Writers of Pro Football Prospectus 2008

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Open Discussion

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Week 6 Open Discussion Thread

Sun, Oct 12 Time (ET) Network
CHI @ ATL 1:00 PM FOX
MIA @ HOU 1:00 PM CBS
BAL @ IND 1:00 PM CBS
DET @ MIN 1:00 PM FOX
OAK @ NO 1:00 PM CBS
CIN @ NYJ 1:00 PM CBS
CAR @ TB 1:00 PM FOX
STL @ WAS 1:00 PM FOX
JAC @ DEN 4:05 PM CBS
DAL @ ARI 4:15 PM FOX
PHI @ SF 4:15 PM FOX
GB @ SEA 4:15 PM FOX
NE @ SD 8:15 PM NBC
NYG @ CLE Mon (8:30 PM) ESPN

Comments

3
by Dales :: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 2:17pm

Go Big BLUE!

That is all.

ETA-- ok, not all. This is very interesting, in light of the Shockey-trade talk about how poor Boss was as a blocker last year. He's apparently come a long way in that craft in a short amount of time.

1
by dbt :: Thu, 10/09/2008 - 6:52pm

As always, the irc channel will be open: server cognet.catch22.org, channel #fo.

2
by David Mazzotta :: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 10:48am

I understand the Chargers and the Pats have made a gentlmen's agreement: No Wildcats.

4
by BucNasty :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:11pm

That's how you do it, Geno! Block, scoop, and score. Touchdown Tampa Bay.

5
by BucNasty :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:18pm

It's only 1:18p. Matt Schaub: 35 Pass Yds, 2 Int, 1 Rush Yd

6
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:22pm

Rams first drive: Second play, Jackson fumbles on 3-yard line. Portis runs it in one play later.

Rams second drive: Third down, LaRon Landry jumps a route and grabs the ball, but Torry Holt turns D-back and knocks it loose. First play of the Skins drive after the punt, and two members of the Rams secondary collide, leading to an injury time out.

Not much of a start.

7
by Sergio :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:25pm

Awesome wildcat variation by Miami (though I'm not sure why the Texans didn't expect it): Brown at QB hands off to Williams (WR coming in the end around) who then pitches to Pennington, about three yards behind the LOS, who then lobs a long one (hah. Some noodle arm) to Cobbs (38, RB) who lined up as the slot WR inside Pennington. TD, Miami.

-- Go Phins!

28
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:40pm

Just saw this play on the halftime show, freaking sweet. Too bad one of the Fox guys called it a "Flea-Flicker."

8
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:31pm

Matt Ryan looks dialed in today for Atlanta.

9
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:40pm

The Lions, at their own 1 yard line, just called timeout. To save half a yard... but worse, they did it with about 4 seconds left in the quarter. They didn't even need to do that I think.

Still, Vikings mistakes keeping lions in it.

11
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:43pm

well okay they put 14 seconds back on the clock. By composing themselves the Lions were able to hold the vikes to a safety.

10
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:42pm

Cooooooo-ley to BOOOOOO-ley.

Chris Cooley just fumbled for the first offensive turnover of the Skins' season.

12
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:44pm

hey message thread somewhat responsive today, great!

13
by Yaguar :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:48pm

I don't have the Fins/Texans game, but I see they just got another long TD pass to Cobbs. Same play?

18
by Sergio :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:04pm

Screen pass and good blocking.

-- Go Phins!

14
by Yaguar :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:55pm

Drew Brees is currently a perfect 14/14 against the Raiders. He is the best QB in the league right now, with current injuries.

26
by Yaguar :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:35pm

Perfect day ends with the 17th pass. He's 17/19 for 196 yards at the half. Through 5.5 games this season, Brees is on pace to go 436/620 for 5437 yards.

15
by Harris :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 1:56pm

Had some housework to do, but now I'm here and ready to cheer on the Eagles. Let's go Birds! Let's go on the road and make another shitty quarterback look like an All-Pro! Let's start hot, then have the offense stall to a stop! You! Take! Years! Off My Life! You! Take! Years! Off My Life!

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

27
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:39pm

I've given up on the Birds. Half the damn team (the decent half) is out with injuries today anyway. Without Westbrook, they've got nuthin.

Let's go Phillies! Woo! Crush the Dodgers!

16
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:00pm

Vikings completely sleepwalking on offense. Their one sustained drive ended in a fumble. Lions have sacked Frerotte 4 times in first quarter.

17
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:01pm

Matt Ryan to Roddy White is going to look great in a couple of years. Nice touchdown called back because of an illegal man downfield.

And now White is down with an injury. Not good for Falcons fans...if there are any.

19
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:13pm

Lions about to take lead as Kevin Smith breaks a 50 yard run. Lions are seriously outplaying Vikngs... at first on defense, now offense has woken up.

20
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:17pm

Gotta love it when your punter is being booed.

Kenny Albert just stated that Jamie Moyer is "Older than both my partners." He meant "Moose and Goose" but it's way more hilarious if you misinterpret it.

21
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:20pm

Whenever the Bears get pressure on Ryan he seems to get free and get a pass off to White.

Not that the Bears are getting much pressure. The Falcons offensive line is holding up very well in the Passing game.

22
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:28pm

Rams get ridiculous lucky touchdown.

Campbell throws pass that is batted in air, caught by Kendall (a guard),who tries to run with it, he fumbles and Rams return it for a touchdown.

233
by The Ninjalectual :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 12:29am

Ugh. Watching this play live, as Kendall went for the catch I thought, "uh oh, nothing good can come of this..."

Chris Horton for defensive rookie of the year.

23
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:31pm

Deflected pass by Campbell is caught by guard Jason Kendall, who tries to run with it, gets hit, fumbles, and the ball is grabbed by the Rams and ran in for 6.

So, 0 turnovers in the first 5 games, 3 against the Rams. So much for the David Gerrard formula for consistent success.

24
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:32pm

Rams and Lions leading at the half. If this holds up then only the Bengals are left to threaten the 76 bucs.

30
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:41pm

And the Bengals are threatening. This sucks, Football is more fun when there are teams that really stink.

25
by James-London :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:32pm

It's been very quiet in here since the site revamp

Phil Simms is a Cretin.

