Official 2008-09 NFL thread

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It's that time of year again, folks! After last year's exciting finish with the Giants upsetting the undefeated Patriots to win the Super Bowl and an offseason of interesting moves (plus Brett Favre), the new season will finally start tonight when the Giants take on the Redskins. The remainder of Week 1 games will be played Sunday and Monday. Here are my predictions for every division, plus comments:

NFC East: The toughest division in the conference and possibly the entire league. Last year it was home to three playoff teams, with the Eagles finishing strongly at 8-8. The Giants won the Super Bowl, but it's a mark of the division's toughness that a lot of people aren't even predicting them to make the playoffs this year. Eli's going to be better, but with Strahan and Umenyiora gone, they're going to be fighting an uphill battle. As for the rest of the division, I hate the Cowboys but they are probably the best team in the East, so long as Romo isn't distracted. I think he'll be able to overcome the lack of receiver depth and lead the team to another division title. A lot of people are picking the Eagles to win the division and maybe even make a Super Bowl appearance, but as a hometown guy I just don't see it happening, especially not with their crappy receivers. The Redskins I think will take a step back this year - Campbell has not looked good in the preseason and I don't think Zorn has enough experience yet.

Cowboys
Giants (wild card)
Eagles
Redskins

NFC North: The Packers surprised everybody last year and look to repeat, Brett Favre or not. However, the Minnesota Vikings (coached by Martok's favorite person in the world, Brad Childress) went on a spending spree in the offseason, grabbing Berrian and Jared Allen. They're clearly making a push for greater things, and most people have one of the two teams winning the division and going far. However, the one thing they both have in common are young, injury-prone QBs (plus a lack of depth). I can easily see both of them going down and their teams struggling as a result. This opens the door for my sleeper pick, the Detriot Lions, to come in and take the division title. Their offense looks very good, with Kitna having possibly the best receiver combo in the league in Williams and Johnson, plus a nice running back tandem. The only question is their defense, but I think this is the year where the Lions stop being a joke. The Bears, on the other hand, are getting older on defense and still don't have a decent quarterback. I think they're going to implode and get a very good draft pick.

Lions
Vikings
Packers
Bears

NFC South: Tampa Bay won it last year with a ton of old guys, and then promptly lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Giants. I think they're a decent team, but Garcia and Galloway can't play well forever and they're in a weak division. After Delhomme got hurt, the Panthers couldn't get anything going and as a result their coach is on the hot seat. Delhomme's back, but I just can't see the Panthers getting anything done in this division. The Saints, after getting a ton of injuries last year, are back and look to repeat their performance of two years ago. Like the Lions, they seem to have a very solid offense with a lesser defense. They will win this weakened division easily. The Falcons are in Year 1 of their retooling and won't make much of an impact.

Saints
Buccaneers
Panthers
Falcons

NFC West: The Seahawks have always been a decent team and want to make one final run for Holmgren's final year of coaching. Hasselbeck is a great QB and they have a decent defense, but the question remains whether they can beat the powerhouse teams in the conference. Their running game is also a question mark. Arizona looks like it's about to climb the mountain, but their reliance on Warner over Leinart is a bit alarming - don't forget that Kurt is an old guy who gets hurt a lot. Warner's health could determine this otherwise talented team's fate. The 49ers are a mess, especially at QB (and they have no receivers, either), and the Rams are rebuilding.

Seahawks
Cardinals (wild card)
Rams
49ers

AFC East: Naturally, the Patriots will dominate. They still have all of their record-setting offense from last year and have an added chip on their shoulder. The question is not whether they will make the playoffs or not, but how far will they go? Their secondary is their only weak link, with Samuel going to the Eagles. The Jets added a ton of players in the offseason, most notably Brett Favre, but as we've seen in the past, they usually all don't click. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are quietly maturing and building up their roster. They won't make the playoffs this year, but they will finish second in the division and get put on the map. Miami, under Parcells's guidance, will experience a turnaround but won't be a factor, at least not this year.

Patriots
Bills
Jets
Dolphins

AFC North: This is a tough division, with the powerful Steelers, primed Browns, and desperate Bengals all gunning for the title. I think the Steelers, even though they lost Faneca, will repeat, but barely. The Browns have decent QBs and if Anderson falters, Brady Quinn will step in and lead them to a wild card berth. The Bengals will fall apart as their numerous problems, especially with injuries and defense, will sink them. The Ravens have a new outlook, but until their murky QB situation is solved (or if Flacco steps up and becomes the next Manning), won't go anywhere.

Steelers
Browns (wild card)
Ravens
Bengals

AFC South: The other candidate for best division in the league, the mighty Indianapolis Colts look to win their sixth straight title. They're hurt (Manning, Harrison, Freeney, etc.) and aging, but this is Dungy's last year and they're still extremely dangerous. However, I think this is the year they finally cede their crown to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a good QB in Garrard and are a very balanced, capable team. The changing of the guard in the South will net them two playoff teams, plus the growing Houston Texans taking third over Vince Young's receiverless Titans.

Jaguars
Colts (wild card)
Texans
Titans

AFC West: This is San Diego's year. Merriman is hurt, but they still have an uber-talented roster. Cromartie will be the best CB in the league by year's end, Tomlinson will have another year or two of his amazing production (however, he won't be the best fantasy player this year), and Rivers will dominate with Gates and his receivers. The Denver Broncos have a good QB/WR combination in Cutler and Marshall, but the rest of the team just can't seem to get it done. The Raiders will be an exciting team to watch with Russell and McFadden leading the offense, but still have too many problems. The Chiefs are rebuilding.

