Maybe Lane Kiffin's last week as the "next Al Davis"

ESPN - Report: Davis, Raiders set to fire Kiffin as soon as Monday - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3587018)

The job of Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has come under fire again from the one person that matters, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

In late January, ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen reported that Raiders owner Al Davis had drawn up a resignation letter for Kiffin a week into the year and asked the coach to quit.


Now, Davis is preparing to fire Kiffin as soon as Monday, regardless of how the visiting Raiders perform Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Mercury News has reported, citing several front-office sources.

"You have to look at the history. History is what it is, that he doesn't keep people very long," Kiffin said Wednesday of Davis, two days after the Raiders lost their season opener 41-14 to the Denver Broncos in Oakland.

"He's not the guy I hired," Davis said in mid-August, according to the report in the Bay Area newspaper.

Speculation about Kiffin's status began in early January after reports surfaced following the season that he wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The Raiders dismissed those reports and announced that Ryan was staying on as coordinator.

Kiffin was reportedly upset that he didn't have control of his coaching staff, leading Davis to ask for his resignation. If Kiffin were to resign, he would not be paid for the remaining two years of his contract.

"We don't have a general manager; everything goes through the owner," Kiffin said Wednesday. "That sets up a difficult situation at times. Knowing who the owner is, you know from Day 1 there's no job security."

Kiffin, 33, became the youngest man to coach a game in the NFL since Harland Svare took over the Los Angeles Rams as a 31-year old in 1962.

The Raiders went 4-12 in his first season in Oakland, doubling the team's win total from the previous year and showing signs of improvement in many areas.

But it marked the fifth straight year that Oakland has lost at least 10 games.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

I wonder if Darren McFadden will ever get to play for a team that isn't run by a three ring circus.

Kiffin is gone, and that's a shame. I'm sorry he never got a fair chance in Oakland. Al Davis is the one who needs to go. Consistent losses? Different head coaches? Who is the problem here? The same thing with Matt Millen in Detroit.

Damn...I might as well turn in my Raider Nation card.

Panthers go 3 and out. Punt block returned by the Bears' Brandon Lloyd for a TD.

Maybe Lane Kiffin's last week as the "next Al Davis"

ESPN - Report: Davis, Raiders set to fire Kiffin as soon as Monday - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3587018)

Make a splash, Al. Fire him at halftime.

On the field, too!

Why be subtle?

SI

My son told me that we were supposed to get Giants and somebody but they switched to Bears and Panthers.

The Colts offense just looks horrible. Amazing how much difference a year or two makes.

anyone else not getting there NFL sunday ticket games ???!?!?!?!?!?!

I can't even describe how anxious I am for the Patriots-Jets game. So, so nervous.

anyone else not getting there NFL sunday ticket games ???!?!?!?!?!?!

I've got no problems. Is the game you want to watch being shown on your local channel?

Rodgers looks good again today, so far. Lions have no luck in their passing game with just missing a long bomb and a few dropped passes by open guys so far.

anyone else not getting there NFL sunday ticket games ???!?!?!?!?!?!

I just checked and it is working fine. I've also been watching Supercast on the computer with no problem.

Rodgers looks good again today, so far. Lions have no luck in their passing game with just missing a long bomb and a few dropped passes by open guys so far.

I am surprised at how much I want Rodgers to be successful this year. I have have really become a fan of his.

Rodgers just threw another TD.

i finally got through, there having some problems on their end

Bears might actually be good this year.....that sucks.

It is really fun watching Peterson run. He just passed 100 yards, about 9 minutes left in 1st half.

Bears might actually be good this year.....that sucks.

I would say its just as likely that Carolina's win last week was a total fluke and that they, in fact, completely blow.

TD Rodgers.. #3 today

Aaron Rodgers has done it again. 205 yards passing, 3 TDs against the awful Lions defense.

I would say its just as likely that Carolina's win last week was a total fluke and that they, in fact, completely blow.

Well, seeing how the Colts are kind of looking ugly again I will hold onto my hope the Bears stink. Even if they are not good though, they clearly are better then last year. And that still sucks.

Aaron Rodgers has done it again. 205 yards passing, 3 TDs against the awful Lions defense.

And #3 was to the rookie Jordy Nelson baby! I love the rookies getting in on offense this week, Nelson and undrafted rookie RB Lumpkin.

Carolina has committed 6 pre-snap penalties(false starts/illegal formation/motion), plus a 7th that was declined. This is beyond awful to watch.

P. Manning has one completion to his starting WRs in the first half, for a total of four yards.

Feagles is 41 and Carney is 44. Do the Giants have the two oldest active players in the NFL?

woohoo Coastal Carolina's Tyler Thigpen is in at QB! Okay so he's 2 of 8 for 18 yards but still, great to see him get some playing time.

Aaron Rodgers is getting calls his way now...woot! ;) He was out of bounds there to me, but I could be wrong. Nice run either way...

Ah, Rodgers with the fumble. Time for the kid to come back down to Earth a little.

Rodgers looking good and Minny not so bad (then again, the Colts look like they really suck). NFC Central is going to be fun this year.

P. Manning has one completion to his starting WRs in the first half, for a total of four yards.

the colts O-line looks like they have no idea what they are doing...peyton has about a half a second to throw, and addai is running into a purple wall.

McFadden with his first NFL TD. I swear though, this is like an Exhibition game.

