NFL pickem Week 9

[Miranda Tarkin]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta
Cincinnati vs Buffalo
Denver vs Detroit
Green Bay vs Kansas City
San Diego vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans
Washington vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay
Carolina vs Tennessee
Seattle vs Cleveland
New England vs Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland
Dallas vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh


I am going to be out of town so making sure my pics are in ;)

[Miranda Tarkin]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta (W)
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver vs Detroit (W)
Green Bay (W) vs Kansas City
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville (W) vs New Orleans
Washington (W) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle vs Cleveland (W)
New England (W) vs Indianapolis
Houston (W) vs Oakland
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Park Kraken]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta (W)
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver vs Detroit (W)
Green Bay (W) vs Kansas City
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville (W) vs New Orleans
Washington vs NY Jets (W)
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle vs Cleveland (W)
New England vs Indianapolis (W) (*going with the underdog team on this one)
Houston (W) vs Oakland
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Liam Jinn]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta (W)
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver (W) vs Detroit
Green Bay (W) vs Kansas City
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans (W)
Washington (W) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina (W) vs Tennessee
Seattle (W) vs Cleveland
New England (W) vs Indianapolis
Houston (W) vs Oakland
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Kale]

You won't get Chicago wrong this week, Liam. ;)

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco WIN vs Atlanta
Cincinnati WIN vs Buffalo
Denver WIN vs Detroit
Green Bay WIN vs Kansas City
San Diego WIN vs Minnesota
Jacksonville WIN vs New Orleans
Washington WIN vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay WIN
Carolina vs Tennessee WIN
Seattle vs Cleveland WIN
New England vs Indianapolis WIN
Houston WIN vs Oakland
Dallas WIN vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh WIN

[Liam Jinn]

Finally! A small victory due to a bye week, but I'll take it.

And a side note - Stephen Colbert was right about Bears :)

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco W vs Atlanta
Cincinnati W vs Buffalo
Denver vs Detroit W
Green Bay W vs Kansas City
San Diego W vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans W
Washington W vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay W
Carolina W vs Tennessee
Seattle vs Cleveland W
New England vs Indianapolis W
Houston vs Oakland W
Dallas W vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh W

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Sunday Nov 4

(W) San Francisco vs Atlanta
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver vs Detroit (W)
(W) Green Bay vs Kansas City
(W) San Diego vs Minnesota
(W) Jacksonville vs New Orleans
(W) Washington vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle vs Cleveland (W)
New England vs Indianapolis (W)
(W) Houston vs Oakland
(W) Dallas vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Rutabaga]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco (W) vs Atlanta
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver vs Detroit (W)
Green Bay (W) vs Kansas City
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville (W) vs New Orleans
Washington (W) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle (W) vs Cleveland
New England vs Indianapolis (W)
Houston (W) vs Oakland
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Rutabaga]

I just have to share this with all my fellow football geeks here, because I basically want to find this guy and marry him.

Here in this part of California, we can always count on being subjected to the Raiders game every Sunday. We don't know if it's because the program director(s) of the local stations are Raiders fans, or if it's because they're terrified that local Raiders fans will come break their kneecaps if they don't show the game, or what. All we do know is, it's freaking annoying, especially if there's another game on I'd much rather watch. So, in the meantime, I amuse myself by letting out a big sigh and watching the game, and usually enjoying seeing the Raiders getting their bums kicked.

I was afraid that this would be the case this weekend, that the local channels would not show the Indy/NE game, probably the biggest game of the year so far, and instead we'll get the sucky Raiders. Well, I found out through this wonderful letter to the editor of the local paper this morning that apparently the Raiders game will NOT be shown, and instead the Indy/NE game will be shown instead. Rock on!!! :dance

Stop whining, Raiders fans


I've heard that a local TV station will broadcast the Colts/Patriots game instead of the Raiders, and that Raiders fans are angry about it.

I have some advice for those fans.

As a Chargers fan, I am forced week after week to sit through some of the worst games, and I never get to see the teams I like because of some idiotic decision on which games are going to be televised locally. The only glimpse I get of the teams I like is through highlights.

I cannot be the only person who feels this way. I don't complain. I don't throw a fit. I deal with it and move on.

This game is being touted as “Super Bowl 2007 and a half.” These are the only two undefeated teams. It will be one of the most exciting and dramatic games played this year, maybe ever.

