Writers of Pro Football Prospectus 2008

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Open Discussion

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Week 2 NFL Open Discussion

Discuss all the Week 2 NFL games here.

Comments

300
by andrew :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:50pm

Gruden threw a challenge flag about 25 yards

304
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:53pm

He's practicing for that inevitable moment when he realizes that not one of his six quarterbacks is up to his standards, and he suits up to show them how this f***ing game is played.

301
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:50pm

Always funny to hear Phil Simms talk about the Pats never showboating. You mean I didn't see Ellis Hobbs do a 5-minute dance there after getting away with PI, Phil?

312
by Lance :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:02pm

I must have missed Simms' comment, but I'm glad I did, since I would have thrown up in my mouth. Yes, the last 5 minutes of the game had them being as smug as they were all last year.

302
by NRG :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:51pm

Is Hasselbeck going to pull this off with street free agents and stone-handed rookies as receivers? I mean seriously, Michael Bumpus and Billy McMullen? Neither one made PFP's going deep section this year, let alone getting a full write-up like the one such luminaries as Ryne Robinson got. . .

NRG

303
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:51pm

A 20-yard sack???

I don't see why the Jets punted. If the Pats score quick, big deal, it's still two scores. After the punt, even if they stop them fast, they're still down two scores with less time and crappy field position.

305
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:54pm

The 20 yard sack, that's just Favre being Aaron Brooks.

306
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:55pm

Phil Simms: "I don't think you can say that Jets would have won if Brett Favre would have played better."

INTs and passes completed six yards behind the LOS have far less to do with the score than just having fun.

311
by Harris :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:01pm

Did Simms really say that? What am I saying? Of course Simms really said that. Is he not The Cretin?

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

307
by Rich Conley (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:56pm

"Hobbes is choice.
He is playing well this year."

Not having a torn groin anymore helps.

308
by Lance :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:58pm

Jesus. The Jets really do suck.

309
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 6:58pm

And the Jets don't even get it back. Way to not even go down swinging.

Pretty decent game for Cassel. No huge plays, but no giant mistakes either. The Pats can easily win 11 or more with that type of performance.

310
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:01pm

At some point they will have to play teams with at least one competent unit.

313
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:04pm

And if that happens as much as five times, and they lose all five, they can still win eleven games easily. Looking at their schedule, can you even find five?

322
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:11pm

Sure. The Jets could easily win a re-match Based solely on the first two weeks, the Bills look like they could take on a squad composed of the best players of both teams and win. They face the Broncos and Chargers back to back. The Colts aren't a team to sleep on, early crapitude aside. Then we have the Steelers, Seahawks, and Cardinals.

That's nine games right there. Even assuming that they handle the cupcakes (which I wouldn't - they'll probably lose at least one game to an top-ten draft pick team based on bad luck alone)), does that look like an 11-win season?

314
by Athelas :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:04pm

That's where the 5 or 6 losses come from.

315
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:07pm

Cutler cements his place as the Favre Successor, gunslinging one into double coverage on the run at the goal line late in a close game. Oddly enough, it doesn't work, and San Diego gets it back down only one.

316
by Dales :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:07pm

What an awful, awful decision, throw, and interception by Cutler.

317
by lionsbob :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:09pm

Man alive, there were 4 Chargers there and 1 Bronco receiver.

321
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:11pm

I've been wanting to see this new ,insulin balanced, Broncos QB and that's about the first play I see.

Nice run by sproles!

318
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:10pm

That Sproles is too small to make it in this league. Why do the Chargers waste a roster spot on him? Oh wait, that's why.

319
by NRG :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:10pm

Oh my Sproles! That fella is quick with a capital quick.

NRG

320
by lionsbob :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:10pm

oh wow Sproles is a playmaker, simple as that.

323
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:12pm

Sure the Pats can go 11-5 against their easy schedule, but as easy as the schedule is, the Bills is easier, and they're looking like a playoff team right now.

324
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:16pm

Might come down to a frozen face off in buffalo on the last day of the regular season.

325
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:17pm

No doubt. I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around "Buffalo Bills: Super Bowl Contender", but so far they've looked great against two supposed favorites. They'll be 8-1 and we'll still be looking for excuses to discount them after every game.

326
by lionsbob :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:17pm

Brandon Marshall might lead the NFL in receptions despite missing the first week. Someone needs to cover him (and people in PPR leagues I hope they started him..)

327
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:20pm

Was "hands to the face" a big point of emphasis in the offseason? It seems like I'm seeing it called a lot this year, where it was hardly ever called before.

328
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:21pm

After watching two games with only 60 total points scored it's fun to watch a game that blows that away by itself.

329
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:23pm

On the Hands to the face penalty, I don't know. According to Sims/Nantz, they no longer have a five yard penalty for a facemask, so perhaps that was replaced by hands to the face. I think in previous years hands to the face was only a penalty on the quarterback.

360
by tuluse :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:43pm

Hands to the face has always been a penalty.

335
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:27pm

It's a fumble.

And while I have a hard time mustering any sympathy for the "most talented" and underachieving team in the NFL, if they lose this game due to not one, but two blown calls, there should be hell to pay.

330
by lionsbob :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:26pm

fun times in the Broncos game now with Cutler new slippery pass.

331
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:26pm

Looks like a fumble to me.

332
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:27pm

Tough way to lose for Denver. The Chargers are the new cardiac kids.