Hahah Colts with an amazing play Gonzalez with the long catch and lateral to Wayne for the TD

gonzalez laterals to wayne at the 10 for the touchdown!!!!

Big play in Indy, lateral on long reception = Wayne in end zone.

i think they are going to call gonzalez down

edit, they are gonna call wayne down at the 1

Carolina commits a holding penalty on a 32 yard TD pass... ends up getting a FG instead.

Out of 8 possessions, the Chiefs have thrown an Interception and punted 7 times. Not bad for 3 different QBs.

gah....peyton cant get 2 feet!!!


twice!!


gah!!!

Bears fumble, Chris Gamble recovers, Carolina ball at the Bears 26!! Dear god please score a TD this time...

Jonathan Stewart has had a number of very nice runs, he finishes off this drive with a 4 yard TD run, his first NFL TD.

McFadden has 135 yards and a TD on 16 carries. Not too bad.

Colts recover a fumble and are going in for another TD.

McFadden has 135 yards and a TD on 16 carries. Not too bad.

Of course he does, I benched him for Forte this week ;)

Fantasy update: supposedly Huard is "dinged" up that's why he isn't playing right now.

This game has to be frustrating to watch for Colts fans.

What a great week to be playing someone with a lot of Baltimore and Houston players. Easiest fantasy win ever.

Suddenly my grabbing Rodgers late in the fantasy draft is saving my ass after Brady went down. ;)

UNBELIEVABLE catch by torry holt for a TD

lathum is currently screaming himself hoarse at the TV in some bar in seattle

Looks like the Rams got extremely lucky.

And on replay, looks like it should have been an INT. Can't believe the Giants didn't challenge.

McFadden: 162 yards on 19 carries, 1 TD.

Suddenly my grabbing Rodgers late in the fantasy draft is saving my ass after Brady went down. ;)

i drafted him as my backup to Peyton...which one do you think i wish i was playing this week

i drafted him as my backup to Peyton...which one do you think i wish i was playing this week


Do you get positive points for Interceptions? :D

Lions aren't done yet. Packer offense needs to put some more points on the board after a nice TD catch by Johnson.

Do you get positive points for Interceptions? :D
do we have a smiley for commiting ritual suicide?

colts still have life after the longwell miss

Packer's receivers seem to be dropping a good amount of balls this half instead of the Lions' receivers.

Do you really think it's Rogers or more like the Lions' defense?

Lions get a break with the safety.

And somewhere in Pennsylvania, Saldana is talked off of the ledge!

Edwards - Hardy TD but it's being challenged. His toe was real close but the ref was right there and I don't know if there's conclusive evidence to overturn

Rodgers hasn't done anything since halfway through the second quarter.

colts can tie with a 2pt conv after 40yd td to wayne

nice....rhodes for the dive!

Packers blowing it. Safety for the Lions as Packer punter Frost lets the ball go through his hands and through the endzone. Lions are within 6 now.

So happy about the John Ryan cut to bring in Frost as the punter....

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!

And somewhere in Pennsylvania, Saldana is talked off of the ledge!

LOL

Wish I'd known the Raiders/Chiefs game was showing here earlier. I'd have watched McFadden tear shit up.

Jonathan Stewart punches it in from a yard out after Delhomme completes a great pass to Jeff King to set up 1st and goal. Panthers take the lead!!!

Deangelo Williams 10 carries for 28 yards
Stewart 12 carries for 73 yards and 2 TDs

Go go rookie.

Beautiful kickoff return by Higgins is nixed a play later when Bush fumbles and Chiefs recover.

Going to be one hell of a finish in KC.

lol @ raiders

Glad to hear about the Panthers taking the lead. Now the Packers can't blow ours.

I must say I am surprised to see Rodgers throw deep on 3rd and 4 right now. I thought McCarthy's conservative play calls would pop up in full force right now. To bad it was incomplete and the punt gives the lines the ball in Packer territory.

Pollard with two fumble recoveries today. He's clearly making a case for league MVP with his performance last week and this week.

Lions take the lead. Great job Packer defense.

Seems like McFadden's coming out party as well... though it is against the Chiefs.

Megatron is the truth! I still have no doubt we will lose this game but wow is Calvin going to be a beast.

Bears, Vikings, and Packers all looked good early and they're all collapsing in the 2nd half.

The Raiders: snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Megatron is the truth!

:D

Excellent, I still really want to see him turn into a superstar.

just an observation, the silent snap count that manning uses looks like his own worst enemy...the snap is always the exact same interval after he puts his left foot down...the vikings d-linemen are basically jumping the snap on every shotgun play.

Morrison with an INT. Maybe the Raiders will win.

Nice pick by the Raiders to kill the Chiefs drive.

And like clockwork, Jennings for 60, deep inside Detroit territory.

I wish I had a point for every time one of my players was in a commercial. I'd kick ass then.

Speaking of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, the Saints get conservative and then a few minutes later give up a long TD pass to Santana Moss to put the Redskins ahead.

The bears have a 4th and 1 near midfield coming up after the 2 minute warning. No timeouts left.

Woodson intecepts Kitna! Packer ball with 5:00 to go!

BTW, fantasy playas Fargas is out with a groin injury. Could be a while, so if McFadden is still available, take him.

Michael Bush with a TD!

The bears try to go straight ahead with their fullback and he gets nowhere. The Panthers D-line dominated that play.

Unbelievably stupid play by Darrell Reed may cost the Colts. Late hit on the return team wastes a great return that had the Colts in FG range.

