Author

Topic: 🏈🏈 The American Football Discussion Thread 🏈🏈 - page 255. (Read 58475 times)

legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
I've playing the games while I do other stuff around the house, but I have to say they can be pretty entertaining.  There are some decent players in the league, it's almost like watching a college game.  Anything can happen at any time, and turn the game around.  So far I'm impressed with the XFL.

I am not yet giving up on the XFL, but todays game was horrible to watch and my bet of course lost. Metlife was more or less empty for todays spectacle, I would think there was maybe 5,000 people. They are used to bad football in that place, but this was something else today. And I don't know why it looks/feels so bad. Part of it is surely the missing atmosphere, but there is so few action happening on the field too. They were mostly battling for field position and I don't know, how many visits to redzone there were - maybe 2. All FG's had to be made from miles away and while Josh Johnson showed some good throws, this Perez QB from New York was just pathetic; it was the quite good and relentless running game that kept them alive and made them win as big-ish underdogs.

I might be totally wrong, but just by watching the games, I think the top College teams would have no problem beating these XFL teams.

I will skip the second game today, because I need a break Cheesy
copper member
Activity: 2338
Merit: 4543
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
Well, just imagine Brady would indeed go to the 49ers - would you like it or not ?

Yes and no.  From a practical side, we already have a quarterback that's essentially a developing clone of Brady.  Both are the quintessential pocket passers, but one is far younger and likely has more years left to play.

On the other hand, I would like nothing more than to see the GOAT in a 49er's uniform.  Imagine if Shanahan was coaching Brady under center this past Superbowl, would his play calling have been so conservative?  I think both would have inspired the other to take a few more chances, and so it goes.  If it were to happen (which I believe is highly unlikely) I would think of it as couple of years while developing a promising draft pick.  But that strategy is risky, and I don't think Lynch or Shanahan want to go down that road.

~NFL Scouting Combine.~

Damn, that's a hard-core NFL fan there.


I missed last weekends XFL games, but will have a look today again, lol. Looks like bookmakers have adjusted their o/u lines already with both todays game having low-ish lines around 39. Will take the over for the Wildcats@Guardians game and if it wins, the over for the Dragons@BattleHawks game afterwards. At some point the players should be more in sync and points should rain (wishful thinking here).

I've playing the games while I do other stuff around the house, but I have to say they can be pretty entertaining.  There are some decent players in the league, it's almost like watching a college game.  Anything can happen at any time, and turn the game around.  So far I'm impressed with the XFL.
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
Some impressive performance from OT Mekhi Becton at NFL Scouting Combine. 6'7'' (205cm) tall, 364 lbs (165kg) and ran a 5.11sec 40-yd dash Shocked Was done afterwards with a harmstring though Cheesy

See the vid here, dude can run: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1233502992747331585



I missed last weekends XFL games, but will have a look today again, lol. Looks like bookmakers have adjusted their o/u lines already with both todays game having low-ish lines around 39. Will take the over for the Wildcats@Guardians game and if it wins, the over for the Dragons@BattleHawks game afterwards. At some point the players should be more in sync and points should rain (wishful thinking here).
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
Alternately, Brady has never shied away from expressing his life-long love for the 49ers.  He's a bay area native, grew up a Niner's fan, and his family are still, to this day, steadfast Niner's fans.  True faithful.  I always thought that if Brady left NE the most appealing place for him to land would be SF.  I don't think that's in the cards, barring some strange turn of events, it's very unlikely to happen.

Well, just imagine Brady would indeed go to the 49ers - would you like it or not ?

There were some reports every now and then linking him to the Giants. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that I wouldn't like it. Now the Giants on contrary to the 49ers are in rebuild mode (for ages already Grin) and I have the feeling that a signing of Brady would rather harm this whole process and progress and the Giants are no contenders for the time being anyway. They would have to start all over more or less and build a system around Brady, because I don't think he will (want to) fit into the existing scheme or the scheme they are trying to build. So assuming Brady has maybe 2-3 years left in him, he could possibly get them into the playoffs again, but not much more. You would be kind of wasting 2-3 years for a little short-term success and once he retires, you are starting from scratch again.

copper member
Activity: 2338
Merit: 4543
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
@DireWolfM14. The MLB also added 2 teams for the post season wild card rounds. I reckon american sports revenues might be going down hehehe. I like the decision, however.

I'm not a big fan of watching paint dry baseball, so I don't follow the MLB, that's news to me.  I've been to several Giants' games, and at least one A's game in my time.  Going to the ballpark to watch a game is a lot of fun, but other than that I can't seem to get into it.

