NFL Season 2012/13

[Saint 76er]

Babin is a pass rushing DE isn't he? still with the Iggles OL these days you never know what dumbass scheme Reid might try.

 

Correct, should be DE for Babin (now picked up off waivers by Jacksonville), and you are right about dumbass schemes. Problem all season has been the wide nine scheme run by D/line coach Jim Washburn who brought Babin with him from Tennessee as a specialist wide nine sack merchant. He was okay last year but this season he has hardly any sacks and was not popular in the locker room and insulted fans on twitter. A couple of weeks before the season Babin announced he was off to Pamplona to have a go at the running of the bulls. Fortunately the club pointed out this would breach his contract re dangerous sport activities, although maybe they should have let the bulls have him!

 

So Babin had to go, but surprisingly at this stage of the season. Regarding the wide nine it places the ends right on the side line so they keep away from the congestion in the middle and have a clear run at the QB. It is a scheme designed only for sacks but relies heavily on the inside guys covering the run when they are likely outnumbered. With the right personnel it can work, but the Eagles have been simply woeful in trying to cope with this. Washburn refuses to play any other way and Reid should have called a halt to this after the first couple of games but he just sat and watched it fall apart around him and then sacked Juan Castillo instead of Washburn.

 

It's beyond saving now so would expect many changes in player, coaching and f/office personnel before next season. A bit like Saints, it's never boring following the Eagles!

[krissyboy31]

-----after shooting his girlfriend dead.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20568348#TWEET410645

[Dr Who?]

Leaving a 3 month old, without their birth parents.

[Saint137]

Have been sickened by the NFL response to this, they seem to be eulogising their player and the woman and child are hardly getting a mention. Big picture tributes on the site to him, he's a murderer and you would assume a perpetrator of domestic violence FFS.

I wonder what the response over here would be if one of our players did similar. I'd like to think we wouldn't play the day after at the very least.

[Dr Who?]

Have been sickened by the NFL response to this, they seem to be eulogising their player and the woman and child are hardly getting a mention. Big picture tributes on the site to him, he's a murderer and you would assume a perpetrator of domestic violence FFS.

I wonder what the response over here would be if one of our players did similar. I'd like to think we wouldn't play the day after at the very least.

 

This, it is terrible that they see it only as a sad death one of their players.... Outrageous!

[Rut]

Anyone else do fantasy NFL? How you done this year?

 

I'm in the final of one league that has changed a lot of the settings and has IDP's (individual defensive players). Strange league as the IDP's get a point per yard for any sack. Means they often score more than the top QB of the week. My top player yesterday was Greg Hardy (who? exactly). Got me 38 points. Matt Ryan got me 30.80.

 

My advice is to stick to leagues with default settings. So much better. Plus watching Fantasy Live every night has a lot more relevance.

 

Who's up for a Saints Web one next year?

 

LV - did warn you - the Chargers suck!

[shurlock]

Anyone else do fantasy NFL? How you done this year?

 

I'm in the final of one league that has changed a lot of the settings and has IDP's (individual defensive players). Strange league as the IDP's get a point per yard for any sack. Means they often score more than the top QB of the week. My top player yesterday was Greg Hardy (who? exactly). Got me 38 points. Matt Ryan got me 30.80.

 

My advice is to stick to leagues with default settings. So much better. Plus watching Fantasy Live every night has a lot more relevance.

 

Who's up for a Saints Web one next year?

 

LV - did warn you - the Chargers suck!

 

Im playing it for the first time but had a poor draft and have been struck by repeated injuries: Hakeem Nicks, Matt Forte, DeMarco Murray, Cedric Benson have been injured or gone on IR -and Philip Rivers might as well be injured.

Am working my way up the consolation bracket.

I won my game yesterday though only just. Left James Jones, Dennis Pitta and Colin Kaepernick on the bench - all of whom had career days!

Thought I would give a start to Josh Gordon vs. Redskins but he didnt return the love (still he's probably a good shout for late-round pick-up next season). For now its still too early to trust the ****** Browns.

Would be up for Saintsweb fantasy league - play the ESPN one non-PPR, no IDPs and 6 points for TDs (which results in some very volatile games).

The draft and trading are the best parts and make fantasy NFL much more interesting than fantasy soccerball over here where many teams look alike.

 

Alas in the real world, injuries and age are catching up with the Ravens.

