2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[slucero]

"defense wins games"

If that's the case, we're looking forward to a Baltimore versus San Francisco Super Bowl.

Hopefully.

Ugh. I can't imagine a more boring game to watch. I definitely want to see the Pats get back to the big game. Either of the NFC opponents would be exciting, but I sure like watching the Giants when they are on because they do everything well, something that can't be said for any of the other 3 teams.

There's no way you could call the SF vs. Saints game "boring"... and the last meeting between Balt and SF was pretty good to watch...

[YoungJRNY]

"defense wins games"

If that's the case, we're looking forward to a Baltimore versus San Francisco Super Bowl.

Hopefully.

Ugh. I can't imagine a more boring game to watch. I definitely want to see the Pats get back to the big game. Either of the NFC opponents would be exciting, but I sure like watching the Giants when they are on because they do everything well, something that can't be said for any of the other 3 teams.

I agree. There's something about the Giants that I ALWAYS enjoyed watching. I don't know if it's their blue-collar grit that I now miss in Pittsburgh with the big-back Brandon Jacobs and bowling-ball Amad Bradshaw, or that KILLER pass-rush that returned. I watched the Giants many times this season and came away impressed and entertained every time. There is no bigger exciting game left on the plate than a Giants/Pats rematch.

I'm afraid that if it's a Harbaugh Super Bowl, then they'd showcase just a split screen of the two head coach's coaching and a little box in the corner with the actual game being played. San Francisco doesn't interest me at all either. Give me New York Giants, New England Patriots round II.

[slucero]

"defense wins games"

If that's the case, we're looking forward to a Baltimore versus San Francisco Super Bowl.

Hopefully.

Ugh. I can't imagine a more boring game to watch. I definitely want to see the Pats get back to the big game. Either of the NFC opponents would be exciting, but I sure like watching the Giants when they are on because they do everything well, something that can't be said for any of the other 3 teams.

I agree. There's something about the Giants that I ALWAYS enjoyed watching. I don't know if it's their blue-collar grit that I now miss in Pittsburgh with the big-back Brandon Jacobs and bowling-ball Amad Bradshaw, or that KILLER pass-rush that returned. I watched the Giants many times this season and came away impressed and entertained every time. There is no bigger exciting game left on the plate than a Giants/Pats rematch.

I'm afraid that if it's a Harbaugh Super Bowl, then they'd showcase just a split screen of the two head coach's coaching and a little box in the corner with the actual game being played. San Francisco doesn't interest me at all either. Give me New York Giants, New England Patriots round II.

The irony is that the Giants are finally winning because their defense has been playing so much better...

[Enigma869]

This New England/Baltimore game will let you know if the Ravens are done. The Ravens are known for their defense. Always have been. They're going against a team who doesn't even pretend to run the football, so there is no guess work needed from Baltimore's D. They will know exactly what the Patriots game plan is for the entire game. It will come down to whether or not the Patriots O Line can keeps Suggs, Ngata, and Lewis away from Tom Brady. Baltimore is definitely going to come into Foxboro and punch New England in the mouth. This game will be decided by whether or not the Patriots punch back. I'm very excited for this game and would be just as excited if it were Green Bay or New Orleans going against Baltimore's defense. Very tough for me not to get excited about a strength versus strength game in the NFL. I would be stunned if this game were a blowout. I can't see either team winning by more than 10 points. Flacco has heard all the talk about how he isn't good enough, so it wouldn't surprise me if he came out and had a great (by his standards) game. It still may not be enough if Brady comes to play. I actually think both games this weekend are going to be outstanding.

[Ehwmatt]

"defense wins games"

If that's the case, we're looking forward to a Baltimore versus San Francisco Super Bowl.

Hopefully.

Ugh. I can't imagine a more boring game to watch. I definitely want to see the Pats get back to the big game. Either of the NFC opponents would be exciting, but I sure like watching the Giants when they are on because they do everything well, something that can't be said for any of the other 3 teams.

There's no way you could call the SF vs. Saints game "boring"... and the last meeting between Balt and SF was pretty good to watch...

I don't mind watching SF nearly as much as I mind watching Baltimore. Baltimore bores me to tears. And as for the Giants winning when they started playing better D, yes, you're right. Let me be clear about something: I don't like the gunslinging quasi-dome teams like the Packers that much. I do want to see good, balanced football--running AND passing, offense AND defense. But unfortunately, watching Alex Smith v. Joe Flacco in the Super Bowl does nothing for me.

[Memorex]

My thoughts:

SF - 27
NYG - 24

NE - 38
BAL - 24

I'm a big Niner fan, but I didn't see anything in the Giants game that we can't overcome. I thought the Niners were more impressive playing NO than Giants were at GB.

