NFL Week 9

[stevew]

“Ravens-Steelers gets everybody’s piss hot"

I know he's on the other side, but Suggs usually cracks me up.

[Lathum]

Looking forward to the Giants-Pats game. We can score with them and if the pass rush can get to Brady I think we have a shot. That being said I have visions of Welker catching slants over the middle and taking them 40 yards. Should be a fun game with a lot of points scored.

[spleen1015]

I bet the Colts win this week.

[JediKooter]

Chargers - Packers

In the words of Clubber Lang: "I predict....Pain!"

Chargers 24 - Packers 34. This game will be much like the game the Chargers played against the Patriots earlier this season.

[SteveMax58]

Looking forward to the Giants-Pats game. We can score with them and if the pass rush can get to Brady I think we have a shot. That being said I have visions of Welker catching slants over the middle and taking them 40 yards. Should be a fun game with a lot of points scored.

I hope we can score with them but I'm seeing visions of 41-27. Hope I'm wrong.

[Grover]

Hoping for a win against a distinctly average Titans team. Looking forward to Chris Johnson having another game under 50 yards, that Bengals defense isn't going to let him do much.

Of course, now that I've spouted off like this, he'll run for 300 and 6 TDs.

Who Dey!

[RomaGoth]

Chargers - Packers

In the words of Clubber Lang: "I predict....Pain!"

Chargers 24 - Packers 34. This game will be much like the game the Chargers played against the Patriots earlier this season.

You may overestimating the Chargers offense right now. Especially as long as Norv "causes good players to regress" Turner is the coach.

[Matthean]

Manning says he wants to play this year if possible. Of course he does. Anything to prevent the team from getting the first pick in the draft is likely deemed being done in his own best interest.

Lions fan have a petition going around to see if they can get Nickleback to not play at halftime of the Thanksgiving day game.

Petition: The Detroit Lions: Replace Nickelback as the halftime show for the Thanksgiving game | Change.org (http://www.change.org/petitions/the-detroit-lions-replace-nickelback-as-the-halftime-show-for-the-thanksgiving-game)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lions fan have a petition going around to see if they can get Nickleback to not play at halftime of the Thanksgiving day game.

Petition: The Detroit Lions: Replace Nickelback as the halftime show for the Thanksgiving game | Change.org (http://www.change.org/petitions/the-detroit-lions-replace-nickelback-as-the-halftime-show-for-the-thanksgiving-game)

While I'm not a fan of Nickleback, I am surprised anyone actually cares who plays the halftime show at the Thanksgiving Day game (or any game for that matter).

[Antmeister]

Chargers - Packers

In the words of Clubber Lang: "I predict....Pain!"

Chargers 24 - Packers 34. This game will be much like the game the Chargers played against the Patriots earlier this season.

I would love for it to be this close, but with the problems they have on their offensive line (especially the neck injury with McNeil and seizure with Kris Dielman) and the consistent problems in the red zone, I just don't see them scoring 24 points.

[Julio Riddols]

It would be way more enjoyable and entertaining if the Lions just let their Nickel back fart on a microphone.

[JediKooter]

You may overestimating the Chargers offense right now. Especially as long as Norv "causes good players to regress" Turner is the coach.

Totally understand. It's just that Norv is the 'X' factor in all of this. Which leads to a lot of male pattern baldness. They can play so absentmindedly one week and then play like a cohesive unit the next and make you wonder how come they haven't won a Super Bowl yet.

Granted, not all of those 24 points could be scored by their offense. :)



I would love for it to be this close, but with the problems they have on their offensive line (especially the neck injury with McNeil and seizure with Kris Dielman) and the consistent problems in the red zone, I just don't see them scoring 24 points.

I think the first couple of possessions the Chargers have on offense will tell the tale of the game. If Rivers is still throwing the ball thinking that his receivers are 9ft tall, they'll be lucky to score 10 points. If he's hitting them, they should get their points, but, they will probably be junk points, like in just about every game they've played against the Steelers the last 3 or 4 years. Also, the defense is pretty solid and could score some points, given the opportunity.

[kingfc22]

I like how the Niners offense has started today with the intent to dominate the line of scrimmage.

Well until that delay of game...

[spleen1015]

I bet the Colts win this week.