Chargers
Broncos
Raiders
Chiefs

Final Predictions:
NFC: Saints over Seahawks
AFC: Chargers over Patriots
Super Bowl: Chargers over Saints

Let's have a good season, everybody. :2thumbsup:

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=OhILOm4BdCQ Thats whats up

NFC East: As much as it pains me to say so, the Cowboys -- my favorite team to hate -- has the edge to win the division. Eli and the Giants will still be pretty good, but they lost too much talent in the offseason to compete with Dallas. New York will finish second, getting one of the wild card slots. Philly will finish at around .500, with Washington continuing to struggle.

Cowboys
Giants (wild card)
Eagles
Redskins


NFC North: Yes, my beloved Vikings ponied up the dough in this past spring/summer and did some serious beefing up of their player roster. Yes, Green Bay has lost Favre, and his heir-apparent is still a largely-untested QB. Despite this, however, the Packers will still just edge out Minnesota for the division title, with my team landing the other wild card berth. Chicago will just barely avoid the cellar, relegating that role (as usual) to Detroit.

Packers
Vikings (wild card)
Bears
Lions


NFC South: In one of of my surprise picks, I'm actually going with Tampa Bay to repeat. The Saints are decent, but they're also overrated IMHO. Atlanta will again finish last, although Carolina probably won't do much better.

Bucs
Saints
Panthers
Falcons


NFC West: It's Seattle's division to lose this year. Arizona should give them a run for their money, but will fall probably short in the end. I predict San Francisco will finally begin to show signs of life, possibly going 8-8. St. Louis will continue to suffer setbacks.

Seahawks
Cardinals
49ers
Rams


AFC East: New England -- not that that one's a tough call. ~:rolleyes: Buffalo and New York will finish at or just above .500, with Miami winning *maybe* 6 games this season (if they're lucky).

Patriots
Bills
Jets
Dolphins


AFC North: I agree Pittsburgh still has the edge, but with Cleveland nipping at their heels the whole way -- either way, one team will win the division crown, while the other gets a wild card slot. I think Baltimore, while not competitive this season, will still do better than most are expecting. Cincinnati will continue to free-fall.

Steelers
Browns (wild card)
Ravens
Bengals


AFC South: Indianapolis will win their division again, despite their injuries -- with my beloved Dungy retiring, they're going to play all-out this season. Also, I don't think Garrard is quite as good as some people think he is, nor the team as a whole (for all that I'm a del Rio fan). In fact, I'm picking Houston to finish second and just edge out the Jaguars for a wild-card slot. I do agree, however, that Tennessee will continue to go nowhere until they find someone for Young to throw to.

Colts
Texans (wild card)
Jaguars
Titans


AFC West: Yep, San Diego for the division crown. Denver will finish second, but not really threaten, with KC doing surprisingly well given their druthers the last few seasons (wouldn't be surprised if they managed to go 8-8). Oakland....sucks. They have for years, and will continue to do so.

Chargers
Broncos
Chiefs
Raiders



Final Predictions:

NFC: Cowboys over Seahawks

AFC: Patriots over Chargers

Super Bowl: Patriots over Cowboys (which is close to my ultimate nightmare scenario, by the way -- two teams I despise :thumbsdown: )

GH I want you to repeat after me: "I will not believe in the Lions until Matt Millen is fired (Or consumed by actual Lions avenging the offense to their namesake)."

As the Raiders are my team I am planning to take this year off from watching football... wait, no, that's just dumb. I will, however, pick the team most likely to humiliate them to win the Superbowl. Good luck Chargers, I picked you last year and, uhm, yeah... Good luck.

Out of the NFC I'm going to take the Packers. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named-(in-their-locker-room) was as much a liability for them as he was an asset last year, and Rodgers is as ready as ever a replacement can become. Plus the Packers got faster on defense, and IMHO the rule changes are going to make this a big year for fast defenses.

I won't make division by division predictions, but I will go waaaaay out on a limb and say that at least two more teams make another epic run at one of the least coveted records in all of sports, 0-16, by managing to achieve a minimum of 0-10. I'll leave you to guess which two.

:egypt:

NFC East: This was a strong division last year, but I'm predicting a slow down this year. The skins lost Joe Gibbs, replaced by a rookie head coach. The Giants had an incredible run last year, and I think they're still a solid team, but that they'll go 8-8 and miss the playoffs. The Eagles had a quietly good offseason, and Donovan McNabb is back and healthy. It think their secondary will be so good they can stack the line with an 8 man, and make their defense rock solid. McNabb and a Westbrook will put up enough points to have a productive offense. Of note, I think the Cowboys will have a down year. T.O. is a proven nuisance, and the honeymoon will be over. They lost a lot of their running game, as well as Terry Glenn, who I think will be missed more than people think. They still have a lot of talent, but I don't sense any kind of cohesion, and Wilson doesn't impress me as a coach.

Eagles
Giants
Cowboys
Redskins

NFC North: A lot's made of the Brett Favre situation and how that will hurt the Packers, but I think Aaron Rodgers will have a terrific year. He's had years to improve his mechanics and work with the coaching staff, and he was an obviously talented QB coming out of Cal. The rest of the team is still very good. I'm going out on a limb and going to predic the Bears will, somehow, someway, patch together an 8-8 season, with strong defense, and Kyle Orton being more consistent and protective of the ball than Rexy. The Vikings, on the other hand, have no proven sense of cohesion despite their talent, and I think will have a letdown. I still think Childress is a numnutz of a coach, and will botch team chemistry. The Lions speak for themselves.

Packers
Bears
Vikings
Lions


NFC West: I'm predicting a breakout year for the Cardinals. Their offense will be great with Kurt Warner at the helm. Their offensive line showed progress last year, and I think will be even better this year. The receiving corps will still be very good, and I think a TE will be developed in the person of Leanord Pope. This division will not be very good, and their merely adequate defense will be able to contain their divisional opponents enough to enable them to win the division. I think the Rams will have a renaissance this year. Bulger's a very good QB still, and more importantly, Orlando Pace and the rest of their O-Line is healthy once again. Bulger will light up the field. The defense will be a liability, but their fantastic offense will enable them to win a wild card spot. The 49ers will, like the Rams and Cards, will have a fantastic offense with Martz at the helm of the Offense, but they won't be balanced, and they don't have any kind of proven performer at QB like Bulger. They'll finish just behind the Rams. The Seahawks have gotten old, they have no RB who's got any kind of proven record, they still don't have a decent reciever, let along any good one, and their 'D' still isn't very good.