333
by Harris :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:27pm

You know, this kind of thing wouldn't happen if Nalen whiped his ass better.

Terrible call. That was a fumble.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

334
by Athelas :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:27pm

How is that not a fumble!?!?!

336
by Dales :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:29pm

Never underestimate the power of Hochuli.

337
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:29pm

What a crazy game

338
by Rich Conley (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:30pm

First Starts:

Tom Brady:
13/23 for 168 yds,0 TD, 0 INT

Matt Cassel:
16/23 for 165 yds, 0TD, 0 INT

I'm not saying Cassel is as good, or is going to become as good as Brady. But, its ridiculous to say that this team can't win with that sort of performance. They won a superbowl with this sort of performance.

Does anyone really think that the 2001 team had better non-qb players than the 2008 team? Brady averaged about 200 yds passing his first year as a starter, and didn't throw his first touchdown till week 5. I don't think Cassel is going to be as good as Brady, but he doesn't need to be for them to win.

339
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:30pm

I'm disappointed in Houch, although screwing over the Chargers is nice.

340
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:31pm

Well, well, well. Shanahan going for two.

341
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:31pm

Crazy

342
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:31pm

Holy Fuck! go for two - that is gutsy

343
by Athelas :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:31pm

Going for 2? Crazy.

348
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:35pm

Normally a less than 50% result but perhaps the Ultimate Leader felt today things were skewed to the offense.

429
by Kulko :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 4:21am

That figure is outdated. With all the new offense enhancing rules, the 2 point conversion is converted more than half the time.

I think there was an articla in last years PFP.

344
by NinersFan (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:31pm

fire that idiot! did anyone see the end of 4th qtr of seahawks-49ers game? JT O'Sullivan took the 49ers down to the red zone in the 2 minute drill and with 30 seconds left, at a 41 yd FG range, instead of trying to get it closer to give Nedney a virtual guaranteed kick, they just let 25 seconds tick off instead of trying to give Nedney better position. Nedney missed and it went to overtime (where O'Sullivan took the 49ers down to FG range again) and Nedney redeemed himself at exactly the same range, but Nolan (and possibly Martz) reallly botched that clock management.

345
by Tarrant :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:32pm

Wow. An inadvertent whistle saves Denver's day. Cutler makes a clear fumble, San Diego recovers, Hochuli blows the whistle after the ball hits the ground, so it's given back to Denver.

Denver then gets a touchdown, goes for 2, gets it, and is likely to escape with a completely undeserved victory.

346
by lionsbob :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:32pm

Shanahan has big ole balls and it works!

354
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:37pm

Ed Hochuli needs to be suspended. That was an abomination.

347
by NRG :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:34pm

Shanahan may hate fantasy RB owners, but the man has balls the size of grapefruit.

NRG

357
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:40pm

Charger fans are going to have the same thing due to the swelling caused by being kicked there two weeks in a row.

349
by CathyW :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:35pm

Holy Crap, that was some clear holding by SD!

350
by Dales :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:35pm

I mean, great job by the Broncos on scoring and getting the deuce.

But, man oh man, did SD get the shaft by the refs today or what?

351
by Harris :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:36pm

I'm not even a Chargers fan and I am dumbstruck at the way this game ended. Houchuli will need all that muscle if he ever goes back to San Diego.

On the other hand, San Diego has to fire the defensive coordinator. Three times this team needed to stop one play KNOWING the offense had to go to the end zone and they couldn't do it.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

352
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:36pm

S.D. still has a shot.

361
by Dave (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:45pm

If memory serves, the Hochulator LIVES in San Diego.

364
by Dave (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:50pm

Oops, my bad, Phoenix.

The first blown call was mainly an issue of the technology being out (how does that happen?) since surely they'd have overturned it given the chance. The play at the end was pretty close too, and you can't really fault the ruling on the field. And by rule, he also had to blow the whistle. So the only thing he could do on review was declare it a fumble and spot the ball there. It sucks, but it's not like he blew an obvious fumble - in real time that was close.

Still, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the call to ref a playoff game this year if I was him.

353
by Dave (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:37pm

I have always hated Shanahan but I was cheering that call and play. Ballsy.

355
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:38pm

I guess S.D. gets an apology letter from the NFL this week

356
by Harris :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:40pm

Damn. Kaeding would have gotten me a point bonus for hitting from 50+.

Appropriate ending?! How the fuck is that an appropriate ending? By rights, San Diego won that game.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

358
by Richard (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:42pm

Well, the Chargers-Broncos games was one of the biggest screw overs I've ever witnessed.

359
by Richard (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:43pm

Those idiot referees contributed to 15 points for the Broncos.

362
by tally :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:46pm

No, San Diego got boned by the refs/replay system on their second play of the game when the replay system malfunctioned and they were unable to challenge a lost fumble. If anything, they were owed a call.

363
by Dales :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:49pm

Isn't Houchuli usually one of the better referees?

365
by Dave (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:53pm

He's in the top half, Dales, but not a standout by any means. He usually does get to work a playoff game though.

(sorry, I can't remember what site I remember reading that ranked them with what seemed to be a legitimate scoring system.)