[Rut]

Im playing it for the first time but had a poor draft and have been struck by repeated injuries: Hakeem Nicks, Matt Forte, DeMarco Murray, Cedric Benson have been injured or gone on IR -and Philip Rivers might as well be injured.

Am working my way up the consolation bracket.

I won my game yesterday though only just. Left James Jones, Dennis Pitta and Colin Kaepernick on the bench - all of whom had career days!

Thought I would give a start to Josh Gordon vs. Redskins but he didnt return the love (still he's probably a good shout for late-round pick-up next season). For now its still too early to trust the ****** Browns.

Would be up for Saintsweb fantasy league - play the ESPN one non-PPR, no IDPs and 6 points for TDs (which results in some very volatile games).

The draft and trading are the best parts and make fantasy NFL much more interesting than fantasy soccerball over here where many teams look alike.

 

Alas in the real world, injuries and age are catching up with the Ravens.

 

ha ha - can totally relate to tales of NFL fantasy bad decisions and bad luck. I scored heavily in one game this year and ended up losing by 0.02 points. I won a few games with less points but not this one. Brutal.

 

If the default for a QB TD is 4 points then keep it that way. I play most games on nfl.com who score like this ( http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/help/nfl-scoringsettings ). It just works. Plus when watching NFL Fantasy TV shows they talk in default points. Makes it so much easier if you play with the same settings.

 

I played one last year that gave a point-per-yard on anything. Chucks, runs, returns the lot. Was still 6 points for a TD though. So some returner runs it back to the 18 yard line. 18 points. 10 yard TD, 16 points. Basically you had to make sure that any WR (or DB - we had IDP's as well) you chose also returned kicks and punts as well. Was farcical, but quite funny. Darren Sproles kicked ass in this league!

 

Good to see DEN do a number on BAL the other day. All turned on that pick-off at 10-0. Sweet. DEN *should* get a bye week now but (as you know) nothing is totally predictable... Been a good season so far.

[Rut]

The draft and trading are the best parts and make fantasy NFL much more interesting than fantasy soccerball over here where many teams look alike.

 

BTW - totally agree. Fantasy Prem sucks cos so many people have the same players in 'their' team.

 

Do you know of any Prem fantasy leagues that do a draft style thing at the start of the season? Plus then you play someone each week and either win/draw/lose for 3/1/0 points. Would be good. Way more interesting week-to-week anyway...

[shurlock]

ha ha - can totally relate to tales of NFL fantasy bad decisions and bad luck. I scored heavily in one game this year and ended up losing by 0.02 points. I won a few games with less points but not this one. Brutal.

 

If the default for a QB TD is 4 points then keep it that way. I play most games on nfl.com who score like this ( http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/help/nfl-scoringsettings ). It just works. Plus when watching NFL Fantasy TV shows they talk in default points. Makes it so much easier if you play with the same settings.

 

I played one last year that gave a point-per-yard on anything. Chucks, runs, returns the lot. Was still 6 points for a TD though. So some returner runs it back to the 18 yard line. 18 points. 10 yard TD, 16 points. Basically you had to make sure that any WR (or DB - we had IDP's as well) you chose also returned kicks and punts as well. Was farcical, but quite funny. Darren Sproles kicked ass in this league!

 

Good to see DEN do a number on BAL the other day. All turned on that pick-off at 10-0. Sweet. DEN *should* get a bye week now but (as you know) nothing is totally predictable... Been a good season so far.

 

Yep my espn league uses the same scoring system though, IMO, points per reception leagues are slightly fairer -would certainly reflect the contribution of someone like Megatron who's rarely paid dirt but makes play after play. Points-per-yards leagues on everything seem bizarre, though I intend to get me some Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Darren Sproles next season simply because of their versatility and the odd punt return that will go for a TD.

 

Yep, disappointing result - having Knowshon Moreno in my fantasy team as a flex option was scant consolation. The pick made a difference, though the stream of three-and-outs in the first half meant that it was only time before Denver capitalised, exposing the Ravens for what they are: a banged up and very ordinary 9-5 side. Though I guess Charlie Batch already showed that a few weeks before FFS. Still Giants up next - the very definition of a stoppable force meeting a movable object.

 

The Browns are looking better and better and won't be whipping boys next season. Guess there are question marks over Weeden who seems to be a bit immobile and predictable - can coaching make a difference at his age. Got to admit Richardson hasn't totally impressed me - seems to be a bit of an up-the-middle bruiser, though I guess the playcalling, blocking and guards haven't helped.

