2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[conversationpc]

PS- and a BIG FUCK YOU to Tim Thomas for NOT going to the White House to see the President of the United States. Regardless of party, or in his words, "dissatisfaction" you respect the fucking Office.

Haven't their been other athletes in the past that refused to show up when Bush was in office? If so, did you speak out then? Just curious...

[RedWingFan]

PS- and a BIG FUCK YOU to Tim Thomas for NOT going to the White House to see the President of the United States. Regardless of party, or in his words, "dissatisfaction" you respect the fucking Office.

I agree. I would have preferred that he joined the team, and flipped Bamster the bird to his face on camera. Big missed opportunity there.

[YoungJRNY]

FYI for DirecTV customers in the Boston area. You won't be seeing The Super Bowl in the Boston market. DirecTV did away with the local NBC affiliate more than a week ago because they couldn't come to agreement on broadcast rights. For once, I'm thankful to be a Comcast customer!

I know a couple of months ago DirecTV was about to cut FX and some other FOX stations from their lineup due to contract negotiations, but a deal got worked out at the last minute. I'm surprised DirecTV has actually went through with cutting out a big network station such as NBC. I bet there are going to be a lot of roof top antennas purchased between now and Super Bowl Sunday!

For most people, I think a set of 10 dollar rabbit ears should work just fine pulling NBC-HD. And don't spend extra for an antenna that says it is HD either. That's just marketing crap; a TV antenna doesn't care if the signal is HD or not, just as long as its in the UHF/VHF band.

Fuck You're smart. I mean that seriously. You coming with me to see Bruce at the Sports Arena? April 26th, but I am sure he'll add another date or 3.

My prediction, not that anyone gives a shit, Giants win again, 31-21. NE's secondary just won't be able to cover NY's 4 talented receivers, and Eli is a damned good QB. Defense wins championships, and the G-Men have the much better D.

PS- and a BIG FUCK YOU to Tim Thomas for NOT going to the White House to see the President of the United States. Regardless of party, or in his words, "dissatisfaction" you respect the fucking Office.

Good to see yah big man!

[Enigma869]

Defense wins championships, and the G-Men have the much better D.

While it's a popular thing to say, the reality is a bit different. Sure, you have to make some defensive plays. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl because Sterling Moore made the play of the game, on defense. That said, if you look at the Super Bowl championships, most of the winners were pretty stout offensive teams. The only teams that really won on defense were the 1985 Bears, the 2001 Ravens, and the Steelers of the 70's and their recent championships. I don't necessarily disagree that the Giants will win. I think the Giants have a superb (and underrated) offense. Eli is definitely a better player now than he was in 2007. That said, I'm still confident as good as Eli is, Brady is still capable of outplaying him and winning the game. I'm certain that the Patriots have ZERO shot to beat the Giants if they play like they did against a limited Ravens offense.

PS- and a BIG FUCK YOU to Tim Thomas for NOT going to the White House to see the President of the United States. Regardless of party, or in his words, "dissatisfaction" you respect the fucking Office.

I think this rehearsed move that was two months in the making, right down to his "statement" on Facebook was fucking embarrassing. I actually didn't have a problem with the guy not going. Theo didn't go in 07 when the Sox won. Jordan skipped out when the Bulls won, so Thomas isn't exactly a trail blazer. The difference between those other guys and Thomas is that the other guys simply didn't show up. They didn't feel the need to politicize something that had absolutely NOTHING to do with politics.

[Don]

Colts hire Ravens' Pagano as new head coach

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan ... ead-coach/



INDIANAPOLIS — The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn.

Indianapolis hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as its new coach Wednesday and will introduce him at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

It's the third time Jim Irsay has turned to a defensive-minded coach since replacing his father as team owner in 1997, first hiring Jim Mora and then Tony Dungy as Mora's replacement in 2002.

"I like it," Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis wrote on Twitter.

The Colts are hoping the change produces better results after Indy went 2-14 last season, its worst record in two decades. But there are questions about how this decision will impact the future of Manning and his teammates.

The 51-year-old Pagano had been a career assistant until Wednesday. He had coached previously in the NFL at Oakland and Cleveland and also worked extensively in college with stops at Miami and North Carolina.

He's the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to get a head coaching job in less than a decade. The others were Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Jets coach Rex Ryan and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan.

