2005 NFL Season

[Dave00]

Amen to that one.. I am just worried about Nov 7 when we go play NE on MNF. That will be the true test.

They've had a pretty soft schedule thus far. The New England & Pittsburgh games should be big tests, and San Diego and Seattle (gasp) aren't going to be easy either. But - and here's a bold prediction - I bet they have trouble with Houston. Winless Houston against lossless Indy - I've seen this before - this is a trap game.

Dave

 

[Dave00]

They weren't in shotgun...Maddox took the snap and right when he was backing up (I don't know if he was going to hand it off or throw it) he fumbled. He had a real good chance at getting it back if he would've just fallen on it, but he tried to lean over and pick it up and screwed up.

It was supposed to be a pitch.

Dave

 

[Dave00]

Tedy Bruschi is returning to the Patriots after his stroke. He will begin practice tomorrow. I wish him all the best. Just pray that the doctors have given him good advice.

I don't understand this at all. Now, I have no first-hand knowledge of the extent of his stroke, but with him having apparently had weakness involving his face down to his leg, it was probably an MCA stroke, which is big. And you can bleed into those. I'm a doctor, and I can't imagine telling anyone they could play professional football after a stroke. But, maybe there's more to his health history. Good luck to him though, I'd just be holding my breath if I was a family member.

Dave

 

[Dandaman]

I don't understand this at all. Now, I have no first-hand knowledge of the extent of his stroke, but with him having apparently had weakness involving his face down to his leg, it was probably an MCA stroke, which is big. And you can bleed into those. I'm a doctor, and I can't imagine telling anyone they could play professional football after a stroke. But, maybe there's more to his health history. Good luck to him though, I'd just be holding my breath if I was a family member.

Dave

I almost wonder if he'd be a liability to the defense. I mean, if i'm out there knowing that there's a slight chance that going into a tackle the wrong way could end my life, i would not be playing the same. But of course, i'm not teddy. I wonder if teams will try attacking teddy to see how he responds.

daniel

 

[LethalWolfe]

lethal- did you read the article on washingtonpost.com about the arrington saga?

i still don't get why he's not in on 3rd and long.... few sacks, no turnovers... sit arrington. seems weird to me

I've read a lot, but I don't know if I've read the article you're referring to.

If Gregg Williams thinks LaVar would be more of a liability than an asset right now I'll agree considering how good the D has been playing. Yes, getting sacks and turnovers is important, but so is consistent playing by the D. If the offense didn't cough up the ball three times in KC would columnists even have been talking about LaVar on Monday?

I was worried what would happen when they traded Champ. I was surprised to see them let go of Smoot. And I was very surprised to see them bench LaVar. But given the state of the D (especially last year when they always kept it close even though the O blew) I'm willing to give Gregg Williams the benefit of the doubt. If LaVar gives up 3 or 4 plays for everyone 1 big play he makes how much does that really help out the D in the end (aside from getting more highlight clips on ESPN)?


Lethal

 

[yellow]

I don't understand this at all. Now, I have no first-hand knowledge of the extent of his stroke, but with him having apparently had weakness involving his face down to his leg, it was probably an MCA stroke, which is big. And you can bleed into those. I'm a doctor, and I can't imagine telling anyone they could play professional football after a stroke.

Apparently he had a small hole between 2 ventricles of his heart, which allowed a blood clot to pass through one side, into his aorta and headed to his brain. They've since repaired the hole and he is supposed to be 100%. Supposed to me. As a Pats fan, I am wicked psyched to have Tedy back. As a compassionate human being, I am worried that he's going to get seriously injured or worse.

 

[jelloshotsrule]

If Gregg Williams thinks LaVar would be more of a liability than an asset right now I'll agree considering how good the D has been playing. Yes, getting sacks and turnovers is important, but so is consistent playing by the D. If the offense didn't cough up the ball three times in KC would columnists even have been talking about LaVar on Monday?

while i hear you, i would also point out that their solid d has given up, what, 3 big plays in 2 games? the offensive turnovers killed them, but they still scored enough to have a chance (the fumble touchdown was obviously the worst). but then you give up the play to priest for 60+ yards. some good blocks, but also some bad defense. and lavar's speed may very well have helped catch up to priest downfield, and then the tatum bell plays...

but i do tend to agree that the coaches get the benefit of the doubt. i still would like to see him on 3rd and longs. as some qb's have said around the league, they have to know where he is on the field before the snap. that mental edge could help disrupt things even before the play starts.

the article i was talking about was here

 

[Dave00]

Apparently he had a small hole between 2 ventricles of his heart, which allowed a blood clot to pass through one side, into his aorta and headed to his brain. They've since repaired the hole and he is supposed to be 100%. Supposed to me. As a Pats fan, I am wicked psyched to have Tedy back. As a compassionate human being, I am worried that he's going to get seriously injured or worse.