 

Quite like Broncos and 49ers going into the playoffs - Seattle could also be a dark horse.

[shurlock]

BTW - totally agree. Fantasy Prem sucks cos so many people have the same players in 'their' team.

 

Do you know of any Prem fantasy leagues that do a draft style thing at the start of the season? Plus then you play someone each week and either win/draw/lose for 3/1/0 points. Would be good. Way more interesting week-to-week anyway...

 

Nah, not that I know of - there's no reason to think that it wouldn't work here (e.g. the talent pool isn't deep enough etc).

There are head-to-heads but that's in the cup competition which is a footnote to the main league.

[Dr Who?]

49ers took one hell of a knock back last night, against the in form Seahawks. Keep an eye on these!

 

[Window Cleaner]

49ers took one hell of a knock back last night, against the in form Seahawks. Keep an eye on these!

 

 

Seahawks, now that's Pete Carroll isn't it USC coach not long back ? Sometimes this season I've come round to thinking that a lot of the old school coaches have lost their way a bit. Everything has become over-intricate and much wood has not been seen for trees. Carroll has certainly turned them around in 2 seasons.

[Saint 76er]

Seahawks, now that's Pete Carroll isn't it USC coach not long back ? Sometimes this season I've come round to thinking that a lot of the old school coaches have lost their way a bit. Everything has become over-intricate and much wood has not been seen for trees. Carroll has certainly turned them around in 2 seasons.

 

College coaches not always popular with NFL teams as the college game is really a different beast to the pros and the transition often does not work. There will likely be a lot of teams looking for a new head coach this off season and Chip Kelly is the hottest college coach at the moment and will surely interview widely, I know the Eagles are well interested and like his commitment and attention to detail. However, Kelly has no NFL experience and runs an up tempo offensive system that has been crazy successful at Oregon but how will this translate to the pros? Probably will need a lot of refining (NEP play a modified version which works for them) but Kelly will land somewhere I expect and may well revolutionise the game, or be a bust.

 

At the Eagles Andy Reid is surely gone in a week so it's guess the new coach time and it's 14 years since they last played that game in Philly. My guess, maybe Mike McCoy from Denver, certainly a safer bet with someone already in the NFL system.

[Window Cleaner]

At the Eagles Andy Reid is surely gone in a week so it's guess the new coach time and it's 14 years since they last played that game in Philly. My guess, maybe Mike McCoy from Denver, certainly a safer bet with someone already in the NFL system.

 

can't get much worse than this season still I shall no doubt watch the Giants game on Sunday. Vick starting apparently,should be better. Jest or Cardinals for him next season ?

[DanW]

Jets or Cardinals for who? Andy Reid?

I'd wager that if he's fired (highly likely) then he won't be in football next year. He'll probably do some kind of TV gig. If he's still interested in coaching (and I don't know that he is) he'd take a new job for the 2014 season.

 

But yes, the NFC East and NFC Wildcard possibilities are quite intriguing this weekend - there are a lot of pointless games, but there are also a lot of scenarios which can play out. Should be a fun time.

[Window Cleaner]

Jets or Cardinals for who? Andy Reid?

 

 

I meant Vick , couldn't care less where that fat to(a)s(t)ser Reid end up tbh.

[Saint 76er]

I meant Vick , couldn't care less where that fat to(a)s(t)ser Reid end up tbh.

 

Rumours are big that Jets want Vick and they will jettison Tebow. Eagles options with MV7 are to release him after the SB, within three days I think, and they are off the hook for the $3 million they still owe him, or keep him and pay the money and hope they can trade him for a decent draft pick, or keep him for next season if the new coach wants him (but that would cost $15+ million in salary for next year).

 

Andy Reid to San Diego is highly likely as he says he wants to coach next year and SD have been eyeing him off for a while. Reid is from LA and actually owns a house at Dana Point between LA and SD so this is a move that would be perfect for him. He would likely take several of his trusted assistant coaches with him (Marty Morningwheg .. ouch, good luck SD). Most Eagles fans would happily rent a bus and drive the lot of them over there.

 

Yes, it would be so nice to see a normal sized coach in Philly next year!

[Window Cleaner]

Rumours are big that Jets want Vick and they will jettison Tebow. Eagles options with MV7 are to release him after the SB, within three days I think, and they are off the hook for the $3 million they still owe him, or keep him and pay the money and hope they can trade him for a decent draft pick, or keep him for next season if the new coach wants him (but that would cost $15+ million in salary for next year).