To speak to your other point; I know the NFL has been losing viewership in the US for a couple of years now.  I'm sure it was a shock to the NFL, which seemed to enjoy nothing but growth for decades, regardless of what they did to fuck it up.  I'm not exactly sure what factors are contributing, but some speculate it was partially due to Kaepernick and his protest antics.  The league didn't want to alienate anyone so they just ignored the whole thing, hoping it would go away.  It caused many to regard the league office as being anit-American, and anti Law Enforcement.  Not the best way to gain popularity with their target demographic.


There are more and more reports speculating about Rivers being a Colt next season. Looks like they are done with Brissett, who only has a two year contract, and want to move on. I read about some connections from Colts coaching staff to Rivers (his former QB coach and some other guy that used to be with the Chargers iirc).
Rivers would have an above average O-Line to work with, so that is a plus, but not sure if it/he will be enough to get the Colts out of mediocrity. The AFC South used to be the worst division in the NFL for a long time, but it has gotten way better, even without having a top tier team (I don't think the Texans are top tier). Wide open division.

I think that would be a great fit for both the team and Rivers.  The Colts have a long history of picking smart quarterbacks who can be a coach while lining up under center.


This report says Brady will enter free agency, but I am still not sold on that. Would be very weird to see him in another uniform and I think deep down inside he wants to stay in New England no matter what and retire a lifelong Patriot.

I think you're absolutely right about that.  I agree that Tom Brady would like nothing more than to retire on a Sunday in early February while wearing a Pats uniform.  Alternately, Brady has never shied away from expressing his life-long love for the 49ers.  He's a bay area native, grew up a Niner's fan, and his family are still, to this day, steadfast Niner's fans.  True faithful.  I always thought that if Brady left NE the most appealing place for him to land would be SF.  I don't think that's in the cards, barring some strange turn of events, it's very unlikely to happen.
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
There are more and more reports speculating about Rivers being a Colt next season. Looks like they are done with Brissett, who only has a two year contract, and want to move on. I read about some connections from Colts coaching staff to Rivers (his former QB coach and some other guy that used to be with the Chargers iirc).
Rivers would have an above average O-Line to work with, so that is a plus, but not sure if it/he will be enough to get the Colts out of mediocrity. The AFC South used to be the worst division in the NFL for a long time, but it has gotten way better, even without having a top tier team (I don't think the Texans are top tier). Wide open division.



This report says Brady will enter free agency, but I am still not sold on that. Would be very weird to see him in another uniform and I think deep down inside he wants to stay in New England no matter what and retire a lifelong Patriot.
legendary
Activity: 3164
Merit: 1506
@DireWolfM14. The MLB also added 2 teams for the post season wild card rounds. I reckon american sports revenues might be going down hehehe. I like the decision, however.
copper member
Activity: 2338
Merit: 4543
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
The ESPN article seems to suggest that there's support for adding one more team to the playoffs while limiting the bye week to the top seed.  That one I can see getting pushed through.  What owner doesn't want to increase the odds of his team getting in?  That seems like a no-brainer.  I like this proposal, myself.  As a fan, it would be cool to see more playoff games, they can be quite entertaining and tend to produce the best football.

There's been talk of reducing the number of preseason games and expanding the regular season for quit a while now.  To be honest, with all the fear about injuries and concussions, I thought it would never happen.  I was surprised by this news that the proposal has gotten this far.  It's still going to be debated, and I believe the owners' votes have to be unanimous, so it may not happen.

One of the reasons I find it surprising is due to scheduling issues.  How will each team's 17th opponent be determined?  Right now there's a symmetry to the scheduling path that I imagine would be hard to duplicate with a 17th game.  

Currently:
  • Each team plays their division rivals twice.
  • Each division is matched with two others, one AFC and one NFC (rotating annually.)
  • And finally, each team is matched up with the two intra-conference teams that finished the previous season at the same table position within their respective division.

This system works great for the ever elusive "parity" that the NFL seems desperate to achieve.  As it stands each team's schedule consists of only two teams that their division rivals aren't playing against.  For example: this past season the teams of the NFC west played all the teams from the NFC south and AFC North.  The only teams the 49ers played that the Seahawks, the Rams, and the Cardinals didn't play are the Packers and the Redskins.  That means each team within a division plays twelve games against common opponents, which helps to assess a team's strengths within it's division, and can be used for tie breakers when needed.