29
by Sergio :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:40pm

IRC channel is active.

-- Go Phins!

42
by James-London :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:58pm

Sergio, what's the deal with the IRC? Do I need to install anything, and if so, where do I find it?

Phil Simms is a Cretin.

47
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:06pm

James-- download MIRC (you can do a google to find it).

Install.

When you start, you choose a nickname and put in either your email addy or a spoofed one (it does not check) and go to the server tab and put in the server above, and connect.

Once connected to the server, type /join #FO and you are in.

Which I can't be, because this computer has the needed ports blocked, but that's my problem.

I liked the old site for the gameday chats, even though overall the new site is better.

55
by James-London :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:21pm

Thanks Sergio. I'll give it a whirl.

Phil Simms is a Cretin.

31
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:43pm

Lions are just pounding the vikings on the ground now, moving at will running between the tackles. Vikings run defense seems no so good now...

32
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:45pm

Holy crap, Dante Hall sighting.

This Rams team really is old.

33
by Sergio :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:45pm

Why oh why Sparano is dancing with the Texans?

Deep in his territory, yeah, but on 4th and an inch? After doing nothing with just under a minute to end the 1st half? Should've gone for it.

Instead, Texans get the ball, 4 plays (or so), TD Texans. Serves us right.

-- Go Phins!

34
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:46pm

wow... then vikings force 3rd and 20, and Orlovsky completes bomb to the 10 yard line.

Jared Allen a non-factor again.

35
by bubqr :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:46pm

Dan Orlovsky walking out of his own endzone on a bootleg, without pressure, has to be one of the dumbest thing I've ever seen in football. Just crazy.

234
by The Ninjalectual :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 12:32am

Also one of the funniest.

Chris Horton for defensive rookie of the year.

236
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:37am

Ummm...Jared Allen was a single hard step away from him, he stepped out because if he hadn't he would have been pushed out in about .2 secs...

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

36
by Purds :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:48pm

Did Joseph Addai get hurt? Why is Rhodes getting so much time? (Stuck watching Jets/Bungles)

237
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:37am

yes, hamstring

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

37
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:49pm

and Lions go up 10-2.

Childress has not prepared this team at all. Vikings do not even appear to be remotely fired up, just waiting around for Lions to screw up and not forcing anything.

If they continue like this, they could get blown out in 2nd half.

40
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:54pm

But it's the Lions so just waiting for them to screw up might actually work. Not the best way to go about it, but hey.

38
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:52pm

I'm a vikings fan and I can't watch this game. Going over to Dolphins/Texans. I'll have to suffer through it enough during charting.

39
by James-London :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:53pm

INT by HiZ.

Phil Simms is a Cretin.

41
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:57pm

If a quarterback false starts in his own end zone, is it a safety?

45
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:03pm

Technically, false start is a dead-ball penalty, so it's still on the line of scrimmage.

I have a blog where I post objective power rankings of NFL teams.

48
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:10pm

What penalties can lead to a safety? Holding and Grounding? Is that it?

43
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:58pm

Wow. Colts over the Ravens 31-0? What happened to the Ravens defense?

I have a blog where I post objective power rankings of NFL teams.

44
by TerryW (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 2:59pm

I was wrong about Matt Ryan.

That, or something's wrong with Chicago's defense.

46
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:06pm

Is it just me, or in the new LaDanian Tomlinson/Troy Polamalu commercial, does it look like LDT is running though a rack of dozens and dozens of dildos?

49
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:10pm

Matt Ryan. Whodathunk.

50
by BillWallace :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:10pm

I think every suicide pool in the world is going to end today. The skins are out-Ramming the Rams.

51
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:11pm

Bryant McKinnie is useless.

52
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:13pm

Gee, one 86 yard pass TD (with about 80 YAC) and suddenly the Vikings look like they might want to win.

Of course, as I type, the Lions get to Frerotte and force a fumble, though Peterson picks it up. Go punt team...

53
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:14pm

Cedric Griffin lets Calvin Johnson get wide open and the ball is underthrown. Griffin tackles Johnson then motions for the flag on himself. He knew it. But might've saved a touchdown.

238
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:40am

nice to see players b honest about this, I wish more were.

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

54
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:16pm

Interesting flop in the face of pressure by Olrasky.

56
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:22pm

Peterson kills promising drive with a fumble again.

239
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:42am

It is really seming to be a serious problem with him. He needs more discipline badly. Where is Tom Coughlin when you need him? Also Childress is clearly not a very good coach IMO, but until you have a replacement in mind it seems silly to want him fired. "Random replacement coach" is exactly the definition of what he was when he was fired. To bad they didn't make Tomlin the coach....

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

57
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:22pm

Ah, good ole Kline. I remember him getting more passes back in the Culpepper days.

uh, Frerotte, please don't act like a fullbacker anymore.

Peterson!! Hold on to the damn ball! Aren't you supposed to have a massively strong grip?

58
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:24pm

I took the Rams in my ATS pool. But I did not expect this.

59
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:25pm

Atlanta scores a touchdown then kicks off to the Chicago 20 (?!), where Garrett Wolfe returns it back to about the 50. Suddenly we have the makings of a shootout...

60
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:26pm

Uh, that looks like the vikings just took out 2 different Lions on that play.

Well, camera angle sucked, but I'd guess if Johnson lost consciousness, that the ball probably started moving before he hit the ground.

62
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:30pm

I'm a Viking fan, but if we got the Peterson one last week, that one is definately not a fumble. Even without that, it did seem like he still had it.

WTF is with the Viking fumbles?

61
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:30pm

Falcons lose a third down stop because a corner(!?) lined up offsides. Bears convert the third down on the second try. Nice going, guy.

63
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:31pm

Is JaMarcus Russell sucking as bad as his stats look (8/24 for 114 yds and an INT)?

71
by James-London :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:42pm

The short answer is yes. He should have 3 picks but the Saints DB's are having trouble catching.

Phil Simms is a Cretin.

64
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:33pm

Now a fourth down stop by the Falcons prevents a touchdown.

65
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:34pm

Kickoff out of bounds by the Redskins.

Man, I'm just going to act like this is for the best. I was totally uncomfortable with the 'skins having such high playoff odds. It created unrealistic expectations. We'll be better off in the long run if no one believes in us.