 

Andy Reid to San Diego is highly likely as he says he wants to coach next year and SD have been eyeing him off for a while. Reid is from LA and actually owns a house at Dana Point between LA and SD so this is a move that would be perfect for him. He would likely take several of his trusted assistant coaches with him (Marty Morningwheg .. ouch, good luck SD). Most Eagles fans would happily rent a bus and drive the lot of them over there.

 

Yes, it would be so nice to see a normal sized coach in Philly next year!

 

I see that MV7 has been running his mouth about(well a bit) Mudd today as well. That jiggery pokery was the Iggles downfall.

Castillo was good on offence and not so much on defence. Mudd is a real old timer right?

[lettuce]

Seahawks, now that's Pete Carroll isn't it USC coach not long back ? Sometimes this season I've come round to thinking that a lot of the old school coaches have lost their way a bit. Everything has become over-intricate and much wood has not been seen for trees. Carroll has certainly turned them around in 2 seasons.

Pleased to see (my) Seahawks getting some exposure/recognition for hitting a great patch of form at the business end of the regular season. Not sure how we'll do in the play-offs, likely playing all games on the road. A few sloppy defeats earlier in the season (Lions, 'phins, Cards) have cost us the NFC West to the 49ers (unless the 49ers somehow manage to lose to the Cardinals)

 

Pete Carroll is ex-USC, although the Seahawks is his third NFL head-honcho job so he has got some previous. His coaching "style" is not to my taste but he's getting the job done this season, particularly with some excellent work in the draft (helped by GM John Schneider, ex-Packers)

 

Should be an entertaining end to the season, I'm backing the Falcons to go all the way although I still have lingering doubts about Matt Ryan handling the pressure of the big games.

[supersonic]

slightly off-topic, but anyone booked tickets to go and see the 2 games at wembley in 2013?

[Saint 76er]

I see that MV7 has been running his mouth about(well a bit) Mudd today as well. That jiggery pokery was the Iggles downfall.

Castillo was good on offence and not so much on defence. Mudd is a real old timer right?

 

Yeah, that was part of a whole crazy series of moves by Reid that lead to his (presumed) downfall. He brought in Mudd as OL coach and Washburn as DL coach, both are old timers and had been successful elsewhere but only ran specialized schemes. Mudd (70) was brought out of retirement but only operates with undersized but athletic linemen. It needs the perfect fit in all positions to really work and it did turn rookie Jason Kelce into a good player, but the rest of them couldn't block effectively hence Vick getting banged from pillar to post. Mudd walked with a cane after falling off his motorbike once too often and didn't even bother turning up to pre season training to rest up before the season. No one in Philly is mourning the fact that he has now officially retired again.

 

Washburn ran a 'wide 9' scheme that got pass rushers to the QB quicker, but it left the inside hopelessly exposed which opponents exploited ruthlessly. Once again the Eagles simply didn't have the cattle to cope but Washburn refused to change a thing and Reid seemed unable to exert any control over him. Eventually Reid did sack him a couple of weeks back but damage already done.

 

Juan Castillo was a long time dedicated OL coach and even he couldn't believe it when Reid, in his most bizarre move, shifted him to become the new Defensive Coordinator. Juan hadn't coached defence since high school and no one could think of any NFL coach moving from O to D previously. NFL coaches are very specialized and this sort of thing is just not done. Most people thought Reid had lost it at that point, although it turned out he really lost it a few weeks into the season when, in search of a scapegoat, he sacked Juan to deflect the heat from himself. The much maligned defense only got worse after Castillo left.

 

It is widely presumed that today's game with the G-Men will be Reid's last (finally) for Philadelphia. Fourteen years and no parade down Broad Street is a bit hard to take and an entire city is ready to wave Big Red goodbye. Should have happened four years ago but better late than never, although we're gonna miss all those fat jokes though ...

[DanW]

Crazy controversies regarding RG3 yesterday. Watching that game I was like "why are they even playing him?" ... especially after that bootleg for 9 yards to the sideline when he was visibly limping while running. He's done the moment I see that if I'm a coach. Idiots, the lot of them!