I'd be curious to see the proposal for 17 games, and see how it recommends the 17th opponent be selected.

hero member
Activity: 2884
Merit: 794
I am terrible at Fantasy Football!!!
Looks like we'll get a new playoff structure for NFL next season Shocked

  • Seven teams from each conference will go to the PO.
  • Regular season will be expanded to 17 games.
  • Preseason will only be three weeks instead of four.
  • Only one team from each conference will get a bye.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28739375/more-playoff-teams-expected-new-nfl-cba-sources-say

I actually like the current amount of teams in the playoffs adding 2 more doesnt seem like a lot but it starts to get watered down.  NBA could use a cutback too.  Regular season wins should matter more than just seeding.  If you arent good enough to be one of the top teams than you dont deserve to be in the playoffs.  As it stands now one out of every four teams in each conference make it, plus 2 more.  This coming from a giants fan too lol
We talked a little bit about this during the previous thread and I expressed my dislike for a 17 games season, I do not like the idea, this will lead to stat inflation and positions like RBs will have an even shorter life span as they accumulate even more damage in a single season and this will devalue their position even more.

However, I like the idea of one more team in the playoffs and only one team getting a bye even less, this change even if it seems to not be as significant will make dynasties even harder and will add a random element to it, this also devalues the second seed to the point of almost making it pointless, one of the great advantages of being the first and second seed not only comes from resting for an additional week, using that week to study your rivals and getting home field advantage, your probabilities of reaching the SB are way higher as well since you only need to win two games instead of three, and now the second seed will only receive home field advantage under the new rules.
legendary
Activity: 3794
Merit: 1418
Looks like we'll get a new playoff structure for NFL next season Shocked

  • Seven teams from each conference will go to the PO.
  • Regular season will be expanded to 17 games.
  • Preseason will only be three weeks instead of four.
  • Only one team from each conference will get a bye.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28739375/more-playoff-teams-expected-new-nfl-cba-sources-say

I actually like the current amount of teams in the playoffs adding 2 more doesnt seem like a lot but it starts to get watered down.  NBA could use a cutback too.  Regular season wins should matter more than just seeding.  If you arent good enough to be one of the top teams than you dont deserve to be in the playoffs.  As it stands now one out of every four teams in each conference make it, plus 2 more.  This coming from a giants fan too lol
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
I assume these changes are already negotiated and only need to be officially included in the new CBA, correct?

Yep. According to the article it still needs to be ratified, but should be a gimme. All involved parties seem to be fine with these changes.

It feels like all of these upcoming changes are first and foremost financially driven, rather than the NFL actually fixing issues with the game.

It's a financial win for everyone. Players on the bye-team would now get postseason pay for the bye (which they didn't get before) and overall players revenue share will increase from 47% to 48,5% (+5bln more).

legendary
Activity: 2212
Merit: 2061
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
I assume these changes are already negotiated and only need to be officially included in the new CBA, correct?

  • Regular season will be expanded to 17 games.
  • Preseason will only be three weeks instead of four.

I like this one, i've never been a fan of prolonged preseason, it's like the XFL, it's football but not really.  Grin
4th/5th stringers fighting for a roster spot, game speed is different, starters only get a few snaps here and there, some don't play at all.


It feels like all of these upcoming changes are first and foremost financially driven, rather than the NFL actually fixing issues with the game.
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
Looks like we'll get a new playoff structure for NFL next season Shocked

  • Seven teams from each conference will go to the PO.
  • Regular season will be expanded to 17 games.
  • Preseason will only be three weeks instead of four.
  • Only one team from each conference will get a bye.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28739375/more-playoff-teams-expected-new-nfl-cba-sources-say
legendary
Activity: 3164
Merit: 1506
His wife cannot hide the black spots under her eyes with make up. She clearly is very tired from taking care of those kids hehehe.

I hope she has a nanny or 9.  That younger boy looks like he might need two nannies just to keep an eye on him alone.


 

Hehehe the older boy appears that he can also do something. Look at the picture, you do not know what he is doing with his left hand while his father is giving a weird smile again hehehee.
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
One of my favourite "defensive" plays ever and a great little video about it (quality is a bit meh): Benjamin Watson tackle saving touchdown



It was the end of the third quarter in AFC divisonal round in 2005 and the Patriots were trailing 6-10 at that point. Ball was ruled out of bounce at the 1yd line. Belichick threw the red flag, but the decision was upheld. There was no conclusive evidence, if the ball went out of bounds through the endzone (I think it did), which would have resulted in the Patriots getting the ball back at their own 20yd line and would have made that play even more heroic.

Denver went on to win 27-13 in the end, but it was a great play and great effort by a TE in a place where breathing is an issue.
copper member
Activity: 2338
Merit: 4543
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
His wife cannot hide the black spots under her eyes with make up. She clearly is very tired from taking care of those kids hehehe.

I hope she has a nanny or 9.  That younger boy looks like he might need two nannies just to keep an eye on him alone.