Cardinals
Rams (Wild card)
49ers
Seahawks

NFC South: The Saints will come marching home. Brees is a top 5 QB, the recieving corps is solid, the line is very good, and Deuce McCallister comes back, giving them the 1-2 punch with Bush. The defense isn't all that good, but I predict a down year for the division as a whole. The Panthers will grab the other wild card spot, with Delhomme coming back, and a strong running game to work with as well. The 'D' is a complete question mark, it could be good or bad. The Falcons are still rebuilding, and have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball. The Bucs, I predict, will fall apart. They haven't a proven RB, Garcia and the receivers are old, and the line has been shaky from year to year. The 'D' has some question marks in the secondary and inside line. Plus, the Bucs have never been able to put any consistency forth year to year since Gruden's been there.

Saints
Panthers (Wild Card)
Falcons
Buccaneers

AFC East: The Pats are king. Period. Jets will be much improved. Favre will rally the team and inject excitement. Plus, it doesn't hurt that their o-line should be great, giving him plenty of time to throw, as well as giving Thomas Jones room to run. I predict a wild card for them. The Bills have a sold 'D', and their offense has some promising young players, but this just isn't their year, they need more exp. The 'Phins, like the lions, speak for themselves at this point.

Patriots
Jets(Wild card)
Bills
Dolphins

AFC South: Ok, I'm a bit biased, but the Colts are still top dogs in the south. Peyton's been out of the pre-season, but its irrelevant. The offense has years of chemistry together, and Anthony Gonzo will have a breakout year in the slot, where he belongs. Harrison will come back strong, and he's been working out and practicing for a while now. Plus, our line is perrenially strong thanks to the great work by Howard Mudd, our terrific o-line coach. I'm a bit concerned about the loss of Jeff Saturday, however. That could hurt a lot if he's out for a prolonged time. Our defense will be stronger, I think, than last year. Its still VERY young, and we added some critical players. Guys to watch- Curtis Johnson, and undrafted free agent from Clark College in Atlanta, and Marcus Howard, our 5th round pick. Both are excellent speed rushers, and fit our system perfectly. I think both will be far better backusp than what we had last year. Bob Sanders has recovered from his injury, but he needs to keep himself upright- he's the best defensive player in the NFL, in my opinion. He's a dynamo, all over the field, and a great tackler.

The Texans have a very good young team, and I think that Steve Slaton will take off at RB halfway through the season. He fits the system well, and has a lot of quicks. Schaub's a solid QB, and Rosenfels is a quality backup. The receiving corps is good and young, if Johnson stays healthy, they will be very good. The defense has been getting better and better, and I think Amobi Okoye will takeoff at DT this year, being more consistent. The rest of the defense has quality talent as well, such as Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. I'm predicting they'll pickup a wild card spot ahead of the Jaguars. The Jags I have reservations about. Their receiving corps is in tatters, and a couple of players on the o-line are hurt. Fred Taylor has been historically fragile, and he's getting older as well. Jones-Drew can't handle the starting role by himself. The 'D', which used to be build on its rush defense, has been hit. Stroud's in Buffalo, and Henderson's a bit fragile, and even if he is on the field, can only do so much himself. They have NO veteran pass rusher, and Derrick Harvey won't be the help they need. They reached for him, and he held out for a very long time to boot. I'm predicting a bigger year from Quentin Groves. I'm predicting 8-8, and just missing the playoffs. Tennessee is maddening. They don't seem to have the talent other teams have, but they ALWAYS find ways to be competitive. Young doesn't put up very good numbers, and turns it over too may times, but still somehow keeps them in games. Their receiving corps has nobody most people can recognize, but they still manage to move the chains. Yet, the losses to their D-line will be felt, and their defense will crack more this year. I think this will be compensated a bit by an improved running game and a more consistent Young. However, the brutal division will keep them at 8-8, and out of the playoffs.

Colts
Texans (wild card)
Jaguars
Titans

AFC West: THis division will still be terrible. The bolts have a complete lock here, they simply have far too much talent and proven players like LT to have a chance of not winning this division. Their defense will still be great, and Rivers has shown to be a quality QB thus far. The Broncos will improve slightly under a more mature Jay Cutler, but the rest of the team is still subpar, on pretty much every level. The Chiefs are rebuilding, with a lot of young players at key positions, and their special teams is worth mentioning because of how awful it was last year; they went through seven kickers last year. The Raiders are a rotten organization, and I mean more in a literal sense. Al Davis has no idea how to run a team anymore, and his interference has rotted what used to be a great franchise into a perennial joke now. No half decent coach would put up with Davis.

Chargers
Broncos
Chiefs
Raiders

AFC North: The Browns have a load of quality young talent, complemented by a top offensive line and a grinding running game with Jamal Lewis. The defense will improve greatly with Shaun Rogers at the nose tackle position, and Corey Williams will vastly improve their DE spot. The improvement along the D-line will have a carry over effect for the linebackers, who will be freer to run to the ball and rush the passer, which in turn gives the secondary an easier job. The secondary still is pretty awful, but the D will be solid overall, methinks. The steelers have a great QB in Roethlisberger, but I think the rest of the team is decidedly average. They lost Faneca on the o-line, and their OT spot is still a bit questionable. I think they'll finish 9-7, but will miss the playoffs because of the Texans and Jets, who I think will both finish at the 10 win mark. The Bengals are full of enigmas, and the D is shotty. Marvin Lewis will be fired after this year. The Ravens have a new coach and rookie QB from day one(Flacco apparently got the starting job). This is clearly a rebuilding year.