Those who have worked closely with Pagano believe he's ready for the promotion.

"Chuck has a leadership quality about him. He's humble but he also knows when to take the reins and take charge," Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger said. "He doesn't try to dominate you in every meeting. He's just a coach that knows exactly how players are and what direction they need."

But Pagano is taking over a team in transition.

Irsay's dizzying array of moves this month has essentially cleaned house.

It began with the firings of the father-son front office tandem of Bill and Chris Polian on Jan. 2, the day after the season. The next week, Irsay hired 39-year-old Ryan Grigson as the new general manager.

Last week, coach Jim Caldwell was fired after his third season because he won only two games while Manning sat out with a neck injury and now, eight days later, Indy has his replacement -- with more changes to come.

Quarterbacks coach Ron Turner, receivers coach Frank Reich and offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars all have been let go, too. That leaves offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen, running backs coach David Walker and tight ends coach Ricky Thomas among those with fates yet to be determined. Back in 2002, when Mora was fired, Irsay hired Dungy but kept most of the offensive staff intact.

The offseason moves are taking a toll on the team's morale. In an interview published Tuesday by The Indianapolis Star, Manning called the complex not a "very good environment" for healing.

Irsay must pay Manning a $28 million bonus by March 8 or the four-time league MVP, who turns 36 in March, could become an unrestricted free agent after having three neck surgeries in 19 months. The Colts have the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, which most expect to be used on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

Either way, Pagano should have a solid foundation on offense.

And with his defensive pedigree, the Colts are hoping for a big jump from a unit that ranked near the bottom of the league.

"What makes him good? He relates to the players a whole lot," Baltimore defensive end Cory Redding said. "He's almost like a player in a D-coordinator's position. The guy has so much fun with us. He treats you like more than a player. It's like we're his sons. He wants us to do well. He keeps it fresh. He knows everybody's strengths and puts them in position to make plays."

Pagano spent three years as the Ravens' secondary coach before replacing Bryan Mattison as Baltimore's defensive coordinator a year ago. The Ravens ranked third in total defense and allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL last season.

The Wyoming graduate and former strong safety for the Cowboys began his coaching career in 1984 as a graduate assistant at Southern California and spent time at in the college ranks at Boise State, UNLV, East Carolina and Miami before joining Cleveland to coach the secondary. In 2005-06, he was defensive backs job at Oakland, then served as defensive coordinator at North Carolina before joining the Ravens when John Harbaugh became head coach four years ago.

"Chuck is unorthodox," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "He's like The Joker. You never really expect what he's going to do, and everything has a motive."

[YoungJRNY]

While it's a popular thing to say, the reality is a bit different. Sure, you have to make some defensive plays. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl because Sterling Moore made the play of the game, on defense. That said, if you look at the Super Bowl championships, most of the winners were pretty stout offensive teams. The only teams that really won on defense were the 1985 Bears, the 2001 Ravens, and the Steelers of the 70's and their recent championships. I don't necessarily disagree that the Giants will win. I think the Giants have a superb (and underrated) offense. Eli is definitely a better player now than he was in 2007. That said, I'm still confident as good as Eli is, Brady is still capable of outplaying him and winning the game. I'm certain that the Patriots have ZERO shot to beat the Giants if they play like they did against a limited Ravens offense.

I agree. The Patriots defense is playing better, but they had 2 reeling offense's in Denver and one of the most inconsistent in Baltimore at home. This is now a level playing field and as you said, the Giants offense is as underrated as it comes. They are pretty damn good and playing very well together. At the end of the Ravens game, it looked like the Patriots had no answer for Torrey Smith or Anquan Boldin (GREAT play from Sterling Moore, TWICE, knocking the ball out on Evans & making a nice play on the Tight End the next play.) Flacco over threw Smith a couple times and threw him short WIDE OPEN on that bomb that opened things up. I think Victor Cruz is going to go wild and the Patriots may be in for their toughest Super Bowl battle yet, and every one of their Super Bowls have been a close affair.

[Jonny B]

Alex Smith couldn't do anything on offense, and yet, the 49ers D kept them in the game, eating Eli for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner all game long. If not for those special teams gaffs, the 49ers and Giants would still be deadlocked in overtime right now. (and I'm posting Wednesday night.)

