NFL Season 2011/2012 (includes cheerleader pics)

[keithd]

Hurrah, Dolphins back in Wild card contention with their first win of the season. At the 8th time of asking.. watch us (them) go!

[Seany S]

Being a Jets fan, I was pleased with last nights result, but was amazed at how easy the Bills made it in the end. They just seemed to roll over and die.

 

Can't see past Green Bay for the Lombardi this season. 49ers are a flash in the pan, Patriots are stuttering. Was hopeful preseason about Jets but they are too inconsistent. Maybe even Giants could be in with a shout. But Rodgers and the Pack just seem too strong.

 

I am going to make sure I have a couple of quid on the Lions taking the title NEXT year. They will get better and better.

 

Will be interesting to see who ends up winning the "suck race" to land Andrew Luck in the draft. At the moment the Colts don't look like winning a game, so will be in pole position. But their team is in such disarray and was so heavily reliant on Manning that I fail to see what the talented yet inexperienced Luck would bring to their ailing franchise.

 

We will see.

[Rut]

The Broncos haven't quite been playing as well as I thought they might this season (to put it politely).

 

Somehow they managed to win in Oakland yesterday though & are now only 1 game behind 1st place in the AFC West.

 

Tebow looked awful (again) in the 1st half but in the 2nd half he got it together quite well and he managed some good passing plays. Any young QB does need time to adjust to the NFL. On another day he could have been subbed at HT. Luckily he wasn't. Who knows what Broncos team will turn up next week in KC - and who knows what KC team will turn up? It is a crazy division.

[Seany S]

The problem with Tebow is that despite being a fantastic athlete, a superb rusher (was averaging about 6 yards per play AS A QB ffs!!), and a tremendous physical specimen, he just doesn't seem to be effective as a full-time QB. I see him as being more suited to playing tight end, myself, taking on those short passes and running through defences.

[shurlock]

Anyone watch for the Steelers-Ravens match? Absolutely epic.

 

It had everything -violent tackles, dodgy officiating (for both sides contrary to Steelers protestations), pressure third down conversions and decisions (e.g. the Steeler decision to punt rather than attempt the FG). A TD with 8 seconds to spare after an amazing 92 yard drive against the 2nd best defence in the NFL won it for Baltimore. I thought Torrey Smith had blown it with a catchable pass in the endzone just before the TD; but none of the team blinked and another chance came round. Easily Flacco's best game -hopefully he can now produce the goods week in week out, though still worry about his consistency: clearly some of the problem lies with his raw wide receivers (Boldin is the only veteran) and he's playing with two new tight-ends.

 

We'll see if the Ravens can now kick on -the AFC has been blown apart and is anyone's this season; each time the Ravens have built some momentum, they've had a horror showing -Jacksonville being one of the worst. But I haven't been particularly impressed by the other usual suspects.

 

As far Green Bay are concerned, they look great offensively; but I would like to see them come up against a strong defense (amazingly the top three are in the AFC North) and then see how their defense, their arguable soft-spot, deals with some pressure.

 

A Ravens defense and against a Packers offense would make for a fantastic superbowl.

Edited 8 November, 2011 by shurlock

[DanW]

You won a 6-3 thriller against my Seahawks a couple of weeks back, so not all doom and gloom for the Browns!

 

What's really sad is that the Browns are awful awful, and yet there are teams in the NFL that are worse. We've already won 3 games! And could easily win 3 more! Considering how terrible the offense is (mediocre QB, no wide-receivers, and Hillis has turned out to be a cancer) its confusing as to how this is even happening.

 

6-3. What a game. Hahaha.

[DanW]

Can't see past Green Bay for the Lombardi this season....

 

As far Green Bay are concerned, they look great offensively; but I would like to see them come up against a strong defense (amazingly the top three are in the AFC North) and then see how their defense, their arguable soft-spot, deals with some pressure.

 

I am starting to see articles discussing the possibility of Green Bay going 16-0. WOW.

If it hadn't happened just 4 short seasons ago, I would come on here and argue that no team will ever go 16-0. Now...all I can do is say that I don't think any team will do it again, but what do I know?