If they're going to get their ass kicked, at least the Falcons' points will be scored by guys I have on a fantasy team!

[MrBug708]

Why Hello there Julio Jones. I'm glad you've decided to save my fantasy football season

[kingfc22]

Niners need to start taking advantage of their field position.

[Crapshoot]

I think you take the 3 pts here

[kingfc22]

I think you take the 3 pts here

Can't help but feel like they're letting the Skins just linger around in this one.

[tucker rocky]

Jets get a int, but fumble the ball right back to Buffalo.

[kingfc22]

Can't help but feel like they're letting the Skins just linger around in this one.

But a TD off this turnover would ease my worries a tad.

[kingfc22]

Nice play call and then pass by Alex. Woot!

[Crapshoot]

Can't help but feel like they're letting the Skins just linger around in this one.

And then that...:)

[SirFozzie]

The Jets-Bills game is.. not very good.

[kingfc22]

So...how does Miami blow the game in KC?

Well that TD is only going to make this collapse even more epic. Also, are any of the Jekyll & Hyde AFC West teams ever going to establish themselves?

[kingfc22]

Skins trying to set a record for passes that travel less than 2 yards downfield.

[tucker rocky]

Wait Miami you're winning, I thought "Suck for Luck" was a top priority.

[Ironhead]

A lot of lopsided games today. Almost every game right now has one team with 20+ points and the other in single digits.

[EagleFan]

Wait Miami you're winning, I thought "Suck for Luck" was a top priority.

They can't even do that right?

[tucker rocky]

They can't even do that right?

Miami will get it right next week, at home against Washington. :D

[Matthean]

If Indy gets beat twice in the next two weeks, Manning has legit concern about the Colts picking first.

[stevew]

Phil Rivers looking good in preseason.

[TroyF]

If Indy gets beat twice in the next two weeks, Manning has legit concern about the Colts picking first.

You have mentioned this a couple of times. Manning doesn't give a damn if the Colts pick first. Provided he gets medical clearance and wants to play, he's going to get paid. If not with the Colts, with someone else.

The Colts aren't going to franchise Manning and then make him a backup, not after all the years he's given them. If the Colts go with Luck (which they should do), Manning will be starting for someone else next season or he'll come back to the Colts with the idea Luck sits behind him for a full year, then he'll move to a different team.

[cuervo72]

Skins trying to set a record for passes that travel less than 2 yards downfield.

FWIW, I think the Brunell-led Skins already own that record.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I wish I had a link for this, but only heard on sports radio.

Lardarius Webb must have said earlier in the week that Antonio Brown is the best WR in Pittsburgh. When told, Mike Wallace must have brought up that Webb lines up "like 20 yards off" and "that bitch will find out Sunday".

It's not Joey Porter following Ray Lewis to the team bus good, but I love this rivalry.

[terpkristin]

I can't figure out who I want to win the Giants-Pats game. I mean, yes, the Pats are my team, but the Giants are my physical therapist's team. I see him tomorrow at 7 a.m. and he knows the Pats are my team. And he's been known to bruise me... ;)

/tk

[hoopsguy]

So I don't think many people were expecting Giants/Pats to turn into Bama/LSU, only with less scoring and less excitement.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I want the Pats to win.

As odd and unfamiliar it may be, Lions fans have to start looking at the bigger picture and root for AFC teams when there are potential NFC playoff implications.

Go Tom Brady!

[RedKingGold]

I love Jim Harbaugh.

[hoopsguy]

Tom Brady is trying to play down to the standard Rivers established earlier this afternoon.

[tucker rocky]

St.Louis leads Arizona 11-6, in a slugfest.

[hoopsguy]

Giants fumble a punt after their defense forced another 3 and out. Pats needed that badly, as Giants had just dominated the 3rd quarter up to this point.

[hoopsguy]

Rams have 13 the hard way: 3 field goals, 2 safeties.

[cuervo72]

Switched CIN-TEN on for a few seconds. Marv sounds almost like Doc Brown at this point.

[Grover]

I am pretty much in love with Andy Dalton and AJ Green.

And this defense.

[Antmeister]

C'mon Chargers. One touchdown away from tying this with the Pack.

[Antmeister]

Geez....45-38 game. Didn't see this one coming.

