There are a number of NFC teams who you can use as examples to dispute that. While the AFC may have been the "dominant" conference for the 2000s, that doesn't mean the NFC is utter crap. And this decade, who knows? The pendulum can swing either way.
So the BCS Championship Game is turning out a lot better than I expected, especially after McCoy went down and the disastrous end to the first half for Texas.
Yep, couldn't have been a fun night for Texas fans, all the worse because they fight their way back into the game, and then just completely collapsed. I'm not a fan of Nick Saban, but Alabama is a worthy National Champion.
Saban is a good college coach, but with the way he left the Dolphins, he shouldn't get another shot in proffesional football (NFL or UFL, hell not even Arena league).
Well, the Leafs are playing so you already know what I'm going to say. Ron Wilson had promised to work on the Leafs pk this week. Reports indicate he actually didn't, and just made a pregame adjustment. It's working beautifully as in 2 penalty kill situations, the Leafs have allowed 2 goals. Keep in mind this guy was hired in large part to fix the team's penalty kill. The Leafs are a mere 1% above the worst pk % in NHL history. Oh, and the score is 2-0. The speculation is that Burke is keeping Wilson on because he picked him to coach the US Olympic team. That's a terrible rationale, but hey if Burke wants to ruin the American Olympic team as well, more power to him. Time to get the 'Fire Wilson!' chants started, at least the 'Fire Fergeuson!' chants worked a couple of years ago. Oh, and as I was typing this up, they took another penalty and surrendered another goal. Congratz Brian and Ron, you clowns have made history! And because the Leafs aren't bad enough, according to a Football site I read, Football Outsiders, a Raider also set a record. DHB had the lowest catch percentage for pass attempts to him, at 23%, since the site first starting tracking that statistic in 1994. I remember earlier in the decade, Manning, James, and Harrison were billed as the Triplets. On the Raiders, we have the Triplets of Bust. I'm actually hoping for an uncapped year so the albatross contracts of Russell, McFadden and DHB can be excised. Unfortunately, the man in the Raiders organisation that most needs to be fired can't be fired
Don't be too quick to pull the plug on Mcfadden or DHB. The only thing worst than keeping a bust, is getting rid of a young player, only to have him play great for some other team. Though if you're DHB or McFadden, you may want to get out of there quickly. The Raiders seem to be a "black hole" for talent. Even Moss didn't play well when he was there. Oh and did you hear that Gannon called Al Davis and afford to help coach Russel? Davis, being the sane genius that he is, turned him down. I'm sure turning down an gesture of help from the best quarterback your team has had in the last two decades will work great in the long run.
Today's match down at Southampton was postponed due to the recent weather. Only two games took place in League One as most fell victim to the snow. Norwich overcame Exeter 3-1, with ex-Town striker Marcus Stewart netting goal 255 of his career for Exeter (incidentally, 68 of those came in 160 games in blue and white stripes). And Wycombe came away from Elland Road with a credible 1-1 draw against leaders Leeds.
I disagree about Oakland being a 'blackhole' for talent- a good number of talented players are thriving there, with Asomugha being the most notable. But even at the positions occupied by the Triplets of Bust, there are players with considerably less hype, less money, and lower draft position who are playing very well- Gradkowski over Russel, both Fargas and Bush over McFadden, seventh round pick of last year Chad Schillens, and 4th round pick of this year Louis Murphey over DHB. Contrary to popular belief, the Raiders aren't the worst drafting team in the league. They are just cover your eyes awful in the first two rounds- the rounds that eat away at their salary cap. Of the three, I think McFadden is the best player. I also don't think he's capable of being a feature back in the NFL. He's far too impatient, has poor balance, and is simply incapable of getting by the first defender, whether it be by breaking the tackle or avoiding him. In part, he's not being used to the best extent- he's a speedy running back who works best on screens and short passes, and his ability to catch and run after such passes is impeded by the fact that Raiders have the worst quarterback in the NFL. He also had success in the Wildcat formation in college, but needless to say Davis refuses to run any formation that hasn't seen regular NFL use for at least forty years. Still, he's a supporting running back, not a star, and he's being paid far too much for what he contributes. On a team with exceptional run blocking, from both an excellent offensive line and support from the WRs, he might be able, were he given many touches, to eke out close to 1,000 yards in a season. Of course, the Raiders offensive line isn't exceptional, it's just decent with regards to the run game. DHB is simply awful. On one level, it's not his fault for being drafted way too early, when he only has the talent of a 3rd rounder. That doesn't excuse him from not putting in the effort, and at least learning how to catch a ball. I've never seen a wide receiver with worse hands- he makes Braylon Edwards and TO's hands look as solid as Jerry Rice's. My concern about him grew when after the first game of the season he said he didn't care that he had no catches, and that he's been benched for recent 7th, 4th, and 5th round picks say just about all that needs to be said about him. But boy can he run! I don't think anything more needs to be said about the worst bust in the history of the NFL, but somehow Jamarcus Russel continues to fail, even when he's not playing. This week, instead of attending the team's final meeting, he skipped town and checked into The Palms in Las Vegas. This, the man being paid like a king to lead the team, is how he shows his loyalty and dedication to his coaches and his teammates. If I didn't already want him cut, this pushed it over the edge. Al Davis is apparently going to fire Cable if he refuses to use Russel next season, and I can think of no clearly an example of how out of touch Davis is, with the modern game, with his fans, and even worse, with his players and coaches. I'm calling the Raiders picking Taylor Mays with their first round pick this year. He will then proceed to bust out. Rich Gannon is my second favourite NFL player of all time, trailing only Tim Brown. I would like to say I found the news stunning, but I didn't. It seems almost every time I post in this thread, it's ripping into one of my teams. It's not by design. This is how bad the Oakland Raiders and Toronto Maple Leafs, two of the most iconic, beloved, and despised teams in North American sports have become. This is the worst it's been in my life as a sports fan, but once they work their way back to respectability, and then to success, it'll be all the more satisfying. But enough of the gloom, the playoffs start today! I think the Bengals will bounce back today and take out the Jets. Delightfully, it looks like it may be a snow game. I'm not sure what to think in the late game. Both teams are so inconsistent, I could see just about anything happening in this game. I guess I'll go with the quarterback, and pick McNabb over Romo- he's been there before and done it in the playoffs. Still, if Dallas wins this game, they could be dangerous.