After a big INT the Packers are looking to put this away finally. I hope they do it.

That was a really stupid play, Jon. They would have been in FG range.

huge penalty on the colts return team...instead of having the ball at their own 35, they go back to the 50 on the personal foul

now two crappy plays and its 3rd and 9.

looks like ot

edit to add: or not after a 16 yard catch by wayne....here comes Adam

Colts at the 30. Vinateri will have his shot for the win!

Great 3rd and 1 run by Brandon Jackson for a TD. Packers should win this thing now, woohoo!!

0:08 left on the clock and a 47yds FG to win for the Colts

And Brandon Jackson puts it away! The Packers will hold on while the Vikings and Bears don't! It's a great day to be a Packer fan.

Whew.

I can't believe how the Saints/Redskins game has gone. Washington couldn't get anything going and then they found a corner they could pick on and now they have the lead.

SI

Pick 6 for Woodson! Packers up 41-25.

Well there's the Lions I know. So much for a lead in the 4th.

Charles Woodson with another INT! This one goes back for a TD. Woodson is the man of the moment.

Aaaand Collins for a Int for a TD. 48-25

Another pick 6 for the Packers!

SI

Packers have 24 points in 4 and 1/2 minutes. Insane game.

The Lions were down 2 with 5:00 to go and now it's 48-25 Packers. Thank you Jon Kitna.

What the fuck is going on in the lions game? They were ahead before I left work at 4.

Lions had the lead, 25-24, with 7 minutes remaining. I can only laugh at how pathetic these last few minutes have been.

The Colts-Viking game featued one of my bigest pet peeves. 15-0 and Colts score, but they only go for 1. I understand why, because any coach that goes for two before the very last possible moment is treated like a child molester by the announcers, but I really don't understand the logic.

It seems to me you'd want to know how many scores you need. If you miss the 2pt conversion, then you know you still need two scores and will have to hurry up. If you make the 2 pt conversion, you can slow it down a bit and go for the tying score. It worked out for the Colts here, but I still don't like the reasoning behind this "conventional wisdom".

^^ Agreed 100%

SI

God..the 49ers have an amazing ability to bring sucking to new heights....they make a big pass play, illegal formation penalty nullifies it...they block a punt, and Seattle picks it up and runs for a first down.

It's maddening to watch.

Boldin 79 yard TD! Great start if you have him on your fantasy team.

The Colts-Viking game featued one of my bigest pet peeves. 15-0 and Colts score, but they only go for 1. I understand why, because any coach that goes for two before the very last possible moment is treated like a child molester by the announcers, but I really don't understand the logic.

It seems to me you'd want to know how many scores you need. If you miss the 2pt conversion, then you know you still need two scores and will have to hurry up. If you make the 2 pt conversion, you can slow it down a bit and go for the tying score. It worked out for the Colts here, but I still don't like the reasoning behind this "conventional wisdom".

Yep. As long as you don't go for 2 from the 12 yard line. Then you're a fucking dumbass.

HAHAHAHA. Way to blow the chip shot, Feely.

Boldin 79 yard TD! Great start if you have him on your fantasy team.

:)

Boldin 79 yard TD! Great start if you have him on your fantasy team.

Joy for the sucky Dolphins pass defense. *sigh*. Still tempted to hunt for the game being broadcast online.

Boldin 79 yard TD! Great start if you have him on your fantasy team.

Ugh, I really hate fantasy football.

Wow. Chris Chambers makes a catch, Champ Baily is trying to strip the ball, the call on the field is a fumble, Denver ball. The replays look like its clearly going to be overturned as Chambers appears to be down by contact before the ball is stripped, and San Diego challenges. They wait a few minutes, announce that the replay system is not functioning properly, and they waited the max time allowed to try to get it working, but are unable to, so the play cannot be reviewed. Denver ball.

Very strange.

Ninja replay jamming.

Matt Cassel hasn't started a game since High School. Did you know that?

Wow. Chris Chambers makes a catch, Champ Baily is trying to strip the ball, the call on the field is a fumble, Denver ball. The replays look like its clearly going to be overturned as Chambers appears to be down by contact before the ball is stripped, and San Diego challenges. They wait a few minutes, announce that the replay system is not functioning properly, and they waited the max time allowed to try to get it working, but are unable to, so the play cannot be reviewed. Denver ball.

Very strange.


I am sure Bill Belichick is responsible somehow.

That's one thing that's a drop from Brady to the backup QB. They're not as good at finishing drives once they get in the red zone

Matt Ryan looking good in week 2.

0-8 passing, 2 INTs in the first 20 minutes vs TB.

edit: Now 17-0 Bucs

Ryan is showing he's a rookie, and this is the type game that can kill a QB's development. 0 for 8, with two picks. He's playing like he's scared to get hit.

I kid you not: at the end of the Bears game I was hoping they'd bring in Rex. Orton is fine if you need a slant, but he cannot hit a receiver more than 10 yards down the field. We're talking 9 men in the box from now on. When do the Bears play the Vikings?

Have the Pats thrown the ball to Moss yet? I know he has no catches, but I don't think I've seen him on TV yet.

1st and goal at the 2, and they push em to a FG. Good stand

Matt Ryan looking good in week 2.

0-8 passing, 2 INTs in the first 20 minutes vs TB.

edit: Now 17-0 Bucs


Ugh.. didn't think we'd win this one.. but was hoping it would at least be respectable.