Browns
Steelers
Bengals
Ravens

I don't fee like doing all the round by round stuff, but I'll do the championships.

NFC championship-Eagles defeat Saints

AFC championship- Colts defeat Patriots

Super Bowl- Colts defeat Eagles.

Tony Dungy retires.



MARTOK: The NFC central doesn't exist anymore. :tongue:

I'm feeling the Bangles this year. I really think Pittsburgh has topped out and last year I really felt as if Cincinnati has been squandering good talent the pat couple of years.

The bengals are going to step up this year. We have the nicest, hardest working, least complaining, happy go lucky bunch of guys out of any team in the leauge. In the end it's personal integrity and quality of character that make a good football team.

:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:
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ROFL!!!

:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

Classic, Sasaki. :laugh4:

Can anyone translate "Sasaki Kojiro" to spanish for me? I'm thinking of changing my username...

Wow three went for raiders, I just chose them cause they are fun to go see. Man I love their games and all the fun before and after

I think we can all honestly say that the Redskins will not win the NFC East this year. ~D There is much gnashing of teeth going across the airwaves this morning, I love football season in DC. :laugh4: The Giants didn't look very good either, they tried to give the game away but the Skins apparently didn't want it either.

Chargers, Patriots, Jaguars - Cowboys, Eagles, Packers. Some combination of these teams will be in the Bowl.

This is the year the Colts come back and show they have all the pieces. Marvin Harrison is back, they've got a great running back, Reggie Wayne and Manning's gelled last year with Marvin gone most of the year, and their offensive line looked good in preseason. I think the Eagles are good BUT that's only if their quarterback stays healthy and i wouldn't put money on that. Will this be the year that Rivers lives up to his potential and LT gets some relief from having to run and run and run? I think the Seahawks will be a bust with Julious Jones getting thumped worse than he did in Dallas. I'm excited about the Falcons, I think their rookie QB has got the poise and the horses to throw to and now they have a pretty solid RB in Turner who was LT's second on the Chargers last year. My only question is how long will Ricky Williams last in Miami before he goes Cheech and Chong on them again!!! This is going to be a great year!!! :2thumbsup:

This isn't football, the players barely ever use they're feet for god's sake! I propose it be renamed to stupidball so that no one will ever confuse it with the true football :yes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elite Ferret

This isn't football, the players barely ever use they're feet for god's sake! I propose it be renamed to stupidball so that no one will ever confuse it with the true football :yes:

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I think this thread should be Euro football free. i mean the title doesn't say football it says NFL


Anyways... Is this going to be the whole of the season thread or just who do you think will win thread?

Why does everybody think the Eagles are going to be good? This is truly perplexing as a hometowner. :dizzy2: McNabb has nobody to throw to aside from Westbrook. They'll be okay, but I'm not expecting anything big.

Quote:

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Anyways... Is this going to be the whole of the season thread or just who do you think will win thread?

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Probably the entire season thread, just like last year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elite Ferret

This isn't football, the players barely ever use they're feet for god's sake! I propose it be renamed to stupidball so that no one will ever confuse it with the true football

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Association football already has a thread:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68386

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

McNabb has nobody to throw to aside from Westbrook.

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Westbrook is the reason they are good. :yes:

Soooo.... I suspect that my favorite team Da Raiduhs will make mince meat of at least 2-4 teams this year. So far...from what I saw in preseason... Jamarcus Russel is waaay to immature and it looks like we might have Walter in at some point lol...at least our defense shows....SOME promise if stupid play calling doesn't lose us any more games lol. As for coach Davis...well... the question is when he will kick the bucket and give the team to some one who can actually run the team help to continue not to suck lol...:smash:

Here's to another season of being the league's bean bag :medievalcheers:

PS...I just hope we beat somebody from our division :whip:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Why does everybody think the Eagles are going to be good? This is truly perplexing as a hometowner. :dizzy2: McNabb has nobody to throw to aside from Westbrook. They'll be okay, but I'm not expecting anything big.

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Because I think the 'D' will be improved this year. Johnson loves to blitz, and I think, as long as the players accept their roles, he will be able to go nuts this year with their cornerback situation as good as it is.

Plus, the NFC isn't very good.:no:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Decker

Soooo.... I suspect that my favorite team Da Raiduhs will make mince meat of at least 2-4 teams this year. So far...from what I saw in preseason... Jamarcus Russel is waaay to immature and it looks like we might have Walter in at some point lol...at least our defense shows....SOME promise if stupid play calling doesn't lose us any more games lol. As for coach Davis...well... the question is when he will kick the bucket and give the team to some one who can actually run the team help to continue not to suck lol...:smash:

Here's to another season of being the league's bean bag :medievalcheers:

PS...I just hope we beat somebody from our division :whip:

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Odin preserve us from having Walter come in again unless Russel breaks a leg. What he needs to get rid of that immaturity is, frankly, a couple of games getting his head pounded in and his *** kicked with a vigor. Let him take his lumps, scream at his O-line, and smack some wideouts around so they run the routes with precision. He needs to hurt some to get a passion for winning.

The D has potential and no mistake, but they're going to need somebody to step up and lead for them to reach it. On talent alone I say this is easily the 2nd best team in the Division, behind only the Chargers. Unfortunately I'm not convinced, especially after a shaky, mistake filled preseason, that they're going to play up to their talent.

I expect this team to be streaky. If they can get on a run they'll win a couple in a row, but if they get down they'll probably lose a couple in a row. I'm really, really hoping they'll take both from the Broncos this year, and if so I'll call it an 8-8 season, maybe even 9-7.

:egypt:

AFC south
Jaguars(division winner)
Colts(wild card)
Titans
Texans

This division needs to be broken up. This could easily be the 2nd year in a row that all 4 teams are 8-8 or better.