Hey, it worked for the Giants.

235
by The Ninjalectual :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 12:40am

Clinton Portis said last week that the Redskins play their best football with their backs against the wall. It sure seems that way.

When Cooley lost that first fumble I thought the same thing: maybe this is for the best. When Kendall (who played a fantastic game against the Eagles, BTW) switched to wide receiver, I knew it was going to be one of those games. Props to the team for at least taking a lead near the end, but that #17 on the Rams vs. Leigh Torrence was not a good matchup for the 'Skins.

I hope this game makes it to RePlay this week, but with so many close finishes who knows what they'll pick.

Chris Horton for defensive rookie of the year.

69
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:39pm

Is there a team with more first and goals resulting in 0 pts than the Vikings? From the 10, they run to the 1, calle back by hold. Then from first and goal at the 20, incomplete, draw for nothing, and incomplete. Neither pass would have had a chance if caught. Childress played for the FG which was blocked (I think Longwells first miss at less than 40 yds in like 50 tries). Lions hang on to lead.

66
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:37pm

Blocked FG by the Lions. Go McKinnie. Still 10-9.

As an aside, one of the announcers keeps mentioning the booing fans after pathetic offensive series and keeps calling them 'boo birds'. This has already gone beyond getting old.

67
by Dan :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:37pm

Anyone watching the Tampa game? Why is Dunn getting all the carries? Gamecenter says 21 for him, 5 for Graham. Graham just vultured a TD last drive, so he can't be hurt.

68
by bubqr :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:38pm

Have the refs completely lost their minds ?

How can this Calvin Johnson catch ruled a fumble ??? If I'm a defensive player, I'll spend the rest of my career stripping balls from players on the grond. It's just insane.

70
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:40pm

Marc Bulger just took a hit that knocked his chinstrap up over his mouth diving for a first down. And the play was called back for illegal formation.

There's pain, and then there's pain.

72
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:51pm

Falcons missed a figgie to ice it.

73
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:52pm

Free Jerrious Norwood!! 80 yard return down to the Chi 20.

74
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:54pm

Are the Vikings going to pull a win out of their ass again on a PI call? I didn't see anything on... wow, the Lions just got hosed.

76
by bubqr :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:59pm

Fantom PI call + Crazy fumble call on CJ, not too early to say that the Lions got robbed by the refs big time.

240
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:51am

The fumble was questionable, but that happens a lot in situations like that, as for the PI..

Bodden CLEARLY shoved the receiver in the back with one hand just before the ball got there. If DBs were allowed to do that completion % would plummet. Have you ever tried to catch a ball when an unseen person behind you pushes your torso forward 3" at the last second. Maybe the angle you saw made it look clean, but I am always amazed by the 4 or 5 posts here bashing calls that when I get a look at them are typically noncontroversial or at least very close. This has not been a great start to the season by the refs, but lets not take it overboard, it is a very hard job. Is it so hard to be impartial?

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

75
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:57pm

you want to tell me there's no such thing as a "makeup" call? a play after bogus PI call on the lions, they call phantom hold on the vikes.

Small consolation to the lions,though, as the former sets up the vikes for a potential go-ahead FG. I want the vikes to win, but that's just garbage, the lions deserve a chance to win or lose it on their own, not on a call like that. if the vikes fail here, it will be the football gods...

241
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 4:52am

What ref would ever tell you that? They do it all the time in all sports and at all levels. It is a normal part of reffing.

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

77
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 3:59pm

If a RB hits someone helmet-to-helmet, do they fine for that? Peterson put a helmet on the helmet of Gerald Alexander, Alexander is still down...

78
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:00pm

So, Taylor's been okay today, and Peterson has fumbled twice. Why tempt fate and leave Peterson on the 'we win if we don't fumble' duty today?

79
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:02pm

Fear the wrath: Kyle Orton, NFL quarterback.

80
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:02pm

If I'm the vikings, I don't put Bryant McKinnie on the line for this FG kick.

81
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:06pm

No shit. Hasn't he at least been mediocre to good in the past? Why the total suck job?

82
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:06pm

Vikings are not a 3-3 team. That's their record, but...

did the Rams just get a 15 yard penalty prior to potentialgame winning FG or arguing with officials? unelievale.

82
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:06pm

Vikings are not a 3-3 team. That's their record, but...

did the Rams just get a 15 yard penalty prior to potentialgame winning FG or arguing with officials? unelievale.

84
by johnnyxel :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:07pm

That may have been the first Atlanta game I've ever watched where they lost, but had a higher VOA than the winning team.

85
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:07pm

WOW

86
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:07pm

15 yard penalty, Rams? Really? to make it a 50 yard field goal attempt? Morons.

91
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:10pm

Holy crap...Richie Incognito just got a penalty that backs a potential Rams game winner from 35 yards to 50 yards. The crazy part: it was between plays, and he got it for jawing with the officials.

If they miss this kick, its KCW for him.

Edit: nope, they made it. What a terrible game by the Skins.

95
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:15pm

Its still KCW for Incognito. Kluwe won it last week despite not losing.

108
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:39pm

Incognito might want to consider some kind of disguise to wear on the team's flight back to St. Louis.

226
by Bobman :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:56pm

Awesome! May I suggest dark glasses and a trench coat. Nobody'll ever guess it's him... that is, unless he dresses like that all the time!

87
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:08pm

If the Falcons win this, they should fall down and worship at the feet of Matt Ryan. Watching him in this game, it is hard to see that he is a rookie. Matt Ryan is a damned good player.

88
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:09pm

WOW WOW WOW. Nice win Atlanta!

89
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:10pm

Although I'm glad to see Washington lose, I still can't believe the Rams managed to pull this one out despite their best efforts to lose it.

90
by Sergio :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:10pm

I hate the Texans.

That is all. Going to drown my sorrows.

-- Go Phins!

92
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:11pm

wow. and josh brown makes it.

and jason elam

Its raining game winning FGs!!! Longwell, Brown, Elam...

93
by Moridin :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:11pm

So, the Lions get hosed, the Rams pull a kick out of incognito's mouth, and the Falcon's kick the Bears out.

Eventful 5 minutes.