366
by SD gamer (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:53pm

I am getting tired of bad calls made by refs. The NFL should make a penalty for Refs making bad calls. I know they are human and make mistakes but still. If a player is pentalized for celebrations then why cant the officials be held responsible for their mistakes. They are so quick to blow the whistles instead of just letting the game get played. I think this is a big problem that needs to be looked at.

368
by Temo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:57pm

I think the problem is not that referees in the NFL are bad, but that the game has become increasingly difficult to properly officiate. Football has been the most complicated pro sport to officiate.

367
by The Interpreter (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:55pm

Waaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!! Waaaahhhhhh!!!!!! Waahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

369
by t.d. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:07pm

I think the problems were unfortunate, but there's nothing to be done. Inadvertent whistles and mechanical malfunctions happen. You want to win the game? Do enough to ensure the game doesn't come down to that.

370
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:15pm

Isn't that blaming the victim?

"Yeah, you got screwed, but you didn't play well enough to win a game that you would've won if you hadn't been screwed. And what were you doing in that dark alley anyway?"

In any case, it should be pretty simple to stop considering inadvertent whistles as controlling factors. In this case, I don't think it can be argued that the whistle prevented Cutler from recovering his fumble - the interval was too short.

430
by tunesmith (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 4:55am

screwed, dark alley, you really just pulled the rape victim analogy? Isn't that a cousin to Godwin's law? I think that means the Broncos won fair and square. :-)

The point of the rule is to not make that situation a judgment call. When the whistle blows, players stop playing. For safety reasons, even. It might have been obvious in this case how the play would have worked out, but that still makes it a judgment call and there isn't a way to write that into the rulebook - "... except for when it's SUPER DUPER obvious". You have to respect the whistle. And inadvertent whistles do happen, and will continue to happen. I just don't think there's anything to be done in this case, it was just bad luck. It's an accepted part of the game.

As for your comparison, I don't think getting screwed is just an accepted part of being in a dark alley.

For some reason this reminds me of Paul Hamm in the '04 Olympics. (Er... not because of a dark alley.)

432
by Craigo :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 12:15pm

That's totally irrelevant to this case. No one had stopped playing by the time the fumble was recovered - the time between the whistle and the recovery was less than a second.

And in any case, the NFL implicitly rejects that argument by ignoring inadvertent whistles when receivers and rushers fumble. It doesn't need to be a judgment call, just common sense. If the whistle shouldn't have been blown, act like it wasn't. spot the ball where it was recovered or downed if necessary, but don't let an error control the situation. That's absurd.

373
by Ben B. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:20pm

Sure, bad calls happen, and there's no grand conspiracy to screw over the Chargers. Still, they outplayed the Broncos on the road and lost because the officials made two incorrect calls that went against them. If the correct calls were made the Chargers win that game. They're supposed to be good enough to beat the other team and overcome terrible officiating too?

I am a Chargers' fan, though.

371
by dianagram :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:18pm

http://static.nfl.com/static/snf/WOW.html

view tonight's game from different camera angles

372
by Dan Wegner (not verified) :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:20pm

how is the denver victory undeserved? Both teams played well at different times in the game and got breaks that don't always happen - in Denver's case it was 2 reviews that went thier way for various reasons, in San Diego's case it was a pick at the goal line and a 103 yd kickoff return.

Big plays/events occured on both sides. It was a shootout and the final score is evidence of that. It was a rollercoaster day though - at the 2 pts at the end was huge...

bonus is that I started cutler and marshall in my fantasy league... if only i'd played scheffler too... what a day that could have been.

378
by Ben B. :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:28pm

Because those breaks that went the Chargers' way are the result of on the field plays that both teams have control over (it's not like Ed Hochuli was out there setting blocks for Darren Sproles). The kickoff return might not have much future predictive ability, but it is absolutely part of the game, and it was a good play by the Chargers to run it back and a bad play by the Broncos to allow the touchdown.

By contrast, the breaks the Broncos got were completely out of the control of the Chargers and Broncos. In both cases, the Chargers made a better play than the Broncos on the field, and then had the ref rule incorrectly in the Broncos favor.

It certainly was an exciting game though.

374
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:21pm

Wow Chargers got jobbed based on the replay I saw. I didn't get a CBS game in Seattle so I missed it. Drat.
Anyway...
Sunday starts now.
HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO.

375
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:24pm

Allright, our first Browns night game. This should be fun. Mad Men is on later, right? At least I have that to look forward to.

376
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:26pm

I can't believe we let the Browns get 2 yards on that possession. Let's tighten it down boys.

377
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:27pm

I expect to see a lot of running. I thought the wind was going to knock over Andrea Kremer.

379
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:28pm

And the Steelers start with 3 passes. I'm an idiot.

380
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:36pm

You're not an idiot, Bruce Arians is an idiot.

381
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:40pm

I'd say he's more of an asshat at this point. Idiot isn't strong enough.

382
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:42pm

The bad weather is great news for the Browns. Neutralize Roethlisberger and the Steelers have a very pedestrian offense.

Then again... it doesn't look like either team's going to be able to pass much at all in this wind. Anderson especially just doesn't have the arm for it. The best way to beat the Steelers defense is to pick up their pass rush and punish them deep, especially over the middle, since they always play their DB's back off the recievers to limit big plays. But in this swirling wind, hitting a pass 15-20 yards downfield even to a wide open receiver is likely to prove a challenge for Anderson.