Sounds like a septal defect, which is definitely a risk factor for stroke. The thing is, the repair of the defect will help prevent another embolic stroke (where a blood clot starts somewhere else, and travels to the brain) but won't do anything about a hemorrhagic stroke, which is where you bleed into the brain. I have seen several cases of people having had embolic strokes, and eventually having bleeding into the area after a subsequent fall. I can't imagine football is less traumatic than a fall, even with the helmet.

I guess I sort of feel like it's one thing if it's your knee, or your ankle, or whatever - you play football, you know your joints and muscles are going to get messed up. But when you're talking about your brain, that's alot of what makes you who you are. I like that he's a competitor, even though for a team that has done so much to the steelers, but I wish he were smarter about this. God be with 'im.

Dave

 

[wdlove]

Now that the doctors have cleared him, which we have to trust their opinion. My prayers go you to him for health and safety.

 

[LethalWolfe]

while i hear you, i would also point out that their solid d has given up, what, 3 big plays in 2 games? the offensive turnovers killed them, but they still scored enough to have a chance (the fumble touchdown was obviously the worst). but then you give up the play to priest for 60+ yards. some good blocks, but also some bad defense. and lavar's speed may very well have helped catch up to priest downfield, and then the tatum bell plays...

but i do tend to agree that the coaches get the benefit of the doubt. i still would like to see him on 3rd and longs. as some qb's have said around the league, they have to know where he is on the field before the snap. that mental edge could help disrupt things even before the play starts.

the article i was talking about was here

Cool, thanks for the link. That was a very good article (much better a lot of the op/ed sports writer crap I've read recently).

I would love to see LaVar in there playing. If he would play the way Gregg Williams needs him to play (which is LB's staying at home & playing smart so the secondary can blitz) I think it would make the D better than it is now. But if LaVar can't stop freelancing he's gonna let the 'Skins D get burned. Making one big play won't make up for the 3 big plays he may give up. Like a player said in the article you linked to, LaVar's freelancing probably cost the 'Skins 3 games in '03.

I hate "what if'ing" games 'cause changing one play changes everything that came after that play, but in the two losses Washington had a total of 4 turnovers (all fumbles) and each turnover resulted in points of the other team. W/out the points from those turnovers Washington would have won the game. The 'Skins D is 8th in the league in points allowed. Their O is only 25th in the league in points scored. Currently the lowest of any team w/a winning record.

Although the O has started looking much better this season than last they still aren't there yet. I think we really need a strong win against the 49er's get the team's confidence up as well as give the O a good chance to really get into a groove. Who knows, maybe if the 'Skins shut down the 49er's we'll see Williams put in LaVar late in the game to "test the waters."

Granted they need to make turnovers, but pointing to the D saying, "Hey, you guys need to do more" is a bit unfair, IMO.


Lethal

 

[Dandaman]

ARGHHHHHH

Sorry, i usually don't complain about refs but there were some lousy non-calls in that NYG vs. Denver game. Now, i know the broncos should have stopped the Giants, but cmon!! The refs blew that game.

But then again, the last time the Broncos won the super bowl, they lost to two teams....Miami and the NYG.

daniel

 

[jelloshotsrule]

the redskins put on an offensive show today. it was awesome to watch (most of) it.

and arrington was back out there, leading the team in tackles.

looking forward to the big division game (vs. giants) next weekend.

 

[watcher2001]

I am sooo mad at CBS, actually my local affiliate... I live in Louisville KY. About 100 miles south of Indianapolis and 90 miles west of Cincinnati. Normally our local station makes it a point to carry the Colts game however today they decided to show the cinci pittsburgh game.. I understand why they did it, assuming the Colts game was going to be a blowout and that the cinci pitts game would be more entertaining.. But still... Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[Applespider]

the redskins put on an offensive show today. it was awesome to watch (most of) it.

I suspect, with my Niners hat on, I'd have found it quite painful. I'll say that before you glorify the Skins too much, they were playing the Niners

Having said that, Brunell does appear to have a new lease of life and has really made a connection with Santana Moss. I prefer the Skins to most of those in the NFC East so long may it continue (especially since I had the foresight to pick up Brunell for my fantasy team )

 

[LethalWolfe]

the redskins put on an offensive show today. it was awesome to watch (most of) it.

and arrington was back out there, leading the team in tackles.

looking forward to the big division game (vs. giants) next weekend.

At least once a week I'll see a team from the NFC East on TV out here (Los Angeles), but they never seem to air the 'Skins games (save for MNF). Glad to read that LaVar got some playing time. Hopefully this means him and Williams are on the same page now and we'll be seeing him every Sunday. Hopefully they'll be able to carry the momentum w/them 'cause they have one hell of a schedule.

Anyone see the Dallas/Seattle game? I only caught the last 3 minutes but that seemed to be the best 3 minutes of the game.


Lethal

 

[MrSugar]

ARGHHHHHH

Sorry, i usually don't complain about refs but there were some lousy non-calls in that NYG vs. Denver game. Now, i know the broncos should have stopped the Giants, but cmon!! The refs blew that game.