94
by MilkmanDanimal :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:14pm

Wow . . . what finishes. I sat here watching the Vikings on my big TV, the Bears-Falcons on a 19" TV I have on on mute next to it to watch a second game, and Houston-Miami on my laptop. Then pop over quick for Rams-Redskins.

What a freaking amazing set of finishes. Oh, and I love NFL Sunday Ticket with giant, wet, sloppy kisses. Wow.

96
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:17pm

Crappy start 'Boys. I am not happy.

97
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:17pm

What a shocker, a dropped pass by an Eagles WR. Oy, going to be a long day.

98
by johnnyxel :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:18pm

Finally picked my jaw up off the floor. Atlanta is now over the PFP projection of 3.5 wins!

99
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:18pm

Cards take it to the House on the opening kickoff against the Boys.

Maybe this bitter day shall be tinged with sweetness indeed.

100
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:20pm

Jesus Christ, Eagles go 3-out, then give up a huge punt return to put SF on the Eagles 20 yard line. I may just go hang myself.

103
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:25pm

An Eagles fan threatening suicide? How unexpected!

101
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:21pm

I left the tavern so only saw the Bears/Falcons. But that one was enough. No rooting interest (or disinterest) in either of those teams, but the end of that game was incredibly entertaining. Just fun as hell.

105
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:31pm

I agree. I guess I was kinda leaning towards the Falcons because I like Roddy White.

But I wouldn't really have cared either way. But the end of that game was a lot of fun.

102
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:24pm

Cowboys, are you trying to lose? This is just sad.

104
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:26pm

Demps had an awesome kickoff return to SF 37, so let's see what the Birds can do here.

106
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:35pm

Tony Romo sacked, but he fumbledwell before going down. but the dreaded whistle and arizona can't even challenge. Didn't they get the memo?

144
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:59pm

Officiating has been terrible this week. And last. All season.

Jacks RULE!

107
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:37pm

Dodged one there because of a bad call. But the Cowboys offense is looking like absolute crap. Come on, guys; do something right. Just one thing...please.

109
by War Eagle (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:40pm

Re: Romo, I've no idea why they blew the whistle there. My guess is that they were trying to prevent him from taking a hit and ended the play. It's getting ridiculous how whistle happy the refs are when it comes to the QB.

110
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:42pm

Well, at least the Cowboys defense can do something. Even if it is just picking up the ball after Warner does his thing.

And then Romo returns the favor. I hate you, Romo.

111
by Kachunk :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:42pm

it's the battle of the stupid quarterbacks in arizona. Wonder how Romo feels about that attitude that "you can't be perfect" now?

112
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:45pm

I think Romo is wearing his helmet on the sideline so it's easier to ignore TO when he comes over to shout at him for fumbling.

113
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:47pm

I was about to comment on that. You know things are bad when he's not wearing the backwards cap on the sideline. Let's see if it works and restores some of their swagger...

115
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:51pm

And the answer to that is a big fat nope. A three-and-out that included Whitten dropping a pass that hit him in the hands and in stride. Let's see if this next series does any better.

114
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:51pm

Even Witten is screwing up now? It's already over.

But then again the defense is going today. Maybe we're in it.

116
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:56pm

Hey! Dallas' offensive play calling sucks, but they're having a little luck on the D. First and 25 for Arizona on the 5.

119
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:03pm

Sucks? I'm not sure that covers it. This offense is so amazingly bad that it is hard to believe.

147
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:01pm

It's nice to have the officials on your side, too.

Jacks RULE!

117
by Crus :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:57pm

Holy cow, McNabb threw a fade! and it connected to Baskett for a TD!

118
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 4:57pm

I'm almost afraid to say this, but the Eagles look decent right now after that first series.

120
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:04pm

Packers' defense had some trouble getting off the field on 3rd down that drive, and Julius Jones was able to turn the corner on a couple long runs. As you'd expect, Charlie Frye isn't doing jack (outside of an acrobatic catch by Koren Robinson)...

123
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:12pm

Got a better view of that Morris run to the outside, the Seahawks receivers did a pretty good job blocking, but the Packers have to do a better job sealing those outside runs...

There again, freaking TJ DUCKETT!! gets to the left, turns the corner, and gets down inside 5 (though they ruled him out of bounds at the 14).

121
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:06pm

That's some impressive bling that Pam Oliver has around her neck.

122
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:08pm

And Rodgers gets stripped, Seahawks' ball at the GB 32...

124
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:12pm

McNabb is on fire today. Wow!

125
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:17pm

Did FOX's graphic for Anthony Spencer say 6'3" 357 pounds? Or were my eyes deceiving me?

If so, damn, he's gotten big for a linebacker.

126
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:19pm

^, I had this ready to post:
The FOX screen just listed Anthony Spencer as "6'3 357 pounds".

Um, I know Anthony Spencer and you sir, are no Anthony Spencer.

127
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:21pm

I hate you, Romo.

128
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:22pm

"the combination... may have netted the Cardinals 2 more points here."

You do know that it was ruled a fumble and a touchdown, right? Right?

129
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:23pm

This call is pure Tuck Rule, no?

149
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:05pm

Just what exactly IS the tuck rule?

Romo had clearly pulled the ball down and given up an attempt to throw it. He fumbled, plain and simple. If the tuck rule says different, it should be eliminated.

And that play wasn't anything like the Brady tuck in the playoffs.

Jacks RULE!

159
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:22pm

I found info about the Brady incident online.

Quote from http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/48.

"The statute Coleman has relied on is Rule 3, Section 21, Article 2 of the NFL rule book, which states that "any intentional forward movement of [the thrower's] arm starts a forward pass, even if the player loses possession of the ball as he is attempting to tuck it back toward his body.""

The difference today was that Romo's arm movement as he tucked was backwards as he had turned half-around. The ball came out as a BACKWARDS pass, and should have been ruled either a lateral or a fumble (no difference) and a TD for Arizona.

Jacks RULE!

130
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:29pm

Some things I posted earlier...

Troy Aikman was good enough to inform us that "Andre Ware" made a big play on Edgerrin James.

What, he came out of retirement to play on the Dallas defense? Why doesn't anyone tell me these things!?

First time I've seen a punt knock over the pylon. Mat McBriar, who has a rocket launcher for a leg, managed to pull it off.