If I were the Browns I'd make very little effort to pressure Roethlisberger. I'd rather just let him stand there all day. Get him running and improvising and then he'll hurt you, even in the wind.

383
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:48pm

This is shades of the Steelers-Dolphins game from last year that the steelers won 3-0. And the Steelers-Dolphins game in 04 in Miami.

Because naturally, the team in the NFL with the most experience playing in hurricanes is from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

384
by Craigo :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:52pm

That '04 game occurred to me as well. At the time, I couldn't figure out whether it was a good omen or bad that our rookie QB was making his first start in a monsoon.

385
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:55pm

Drop by Parker (right through his hands) and drop by Ward. Normally I love a game plan that calls for Roethlisberger coming out firing, but guys, the ball's wet and wobbling in the wind. The receivers are going to keep dropping it. Sometimes you just have to run the ball, even if passing normally offers the better advantage over the opposing defense.

386
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:59pm

Haha logic can't be used for Bruce Arians.

It's so windy that the ball just rolled away from its position prior to the hike. And Bruce Arians, and the Browns for that matter, have decided to AIR IT OUT.

Great job.

387
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:01pm

Justin- we're dealing with Arians here. His logic is a little different than the rest of the planet. To him this is perfect passing weather.

388
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:05pm

In the Browns' defense, I don't see what choice they have. Running the ball against the Steelers defense just doesn't work much.

Brett Keisel's game just (probably) ended, so expect the Browns to start running Lewis to the right more often.

Given that it's raining, it's a good bet we won't be seeing Greasyfingers Mendenhall tonight, eh?

389
by Moridin :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:11pm

A deep pass?! Wow...

390
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:16pm

Dear Al Michaels:

"Roethlisberger" is not a difficult word to pronounce. He's not a Brazilian soccer player. You don't text him 10 times a week. Call him by his last name.

Sincerely,
THE ESTABLISHMENT

427
by tuluse :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:34pm

You think it's not hard to pronounce, but wait until he gives it the New Or-lee-anns treatment.

391
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:18pm

Dear Bruce Arians:

What in the blue HELL are you doing in the shotgun on 3rd and 1?

Sincerely,
Common Sense

392
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:21pm

When the Steelers are clicking offensively, they're a joy to watch. When they're misfiring, they make me want to drink and throw things. Tonight is the latter.

393
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:25pm

I was going to say "steelers are about in field goal range" but considering the weather, I'm not sure what exactly "field goal range" would entail. I wouldn't really want to kick anything over 30 yards.

394
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:25pm

Roethlisberger's his usual self. 6 for 11, and three of the incompletions (including two would-be touchdown passes) were dropped.

I don't think the Steelers offense is doing anything wrong; they're just dropping balls in the rain.

395
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:27pm

And there it is. Touchdown Steelers, Ben to Hines.
Guess what, Cleveland, it's on like donkey kong.

396
by Yaxley :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:27pm

So... how about that Hines Ward guy? I hear he might be kinda good.

397
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:31pm

Theoretically, how much money would each of us have to donate to help FO pay for a server that runs at some speed faster than the Department of Motor Vehicles? It's consistently the slowest site I visit frequently. It makes me sad. :(

398
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:37pm

Judging from the fairly small number of posts we produce I doubt the problem is a lack of hardware.
Any cheap server should be able to handle that easily. At least with reasonably efficient software, properly configured.
My guess is that whoever maintains it wants it stable first and after they get that they will tune up the speed.

399
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:38pm

I think they need a bigger tube.

400
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:41pm

I agree with the refs, McFadden was totally holding Winslow's hand with his facemask.

401
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:41pm

Kellen Winslow grabs McFadden by the facemask and the call goes against McFadden. Gee, I wonder who the NFL wants to win tonight. Bastards.

402
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:44pm

Some epic clock management from Cleveland here.

403
by cd6 :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:45pm

And Troy Polamalu makes them pay. Weeeeeee

404
by B :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:45pm

Speaking of 10 second runoffs, I think the refs messed up at the end of the NE/NYJ game. When NE had the ball and was running out the clock, they commited an offensive penalty, and the refs enforced a 10 second runoff. I'm pretty sure that should only happen when the trailing team has the ball.

405
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:49pm

Kellen Winslow grabs McFadden by the facemask and the call goes against McFadden. Gee, I wonder who the NFL wants to win tonight. Bastards.

Come now. The Steelers get more than their share of calls in their favor. It's one of the perks of being the most popular franchise in the league. You could argue they're just making up for all of the karma of things like the Coin Flip Incident and the Phantom 12th Man Incident, but... worse calls happen all the time.

407
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:52pm

You're right, and if I were rational I would agree with you. However I don't claim to be rational during game-time.

406
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:49pm

Ahh, the Browns. Hopefully the Steelers will get some more heat on Anderson in the second half.

408
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:55pm

Ahh, the Browns. Hopefully the Steelers will get some more heat on Anderson in the second half.

If I were a Browns fan I'd be rooting for the same thing.

409
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:21pm

And on cue, the Browns are attacking Nick Eason.

410
by Moridin :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:33pm

While keeping the ball is a good break, I can't say starting at the 2 is such a great thing.

411
by talys :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:34pm

No, but it's better than giving the Browns possession at that spot.

412
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:35pm

Okay, any other Steelers fans like me who expected a Kendall Simmons hold in the end zone there?

Great throw to get out from their own end zone.