[AR]

My thoughts:

SF - 27
NYG - 24

NE - 38
BAL - 24

I'm a big Niner fan, but I didn't see anything in the Giants game that we can't overcome. I thought the Niners were more impressive playing NO than Giants were at GB.

Another prediction of the Pat's puting up a big score againt the Ravens. This is why I don't see that happening and would be shocked if it did.

Tom Brady has a career QB rating of 77.9 with 4 TD passes and 3 INT's in 4 games vs. the Ravens.

He has been sacked 10 times in those 4 games.

In has last 2 outings vs. Baltimore his QB rating were a putrid 69.5 and 49.7

[Memorex]

My thoughts:

SF - 27
NYG - 24

NE - 38
BAL - 24

I'm a big Niner fan, but I didn't see anything in the Giants game that we can't overcome. I thought the Niners were more impressive playing NO than Giants were at GB.

Another prediction of the Pat's puting up a big score againt the Ravens. This is why I don't see that happening and would be shocked if it did.

Tom Brady has a career QB rating of 77.9 with 4 TD passes and 3 INT's in 4 games vs. the Ravens.

He has been sacked 10 times in those 4 games.

In has last 2 outings vs. Baltimore his QB rating were a putrid 69.5 and 49.7

I'd love to see a SF-BAL super bowl. I want a second chance. They made us look bad. Real bad.

[AR]

I'd love to see a SF-BAL super bowl. I want a second chance. They made us look bad. Real bad.

I'd love to see all the "elite" QB's knocked out (Brees, Rodgers & Brady). We'll see. The 49ers have had an amazing season.

[Jonny B]

I think it'll be a Giants/Patriots rematch in the Super Bowl.

No matter how great the Ravens' defense claims to be, Brady has too many weapons to throw to. If they double Welker, he'll throw to Gronk. If Gronk is doubled, he'll probably catch everything anyway. And if the Ravens somehow contain both, then he has Hernandez. And then Branch & Edelman are good for one big play every other game. Forget about the running game, the Pats don't need one. The Pats only lose if they beat themselves with dropped passes and turnovers.

I don't like the Giants. I don't want to see them in the Super Bowl. But, they will. They caught fire at the right time, and will likely make it. They'll likely stop the running game, and you know what happens when Alex Smith is forced to throw. The guy is fumble-prone. For every 2 sacks they get on Smith, the Giants will have an opportunity to get a takeaway. Forget about rushing just 4, they should bring extra pressure and get Smith to fumble the ball. Eli could have his worst performance of his career but they won't need him to win. The defense will take care of everything.

So now that you have my playoff jinx, expect a 49ers/Ravens Super Bowl.

[S2M]

I find it funny that you choose to focus on ONE game. Brady is 4-1 against the Ravens in his career. And QB rating, again, is as useless a stat as yardage given up as a defense.

And in that game, there were no players named Branch, Welker, Gronkowski, or Hernandez....your thought process is riddled with home cookin'.

You want to rely on exotic blitz packages, trying to rattle Tom? Brady will screen you to death. And on offense? Good luck with Flacco.

And look for Belichick to TAKE the opening KO in this game. He will NOT defer.

[AR]

I find it funny that you choose to focus on ONE game. Brady is 4-1 against the Ravens in his career. And QB rating, again, is as useless a stat as yardage given up as a defense.

And in that game, there were no players named Branch, Welker, Gronkowski, or Hernandez....your thought process is riddled with home cookin'.

You want to rely on exotic blitz packages, trying to rattle Tom? Brady will screen you to death. And on offense? Good luck with Flacco.

And look for Belichick to TAKE the opening KO in this game. He will NOT defer.

Tom Brady has a career QB rating of 77.9 with 4 TD passes and 3 INT's in 4 games vs. the Ravens.

He has been sacked 10 times in those 4 games.

In has last 2 outings vs. Baltimore his QB rating were a putrid 69.5 and 49.7

And on Defense - good luck with what the Pats play.

I don't know who is going to win. Pats should be favored at home of course. Thinking they are going to put 40 up against the Ravens is nearly unthinkable.

[AR]

And in that game, there were no players named Branch, Welker, Gronkowski, or Hernandez....your thought process is riddled with home cookin'.

[YoungJRNY]

That game played in 2009 will have NO barring on how this game is going to unfold Sunday @ Foxboro. This is a marquee matchup on both sides of the ball. Offense VS Defense. Something WILL give but to hang your hats on "this player wasn't playing in 2009" then that's all hindsight and will do no good in comfort or discomfort as a fan. There's plenty of ways both teams can win this one. But for Baltimore, it HAS to be all Ray Rice. If they can get him involved in the passing game, he's the biggest mismatch on the field. New England's defense will have trouble maintaining him but it's all about not breaking. Flacco WILL make a mistake. It's up to Balty's defense to torture Brady if they want to be in the game late. Its going to be a REALLY good one.