Have the Pats thrown the ball to Moss yet? I know he has no catches, but I don't think I've seen him on TV yet.


No, not yet. I kind of get the impression that they are using Moss as bait more than anything this game as their passing game plan seems to resemble more the first two seasons of Brady than the last few seasons.

Nice choke Chicago...same old Bears, elite defense, horrific offense(outside of Forte)

The Colts-Viking game featued one of my bigest pet peeves. 15-0 and Colts score, but they only go for 1. I understand why, because any coach that goes for two before the very last possible moment is treated like a child molester by the announcers, but I really don't understand the logic.

It seems to me you'd want to know how many scores you need. If you miss the 2pt conversion, then you know you still need two scores and will have to hurry up. If you make the 2 pt conversion, you can slow it down a bit and go for the tying score. It worked out for the Colts here, but I still don't like the reasoning behind this "conventional wisdom".

I used to think that way too, but there's also an advantage in not letting the opposing team's offense know that you need more than one score. They have to play things more legitimately than they would if they knew you were down two scores.

Matt Ryan looking good in week 2.

0-8 passing, 2 INTs in the first 20 minutes vs TB.

edit: Now 17-0 Bucs

heh I was waiting for that post Jon. Yeah showing his true rookie colors right now

Glad to see Thigpen get a TD for the Chiefs. Not so happy with the INT and fumble. And who knows he may get the start next week with Huard's mysterious "mild head trauma"

And woo-hoo my beloved Cards looking great up 24-0

Matt Cassel hasn't started a game since High School. Did you know that?

Serious question: Has this ever happened before? Is there another example of a qb not starting in college but starting in the nfl?

Yeah, Brad Johnson didn't start in college but carved out a decent pro career.

31-3 Cards. Time to get Leinart in there and get some playing time

Ugh. This is where being conservative in the RZ kept the Jets in the game.

ARGHHHH Moss with the drop

LOL at the officials in the TB-ATL game. They called two separate penalties on Tampa on the same play ... and proceeded to declare them as offsetting fouls, replay the down.

Falcons almost needed another head coach since he almost blew two arteries trying to get the call corrected.

Five trips into the Red Zone, 1 TD, 4 FG. They reallllllly need to work on that for the rest of the year

Cassel is pretty lousy, but a nice win for the Pats today.

I don't think Cassel was horrible. I think he was a guy making his first start ever. I am sure he improves, which isn't a good thing for the AFC East.

I think there is a huge difference between Rodgers and Cassel, two guys who are getting their first shot this year. Cassel has been looking at his receivers all day, rarely (if ever) going beyond his first read, and badly underthrew the only medium/deep ball I saw.

The guy I saw makes Chad Pennington look prolific. But he has led them to a road win against their main AFC East rival, so that counts for something. For Pats fans, I would expect that counts for a lot.

The thing about the Pats is that they had a pretty huge margin of error last year going 16-0 - take away even 2 offensive touchdowns a game, and they still have a great year.

They'll lose to the better teams, but the schedule is easily soft enough for 10-11 wins.

I'll be pretty surprised if Cassel makes it through the rest of the season without being benched.

Pretty nice finishing move to a 68 yd TD run by Earnest Graham, puts Tampa back up by two scores at 24-9.

Sammy Morris had an amusing line for the Pats: 8 carries, 0 yards, 1 td.

I'll be pretty surprised if Cassel makes it through the rest of the season without being benched.

yeah, but in favor of whom? they dont have anyone to bring in.

yeah, but in favor of whom? they dont have anyone to bring in.

Jeff George, of course.

If Cassel was lousy, what does that make Favre?

What an INT for the chargers in the endzone. Chargers have a shot only down by 1.

Wow! LT is out and Sproles goes 70 yards for a TD. Broncos go from a chance to go up 8 to down 7.

quite a shot

Actually, more seriously, Cassell obviously isn't much of a qb, but he's not a total disaster - he's got some mobility and he's pretty accurate. He's better than Rex Grossman.

But the other guy on the roster, O'Connell, from SDSU, is a real prospect. I definitely expect him to get some playing time and maybe even take the job before the season is out, granted that he's a rookie.

So cool to see Kurt Warner with a great game today, even if it was against the Dolphins.

What the fuck kind of ruling is that in the SD/Denver game?

Great week to be playing MCFadden and Rivers :rolleyes: That said, Packers won and everyone else in the North lost. Plus, if I get strong efforts from Witten and Crayton Monday night, I can still win. Yikes, I may have to be a selective Cowboy fan.

Ed Hocculi blew the whistle and it's still Denver's ball. 4th and goal to tie.

What the fuck kind of ruling is that in the SD/Denver game?

A result of complicated and unthorough review rules concerning fumbles would be my guess.

Nice week to have Boldin and Calvin as your starting WRs. :)

And Denver scores. They're going for 2!

TD right at 7:30....I think my TiVo had stopped right before it.

What the fuck kind of ruling is that in the SD/Denver game?

Play HAS to be dead when the whistle blows. You can't have players playing after a whistle "just in case".

Broncos going for 2 and the win

Despite a lot of mistakes on both sides, a hell of a game between Seattle and the 49ers. Vintage Mike Martz, his QB gets sacked 8 times and throws for 300+ yards. He takes a lot of well deserved criticism for his play calling at times, but he was brilliant today, as were Isaac Bruce and O'Sullivan (when he wasn't holding the ball too long).