If the Raiders fans are going to get that upset over missing one game, my advice is this: Do as I do when I have to see my favorite team play. Go to a sports bar to watch your game.

I have to deal with your team all year. Man up, deal with it for one game and move on.

[JMK]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta (w)
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (w)
Denver vs Detroit (w)
Green Bay (w) vs Kansas City
San Diego (w) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville (w) vs New Orleans
Washington (w) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (w)
Carolina vs Tennessee (w)
Seattle vs Cleveland (w)
New England (w) vs Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland (w)
Dallas vs Philadelphia (w)


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (w)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Sunday Nov 4

W San Francisco vs Atlanta
Cincinnati vs Buffalo W
Denver vs Detroit W
Green Bay vs Kansas City W
W San Diego vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans W
W Washington vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay W
Carolina vs Tennessee W
Seattle vs Cleveland W
W New England vs Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland W
W Dallas vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh W

[Yog]

Sunday Nov 4
San Francisco vs Atlanta (W)
Cincinnati vs Buffalo (W)
Denver vs Detroit (W)
Green Bay (W) vs Kansas City
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans (W)
Washington (W) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle vs Cleveland (W)
New England (W) vs Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland (W)
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5
Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

Very tough week to pick. So many games that could go either way.

[jjwr]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco vs Atlanta (W)
Cincinnati (W) vs Buffalo
Denver vs Detroit (W)
Green Bay vs Kansas City (W)
San Diego (W) vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans (W)
Washington (W) vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay (W)
Carolina vs Tennessee (W)
Seattle vs Cleveland (W)
New England (W) vs Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland (W)
Dallas (W) vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh (W)

[Jedieb]

Atlanta
Cincinnati
Detroit
Green Bay
San Diego
New Orleans
Washington
Tampa Bay
Tennessee
Seattle
Indianapolis
Houston vs Oakland
Dallas


Monday Nov 5

Pittsburgh

EDIT: I'll take Houston in the least exciting game of the year.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

You don't want to pick Houston or Oakland? :p

[Yog]

I was going to ask if you guys are excited about Super Bowl tonight, and apparently Rutabaga is.. :)


I just have to share this with all my fellow football geeks here, because I basically want to find this guy and marry him.

[Ryan Pode]

Sunday Nov 4

San Francisco Win vs Atlanta
Cincinnati vs Buffalo Win
Denver vs Detroit Win
Green Bay vs Kansas City Win
San Diego Win vs Minnesota
Jacksonville vs New Orleans Win
Washington Win vs NY Jets
Arizona vs Tampa Bay Win
Carolina vs Tennessee Win
Seattle Win vs Cleveland
New England Win vs Indianapolis
Houston Win vs Oakland
Dallas Win vs Philadelphia


Monday Nov 5

Baltimore Win vs Pittsburgh

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Oh that's a catch!

[Kale]

The Redskins are down 17-3 against the Jets?! Are they still shell-shocked from last week? Or did Eric Mangini steal Belichick's tapes?

[jjwr]

Nah Mangini has his own, don't forget he worked under Belechick for years so you know he's been there and done that....

[Yog]

Yeah, the Jets game is surprising to me so far.

The Jaguars / Saints game has some fireworks. 17-17 after first quarter.

Edit: Saints offense is starting to look like last years now. Drew Brees is on fire!

17-24!

Edit 2: Jeez Favre.. second interception!

[Kale]

All we've got to watch here now is the Bengals and Bills, since the Seahawks play the Browns late on Fox.

Anyone keeping tabs on the Broncos? Was Jay Cutler hurt? Whatever happened, they're looking pretty ineffective against the Lions. Second half, and they've got fifteen yards on eight rushes, and that's including a 6-yard run by Selvin Young.

EDIT: Eesh, Patrick Ramsay stripped at Denver's one, and the Lions recover it in the endzone for the TD. Did Denver spend their one good performance of the season against the Steelers?

[Liam Jinn]

109 yard return on a missed FG, longest play in NFL history. I like that SD, keep it up. :thumbup

[Kale]

I thought the Bears' two FG returns last year and the year before were the longest possible plays at 108.

EDIT: I stand corrected. 109 is right. Only way you can have a longer play is if you're playing Canadian football.

[Yog]

Anyone keeping tabs on the Broncos? Was Jay Cutler hurt? Whatever happened, they're looking pretty ineffective against the Lions. Second half, and they've got fifteen yards on eight rushes, and that's including a 6-yard run by Selvin Young.

