2014-15 NFL season thread

[63dot]

Baseball and Football : There is no air in a baseball.

Just scuff up a baseball, if teams are allowed to mod them, and then bad pitchers start having a much lower ERA.

Actually you can do much more with a baseball and even controlling something like the rate of spin could mean something big like a Cy Young.

 

[Peace]

Just scuff up a baseball, if teams are allowed to mod them, and then bad pitchers start having a much lower ERA.

Actually you can do much more with a baseball and even controlling something like the rate of spin could mean something big like a Cy Young.

That's why you always see the umpire walk out to the mound and check out the baseball.

 

[63dot]

That's why you always see the umpire walk out to the mound and check out the baseball.

We should have the refs keep so many footballs, measure them just before the game and use them as needed. Maybe this whole ball-gate thing will make this the new thing in the NFL. Even if the ball is controlled more like this next year, I think it's only fair to come to a conclusion about whether or not the Pats cheated.

If we find they did, and then call up the Colts and tell them they are on for February 1st. In competitions, even something as short as the 100 meter, if somebody jumps the start gun too many times they are thrown out and there's no regard for the four years of hard training. That's the breaks and that's competitive sports. Yes, I want the Pats to be found innocent so they could take out the Seahawks but fair should be fair. I think the Colts would stand less of a chance of winning against the Seahawks and I wouldn't like that, but let's clear this ball-gate thing up quickly.

But if the ball-gate thing is just Belichick and has nothing to do with Brady or his receivers in any way, then put the Pats on the field Sunday and keep Belichick at home and have one of his assistants coach the team.

There's no way we can just brush this aside if it's true. There are too many teams and players who are honest and too many fans who believe this is a fair sport that we should severely punish all cheaters and take them out of the game until they learn their lesson. If they repeat, then kick them out of football.

Baseball doesn't seem to suffer fools:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXLmh1dG5fY

 

[Peace]

I am visualizing the headlines for Feb. 2nd.

Seahawks take the air out of the Patriots.

or.

Seahawks deflate Patriots in Super Bowl 49.

ha !

 

[citizenzen]

I am visualizing the headlines for Feb. 2nd.

Seahawks take the air out of the Patriots.

or.

Seahawks deflate Patriots in Super Bowl 49.

ha !

Perfection.

 

[pachyderm]

is there anyway we can tie them to the murder that aaron hernandez committed ?

again, if they do anything it will seem like nothing.

they won't make them forfeit, they won't make them fire belicheck(sp?), if anything they(patriots) will blame the ball boy/equipment manager, fire him (surely with a nice, i.e. very modest, severance package) and be done with it.

i'm not saying they should have to forfeit but i have seen some folks say that is what they deserve.

but in the end we, not being patriot fans, will surely feel like nothing was done.

and as for fines, what dollar amount of a fine will satisfy any of us?

 

[einmusiker]

It's almost as if Green Bay stopped playing and Seattle didn't have to do much in order to win.
url]

That is exactly what happened and its on the green bay coaching staff. Aaron Rodgers had nothing to do with it. He was ordered to hand off the ball and play clock control. but guess what ? There was too much time left. Horrible horrible coaching

 

[Sydde]

I am visualizing the headlines for Feb. 2nd.

Seahawks take the air out of the Patriots.

or.

Seahawks deflate Patriots in Super Bowl 49.

ha !

I already saw where someone was selling a t-shirt with an airless football that says "Flatten the Deflatriots"

 

[Queen of Spades]

Hate Seattle all you want but at least they're trying to get those rings in an honorable way.

I completely agree. Ban Belichick for a year.

That ought to get his attention.

Goodell doesn't have the balls to do that. He back tracked on Ray Rice. He won't go up against Kraft and the hoodie.

You guys are nuts. According to the rulebook the punishment for such a thing is suggested at $25,000. You think they're going to ban a coach for a year? Or for the Super Bowl? It would make the NFL an utter joke. The Vikings got caught warming balls on live television and got no punishment. This is only because it's Bill Belichick. And you really think Kraft got some lightened punishment for Spygate? They docked the franchise a draft pick! For putting a camera in the wrong place. I don't eve think this is a closed and shut case like fans who hate Belichick seem to think it is.

The moral outcry on this is absolutely ridiculous. How many pages of anger about the Ravens covering up the brutal beating of a woman ON TAPE by one of their players did you guys have? The Ravens' response: "The league never asked for the tapes." That's perfectly fine with you guys, but deflating a football 2psi is the final straw? Funny, I saw a fraction of the outrage then.

Wow - and a Seattle fan talking about winning with honor? Ahahahahaha. How many of your players will get busted for PEDs before you feel hypocritical? 5? 10? 15? How many extra practices did Seattle hold illegally last year - and what about the ones they never caught? Please.