What a crazy ending in Denver

They got it! Ed Hocculi's quick whistle has given the Broncos the lead!

The Broncos win! Oh wait, 24 seconds are left. :lol:

wow, shanahan has some balls.

San Diego are the final play kings of the NFL.

Ed Hocculi blew the whistle and it's still Denver's ball. 4th and goal to tie.


major blown call by Hocculi there. Doesn't happen often to him, but that one was really bad...

FM

Since I have no real preference in the SD-DEN game, I am glad the Broncos have taken the league after terrible officiating only so that I can read and watch everything people have to say over the next few days.

Two blown replays look like they'll hand the Donkeys a win.

unbelievable. I hate the Donkeys.

Play HAS to be dead when the whistle blows. You can't have players playing after a whistle "just in case".


Yeah, I just thought the two possibilities were incomplete pass, denver ball on the 2, or fumble, san diego ball on the 10. The fact that you can say "oops, we screwed up, should have been a fumble, we're just going to spot the ball where the it hit the ground" is not something I'd ever heard of before.

It would be pretty rough to be a Charger fan. Just a painful opening two weeks for them.

Two egregious officiating calls did the Chargers in today.

The announcers say the Broncos have won but I'm not falling for that one again... ;)

Shanahan deserves some credit for giving the Chargers another chance to win due to the blown call with the 2pt attempt. Sure you could argue that they also did it to win (and did) but he could of played it safe and just rode the lucky call to OT.

Fuck Ed Hochuli. 14 horsehit Denver points. Horrible.

Ballsy call by Denver.

Tough luck for the Chargers. They should have won this game and all they'll get is a We fucked up letter from the NFL.

Yeah, I just thought the two possibilities were incomplete pass, denver ball on the 2, or fumble, san diego ball on the 10. The fact that you can say "oops, we screwed up, should have been a fumble, we're just going to spot the ball where the it hit the ground" is not something I'd ever heard of before.

I found it refreshing. Glad to hear an official say he fucked up.

What a crazy game. I cannot wait to hear Shanahan's comments on deciding to go for 2 there.

I found it refreshing. Glad to hear an official say he fucked up.

and I wouldn't expect anything less from Ed Hocculi.

FM

Ballsy call by Denver.

Definitely!

Great little line on NFL.com in the Packers_Lions game section...

Aaron Rodgers is 2-0 since replacing Brett Favre as the starting quarterback in Green Bay. The last Packers QB to start 2-0 was Scott Hunter in 1971. Hunter replaced Bart Starr.

Better keep winning kid. :D

Two egregious officiating calls did the Chargers in today.

Giving up almost 500 yards did them in.

and I wouldn't expect anything less from Ed Hocculi.

FM
What game were you watching? I heard him say the call on the field stands ball on the 10. I never heard him say anything about being overturned or him being wrong.

Funny, I still do not understand why Hocculi did not allow the official upstairs to replay the fumble call early in the game? I know the replay equipment on the field was down, but the official upstairs was telling Ed that it was not a fumble, but Little Ed decided to go against what his fellow official was telling him and make his own call on the field? Why didn't he allow the official upstairs to get the call right?

What game were you watching? I heard him say the call on the field stands ball on the 10. I never heard him say anything about being overturned or him being wrong.


I was watching the SD/DEN game, or at least the end of that one, are we talking about another one? :p

Didn't he say it should have been called a fumble, but the play had been whistled so it was 3rd down?

FM

I kid you not: at the end of the Bears game I was hoping they'd bring in Rex. Orton is fine if you need a slant, but he cannot hit a receiver more than 10 yards down the field. We're talking 9 men in the box from now on. When do the Bears play the Vikings?

You weren't the only one.

Great win for the 49ers. O'Sullivan stands tall in the face of a brutal Seahawk pass rush to get the job done. Huge play by Patrick Willis on the int return for the td.

I was watching the SD/DEN game, or at least the end of that one, are we talking about another one? :p

Didn't he say it should have been called a fumble, but the play had been whistled so it was 3rd down?

NOPE. He never says that the call was overturned or admits to making a mistake.

Go back and replay exactly what Ed says. IT is hilarious how he goes out of his way to not say he screwed up. This is even funnier when you realize that it was ED himself who screwed up.

NOPE. He never says that the call was overturned or admits to making a mistake.

Go back and replay exactly what Ed says. IT is hilarious how he goes out of his way to not say he screwed up. This is even funnier when you realize that it was ED himself who screwed up.

I thought he did say that it should have been ruled a fumble.

NOPE. He never says that the call was overturned or admits to making a mistake.

Go back and replay exactly what Ed says. IT is hilarious how he goes out of his way to not say he screwed up. This is even funnier when you realize that it was ED himself who screwed up.

He said it should have been a fumble but the whistle blew so by rule the Broncos retain posession at that spot. What more do you want him to say?

What game were you watching? I heard him say the call on the field stands ball on the 10. I never heard him say anything about being overturned or him being wrong.

Funny, I still do not understand why Hocculi did not allow the official upstairs to replay the fumble call early in the game? I know the replay equipment on the field was down, but the official upstairs was telling Ed that it was not a fumble, but Little Ed decided to go against what his fellow official was telling him and make his own call on the field? Why didn't he allow the official upstairs to get the call right?

Because the officials upstairs are not the ones who make the call. This isn't the NHL.