EDIT: Eesh, Patrick Ramsay stripped at Denver's one, and the Lions recover it in the endzone for the TD. Did Denver spend their one good performance of the season against the Steelers?

IMO, Broncos have been pretty ineffcient the whole season, except the Steelers game.


109 yard return on a missed FG, longest play in NFL history. I like that SD, keep it up.

How is that even possible? The field is 100 yards?

[Kale]

How is that even possible? The field is 100 yards?

The endzone is nine yards deep.

Well, ten yards, but the back boundary is ten yards away from the goal line, so if you're standing at the very back of the endzone, you're nine yards deep.

The Bills and Bengals matchup is turning into a real battle of mediocrity. Chad Johnson just dropped an easy pass on third and long that would have put the Bengals in Bills territory and set them on a good pace to extend their lead and put Buffalo away; now they had to punt into the wind and set up the Bills with good field position. The Bills have been unable to find the endzone since their first drive, but even a field goal would put them ahead now.

[Yog]

I see. Did not realize you could recover field goal attempts in the end zone.

[Liam Jinn]

I see. Did not realize you could recover field goal attempts in the end zone.

Yeah, I can't remember ever seeing it done before. But if you catch it in the air, it's just like fielding a punt.

[Kale]

I've seen it done three times. The Ravens did it several years ago, and the Bears did it two years in a row. Last year's was one of Devin Hester's record-setting six TD returns. The Bears' two FG returns were 108 yards each and, until today, were the longest plays in NFL history.

The Broncos also attempted to return the Steelers' end-of-the-half missed FG, but the Steelers were savvy enough to cover the return. I saw footage of the Vikings and was surprised by how poorly prepared they were, especially since they're in the same division as the Bears, who've pulled this trick twice.

EDIT: Marshawn Lynch with his first career TD pass to go ahead of the Bengals 26-21.

[Yog]

I am really amazed by how the Saints is turning around their season. Compare their offense this week with the week 1. It's like night and day. Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Colston are emerging as the monster players they were expected to be prior to the season.

And holy crap, if Chargers lose against the Vikings, I will be shocked.

[Yog]

Wow, Lynch rushes for a 56 yard TD. That could be decisive against the Bengals.

.. and WOW Brett Favre! 60 yard TD!

Edit: Adrian Peterson is a monster. 251 yards, 3TDs against the CHARGERS.

Edit 2: Man, Chad Johnson got slammed there. Looked very nasty. I hope he will be ok. This has not been Chad's year :(

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Ralph Wilson Stadium is a death trap. :(

But Bills go to 4-4! There is hope!

[Yog]

Huard gets intercepted for a TD! That game is just over now.

- Drama in the Jets / Redskins game. Into OT... 20-20. Who will get the first score?

- Vikings look to be pulling the upset against the Chargers!

- Broncos got ridiculously outclassed today by the Lions.

[Jedieb]

The game of the year is about to start and I'm geeked up. No Harrison or Ugoh for Indy. The loss of Harrison is a major one. Now the Pats can double team Wayne and handle Marvin's replacement Gonzalez with single coverage. You'd think that would be enough of an edge for NE today.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have just taught the Lions a painful lesson. You can put 44 points on us, but we'll make you pay with a meaningless late quarter TD to make it 44-7!!!

[Yog]

The Pats / Colts game is starting!!! The showdown of the year! :crack


Edit: Redskins wins on OT with a FG. I only messed up on the Chargers game. Great start!

Edit 2: Great drive so far by the Colts!

Edit 3: That FG attempt was not even close. Now it's Pats turn to drive!

[Figrin D'an]

Missed opportunity for Indy. Can't let too many of those get away against New England.

However, I did like the statement they are trying to make with Addai running the ball. They want to pound it down the Patriot's throat.

[Yog]

Yeah, Addai looks great out there.

Holy crap! Tom Brady sacked right away!


ahahahaha, that drive was a complete fiasco for the Pats.

[Liam Jinn]

Wow, look at that Colt defense stop the Patriots. Now they just need to break Brady's throwing arm...

[Figrin D'an]

Big statement Indy's defense. Three and out to start the game.


Addai will be the Colt's best weapon today. They need to shorten the game, and keep Brady and company on the sidelines as much as possible.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Nice run by Addai.

[Liam Jinn]

I'm glad I have Addai on my Fantasy team :D

[Yog]

Very nice run by Addai! He is a key player in this game.