Sendlein getting penalty after penalty for the Cardinals. Doesn't look like he should be starting.

Also two badly blown calls hurt Arizona:

3rd down for the Cardinals, Warner throws to Fitzgerald. Jenkins runs over Fitzgerald, who was waiting for the ball, a full half second before the ball arrives. Right in front of the official. No call.

Astonishing. That guy should be fired.

Then, Romo clearly fumbles and they ruled his forward progress had been stopped. That wasn't even true.

Cardinals should have had 1st and 10 at the Dallas 20. Instead, it's 1st and 10 at their own 21. 59 yard difference!

I note that Marion Barber III forgot to have Tony Homo tie up his hair for him today.

I kid, Tony,

Rolle actually caught that ball, but Crayton was able to knock it loose as Rolle was landing.

133
by ammek :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:38pm

His name's Romo. With an R.

Phil Simms on the earlier game was asked what the Ravens, down 0-24 at the half, should do to get back in the game. Simms considered it, then said, "Just play. It doesn't matter if you win or lose."

Que?

131
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:32pm

This just keeps getting worse. Penalties. Turn-overs. More penalties. Dallas is playing as bad as I've seen in awhile. Even last year against Buffalo, they had flashes of brilliance.

And what's up with TO? Is he unable to get open? Or is Romo not seeing him, or what? The one or two plays where we got a camera angle downfield, he looked pretty well covered. But every time?

242
by Becephalus :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 5:03am

My suspicion is that Romo actually is not all he is cracked up to be, like maybe even slightly below average, and that the players around him and play calling hide this, which in turn makes the overall unit much less effective. I think there is a real bias in favor of QBs who throw nice looking passes (which is important, but it is only one skill of many and seems to often by you a pass for all sorts of bad decision making).

I have to think with those skills players and that line someone like Rothlisberger, or McNabb would put up 35 pts. a game. Of course maybe I am completely wrong...

The Wire should win the Nobel prize for literature.

285
by Staubach12 :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:56pm

That theory really makes no sense. Do you remember how bad this offense looked with Bledsoe (a very average--but not bad--QB) running it? Romo has some real flaws, but he's a top 5 QB. Both FO stats and conventional stats back that up.

I really can't see how someone who is below average can have the highest career QB rating in history (yes, look it up) with any supporting cast (See: Cassel, Matt).

132
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:34pm

Some life to the Cowboys offense after all. Huh.

134
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:38pm

Goofy play near the end of the half in the GB-SEA game... Aaron Rodgers runs a QB sneak from just outside the 1 yard line, all the linemen pile together, but Rodgers kind of squirts over the side of the pile without his knees touching the ground and nonchalantly reaches the ball across the goalline. He was originally ruled down but he (correctly) got the TD on review. Holmgren is displeased.

135
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:41pm

Are you kidding? They should just take the entire team out back and put them down. They get a GIFT with a minute left to make it 14-7, and they turn out with 0 points? What a joke.

139
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:47pm

Depressingly bad, right? What has happened to Garrett's supposed genius? The playcalling has been awful all year long.

156
by ammek :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:20pm

Are Cowboys fans always this disabused? You're 4-1 and haven't given up a single point to the Cards offense. Be cheerful! It's not as if your house was valueless, or your savings threatened by bank failure.

136
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:41pm

Who was assigned to cover Crayton on that 55 yard TD anyway?

Hole in Zone or Jason David?

137
by Crus :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:46pm

The Eagles try a 53yd FG to end the half. As an Eagles fan, I'm thinking it has no chance given Akers problems, but at least we go in with a decent lead. Nono, the Eagles long FG game is now such a void of suck that the FG is blocked and returned for a TD by SF.

138
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:47pm

Wild theory: The Cowboys offense struggles when it encounters an officiating crew that actually calls offensive holding.

I have done absolutely no research to substantiate this, but, anecdotally, most of the times I watch them, that OL seems to be the beneficiary of an inordinate number of uncalled holds. They might have to alter their game significantly faced with a crew that is actually willing to let the laundry fly.

150
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:05pm

Unlike the rest of the league?

140
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:50pm

so remember that whole thing about the nfc east being the best division by miles and miles? um yeah. Note: i'm sure DVOA will show none of this in next week's ratings.

148
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:04pm

Even with all these lousy performances, who is close to the NFC East? The NFC South is pretty good, but are they really that close? Also, if you shouldn't jump to conclusions after week one, the same counts for week 6. One week does not a division make.

142
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:54pm

WTMJ radio crew just pointed this out: Charlie Fry had 6 pass attempts in the first half. There's a vote of confidence for you.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

141
by bibifoc (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:53pm

In a recent article Bill Simmons laments about "poor David Akers is forced to try 50-yard field goals with a 43-yard leg..." and what happens in today's game? Reid trots said Akers for a 53-yard field goal, which is promptly blocked and returned for a TD. Before reading about it, I never heard anything about Aker's diminished leg strength. When did this happen?

143
by Spoilt Victoria... :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 5:59pm

2005.

145
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:00pm

more felix jones less marion barber dallas. come on.

146
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:00pm

Why do we continue to pound Barber time after time, when Jones is proving to be so effective?

151
by t.d. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:08pm

They should keep running Barber- he wears down the defense. Jones is nifty, but he's never been asked to carry the load

152
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:12pm

does every field goal kicker not named josh brown stink right now?

153
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:15pm

...how wore down are they going to get when Barber gets 2 yds a carry? It's pitiful. By all means, run Barber sure. But at this point you've got to get more carries to the playmaker.

154
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:15pm

I don't think Carney stinks too badly. At least for now.

155
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:18pm

announcer: "warner nearly got it from behind". ha ha

157
by D :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:20pm

Couple of questions about the Cards-Cowboys game which I'm not getting.

1. Romo's numbers look alright in the box score but it seems like everyone is criticizing him. Is there something the box score that's not showing up?

2. Is the Cowboy's defense playing really well or is 'Zona just really missing Boldin?

160
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:23pm

1) He's looked off to me.

2) Missing Boldin.

172
by D :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:33pm

Thanks

168
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:29pm

Romo did pretty much nothing good until the 2nd quarter was mostly over. He had 2 clear fumbles taken away by the refs (1 on an early "in the grasp" call, 1 on a "tuck rule" call), and also threw a ball right into the gut of a CB, which would've been a pick had Crayton not knocked out.