[Rut]

Crazy controversies regarding RG3 yesterday. Watching that game I was like "why are they even playing him?" ... especially after that bootleg for 9 yards to the sideline when he was visibly limping while running. He's done the moment I see that if I'm a coach. Idiots, the lot of them!

 

...and if he goes off then he'd prob have got a slagging like Cutler did last season. Or maybe not? We'll never know. Good comeback by SEA though in what proved to be the game of the weekend.

 

My 4 teams to win this weekend are DEN/HOU/SF/ATL. Yep I reckon HOU can win in NE.

 

DEN to muller who ever wins that game anyway. See you in New Orleans!

[saint_in_munich]

Go Texans! Will be a tough match against the Patriots this weekend, i admire your confidence in a Texans win Rut. They certainly tailed off at the end of the season. Would love to see them in the superbowl especially as it's only down the road in New Orleans.

[Saint 76er]

...and if he goes off then he'd prob have got a slagging like Cutler did last season. Or maybe not? We'll never know. Good comeback by SEA though in what proved to be the game of the weekend.

 

My 4 teams to win this weekend are DEN/HOU/SF/ATL. Yep I reckon HOU can win in NE.

 

DEN to muller who ever wins that game anyway. See you in New Orleans!

 

Rut ... can you give an opinion on Mike McCoy the Broncs OC who has interviewed (along with others) for the Eagles HC position, please?

 

It seems he has done wonders to develop some mediocre QBs and might be perfect to mentor Nick Foles in Philly. However, is this guy all round HC material do you think?

 

The other main contender at present for Philly is Gus Bradley the Seahawks DC. He seems to have turned their defense into one mean machine and his players seem to love him. Quite frankly, everyone at Seattle seems to have bought into whatever they're drinking up there (coffee, I think!).

 

Andy Reid has landed in KC on a five year deal, good luck to them although it would be hard to do worse than this years effort in tornado city.

 

Finally Chip Kelly has once again played off several NFL teams against his current employers and won a fat pay rise from the guy who started Nike who appears to bankroll Oregon and consequently Kelly is staying put.

[DanW]

I just don't think that Houston played all that well last weekend, or even over the last month or so. Schaub looks shaky. NE will win because of this. To win in the playoffs you need to have a great QB, not just a good one. And if Schaub plays like he's been playing Houston will lose.

 

Statistically speaking, it's wise to bet on the four teams that have had a week off. Not only have they rested, but they were also theoretically the better teams to start with.

 

I would like to see another Payton/Brady matchup, so I guess I'm rooting for DEN/NE. As for the NFC... I like the Packers a little bit and Seattle a lot...and the others I'm indifferent. So I guess I'm rooting for Seattle.

[Window Cleaner]

 

Statistically speaking, it's wise to bet on the four teams that have had a week off. Not only have they rested, but they were also theoretically the better teams to start with.

 

 

Giants played wild card weekend last season I think, and Packers was it the season before, think they were a WC even.

Were Giants a WC in 2007/8 when they turned over the 18 and 0 Pats in the Super Bowl ?.

Edited 8 January, 2013 by Window Cleaner

[Rut]

Rut ... can you give an opinion on Mike McCoy the Broncs OC who has interviewed (along with others) for the Eagles HC position, please?

 

Not really no. To be honest I pay little attention to the coaches plus this year has been a bit different for a lot of drives. Manning goes no huddle and seems to call it as he sees it. Who knows what instructions he gets through his headphones - 'just go for it mate' probably! It's been working of late...

 

DEN best win on Saturday. It's the first game of the 4. If they win then I can sit back and enjoy the other 3.

 

Anyone doing the post season NFL fantasy challenge on nfl.com? I'm on 0 points at the mo - but now have all DEN & ATL players on double points this week.

[DanW]

Giants played wild card weekend last season I think, and Packers was it the season before, think they were a WC even.

Were Giants a WC in 2007/8 when they turned over the 18 and 0 Pats in the Super Bowl ?.

 

Yeah there are always exceptions, and it seems to be even more exceptions lately (Giants last year, Jets over New England a few years ago, etc). But if you take the overall win-loss records of all bye teams in the playoffs, you'll find that their win percentage is much higher than normal win expectations.

[Window Cleaner]

DEN best win on Saturday. It's the first game of the 4. If they win then I can sit back and enjoy the other 3.

 

 

 

The Ravens looked mean on Sunday, real mean, bounty scheme mean although I'm sure that's not the case. Flacco remains an enigma though.