[sabotai]

Great job Manningham on scoring the TD. You made me add a +1 to my opinion of your skill. Bad job on acting like an idiot after it and costing the Giants 15 yards on the kickoff. You made me subtract 100 from my opinion of your intelligence.

[BrianD]

Weak PI call in the Packer-Charger game.

[SirFozzie]

Tom Brady done dood it again!!!!

[hoopsguy]

And Broncos hang 300 rushing yards and 38 points on the Raiders in the Black Hole. I'm not sure what kind of a honeymoon Hue Jackson gets as the new guy, but I would have to think games like this shorten it. Yeesh.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Barring an epic defensive collapse of their own (and assuming the Packers don't let their game get away) the Broncos will end the day 1 game out of first in the west.

[cougarfreak]

Jesus, the Bengals are actually good.

[rowech]

The idea that the Bengals will be playing the Steelers at home for first place in week 10 was laughable 10 weeks ago.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I want St. Louis - Arizona to end in a tie.

[hoopsguy]

Victor Cruz is made to feel like a Penn State camper courtesy of two Giants defenders.

Too soon?

Giants first and goal on the one.

[TroyF]

Denver stuns the Raiders. Tebow had a terrific second half. He started it off through the air with some really nice throws, then had some huge runs. The running game opened up once he was able to throw the ball a little and the Raiders were gashed. (why they didn't keep making him throw completions, I'll never know)

If the Chargers were to lose to GB, the AFC West will be chaos. At 4-4 the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders would share the division lead. The 3-5 Donkies would be a game back. I think it's safe to say the wild cards are coming from the North and East in some combination.

I think the Raiders and Chargers are the two best teams in the division, but what a strange set of records at the halfway point.

[cuervo72]

Bah. Giants are going to be tough to surpass.

[Radii]

ELI!!

[hoopsguy]

Peterson 99 yard punt return for Cardinals to give them OT win. That his 3rd of the year?

[Grover]

Jesus, the Bengals are actually good.

Yes they are.

Next week is the real test though.

[jbergey22]

Peterson 99 yard punt return for Cardinals to give them OT win. That his 3rd of the year?

Refs missed a couple block in the backs. They were sick of that game. But yes it was his 3rd.

[SirFozzie]

That PI shoulda been an illegal contact 5 yarder, no way the ball was catchable (homer alert)

[Butter]

Bengals 6-2 baby! Oh yeah! Will we actually sell out a game next week?

[cougarfreak]

Yes they are.

Next week is the real test though.

Well, they've won some games on the road, which is at test as well. I agree, they haven't played anyone as tough as Pitts or Balt. But at this point, if they go 1-3 against them in the 4 games, they could very well win 10 games (Clev, AZ, STL and that one). This win on the road today, was pretty large in terms of their chances to making the playoffs.

[rowech]

Bengals 6-2 baby! Oh yeah! Will we actually sell out a game next week?

It's already sold out.

[cougarfreak]

Bengals 6-2 baby! Oh yeah! Will we actually sell out a game next week?

It was announced today, it already has.

[sabotai]

That PI shoulda been an illegal contact 5 yarder, no way the ball was catchable (homer alert)

The ball was in the air, so it's pass interference. Illegal contact is when contact is made after 5 yards, but before the ball is thrown.

[Lathum]

Great win by the Giants, pretty excited right now!

[SirFozzie]

The ball was in the air, so it's pass interference. Illegal contact is when contact is made after 5 yards, but before the ball is thrown.

Well, then it shoulda been nothing, because there was no way he was going to get to that ball.

[jbergey22]

Well, then it shoulda been nothing, because there was no way he was going to get to that ball.

He would have gotten to the ball but so would have 2 pat defenders. They all kind of took each other out.

[Antmeister]

Denver stuns the Raiders. Tebow had a terrific second half. He started it off through the air with some really nice throws, then had some huge runs. The running game opened up once he was able to throw the ball a little and the Raiders were gashed. (why they didn't keep making him throw completions, I'll never know)

If the Chargers were to lose to GB, the AFC West will be chaos. At 4-4 the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders would share the division lead. The 3-5 Donkies would be a game back. I think it's safe to say the wild cards are coming from the North and East in some combination.

I think the Raiders and Chargers are the two best teams in the division, but what a strange set of records at the halfway point.