AFC east
Patriots(division winner)
Jets(wild card)
Bills
Dolphins

I think the Jets can really get a wild card. They have one of the easiest schedules in the league(New England has the easiest). The AFC south teams will beat each other up while the Browns have the second toughest schedule in the league(Steelers have the toughest).

AFC North
Steelers(division winner)
Browns
Bengals
Ravens

The Steelers and Browns both have really tough schedules but I think the Steelers have the experience and poise to pull it off whereas the Browns are likely to implode at some point in the season.

AFC West
Chargers(division winner)
Raiders
Broncos
Chiefs

The raiders look like they've improved a lot. If this was the NFC they'd be in the post season.

NFC North
Vikings(division winner)
Packers(wild card)
Lions
Bears

The Bears will be the worst offense in the NFL. The Vikings look scary this year. All Tavaris has to do is be an average quarterback and they'll coast to the NFC championship. Aaron Rodgers isn't a huge step down from Favre and we've added some depth at DB. I don't see why the Pack wouldn't at least get a wild card.

NFC South
Saints(division winner)
Panthers
Buccaneers
Falcons

The Saints offense is going to go crazy this year.

NFC west
49s(division winner)
Seahawks
Rams
Cardinals

This division is terrible. 49s get in because they have a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball and because Martz is the OC. Quick round 1 exit in the playoffs for the division winner.

NFC East
Cowboys(division winner)
Giants(wild card)
Eagles
Redskins

Not much to say here. Cowboys should get in pretty easily and the Giants always seem to find away to get a wild card.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ramses II CP

Odin preserve us from having Walter come in again unless Russel breaks a leg. What he needs to get rid of that immaturity is, frankly, a couple of games getting his head pounded in and his *** kicked with a vigor. Let him take his lumps, scream at his O-line, and smack some wideouts around so they run the routes with precision. He needs to hurt some to get a passion for winning.

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Yeah. After watching him on the field and on the sideline, I can definitely say that he needs a couple uh good whacks ~;)

Quote:

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The D has potential and no mistake, but they're going to need somebody to step up and lead for them to reach it. On talent alone I say this is easily the 2nd best team in the Division, behind only the Chargers. Unfortunately I'm not convinced, especially after a shaky, mistake filled preseason, that they're going to play up to their talent.

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Oh no it totally does show potential. Though from the watching them as a whole, a couple guys need to step up their coverage strategies or they will get eaten alive by the receivers of the other teams. Not to mention watching their running backs just run right through us several times. I personally like what's his name from last season. The stupid local media turned everyone against him because he was starting over a guy who didn't even go to the freakin training camp!

And that's what is so obvious. We need a guy who will get into the players faces, no matter what side of the line. We just need a leader!

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I expect this team to be streaky. If they can get on a run they'll win a couple in a row, but if they get down they'll probably lose a couple in a row. I'm really, really hoping they'll take both from the Broncos this year, and if so I'll call it an 8-8 season, maybe even 9-7.

:egypt:

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Streaky!? Are you kidding me lol... look at who we play. I'd say between, 4-12 or 6-10 is more realistic. Kiffin just needs to step up his kiddie grade play calling and call actual football plays and stop worrying about Davis.

Twenty bucks on Detroit for the final dance.:yes: Probably vs the Chargers.

This far out, the payoff should be about 20:1. :thumbsup:

The Bobby Lane Curse will expire the end of this month, and glory awaits the Motor City.

Go Lions!

But for now they seem intent on losing in the most embarrasing manner possible.

They're down 21-0 against the Atlanta Falcons:laugh4:

:laugh4:

I have to feel sorry for the poor lions fans. That's awful.

Steelers like usual :2thumbsup:

It's only 24-14 now, you ingrates. Don't make fun of me yet. :laugh4:

Anyone else enjoying the Eagles game?

-edit- 31-14. Crap.

And the NFL jinxes us again. Their bias is atrocious.

LOL.

From Vegas Insider.com:

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New England, which completed the 2007 regular season with an unblemished 16-0 record, was posted as an overwhelming 9/5 choice to cop Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1, 2009.' Reigning Super Bowl champion Indianapolis was a 6/1 second pick, while San Diego and Dallas opened at 10/1.

Another pair of current playoff clubs, Jacksonville and Green Bay were posted at 15/1, while Pittsburgh, which lost in the weekend's opening postseason round, was hung at 25/1.

Bunched at 30/1 were Seattle, Denver, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Chicago, Minnesota, New Orleans and the New York Giants.

Cincinnati, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Washington and Arizona went up at 40/1, with St. Louis opening at 50/1.

Carolina and Houston were posted at 60/1.

Grouped at 100/1 were Baltimore, Buffalo, Detroit, San Francisco, Kansas City and Oakland.

Michael Vick-less Atlanta was hung at 200/1, while hapless Miami had the distinction of being the long shot at 300/1.

---

So Detroit (100:1) got defeated by 200:1 Atlanta. Miami is the current long-shot at 300:1.

:inquisitive:

Why's that refer to the colts as reigning champs? Giants won...

Great catch in the back of the endzone for Carolina. ~:cheers:

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Originally Posted by Ichigo

Great catch in the back of the endzone for Carolina. ~:cheers:

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:yes: ~:cheers:

Brady to miss rest of year :no:

I guess the Eternal Backup, Matt Cassel, gets his chance now.

Another late round draft pick to the rescue after the starter goes down to injury? Let's hope lightning strikes twice.

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Originally Posted by OverKnight

I guess the Eternal Backup, Matt Cassel, gets his chance now.

Another late round draft pick to the rescue after the starter goes down to injury? Let's hope lightning strikes twice.

---

Do you mean Cassel having a serious ankle injury? :smash:

San Diego, SUPER CHARGERS! San Diego....CHARGERS!