NOPE. He never says that the call was overturned or admits to making a mistake.

Go back and replay exactly what Ed says. IT is hilarious how he goes out of his way to not say he screwed up. This is even funnier when you realize that it was ED himself who screwed up.

Stop beating a dead horse.

It would be pretty rough to be a Charger fan. Just a painful opening two weeks for them.

Yep....too painful. The only thing keeping me positive is that they started off 1-3 last year.

If Cassel was lousy, what does that make Favre?

Obviously a mentor when Brady isn't. :lol:

I thought he did say that it should have been ruled a fumble.

I thought I heard that as well

But we were all watching a different game, so I guess that explains why we heard it differently

Is nbcs coverage fucked up for anyone else. Their hd has gone out 4 or 5 times already

Is nbcs coverage fucked up for anyone else. Their hd has gone out 4 or 5 times already


yeah..it has been messed up for me since the pregame show. it is really annoying.

Is nbcs coverage fucked up for anyone else. Their hd has gone out 4 or 5 times already

Yeah, it's really messed up, for some reason it has the Browns and Steelers on :)

I hate it, just hate it when the team I cheer for wins a game like this. Denver went into a shell on offense at the start of the second half and that should have cost them the game. The defenses for both teams are just horrific. Both teams could have won the game with a simple stop. Instead it became a game of "which offense can stop themselves"

The Chargers did it twice when they settled for FG's. Denver did it when they went conservative in the third quarter and then again twice inside the five yard line. Of course only one of those counted.

This is one of those rare games where neither team really deserved to win the game. The Broncos got lucky with the calls, and they also let a FB have a 67 yard reception. The Chargers had 456 total yards and LT was hurt. Ugly.

The Chargers allowed a 49 yard run on 2nd and 25. They watched Brandon Marshall catch 18 passes (which could have been over 20 had a couple of penalties not been accepted by Denver)

Winning and losing aside, the two QB's combined to attempt 83 passes. They were sacked two times. If either one of these teams wants to think about playing deep into the playoffs, that had better change and had better change quickly.

The Broncos are averaging over 450 yards a game after two weeks. Cutler is completing over 70 percent of his passes for 325 yards a game with 6 TD's and 1 really horrible INT.

Excluding an end of half kneel down today and an end of game kneel down last week, the Broncos have had the ball 19 times. They've scored on 13 of those possessions with 9 being TD's. For two games, I now understand what it's like to cheer for the Colts or last years Pats teams. (but my team doesn't have a defense)

I've never understood why a ref would blow a play like that dead rather than let it go and see what happens. Once you have replay, let the replay do it's job. This isn't the first time somebody has got screwed by this and it won't be the last.

I can't say that the Chargers didn't deserve to lose though after they let the same type of play beat them 3 times in a row (Rosario last week and then the same guy twice this week). If you aren't going to bring the blitz (to be fair at least on the two point conversion Cutler felt some pressure) at least make sure nobody is wide open in the back of the end zone. Really shouldn't be that hard.

Bottom line as a Denver fan...take a look at the division standings:

Broncos 2-0
Raiders 1-1
Chiefs 0-2
Chargers 0-2

Two weeks into the season, the Broncos couldn't have asked for a better start. No other team in the division has a win outside the division & the very talented Chargers are 0-2. Awesome start, but there's still 14 games left.

I've never understood why a ref would blow a play like that dead rather than let it go and see what happens. Once you have replay, let the replay do it's job. This isn't the first time somebody has got screwed by this and it won't be the last.


How far do we take this? They believe the play is over so they blow the whistle. If they don't blow the whistle and a player gets hurt on a play thaqt should have been over the negative results are much worse than a potentially incorrect call.

For years there were no replays and the league survived, no black holes were formed, the world did not end...

How far do we take this? They believe the play is over so they blow the whistle. If they don't blow the whistle and a player gets hurt on a play thaqt should have been over the negative results are much worse than a potentially incorrect call.

For years there were no replays and the league survived, no black holes were formed, the world did not end...

Referees definitely lean towards calling those kinds of plays fumbles, but ya, you can't do it every single time.

As a neutral fan, the occasional blown call adds to the entertainment value of a game. I distinguish that from refs who are just inconsistent and on the take (like in the NBA). The memory of winning a game on a bad call, losing a game on a bad call - it adds something extra to the whole thing. There's a limit of course, but I certainly don't feel cheating or anything when a ref messes something up, the way some people here seem to.

If tomorrow, there was a technology that allowed every play to be called correctly in every sports, every time, I wouldn't want it. It's part of the game, part of the story. And part of winning convincingly is putting yourself outside of that "danger zone" of bad calls and bounces.

That was an exciting game in Denver. Shanahan is the man going for 2 to offset the bad call. Too bad the Chargers defense sucked today and couldnt stop it.
Im excited about Cutler. I think the Broncos have finally found Elways replacement.
And who is the best QB from that draft? Vince "Suicide" Young? Nope. Matt "Give me a drunk coed over a playbook anyday" Leinhart? Nope. Jay Cutler is the class of the draft.

GO BRONCOS

I've never understood why a ref would blow a play like that dead rather than let it go and see what happens. Once you have replay, let the replay do it's job. This isn't the first time somebody has got screwed by this and it won't be the last.

simple mental relapse. You get into some auto-pilot sometimes, you see the play, vaguely see the arm go up, the ball squirts loose and you whistle without even thinking about it. Believe me, if he'd had thought about it, he would have let the play go...