[shurlock]

Not really no. To be honest I pay little attention to the coaches plus this year has been a bit different for a lot of drives. Manning goes no huddle and seems to call it as he sees it. Who knows what instructions he gets through his headphones - 'just go for it mate' probably! It's been working of late...

 

DEN best win on Saturday. It's the first game of the 4. If they win then I can sit back and enjoy the other 3.

 

Anyone doing the post season NFL fantasy challenge on nfl.com? I'm on 0 points at the mo - but now have all DEN & ATL players on double points this week.

 

Looking forward to getting back from the Villa game and watching the ravens game. Can't see anything but a Broncos win, though I thought the same when the Ravens went to Foxborough in 2010 and inflicted the Patriots first home playoff loss in decades. I've liked the Bronocs this season and Moreno has dispelled any questions that existed over their running game after McGahee went down. On paper they look the most well-balanced side and Manning always gets the better of Lewis; but Denver's record also slightly flatters them. They're in arguably the weakest division in the NFL (a toss up with the AFC South) and the Ravens won't be the team that got smashed a month ago (as much down to silly turnovers and poor execution as anything).

The defense is getting healthy again (Ellerbee, Krueger and Graham have really stepped up) and the ship has been steadied after Cam Cameron's firing.

If the Ravens get a fast start, it could be interesting.

[shurlock]

...and if he goes off then he'd prob have got a slagging like Cutler did last season. Or maybe not? We'll never know. Good comeback by SEA though in what proved to be the game of the weekend.

 

My 4 teams to win this weekend are DEN/HOU/SF/ATL. Yep I reckon HOU can win in NE.

 

DEN to muller who ever wins that game anyway. See you in New Orleans!

 

Can't see a Houston win either - the contrast between their performance against the Patriots and the 49ers performance against the Patriots only week later showed up all their inadequacies: over-reliant on the run and unable to turn to the passing game when the opposition builds a lead -and the Patriots will put plenty of points up. I like Wade Phillips aggressive, gung-ho style but blitz after blitz just leaves them too open against Brady and co.

[View From The Top]

I've Denver & 49ers in the sweep.

[Rut]

I've Denver & 49ers in the sweep.

 

Not bad picks at all.

 

I've got 50 quid on Denver @ 20/1. On a betting slip from a Southampton bookies. I'll get a free trip back to England if they win it. I can't use Betfair over here so can't 'go green' - will just have to let it ride.

[shurlock]

Get the **** in. Incredible. That is all.

[Window Cleaner]

Get the **** in. Incredible. That is all.

 

 

Thanks Peyton is what you should be saying, still the Ravens D got him on the run and if you do that he's going to toss a pick sooner or later. Always been dodgy under pressure, Tebow at least won a play-off game. Hate Mannings in general and Peyton in particular so as you say GET IN.

[shurlock]

Thanks Peyton is what you should be saying, still the Ravens D got him on the run and if you do that he's going to toss a pick sooner or later. Always been dodgy under pressure, Tebow at least won a play-off game. Hate Mannings in general and Peyton in particular so as you say GET IN.

 

Also a massive thanks to Champ Bailey and the rest of their secondary.

But that was one gutsy performance -to keep falling behind on the road and allow two special teams TDs -one straight after half-time- would have knocked the wind out of many teams.

[Rut]

American Football sucks.

[Lets B Avenue]

American Football sucks.

 

But you've got to love a QB called Colin.

 

Go Niners!

[lettuce]

Gutted for the Seahawks. Still, the Superbowl is a mickey-mouse cup, we can concentrate on the league now etc. etc... :-D

[DanW]

Lol @ lettuce.

 

 

I'm less than excited about either the Ravens or Patriots being in the Super Bowl. Blech. The Ravens stole my Browns' Super Bowl, so eff them. And the Patriots...I only hate them because I wish the Browns' organization was as stable and well-run as theirs. My hatred used to stem from the boringness of them winning all the time, but now it's just jealousy.

 

However, either Atlanta or San Francisco representing the NFC in the big game will be fun. I dig either side's recent (2-3 years) history and the personnel on their teams that I know of off the top of my head. I liked the switch to Kaepernick from a distance, and good for Frank Gore for still chugging away. And Matty Ice and Julio Jones and even Tony Gonzalez (still!). That game should be fun to watch for that reason, although I think the NE-BAL game will actually be closer and more dramatic.