I'll be going for them this time around. I may actually feel proud of them.

HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS

Other than the penalties we completely rolled over a browns team that was supposed to be "up and coming" Ha. Take that middle America!

Hmm.

Patriots still win the division, but probably at 10-6 now instead of 13-3. Bills take a game that they shouldn't have from NE and grab the second wild card spot that used to be Cleveland's.

Lest we forget before all making predictions of doom for the Belichick/Brady era in New England, Matt Cassel still has the best offensive supporting cast in the game.

Oh, and the Chargers beat Jax in the championship now instead of NE.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SwedishFish

San Diego, SUPER CHARGERS! San Diego....CHARGERS!

I'll be going for them this time around. I may actually feel proud of them.

---

You might want to reconsider. ~;)

A pity about their last-second loss to the Panthers. I really want San Diego to do well this year -- I've always had sort of a soft spot for them.

Jacksonville is way overrated in my opinion. A Vince Youngless Oiler team beat them and were all over Gaarad. I like jones drew but it was apparent today that they need to shore up their o-line or its an 8-8 year for them.

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Originally Posted by Martok

You might want to reconsider. ~;)

A pity about their last-second loss to the Panthers. I really want San Diego to do well this year -- I've always had sort of a soft spot for them.

---

Bah. My spot for the chargers is right above the special place I've got reserved for the Patsies.:smash:

Bah, we didn't show up tonight.

Oh yeah, I can't wait to read Bill Simmons in a day or two. That column should be entertaining. :laugh4:

Brady is Done for the year. Just made official :sad:

NFL without Brady will be weird...:shame:

On the plus side the Jets now have a shot at winning the division which means a higher draft pick for the Packers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Strike For The South

Brady is Done for the year. Just made official :sad:

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Whoot!!


[Martok goes running naked through the streets]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Martok

Whoot!!

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What did Brady ever do to you?

Well besides most likely crushing your team's hopes and dreams at some point.

It's nothing personal against Brady, or even against the Patriots per se. I just hate the Patriots fanbase -- along with the Red Sox fanbase, the Bruins fanbase, the Celtics fanbase.... You can see the pattern, I'm sure. ~;)


No offense to you or any other Bostonians here at the Org, but most of your fellow fans seem to have this sense of entitlement -- as if they think that their sports teams deserve to win the championship every year. Such breathtaking arrogance demands that I wish for failure to all professional New England sport franchises; it is my duty. ~;p

OK, now it's official.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3575339

They still haven't said what the injury actually is, but Brady's going under the knife and is being placed on Injured Reserve.

Kind of ironic. Brady has been listed continuously in the injury reports for, what, 3 years running (foot, doubtful IIRC) as a ploy and screw-you to the league office. They took him off for the first game of the year, and he gets a season-ending injury. Don't cry for him though, now he gets to spend lots of time with Gisele.

I, too, await Bill Simmons' column this week. Assuming he didn't jump off a ledge around 2pm yesterday. :laugh4:


The Cowboys were good (or the Browns were just really bad), but they had lots of stupid penalties. They need to work on that or it's going to bite them in a real game. Indy looked meh, Peyton might be rusty but the loss of Saturday really hurt their blocking. The new guy better learn quick.

Hey, Russel looked pretty good... for the last ten minutes against the second team D after the game was out of reach. During the, you know, real game he looked like a talentless chump with a bunch of WRs who just checked in off the street. :thumbsdown:

The Raiders were extremely undisciplined (As usual), the big money players didn't show up, and the defense was soft. It looks even worse than the offseason and preseason made it seem. Whichever RB won the coin toss for that play on the Broncos sideline came in the game and averaged over 5 yards a carry. Cutler's jersey was so clean he's not even going to get it washed before next week.

Hope sprang eternal until I saw 'em in a real game, and now I know they stink. You can say the Broncos always beat us, but this Denver team is younger than ours, with less talent, and they pasted the Raiders at home without looking like they tried too hard.

At least I was right about the Lions? :laugh4:

:egypt:

Cowboys. Nuff said.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ramses II CP

Hey, Russel looked pretty good... for the last ten minutes against the second team D after the game was out of reach. During the, you know, real game he looked like a talentless chump with a bunch of WRs who just checked in off the street. :thumbsdown:

The Raiders were extremely undisciplined (As usual), the big money players didn't show up, and the defense was soft. It looks even worse than the offseason and preseason made it seem. Whichever RB won the coin toss for that play on the Broncos sideline came in the game and averaged over 5 yards a carry. Cutler's jersey was so clean he's not even going to get it washed before next week.

Hope sprang eternal until I saw 'em in a real game, and now I know they stink. You can say the Broncos always beat us, but this Denver team is younger than ours, with less talent, and they pasted the Raiders at home without looking like they tried too hard.

At least I was right about the Lions? :laugh4:

:egypt:

---

I'm not giving up hope on the Lions yet. I refuse to believe an offense that good and a coach known for toughness and defense can be this bad.

As for last night, that must have been painful to watch if you were a Raiders fan. Royal absolutely demolished DeAngelo Hall (not that I'm complaining, never liked Hall). If he can do that week after week then Cutler's going to rack up some very high stats with Marshall coming back.

To my complete lack of surprise, the Vikings lost to the Packers last night in what I can only describe as a comedy of errors on both sides -- the two teams combined committed a whopping 21 penalties for a total of 160 yards. :no:

Still too early to tell whether Tarvaris Jackson can be the Vikes' starting quarterback. He showed pretty good poise in most situations, but still has a tendency to overthrow the ball even when he has time to throw. Of course, that's preferable to him underthrowing it and then getting picked off, but he still has a lot of room for improvement.

On the plus side: Opening the season with a loss means we're that much closer to coach Childress getting punted out of Minnesota. I hope, I hope, I hope.... :sweatdrop:

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As for last night, that must have been painful to watch if you were a Raiders fan.