413
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:35pm

The Vikings were backed up against their own goal line today, and I was thinking to myself that I wouldn't hate it if they just went ahead and punted on third down; you just don't want Tarvaris Jackson handling the ball from his own 1. Bad things are a likely result there, you know?

Seeing the Steelers in the same situation, I feel just fine about that. Having a quarterback you can trust makes a tremendous difference in high-pressure situations like those.

414
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:42pm

Dear Bruce Arians:

Please take all the WR screens out of your playbook. They don't work. You don't have the blockers for those.

Sincerely,
Common Sense

415
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:56pm

Gregg Easterbrook is writing 'Game Over' in his notebook as I type this.

416
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:57pm

Romeo should ask Shanahan for a testicle transfusion donation.

417
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:04pm

Let's play the Pyramid, everybody...

Death, taxes, BRoeth making a big play...

418
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:05pm

The Burninator household is not at all pleased with the decision to kick a field goal while down 7 with three minutes left.

Earlier the question was, what are the odds of converting a 2-pointer compared to winning in overtime against a team that had scored on every second half possession. Now the question is, what are the odds of converting on 4th compared to the chance that they won't even touch the ball again? I think I take my chances on 4th. But then again, I've seen Cleveland teams play in my life. Apparently that puts me ahead of Romeo.

420
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:07pm

At least Michaels and Madden felt the need to defend their assertion that obviously the Browns had to kick a field goal in swirling wind on 4th and 7 deep in Steelers territory, down by 7 with less than 4 minutes to play. That's progress. It was the Momentum/Morale Argument, of course.

I tend to side with Easterbrook on this one. Basically what you're saying is you like the chance of the Steelers screwing up and handing you a free touchdown better than you like your chances of gaining 7 yards. I have a hard time seeing this as a positive for team morale.

423
by mikeabbott :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:11pm

It was the wrong call.
The only way they stay in the game is to get a touchdown there.
I thought the justifications were curiously excessive from Madden and Michaels in a "protests too much" way.

424
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:13pm

I took it as the announcers trying to stick up for Romeo a little given the beating he's taken so far for some of his calls.

419
by Rocco :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:06pm

I criticize Al and Madden a fair amount, but give them this- they could teach a class on clock management and timeouts. I guess you call enough games and you learn things.

421
by Trogdor :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:08pm

Taking a timeout with 2:42 is an error, but it's not a huge deal, costs maybe a couple seconds. Compared to the mind-boggling display at the end of the first half, that's nothing.

Parker, of course, errs by running out of bounds, when sliding down inbounds would allow three kneeldowns to win. Not that it'll matter, of course.

422
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:10pm

Player of the game? The player of the game is the same guy it always is when the Steelers win. The cheerleaders in the press box will give it to Parker, of course.

425
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:15pm

So, anybody else think the Steelers should have run a play fake and thrown deep on fourth down there? I do.

426
by Justin Zeth :: Sun, 09/14/2008 - 11:23pm

That was the greatest interview ever. She pestered Roethlisberger three times about his shoulder, very openly, and Roethlisberger totally blew her off, just ignored her and said how great his offensive line was playing, all three times. That was awesome.

The non-awesome part if you're a Steelers fan is his shoulder is pretty clearly in bad shape. If I were the Steelers and I'd just gotten done investing $102 million in him... I'd be inclined to sit him for a couple weeks. The ONE part of his body they really, really don't want to take chances with is his throwing shoulder.

I assume they know more than I do, and it's completely safe to send him out there, if they keep sending him out there.

428
by Fergasun :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 12:53am

I'm sorry. There's no excuse for any official to blow that call in SD-DEN. What the **** was Hoch looking at? How do you come to the conclusion that the arm was going forward when it came out like that? It's pure BS that directly cost the game, that everyone watching on TV and in the stands saw clearly what happened.

Furthermore, the whole "inadvertent whistle" rule is silly. Players never stop when a play is blown dead. They stop when possession is established... has anyone ever seen a play when the ball didn't get scooped up by anyone on either team or players just stopped chasing after a loose ball? Never!

433
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 5:42pm

Can we get a separate monday thread? (and please, a way to have post-submittal bounce to the last page... or barring that at least a link to last page at the top of the first page?)

434
by B :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 6:52pm

Seconded on the seperate threads/easier browsing to last page.

435
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:16pm

I'll go ahead and throw this up for Harris-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVuQ5aw0HAQ

438
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:34pm

The link didn't work, but it's enough to know you're thinking of me, Roc.

Also, it's illustrative to note that McNabb almost never talks about Owens. Owens, on the other hand, can't stop talking about McNabb.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

436
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:29pm

That may have been the worst national anthem rendition over. I hope the football gods punish the Cowboys for that.

436
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:29pm

That may have been the worst national anthem rendition over. I hope the football gods punish the Cowboys for that.

439
by Anonymous (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:34pm

Just a gentle reminder to join a star-studded cast of your favorite FO posters for IRC football chat, irc.drwilco.net, channel #fo

440
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:41pm

Cause when I think National Hispanic Week, I think Hank Williams?

Favre reference, drink.

441
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:45pm

D rushed 5 there...almost zero pressure resulted.

442
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:45pm

If you give McNabb all day like that, he will eat you up even with the WR's he has available in this game.