Chargers looked really good today, but are the most inconsistent team in the division. And man I wouldn't be surprised if Denver and the Raiders surpass the Chargers in the division. I mean, the team couldn't even beat out KC who lost horribly to the once winless Miami Dolphins. The one year where the team starts out strong will most likely be the year where the team has it's worst second half. But that is just coming from a bitter San Diego fan who goes through this year after year.

[B & B]

Im not right every week, but I am right most every week.



Baltimore +4

and keep it real with some outright ML dog $$$$

[jbergey22]

Nice revenge spot for Pitt after Balt embarrassed them week 1. Having anything over 3 in this game is nice however.

Under 42

[Ksyrup]

Victor Cruz is made to feel like a Penn State camper courtesy of two Giants defenders.

Too soon?

Giants first and goal on the one.

Don't worry, JoePa won't alert Ben until 2022.

[BlackJack]

Eli done dood it again!!!!

fixed!!

[RainMaker]

I still don't understand the defenseless receiver rule. It seems to be called so randomly. Ray Lewis had a blatant one that was not called and then they called one on Pittsburgh later in the half.

I have no horse in this race, but those penalties are deadly. Basically gave Baltimore a field goal before the half.

[Dr. Sak]

I still don't understand the defenseless receiver rule. It seems to be called so randomly. Ray Lewis had a blatant one that was not called and then they called one on Pittsburgh later in the half.

I have no horse in this race, but those penalties are deadly. Basically gave Baltimore a field goal before the half.

I agree that both should have been called.

Those plays over the middle are hard to see. Most of the time you have the H or L looking at the play and for those hits it is easier for the back judge to see the direct helmet contact.

[jbergey22]

The refs want this game bad.

The calls in the NFL these days just seem completely random.

McKinnie has been getting away with holding the end the entire game yet they call a phantom hold on Starks and have let McKinnie continue to hold. The def backs this game have been handchecking the entire game yet they decide to call it twice in random spots.

I understand they have a tough job but atleast try to have some method to the madness.

[RainMaker]

I agree that both should have been called.

Those plays over the middle are hard to see. Most of the time you have the H or L looking at the play and for those hits it is easier for the back judge to see the direct helmet contact.

I agree it's tough which is why maybe it should be decided by someone in the booth. Or maybe just do the fines and suspensions after the fact. These calls decide games and are completely random.

[Dr. Sak]

I agree it's tough which is why maybe it should be decided by someone in the booth. Or maybe just do the fines and suspensions after the fact. These calls decide games and are completely random.

Next year there will be two Back Judges...they are going to 8 officials on the field. I believe to help with situations like this one.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I agree that both should have been called.

Those plays over the middle are hard to see. Most of the time you have the H or L looking at the play and for those hits it is easier for the back judge to see the direct helmet contact.

The refs want this game bad.

The calls in the NFL these days just seem completely random.

McKinnie has been getting away with holding the end the entire game yet they call a phantom hold on Starks and have let McKinnie continue to hold. The def backs this game have been handchecking the entire game yet they decide to call it twice in random spots.

I understand they have a tough job but atleast try to have some method to the madness.

That's my issue.

I can take the personal foul on Clark - helmet contact + launching = automatic flag

But that Taylor flag. Just like "holding occurs every play", so does that hand-checking. It was uncalled for about 20 other incompletions...but this time was too much?

[stevew]

I think if you're going to flag Clark for that hit, you should chuck him out of the game. He plays like a fucking asshole, and if that type of play is now a personal foul, we need to eliminate the people that do it.

[Dr. Sak]

I'm watching the same game and I thought there were some tight calls that could have easily been passed on (hold that cause the first Balt TD to get called back). I thought Taylor grabbed the arm just enough for the DPI.

Consistency is something we all fight to keep uniform throughout the game. And sometimes those split seconds decisions we have to make are the wrong ones.

[MikeVic]

I think if you're going to flag Clark for that hit, you should chuck him out of the game. He plays like a fucking asshole, and if that type of play is now a personal foul, we need to eliminate the people that do it.

I was thinking, how is Clark gonna make tackles now that he can't do that vicious launching headshot lol.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm watching the same game and I thought there were some tight calls that could have easily been passed on (hold that cause the first Balt TD to get called back). I thought Taylor grabbed the arm just enough for the DPI.

