The 2013-14 NFL football season thread

[zioxide]

They are missing a whole lot of pieces right now. But lately the Superbowl winner has been the team that's gotten their act together and been strong over the last three to four games of the season. Sometimes it's later than that.

As long as a team doesn't ruin its playoff chances in the first ten weeks, the first three months of the season is nearly irrelevant.

I can't tell anything about the Pats from the first two games other than they are lucky not to be 0-2.

Exactly.

There's so much turnover in the league every year now that the first half of the season is spent just getting in sync with all the new guys. Look no further than the Pats defense last year... horrendous for the first half of the year, then they trade for Talib at the deadline, move McCourty over to safety, and it's a whole different defense.

The silver lining is that the Pats played like **** and they're still 2-0. They will get better.. the majority of teams get better as the year progresses unless there's lots of key injuries.

People also underestimate how much of an impact a healthy Gronk will have on this offense. If he's healthy and playing, he commands double coverage on every play. That means one of Amendola or Edelman is going to be open... you can't double cover all three of them.

But you said it right.. it's not about who plays well at the beginning of the year, it's who plays well at the end of the year. As long as a team doesn't play so bad to fall completely out of contention in the first half of the year, if they have a strong second half, they'll be in great shape. That doesn't just go for the Pats.. that goes for every team in the league. Look at the 07 Giants after all that beat the Pats in the Super Bowl... pretty sure they didn't have a very good regular season, but got hot going into January and carried that momentum.


Also I saw this on Facebook earlier, though they might need to release an update for Geno Smith:

 

[Peace]

Lot's of close games today.

 

[einmusiker]

the Packers still have MAJOR offense and defensive line issues right now. They are not really playing up to their talent level. Injuries are not helping.

 

[Peace]

the Packers still have MAJOR offense and defensive line issues right now. They are not really playing up to their talent level. Injuries are not helping.

Well I'd like to see what they do when those issues are resolved..Rodgers is kicking my fantasy team's butt.

I'd say RGIII has more problems.

 

[AustinIllini]

Well I'd like to see what they do when those issues are resolved..Rodgers is kicking my fantasy team's butt.

I'd say RGIII has more problems.

He just looks awful in the first half. Not quite developed as a pocket passer.

 

[rdowns]

Manning Bowl is not as advertised. Lot of drops for the Broncos…Peyton is frustrated, but he hasn't reached the Tom Brady anger stage yet.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Manning Bowl is not as advertised. Lot of drops for the Broncos…Peyton is frustrated, but he hasn't reached the Tom Brady anger stage yet.

Not a good performance by Eli, 4 INTs. Too many penalties by the Broncos, but I'll take the win.

 

[bigjnyc]

Jaguars fans to hold sign Tim Tebow Rally in Jacksonville

Apparently Tim Tebow is still a "thing" I've never seen this kind of phenomenon for such a terrible player.

Maybe the Jags should sign him and sell some tickets.... Can't be any worse than what they have at QB now.

 

[mscriv]

Maybe the Jags should sign him and sell some tickets.... Can't be any worse than what they have at QB now.

It would be interesting to see Tebow play in a offense where there was a strong RB like MJD. It would be kind of like the dual threat the Eagles have with Vick and McCoy. Having a mobile QB is one thing, but having a mobile QB paired with a RB who can make plays and catch passes out of the backfield is quite an advantage. I'm not saying they would be a success, or that Tebow has anywhere close to the arm that Vick has, nor the Chip Kelly offense. I just think it would be fun to watch. And yes, I agree that it would help the Jags sell tickets. From an ownership perspective I would think that if you can't truly compete then you would at least want to entertain.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Can't be any worse than what they have at QB now.

Agreed, the Jags suck beyond belief. Adding Tebow certainly couldn't hurt them.

 

[Peace]

I hope they sign him before next sunday. I'd love to see the Seahawks defense do a "Tebow" on him.

 

[ValSalva]

Agreed, the Jags suck beyond belief. Adding Tebow certainly couldn't hurt them.

It's those awful uniforms with the two-tone helmets

If Tebow couldn't cope in a decent system in New England I shudder to think of what will happen to him in Jacksonville. Still it would be interesting for some team to let him have another shot.

 

[ucfgrad93]

It's those awful uniforms with the two-tone helmets

If Tebow couldn't cope in a decent system in New England I shudder to think of what will happen to him in Jacksonville. Still it would be interesting for some team to let him have another shot.

The question is, what do the Jaguars have to lose by trying. Gabbert and Henne aren't going to lead the team to victory. At least with Tebow, he has a record of taking a team (2011 Broncos) that was in bad shape and leading them to the playoffs and a first round win over the Steelers.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that Tim is a wonderful quarterback or that he was the sole reason the 2011 Broncos went to the playoffs. At the very least, by bringing in Tebow, the Jaguars owner would show that they are not willing to just settle for Gabbert and Henne.

 

[ValSalva]

The question is, what do the Jaguars have to lose by trying. Gabbert and Henne aren't going to lead the team to victory. At least with Tebow, he has a record of taking a team (2011 Broncos) that was in bad shape and leading them to the playoffs and a first round win over the Steelers.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that Tim is a wonderful quarterback or that he was the sole reason the 2011 Broncos went to the playoffs. At the very least, by bringing in Tebow, the Jaguars owner would show that they are not willing to just settle for Gabbert and Henne.