Would Rivers have a better career if he did not play for the Chargers? I read his history and it appears his team did not utilize his prime properly.

Yes, and yes.  For decades the Chargers were based in a fairly small market that's blessed with great weather all year.  Not the prime environment to foster a lot of football fans, which doesn't help revenue.  They haven't really had much to brag about in the coaching department since Marty Schottenheimer.  The culture of the organization seems determined to put too much emphasis on the quarterback, without putting much effort into other positions.  I do believe Rivers would have done better on a different team.

The move to LA will likely help in the long run, but they need to start winning to attract some more fans. 
legendary
Activity: 3164
Merit: 1506
I found odd that Rivers is hitting free agency instead of straight out retiring, (...)
He has a lot of kids to support Grin

Lol, you aren't kidding.  (See what I did there?)  I had no idea he had so many kids, nine as of last March!  I thought I was asking for it with four of my own.  He'll be raising teenagers for over 20 years, poor guy!  Good looking family, though.  I wish him luck.



His wife cannot hide the black spots under her eyes with make up. She clearly is very tired from taking care of those kids hehehe.

Would Rivers have a better career if he did not play for the Chargers? I read his history and it appears his team did not utilize his prime properly.
legendary
Activity: 1750
Merit: 1673
#birdgang
(...) the kick off rule in which the players are only 5 yards apart and begin to move only after the ball is caught is probably the rule that will be adopted the soonest since it protects the players.

Yes, think so too and I quite like that rule. NFL wants to get rid of kick offs for a long time and the way they do it in XFL seems to be a good compromise.

Last week I didn't notice any of the teams attempting anything but 1-point conversions from the 2-yard line, and I thought it was odd.  

Commentators said, the 3-point-conversion from LA was only the second successful one, so I guess there weren’t that many by now.

1-point-conversion is of course fine, if you trust your running game. In the end it’s maybe just a mathematical calculation. If you are able to convert a 10yd (pass) play with 33,33+%, then you are better off just attempting the 3-point-conversion every time. Maybe some lower percentage would be fine as well, since you don’t convert the 1-point-conversion at 100% and the 2-point-conversion at 50% most likely (or pretty sure !).

But when you look at how teams often struggle to move down the field for just a FG and all the effort it needs to get there, these 3 points look pretty cheap.

copper member
Activity: 2338
Merit: 4543
Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!
This 3-point-conversion is very worth trying imo

I like the options for 1, 2, or 3 point conversions also.  I didn't get to watch any of this past weekends' games, but I have my TV service provider set to record all the games for me.  Maybe I'll pick one to watch tonight.

Last week I didn't notice any of the teams attempting anything but 1-point conversions from the 2-yard line, and I thought it was odd.  I agree that it seems like it would be more successful to attempt from the 5-yard line, or better from the 10, so I was surprised to see team not make those attempts.  But those longer attempts favor a more pass-heavy approach, and if your running game is more reliable I can see why teams would opt for 1 point instead.

The XFL has many more players on the field with speakers in their helmets, which is meant to make the game-pace a little faster with fewer interruptions.  It tend to reduce the need for offensive huddle, possibly reduce the amount of time needed on the play clock.  I like that aspect, and wish the NFL would adopt it.

All the rule changes in the XFL seem experimental, and I imagine many result from complaints about specific NFL rules.
hero member
Activity: 2884
Merit: 794
I am terrible at Fantasy Football!!!
I don't see the NFL adopting any changes from XFL any time soon, firstly they seem pretty set in their ways now and secondly it would cause them to admit the XFL was a thing and did something better than them. I don't see it happening.
In my country some of the games are being transmitted by ESPN, ABC and even the NFL Network, in fact I have seen some shows in which they even comment about it, so I am not so sure the NFL is against this league as much as we may believe, personally I think there are some rules that could make it to the NFL very soon, the kick off rule in which the players are only 5 yards apart and begin to move only after the ball is caught is probably the rule that will be adopted the soonest since it protects the players.

Edit: I am only referring to the aspects I enumerated about the rule in the post above, since the rest of the rule is a bit quirky but I think with some adjustments the XFL could be on the right path.

I agree, paying dak a crazy contract as one of the highest players in the league would be a mistake.  Throw him behind the giants online and he turns into a qb people would question if he should start.  I think the cowboys would be better off paying someone like teddy Bridgewater's to come in and pay some top end defensive free agents.  But they will probably pay him and slip into long term mediocrity which is perfectly fine by me as a giant fan.  Cheesy
I will fine with that as well but it is a terrible business decision since overpaying your QB when he does not deserve it is a sure way to not make the playoffs for a very long time.
Jump to: