, but other than the deep ball to Boldin or Smith, Flacco can't complete anything else if it isn't along the sidelines deep downfield.