 

I hope they do. They seem likable. And we wouldn't have to hear about only the Patriots when discussing that record. And who knows - maybe they could pull off the 19-0 if they do it, which would be fun.

[georgeg]

Just gotten into the NFL a bit, supported the Saints for years but not watched many games just looked out to see how they were doing on the NFL website etc.

 

There's no other team for me, South Coast team, and they sing OWTS, couldn't really find a more ideal team to support to be honest!

 

+1 and I would love to go to the superdome!!

[BigShadow]

Being a Jets fan, I was pleased with last nights result, but was amazed at how easy the Bills made it in the end. They just seemed to roll over and die.

 

Can't see past Green Bay for the Lombardi this season. 49ers are a flash in the pan, Patriots are stuttering.

 

Yep, Patriots stuttered past the Jets again last night ably assisted by Sanchez - who to be fair didn't seem to get a whole lot of protection. Still not sure it makes up for last January though.

[DanW]

The basic reaction in today's headlines about the Jets-Patriots game last night was that the Patriots are continuing to win like they usually do, except that now no one understands how. Obviously they have Brady, but after that it's a bunch of guys no one has heard of...and the few that you have heard of (Ochocinco, for instance), are barely playing.

 

Fascinating, to say the least.

[Saint in Paradise]

I first saw the 49ers on TV in the U.S. in 1972 but have only really followed them since 1982.

 

8 _ 1 so far so fingers crossed they will soon tie up their division, makes a change

[shurlock]

AFC's anybody's shout - whoever plays least badly to secure home field advantage probably has the best chance.

[Mattio]

Anyone who doesnt support the Saints is a plastic

[LVSaint]

I am starting to see articles discussing the possibility of Green Bay going 16-0. WOW.

If it hadn't happened just 4 short seasons ago, I would come on here and argue that no team will ever go 16-0. Now...all I can do is say that I don't think any team will do it again, but what do I know?

 

I hope they do. They seem likable. And we wouldn't have to hear about only the Patriots when discussing that record. And who knows - maybe they could pull off the 19-0 if they do it, which would be fun.

 

I hope so too.

 

My son's 4th grade teacher has had the class getting into sports (in a not too oppressive way). Including drawing lots for random NFL teams so that they could compose letters to the teams pleading for free goodies. My son drew the Packers! Before, he knew nothing about the game, now he can not get enough of his new team. At least if Green Bay go on to win again and continue to be successful, he can't be accused of being a glory supporter - the team chose him!

 

I must say, I'm glad. With all the proper footy on telly to satisfy my needs, I've never given NFL a go. I'm happy I have now.

 

Go Chargers....

[DanW]

The 45-7 thwomping of the Vikings by the Packers last night now has the headlines talking about 16-0 (or 19-0).

 

I'm sad to say this, but this means we're going to have to hear the same story over and over until February, or until they lose. I might be changing my mind about the "hoping they pull it off." I can't stand a story that never dies, so we'll see how long I stay on the bandwagon for this one.

[DanW]

AFC's anybody's shout - whoever plays least badly to secure home field advantage probably has the best chance.

 

This, though, is true. Last week we were saying it was the Ravens, two weeks ago we were probably saying it's the Steelers, and three weeks ago we were probably saying it was the Patriots. This week... I dunno. Maybe the Patriots again? I'm not even sure.

 

 

Random: I found out recently that my friend is the niece of the General Manager for the Steelers. This amuses me to no end.

[Rut]

Go Chargers....

 

Wash your mouth out. Quickly. With a good strong bleach.

 

The Chargers are probably my most hated team. Glad to see them struggling this year.

 

Jets @ Broncos this Thurs night. Going to be an interesting game. Broncos to nick it I reckon though.

[shurlock]

This, though, is true. Last week we were saying it was the Ravens, two weeks ago we were probably saying it's the Steelers, and three weeks ago we were probably saying it was the Patriots. This week... I dunno. Maybe the Patriots again? I'm not even sure.

 

 

Random: I found out recently that my friend is the niece of the General Manager for the Steelers. This amuses me to no end.

 

Is that Kevin Colbert? The guy has certainly had the midas touch when it comes to draft picks.

[Lets B Avenue]

Wash your mouth out. Quickly. With a good strong bleach.