The Ravens look like Superbowl contenders today! I've never seen Baltimore play so well nor the Pats play so poorly. I cant believe it, but I actually felt a little bad for the Pats during the first quarter. Two TDs in two minutes for the Ravens, plus a fumble and an interception by Brady?! Wow. No can say the Ravens dont deserve this win. They came to kill! (This is 10:32 before the game is over, but nearly 3 TDs ahead, I cant say they'll be able to pull it off. ) Also, is anyone making fun of the Superbowl's half-time picks anymore? They've been playing it conservative for the past six years now... I dont mind The Who, but you have to realize that at least half the viewing audience doesnt listen to them all that often. I'm kind of tired of seeing my dad's favourite bands playing the Superbowl...
I like The Who, but seriously, are people still freaked about the Jackson breast exam. Come on people, bring in some fresh talent. We want a raging party on the field during half time.
I just skip the superbowl halftime shows, as there has never been anyone I like in one. Also, congratulations Baltimore, and thank you. The Patriots are over. Oh, and I didn't feel bad for them, I loved every moment of the game except for the very brief moments in which the Patriots did something. After yesterday, I was worried about my predictions completely failing, but both of my projected conference winners are looking strong so far, though unlike New England, Green Bay is putting up a fight.
From the first post in the thread: As far as I'm concerned, this is a condition for this thread remaining open.
So this Green Bay/Arizona game is turning into something. Next turnover loses. edit: What a game, what an end. I feel bad for Rodgers, and Rackers might want to buy Dansby lunch. For the rest of his life. 96 total points, crazy. Next week's games are going to be great.
LOL, definitely! I would have keeled over if I had been in Rackers' position. What a great second wildcard game. Sorry, Gi; I know how much you wanted a win for the Packers. You cant say that either team didnt deserve that win. Arizona was exceptionally strong and resourceful throughout the whole game, but that by no means diminishes Green Bay's incredible comeback. All the same, I cant say I'm not unhappy about the outcome of today's games. I loved the Baltimore win (because I think the Pats could have been a more worthy opponent, but I could be wrong, in light of today's game), and I'm so happy about Arizona's win --Green Bay would have been a much more difficult game against the Colts. I cant wait for next week! Baltimore's making me very nervous. If they play against the Colts how they did against the Pats today, we could be in very big trouble. Either way, it'll be a fantastic game.
In the Packers game, I'm suprised they didn't call a penalty for the way the Card's blitzer grabbed Rodgers' facemask. I think the Cardinals would have retain possesion, but it would have probably negated the touchdown.
GB v Arizona...what a great basketball score! LOL Don't remember the last time I watched a football game with so little defense...neither team will go any further in the playoffs because defense is essential at this level. Entertaining but NOT great football...was like watching Arena Football on steroids. Disclaimer...telling the truth is NOT "bashing" a team, although fans of said team(s) may disagree. Stupid rule anyway. Part of the fun of talking about sports is good natured trash-talking by fans. I agree that personal attacks on members should be disallowed but don't sissy-fy sports talk. That takes all the fun out of it.
Actually, we'll probably have another week of that when the Cards play the Saints. Brees and his recievers vs Warner and his recievers. It's possible that they'll score more than the Packers-Cardinals game.
I was surprised as well, especially with the emphasis on protecting the QBs this year. There were a few missed or questionable calls this weekend though, there always are. As for the score, in some ways I think it's a reflection of the trend in rules alterations over recent years- because dpi is called so readily and opi is almost always ignored, in a game like this where both quarterbacks are throwing with accuracy, and the receivers are making excellent catches, the defense doesn't have many options open to them. Next week could be even more of a shootout. I think Ravens vs. Colts will be the game of the week next week though. Baltimore simply beat the Patriots today, badly. Will be interested to see what if any effect the extended layoff will have on the Colts.
That IS the big question. Some teams benefit from a layoff while others seem to lose their rythym. Which "team" will show up? Will be fun to see...
Well, earlier in the decade whenever the Colts rested people, they were usually one and done. However, I think this Colts team is a better overall team, so it may not affect them.