As for Arizona's offense, it's a combination of Dallas playing well (good pressure), and some self-inflicted wounds (penalties and Warner turnovers).

179
by D :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:41pm

Cool

158
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:21pm

Before getting too carried away at the NFC East abuse, let me just point out that the Giants are Super Bowl champions.

161
by Lance :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:23pm

This is really depressing. Arizona is putting together the sort of long drive that Dallas has been unable to do all day. And on the first real stop Dallas has, they're offsides. In a few moments, it's going to be 14-14, and Dallas will have zero momentum

162
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:23pm

romo has at least 3 fumbles but only one is actually in the box score. romo threw a pick but crayton did a good job of breaking it up.

166
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:28pm

Yep, that sums it up.

163
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:25pm

From the views on TV so far, Fitzgerald's foot was In bounds, but right next to the line. Divot should show on the field.

Jacks RULE!

164
by bob (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:27pm

I had no doubt that one was going to be overturned despite the lack of "indisputable" evidence. The Cards have been getting the shaft left and right today from the refs. Some of these games are starting to look like the freaking NBA.

170
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:32pm

I agree. NFL officiating is handicapped by having some bizarre rules, but the refs have been awful many times this year.

The NFL still hasn't figured out WHY they have instant replay, either. It's to clear up obvious errors, not to nitpick the on-field call.

That early fumble was an obvious error. It should have been reversed.

They simply blew it on the tuck rule application.

Jacks RULE!

173
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:34pm

I agree. NFL officiating is handicapped by having some bizarre rules, but the refs have been awful many times this year.

The NFL still hasn't figured out WHY they have instant replay, either. It's to clear up obvious errors, not to nitpick the on-field call.

That early fumble was an obvious error. It should have been reversed.

They simply blew it on the tuck rule application.

Jacks RULE!

165
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:27pm

Closeups showed better.

Jacks RULE!

167
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:29pm

Fitzgerald is really good.

169
by t.d. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:31pm

How snake bitten is Philly? They thoroughly outplayed the 49ers in the first half, and it looks it's happening to them again.

176
by pouringlizards (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:37pm

There just seems something missing in the Eagles at the moment. Any time things start to go against them, they just fall apart. I don't know what it is. I'm usually quite the optimist about my team (as opposed to most other Philadelphia fans!) but at the moment, meh. I just expect them to depress me, or something weird to happen.

And there we go- they get wonderful field position, and there's a false start.

171
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:32pm

oh that was a bad idea to onside kick.

174
by Calig23 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:36pm

Does Tony Romo have stone-hands? An allergy to some material used in the covering of a football?

175
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:37pm

philosophical question. if you were in a burning building with your newborn and you had tony romo outside to catch the baby, would you throw the child to romo?

177
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:39pm

These Cards are not like those of recent vintages.

187
by talys :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:53pm

You mean... they're not who we thought they were?

178
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:41pm

Wow. Fitzgerald is good.

180
by el plaga :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:41pm

fitzgerald whoa!

181
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:42pm

Of course, Takeo Spikes was awful when he played with the Eagles, then goes somewhere else and has interceptions in three straight games. Oy.

186
by pouringlizards (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:52pm

And Spikes' interception was on coverage against a tight end, exactly where our guys are struggling. Don't forget that.

183
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:47pm

A. I broke the server

B. The Cardinals are burning the Cowboys in the passing game, except it seeems like the 'boys are doing pretty well in coverage, it's just Warner and his receivers are making crazy plays.

Edit:

C. That TD was pure burnination.

182
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:44pm

Charlie Fry update: 7/13 for 47 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int.

The Packers' defense has an interception in every game this season.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

184
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:49pm

I can't figure out why Warner did not succeed in NY. The dude is pretty damn good.

185
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:51pm

Terrible, terrible throw by Frye gets picked by Woodson, but the Seahawks defense holds the Packers to a field goal. The Seahawks' defense actually looks pretty decent, which I am taking to be an indictment of Rodgers' shoulder health. I haven't been paying close attention all game, but I haven't seen them be able to pick on Brian Russell very much.

188
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:54pm

Akers barely makes a 38 yard field goal. The Eagles really need to make a change at kicker. I've always liked Akers, but he is just not getting it done anymore.

191
by pouringlizards (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:58pm

Yeah, he's just lost something and... WHAT THE HELL? Has anyone ever heard of someone challenging a Field Goal?

192
by Spoilt Victoria... :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:01pm

What exactly were they challenging? I'm stuck following it on "NFL Game Center."

196
by pouringlizards (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:09pm

Apparently it was above the posts, and only just inside. Akers (according to the commentary, I'm just listening to internet radio from the UK) was reacting as if it was a miss.

Oh, if you've got access to audio, you might want to look at this;

http://www.wmgm1037.com/

189
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:56pm

I can't remember ever seeing a block in the back being called on the kicking team.

190
by Pat F. :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 6:58pm

Frye just threw the remains of his NFL career to Tramon Williams

193
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:04pm

This Cowboys offense is an abomination. This is a disaster. I don't hold the defense responsible at all. They held the Cardinals down for a half. With an offense like this, that's all you can expect. But with everything the Cowboys have, they can only get points on two drives? Pathetic.

I hate you Jason Garrett.

194
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:05pm

Tony Romo and Kurt Warner are going to be very sore tomorrow.

Especially at Warner's age.

I saw Wells take a few cheapshots at a Cowboy at the end of that last play.

195
by War Eagle (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:07pm

Phantom PI call against the Broncos puts the Jags in a position to ice the game.

197
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:12pm

Holy poo.

That's why they keep using Barber, I guess.

198
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:14pm

If the NFL was serious about cutting down on taunting pentalties after a score, they would enforce the penalty on the XP try, instead of the kickoff.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

199
by talys :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:18pm

That taunting penalty cost the Cowboy's an attempt at an onside kick. They couldn't risk that it would fail, and they'd give the Cardinals possession in field goal range.

200
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:24pm

I don't understand that figgie by the Eagles. 4th and 1, up by 4, nicely in SF territory. You make the figgie, you are up by 6 and are giving the Niners the ball needing wherever they end up after the kickoff to get the TD. If you go for it and make it, you ice the game. If you go for it and miss, the Niners need a TD and have the ball likely deeper in their own territory than they will if you kick the figgie.