[Rut]

The QB's on Facebook were good this week:

http://profootballmock.com/nfl-qbs-on-facebook-divisional-roundup/

 

It's near the knuckle as always. Brady calls Ray Lewis 'Stabby' - very unsubtle to say the least!

[Window Cleaner]

so Chip Kelly it is then. Is that good for us ST76er ?

[Saint 76er]

so Chip Kelly it is then. Is that good for us ST76er ?

 

Well, the Philly Daily News headline reads "Eagles get the right guy ...... we think". Which about sums it up.

 

Actually, this is a bit of a wow moment really. Kelly is the guy Jeffery Lurie wanted to bring in all along and he (+Roseman & Smolenski) met with the Chipster for 9 hours to thrash out a deal whereupon Kelly then returned to Oregon, was given a big pay rise by Phil Knight the Nike CEO who bankrolls the college, and decided to stay put. The Eagles continued interviewing like crazy, but none of the candidates were that exciting and in fact probably the best of them, Gus Bradley, was only just flown in on a chartered jet, feted at Lurie's mansion and then unceremoniously sent on his way to interview at Jacksonville (where I think he may now have been appointed). No one could work this out, but it seems word must have come through that Kelly was on board and it was bye, bye Gus.

 

Lord knows what Lurie must be paying Chip, but he truly is an innovator and has been the buzz word in college circles for last few years. Teams have tried but it has proved difficult to prise him away from Oregon (read the Nike guy), so this is somewhat of a coup for the Eagles. However, Kelly has no previous NFL experience and that will worry some people. He is, though, quite famous in football circles for running an innovative offense and then he innovates some more! It is this cerebral approach that intrigues Lurie and he certainly has something quite different on his hands to any other NFL team now.

 

Kelly runs a hurry-up, no huddle offense but far more intense and just plain speedy than anyone has tried before. But it works for him and his win/loss ratio at Oregon is just plain extraordinary and if he can devolve that to the pros then the Iggles are in business big time. In actual fact he already has after a fashion as the NEP use a modified version of his hurry-up system, and just see how they are going this season. Kelly (who is from New Hampshire) is well respected by Bill Belichick and Kelly tutored him in the finer points of his offense which the Pats now use.

 

In a football league where offense is now starting to resemble a basketball fast break and you probably need 30 points to win most play off games, then Chip Kelly is already ahead of the game and, hell, he may even have invented it! This could, therefore, be good news for the Eagles but obviously there are risks and the step into the unknown of the NFL is the main one. Kelly will need a suitable QB to run his scheme and that will be the next big issue on the agenda for sure, although the appointment of his assistants will also be vital as someone has to keep the defense tight so that all this offensive excitement can proceed.

 

It will be a very interesting, not to say exciting, year ahead for football fans in Philadelphia (that's everyone) as a new era in the science of a simple game comes to town and wouldn't this be just the perfect time to revert those uniforms back to the traditional Kelly Green!!!

 

Go Eagles ...

[Window Cleaner]

Also a massive thanks to Champ Bailey and the rest of their secondary.

But that was one gutsy performance -to keep falling behind on the road and allow two special teams TDs -one straight after half-time- would have knocked the wind out of many teams.

 

Raven's defence ... Wow

[Dr Who?]

Go 49ers, gave me the perfect lift, after the events at Southampton. Really looking forward to the Super Bowl..... Bring it on.

 

Yes I love Colin!!!! Not so much running yesterday but still pretty good!

[Dr Who?]

I thought the 49ers came out the blocks a little slow, but what a come back. Then right at the end they dug in, to show what a great defence they have. Wish I could go to Orleans for the big one!

 

Will wait for Wembley instead!

[Window Cleaner]

I thought the 49ers came out the blocks a little slow, but what a come back. Then right at the end they dug in, to show what a great defence they have. Wish I could go to Orleans for the big one!

 

Will wait for Wembley instead!

 

 

Looked like Ryan choked a bit to me but then I only saw the second half. Same nearly happened to the Falcons against the Seahawks.

[shurlock]

Raven's defence ... Wow

 

To shut out Brady in the second half and what a hit by Pollard who can now add Ridley along with Gronk, Brady and Welker to his list of victims. Still, Ray Lewis TV-envangelist shtick is wearing thin. By comparison, Flacco's monosyllabic interviews that can induce narcolepsy even while describing the most incredible of performances are a breath of fresh air.

Edited 22 January, 2013 by shurlock