Consistency is something we all fight to keep uniform throughout the game. And sometimes those split seconds decisions we have to make are the wrong ones.

How similar is it to hockey officiating where teams sort of feel out what the standard is, then play within those parameters going forward?

[RainMaker]

Next year there will be two Back Judges...they are going to 8 officials on the field. I believe to help with situations like this one.
I think they'd be better off having one official in the booth. They make the replay calls right away so we don't need a 5 minute break to look under the hood. They can also override personal foul calls.

Would that really be bad?

[cuervo72]

Gotta catch that.

[RainMaker]

I know Torrey Smith is fast, but he drops a lot of passes.

[kingfc22]

Catch the damn ball!

[stevew]

sigh...nice prevent defense.

[RomaGoth]

Game over.

[kingfc22]

Helluva drive.

Indeed

[Crapshoot]

Bloody hell. Torrey Smith may drop some balls, but that's pure speed.

[jbergey22]

Where was the Steelers pass rush tonight? I kept waiting for some pressure on that last drive and it never came.

[RomaGoth]

Where was the Steelers pass rush tonight? I kept waiting for some pressure on that last drive and it never came.

Apparently it was sidelined along with Woodley.

[Dr. Sak]

How similar is it to hockey officiating where teams sort of feel out what the standard is, then play within those parameters going forward?

Yes and no. I only say no cause I understand rules in football WAY more than hockey. To this day I still have trouble picking out interference but I can pick a hold out very easy.

What I think would be great, and I do think it is somewhere on the NFL site, is for people to watch the training video the NFL sends out to the teams. Also, I think it'd be a good idea for them to show some holds or DPI to show the fans what is and what isn't each one.

The most difficult thing for me to get through to a coach/player/fan is to get them to step out of the situation and look at it as a person of no interest. Players/Fans/Coaches want their team to win so bad (or their most hated team to lose) that they see things differently.

I could go on and on about things like this...but I don't want to bore you guys.

I think they'd be better off having one official in the booth. They make the replay calls right away so we don't need a 5 minute break to look under the hood. They can also override personal foul calls.

Would that really be bad?

There are two replay officials in the booth that talk to the referee on the field as he is under the booth. They will guide the white hat and help him make the decision, but in the end it is the Referee's decision.

I highly doubt we ever get to the point with replay where we can challenge subjective calls. This is taught to us in college but the head of the CFO...they will always defend us when it comes to fouls concerning players safety. Maybe always is a harsh word, but they will give the refs the benefit of the doubt because they want the players protected. The aftermath with the fine/no fine is where replay comes into it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yes and no. I only say no cause I understand rules in football WAY more than hockey. To this day I still have trouble picking out interference but I can pick a hold out very easy.

What I think would be great, and I do think it is somewhere on the NFL site, is for people to watch the training video the NFL sends out to the teams. Also, I think it'd be a good idea for them to show some holds or DPI to show the fans what is and what isn't each one.

The most difficult thing for me to get through to a coach/player/fan is to get them to step out of the situation and look at it as a person of no interest. Players/Fans/Coaches want their team to win so bad (or their most hated team to lose) that they see things differently.

I could go on and on about things like this...but I don't want to bore you guys.



You and I have had this conversation outside of FOFC before, but I am just tiring of the NFL.

The fact that the team I am rooting for is in position to take advantage of the style that is now promoted - spread the field, throw into zone coverage - and I am less interested speaks volumes. The first thing I do on any pass play now is look for the flag. I honestly expect one each play.

To be honest, I think I expect MORE flags than there actually are, with how offense is promoted.

[jbergey22]

You and I have had this conversation outside of FOFC before, but I am just tiring of the NFL.

The fact that the team I am rooting for is in position to take advantage of the style that is now promoted - spread the field, throw into zone coverage - and I am less interested speaks volumes. The first thing I do on any pass play now is look for the flag. I honestly expect one each play.

To be honest, I think I expect MORE flags than there actually are, with how offense is promoted.

I know we hate giving the refs more decisions to make but I really wouldnt mind 2 different pass interference calls. One would be an "intentional type" where it was obvious the defender was beat and just trying to save his ass and award it like it is now. The other would be like the college rule where it would be 15 yards or spot of foul. Too many questionable PI calls are awarded big yardage in the NFL.