Eli is looking unstoppable right now. If he could survive that surprisingly nasty 49ers defense, what's stopping him from breaking out against the mediocre Pats' D? This game is reeking of a potential blowout, especially if the Giants' front-4 can get to Tom Brady.

...But then...I thought both conference finals games were gonna be blowouts...I give up predicting games.

[YoungJRNY]

Alex Smith couldn't do anything on offense, and yet, the 49ers D kept them in the game, eating Eli for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner all game long. If not for those special teams gaffs, the 49ers and Giants would still be deadlocked in overtime right now. (and I'm posting Wednesday night.)

Eli is looking unstoppable right now. If he could survive that surprisingly nasty 49ers defense, what's stopping him from breaking out against the mediocre Pats' D? This game is reeking of a potential blowout, especially if the Giants' front-4 can get to Tom Brady.

...But then...I thought both conference finals games were gonna be blowouts...I give up predicting games.

The Patriots are lucky to go to the Super Bowl with putting on that kind of defensive performance, consistently throughout the season. It all caught up to the Saints and Packers and could catch up to N.E in 2 weeks. The Ravens/Texans, both great defense's, one needed to be eliminated. The Giants/9'ers, both with solid defense's, needed to be eliminated. It lined up quite nice for the Patriots this season, dominating in a weak Conference and after Pittsburgh bailed out and lost their entire team that led to getting Tebowed. There was no offensive threat left in the playoffs to be had (one that played consistent anyhow to go into New England and pick them apart.) N.E's defense showed up and did their job, a job WELL DONE, but Eli, on a neutral playing field, can exploit the entire Patriots team by putting points on the board and those front 4 in N.Y can pin their ears against Brady, something they've done before earlier this year, and in '07 (both week 17 and Super Bowl.) Interesting to see how it all turns out. This will be the Pats toughest opponent they've faced this season since the Giants are better than they were earlier in the regular season when these two met.

[Enigma869]

The Patriots are lucky to go to the Super Bowl

There isn't a team in the history of the NFL who hasn't been "lucky" to get to the Super Bowl!

It all caught up to the Saints and Packers and could catch up to N.E in 2 weeks.

Maybe. Listen, the reality for me is that the Patriots should be the underdog in this game...not the favorite. There isn't a person on this board, including S2M (who predicts the Patriots will win every game they play by 4 TD's) who thought this Patriots team was getting anywhere near the Super Bowl. I certainly didn't, based on their defense. That said, they were probably the most consistent team in the NFL, when you look at every game they played. They lost three games during the course of the season, and all three games were very close. Contrary to a prediction made by someone else, I don't see the Patriots (or the Giants) getting "blown out". While not impossible, the Patriots almost never get blown out by anyone!

but Eli, on a neutral playing field, can exploit the entire Patriots team by putting points on the board and those front 4 in N.Y can pin their ears against Brady, something they've done before earlier this year, and in '07 (both week 17 and Super Bowl.)

Nothing that happened in 2007 (the Patriots have a whopping 5 players left on their roster from that season) will have ANY impact on this game. It's not relevant. If anything, I like the fact that the Patriots played the Giants earlier this season and lost to them. That alone, gives me some confidence. That said, neither of these teams winning this game would stun me. I view this as a very close game, even though I think that overall, the Giants have the more talented players. Luckily for me, it's not like the last time around where nobody is going to pick the Giants to win. I suspect more of the "experts" will pick the Giants than the Patriots in this one, so it will be a nice change. I've always liked the Patriots more when many people say that they simply can't win a game.

[Ehwmatt]

It sure looks like Peyton is out in Indy... can you imagine if this fucker can get healthy and go somewhere like San Fran or Baltimore next year?

[Enigma869]

It sure looks like Peyton is out in Indy... can you imagine if this fucker can get healthy and go somewhere like San Fran or Baltimore next year?

I've been saying forever that he is out. There is simply ZERO chance that the Colts are paying this guy the $28 Million they owe him in March. It simply wouldn't make good business sense, given there is still no evidence that Peyton is healthy enough to play football anywhere.

[YoungJRNY]

Nothing that happened in 2007 (the Patriots have a whopping 5 players left on their roster from that season) will have ANY impact on this game. It's not relevant.