 

The Chargers are probably my most hated team. Glad to see them struggling this year.

 

Jets @ Broncos this Thurs night. Going to be an interesting game. Broncos to nick it I reckon though.

 

That joke QB, Tebow, cannot get that lucky twice in a week. Despite the Jets capitulation on Sunday night, I am sure they can win that one comfortably.

 

Like S in P i've followed the 49ers since the early 70's, due to having an Uncle who moved there for work and would teach me the rules on his yearly visits home. Regretfully I havent seen them in the flesh (couldnt afford the ridiculous wembley prices last year) but I did Giants Stadium and Buffalo on a trip in 88.

 

Saw the great win over NYG on sunday and feel that we can reach the Championship game at the very least.

[Window Cleaner]

The Lions will beat the Packers on Thanksgiving. Mark my words.

[shurlock]

The Lions will beat the Packers on Thanksgiving. Mark my words.

 

The Lions are reverting to type. Fun while it lasted.

[DanW]

Is that Kevin Colbert? The guy has certainly had the midas touch when it comes to draft picks.

 

Yeah, that's her uncle. Fun, right? And as much as I hate the Steelers (they are supposedly my arch-rival) I have to admit that they are a class organization. Maybe a few of their players are hotheads, but their front office seems to be one of the best in the business.

 

 

I agree about the Lions. They haven't looked strong in a few weeks now.

[LVSaint]

Wash your mouth out. Quickly. With a good strong bleach.

 

The Chargers are probably my most hated team. Glad to see them struggling this year.

 

Jets @ Broncos this Thurs night. Going to be an interesting game. Broncos to nick it I reckon though.

 

B0ll0cks! What's wrong with them??? I like San Diego and it's the closest pro team city to me. Las Vegas has no team (apart from the college Rebels).

I can't go back now. The Chargers picked me...sort of.

 

I maybe should be a Broncos fan, my wife feels affiliated with them as it's fairly close to where she grew up. Broncos are a bit gay sounding though....

 

I dunno....

[shurlock]

Yeah, that's her uncle. Fun, right? And as much as I hate the Steelers (they are supposedly my arch-rival) I have to admit that they are a class organization. Maybe a few of their players are hotheads, but their front office seems to be one of the best in the business.

 

 

I agree about the Lions. They haven't looked strong in a few weeks now.

 

Very interesting - the steelers are a class organisation, typified by the Rooney family who, no doubt, would have few interesting things to say about how footy over here is run and owned.

 

See you're long-suffering Browns fan (my old man was born in NYC but was raised in Columbus, OH with the Browns and Ohio-Michigan State rivalry on his doorstep before moving to Soton in the mid-70s and then moving, like art modell, to Baltimore in the late 90s where he's lived since). Those epic Broncos-Browns encounters and being put through the rinser by John Elway seem like an eternity ago now.

Edited 15 November, 2011 by shurlock

[DanW]

It's true - there's always a pain when I think of the Broncos from the late 80s but it was so long ago now that we Browns fans have only minimal disgust with Denver.

 

Obviously I hate Modell, so I can't like Baltimore Ravens at all, but I'll say that Baltimore as a town is pretty cool. My sister lives there now so I visit it on occasion. If it weren't for the stinking Ravens I'd probably like it a lot more!

[LVSaint]

Congrats Rut. Lovely winner from Tebow at the end.

[Window Cleaner]

Congrats Rut. Lovely winner from Tebow at the end.

 

He's a strange one is TT,like some comic character out of the Lion or Boy's Own.

If and when he learns to throw the ball with some accuracy he'll be unstoppable...and you couldn't bet on him not learning could you.I must admit I used to like watching the Gators steamroller other College sides.

[Rut]

That joke QB, Tebow, cannot get that lucky twice in a week. Despite the Jets capitulation on Sunday night, I am sure they can win that one comfortably

 

Just how sure were you?

 

Broncos ain't looking that good but somehow are getting the wins. Ask a Colts fan how easy it is to grind out a win of any kind. It ain't.

 

That 95 yard drive to get the winning TD was quality. Highlights here:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011111700/2011/REG11/jets@broncos#tab=recap&menu=highlights

 

Here's to MIN, CHI & NE victories over the weekend. Especially the Bears. Chargers to finish bottom of the AFCW. Of all the teams around they suck the most. Hi LV - how's it going?