NRG

443
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:45pm

During McNabb introducing offense, he names Westbrook and Smith, then adds "and a great group of receivers."

lol. He doesn't even know their names ;)

448
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:48pm

And after that drop on 3rd down, can't say I blame him.

444
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:46pm

I can't begin to explain how much I hate these player introductions.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

449
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:48pm

Almost as much as I hate this discussion board.

No refresh, no last message, slow, no HTML auto-buttons.

Welcome to a 2002 message board.

445
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:47pm

Fumble.

446
by Craigo :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:48pm

During the pre-game show, it was pounded into our heads that the Cowboys' have the largest offensive line in the NFL.

Either they lost some weight in 30 minutes, or the Eagles' linemen gained some, because now Jaws says Philadelphia has the largest line.

447
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:48pm

I guess it counts as a shoestring tackle when you actually pull a guy's shoe off and stretch his sock out about 2 feet, eh?

NRG

450
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:51pm

The NFL's connection with Mexican Independence Day?

Does someone else smell Disney cross-promotional whore time?

451
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:56pm

Oh God that was painful.

(the Patrick Clayton introductions).

452
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:57pm

TO wide open. I mean seriously, how does an oustanding defensive backfield let anyone get that open. The ball was underthrown and he was able to slow up for it and still catch it without anyone being close...

453
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:57pm

Pump and go for 6.

Pick up your jock Philly Secondary.

454
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:58pm

So how do people feel about Sean Considine?

457
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:00pm

Jessica Simpson can cover better than Considine at this point. Just ask Romo . . .

NRG

455
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:59pm

You mean "Toast" Considine?

456
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:00pm

Every time I hear somebody say, "Players are people too and it hurts when you boo them," I'm going to point to Considine and say, "He deserves to fucking suffer."

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

459
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:06pm

Harris, are you suggesting that Considine may be a weak link in the defense? Is that your implication, sir?

458
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:03pm

The Dallas' rush is pretty much as effective whether they rush 3 or 6 on McNabb. His o-line is just dominating their pass rush.

460
by Dales :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:08pm

Neither defense is impressing me.

Both offenses are scaring me.

461
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:09pm

McNabb is going to have to extend the defense eventually. They (Dallas) are floating their LBs pretty much at the first down marker...not much room there to get yardage assuming Dallas continues tackling well.

462
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:13pm

Wow. He's is FAAAAST.

463
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:13pm

Uhm, yeah. This game is going to get boring if the Eagles don't stop letting a huge play happen every 5 minutes.

464
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:14pm

There wasn't a Philly STer within 3 yards of Jones.

I could have ran though that hole...of course I would fall down and die before I got to the endzone...

465
by Jim (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:15pm

You and I obviously have different definitions of 'boring'.

466
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:17pm

Beautiful play be #31. That would have been a touchdown.

467
by lionsbob :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:19pm

Nice to see the facemask rule has been changed to: Player needs his neck broken.

And Romo throws a bad pass under pressure.

468
by Dales :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:20pm

As a Fayetteville resident, all I can say is we had some great backs the last few years.

469
by MontanaPanthersFan (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:21pm

Wow, that just breaks my heart to see Dallas get hurt by a bad call.

Oh, wait.

470
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:22pm

So, is it just me, or did that CB just get robbed on being penalized given that replay?

471
by CoachDave :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:26pm

And then Basket goes with the "two hands of jersey" blocking technique on the end...and no call.

Dallas fans are officially "pissed".

472
by lionsbob :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:26pm

Making up for when Westbrook had his head almost ripped off and no face-mask was called.

473
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:29pm

What a wild game.

474
by Dales :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:29pm

Just... wow.

That was Warneresque.

474
by Craigo :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:29pm

There's that Tony Romo clutch performance.

476
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:30pm

Okay guys. Nobody listening in English cares about the Spanish radio, and also, that play-by-play was just sad sounding.

And wow, that was a terrible sequence there by Romo.

477
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:30pm

At this rate, we're going to end up with an NBA score. Unreal.

NRG

478
by Crus (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:30pm

Holy ****! Did Tony Romo just get debacled?

479
by JasonK :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:30pm

What kind of DVOA/YAR adjustment does fumbling twice in one play earn you?

480
by CathyW :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:30pm

Thanks for the TD, Tony! Much appreciated!

481
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:34pm

Jaws talking about Romo and rubbing down balls and feeling comfortable...must resist joke...

483
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:35pm

does the joke involve T.O., Jeff Garcia and a vat of tapioca pudding?

482
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:34pm

are we having fun yet?

484
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:37pm

Jeez, Tony, just shut the hell up.

485
by B :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:40pm

So far, this game is a little more exciting than the SNF game.

486
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:41pm

And the possibility that his 4th quarter prowess last year might have more to do with the fact that he didn't start games last year (and thus was fresher) than "how hard he runs" never crossed their minds?

487
by Dales :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:43pm

"And the possibility that his 4th quarter prowess last year might have more to do with the fact that he didn't start games last year"

See Bradshaw, Ahmed yesterday.

488
by Jim (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:43pm

We're on pace for a 63-60 final score.

489
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:47pm

Damn.

490
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:48pm

Holy crap. That's not the best way to catch a pass, but good awareness on the rebound.

And McNabb on the deep strike. I hope everyone took the over on this game...

Oh my god, if he didn't break the plane.

491
by CathyW :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:48pm

Crap, did Jackson through the ball away before he crossed the goal line? Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck.