True, but what IS relevant is how the Giants use their front 4 to rush the QB and they have some workhorse's that stay true in how a Coughlin defense will attack you. That hasn't changed since 2007 and Brady has been harassed more-so than any other season, atleast in what I've seen. The only thing that I think helps the Patriots is the lack of deep threat. They can dink and dunk and use the smarts and instincts of Brady to inch his offense downfield, which can obviously hurt a pass-rush like the Giants but if the Giants can smother and don't let things get out of hand, I think Brady will have trouble pushing the ball down the field. I think Brady only had one completion for more than 20 yards against Baltimore so there are cracks to be had in the Pats offense (Gronkowski's health will be a huge indication in all of this.) But as always, Brady is the X-factor. The dude is just SO good and that alone can psych out any defensive attack. If the Giants can play their game, it'll be rough for New England to put together a complete game, more-so on the defensive side of the ball.

[Enigma869]

The only thing that I think helps the Patriots is the lack of deep threat.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Spot on dude. That's THE DIFFERENCE between this team and the 2007 team. The 07 team had to hold their blocks a whole lot longer for Moss to get down the field. The Patriots don't have a Moss on this team. It's a completely different passing game and if Brady finds his receivers for 5 to 10 yard outs, he isn't going to need much time. This Patriots team also has a better offensive line than the 07 team, so we shall see how it all shakes out. The bottom line for me is that if Brady gets the time, he isn't losing this game. If he doesn't have time to throw the ball, the Giants will simply be too good to beat.

[conversationpc]

It sure looks like Peyton is out in Indy... can you imagine if this fucker can get healthy and go somewhere like San Fran or Baltimore next year?

I've been saying forever that he is out. There is simply ZERO chance that the Colts are paying this guy the $28 Million they owe him in March. It simply wouldn't make good business sense, given there is still no evidence that Peyton is healthy enough to play football anywhere.

Whether or not he plays for the Colts again, I'm thinking it's a likely possibility that he doesn't play again, period.

[YoungJRNY]

The only thing that I think helps the Patriots is the lack of deep threat.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Spot on dude. That's THE DIFFERENCE between this team and the 2007 team. The 07 team had to hold their blocks a whole lot longer for Moss to get down the field. The Patriots don't have a Moss on this team. It's a completely different passing game and if Brady finds his receivers for 5 to 10 yard outs, he isn't going to need much time. This Patriots team also has a better offensive line than the 07 team, so we shall see how it all shakes out. The bottom line for me is that if Brady gets the time, he isn't losing this game. If he doesn't have time to throw the ball, the Giants will simply be too good to beat.

It's going to be good. A chess match between the two hottest teams. I agree that if Brady has time, there's NOONE better and he'll just pick you apart before he guts you with his tight ends. Those guys are somethin'. So fun to watch such dominance at a position (was hopin' that's what Heath Miller would be, but he's more all-around on a bad Steelers oline.) Love what Bellichick does with his talent. Hernandez in the backfield and Eldelman on the defensive unit. Bellichick forces his players to be versatile and they play so smart and discipline. That's why New England is so hard to beat. How can you beat a good team when they never beat themselves? Just when you think you have them where you want them, they can change the momentum around on you within one bing, bam, boom drive.

[DavidWT]

You guys are all over-analyzing this. The Giants are going to win. How do I know that? Because a camel predicted it:
[url]
http://www.app.com/article/20120126/NJN ... source=rss
[/url]

People use all sorts of ways to try to predict the winner of the Super Bowl: comparing regular season records, judging who looked stronger in the post-season run-up to the big game, or watching the betting lines from Las Vegas oddsmakers.