The other thing is the NFL rules committee should sit their asses down and figure out what a hold is so the refs can call it fairly. If "experts" claim there is holding on every play obviously something needs to be re-done.

Holding and PI are the two calls that just bug the hell out of me. They could call it or not call it on every play it seems. It turns into something random on what the ref feels like calling at that time.

Also, why if the defense gets called for PI the offense gets the ball at the spot of the foul however if the offense interferes they get a 15 yard penalty. If it was being called equal shouldnt the defense be awarded an interception when the offense interferes? Apparently the way it is called they assume the PI prevented the ball from being caught so for consistency is should work both ways.

[Ksyrup]

I've grown disconnected from the NFL for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of the ridiculous crackdown on "football hits," the pass interference calls, and even the incongruous "what constitutes a catch" rules. This whole "have to hold the ball through the end of the play" thing is ridiculous. That ball that Hines Ward got hit on was a catch. He caught it, took 2 steps, got hit landed on his back, got concussed (it appeared), and a guy hit him while he was down,securing the ball, and it came loose and that's not a catch. Wrong answer. Not wrong by the rule, but wrong by common sense. That was a catch.

Just like incidental helmet contact on a clean hit to the upper body is not a penalty. Common sense says that the offensive player is just as much at fault for lowering his body and head aniticipating contact as the defensive player is for leading with his head and not trying, I guess, to hit lower. The offensive player always has the advantage because he knows where he's going right? Isn't that what we always hear when talking about route running on wet/icy surfaces? So why does the defensive player get penalized when the guy in control of the ball, and thus the object of the hit, decides to shrink himself bracing for a hit to the midsection that suddenly becomes a hit to the shoulders with some helmet-on-helmet contact? It is non-sensical.

And then there's the NFL rules on replay, which I hate, because the point of replay is to get calls right, not make it a game or strategy point for coaches. I'd rather they just do away with replay altogether in the NFL if they won't implement the college rule. Replay is not for challenges, it's to get the damn play called right.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I know we hate giving the refs more decisions to make but I really wouldnt mind 2 different pass interference calls. One would be an "intentional type" where it was obvious the defender was beat and just trying to save his ass and award it like it is now. The other would be like the college rule where it would be 15 yards or spot of foul. Too many questionable PI calls are awarded big yardage in the NFL.

The other thing is the NFL rules committee should sit their asses down and figure out what a hold is so the refs can call it fairly. If "experts" claim there is holding on every play obviously something needs to be re-done.

Holding and PI are the two calls that just bug the hell out of me. They could call it or not call it on every play it seems. It turns into something random on what the ref feels like calling at that time.

Also, why if the defense gets called for PI the offense gets the ball at the spot of the foul however if the offense interferes they get a 15 yard penalty. If it was being called equal shouldnt the defense be awarded an interception when the offense interferes? Apparently the way it is called they assume the PI prevented the ball from being caught so for consistency is should work both ways.

Remember the NHL coming out of the lockout where games consistently featured 20 PPs? Not that I enjoyed watching that, but eventually players adjusted (Slightly, anyway, until officiating regressed, but that's an entirely different topic). I bet if there were 20 holding calls in a game, players would stop.

Watching replays they were showing last night, each time they showed Starks on Suggs, Starks was square to Suggs, hands punching to Suggs' chest. Each time they showed a replay of McKinnie on Harrison, McKinnie had his arm hooked either around Harrison's neck or under his arm.

I'm not naive enough to believe Starks didn't do that at all, or that McKinnie didn't play with fine technique on some plays. But how those plays can both be viewed as close enough that there is no flag?

Sak mentions all the time it's 7 different officials who see things 7 different ways. But when it's the same official who can't be consistent in his own calls, that's what is confusing to me.

Or, as you suggest, tweak the rule(s).

I've grown disconnected from the NFL for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of the ridiculous crackdown on "football hits," the pass interference calls, and even the incongruous "what constitutes a catch" rules. This whole "have to hold the ball through the end of the play" thing is ridiculous. That ball that Hines Ward got hit on was a catch. He caught it, took 2 steps, got hit landed on his back, got concussed (it appeared), and a guy hit him while he was down,securing the ball, and it came loose and that's not a catch. Wrong answer. Not wrong by the rule, but wrong by common sense. That was a catch.