492
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:48pm

This game is shaping up to be all all time MNF scorefest, reminiscent of the GB-Washington game from 1983, or the Rams-Broncos from 2000....

BTW, there was some seroius holding by the eagles offensive line on the prior play where he picked up the 3rd and 11...

but the way things are being called, you might as well go for it.

493
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:49pm

Someone will be getting beat down in the shower after the game.

494
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:50pm

'oly chit, mang. If he dropped that before crossing the goal line, the replay is going to stick with him for the rest of his career.

NRG

495
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:50pm

I believe Leon Lett is on the phone for Jackson.

496
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:51pm

Double damn. The Iggles got incredibly lucky the Cowboys didn't pick up the ball.

497
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:51pm

I believe Leon Lett is on the phone for Jackson.

500
by D :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:54pm

Dumbest play of the year! Jackson's lucky the Eagles got the ball back at the 1.

498
by B :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:53pm

I'm speechless. What an awesome, stupid play. This game is the greatest ever.
I wonder, how many fantasy football games will be won/lost by Westbrook getting the TD instead of DeSean.

499
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:54pm

Westbrook fantasy owners everywhere thank you, DeSean Jackson. McNabb fantasy owners do not.

NRG

504
by Anonymous (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:03pm

What about those of us who have both? We're just loving the ride I guess...

501
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:58pm

the points are coming fast .... the FO server is going slow ...

502
by CathyW :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:59pm

Westbrook totally bailed his ass out. Holy crap.

503
by Dales :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:01pm

I said it earlier.

Neither defense is impressing me.

Both offenses are scaring me.

And I will add, the combined brainpower is amusing me, greatly.

505
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:05pm

Uhhh, Tony, I kind of doubt that "everyone playing" is loving this game. Let's start with the 22 or so guys out there failing at playing defense, shall we ask them if they are loving this insane scoring spree?

NRG

506
by B :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:08pm

Well, I was going to argue that the defenses were playing well, too, but when that many d-linemen fail to tackle the QB, screw it.

507
by CathyW :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:13pm

McNabb is really taking some hits. Yikes!

508
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:16pm

As TMQ would say:

Where oh where might the pass go? Maybe UP THE FIELD!

Jeez.

509
by CathyW :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:17pm

Did the Eagles secondary just not show up tonight? Dallas WRs seem to be running deep at will.

510
by Rocco :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:18pm

How come no one told me tonight was defense-optional?

511
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:18pm

Desean Jackson owes me 6 fantasy points .... :-(

512
by MontanaPanthersFan (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:22pm

With your injury history, you spin and fight around like that, McNabb? That's...wise.

513
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:31pm

Ugh. This game is killing me. What happened to Dallas' defense? I'd suggest bringing more pass rushers, but they seem unable to tackle McNabb. And Westbrook is getting 5 yards a carry.

I guess it's a bad thing that I doubled down on my student loans and made a huge wager on Dallas making the Super Bowl...

514
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:35pm

Dallas also seems to have penalty issues. They have to be one of the most penalized teams in the league after 2 games...

515
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:36pm

The Iggles DO have a safety playing. Who knew?

NRG

516
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:37pm

How do you block in the back on a touchback? Gah!

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

517
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:43pm

3 and 13, but Philly has been converting on these all day. I predict another...

Edit: so I'm wrong.

Also, I hate that once you post, it bumps you back to page one, and you have to move back to the most recent comments...

518
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:47pm

Dear Desean Jackson,

When I've completed a really cool spreadsheet for my boss ... I don't run to his office and drop it just before I cross his office doorway!

Signed,
Proud of my work ... and not cocky about it

519
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:48pm

It seems like Dallas is now dialing it down a bit to (try to) have a more time-consuming drive...

520
by B :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:51pm

I hate that call. When the offense jumps offsides, penalizing the defense for reacting is silly.

522
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:53pm

Unless "reacting" is "clobbering him in the face with both hands and then shoving him down" and then it's just sort of obnoxious.

523
by Zac :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:54pm

I think the hands to the face precipitated the penalty.

521
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:52pm

And another touchdown, just when it seemed the game was starting to slow down.

524
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:56pm

Could there be a more gratuitous Favre mention than that one? It was Kinglike in its randomness.

NRG

526
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:01pm

Volume is down so I don't wake the missus. What was the ref there?

525
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:59pm

This will be an important series. Dallas' O had a nice, long drive there. Is their rested D going to respond?

Edit: Answer so far seems to be no...

527
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:01pm

McNabb still pats the ball before he throws it. That should have been coached out of him in JV

531
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:07pm

So long as he keeps making would-be tacklers look silly, he can pat whatever he wants.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

528
by tally :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:04pm

McNabb over the LOS?

And Westbrook keeps bailing out Donovan.

529
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:05pm

Good god. If it's not shitty tackling, it's stupid penalties. The Cowboys' D is very underwhelming.

530
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:06pm

Looked like westbrook also had the tackler's facemask.

If, as the announcers observed, Dallas was totally gassed after that last play, the Eagles should have run another before they got a chance to rest between quarters.

532
by dianagram :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:07pm

Hmmm .... I wonder if we could have another 39-38 final score?

533
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:09pm

Please don't go for two. Whatever you do, don't go for two.