But the closest thing to a sure thing may come from a camel in New Jersey.
Princess, the star of New Jersey’s Popcorn Park Zoo, has correctly picked the winner of five of the last six Super Bowls. She went 14 and 6 predicting regular season and playoff games this year, and has a lifetime record of 88-51.
Her pick this year: The New York Giants.
The Bactrian camel’s prognostication skills flow from her love of graham crackers. Zoo general manager John Bergmann places a cracker and writes the name of the competing teams on each hand. Whichever hand Princess nibbles from is her pick. On Wednesday, she made her pick with no hesitation at all, predicting bad news for Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Her only miscue in the big game was picking the Indianapolis Colts over the New Orleans Saints two years ago, indicating that even camels know it’s generally risky to go against Peyton Manning.
Her best season was 2008, when she got 17 out of 22 games right, including correctly picking the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl.
Princess doesn’t do point spreads. But she has nearly mastered the art of picking straight-up winners.
The cunning camel was once the personal pet of heiress Doris Duke, the only child of tobacco and electric energy tycoon James Buchanan Duke.
Doris Duke raised Princess and her sister Babe from youngsters, Bergmann said.
The pair of camels had their own barn, and spent summers at Duke’s Rhode Island estate. During bad weather, they were put up in the solarium.
After Duke’s death in 1993, the camels stayed on her estate in Hillsborough. Babe died several years ago, leaving just Princess.
When Princess’ caretaker was about to retire, the estate offered Princess to Popcorn Park Zoo, which took her in. The zoo cares for abandoned and abused animals.

C

[Enigma869]

Nothing for me to over-analyze. This is truly a "pick 'em" game. I think the Giants should be favored in this game and the only reason the Patriots are favored is the better regular season record. I obviously want my hometown team to win. That said, as a rabid NFL fan, I simply hope for a great game to watch.

[tater1977]

If you happen to see Michael S. dancing behind people
at the Pro Bowl...


Michael Strahan Takes Ellen's Dance Dare

http://youtu.be/SiC0qnVBBGQ

[Rockindeano]

The only thing that I think helps the Patriots is the lack of deep threat.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Spot on dude. That's THE DIFFERENCE between this team and the 2007 team. The 07 team had to hold their blocks a whole lot longer for Moss to get down the field. The Patriots don't have a Moss on this team. It's a completely different passing game and if Brady finds his receivers for 5 to 10 yard outs, he isn't going to need much time. This Patriots team also has a better offensive line than the 07 team, so we shall see how it all shakes out. The bottom line for me is that if Brady gets the time, he isn't losing this game. If he doesn't have time to throw the ball, the Giants will simply be too good to beat.

It's going to be good. A chess match between the two hottest teams. I agree that if Brady has time, there's NOONE better and he'll just pick you apart before he guts you with his tight ends. Those guys are somethin'. So fun to watch such dominance at a position (was hopin' that's what Heath Miller would be, but he's more all-around on a bad Steelers oline.) Love what Bellichick does with his talent. Hernandez in the backfield and Eldelman on the defensive unit. Bellichick forces his players to be versatile and they play so smart and discipline. That's why New England is so hard to beat. How can you beat a good team when they never beat themselves? Just when you think you have them where you want them, they can change the momentum around on you within one bing, bam, boom drive.

Blah blah blah.

The Giants are a better team, period. NE's defense is so fucking pathetic, that Manning, not Brady, will have the career game.

Fuck you S2M.

[conversationpc]

I LOVE the new avatar!

[YoungJRNY]

The only thing that I think helps the Patriots is the lack of deep threat.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Spot on dude. That's THE DIFFERENCE between this team and the 2007 team. The 07 team had to hold their blocks a whole lot longer for Moss to get down the field. The Patriots don't have a Moss on this team. It's a completely different passing game and if Brady finds his receivers for 5 to 10 yard outs, he isn't going to need much time. This Patriots team also has a better offensive line than the 07 team, so we shall see how it all shakes out. The bottom line for me is that if Brady gets the time, he isn't losing this game. If he doesn't have time to throw the ball, the Giants will simply be too good to beat.

It's going to be good. A chess match between the two hottest teams. I agree that if Brady has time, there's NOONE better and he'll just pick you apart before he guts you with his tight ends. Those guys are somethin'. So fun to watch such dominance at a position (was hopin' that's what Heath Miller would be, but he's more all-around on a bad Steelers oline.) Love what Bellichick does with his talent. Hernandez in the backfield and Eldelman on the defensive unit. Bellichick forces his players to be versatile and they play so smart and discipline. That's why New England is so hard to beat. How can you beat a good team when they never beat themselves? Just when you think you have them where you want them, they can change the momentum around on you within one bing, bam, boom drive.

Blah blah blah.

The Giants are a better team, period. NE's defense is so fucking pathetic, that Manning, not Brady, will have the career game.

Fuck you S2M.