[YoungJRNY]

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians RETIRES. There is simply NO excuse for this Steelers offense NOT to be top 10 in overall offense or top 5 in scoring with the #1 defense year to year while managing such talent on this offense. Also no excuse that Ben shouldn't throw for 30+ touchdowns. The Steelers always go from within to promote, and the next OC in line was RB coach Kirby Wilson, who is fighting for his life after severe burns in a fire to his body. The candidate may come from within, but sources in Pittsburgh are saying it will come from the outside.

Possible OC candidates:

Tom Clements - QB Coach of the Green Bay Packers. Former Steelers QB Coach from 2001-2004. McKees Rocks native, part of the most high powered offense in the NFL.

Randy Fitchner - Current Steelers QB Coach. Led high powered Memphis offense before coming to the Steelers as their WR coach.

Todd Haley - former Chiefs HC and OC for the Cardinals in their Super Bowl season. Son of Dick Haley, former Steelers Director of Player Personnel.

Brad Childress: Tomlin served under Childress in Minnesota when he was defensive coordinator.

Hue Jackson: Moans within the franchise is that the Steelers MUST run the ball better. Jackson would give the Steelers back that ground and pound game, with a fullback.

Jim Caldwell : A name that keeps popping up, where Tomlin has HUGE connections with as both of these guys served under Coach Dungy. Would be good coach to Ben since Arians let Roethlisberger gain more control of the offense. Caldwell did the same with Manning.

[Enigma869]

And look for Belichick to TAKE the opening KO in this game. He will NOT defer.

He defers EVERY game and this game won't be any different. Belichick has always believed that if you can score going into the half and coming out of the half that the game is over, which is why he ALWAYS defers.

[AR]

And look for Belichick to TAKE the opening KO in this game. He will NOT defer.

He defers EVERY game and this game won't be any different. Belichick has always believed that if you can score going into the half and coming out of the half that the game is over, which is why he ALWAYS defers.

And since he has Brady = very good philosophy.

[Enigma869]

Patriots versus Ravens - This is going to be a MUCH tougher game than many Patriots fans believe. The reality is that the Ravens have a great defense and some historically good players. These guys aren't going down without a fight. That said, I also think Ravens fans are delusional if they seriously believe what happened two years ago (I've heard this many times this week) gives them any advantage. After Randy Moss, the Patriots had Sam Aiken, and Julian Edelman as their other receivers in that game and Chris Baker was their Tight End. Nothing that happened in that game with have any impact on this game...for either team! This game comes down to one key point for me. If the Ravens can get to Brady with pressure and force mistakes, they win this game. I'm not sure there is a single player on the Ravens offense who I would take over any Patriots players on offense. That said, there probably isn't a single player on the Patriots defense who I would take over any of the guys on Baltimore's defense. This is truly a classic match up with two very different teams. I think this is a close game that is won in the fourth quarter, and I'll take my chances with Tom Brady over Joe Flacco (who I think is an okay QB, but nothing special). I see this game staying in the twenties. Patriots 27 Ravens 24.

49'ERS versus Giants - The Giants look unstoppable right now. In my opinion, they are playing better (on both sides of the ball) than any other team who was in the playoffs. They are definitely the only team in the playoffs who is as good on defense as they are on offense, and that makes them very dangerous. The 49'ers seem to be a team of destiny. I personally thought they would lose by three TD's to the Saints and they really showed me something last week. It was a gutsy performance and Alex Smith definitely grew up a bit during that game. Having said that, I don't see Alex Smith pulling that off two weeks in a row. Not to mention, it's tough for me to overlook the fact that even though the 49'ers won the game, the Saints turned the ball over an insane FIVE times in that game! Even with all of those turnovers, it took a remarkable comeback performance by Smith to win that game. I don't see the Giants offense being that careless with the football in this game. Giants 24 Niners 17.