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Good god... what a nightmare last night was. I don't even know where to begin! Russell counldn't find open recievers or they couldn't catch I dunno... as for the defense... well... should I even go into describing how... disgusting they looked! I have never, NEVER, seen the Raiders look so bad. Not even in the last two seasons! I was ready to leave the stadium at half-time I was so disenchanted, but I couldn't due to how much a season ticket is so I had to sit though a quarter and a half of horrible play after another. Hall couldn't mark at all and imho an overrated player while Asamouagh saw almost no play as Hall and the other headless chickens were run in circles all over the field by Denver's recievers. Our running core did alright with what they had to work with(a not so "great" offensive line). And watching Kiffin on the sideline, I was surprised to even see some life in him here and there, though I wasn't impressed when he didn't get into anyone's faces when we would...*blank* up. ANd when you look at who we get to play this year... after this game, we left telling those that sit with us..."see you next season." It was that bad... I don't know why some even cheered when we scored a td!?

Ugh... I'm glad that at least they have two road games until the next home game... I don't think I'm ready to sit through some more punishment :wall:

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Hope sprang eternal until I saw 'em in a real game, and now I know they stink. You can say the Broncos always beat us, but this Denver team is younger than ours, with less talent, and they pasted the Raiders at home without looking like they tried too hard.

---

So much for last year's "promise" of a better looking season this year. At least we had a close opening game against Denver in Denver. And lmao did you see Russell laughing on the sideline after his slip of the hand? Tui should've gone in then. Jeebus.

They couldn't make GH's list but I still rooting for them! I think it becomes automatic after 3 decades you just go on autopilot and hope for the best. :help:

GO SKINS GO! :whip:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Decker

And lmao did you see Russell laughing on the sideline after his slip of the hand? Tui should've gone in then. Jeebus.

---

That has to be by far the low point in the game, worse than the Hall debacle at corner, worse than the utter lack of discipline on the line, worse than the confusion on offense. It shows a simple lack of pride, of respect for the shoes these chumps have to fill. I think most teams in the league would get mad about being drubbed like that by a division rival and come back and play better, but somehow I don't see that happening with this bunch.

It's going to be a rough year. :shame: I still say this team, and this QB in particular, need to get beaten up and manhandled, I guess even worse than the Broncos did. I don't know what it will take to get through to them. Maybe next year Al will give up at last, maybe new ownership is the only thing left to try. :thumbsdown:

:egypt:

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Originally Posted by Ramses II CP

That has to be by far the low point in the game, worse than the Hall debacle at corner, worse than the utter lack of discipline on the line, worse than the confusion on offense. It shows a simple lack of pride, of respect for the shoes these chumps have to fill. I think most teams in the league would get mad about being drubbed like that by a division rival and come back and play better, but somehow I don't see that happening with this bunch.

It's going to be a rough year. :shame: I still say this team, and this QB in particular, need to get beaten up and manhandled, I guess even worse than the Broncos did. I don't know what it will take to get through to them. Maybe next year Al will give up at last, maybe new ownership is the only thing left to try. :thumbsdown:

:egypt:

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You should write for our local newspaper. The guys down here suck when it comes to writing about our boys in Silver & Black. I'm just glad we can watch them on the TV. I don't feel like attending another game after that haha... gwad:wall:

But like you... I'll still hold out some hope for them, despite how bad things may seem.


I've come to the conclusion that the only constants on the Raiders are:
1)Lechler
2)Janikowsky
3)and the Raiderettes.
Sad as that may be, I don't think we'll get much out unless we actually learn something from this game and pull ourselves together.

I'm surprised that Bellicheck hasn't brought in a third QB now that Brady is on the IR. A few years back they ran with two QBs for a bit before bringing in Testaverde later in the season, but I'd be a lot more comfortable if they brought in someone like Simms.

I'm all for giving Cassel a shot, but bring someone in now so they can learn the offense and be ready to go if injury or incompetence strikes. O'Connell will be an option in the future but for now he's a rookie.

Don't make the mistake of thinking Chris Simms is a QB. He's a tough kid and I don't mean to run him down, but he's never going to be a decent QB in this league, not even as a back-up. You'd be much better off with Culpepper on 3rd string.

:egypt:

At this point I think it's best for NE if they stick with what they have. Culpepper et al. won't learn the offense in anything resembling good time, and I see Cassel as a less-talented Rodgers-type figure (which, through one game at least, seems to be working out quite well).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Decker

You should write for our local newspaper. The guys down here suck when it comes to writing about our boys in Silver & Black. I'm just glad we can watch them on the TV. I don't feel like attending another game after that haha... gwad:wall:

But like you... I'll still hold out some hope for them, despite how bad things may seem.


I've come to the conclusion that the only constants on the Raiders are:
1)Lechler
2)Janikowsky
3)and the Raiderettes.
Sad as that may be, I don't think we'll get much out unless we actually learn something from this game and pull ourselves together.

---

Thanks Decker! You know I think sportswriting in general is in a pretty poor state these days. Half the stuff you read online is purely recycled week after week. Lechler and Janikowsky get plenty of work, that's for sure, and they're consistently well ranked statistically, which is more than the rest of the team can say.

The thing I'd like to see is this team to come out angry next week and beat KC like the Broncos beat us, but without letting up in the 4th. The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the league in every facet of the game and if these guys can't find a rhythm and get the offense on track against them, well, it's going to be a long, looong season.

:egypt:

With Brady out, I don't know if I even want to watch this season.

Cassell will be OK, but he won't be Brady. They will win some, lose some... then they're done.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Askthepizzaguy

With Brady out, I don't know if I even want to watch this season.

Cassell will be OK, but he won't be Brady. They will win some, lose some... then they're done.