I'm glad I have Addai on my Fantasy team :D

I have him in salary cap football. Man, has he payed off this season.

I doubt the Pats can prevent a score this drive!

Edit: Damn, so close! But a FG is a FG!

[Figrin D'an]

Good stand by the Pats, that was a touchdown waiting to happen. Gotta consider that a win for New England after the huge interference call.

[Yog]

Yeah, they escaped that with the most narrow possible margin.

Edit: Arghhh.... Moss!

Edit: Another FG for the Colts. Close game so far.

[Figrin D'an]

The Colts are really getting bogged down in the red zone. They are moving the ball really well (with the help of some big penalties on the Pats), but they can't get into the end zone. Not getting TDs on those drives could come back to haunt them.

[Yog]

On the plus side, Brady had a lot less room to throw than I seen so far this year.

[Liam Jinn]

INT by the Colts!!

[Yog]

bwahahahaha, Brady intercepted!

[Figrin D'an]

Brady let that one hang up in the air a little too long, gave Bathea a chance to get position on Stalworth for the pick.

Both defenses are playing well for the most part, have to wonder if it'll stay that way though.

[Figrin D'an]

Wow... what a move by Joseph Addai.

Just like that, Colts on top.

[Liam Jinn]

Holy crap! 73 yard TD by Addai!

[Yog]

Addai!!!! What A Run!!!

[Liam Jinn]

Another 3 and out by the Patriots. I'm liking this Colts' defense so far :)

Edit: INT and the Pats have the ball again

[Figrin D'an]

Amazing INT by Brackett, that could really put this game in Indy's hands.

Tack on a 15 yard personal foul against the Pats.

[Kale]

Came home to learn that Adrian Peterson finished with 296 yards, breaking Jamal Lewis's single-game record of 294! Not bad for a rookie...

EDIT: Peyton gets the TD on the sneak to pull ahead by 10. An incredible scramble and pass by Peyton for a 3rd and 15 conversion to set up the score. I'm really impressed by the Colts!

Meanwhile, the Patriots are ten yards away from setting a new NFL record for penalty yards incurred, including an unhealthy lot of personal fouls. There's no question they're a great team, but they're very low on class. It's a real shame.

And with that offensive pass interference by Moss (good call, btw), the Patriots take the record.

[Figrin D'an]

Came home to learn that Adrian Peterson finished with 296 yards, breaking Jamal Lewis's single-game record of 294! Not bad for a rookie...

The kid is just a beast; he's already establishing himself as one of the best in the league. The only negative is his injury history, and his running style makes him more susceptible to big hits. If he stays healthy and the Vikings don't run him into the ground, he'll become an LT type of weapon for them.

[Park Kraken]

Pats are up, but they scored a little too quickly, didn't run down the clock like they needed to, and so the Pats defense will have to stop the Colts for a Pat's victory.

[Liam Jinn]

Wow, a crucial loss by Manning. This might be it for the Colts...

[Figrin D'an]

Missing Harrison and Gonzalez hurt the Colts offense a fair amount today. The Pats two big stops in the red zone early in the game ended up being pretty big.

We'll see where both teams end up for playoff positioning (I'm not at all convinced that the Pats are going to go undefeated), but should they meet again in January, I expect another hard fought game.

[Park Kraken]

Well, at least Tampa Bay, Houston, and Pittsburg won their games, but I'm still dissapointed by the Colts losing to New England.

Although I'm going to slug anyone who says that New England had a clean game.

[Liam Jinn]

Pittsburgh doesn't play til tomorrow. And I don't think the Pats deserved the win, but I'm guessing God is a Pats fan...

[Jedi Master Carr]

It was a hard thought good game.

[Yog]

Came home to learn that Adrian Peterson finished with 296 yards, breaking Jamal Lewis's single-game record of 294! Not bad for a rookie...

Not only was it a NFL record, but it was against the CHARGERS! I can't get over that. This is the team everyone has trouble running against.


And I don't think the Pats deserved the win, but I'm guessing God is a Pats fan...

Pretty much. It seems God has been a Pats fan for years. I wish he would stop that!

On a more serious note, I really do think Pats willl remain undefeated this year.

[Yog]

Here is some really good news. The CT scan of Chad Johnson showed nothing bad. He is already on the charter flight back to Cincinnati.

.. also, really enjoying the Eagles / Cowboys game right now.