Just like incidental helmet contact on a clean hit to the upper body is not a penalty. Common sense says that the offensive player is just as much at fault for lowering his body and head aniticipating contact as the defensive player is for leading with his head and not trying, I guess, to hit lower. The offensive player always has the advantage because he knows where he's going right? Isn't that what we always hear when talking about route running on wet/icy surfaces? So why does the defensive player get penalized when the guy in control of the ball, and thus the object of the hit, decides to shrink himself bracing for a hit to the midsection that suddenly becomes a hit to the shoulders with some helmet-on-helmet contact? It is non-sensical.

And then there's the NFL rules on replay, which I hate, because the point of replay is to get calls right, not make it a game or strategy point for coaches. I'd rather they just do away with replay altogether in the NFL if they won't implement the college rule. Replay is not for challenges, it's to get the damn play called right.

Same as the call later confirmed as a catch to the Baltimore TE. The ball is rolling as he hits the ground, and later makes contact with the ground. How that's deemed control...no idea.

[SunDevil]

I have enjoyed College Football much more than the NFL for a number of years. Not many NFL games this year have had me rethink this.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING Lathum

Eli Manning cemented his clutch reputation with Giants win over Patriots - Peter King - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/11/07/Week9/3.html)


Quote of the Week I

"You can't spell 'elite' without Eli.''
-- Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck, after the hero of the hour in Foxboro beat the Patriots with an all-timer of a winning drive.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Rams have 13 the hard way: 3 field goals, 2 safeties.

Eli Manning cemented his clutch reputation with Giants win over Patriots - Peter King - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/11/07/Week9/3.html)


Son of Factoid of the Week, Straight from the Elias Sports Bureau

When the Rams scored four points in the third quarter Sunday, it was the first four-point quarter in the NFL's 92-year history.

[gstelmack]

One other interesting officiating trend that came up in the Pats / Giants game that is becoming a problem: the playclock not resetting on a stoppage of play (injuries, etc), leading to bad delay-of-game calls against offenses.

[JediKooter]

Good one Philip Rivers, way to hand the game to the Packers. Norv, you should be embarrassed and ashamed...how can you play the Chiefs like they are sort of defensive juggernaut and then they lose to the Dolphins big time??? Again, proof that Norv Turner coaches down to the level of the opponent they are playing. Maybe if you prepped your team to play every team as if they were undefeated, you will win the games you're supposed to.

Oh and Philip, it's the guys with the lightning bolts on their helmets. That's who you throw it to.

[Lathum]

PING Lathum

Eli Manning cemented his clutch reputation with Giants win over Patriots - Peter King - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/11/07/Week9/3.html)

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Yeah, that was a great quote. The fact he did it without Nicks and Bradshaw, plus his starting center out makes it even bigger. He is having a really solid year, keeping the turnovers down has been a huge bonus. Second half stretch is brutal but the way they played yesterday gives me hope

[Dr. Sak]

The other thing is the NFL rules committee should sit their asses down and figure out what a hold is so the refs can call it fairly. If "experts" claim there is holding on every play obviously something needs to be re-done.

Holding and PI are the two calls that just bug the hell out of me. They could call it or not call it on every play it seems. It turns into something random on what the ref feels like calling

I don't want to get on my soap box, but I can explain some of this. I officiated for 5 years before I knew what a hold actually was. I still struggle with it. If you are all interested I could set something up with a conference call or podcast, because I am not the most articulate when I write and this is something better served with me talking.

[bhlloy]

I wouldn't want to bring in another judgement call so I'd be fine with the PI call only being 15 yards like in college. If you can tackle the end on every play so he can't kill your qb and that is only 10 yards and you can wrestle a rb to the ground by the facemask who would otherwise be in the clear and that is only 15 yards, I don't see why PI is so different. Just another rule to artificially produce offense and as somebody mentioned above it doesn't go both ways.

The ref in the steelers game was incredibly lucky that was a TD otherwise we'd have had another game decided on a ticky tack PI call and all hell would be breaking loose

[Coffee Warlord]

Not a bad start at all for Da Bears. Until Gould just booted that out of bounds.

[Matthean]

Curious to see who wins the game. If Philly loses, they are basically done. Two games back in terms of a wildcard and they would need to go 7-1 just to be 10-6. Considering their run defense, odds are they aren't doing that. Bears win and get the Lions at home next week so they could be in the thick of things for a wild card as well. Bears lose and they might find themselves out of it soon enough.