I agree with you. The Jags are most likely going to have the worst record in the NFL this year if they do nothing. Maybe that's what they want though it's pretty early to start going for the number 1 draft pick. Manziel?

Denver had a good defense in 2011. But they were the team that morphed the offense towards Tebow's strengths and weaknesses the most.

Jacksonville has nothing to lose by bringing their hometown hero back and giving him a real audition and not just throwing him to the wolves.

 

[pachyderm]

It's those awful uniforms with the two-tone helmets

If Tebow couldn't cope in a decent system in New England I shudder to think of what will happen to him in Jacksonville. Still it would be interesting for some team to let him have another shot.

toss him in the line up and let him go crazy. hell, let him draw plays in the dirt.

 

[Moyank24]

The question is, what do the Jaguars have to lose by trying. Gabbert and Henne aren't going to lead the team to victory. At least with Tebow, he has a record of taking a team (2011 Broncos) that was in bad shape and leading them to the playoffs and a first round win over the Steelers.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that Tim is a wonderful quarterback or that he was the sole reason the 2011 Broncos went to the playoffs. At the very least, by bringing in Tebow, the Jaguars owner would show that they are not willing to just settle for Gabbert and Henne.

Shouldn't the fact that guys like Henne and Gabbert are employed and Tebow isn't tell you something? Don't you think the Jaguars (or any other team who has a crap QB) want to win? Don't you think if they thought they had a chance to improve their team, they would do it?

That said, an injury or two to a backup and who knows? But if anyone thought he was worth it, he wouldn't be unemployed right now. Vince Young isn't employed right now - I'd take a chance on him way before I'd take a chance on Tebow.

 

[rdowns]

Vince Young isn't employed right now - I'd take a chance on him way before I'd take a chance on Tebow.

I'd sooner try to lure Favre out of retirement.

 

[Moyank24]

I'd sooner try to lure Favre out of retirement.

Forget Favre. Let's go stalk Vinny and Boomer. You can't go wrong with a couple of Long Island boys.

 

[Macky-Mac]

I used to be a football fan......then our local teams left Los Angeles......and the years went by......today I discovered that this year's season has already started without my realizing it

 

[bigjnyc]

I used to be a football fan......then our local teams left Los Angeles......and the years went by......today I discovered that this year's season has already started without my realizing it

Don't worry you'll be getting the Los Angeles Jaguars soon, and Football will be back in your life

 

[MacNut]

So Trent Richardson to the Colts as the Browns give up on the season in week 3.

 

[mscriv]

So Trent Richardson to the Colts as the Browns give up on the season in week 3.

It does seem like a foolish move by the Browns as Richardson has the ability to be a franchise player. Maybe they are giving up on Weeden and hope to get another QB in the first round next year? It just seems way too early to be making such drastic moves as they do have other good offensive players like Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon. I'm not sure what else a team can hope for beyond starting with the solid foundation of a good RB, WR, and TE. Now they've given away the RB and the rumors are that they could be looking to move Gordon also.

 

[rhett7660]

So Trent Richardson to the Colts as the Browns give up on the season in week 3.

The Colts look that much better now...........

 

[ucfgrad93]

So Trent Richardson to the Colts as the Browns give up on the season in week 3.

Agreed, it is sad. The only downside for the Colts is that Richardson does have a tendency for injuries.

 

[Queen of Spades]

It does seem like a foolish move by the Browns as Richardson has the ability to be a franchise player. Maybe they are giving up on Weeden and hope to get another QB in the first round next year? It just seems way too early to be making such drastic moves as they do have other good offensive players like Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon. I'm not sure what else a team can hope for beyond starting with the solid foundation of a good RB, WR, and TE. Now they've given away the RB and the rumors are that they could be looking to move Gordon also.

I think it's actually a good move for both sides.

It's a very smart move by the Browns, for once. Spending the #3 pick on a RB was already dumb - studs can be found in the later rounds every year. Their new GM clearly agrees with this assessment. Weeden is very clearly not the guy, and RBs have very short careers. By the time they get their guy and are ready to be competitive, T-Rich will be 3-5 years into his career. Deciding they need their franchise QB first and foremost shows the FO is willing to make the right, but tough call. You need a QB first. Period.

Also if you look closely at T-Rich's stats, he's been very good but not great in Cleveland. RBs are also completely useless for a team that isn't going to contend and can't throw the ball. All they've been doing is stacking the box against Richardson every game. Are you worried about stopping Weeden? Or Hoyer? Or whatever flotsam they throw out there now? Hell no. Not to say talented RBs are a dime a dozen, but they're available in every draft at all rounds. You don't need to spend a #1 on one unless you're getting Peterson.

A 1st round pick in a loaded draft is very valuable, especially when they are clearly going all in on Bridgewater (and less likely, Manziel). I still think the Colts experience some growing pains this year, and if they don't, it's still another pick in the first round for a piece they don't need, in order to speed up their rebuilding process and/or package them to get the guy they need.

For the Colts, they solve one of their obvious weaknesses - the running game. They pair Richardson with Luck, Hilton, and their young TEs to form a pretty good young core. I think a 1st rounder is pretty steep, but they are getting a great RB in his prime.

So yeah, its shocking, but I think it makes sense for both teams, and I'd argue the Browns came out on the better end. They will be worse in the interim, but they have the tools to make their team better faster.