---

:inquisitive:

Is this not the NFL we're talking about? By all logic, the Giants shouldn't have had a prayer of even sniffing the Super Bowl without Tiki Barber. Not that I want the Patriots to win, by any stretch of the imagination; I'd love to see them get thumped. However, we must remember the NFL incredibly unpredictable.

Meh.

I know y'all didn't like Brady, but he was somethin' special. Pats will find it difficult to shake his loss.

Actually, I think we'll find out just how special Brady is. The only time Brady's missed action in the past was in the playoffs his first year in the playoffs, when Bledsoe came back in to help them beat the Steelers. Certainly Brady is good, but we'll see how Cassel can do with that loaded cast and top-notch (efficiency and productivity wise, anyways) coaching staff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ramses II CP

Thanks Decker! You know I think sportswriting in general is in a pretty poor state these days. Half the stuff you read online is purely recycled week after week. Lechler and Janikowsky get plenty of work, that's for sure, and they're consistently well ranked statistically, which is more than the rest of the team can say.

The thing I'd like to see is this team to come out angry next week and beat KC like the Broncos beat us, but without letting up in the 4th. The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the league in every facet of the game and if these guys can't find a rhythm and get the offense on track against them, well, it's going to be a long, looong season.

:egypt:

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Hey no problemo amigo. And it is! My grandpa, for the past 3 seasons, has been whining all seasons long about blitzing the quarterback and finally today in the paper, they talked about blitzing
the quarterback. The jerks.

And so do I although it all feels like it will be a dream come sunday :wall: We shall find out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Askthepizzaguy

With Brady out, I don't know if I even want to watch this season.

Cassell will be OK, but he won't be Brady. They will win some, lose some... then they're done.

---

~:confused: Whatchya crying about hombre?? Last time I checked you didn't lose 41-14. And when I saw a few highlights of the game. The second stringer looked to be rather good, from what I saw anyways.
But who knows, you guys might lose the next 10 games:eyebrows:

The Onion's take on the Brady injury:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news...or_season_with

Playing the Jets should be a good litmus test for Cassel. We shall see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OverKnight

The Onion's take on the Brady injury:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news...or_season_with

Playing the Jets should be a good litmus test for Cassel. We shall see.

---

Litmus test in what way? :laugh4:

Eagles-Cowboys on Monday night. If you need me for the next two days, I'll be busy pumping myself up.

On any given Sunday...
















Just sayin, yanno?

Al Davis about ready to fire Kiffin

God, what a mess. I truly sympathize with all Raiders fans out there. One of the two definitely needs to go, but it ain't Kiffin.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Al Davis about ready to fire Kiffin

God, what a mess. I truly sympathize with all Raiders fans out there. One of the two definitely needs to go, but it ain't Kiffin.

---

Eh... what are ya gonna do about it. Al hired Kiffin and told him to do whatever it takes to fix the team. Kiffin tried during the offseason by getting rid of our defensive coach Ryan, but old man Al Davis said, "I don't think so," and that's when the problems started. At least he has a season to do as much as he can to fix it and improve the team with what he has. Right now we look okay but that's only the first quarter...

Whew....


Sorry 'bout that Martok. Vikes played a real tough game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by makaikhaan

Whew....


Sorry 'bout that Martok. Vikes played a real tough game.

---

I'm not sorry. It means there's only 15 more weeks to go until Brad "The Village Idiot" Childress is gone for good! :2thumbsup:

For that matter, Tarvaris is now hanging on by a thread as well. I give him two more games. If he doesn't noticeably improve by then, I predict we'll have Frerotte in at QB starting in October.

Did anybody see the end of the Broncos-Chargers game? Cuh-raaaaazy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Did anybody see the end of the Broncos-Chargers game? Cuh-raaaaazy.

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Ya. I can't believe the refs blew that call. I love to see the Chargers lose, but that was just a bad call, the chargers deserved to win that game.

The Broncos got not one, not two, but three bad calls in their favor in that game. From a veteran crew too. Seriously crazy game, and, as much as I hate to say it, the Broncos are a better team than I gave them credit for from their offseason. That and they have a legendary coaching staff. I swear if the Raiders ever have a coach who has the guts to play for the win like that I will not bad mouth him even if they fail.

Speaking of the Raiders, they found a running game! Against a really bad team, one of the worst in the league, sure, but man did it look good. McFadden had almost as many total yards as the entire KC offense. Special teams play was exceptional. The defense did well (Yeah, against a third stringer QB and a heartless RB, but a W is a W!) and even looked interested and motivated for the entire game. They got tired in the fourth, after the game was almost put away, but there was pressure from the line and the secondary kept their heads down and almost everything in front of them up to that point.

And then there's Jamarcus Russel, who looked like a rookie struggling to find any rhythm at all. Still, he didn't lose the game for them, so that's something.

Still, the team showed some promise. Some understanding of the game. All this talk about Al's latest impending mistake (And firing Kiffin midseason would be an epic mistake) didn't phase them at least. Hope springs eternal.*

:egypt:

*Unless you're a Lions fan, in which case your hope was sold to Bumstead High School by Matt Millen in exchange for a 5'3" receiver with "good hands" and "development potential."

At least the Chargers and others get to see what happens to the Raiders in every game. It's quite sad when it's finally SOOOO blatant and gets the coverage it should get but what can ya do (except :wall:)
And we did have a coach like that quite a few years ago, we called him Chucky and Al dumped him.

And well we did look just as good when we played Miami last year, so it's nothing to get toooo hyped up about... We'll see how we fare against the Bills who look to be quite tough this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Litmus test in what way? :laugh4:

Eagles-Cowboys on Monday night. If you need me for the next two days, I'll be busy pumping myself up.

---

for a .500 record?

Entertaining first half. Right now, the Eagles are up, and I have faith that they'll close the deal. :2thumbsup:

:wall:

Not a good day for me. First Rick Wright dies, now we lose to Dallas. At least it was a good game.