Goes to say, he's only human after all...

FM

Whistle stops the play. And how many humans have the eyesight to distinguish between a fumble and an incomplete pass on that play. It looked incomplete from my couch. :)

Bottom line as a Denver fan...take a look at the division standings:

Broncos 2-0
Raiders 1-1
Chiefs 0-2
Chargers 0-2

Two weeks into the season, the Broncos couldn't have asked for a better start. No other team in the division has a win outside the division & the very talented Chargers are 0-2. Awesome start, but there's still 14 games left.

No question. I think that's what stings Chargers fans even more. This was a huge game for one this early in the season. Denver now has a two game lead and the tiebreaker. At the beginning of the year, if you'd told the Broncos the standings would look like that, they'd be in celebration mode.

It just sickens me to win like this. It really does. I actually feel badly for the Chargers and Norv Turner. I never thought I'd say those words. . .

No question. I think that's what stings Chargers fans even more. This was a huge game for one this early in the season. Denver now has a two game lead and the tiebreaker. At the beginning of the year, if you'd told the Broncos the standings would look like that, they'd be in celebration mode.

It just sickens me to win like this. It really does. I actually feel badly for the Chargers and Norv Turner. I never thought I'd say those words. . .

I dont think it should sicken you. Shanahan gave the Chargers a chance to win. They couldnt do it. I thought is was a fantastic win for the Broncos and cant wait to see the Chief and Charger fans at work tomorrow.

Both teams could have won the game with a simple stop. Instead it became a game of "which offense can stop themselves"
Not to beat a dead horse -- no pun intended -- but San Diego didn't stop themselves; Denver did. You can argue that Denver did enough to win -- you cannot argue that they earned this win in any more than the Chargers did.

I also assume Cris Collinsworth is still on the NFL's payroll, because he's doing a great job defending the league. Even when Costas points out that Hochuli blew the call, it pained him to admit it.

But Collinsworth is flat out wrong on the Chambers play. It was not a simultaneous possession; Chambers had the ball, hit the ground and was down by contact. It was after he was down by contact that the ball was wrestled away. Collinsworth claims that the play was not reviewable because it was simultaneous possession and that is not reviewable. If that were the case, the replay booth would have told the Hochuli the play was not reviewable and the equipment malfunction wouldn't have mattered.

The NFL should be flat out embarrassed from this game an issue a formal apology and develop a contigency for such matters. It's further evidence why replay needs to be removed from the on-field officials and into the booth -- how easy would it have been for an NFL booth official to walk over to any of the half dozen media booths and watch the freakin' replay?

I have been a long-time opponent of replay and until it is implemented sensibly will continue to do so. The fact that possession of a fumble can be reviewed but possession from an "empty hand" from the quarterback cannot is silly.

It just sickens me to win like this. It really does. I actually feel badly for the Chargers and Norv Turner. I never thought I'd say those words. . .
Are you sure you're a Broncos fan? You don't sound like a douche bag ... I'm assuming tarcone is a typical Broncos fan.

:)

The NFL should be flat out embarrassed from this game an issue a formal apology and develop a contigency for such matters. It's further evidence why replay needs to be removed from the on-field officials and into the booth -- how easy would it have been for an NFL booth official to walk over to any of the half dozen media booths and watch the freakin' replay?

I have been a long-time opponent of replay and until it is implemented sensibly will continue to do so. The fact that possession of a fumble can be reviewed but possession from an "empty hand" from the quarterback cannot is silly.

I don't see any way around it. If you want to replay plays like that, you're telling players, "OK, stop as the whistle, except if you think there's a chance that the play will be overruled, in which case, keep playing". That's just nonsensical, not to mention extremely dangerous.

The NFL, as a matter of practice, come out with memos after high profile blown calls that give their "official" interpretation. They don't owe anyone a formal apology. Referees make bad calls every game. It's not the end of the world.

Are you sure you're a Broncos fan? You don't sound like a douche bag ... I'm assuming tarcone is a typical Broncos fan.

:)

Snipe at the winners. At least you have someone to root against during your 0-16 season. Herm Edwards is the Dave Wanstadt of the NFL.

But, hey, you did have a good draft. You can always say that this season.

:D

WHAFUCK?

A taunting penalty called while the Steelers were in the defensive huddle???

WTF is Carl Winslow doing kicking a FG down 7 with 3:21 left to play?!?!?!?

Jesus, they know they are gonna run it and still cant stop them. horrible

WTF is Carl Winslow doing kicking a FG down 7 with 3:21 left to play?!?!?!?

losing.

Not if he bet on his own team +6

Sigh. Why must I be a Browns fan? Lions fans, let's go get a drink.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Robble-Robble Burger completely ignores the questions about his shoulder during the post game interview.

Hmm, it sounded like an audition for the Patriots :)

And what was with the short kickoff? You've chosen to kick the FG and play defense to get the ball back so you kick it high in the air to the 30 yard line? Layne Kiffen will be fired tomorrow and the worst coach in the league will be a tie between Romeo Crennel and Marvin Lewis.

Two straight weeks of genius field goal decisions by Romeo - last week he kicked one when down 3 TDs to Cowboys with about 10 minutes to play.

I'm sorry the league bothered to subject y'all to that game. Should have been a one PM game locally televised. Unless you get geeked for bad coaching calls and defense.