[Park Kraken]

Week 14, Steelers VS Patriots, is the next opportunity I'm looking for a New England loss.

[jjwr]

Pats didn't deserve the win? They outplayed the Colts no question, the only times the Colts scored anything significant was off Pats mistakes or the fluky long run by Addai. Two underthrows by Brady(both were spectactular INTs though) and the 7yd pass that Addai took to the house were pretty much it by the Colts. No question that was a great run by Addai but we all know 19 times out of 20 that goes for 7-10yds at most.

Pats deserved a number of the Penalties they got but there were a LOT of phantom calls there, the first long Pass Interference was questionable and the 2nd was completely completely bogus as Hobbs beat Wayne to the spot and then Wayne tackles Hobbs before he can make a play on the ball. On the Moss PI it was clean as well, Moss does push off but he didn't on that play. All I'm saying is the penalties were a bit ridiculous for a team who is in the top 5 in the league for least amount of penalties and to set a record? At one point it was something like 130yds for the Pats vs 10 for the Colts? In a game this huge to call that many questionable calls one way?

As a whole though the Pats were pretty sloppy, I didn't get a lot of the playcalling. On both of the INTs they were in good position and were bleeding the clock so rather than keep that up they throw questionable passes which ended up hurting them.

A lot of runs against that quick D which they just gobbled up, seems like they completely ignored Welker for most of the game as well, his quick slants and adjustments seemed like they would have worked well against that D.

[Figrin D'an]

... the first long Pass Interference was questionable and the 2nd was completely completely bogus as Hobbs beat Wayne to the spot and then Wayne tackles Hobbs before he can make a play on the ball.


The first one wasn't questionable at all. Gonzalez was tackled before the ball got there. That will get called every time.

The second one was called because, in the process of getting into position to make a play on the ball, Hobbs undercut Wayne at about the 6-7 yard line and impeded his progress enough to cause him to stumble. It didn't matter that Hobbs was playing the ball at that point... a DB can't impede the progress of a receiver through excessive physical contact before the ball arrives (beyond 5 yards from scrimmage). Realistically, it's probably 50/50 as to whether or not that type of play gets flagged. It's hardly a bogus call though.


Either team deserved to win, they both played well enough in spots to claim that. The Pats can say they were sloppy, but a lot of that was because of Indy's defense. New England made a couple of big plays late and was able to pull it out. There's really not much to it beyond that.

[JMK]

If the Colts had their full healthy roster, it might have been a different game. I didn't think either team played particularly well, but the Pats did what they needed to do.

Could someone please tell Evil Hoodie to lighten up? A pack of starving hyenas are friendlier than this guy. Sheesh.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think the only interference pentality was wrong was the Moss one. He didn't even push off that much, no more than the defender.

[jjwr]

The first one on Sammuel was questionable, he had good position and barely touched the outside shoulder of the WR and he goes down? That was a flop that was worthy of the World Cup.

The 2nd one was a joke, Hobbs beat Wayne on the route and was going to beat him to the ball but he was tackled. He did not undercut Wayne, he beat him on the route and had position and then Wayne tackled him and Wayne gets the call? It was a completely bogus call, I could see the first one but the second was a joke.

The Moss PI was just as bad, again he's gotten away with some but thats no excuse to call one on that play.

As a whole the refs were a joke all game. The early completion to Moorehead is another example, two refs within 10yds, both watching the sideline and his feet(watch the replays) and both called him inbounds even though his foot was clearly out of bounds. Pats had to challenge it.

Numerous horrible calls against the Pats and then on a crucial 3rd down in the 3rd Quarter Faulk gets mugged going over the middle and no call? At one point the Pats had about 120yds of penalties to the Colts 10? This is a team that is near the top of the league in Penalties and these weren't the sound induced type like False Starts, etc....

[Jedieb]

Could someone please tell Evil Hoodie to lighten up? A pack of starving hyenas are friendlier than this guy. Sheesh.

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are humiliating the Ravens. 3 turnovers and it's 21-0. And I'm pretty tired of seeing Ray Lewis and the boys get all pumped up after every single tackle. You're getting spanked boys, even with the turnovers your defense is a sieve tonight, stop acting tough and try playing that way.

[Rutabaga]

Could someone please tell Evil Hoodie to lighten up? A pack of starving hyenas are friendlier than this guy. Sheesh.