[Window Cleaner]

B0ll0cks! What's wrong with them??? I like San Diego and it's the closest pro team city to me. Las Vegas has no team (apart from the college Rebels).

I can't go back now. The Chargers picked me...sort of.

 

I maybe should be a Broncos fan, my wife feels affiliated with them as it's fairly close to where she grew up. Broncos are a bit gay sounding though....

 

I dunno....

 

The Cardinals are probably fractionally closer actually depends exactly where you are in LV.

Still they're probably no better than the Bolts at this moment, you could always try the 49 ers,they're on a hot streak.

[LVSaint]

I'm doing alright Rut, and yourself? Getting cold up there yet?

(What have you decided about the Brighton game 8 day delay?)

 

Window - Cardinals might be slightly closer as the crow flies, but I've always liked SD as a city but it's not as if it is home. I think I may ride the season out and decide on a team to follow....let one pick me, if that's possible. This is all very new to me.

49ers? Are you suggesting I pick a team based on their success?!

My 9 year old son Packers fan said something very commendable the other day, along the lines of not being too bothered if they do not win the Superbowl this time out, "cos people will think I started supporting them cos they were the best!" My years of Saints related torment and supporting the underdog through thick and thin, rubbing off on him well there then.

[DanW]

Let a team pick you, of course!

 

If not ... and you want someone with a similar Saints history ... there are a load of 'em. Browns, Lions, Bills, and Vikings all come to mind in that they haven't won the big trophy yet and have all been around for some time. If you want a team on the south coast, Houston, New Orleans, and maybe Tampa all have that similar geography. If you want a team that peaked in the 70s and early 80s, maybe the Raiders...but I don't think they have much else in common with SFC.

 

If you want a team that looks strong now...as much as it pains me to point this out... but Pittsburgh, New England, Indianapolis, Green Bay, the NY Giants, and (perhaps) San Diego have had some prolonged successful runs over the past 10 years which indicates good owners and management - something many teams envy. Baltimore should be included in there, too. But this is more based on overall wins and losses, not on Super Bowl success.

 

Personally I want more Browns fans, but they are such an inept organization that would feel guilty if you actually listened to me. You have to come to that conclusion on your own. At least they are strongly(!) supported.

[Rut]

I'm doing alright Rut, and yourself? Getting cold up there yet?

(What have you decided about the Brighton game 8 day delay?)

 

I'm currently in Colorado Springs & it's pretty cold here. Got free wifi in the hotel so gave in and checked score. 3-0. Nice one. Have taped it to watch in 8 days time though.

 

As for a NFL team. If your wife likes the Broncos then there ya go. Easy choice. We could go to a game sometime as well.

 

My NFC team has always been the Saints & I want them to win any time they ain't playing the Broncos. Went to New Orleans last year and saw Saints in the Superdome. A great city and it's just great shouting COME ON SAINTS.

[LVSaint]

I'm currently in Colorado Springs & it's pretty cold here. Got free wifi in the hotel so gave in and checked score. 3-0. Nice one. Have taped it to watch in 8 days time though.

 

Thanksgiving trip back to the in-laws/family? We're going up the road to Mesquite on Wednesday for some turkey.

 

Just got finished with our 3-0 win. Real pleasure to watch. Plenty of incidents. Dodgy penalty decisions (Two he gave us were wrong, then turns down 3 which we should have had). Horrible ref. Fair result though. Great win. More games please Fox!

 

 

Thanks for the team recap DanW. No team is calling my name yet. I might wait until Las Vegas build a superstadium they are promising to, with casino money, and 'lure' an existing team to it. Maybe rebranding them the 'Vegas Blackjacks' or something, although I've always found this relocating phenomena to be sickening!

[keithd]

Hurrah, Dolphins back in Wild card contention with their first win of the season. At the 8th time of asking.. watch us (them) go!

 

3 from 3 now, wooo!! unstoppable

[Born In The 80s]

LVSaint - If you have any sense at all, make sure you never even consider supporting the Minnesota Vikings. I've been a fan since the mid 90s and they have broken my heart on several occasions. The last being against the Saints in the NFC Championship game, when the game was in our hands and Brett through a totally unnecessary pick. Guess that was the nature of Brett Favre though!