The moral grandstanding is out of control. Seriously. Let all the facts come out before we blow this out of proportion. Oh wait, too late. I hope the Patriots play angry. I hope they feel disrespected. I just feel disappointed at the level of unchecked idiocy.

 

[Peace]

Snip :

Wow - and a Seattle fan talking about winning with honor? Ahahahahaha. How many of your players will get busted for PEDs before you feel hypocritical? 5? 10? 15?

All total there were THREE. One of which is playing for the Patriots.

 

[MacNut]

The moral outcry on this is absolutely ridiculous. How many pages of anger about the Ravens covering up the brutal beating of a woman ON TAPE by one of their players did you guys have? The Ravens' response: "The league never asked for the tapes." That's perfectly fine with you guys, but deflating a football 2psi is the final straw? Funny, I saw a fraction of the outrage then.

I have always said the league and the Ravens were dead wrong on that handling. It might have been more on twitter tho.

The fact that it is the Patriots and they have a track record of this stuff is what makes it worse. What good does it do to deflate the ball, it's just stupid that they would even do it. I do wonder if Belichick just does it for the thrills of going around the rules.

 

[Queen of Spades]

Snip :

All total there were THREE. One of which is playing for the Patriots.

So...the number matters to you? You get to keep your halo as long as the number is under three *caught* PED users? Or is it under five? As long as it's only certain rules being broken, and by a likable, "aww shucks!" coach like Pete Carroll? Or is it any and all rule breaking?

I have always said the league and the Ravens were dead wrong on that handling. It might have been more on twitter tho.

The fact that it is the Patriots and they have a track record of this stuff is what makes it worse. What good does it do to deflate the ball, it's just stupid that they would even do it. I do wonder if Belichick just does it for the thrills of going around the rules.

Sure, they do have a track record of pushing the envelope in every way possible, and sometimes breaking the rules. I can't pretend to know Belichick and his motivation, and I don't know all the facts about this latest kerfluffle. But the fact is that A LOT of people have an axe to grind with the Patriots and Bill Belichick in particular. And that means they will get skewered for things like this regardless of context and regardless of if it is common practice or not.

The things people are okay with and the things they get riled up with directly relates to whether or not it's someone that they hate. And that is just dumb. No one cares about these violations when they occur elsewhere, but when it's the Patriots, it's a huge, CNN type deal.

The NFL is a joke sometimes. "Hurr durr, we screwed up so badly with the Ray Rice case, let's make up for it by getting REALLY MAD about ball inflation."

Talk about the dumbest thing ever. I hope all the Patriots players refuse to speak to the media for the next week and a half. Kraft can afford the fines.

 

[Peace]

So...the number matters to you? You get to keep your halo as long as the number is under three *caught* PED users? Or is it under five? As long as it's only certain rules being broken, and by a likable, "aww shucks!" coach like Pete Carroll? Or is it any and all rule breaking?



Sure, they do have a track record of pushing the envelope in every way possible, and sometimes breaking the rules. I can't pretend to know Belichick and his motivation, and I don't know all the facts about this latest kerfluffle. But the fact is that A LOT of people have an axe to grind with the Patriots and Bill Belichick in particular. And that means they will get skewered for things like this regardless of context and regardless of if it is common practice or not.

The things people are okay with and the things they get riled up with directly relates to whether or not it's someone that they hate. And that is just dumb. No one cares about these violations when they occur elsewhere, but when it's the Patriots, it's a huge, CNN type deal.

I hope all the Patriots players refuse to speak to the media for the next week and a half. Kraft can afford the fines.

So can Paul Allen and he has a LOT more money than Kraft.



and a little fyi..

The player gets fined for not talking not the owner.

Unless you're suggesting the Patriots owners are paying player fines. Which is also against the rules.

 

[citizenzen]

You think they're going to ban a coach for a year?

They banned Sean Payton for a year ... for doing something every team most likely did/does/used-to-do-before-Sean-Payton-got-suspended.

It would seem to me that as long as these punishments are petty fines, then nothing will change. If the NFL doesn't care, then I'm not that bothered if they take a little air out of the ball myself.

 

[Queen of Spades]

They banned Sean Payton for a year ... for doing something every team most likely did/does/used-to-do-before-Sean-Payton-got-suspended.

It would seem to me that as long as these punishments are petty fines, then nothing will change. If the NFL doesn't care, then I'm not that bothered if they take a little air out of the ball myself.

That was a) about player safety, and b) because the Saints were uncooperative and Sean Payton claimed ignorance and later the evidence showed that was almost impossible. I still think that suspension was harsh, but it's a world of difference from underinflated footballs. Come on. (and speaking of something every team most likely did/does/used-to-do - funny how that never gets mentioned with Spygate).

Do the fans really care about the exact psi of a football, or is it because it's Belichick and the Patriots? When Aaron Rodgers mentioned like his balls overinflated (heh heh) during a broadcast, I had no reaction whatsoever. It's inconsequential. Do I care about all the little rules violations that happen during a season with every franchise? No, it's ludicrous.

But I've had the opinion that the morality play is really dumb for a long time. It's the NFL. Unless you want to discredit Oakland in the 70s, the Denver Broncos cheating the salary cap for their 2 Super Bowls, the 49ers doing the same in the late 90s, etc. etc. All the players who have used PEDs, all the teams that have covered up misdeeds by their players...all the convicts and suspected murderers that have received rings, the guys that try and stomp and injure each other...it's like really? We think this is a squeaky clean example of chivalry-based sport?

I root for the Patriots because I grew up in a specific area of the country and share that bond with a bunch of strangers. I think my team gets the shaft on these kinds of things because people hate our coach, our team, and us. At the end of the day, I don't think my team is morally superior to any other. I think we all live in glass houses on that end, but for the time being everyone's rocks are always pointed at Patriot Way.

 

[pivo6]

That was a) about player safety, and b) because the Saints were uncooperative and Sean Payton claimed ignorance and later the evidence showed that was almost impossible. I still think that suspension was harsh, but it's a world of difference from underinflated footballs. Come on.

Do the fans really care about the exact psi of a football, or is it because it's Belichick and the Patriots? When Aaron Rodgers mentioned like his balls overinflated (heh heh) during a broadcast, I had no reaction whatsoever. It's inconsequential. Do I care about all the little rules violations that happen during a season with every franchise? No, it's ludicrous.

But I've had the opinion that the morality play is really dumb for a long time. It's the NFL. Unless you want to discredit Oakland in the 70s, the Denver Broncos cheating the salary cap for their 2 Super Bowls, the 49ers doing the same in the late 90s, etc. etc. All the players who have used PEDs, all the teams that have covered up misdeeds by their players...all the convicts and suspected murderers that have received rings, the guys that try and stomp and injure each other...it's like really? We think this is a squeaky clean example of chivalry-based sport?

I root for the Patriots because I grew up in a specific area of the country and share that bond with a bunch of strangers. I think my team gets the shaft on these kinds of things because people hate our coach, our team, and us. At the end of the day, I don't think my team is morally superior to any other. I think we all live in glass houses on that end, but for the time being everyone's rocks are always pointed at Patriot Way.

While I admire your passion for your team, I think you're going a bit far in thinking that everyone has it in for your coach, your team, and the fans that support them. Perhaps they get extra scrutiny because they've been caught cheating once before.

I didn't see the game, so I don't have an opinion on if the game balls had anything to do with the outcome. I just don't understand why you would do something like that. especially if you feel that "everyone is out to get us".

For the record, I'm not a fan of the Patriots, Colts, Ravens, or Seahawks. I don't hate them either. I do hate the Packers though, but that's irrelevant.

 

[Queen of Spades]

While I admire your passion for your team, I think you're going a bit far in thinking that everyone has it in for your coach, your team, and the fans that support them. Perhaps they get extra scrutiny because they've been caught cheating once before.

I didn't see the game, so I don't have an opinion on if the game balls had anything to do with the outcome. I just don't understand why you would do something like that. especially if you feel that "everyone is out to get us".

For the record, I'm not a fan of the Patriots, Colts, Ravens, or Seahawks. I don't hate them either. I do hate the Packers though, but that's irrelevant.

Sure, I was using a bit of hyperbole there. ESPN had a couple of polls out today and it seemed half the country could give a crap less about deflategate. So you're probably right. But amongst passionate types (the kinds that will spend hours on message boards), it's been a very hot, highly debated topic. And perception is history - ask any casual fan what Spygate is and they'll tell you all types of insane variations on the Patriots videotaping teams practices, their game walkthroughs, even their playbooks - all manner of incorrect things. So facts eventually don't matter, depending on the team.

Who knows why teams do these things? But yes, especially New England should know they're under higher scrutiny. I think Belichick does things his way and that's it, but I don't think he's a cheater the way people throw that term around. I also don't think there's anything to this one, but we may never fully know. I honestly (truly) believe the Patriots haven't done anything other teams don't do - and that includes Spygate. Same as the Saints. And the Seahawks. And the Colts. And whoever else.

Your Packers comment made me laugh. I wish we could get back to actual football discussion, but alas.

 

[63dot]

That is exactly what happened and its on the green bay coaching staff. Aaron Rodgers had nothing to do with it. He was ordered to hand off the ball and play clock control. but guess what ? There was too much time left. Horrible horrible coaching

I feel so bad for Aaron Rodgers and this is coming from me, an NFC SF 49ers fan, who is used to Green Bay being a nemesis on countless postseasons.

There's nothing that will change that Rodgers is NFL MVP this year and that he will eventually retire as highest rated QB ever. I see another Super Bowl or two in him if he stays as long as Brady or Manning.

 

[citizenzen]

That was a) about player safety, and b) because the Saints were uncooperative and Sean Payton claimed ignorance and later the evidence showed that was almost impossible. I still think that suspension was harsh, but it's a world of difference from underinflated footballs.

Yes, there is a difference between player safety and under inflated footballs. However, each breaks rules or standards the NFL supposedly upholds and each reflects badly on the integrity of the league. Bill Belichick has a history of breaking league rules. I would treat it like a player substance abuse violation. How many strikes do they get? How gently are repeat offenders treated?

 

[citizenzen]

... I think Belichick does things his way and that's it, but I don't think he's a cheater the way people throw that term around. I also don't think there's anything to this one ...

There's a pretty easy way to find out. Compare the Patriot's game balls to the Colt's. There's no reason to believe that balls would behave differently on one side of the field vs. the other.

I do want to take a moment to state that I fault the league as much as the Patriots (if it's even true). The fact that they lose control and oversight over the balls in the first place is an egregious act of neglect. I suspect the league is trying to encourage scoring and QB performance and that's why they let each team prepare their own game balls. I don't think any player or team should touch a game ball until it's brought into play in the game, and if that makes it tougher on the QB ... then tough. Deal with it.

 

[Queen of Spades]

I feel so bad for Aaron Rodgers and this is coming from me, an NFC SF 49ers fan, who is used to Green Bay being a nemesis on countless postseasons.

There's nothing that will change that Rodgers is NFL MVP this year and that he will eventually retire as highest rated QB ever. I see another Super Bowl or two in him if he stays as long as Brady or Manning.

it is unfortunate, though, that they wasted a shot in his prime. I think that's where you could really sense his frustration. And the fans.

There's a pretty easy way to find out. Compare the Patriot's game balls to the Colt's. There's no reason to believe that balls would behave differently on one side of the field vs. the other.

I do want to take a moment to state that I fault the league as much as the Patriots (if it's even true). The fact that they lose control and oversight over the balls in the first place is an egregious act of neglect. I suspect the league is trying to encourage scoring and QB performance and that's why they let each team prepare their own game balls. I don't think any player or team should touch a game ball until it's brought into play in the game, and if that makes it tougher on the QB ... then tough. Deal with it.

The Colts are supposedly the ones who tipped off the refs. You think they would have had balls out of spec that day? Yeah, no.

I would agree with the referees being held accountable for this sort of thing (especially when other QBs have said they did they hoped out of spec balls would go past the refs), but I disagree that it's an "egregious act of neglect." Covering the trail of wife beaters is an egregious act of neglect. This, in my opinion, will result in a tightening of game ball rules...and I wouldn't be surprised if some QBs were quite annoyed with the Colts organization because of it.

And, I'm dealing with it quite well, thanks for your concern. My sister may have a beat on Super Bowl tickets, so hopefully I'll be cheering my team on in person as they go for a 4th title.

 

[citizenzen]

... so hopefully I'll be cheering my team on in person as they go for a 4th title.

I'll be rooting for the Pats as well.

Hope they kick some 'Hawk butt!

 

[rhett7660]

I am still curious on why the Ref's when handling the balls, didn't feel or maybe even see a difference in them. Especially if they were deflated that much!

 

[citizenzen]

I am still curious on why the Ref's when handling the balls, didn't feel or maybe even see a difference in them. Especially if they were deflated that much!

According to everything I've heard (avid listener of ESPN radio), a few pounds of pressure isn't all that big of a difference to those who've tried to feel the difference.

However, to the expert hands of a professional QB, it sounds as if it makes a difference to them. I'm also getting the impression that the difference might be psychological ... but at that level, any edge is seen as advantageous.

 

[fiddysent]

According to everything I've heard (avid listener of ESPN radio), a few pounds of pressure isn't all that big of a difference to those who've tried to feel the difference.

However, to the expert hands of a professional QB, it sounds as if it makes a difference to them. I'm also getting the impression that the difference might be psychological ... but at that level, any edge is seen as advantageous.

that's not what I've been hearing. On NFL Live yesterday the ex-players tested different balls and they noticed a significant difference in the deflated balls