LOL, re-check the quote big man I do agree the Giants are an overall better team than N.E. Victor Cruz has the potential to run circles and zig-zags around those guys all game long. Bellichick's going to have to dial up pressure from their defensive front or it'll be a long day for New England on the outsides.

[YoungJRNY]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears



Interesting tid-bit from #1 on that list, Ray Lewis about his friendship with Roethlisberger:

“Every time we see each other, you’re going to always see — nobody [has] never noticed it — but any time we play each other, I put my hand over my heart and he puts his hand over his heart, and we give each other the nod — warriors going at it — whatever it takes. And that’s the ultimate respect, because when you see guys back in the day, they gave that respect. That’s what the game was always built upon. That’s what makes the [rivalry] so fierce, because back then, when you looked at the old-school Dallas Cowboys and the old-school San Francisco 49ers, you knew what you were getting, but they respected each other so much. Today, when you think about Ben Roethlisberger and me, you think about old-school mentalities, no matter what it is. That’s why, every time — win, lose or draw — we’re going to always be friends.” -Ray Lewis on Ben Roethlisberger

[Enigma869]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

[AR]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

Exactly right.

Players of yesterday, had they not had to work offseason jobs and current technology would have evolved into what we see today, just sooner.

By the same token there are many today who would have been great players then, but they would not have been the physical specimens they are now.

This is why you can't compare eras.

[Ehwmatt]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

Truer words never spoken. On another note, I really have never bought into the Urlacher hype. Good player for sure, but not worthy of the hype he's always gotten.

[YoungJRNY]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

Right, all it was really meant for was a fun article and nothing more. These are slow weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and the media is trying to get their hands on something to write about and I thought it was a fun and cool thing to do, especially the photoshopped pictures that was presented for the article. Pretty neat. Other than that, not really relevant at all. They put out some HORRIBLE articles. I saw the other day they made a BIG DEAL out of Bill Bellichick not wearing the "Red Hoodie" that he wore in Super Bowl XLII because they lost. Slow world in the NFL within these two weeks waiting for the Super Bowl.

[YoungJRNY]

Former Steelers OC Bruce Arians to become Indianapolis Colts new OC according to Adam Sheftler. Also, Mike Tomlin had a sit down diner with former Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, who can become the new Steelers OC in the upcoming days.

[RPM]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

Truer words never spoken. On another note, I really have never bought into the Urlacher hype. Good player for sure, but not worthy of the hype he's always gotten.

Interesting. what part of his game do you think is over rated?

[Ehwmatt]

Former Steelers OC Bruce Arians to become Indianapolis Colts new OC according to Adam Sheftler. Also, Mike Tomlin had a sit down diner with former Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, who can become the new Steelers OC in the upcoming days.

Hmm. Caldwell as OC? That would qualify as subtraction by addition :/. Sounds like an affirmative action hire from an affirmative action coach. Oh well.

[Ehwmatt]

ESPN asked 20 NFL Hall of Fame players to give them a list of a current player that could have played in any era in the NFL…


Their top 5:

1. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens

2. Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Charles Woodson - Green Bay Packers

5. Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears

I saw the poll and thought it was idiotic. Polls like this always are. It's a way for older people to talk about how great a league or sport once was. I've never bought into it and never will. The NFL is as strong as ever. If the players playing today were in the league 20 or 40 years ago, not much would be different. There are tough players today and there were tough players 30 years ago. There are soft players today and there were soft players 30 years ago. Players adapt to the environment they're in. It's no different than the children of today not being able to survive without cell phones, Facebook and Twitter, when many of us managed to get by without computers, cable tv, our own portable water suppy everywhere we go, and the iPod. Again, people adapt to the world they are in.

Truer words never spoken. On another note, I really have never bought into the Urlacher hype. Good player for sure, but not worthy of the hype he's always gotten.

Interesting. what part of his game do you think is over rated?

As I said, he's a good player and seems to be a good leader/has good intangibles too. But I don't think he's quite as much of an athletic freak as I'd expect from someone hyped like him. Admittedly, I remember watching him a lot more in recent years than in the early part of his career, so I shouldn't be painting in broad strokes.

He's kinda like the Roethlisberger of LBs... the guy is definitely not the most skilled or most athletic at his position, but he flat out gets it done. I just don't think he quite deserves the hype he gets.