 

It's also particularly sickening being a Viking seeing your two big rivals (Bears and Packers) in such good form. The Pack offense looks completely unstoppable to me - all down to the guy pulling in the trigger, and the Bears are possibly one of the most complete sides in all of football. With the Lions coming good now, i'm preparing for a long long time in the NFC North wilderness. That's all assuming the team stays in Minnesota. With the stadium fiasco, the franchise could well end up moving to LA in the next year or two. If that is the case, i will never watch another NFL game.

 

Be interesting to see how the next few weeks plays out though. Gotta say i am so surprised by the 49ers. I know they are in a terrible division, but to be where they are at this stage speaks volumes about the kind of coach that Harbaugh is. Alex Smith has also impressed me this year. Still think that they'll be in the market for a QB in the off season. Especially as they appear to have a team that is capable of winning very soon. I'm looking at the Colts and the high probability of them drafting Andrew Luck. With Peyton Manning just sat there, I wonder if San Fran might make a trade for him. If they're not considering it, then they should. With the running game they've got, i reckon if they could grab Peyton i reckon they'd be automatically up there with the Pack ruling the NFC. Having said that, you could say that about several teams who might want Manning. The Jets are one that automatically spring to mind. Time will tell i guess...

[Window Cleaner]

Jeez how do the Packers keep getting all those soft penalties,officials must be equivalent to D'Urso and Walton. That last roughing the passer penalty before half-time was just pure fiction.Still typical Lions-Packers game,more people banged up than points on the board.

 

Edit: A total flag fest then,Detroit weren't aided by getting Suh sent off and their running back banged up early on when he was looking really chipper.They've got to do something about all those picks that Stafford is throwing though.

 

Jeez I hate the Packers,they're like Dirty Leeds in the 70s.

Edited 25 November, 2011 by Window Cleaner

[Rut]

The Broncos have pushed it in recent weeks but yesterday's game was way too close for comfort. It would be nice to get some catches, successful field goals etc early in the game for once. What a win though. Thank-you Marion Barber for going out of bounds and them fumbling at the perfect moment :-)

 

The winning FG. Perhaps the kicker from Dallas can ask Matt Prater for some coaching. This is how you do it:

[Window Cleaner]

The Broncos have pushed it in recent weeks but yesterday's game was way too close for comfort. It would be nice to get some catches, successful field goals etc early in the game for once. What a win though. Thank-you Marion Barber for going out of bounds and them fumbling at the perfect moment :-)

 

The winning FG. Perhaps the kicker from Dallas can ask Matt Prater for some coaching. This is how you do it:

 

Wouldn't it be great if TT muddled them into the AFC championship game,did for the Pats in OT and then threw 600 yds and 12 TDs against those ***** from Green Bay at Indiannopolis!!

 

You're right, won't happen. Play-Offs will still be a good season for them though;

[DanW]

The rise of Tim Tebow and Denver's defense is one of the great stories of the year. I hated him when he was at Florida but now that he's in the NFL I don't really care, so I'm casually impressed. I hope they make the playoffs but then lose big. Or just play a team before then who can actually score so that Tebow's usual 14 points isn't enough for them to win.

[Dr Who?]

They haven't got a prayer mate! I got them finishing last in the worst division in football (NFC West). They may well wind up with the worst record in football for my money - something they may see as a blessing, with the chance to snare Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the next draft...

 

Now I still think that the 49ers were worth a punt, and I am glad I did not listen.... that £10 bet at the start of the season could pay for my summer holiday!! £610 please please please!! I know the wheels will come off!

[Rut]

The AFC really is there for the taking. Nobody is showing any form.

 

Sunday - Ravens just need to win out their last 3 games to get number 1 seed. They look awful and lose.

Monday - Steelers just need to win out their last 3 games to get number 1 seed. They look awful and lose.

 

New England looked far from un-beatable v Denver.

 

Anyone who makes the post-season has a realistic chance. That includes Denver & Houston and anyone else who sneaks in.

 

I'm still sticking with a Denver v Saints Superbowl. See you in Indy!