[YoungJRNY]

AFC Championship
Baltimore @ New England: This game gets tougher and tougher to predict. You just don't know what team you're going to get, especially from the Ravens. They weren't that great of a road team to begin with. Take them away from home (9-0) and give them a big game on the road (4-4) and they run into all kinds of problems. At times, the Ravens have many keys to success, especially playing tough nosed football with a dynamic Ray Rice running behind the MONSTER Vontea Leach and a huge offensive line and also dump-offs out of the backfield. If the Ravens play solid on offense, that's all their defense needs & they need one of those efforts today, mixed in with a big play or two here or there from their defense to upset New England. For the Patriots, it's stop the run, and rattle Joe Flacco in disguise's. They don't have the talent on defense to defend Smith, Evans or Boldin', but they CAN rattle Flacco into errant mistakes. Prolific Offense VS Defensive matchup. We'll see if Baltimore can prove defense wins championships. When it comes down to it, it's a QB driven leauge. Give me Brady over Flacco 100 times out of 100. Patriots 34 Ravens 20.

NFC Championship:
N.Y Giants @ San Francisco: Another great matchup. This time, it's an epic battle between two potential comeback players of the year in Eli Manning and Alex Smith. For the Giants, they showed they can go on the road and beat anybody, going into the heavily favored Green Bay Packers and completely dominating them from beginning to end. Out of all the playoff teams left, it's the Giants that showed they are most playoff ready givin' how they performed against a juggernaut, on the road and took care of their business. Very 2007 like, peaking at the right time with Manning getting better and better with each performance. Also, that Giants pass-rush has returned, one that was a KEY ingredient in their Super Bowl run years ago. For the 49'ers, they are hosting their first Championship game in ages, let alone playoff game. They barely escaped from the skin of their teeth last week against the Saints and was quote "HOPING" for a Giants win. Be careful what you wish for. San Fran banks their victories around a stout defense and a brutal running game. The Giants have what it takes to get to Smith and shutdown the run game. I think the Giants WILL get into Alex Smith's head and force him into tight coverage if it comes down to it. Giants 24 Niners 14.

[Memorex]

With the weather in Frisco, I expect to see several turnovers. And the way the niners are hitting, advantage Frisco. Either way it is great that the team I have loved for over 30 years is back in the best game of the year.

[Enigma869]

This time, it's an epic battle between two potential comeback players of the year in Eli Manning and Alex Smith.

Huh? How exactly is Eli a "comeback" player? You do know that he threw for over 4000 yards last year, right? He also threw 31 TD's. Guys who finish 5th in the league in passing and 4th in the league in TD's aren't winning (nor should they) any "comeback" player awards!

[YoungJRNY]

This time, it's an epic battle between two potential comeback players of the year in Eli Manning and Alex Smith.

Huh? How exactly is Eli a "comeback" player? You do know that he threw for over 4000 yards last year, right? He also threw 31 TD's. Guys who finish 5th in the league in passing and 4th in the league in TD's aren't winning (nor should they) any "comeback" player awards!

The Giants missed the playoffs in 2009 & 2010 before almost being eliminated sitting at 7-7 this season & Coughin and Eli were the ones under heavy scrutiny, especially Eli always being compared to Peyton. Eli always put up the numbers but the way he turned it on this season and carrying more of the team on his back after losing one of his best wideouts in Steve Smith coming into this season, I think to each standard a certain player lives up to, Eli can be considered. It'll obviously go to Smith, but Eli is putting on one helluva run right now.

[tater1977]

GO RAVENS -

GO 49ers -

[Seven Wishes2]

Just like last year, Brady. The team is on the move, has ALL the momentum, and fucking Brady throws YET ANOTHER HUGE AND INEXCUSABLE INTERCEPTION.

Baltimore takes it, just like the Jets did last year, scores a TD, and the whole game changes because of the Brady INT.

He has cost his team another Super Bowl with that pick. All he had to do was control the ball.

Mark my words. That pick cost the Pats their season.

[AlteredDNA]

Are you watching the same game?

[Enigma869]

Just like last year, Brady. The team is on the move, has ALL the momentum, and fucking Brady throws YET ANOTHER HUGE AND INEXCUSABLE INTERCEPTION.

Baltimore takes it, just like the Jets did last year, scores a TD, and the whole game changes because of the Brady INT.

He has cost his team another Super Bowl with that pick. All he had to do was control the ball.

Mark my words. That pick cost the Pats their season.

Come in off the ledge, dude. Last I checked, there are two halfs to a football game. Thusfar, I would give Baltimore the edge in this game. It's very low scoring, which is exactly what they want. If I'm a Ravens fan, I feel really good about my team's chances. Flacco is playing very well and not making any mistakes. Should be a fun second half.

[YoungJRNY]

20-16. 4th QRT 15:00. Doesn't get better than this. We'll see which breaks first. Baltimore's D, or New England's O. Good game.

[YoungJRNY]

New England looked at the film and said: "Hey, Arian Foster GASHED this Ravens d-line." Impressive to see the Pats take it to the run game.

[YoungJRNY]

Flaccid strikes!

[YoungJRNY]

Tip drill!