[cuervo72]

Right after I told myself "ok, no interception." Of course.

[Coffee Warlord]

Seriously? 2nd and 16, 3rd and 14...you call a wildcat run (which in Bears history, no wildcat play has gone for anything, ever), and a draw? With Cutler throwing very well?

Hookay, Martz.

[Coffee Warlord]

...Interesting end to the half here.

[bhlloy]

How can you defend that call? The ref is 5 feet away looking straight at it and still misses the push. All the back judges in the world isn't going to make up for a shitty call like that

[Lathum]

Miracle cover on the first half over 24

[EagleFan]

Come on ref, that ball was out well before he was down.

[EagleFan]

There we go.

[Crapshoot]

Jay Cutler is pretty damn good. If he had an offensive line, he would be better.

[Dutch]

And Walter Payton's Bears scoring record falls to the kicker, Gould. That's just wrong.

[cuervo72]

Midfield? Not a good way to respond to the CHI FG.

[cuervo72]

This defense effing blows.

[hoopsguy]

Man, that was an impressive nine yard run for Forte.

[EagleFan]

Wanted...

One pro football team that isn't a bunch of overpaid and heartless divas.

One football coach that doesn't get out-coached every 4th quarter.

One QB that isn't the most over-rated QB in the league.

One star receiver that actually cares about the game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That couldn't have worked out much better for me.
1) The Vickles lost.
2) Forte was held to 10 fantasy points (ESPN standard), giving me an unlikely win & pushing me into 1st place in my division.

[JediKooter]

Wanted...

One football coach that doesn't get out-coached every 4th quarter.


We'll trade you for our coach. He gets out coached the entire game.

[jbergey22]

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Adrian Peterson (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/player/16680/adrian-peterson)

A bit off topic but something worth discussing I think.

Chris Johnson this year has really started making me wonder if running backs can really go in slumps. I always kind of assumed that if a great running back was having a bad year it was probably because the offense line sucks and the defense is stacking the run.

The thing I find intersting is AP from the above link. He is a max effort guy so dogging it isnt going to be in the equation for him. The thing I notice is that it appears he had a couple years where he struggled a bit as well(23rd DVOA).

So I wonder if a slump for a running back is misreading holes? Not having confidence in your line creating a hole?

The speed, agility, and power shouldnt really go in slumps so I find it interesting that a running back could "slump" like Johnson is this year.

[RomaGoth]

We'll trade you for our coach. He gets out coached the entire game.

:lol:

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

pats cut haynesworth. ochocinco, you're on the clock.

[BishopMVP]

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Adrian Peterson (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/player/16680/adrian-peterson)

A bit off topic but something worth discussing I think.

Chris Johnson this year has really started making me wonder if running backs can really go in slumps. I always kind of assumed that if a great running back was having a bad year it was probably because the offense line sucks and the defense is stacking the run.

The thing I find intersting is AP from the above link. He is a max effort guy so dogging it isnt going to be in the equation for him. The thing I notice is that it appears he had a couple years where he struggled a bit as well(23rd DVOA).

So I wonder if a slump for a running back is misreading holes? Not having confidence in your line creating a hole?

The speed, agility, and power shouldnt really go in slumps so I find it interesting that a running back could "slump" like Johnson is this year.I don't think those numbers from Peterson show much variation at all... his success rate has been 45-46% every year, and this year's increase in VOA/DVOA seems mostly tied to his comparatively low number of fumbles.

[RainMaker]

Big win for the Bears. Now have the tiebreaker on Philly, Atlanta, and Tampa for a wild card. Think we have a shot to beat Detroit at home on Sunday too. The offensive line has gotten much better.

[JediKooter]

The case against Norv Turner:

In his entire head coaching career, he has 25 wins against an opponent that has a winning record, at the time they play each other. Out of his 72 wins as the Chargers' head coach. He's only won 12 games against teams with a winning record. That kind of stat will get you nowhere near a Super Bowl win, let alone, play in one.

EDIT: Crap. Screwed up my counting...recalculating....

I missed 4. So 16 games out of 72 have been wins against teams with a winning record, since he's been the Chargers' head coach.