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are humiliating the Ravens. 3 turnovers and it's 21-0. And I'm pretty tired of seeing Ray Lewis and the boys get all pumped up after every single tackle. You're getting spanked boys, even with the turnovers your defense is a sieve tonight, stop acting tough and try playing that way.

My father hates Belichick for that exact reason, he considers him to be a poor sportsman. Seeing him treat a classy guy like Dungy like that is just pathetic.

Speaking of pathetic...did anybody here pick the Ravens to win this game? I'm too lazy to go back and look. If anybody did pick them, ooooo, sorry. :evil

I had a crappy weekend overall football-wise, to me the worst shocker was seeing the Chargers choke so badly, especially after Cromartie's runback of the missed FG. That was just horrible to watch. If it weren't for Buffalo winning and Oakland still playing like a bunch of losers, my weekend would have been a total loss :grumble.

[Kale]

Ryan Pode picked them. It's team loyalty, so I don't fault him for it at all. Heck, I'm definitely picking the Steelers to beat the Patriots, regardless of how they're doing by then.

James Harrison is having a blockbuster day - three forced fumbles, an interception, and two and a half sacks in the first half. The Steelers didn't lose anything by waiving Joey Porter, who was a beast in his day, but seems to be losing his step.

Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger has tied a franchise record with five TD passes in a single game and has tied the NFL record with 5 TD passes in a half (Tom Brady did it earlier this season). The only two things the Ravens have going for them so far are that they're continuing to stifle Willie Parker and they're getting good yardage out of their return game. If the Steelers can get Parker untracked, or just set up a solid rhythm with Najeh Davenport, they can mail this one in.

Wondering if we might see Kyle Boller in the second half - not because Steve McNair is directly causing the Ravens' woes, but because it'll be a different look for the Steelers' D to cover.

EDIT: ESPN just showed a fan in a Ravens jersey sitting among a bunch of empty seats and yelling at the field. Props to that guy, seriously. I wouldn't enjoy being an opposing fan at Heinz Field under the best of circumstances.

EDIT EDIT: Eesh, the Ravens are dropping like flies right now.

[jjwr]

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Nothing says coaches have to be friends. How friendly would you be to a guy who called into question everything you had done the past 7 years and compared you and your team to Barry Bonds?

[Jedi Master Carr]

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Nothing says coaches have to be friends. How friendly would you be to a guy who called into question everything you had done the past 7 years and compared you and your team to Barry Bonds?

They probably don't like each other like you said. I have seen examples of that in other sports. I know Riley didn't get along with the Celtics coach in the 80's and treated him the say way that Belichick treats Dungy. There are other examples but they escape me right now. I want to say Marty Schottenheimer never shook hands with Shananan as well, but don't quote me on that. He didn't treat Joe Gibbs like that last week for example. So, I think it is partly personal anomisity between the two men.

[Jedieb]

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Nothing says coaches have to be friends. How friendly would you be to a guy who called into question everything you had done the past 7 years and compared you and your team to Barry Bonds?


My father hates Belichick for that exact reason, he considers him to be a poor sportsman. Seeing him treat a classy guy like Dungy like that is just pathetic.
And that might as well be my response. If Bellichek doesn't like his accomplishments being called into question then maybe he shouldn't have CHEATED. They got busted and they got the fine and the criticism they deserved. They can play the disrespect card all they want, but if you cheat and get caught you have no one to blame but yourself for whatever comes your way.

And speaking of sportsmanship, the Steelers were up 35-7 at halftime last night yet only finished the game with 38 points. Imagine that, not piling it on despite being up by 4 TD's. What a non-New England way to play the game!

[Jedi Master Carr]

He's become insufferable. He was all smiles when the final whistle blew, and then as soon as he got to midfield to shake Dungy's hand he turns into Bellijerk. Honestly, I'm praying they go undefeated in the regular season and then lose at home in the playoffs. It's a stretch, but I can dream.

Nothing says coaches have to be friends. How friendly would you be to a guy who called into question everything you had done the past 7 years and compared you and your team to Barry Bonds?


My father hates Belichick for that exact reason, he considers him to be a poor sportsman. Seeing him treat a classy guy like Dungy like that is just pathetic.
And that might as well be my response. If Bellichek doesn't like his accomplishments being called into question then maybe he shouldn't have CHEATED. They got busted and they got the fine and the criticism they deserved. They can play the disrespect card all they want, but if you cheat and get caught you have no one to blame but yourself for whatever comes your way.

