NFL "Week 8" Talkback

[The Penguin]

This week almost looks to the next in some respects with the two undefeateds, Indianapolis and New England facing Carolina and Washington respectively. In Week 9, the two teams will face each other with their undefeated records expected to be the on the line. For the first time in the regular season, we will see NFL action across the pond when the Giants and Dolphins play in London's Wembley Stadium.

There is no Sunday Night Football tonight and Monday Night Football's Packers-Broncos start time could be influenced by whether or not there is a Game 5 of the World Series.

Teams taking this week off are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City and Seattle.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/nfltb.jpgWEEK 8
Sunday, October 28
IND @ CAR, 1:00 PM
DET @ CHI, 1:00 PM
PIT @ CIN, 1:00 PM
NYG @ MIA, 1:00 PM (Wembley Stadium, London, England)
PHI @ MIN, 1:00 PM
CLE @ STL, 1:00 PM
OAK @ TEN, 1:00 PM
BUF @ NYJ, 4:05 PM
HOU @ SD, 4:05 PM
JAC @ TB, 4:05 PM
WAS @ NE, 4:15 PM
NO @ SF, 4:15 PM

Monday, October 29
GB @ DEN, 8:30 PM

[sag_2002]

Surprise, surprise! Peyton went the entire first quarter without a completion (only the second time in his career that's happened), and the Colts find themselves down 7-3 to the Panthers. Next week's matchup with New England may not be a battle of unbeatens after all.

EDIT: Well, so much for that. Colts have their act together now and now lead 24-7 late in the 3rd.

[Supernovametalstar]

Looks like Griese is having a Grossman game. Every time the Bears are in position to score or have some momentum going, he throws an interception. Or the receivers keep dropping passes...again. And let's not forget Robbie Gould, who is usually spot on, missed a FG that would have tied the game 3-3. Guess the Lions have the Bears' number this season :). Sigh. So much for getting to .500 this week.

EDIT: I, as others have said, the Bears should not have used Hester as a receiver for just this reason. He isn't one. They're damn lucky he didn't get seriously injured after that hit at the end of the game.

[laactor101]

Looks like Griese is having a Grossman game. Every time the Bears are in position to score or have some momentum going, he throws an interception. Or the receivers keep dropping passes...again. And let's not forget Robbie Gould, who is usually spot on, missed a FG that would have tied the game 3-3. Guess the Lions have the Bears' number this season :). Sigh. So much for getting to .500 this week.

Poor Bears I was rooting for them even though I'm from Detroit.

[sag_2002]

Well, the Colts' run continues despite their early hiccups, while the Rams and Dolphins keep their 0-16 dreams alive. Late games are about to get started, as the Patriots look to complete the daily double and set up a juicy battle of unbeatens next week.

[bigddan11]

The early finals are in, and with the exception of the Titans, it was a big morning for the road teams:

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/OAK/OAK_logo-80x90.gif (2-5) Oakland Raiders 09
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TEN/TEN_logo-80x90.gif (5-2) Tennessee Titans 13
It was a close contest, but the Titans managed to rush for the win.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PHI/PHI_logo-80x90.gif (3-4) Philadelphia Eagles 23
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIN/MIN_logo-80x90.gif (2-5) Minnesota Vikings 16
The Eagles showed they still have some life, but the Vikings also showed they don't use Petersen enough.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PIT/PIT_logo-80x90.gif (5-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 24
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CIN/CIN_logo-80x90.gif (2-5) Cincinnati Bengals 13
This game was closer than I thought it'd be (I was listening to it thanks to Sports USA Radio), but Parker rushed for more than 100 and Rothlisburger passed for nearly 300 in what turned out being an easy win.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DET/DET_logo-80x90.gif (5-2) Detroit Lions 16
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CHI/CHI_logo-80x90.gif (3-5) Chicago Bears 07
Can any team win as many close games as the Lions are? Everytime the Bears look to be back on trak, they go and lose the next game to an opponent they should beat.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/IND/IND_logo-80x90.gif (7-0) Indianapolis Colts 31
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CAR/CAR_logo-80x90.gif (4-3) Carolina Panthers 07
Manning and company didn't care who carolina's QB would be, and they got an easy win.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NYG/NYG_logo-80x90.gif (6-2) New York Giants 13
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIA/MIA_logo-80x90.gif (0-8) Miami Dolphins 10
Played in London, England
A late touchdown made this game closer in the rain, but while the Giants defense remaine strong, the offense showed they still can't quite contend with the ranks of the Cowboys offense.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CLE/CLE_logo-80x90.gif (4-3) Cleveland Browns 27
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/STL/STL_logo-80x90.gif (0-8) St. Louis Rams 20
The Rams offense has slowly started looking like their old selves as they've recovered from injuries, but they have continued to struggle as they attempt to get their first win.