But then again, the last time the Broncos won the super bowl, they lost to two teams....Miami and the NYG.

daniel

Man, the game made me want to cry my eyes out. I was so angry afterwards, I couldn't even focus. All we can hope is that the Broncos don't repeat the last two seasons now that they are at 5 and 2.


on a positive note, my fantasy football team is 7 and 0.

 

[Dave00]

Anybody see the end of that Phillie/San Diego game? Wow. The fire alarm in the stadium going off during the last 3 minutes just added to the surreal atmosphere.

Pittsburgh obviously has Cinci's #. They always have.

Well, I made the prediction that Houston would give Indy a game, and they did - for a while. I can't see Indy not getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs now. They just don't have enough difficult games left on their schedule, although the stretch of 3 worthy opponents in 4 games (NE, Pittsburgh, and Cinci) could prove to be a test. I'd say they'd have to lose at least 2 of these games though to have any chance of not getting home field advantage.

Dave

 

[Jomoma]

I was watching the Eagles game. As a huge Eagles fan, I watch as many games as I can out here in Cincinnati. I seem to remember a fire alarm problem last year too. Anyone else remember that?

It was a great game to watch though. I was chanting at the screen to "block the kick, block the kick, block the kick" When it actually happened, I went crazy.

It was definately a great weekend for the NFL. So many close games.

 

[Dandaman]

Man, the game made me want to cry my eyes out. I was so angry afterwards, I couldn't even focus. All we can hope is that the Broncos don't repeat the last two seasons now that they are at 5 and 2.


on a positive note, my fantasy football team is 7 and 0.

Man, thinking of that game makes me sooooo mad. They always lose that dreaded seventh game. I guess the refs made sure of that

Let's hope they make this season different by beating the eagles.

daniel

 

[Dave00]

Parity

So how about parity this year? Last year the AFC was just so much better than the NFC. This year, only 6 AFC teams with winning records, while the NFC has 8 (four in the East alone!) Of course, of the very top teams, the AFC still looks better. I can't see any NFC team beating the Colts or Steelers, and probably not Cincinatti or Denver (the latter's late-game defeat to NYG notwithstanding). But the Giants and Tampa Bay look very strong. (I'm sorry, I still can't see the Seahawks as a good team, not until they actually finish a season strong.)

Dave

 

[Dandaman]

(I'm sorry, I still can't see the Seahawks as a good team, not until they actually finish a season strong.)

Dave

Haha, i tell everyone that Seattle's always either an 8-8 team or a first-round loser in the playoffs.

daniel

 

[jelloshotsrule]

I'll say that before you glorify the Skins too much, they were playing the Niners

but they didn't play down at all, and considering everyone thought they were a mediocre or bad offense, they certainly didn't play like it, whether sf's defense sucks or not. after all, i don't believe other teams have put up 50 on the 9ers thus far...? i don't think that this is some sort of huge win, but it's a solid blowout, with several strong moves in the positive direction on both sides of the ball. can't wait for sunday's big game.

 

[LethalWolfe]

So how about parity this year? Last year the AFC was just so much better than the NFC. This year, only 6 AFC teams with winning records, while the NFC has 8 (four in the East alone!) Of course, of the very top teams, the AFC still looks better. I can't see any NFC team beating the Colts or Steelers, and probably not Cincinatti or Denver (the latter's late-game defeat to NYG notwithstanding). But the Giants and Tampa Bay look very strong. (I'm sorry, I still can't see the Seahawks as a good team, not until they actually finish a season strong.)

Dave

I'm still suspect of the Colts. They've only played one team w/a winning record so far, and their past two games they haven't dominated like their record implies they should. I think there are better teams but w/worse records because of tougher schedules. Same w/Tampa Bay. They have a "soft" 5-1 record. And the Bangles have only played two winning teams so far (and lost both games).

Seattle may have some inconsistent play at times, but they've beat some good teams to be 5-2. Denver is a very strong team IMO, and I don't think any NFC East team can be discounted.

There are a lot of teams that may not be solid, but if you play down to them they'll beat you. St. Louis is one, IMO. I think MNF last week woulda come down to the wire if Bulger didn't go out early.

It's a very exciting season. Hopefully it stays that way and teams don't start imploding down the stretch. At least not teams I like.


Lethal

 

[quigleybc]

bURGH In the House

Nice

Burgh comes out and shuts all the critics up

Cinci this and Cinci that....they're still the Bengals...end of story

They didn't really offer that much competition..considering it was in Cinci

Bugh is looking at four winable games now...Ravens, GB, Browns, Ravens, finally the schedule mellows out a litte...we should go 4-0 through those games..then we get Indi in the dome on MNF

****


well, it'll be a test...something the colts havn't had all year hardly...I mean Texans. SF. big challenges there...

So, let's go Burgh!!

 

[Cfg5]

The Bengals are good...but not great. The can't beat teams with a good defense and good running game (see Jacksonville and Pittsburgh).