203
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:30pm

I was thinking the same thing, but I think Andy Reid was thinking about those missed 4th-down attempts over the last couple of weeks. It didn't end up mattering, but you are absolutely right, they should have gone for it on 4th and inches.

217
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:56pm

If you're up by 4 and kick a FG, you're now up by 7. What's with the "up by 6" comment?

Jacks RULE!

201
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:25pm

Woo! Eagles interception, TD, game over.

202
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:27pm

Maybe they just knew what the Niners offense would do.

204
by foos (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:31pm

Wow, the officiating of DAL-ARZ has been atrocious.

205
by Dales :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:34pm

The Cards block the kick, but called timeout first.

Just... wow.

206
by Arson55 :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:35pm

This is the most poorly officiated ending of the game that I have ever seen. The officials have no clue what the hell is going on.

207
by Telamon :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:35pm

Cards call timeout on a kick that they blocked! Icing dickishness bites another coach in the ass

208
by bob (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:36pm

Hey, look, a last second bizarre penalty to allow the Cowboys to have a shot at the game-tying FG. Insert false surprise!

I don't even really care about the NFC to have a rooting interest, but this is absurd.

209
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:36pm

Ken Whisenhunt is a tool.

on the plus side, Tony Romo doesn't look like he's smiling now.

210
by Anonymous (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:38pm

The Cardinals should have been charged with a timeout with a player injured. This is basic stuff, no? Why should we expect this from NFL officiating though.

211
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:39pm

1)Sean Morey should've taken a knee on the kickoff instead of trying to advance the ball.

2)There should've been a 10 second runoff after the penalty on Dallas.

3)That was one of the most confusing and crazy sequences I have ever seen.

212
by Anonymous (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:40pm

I don't agree with that penalty on the off-sides. If the guy is hurt, the officials have to call time out.
Maybe it's his fault though. If he just fallen to the ground, maybe he would have gotten the time out.

213
by foos (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:42pm

The NFL needs full-time, professional referees. You know, like every other sport.

218
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 8:05pm

I don't think that is the problem. These refs know the rules as well as any "professional" ref would.

The problem is the convoluted rules that the NFL comp committee pushed through.

That "official" review of the offside was ludicrous, though. They'd already stood around discussing it for ten minutes. Why not review it during that time?

Jacks RULE!

214
by CathyW :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:44pm

Wow! Cardinals block the punt, recover for TD, win the game! WOW!!!!!

215
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:46pm

one of the craziest games I've ever seen.

What stuck in my head was that the ridiculous finish managed to push the game over the over/under of 53. Wow. :lol:

216
by Sid :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 7:52pm

ok, no runoff because the clock was stopped at the time.

219
by JasonK :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 8:12pm

Wow, I just looked at the DAL-ARI box score. Dallas had a huge fumble-luck advantage in that game-- 6 total fumbles, and the Cowboys recovered 5. I expect the VOA numbers to be pretty lopsided in the Cardinals' favor.

220
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 9:00pm

Patriots no match for powder blues?

221
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 9:54pm

NBC, showing hightlights at halftime said that the Cards win was the first time in NFL history that an overtime game was ended on a blocked punt.

That is not true. It might be the first time in NFL history that an overtime game was ended on a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown, but that is not what they said.

In 1989, The Vikings beat the Rams 23-21 in overtime when Mike Merriweather blocked a punt that went out the back of the end zone for a game winning safety. Thus it was an NFL game in overtime ended on a blocked punt. (I remember this game for Rich Karlis hitting seven field goals in regulation).

222
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:14pm

Game over?

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

223
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:26pm

Does tonight's NE-SD game indicate that:

A) Norv Turner is as much of a coaching genius as Bill Belichick?

B) Bill Belichick's primary geniustic move was naming Tom Brady as his starting QB?

C) Tom Brady is the genius, not Bill Belichick?

D) Bill Belichick is a genius only when Tom Brady is playing?

E) Even Bill Belichick can have an off season.

F) All of the above

G) Some of the above

H) None of the above

Jacks RULE!

224
by RickD :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:38pm

H) None of the above.

Good coaching can only do so much.

B)-D) are particularly stupid answers.

228
by Flagstaff :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:59pm

Since our response sounds like an insult, I will ask you, why so? about B-D.

Jacks RULE!

231
by DaveInTucson :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 11:18pm

Wouldn't be the first time a coach got too much credit for having a HOF player to coach. Brian Billick + Randy Moss, for example.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

225
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:40pm

I'm not sure the Patriots win this game even with Tom Brady.

227
by RickD :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 10:58pm

Wondering what is wrong with the Chargers' fans. They have a 27 point lead in the fourth quarter and are cruising to an easy victory, and yet they feel the need to engage in a lengthy boo because a call by the officials doesn't go their way.

At some point, shouldn't they simply enjoy the game?

229
by Harris :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 11:05pm

It's San Diego; they're not booing the refs. They're booing because the concession stands are out of fish tacos.

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

230
by andrew :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 11:11pm

Why are Rivers and Tomlinson still in this game?

232
by DEW (not verified) :: Sun, 10/12/2008 - 11:56pm

Probably the same reason Belichek had Cassel still throwing the ball, trying to turn Moss into the next Anquan Boldin...whatever the heck that is.

243
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 7:37pm

Monday night inactives:

GIANTS
K Tynes
S Knight
RB Ware
CB Madison
LB Goff
T Koets
DE Tollefson
WR Moss

(Of import: Mario Manningham active ahead of Sinorice Moss. Also, 2nd round rookie Terrell Thomas gets his first action.)

BROWNS
QB Dorsey
CB Jones
DB Abdullah
OL Shaffer
OL Young
TE Winslow
TE Rucker
DL Smith

244
by Harris :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:11pm

I gotta give him credit, Stu Scott is clean tonight. The striped grey suit, the patterned blue tie with the solid lavender pocket square? Shhheey-IT, that boy is sharp.

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

245
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:42pm

Go BIG BLUE!

246
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:43pm

Gahhhhhh.