[Rut]

Well the post-season games are all sorted.

 

Broncos sneaked in despite looking bleedin awful v the Chiefs. Once you are in it though - anything can happen.

 

Must admit I'm quite glad the Broncos game is the last of the 4 wild-card games this weekend though. I can enjoy the other 3 with dreams of a Broncos win still alive and well.

 

SB bets - I backed Broncos @ 80/1 (now 100/1!!!) and Saints 16/1 (now 5/1) pre-season. Obviously I'm happy with the Saints bet but should have done Broncos at around 16/1 for the AFCW that they have just won....

 

My dark horse is Atlanta @ 40/1. Saints killed them a couple of weeks ago but that was then.... GB? Obviously favs but if Saints do play as they have done the last few weeks then they'd take em.

 

FA Cup rd 3 and the NFL wildcards = one of the best sporting weekends of the year.

[shurlock]

Can't see Broncos getting past the Steelers. Even if theyre not as good as the last few years, the Steelers are too wise, too professional and have too much quality to let the Tebow freak show roll on another week.

[Window Cleaner]

Can't see Broncos getting past the Steelers. Even if theyre not as good as the last few years, the Steelers are too wise, too professional and have too much quality to let the Tebow freak show roll on another week.

 

Depends on how much Mendehall's absence throws them out of sync.Is Big Ben fully fit, though he was hobbling a bit the other evening.The Steelers will no doubt overcome the Broncos but it may not be all that easy,providing that the Broncs can find some receivers that can actually catch the ball,woeful at that on sunday cos some of the passes that went to ground were well catchable .

[DanW]

Yeah, I think the Broncos are the worst of the teams left, from what I've seen/read/heard. Obviously the Texans-Bengals game is a less than interesting matchup, but I think either of those teams would beat the Broncos. Of course, we've all been saying that all year so who knows?

 

I love that the Broncos to win the super bowl is actually longer odds now that they are indeed in the playoffs than it was at the beginning of the season.

[Rut]

Yeah, I think the Broncos are the worst of the teams left, from what I've seen/read/heard. Obviously the Texans-Bengals game is a less than interesting matchup, but I think either of those teams would beat the Broncos.

 

Why do you say that? I'm really looking forward to seeing that game. The Bengals were in a right state at the start of the season - 'will they win a game' was pretty much all anyone could say about them. 16 games later and they are in the post-season. Dalton -> Green has become a killer play. Fair play to them.

 

Texans are banged up but with Foster fit & raring to go you can't write them off.

 

With AFC looking a bit weak this is the best chance either team has had for ages to make a decent post-season run. I hope Cincinnati win. Good city & good fans.

[shurlock]

Depends on how much Mendehall's absence throws them out of sync.Is Big Ben fully fit, though he was hobbling a bit the other evening.The Steelers will no doubt overcome the Broncos but it may not be all that easy,providing that the Broncs can find some receivers that can actually catch the ball,woeful at that on sunday cos some of the passes that went to ground were well catchable .

 

True, though Redman isn't bad cover. Steelers have also been less dependent on the running game than for a long time - Brown, Wallace, Cotchery and Miller are all threats in the air. And Broncos ground and pound game will suit Pittsburgh to a tee. If the Steelers can get their admittedly weak pass protection going, the freak show will come to an end...and who knows another Ravens-Steerlers game could be on the cards.

[Window Cleaner]

True, though Redman isn't bad cover. Steelers have also been less dependent on the running game than for a long time - Brown, Wallace, Cotchery and Miller are all threats in the air. And Broncos ground and pound game will suit Pittsburgh to a tee. If the Steelers can get their admittedly weak pass protection going, the freak show will come to an end...and who knows another Ravens-Steerlers game could be on the cards.

 

I read that the Steelers will be without their starting safety as well,he can't do high altitude games apparently.

Still expect an easy win for them though. Steelers-Ravens again ...ouch.

[shurlock]

Edit

[shurlock]

I read that the Steelers will be without their starting safety as well,he can't do high altitude games apparently.

Still expect an easy win for them though. Steelers-Ravens again ...ouch.

 

As a Ravens fan, hoping the Texans win. Rather face the Steelers later on at MT Bank than face a potential trip to NE.