[Katsumara]

Man. Cromartie of the Chargers is having a huge day both statwise and fantasy wise. He's got 24 points in my league atm. (INT for a TD, Fumble for a TD, and another INT).. and it's only the first half. They're up 28-3 and they only have around 150 total offense. It's nuts.

Colts rolled easy as I figured they would. Patriots aren't having much trouble so far with the Skins either.

[bigddan11]

Man. Cromartie of the Chargers is having a huge day both statwise and fantasy wise. He's got 24 points in my league atm. (INT for a TD, Fumble for a TD, and another INT).. and it's only the first half. They're up 28-3 and they only have around 150 total offense. It's nuts.

Colts rolled easy as I figured they would. Patriots aren't having much trouble so far with the Skins either.
If San Diego can continue to play like they have the last couple of games, they may very well be the #3 team in the AFC behind New England and Indianapolis. Of course Pittsburgh might argue thatpoint as well, but they didn't look that god against Denver. 35-3 Chargers lead the Texans at Halftime, and it doesn't look like Schaub will be playing the second half. Rosenfelts is in for the second straight week for the Texans, and whjile I don't expect a comeback like last week, the poor production from Schaub combined with Rosenfelts effectiveness this year could cost Schaub the job he was handed after being traded to Houston.

[Robin2099]

Well, besides showing today that Marvin Lewis needs to wake up and fix his crappy defense he's had now for TWO YEARS! The Patriots are now up 31-0 in the third quarter. It's flat out scary how good they are right now. And no sooner then I say that, Campbell fumbles and their now up 38-0.

[sag_2002]

The Colts did their part earlier today, and now the Patriots are well on their way to 8-0. While not quite as bad as the drubbing they gave the Dolphins last week (it's "only" 31-0 today compared to 42-7 at this point last week), New England has managed another 30+ point game, their 8th consecutive which ties an NFL mark.

EDIT: Well, as Robin just said, it's gotten a little worse. 38-0 as the Pats' scoring machine shows no sign of breaking down.

[Draft]

Make that 50+ Game

52-0 ATM, 4 Minds Left

I am so pissed. I have Sunday School during the Pats Colts Game. I don't want to go, but I know if I don't go, The patriots will lose.

Edit: 52-7, LAME. Meh, still a 50 Point Game

[sag_2002]

And, the Skins salvage a bit of their dignity, as they get a late TD to make it 52-7.

[Katsumara]

Man I dunno. Dignity is hard to keep when you lose 52-7. D:

[sag_2002]

Man I dunno. Dignity is hard to keep when you lose 52-7. D:

True. LOL.

[Draft]

52-7 is official

This Colts Vs. Pats game is gonna be fun

I think wen eed to do a TZ Wide Bet, and maybe whoever picks the winnin team gets somethin, or maybe the losing team has to make their avatars the winning team logo

[bigddan11]

52-7 is official

This Colts Vs. Pats game is gonna be fun

I think we need to do a TZ Wide Bet, and maybe whoever picks the winnin team gets somethin, or maybe the losing team has to make their avatars the winning team logo

Sorry, but I wouldn't agree to that. I will pick a winner of the match, which I will reveal next Friday when I post all my picks, but I won't change my avatar to be the Colts or Patriots. I prefer it being the dallas Cowboys or the BYU Cougars.

Afternoon results:

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/WAS/WAS_logo-80x90.gif (4-3) Washington Redskins 07
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NE/NE_logo-80x90.gif (8-0) New England Patriots 52
The Patriots are truly looking like they are elite, and I was laughing all week long when ESPN kept talking about how strong the Redskins D was. It's not as good as the Dallas D, so I expected this type of result.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NO/NO_logo-80x90.gif (3-4) New Orleans Saints 31
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SF/SF_logo-80x90.gif (2-5) San Francisco 49ers 10
This was a fun game to watch for the first half. In the second half the Saints showed they are back on track and could contend for the NFC Playoffs.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/HOU/HOU_logo-80x90.gif (3-5) Houston Texans 10
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SD/SD_logo-80x90.gif (4-3) San Deigo Chargers 35
It's never good when you see mostly seond string players in ni the second half, like we had this game. The Texans committed too many turnovers allowing the Chargers to run all over them.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/JAC/JAC_logo-80x90.gif (5-2) Jacksonville Jaguars 24
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TB/TB_logo-80x90.gif (4-4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
The Bucs still look like the best team in the NFC South, though the Saints have revived, but they are losing a lot of close games.