247
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:50pm

Wow, I'm beginning to see why the Browns' only win is against the Palmer-less Bengals. They get a couple nice runs and a nice run-after-catch on a quick slant, and then proceed to stop themselves with a dumb penalty and a fumbled snap.

248
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:53pm

Huh. I never really thought the Giants KR guys were dangerous enough to go with the "pop fly" kickoff. But it stopped them inside the 30, so I guess that's a not-terrible result for Cleveland.

249
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:58pm

Terrible pass by Eli-- sailed it like he used to do with regularity.

Uh oh.

250
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:00pm

Oof. And we get the first "Bad Eli" throw we've seen since Week 1. I'm sure Jaws will break down the play, but for now it looked to me like Eli never saw the safety cutting in under the Post he was trying to throw to Plax.

251
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:22pm

Jacobs just ran through the attempted tackle at the 3 yard line. Wow.

ETA-- More like a safety, at the 4, square to the line and in position to wrap and drive.

Until he got flat run over.

He's the most powerful runner I have seen since Christian Okoye-- and I am not sure the Nigerian Nightmare had anything on Jacobs.

252
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:25pm

Aaron Ross not having a good night. Missed the tackle on the big slant Edwards had earlier, and now he stumbles over some turf to leave Braylon open deep. Luckily for the Giants, the pass is underthrown enough for him to catch Edwards before he scores.

253
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:31pm

Oh the whole, the Browns offensive playcalling has been very good tonight, when their execution issues aren't messing it up with penalties and inaccurate passes. They're calling a good mix of straight-power and misdirection runs, generally getting the ball out quickly to negate the rush, and making the Giants pay for leaving the WRs in single coverage.

254
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:33pm

Browns are playing well so far. The Giants have been excepting for a few pretty bad mistakes on which the Browns have pounced.

*clap, clap, clap-clap-clap-clap, go Blue!*

255
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:36pm

Wow, that block in the back penalty was right out of the OU-Texas game's officiating.

256
by Rocco :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:37pm

It figures that the night I need a big game from the Giants offense would be a) a game where Evil Eli makes an appearance and b) Shaun Rogers decides to be motivated.

257
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:49pm

Boy, this is like a throwback game to last year's early parts, and the year before that, and the year before that.

Bad interceptions. Needless penalties. A complete and utter inability to make third down stops. The occasional blown coverage.

I have a bad feeling about this.

258
by DaveInTucson :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:50pm

First time Giants have trailed by more than 4 this season.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

259
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:54pm

I'm a Giants fan, but I get a good laugh at seen Darnell Dinkins get the TD. He was a guy who hung around the Giants for a couple years-- a guy who (as I recall) played QB in college, who Fassel had a strange obsession with, moving him around to several positions just to keep him on the team. He eventually stuck as a 3rd or 4th TE, but once Fassel was left, his days as a Giant were over.

260
by Andrew B :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:56pm

Browns trying hard to give the Eagles the weekend quintfecta - Redskins, Cowboys, Giants lose, Romo injured, Eagles win. Go Browns!

The Original Andrew

269
by Harris :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:29pm

If this comes true, I am breaking out the hand-made Amish raspberry jam.

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

261
by Andrew B :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 9:56pm

Browns trying hard to give the Eagles the weekend quintfecta - Redskins, Cowboys, Giants lose, Romo injured, Eagles win. Go Browns!

The Original Andrew

262
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:01pm

Big Blue gets fortunate on a Browns illegal contact penalty, just before Eli fumbles away the ball.

263
by andrew :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:02pm

We've secretly replaced the 2008 Browns and Giants with the early 2007 versions. Lets see if anyone notices.

263
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:02pm

I guess this is a review to see if the illegal contact was after the fumble?

265
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:05pm

YEAH! TD Burress.

Back in it.

266
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:24pm

As a Giants fan I am not terribly worried, yet. Our offense has been very good so far, the INT notwithstanding.

On D, we have gotten no pressure, but I think we played really vanilla so far. I would imagine there will be some adjustments. Take 3 or 4 plays away from each team, and the Giants are winning.

Go Blue!

267
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:25pm

What

the

F--k?!

268
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:27pm

OK, I am still not worried, despite another interception.

/Getting close to being worried, though.

270
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:29pm

Looked like a pretty clear block int the back on Webster on that reverse...

271
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:30pm

The Browns are having a field day with the Giants defense. Big plays galore.

272
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:33pm

Blue very fortunate to be down only by 6. The Browns have had a handful of very big plays. Anderson just isn't being pressured, at all. Great play so far by the Browns offensive line; Spags will need to throw some curves.

The offense needs to get back to being patient. The running game has been there all day so far.

273
by JasonK :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:37pm

Ugh. Another TO wasted because the Giants got to the line with :04 left on the playclock. Is this on Eli, or is the play coming in late from the sideline?

274
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:39pm

Eli does what he rarely does, and scrambles for 14 and a first. The middle opened up like Jessica for Tony.

275
by Rocco :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:39pm

The Giants offense has the look of frat guys who showed up hungover for their 11 am flag football game. Come on, I need 16 more points from Jacobs and Plex to win tonight. Would it kill you guys to light up the Browns?

276
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:52pm

A stop on third and medium is beyond our grasp tonight so far.

277
by Harris :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:58pm

The Browns will have 700 yards tonight if we count the yardage they've had to gain over again because of penalties.

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

278
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:00pm

Why the FO servers are slow tonight is really hard for me to understand. No one is commenting, the other threads are quiet too. Something isn't right there, at all.

Kind like the Giants defense tonight, come to think of it.

279
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:04pm

Why the FO servers are slow tonight is really hard for me to understand. No one is commenting, the other threads are quiet too. Something isn't right there, at all.

Kind like the Giants defense tonight, come to think of it.

284
by DaveInTucson :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:30pm

This page is now >1MB in size. At that size, it doesn't take too many readers hitting refresh to slow things down.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

280
by Harris :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:13pm

I've never seen a prevent run defense.

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

281
by Dales :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:16pm

Game over.

Good job, Browns.

282
by DaveInTucson :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:19pm

If the Browns don't win tonight, Romeo Crennel is so fired.

I have a blog where I post objective, predicive power rankings of NFL teams.

283
by Rocco :: Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:21pm

I guess the Giants wanted to empty out the bandwagon a little tonight.