534
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:09pm

Dallas loses this game. They're going to dive and score, and then Philly drives and scores and that's it. Both teams' D's have really not played up to par.

535
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:11pm

The 'boys D looked like Swiss cheese before it lost 2 safeties. Now, it looks downright HiZzy.

NRG

538
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:22pm

You got that right. And this FG isn't going to help. Philly is going to make it 44-34 in about 5 minutes. If they stay healthy, there's no limit to this team this year...

536
by DaveInTucson :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:21pm

We've replaced the Eagles and Cowboys with the Browns and Bengals. Let's see if anyone notices...

537
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:21pm

A win for the defense. Let's get another TD, Eagles.

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

539
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:25pm

Going into this game, I thought I was doomed in fantasy.

I was tied. I had Patrick Creighton and my opponent had the Dallas D. I figured they'd be good for at least some points, and didn't expect much from Creighton (emergency starter when Andre Johnson/Texans got rescheduled).

Well, the good news is the Dallas defense won't get many points.

The bad news is Creighton is sitting at minus one points...

571
by Temo :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:49am

It's Crayton, dude. And he's on your team!

540
by Harris :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:25pm

Doesn't Stu Scott know it's tacky to match your tie to your pocket square?

"A little celery is always nice after a good pee."

542
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:28pm

Are you really asking if Stuart Scott has classic fashion sense?!?

541
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:27pm

I thought I heard a whistle on that play. For false start??? I guess not?

543
by NRG :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:29pm

Dem's some slippery balls out there.

NRG

544
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:31pm

Wow. Nice play to Witten. At least Dallas goes down swinging...

545
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:34pm

now philly needs a td to tie. Maybe they should have gone for two.

547
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:37pm

I'm a Cowboys fan, and we're up 40-37 with 4:30 to play, and I'm still pretty sure that we're going to lose. We just can't stop the Eagles' O...

Edit: 41-37. But still. We haven't stopped anything tonight.

546
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:36pm

Make that, they need a td to win. a fg doesn't tie.

548
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:40pm

We were both caught looking at the pre-PAT score...

549
by krugerindustria... :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:41pm

what was Mr. Tony apologizing for there?

550
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:42pm

JESUS. I could see the illegal block coming. I swear, Dallas is going to blow this.

551
by Anonymous (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:42pm

What the heck was that apology for when they came back from commercial? I can't match names with voices, but it was the guy who always says stupid things.

552
by MontanaPanthersFan (not verified) :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:43pm

Okay, who let the Madden sim on national tv, and forgot to tell the rest of us?

553
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:45pm

I don't like that ESPN will have the stats in the lower screen and doesn't include down-and-distance. Sometimes they do have it, but not always.

554
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:45pm

Wow. That was...ridiculous.

555
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:47pm

Ugh. Just what I don't want. Eagles with essentially 2 TOs and lots of time.

556
by Jesse :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:48pm

Facemask? Seriously, Cowboys? Do you want to win?

557
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:49pm

Holy shit. It's like Westbrook has a fucking magnet on his facemask. This is pissing me off.

558
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:50pm

Brian Westbrook and the amazing Magnetic Facemask

559
by Arson55 :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:51pm

Driving me crazy Cowboys. Don't freaking shoot yourselves in the foot.

560
by Arson55 :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:53pm

Now don't screw-up here Cowboys. This is your best chance...

561
by Lance :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:54pm

Wha...? Did they run that in practice?

562
by Moridin :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:54pm

uh, W.T.F!?

564
by Zac :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:56pm

Yeah, a hook and ladder to the near sideline was a bad idea. Now, if Westbrook had been running to his right to the open field, maybe it would have had a chance.

563
by andrew :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:56pm

The cowboys switched to non-ferrous gloves, so the Eagles plan to get the ball to westbrook and let his facemask to the work failed.

565
by Arson55 :: Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:58pm

Andrew, it's too bad the Cowboys didn't think of that earlier.

566
by Lance :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:01am

Well, it was a crazy game. The question is: are these D's really so bad, or were we watching two of the best offenses in the NFL? I'm not sure. Dallas also needs to stop with the stupid penalties. They had something like 10 this game. You can't facemask every other play and expect to win very much.

McNabb looked great. And if he gets some more confidence to pull the down and run some, he'll be an even bigger threat as the season goes on.

I'll have to read the game reports, but what happened to Owens in the second half? And what was Philly doing to take Whitten out of the game so much? He ate Cleveland alive. But not so much for this game...

567
by NRG :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:03am

Keep in mind that one of these teams is missing its top two receivers. How does this game come out if Philly has Curtis and Brown, and Dallas is minus Owens and Witten? Stay tuned for the playoffs, we may find out.

NRG

573
by Temo :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:59am

Obviously the Cowboys without Owens are a much diminished offense, but on the flip side I don't think the Eagles get much better if they had Curtis and Brown.

568
by Zac :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:04am

Witten had 7 catches for 110 yards. He had 6 for 96 against Cleveland.

569
by navin :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:15am

That punk DeSean Jackson cost me a win this week with his antics!!!

These things are hilarious except when they cost me fantasy football wins.

570
by jackgibbs :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:24am

off topic apologies, but is anybody else having the left margin of posts cut off? I can't read the first two words of every new line of text and it's driving me crazy.

572
by Temo :: Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:51am

Harris, I've been saving this for after a big Cowboys win over the Eagles...

May I help you with the jam?

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