Onto Monday Night Football:
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos

[Punisher]

Now we all can look foward to what will surely be a totally ridiculous week of hype about the Colts-Patriots game. Me, I'm probably not even going to watch it. I don't care for either team.

Can't wait for the Steelers-Ravens Monday night game though, I took the day off from work so I wouldn't miss it like I did the first game of the year. It's for control of the AFCN, if the Ravens come out victorious they'll finally have a win in the division and hold a game over Pitt, which could be huge leading into the final games of the season because the AFCN won't have a clear winner until the final week with the Browns now contending(with a QB the Ravens cut from their practice squad. Oh, the irony).

[bigddan11]

Now we all can look foward to what will surely be a totally ridiculous week of hype about the Colts-Patriots game. Me, I'm probably not even going to watch it. I don't care for either team.

Can't wait for the Steelers-Ravens Monday night game though, I took the day off from work so I wouldn't miss it like I did the first game of the year. It's for control of the AFCN, if the Ravens come out victorious they'll finally have a win in the division and hold a game over Pitt, which could be huge leading into the final games of the season because the AFCN won't have a clear winner until the final week with the Browns now contending(with a QB the Ravens cut from their practice squad. Oh, the irony).

While I wouldn't mind watching the game, it won't be on my local CBS affiliate. We get the Texans games here, and they play the Raiders at the same time as the Colts/ Patriots game.

[Punisher]

While I wouldn't mind watching the game, it won't be on my local CBS affiliate. We get the Texans games here, and they play the Raiders at the same time as the Colts/ Patriots game.Truth be told, I'd rather watch that because at least the announcers wouldn't be yammering about the Hall of Fame and the camera wouldn't cut to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning just walking around the sideline while the game is still going on like I know it will.

[Katsumara]

I'd rather watch Brady and Manning walk around on the sidelines than the Texans/Raiders game. God knows that Brady and Manning walking on the sidelines would have much more action and be a bit more exciting. >.>

[Meson]

The Buffalo-New York game was fon. It is good that the Bill won. JP is back. I wonder what they will say about that tomorrow.

[n1c3guy707]

:mad: Bah the 49ers lose again. It's 5 straight weeks (not counting the bye) that their offense have scored 16 points or less. 16 freaking points, well 16 points per game would be enough if the defense could get some rest so that they actually have enough energy to stop anyone.

[Supernovametalstar]

I forgot who the player was on the Patriots, but what he said was a good point. A reporter was asking if they were "rubbing it in" by running up the score on their opponents. The player pretty much said you don't put the offense on the field to just have them punt the ball, no matter how much they're leading by. I would agree. Football is a different beast then basketball. In basketball, if a team has amassed an insurmountable lead, and they are a few points away from 100, the winning team will usually not try to score that 100th point. I've heard a commentator say that creates resentment or something similar.

[Lazerboy5000]

Late again.

Tonight is going to be fun.

Go Packers

I'm sure that the Packers can pull this one off, but it will be another tough game.

You know, if the Red Sox didn't sweep the series, than Denver would be the host to Game 5 of the World Series and Week 8 Monday Night Football.

Patriots... OMG... 52-7, that's what our High School Football team does to other teams. (Game 1 of the playoffs, we won 57-7).

Less, and Less of the kids at my school are starting to like the Patriots. Actually, I only knew 3 people who liked them, and now my friend (who was one of them) is starting to hate them, more speficly Tom Brady because he is quickly catching Brett Favre's TD record. (although he still has a ways to go)

Alright, I'm done blabling for now.

[The Penguin]

Man, the Vikes get beat around and then they get beat around some mroe. I would rather McNabb not have taken this week to show he wasn't done yet. The Vikings certainly seem to be done. If we lose to San Diego next week then beating Green Bay would give us a one win, three losses pattern. At Lambeau I don't see that happening. :shrug: At this point I'm hoping for a good draft pick. Can someone who follows college football tell me what quarterback Childress should draft?



I forgot who the player was on the Patriots, but what he said was a good point. A reporter was asking if they were "rubbing it in" by running up the score on their opponents. The player pretty much said you don't put the offense on the field to just have them punt the ball, no matter how much they're leading by. I would agree. Football is a different beast then basketball. In basketball, if a team has amassed an insurmountable lead, and they are a few points away from 100, the winning team will usually not try to score that 100th point. I've heard a commentator say that creates resentment or something similar.I agree. I don't like seeing the Patriots blow away opponents and I'm starting to see Belichick as kind of a jerk, but I don't think you should stop scoring. When you offense has the ball, your goal is to drive down the field and score a touchdown, with so much game left, it would be foolish to run for three downs and then punt. The other team could start putting some points on the board and "actually" stop you and then you're in a close game or you've gotten a loss.

Tom Jackson said on "The Blitz" that if you aren't happy with what the Patriots are doing you need to do something about it. The Redskins had three hours to do something about it and they didn't get it done. I find it hard not to agree.

[Lazerboy5000]

I'm so mad that I never get a chance to see Sports Center's top 10 plays of the week on Tuesday mornings.

My vote for #1 play has got to be the 82yd TD pass from Favre to Jennings to win the game 16sec into overtime.

Next Week:
8-0 Patriots @ 7-0 Colts

And week 13:
Packers vs. Cowboys (both 6-1 as of now, but they could both easly be 10-1 by that time)

[bigddan11]

I agree. I don't like seeing the Patriots blow away opponents and I'm starting to see Belichick as kind of a jerk, but I don't think you should stop scoring. When you offense has the ball, your goal is to drive down the field and score a touchdown, with so much game left, it would be foolish to run for three downs and then punt. The other team could start putting some points on the board and "actually" stop you and then you're in a close game or you've gotten a loss.

I don't necessarily think you should stop scoring, but you shouldn't have your starters in there to run it up even higher intentionally. That's what disgusts me about the Patriots lately. I didn't mind them scoring against Dallas late in the game to make it a 21 point game, but I didn't like that they were passing it on first down either. Maybe if it was third down or second and long I would understand, but what Bellichik does is leave his starters up there to run up the score.

[Tanooki]

it would be kind of nice to put the second string in there to give them some game time. we may even get a new shining star out of it

[Robin2099]

I don't necessarily think you should stop scoring, but you shouldn't have your starters in there to run it up even higher intentionally. That's what disgusts me about the Patriots lately. I didn't mind them scoring against Dallas late in the game to make it a 21 point game, but I didn't like that they were passing it on first down either. Maybe if it was third down or second and long I would understand, but what Bellichik does is leave his starters up there to run up the score.
Why get mad at him? It does exactly what it's meant to do, which is demoralize the teams which will be playing the Pats next week. When you see that the Pats are good enough to score 52 points against a decent defense, it throws the other teams off mentally, and makes them worry about how they can contain the offense, or get past the defense.

[Duke]

One does wonder how exactly Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney are going to contain the Pats offense.


Note that I don't say "the Colts defense" because they live and die with those two players, especially Bob Sanders. Put him in and the Colts defense looks great, take him out and they're barely 1-AA level.

[bigddan11]

Why get mad at him? It does exactly what it's meant to do, which is demoralize the teams which will be playing the Pats next week. When you see that the Pats are good enough to score 52 points against a decent defense, it throws the other teams off mentally, and makes them worry about how they can contain the offense, or get past the defense.
Not exactly. Most people can already see how overmatched they are just from the starters, but when your opposition has put in their back-ups and you're still having your starters go (which has been the case the last three weeks), it shows you don't care for your players health, and it shows you have no respect for anyone in the league.

Frankly Bellichik is saying to everyone this year "You caught me cheating, but I'm going to show you that cheaters can prosper."

[Punisher]

I don't necessarily think you should stop scoring, but you shouldn't have your starters in there to run it up even higher intentionally. That's what disgusts me about the Patriots lately. I didn't mind them scoring against Dallas late in the game to make it a 21 point game, but I didn't like that they were passing it on first down either. Maybe if it was third down or second and long I would understand, but what Bellichik does is leave his starters up there to run up the score.I completely agree. I's totally classless to leave your starters in with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter and to still go for it on fourth down, when you have a forty point lead, which is exactly what they were doing against the Redskins. I know wishing injuries onpeople is wrong, but I really hope a starter goes down the next time they do it. It's what they deserve.

And honestly, I don't think them running up the score on every team they play truly scares anyone. It just gives teams more motivation to play them tough defensively, I know the Ravens defense will be pumped when we play the Patriots.

The penalty for cheating really should have been much stiffer. It's taught the Patriots nothing.

[Katsumara]

I'll say what I've said on other boards about this subject and what nine million sports writers have said. If you don't like what they are doing, if you don't like the fact that they are "running up the score".. then stop them. It is that simple. Just stop them. They are executing their gameplan just as you should, so stop them.

[Punisher]

I'll say what I've said on other boards about this subject and what nine million sports writers have said. If you don't like what they are doing, if you don't like the fact that they are "running up the score".. then stop them. It is that simple. Just stop them. They are executing their gameplan just as you should, so stop them.The thing, if teams could stop them....then they wouldn't be down so much and thus the Patriots wouldn't be running up the score. When the Patriots continue to leave their starters in after the opposing team has put in the backups on defense, well into the fourth quarter, and with ZERO percent chance the opposing team will win, yeah, that's classless. All you're doing is sat padding, which is excusable on the college level but not at all on the professional level.

It's going to come back and bite them, maybe not against the Colts, but when the Patriots play the hard hitting defenses of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Brady is going to get snapped like a twig if he tries to run up the score.

[Draft]

Not exactly. Most people can already see how overmatched they are just from the starters, but when your opposition has put in their back-ups and you're still having your starters go (which has been the case the last three weeks), it shows you don't care for your players health, and it shows you have no respect for anyone in the league.

Frankly Bellichik is saying to everyone this year "You caught me cheating, but I'm going to show you that cheaters can prosper."


I completely agree. I's totally classless to leave your starters in with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter and to still go for it on fourth down, when you have a forty point lead, which is exactly what they were doing against the Redskins. I know wishing injuries onpeople is wrong, but I really hope a starter goes down the next time they do it. It's what they deserve.

And honestly, I don't think them running up the score on every team they play truly scares anyone. It just gives teams more motivation to play them tough defensively, I know the Ravens defense will be pumped when we play the Patriots.

The penalty for cheating really should have been much stiffer. It's taught the Patriots nothing.

Remember last game?

We were up 42-0 IN the first half, But then Miami managed to get 3 TDs..

With The Redskins being an even harder team, i bet the Pats thought that the Redskins were going to do that to, but only more TDs..

[Punisher]

Remember last game?

We were up 42-0 IN the first half, But then Miami managed to get 3 TDs..

With The Redskins being an even harder team, i bet the Pats thought that the Redskins were going to do that to, but only more TDs..It was 45-0 with ten minutes in the game left and the Patriots kept playing their starters.

There is no way outside of the Madden games that a team can overcome something like that in ten minutes. Take out the starters and run the ball.

[Katsumara]

The thing, if teams could stop them....then they wouldn't be down so much and thus the Patriots wouldn't be running up the score. When the Patriots continue to leave their starters in after the opposing team has put in the backups on defense, well into the fourth quarter, and with ZERO percent chance the opposing team will win, yeah, that's classless. All you're doing is sat padding, which is excusable on the college level but not at all on the professional level.

It's going to come back and bite them, maybe not against the Colts, but when the Patriots play the hard hitting defenses of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Brady is going to get snapped like a twig if he tries to run up the score.

Lol... just like the hard hitting secondary of the Redskins were supposed to light up Moss, Welker and all them. I just don't see it as a problem. No one's going to be snapped like a twig. That and Baltimore's defense isn't exactly defense of old.. and the Broncos sure had no problem scoring 31 on them after they'd averaged about 16.5 points or so a game.

[Draft]

It was 45-0 with ten minutes in the game left and the Patriots kept playing their starters.

There is no way outside of the Madden games that a team can overcome something like that in ten minutes. Take out the starters and run the ball.
True..

Maybe some extra practice for the Colts?

[bigddan11]

Remember last game?

We were up 42-0 IN the first half, But then Miami managed to get 3 TDs..

With The Redskins being an even harder team, i bet the Pats thought that the Redskins were going to do that to, but only more TDs..

Miami has shown spurts of success all year. They gave Dallas one of their closest games, and they should have beaten the NY Jets. Heck, with the exception of the New England game they've been in most games. This is what the Dolphins have done:
Redskins- lost by 3
Dallas- lost by 17 (Five Miami turnovers made this difference)
Jets- lost by 3
Raiders- lost by 18 (Two interception returns by the Raiders in the final 5 minutes made this difference)
Texans- lost by 3
Browns- lost by 10
Patriots- lost by 21
Giants- lost by 3

The Dolphins have been successful and have had fairly close games all year long. Them scoring 21 unanswered doesn't surprise me when Dallas had done the same thing to New England. Still, the score was 42-21, and they had Brady come back in and throw another touchdown pass to make it 49-21. The Dolphins managed to score again making the final 49-28, but what does that show me? It shows me the Patriots had nothing to be afraid of. I can understand having the defensive starters in there when the opposition has their startting offense in, but having your startting offense in against the teams defensive back-ups, which is what they've done the last three weeks, is completely idiotic and risks hurting your stars and solely shows you just wish to run up the score. That's what I don't appreciate about Bellichik. I also don't like that he gets all the credit when almost anyone could be just as successful as he has been as head coach with Brady, Stallworth, Moss, Maroney, and Morris as your starting receivers, running backs, and QB.

[Duke]

I know the Ravens defense will be pumped when we play the Patriots.
It may motivate them, but I don't know how the hell Ed Reed, Chris McAlister, and Samari Rolle are gonna be able to contain Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and Brady for the whole game, especially since Moss is able to catch balls in triple coverage. I doubt Maroney will have a field day fantasy-wise (unless Brady passes it to him), but the Ravens' kink in their armor is in the secondary (well, that and no-huddle) and Randy Moss has more touchdowns than the entire Ravens offense combined.

One reason why the Patriots keep playing Brady: the one time they put in their backup, he was so freaking horrible the momentum almost shifted to the opponet (I forget what week it was). Basically, take down Tom Brady. That's the weakpoint. But in order to do that, the Ravens defense will have to do what Bart Scott did to Big Ben, and who knows if the offensive line will allow them to do that.

[Katsumara]

It may motivate them, but I don't know how the hell Ed Reed, Chris McAlister, and Samari Rolle are gonna be able to contain Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and Brady for the whole game, especially since Moss is able to catch balls in triple coverage. I doubt Maroney will have a field day fantasy-wise (unless Brady passes it to him), but the Ravens' kink in their armor is in the secondary (well, that and no-huddle) and Randy Moss has more touchdowns than the entire Ravens offense combined.

One reason why the Patriots keep playing Brady: the one time they put in their backup, he was so freaking horrible the momentum almost shifted to the opponet (I forget what week it was). Basically, take down Tom Brady. That's the weakpoint. But in order to do that, the Ravens defense will have to do what Bart Scott did to Big Ben, and who knows if the offensive line will allow them to do that.

QFT here. That and the Ravens D is old. As I said, they aren't what they were when they won the Super Bowl. Brady's O-line is just as reliable as Manning's and both of theirs is just as reliable as the security of Fort Knox. I don't think the Patriots will struggle with the Ravens as much as people think. That and the Ravens can't score with whoever they decide to use at QB.

[Duke]

As I said, they aren't what they were when they won the Super Bowl.
Well, that's not surprising since I believe the only defensive players left from that season are Ray Lewis and McAlister. It's kind of hard to keep the same 11 guys for over half a decade in this day and age. That's kind of like saying the Rams offense just isn't what it was when it won the Super Bowl in 1999. That's not even counting the fact that the style of defense is different now than back then. In 2000, it was an immovable object. In 2006, the defense was a battering ram.

However, the defense isn't even as good as it was last year. I'm withholding final judgement until Trevor Pryce comes back (as Bart Scott has been used more as a corner than as a pass rusher without Pryce to clear the way for him), but even with the loss of AD, the defense isn't nearly the force it usually is.

[Supernovametalstar]

Even though I'm "supposed" to hate Bret Farve because he's a Packer, I can't help but enjoy watching him play. Here I was expecting a down to the wire finish in overtime, and Bret throws a bomb of a pass that scores in the first drive of the period. I almost missed it since I had my head turned around at the computer for a bit.

Too bad for Denver though. I was actually expecting them to pull out the victory at the end of regulation, but they just ran out of time and all they could do was tie it up.

Although the constant cuts to his wife became annoying, that is part of the story, so I understand why they did it.

[Punisher]

QFT here. That and the Ravens D is old. As I said, they aren't what they were when they won the Super Bowl. Brady's O-line is just as reliable as Manning's and both of theirs is just as reliable as the security of Fort Knox. I don't think the Patriots will struggle with the Ravens as much as people think. That and the Ravens can't score with whoever they decide to use at QB.Average age of the Ravens is 27, and they're intergrating younger players into the defense. You know why the Ravens let Adalius go? Because we needed the money to resign the younger T-Sizzle. Corey Ivy and others are also gaining experience with every game. The "old" argument, is itself, getting old. Obviously, our D is not quite as good as last year, which was completely expected with the loss of a AD. Add to that several injuries all around(I don't believe our two starting corners have both started the same game together and with Trevor Pryce down the sacks just aren't rolling in) then of course the defense isn't as strong.

Of course, yeah, the Colts and Pats will beat the Ravens if we don't figure out the offense, but all the pieces are in place. Willis McGahee is awesome and a beast, Todd Heap and Wilcox are some of the better tight ends out there, and we've got two recievers who are perfectly capable of going deep, along with the NFL's leading reciever in Mason. And say what you will about Kyle Boller, but I believe that he can lead this team to victory. He's got one of the strongest arms in the league, and is a tough player. Against the Bills he threw a crucial block which allowed Willis McGahee to break a huge run for a TD. Would you ever see Brady or Manning throw themselves to block for a run? And the Ravens are getting the numbers, we're in the upper end of the league in time of possession and yards, it just that they freeze in the red zone. If they can figure that out, then I could easily see the Ravens giving the Colts and Patriots a tough, very close game. Remember that both of those are at Baltimore, who statistically, is the best home team in the NFL, and has been for several years.

[Katsumara]

Well, that's not surprising since I believe the only defensive players left from that season are Ray Lewis and McAlister. It's kind of hard to keep the same 11 guys for over half a decade in this day and age. That's kind of like saying the Rams offense just isn't what it was when it won the Super Bowl in 1999. That's not even counting the fact that the style of defense is different now than back then. In 2000, it was an immovable object. In 2006, the defense was a battering ram.

However, the defense isn't even as good as it was last year. I'm withholding final judgement until Trevor Pryce comes back (as Bart Scott has been used more as a corner than as a pass rusher without Pryce to clear the way for him), but even with the loss of AD, the defense isn't nearly the force it usually is.

Wow, tell me another fact there Captain Obvious. D: I didn't mean that they weren't the exact same team as they were when they won the Super Bowl. Same players and all that. I meant that they weren't the same fast, overpowering defense as they were then. Just like how the Bears are only a shell of their defensive powers last year. You just misunderstood me, and that's alright. Just don't try to put words into my mouth.. or put your text where mine should be, as it were. (Not a flame, I just get irritated when that happens. Mod or not, respect my response and read more into it, please.)

I'm not saying the Ravens are bad or that the Ravens are going to get beat by 40+ points or something either. I'm just saying that their defense isn't the top of the league standards anymore as it was, even last year and that their offense is horrible right now. You've got Willis and yeah, that's good.. but without a stable QB, you're all but doomed. You might have to look over your shoulder for the Browns. They're really surging right now.

[Road to Gotham]

Man, the Vikes get beat around and then they get beat around some mroe. I would rather McNabb not have taken this week to show he wasn't done yet. The Vikings certainly seem to be done. If we lose to San Diego next week then beating Green Bay would give us a one win, three losses pattern. At Lambeau I don't see that happening. :shrug: At this point I'm hoping for a good draft pick. Can someone who follows college football tell me what quarterback Childress should draft?



Seems to me that Matt Ryan from Boston College is the top QB this season.
Strong arm and quick feet in the pocket to avoid the rush.

Really the Vikes need a complete overhaul at the QB position.
All three QBs have been terrible.

I think they can win two more games this year.
Home games against the Raiders and Bears. I hope.

[Katsumara]

If the Vikings bring back Jeff George, I don't know what I'll do. Panthers have Testes, Vikings would have George.. it's like I got in the Delorean and went back in time. D:

As far as who they should draft, I agree. Matt Ryan is pretty good, but Graham Harrell isn't bad either. He's in a pass happy system, so it all depends. Ryan seems to be the most NFL ready though so meh.

[Chris Wood]

If the Vikings bring back Jeff George, I don't know what I'll do. Panthers have Testes, Vikings would have George.. it's like I got in the Delorean and went back in time. D:

Let me borrow it later so I can go look for Marino.

[Katsumara]

Let me borrow it later so I can go look for Marino.

Marino in his prime would be awesome, but you'd still need WRs, RBs... so >.> Maybe it's best to go further back and get the 1972 Dolphins. =P

[RAINMAN]

The pats are acting like bigger jerks then the cowboys of the 90`s. Even they show a bit of class. The pats have nobody to blame for spygate but themslves. You don`t cheat. Acting like school yard bullies are not gonna make things any better. One day a team is gonna hit them right in the mouth and just might happend this week. Brady is stay in the game cause he trying to brake the record manny set a few years ago. A lame back up QB is not a excues if you have a good defense.


It nice to see the saints get back in the game. Their just one game away from being at 500. The chargers has done well too but their still not one of the top 5 teams in the AFC.

[bigddan11]

It nice to see the saints get back in the game. Their just one game away from being at 500. The chargers has done well too but their still not one of the top 5 teams in the AFC.
I think you mean they're (they are), but if the Chargers aren't within the top 5 in the AFC, who do you have ahead of them? I can understand New England and Indianapolis. You make be able to make an arguement for Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee, but I would say San Diego is currently third in the AFC. I would have them at fifth in the NFL (behind Dallas and Green Bay).

[Lazerboy5000]

Hmmmm... maybe I should give my power rankings for the season so far.

1. Patriots
2. Colts
3. Cowboys
4. Packers
5. Giants

the first 4 are pretty ovbious. They just find ways to win games. And the Giants are really good to. Their only losses have been to Dallas and Green Bay.