And speaking of sportsmanship, the Steelers were up 35-7 at halftime last night yet only finished the game with 38 points. Imagine that, not piling it on despite being up by 4 TD's. What a non-New England way to play the game!

Truthly, Pittsburgh got most of those points as gifts. When you start inside the 20 on like 4 possesions you should score TDs most of the time. The Steelers don't have an offense that can score points consitently like that so that is why they didn't do anything in the second half because the Ravens stopped turning the ball over. Also ESPN and other sports writers aren't bringing up anything with Bellechek. I think you guys are just reading too much into it. And stop with the cheating argument. I think most of the teams did that. The league just wanted it stopped and used the Pats as the example.

[jjwr]

I forgot how Classy Dungy is, this is the same guy who's Colts offense would consistently run up the score on people right?

[Jedi Master Carr]

I have brought up the scoring issue. The Niners routenly run the score up on teams in the 80's. What about what Kansas did to Nebraska on Saturday? That was more embarassing than what the Pats have done to anybody this year.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Week 9
Miranda Tarkin: 12-2
Aurelias Kazaar: 8-6
Park Kraken: 10-4
Nathanial K'cansce: 10-4
Lilaena De'Ville: 8-5
jjwr: 10-4
Kale: 8-6
Liam Jinn: 10-4
Rutabaga: 9-5
Jedi Master Carr: 10-4
Yog: 12-2
JMK: 10-4
Jedieb: 10-4
Ryan Pode 9-5

Season Totals through week 9
Yog (92-38)
jjwr (90-40)
Nathanial K'cansce (89-41)
Park Kraken (87-43)
Jedieb (85-46)
Rutabaga (83-47)
JMK (84-46)
Jedi Master Carr (81-49)
Kale (80-50)
Liam Jinn (80-50)
Aurelias Kazaar (78-52)
Miranda Tarkin (78-52)
Ryan Pode (66-50)
Lilaena De'Ville (62-38)
Yog is in the lead now.

[Yog]

I'm on fire!!! :crack

[jjwr]

I have brought up the scoring issue. The Niners routenly run the score up on teams in the 80's. What about what Kansas did to Nebraska on Saturday? That was more embarassing than what the Pats have done to anybody this year.

Yeah but they're not the Patriots, seems no matter what they do at this point they are evil and can do nothing right. Just like the "handshake" at the end of the game, I guarantee thats very common in sports but because its Belechick some people are making a big deal out of it.

[Park Kraken]

I suppose I would be pissed off if I was a pats fan and saw the villinization that the team was going through right now. The only reason I don't like the Pats is that I like to see a variety of teams win the Superbowl each year, whereas the Pats have been winning a lot of the superbowls in the past ten years.

[Figrin D'an]

The media (and fans) like to often tear down what they have built up. It happens all the time in sports... chinks in the armor of a player or a team get blown up to astronomical proportions. The Patriots have become the team that people love to hate, much like the Cowboys in the '90s. There's a similar level of arrogance that existed in Dallas at that time, much as there is now in Foxboro. The only difference is that back then people pointed to the off-the-field issues that several Cowboy players/coaches had, while with the Pats it's a "cheating scandal" and how their coach is a jackass.

It's all about manufacturing a story that the talking heads at places like ESPN can refer to throughout the season in an effort to hype things up for more ratings.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

10 + years later and I still have a strong dislike for Dallas. *glares*

[Jedi Master Carr]

The media (and fans) like to often tear down what they have built up. It happens all the time in sports... chinks in the armor of a player or a team get blown up to astronomical proportions. The Patriots have become the team that people love to hate, much like the Cowboys in the '90s. There's a similar level of arrogance that existed in Dallas at that time, much as there is now in Foxboro. The only difference is that back then people pointed to the off-the-field issues that several Cowboy players/coaches had, while with the Pats it's a "cheating scandal" and how their coach is a jackass.

It's all about manufacturing a story that the talking heads at places like ESPN can refer to throughout the season in an effort to hype things up for more ratings.

That pretty much sums it up. It was the same in the 80s with the Niners. As a kiid I remember hearing people say the Niners are running up the score, I don't like Montana he is too arogant, etc. People hate the Dynastys when they have won 3 SBS and try to tear them down.

[Jedieb]

I forgot how Classy Dungy is, this is the same guy who's Colts offense would consistently run up the score on people right?