6. Jaguars
7. Steelers
8. Titans
9. Chargers
10. Lions
11. Buccaneers
12. Panthers
13. Chiefs

All good teams here, but not as dominate as the first 5. I only have the Chargers at #9 because of their lack of structure neer the begining of the season, but they are on a rool now, and I would expect them to move up soon. I think they can easly win their division, so there is no need to worry just yet.

[bigddan11]

I'd agree with most of that list, but I have to put the Chargers at #5 with the way they have rolled over their last few opponents (41-3, 28-14, & 35-10). Also, if you look at their losses, two of them are to New England and Green Bay, and that third was to a Kansas City team which is tied for the AFC West Division lead. Here's my NFL Power Rankings.

1) New England
2) Indianapolis
3) Dallas
4) Green Bay
5) San Diego
6) NY Giants
7) Pittsburgh
8) Jacksonville
9) Kansas City
10) Tennessee
11) Baltimore
12) Cleveland
13) Washington
14) Seattle
15) Tampa Bay
16) Carolina
17) New Orleans
18) Detroit
19) Buffalo
20) Denver
21) Houston
22) Philadelphia
23) Arizona
24) Chicago
25) Oakland
26) Cincinnati
27) Minnesota
28) San Francisco
29) NY Jets
30) Miami
31) St. Louis
32) Atlanta

[GWOtaku]

I have to scoff at anti-Patriots sentiment, and not just because I'm from New England. As they say, if you don't want them running up the score then stop them. A truly good team doesn't complain about how badly it gets outplayed, it would suck it up and work on improving for next week.

Second, this team has something to prove. After this stupid spygate thing, there were those casting doubt on this team. Spoken or not, after week one this seed of doubt was there about whether the Patriots were really for real.

Well, we are for real. Win or lose against the Colts this Sunday, we've established that we're very much capable of kicking the NFL's collective rear end. We're playing like a championship-level team and this is possibly the best New England Patriots team of the decade. People can talk all they want to about running up the score; this is just the Patriots playing to their full potential and playing a full 60 minutes of football.

[Chris Wood]

It's ridiculous to still have Brady playing and lobbing long balls in the 2nd half with a 31 point lead. It's completely pointless and unsportsmanlike, not to mention unwise.

But I'll leave it to ESPN's TMQ:


In other football news, man, the Patriots play well -- and, man, are they bad sports. With 13 minutes remaining, New England led Washington 38-0 -- 13 points more than the margin of the greatest fourth-quarter comeback in NFL history -- yet Tom Brady was still on the field, still in the shotgun and still throwing deep. When it was 52-0, most New England defensive starters were still on the field, desperately trying to prevent a Redskins consolation touchdown. In a nationally televised game, Bill Belichick went out of his way to display bad sportsmanship; it was especially coarse that Belichick sought to humiliate Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, a mild-mannered, dignified man who always treats others respectfully. See more on the Patriots' good play plus bad sportsmanship below. For now, it's enough to say that other teams could have run up the score Sunday but instead showed dignity. When Indianapolis took a 31-7 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter at Carolina, Peyton Manning and most of the Colts' starters sat down. Tony Dungy made no attempt to run up the score. When New Orleans went ahead 31-3 early in the fourth quarter against San Francisco, Drew Brees and most of the Saints' starters sat down.

[Tay the Cat]

It's ridiculous to still have Brady playing and lobbing long balls in the 2nd half with a 31 point lead. It's completely pointless and unsportsmanlike, not to mention unwise.

Thing is, every team in the history of sports has done this at least once.

It's nothing new, and actually, I encourage it.

[Chris Wood]

Sure it happens once in a while, but it's getting attention now because it's happening every game.

[n1c3guy707]

I really do not have a problem with the Patriots running up the score but I have a major problem concerning the starters being in the game when you are up comfortably. Whats the one thing that can stop a great team from winning it all? Yup injuries. It might not happen next week or a week after that but leaving in your starter when the game is practically over makes them vulnerable to injuries. Who knows one of the disrespected teams might take a run at one of the Patriots starters and the only person to blame is Bill Bilichick.

[RAINMAN]

I'd agree with most of that list, but I have to put the Chargers at #5 with the way they have rolled over their last few opponents (41-3, 28-14, & 35-10). Also, if you look at their losses, two of them are to New England and Green Bay, and that third was to a Kansas City team which is tied for the AFC West Division lead.



The teams they rolled over all have loseing records. They have yet to beat a team over 500. And they are a game behind KC. Thats why I don`t have them as the top 5 of the AFC.