They never ran it up the way the Pats are doing. They blew people out, but they weren't still going deep when they were up by 3 or 4 TD's halfway through the 4th quarter like the Pats are doing this year. You can say the Colts did the same to make yourself feel better, but not many people outside of the Foxboro zone are going to agree with you. And comparing the character and personalities of Dungy and Bellichek isn't even a fair contest. Dungy's reputation as a not only a good coach but a great man are well documented. Bellicheck's personal life and professional relationships have more splotches than a dalmation.

[Jedieb]

Like I said, they're EVIL! ;)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/071023&sportCat=nfl

[Jedi Master Carr]

I forgot how Classy Dungy is, this is the same guy who's Colts offense would consistently run up the score on people right?

They never ran it up the way the Pats are doing. They blew people out, but they weren't still going deep when they were up by 3 or 4 TD's halfway through the 4th quarter like the Pats are doing this year. You can say the Colts did the same to make yourself feel better, but not many people outside of the Foxboro zone are going to agree with you. And comparing the character and personalities of Dungy and Bellichek isn't even a fair contest. Dungy's reputation as a not only a good coach but a great man are well documented. Bellicheck's personal life and professional relationships have more splotches than a dalmation.

I would compare them more to the Niners during the 80's and the Cowboys in the 90's. The Niners were accused of running up the score.They kept Montana in games longer than they should have, etc. As Fig said it has more to do with the fact they were the dominant team. Heck I hated the Cowboys with a passion and thought Jerry Jones was a jerk and couldn't stand Irvin, Aikman, and Emmitt Smith. I at times wished personally injury to them and it was all because they were winning.

[Liam Jinn]

I would compare them more to the Niners during the 80's and the Cowboys in the 90's. The Niners were accused of running up the score.They kept Montana in games longer than they should have, etc. As Fig said it has more to do with the fact they were the dominant team. Heck I hated the Cowboys with a passion and thought Jerry Jones was a jerk and couldn't stand Irvin, Aikman, and Emmitt Smith. I at times wished personally injury to them and it was all because they were winning.

That's the reason I'm hoping Tom Brady breaks his hand or arm. I'm just tired of someone else's team winning again... and again... and again... But hey, that's sports for ya.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I would compare them more to the Niners during the 80's and the Cowboys in the 90's. The Niners were accused of running up the score.They kept Montana in games longer than they should have, etc. As Fig said it has more to do with the fact they were the dominant team. Heck I hated the Cowboys with a passion and thought Jerry Jones was a jerk and couldn't stand Irvin, Aikman, and Emmitt Smith. I at times wished personally injury to them and it was all because they were winning.

That's the reason I'm hoping Tom Brady breaks his hand or arm. I'm just tired of someone else's team winning again... and again... and again... But hey, that's sports for ya.

Yeah and I understand that reason, because when you are on top you are pretty much hated by most of the non fanbase.

[JMK]

It's such a strange behavior by fans. I remember when the Pats were on the rise and everyone was slurping them up. Now that they've been dominant for 5+ years, it's almost as if we are *trying* to tear tjhem down.

The same happened to Schumacher with Ferrari. He was loved by everyone at the beginning of his reign, and by the time he won his 7th consecutive title people were blaming him for the demise of F-1 (though it is far from dead), blaming him for making it boring.

But we have not yet tried to destroy Tiger or Federer. I wonder why that is? Fans at large are sick of the Yankees, and the Red Sox will soon follow down that road.

Weird, weird group sports fans are.

[Jedieb]

Well I hate just about everything from Boston, there's nothing recent about that. :evil

[jjwr]

A lot of fans are sick of the Sox as well, the whole Sox vs Yanks thing turned off a lot of baseball fans cause ESPN would always crap it down people's throats and it got really old really quick.

So when the Pats are up by 38 at the half they are just supposed to stop playing for a half? Most teams might do that but you also have to forget how anal a coach Belechick is. He's not going to take a entire half or quarter off, thats not how he coaches, he's all about preperation and getting in reps when you can.

Now I still don't agree with leaving all the starters in there, if you want to throw deep then put in Cassel and the 4th & 5th WR and have them go deep. Work on the offense but give the other guys the reps.

As for the Easterbrook article, thats about as biased as this one is - http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/071109&sportCat=nfl

[Jedi Master Carr]

I agree there he should take his starters out more because Brady or Moss could get hurt. If the second unit is scoring points I don't think it hurts anybody.