Just as a simple thing, how long can you let Crennel go when he's 0-7 vs his main rival team. I would assume most college coaches would get fired if they lost 4 straight years to their main rival. Unless he gets them into the playoffs, his dumbass is fired.

Layne Kiffen will be fired tomorrow and the worst coach in the league will be a tie between Romeo Crennel and Marvin Lewis.

It's not even a competition, Brad Childress is the worst coach in the league. Childress cannot be fired soon enough. Watching the incompetence of the Vikings since he's been in Minnesota really makes me miss Mike Tice.

It's not even a competition, Brad Childress is the worst coach in the league. Childress cannot be fired soon enough. Watching the incompetence of the Vikings since he's been in Minnesota really makes me miss Mike Tice.

Strong words there, mckerney.

Three things we're getting a firm handle on this season after all the preseason discussions:

1) The Packers aren't dead with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
2) The Jets are not the toast of the AFC with Favre at the helm. In fact, right now they look like #3 in the AFC East (#1/#2 pending some clashes between the Bills and Pats, since the Bills look like they may be for real). I did not get to watch much of NYJ/NED, but I did get to see the Merriweather pick...
3) The Pats are not dead with Matt Cassel at QB. Of course they need the defense to continue playing like it's 2001/2002/2003, but the young guys sure seem to be stepping up.

WHAFUCK?

A taunting penalty called while the Steelers were in the defensive huddle???

I missed this last night, but I thought Jerry Porter was in Miami now?

And my entry in Sabs' pickem game officially hates the Steelers after they managed all of 10 points. At least the AFC looks a lot more wide open after they laid that turd...

WTF is Carl Winslow doing kicking a FG down 7 with 3:21 left to play?!?!?!?

LOL - I don't think I have heard that one, I love it.

I used to think that way too, but there's also an advantage in not letting the opposing team's offense know that you need more than one score. They have to play things more legitimately than they would if they knew you were down two scores.

Yeah, but if you need two scores, you almost want them to play you this way. Get into your two minute drill and get down the field pretty quick as they're giving your receivers a cushion. Of course, I guess it would depend on the type of QB you had and if you trust that he'd have the discipline to throw it away instead of completing that 2 yd pass in the middle of the field. (Another pet peeve).

At least your reasoning has some logic behind it, which is different from what I hear from most announcers. The worst example is in a Louisville-MTSU game from a couple years back. MTSU was down 51-35 in the 4th quarter and scored a TD making it 51-41. Then they kicked the Extra Point!!! The worst part is the announcer praised the coach because he didn't go for two points "too early."

WTF is Carl Winslow doing kicking a FG down 7 with 3:21 left to play?!?!?!?

Madden immediately said he'd do the same thing. I fully disagreed then, and upon further reflection, I still disagree. It was, what, 4th and 7, deep in Steeler territory, I say the odds of picking up 7 yards on one play and managing to finish off the drive from 30-ish yards out are much higher than kicking the FG, kicking off, stopping the Steelers, and driving the field to score the touchdown they still need.

Romeo Crennel always looks like he's just bitten into a stale doughnut. His late-game decision making is that doughnut, my friends.

Do I seriously see someone wanting Mike Tice back? Wow, things must be worse than I thought in Minnesota.

This sequence sums up the Dolphins...

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=560 border=0><TBODY class=ysptblcontent1><TR class=ysprow2><TD vAlign=top noWrap>4th-3, MIA29</TD><TD vAlign=top>12:14</TD><TD vAlign=top>MIA committed 5 yard penalty</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow1><TD vAlign=top noWrap>1st-10, MIA24</TD><TD vAlign=top>12:09</TD><TD vAlign=top>E. James rushed up the middle for 6 yard gain</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow2><TD vAlign=top noWrap>2nd-4, MIA18</TD><TD vAlign=top>11:30</TD><TD vAlign=top>MIA committed 17 yard penalty</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow1><TD vAlign=top noWrap>1st-1, MIA1</TD><TD vAlign=top>11:24</TD><TD vAlign=top>K. Warner incomplete pass to the left</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow2><TD vAlign=top noWrap>2nd-1, MIA1</TD><TD vAlign=top>11:19</TD><TD vAlign=top>T. Hightower rushed to the left for no gain</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow1><TD vAlign=top noWrap>3rd-1, MIA1</TD><TD vAlign=top>10:39</TD><TD vAlign=top>K. Warner sacked by K. Langford. MIA committed 5 yard penalty</TD></TR><TR class=ysprow2><TD vAlign=top noWrap>1st-1, MIA1</TD><TD vAlign=top>10:29</TD><TD vAlign=top>T. Hightower rushed to the left for 1 yard touchdown. N. Rackers made PAT</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Sigh....

Three things we're getting a firm handle on this season after all the preseason discussions:

1) The Packers aren't dead with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
2) The Jets are not the toast of the AFC with Favre at the helm. In fact, right now they look like #3 in the AFC East (#1/#2 pending some clashes between the Bills and Pats, since the Bills look like they may be for real). I did not get to watch much of NYJ/NED, but I did get to see the Merriweather pick...
3) The Pats are not dead with Matt Cassel at QB. Of course they need the defense to continue playing like it's 2001/2002/2003, but the young guys sure seem to be stepping up.

I never thought any of these teams were dead.

1. The Packers will get a good test next week vs. Dallas. Rodgers has done well against a couple of bad pass defenses. I worry about T.O., Crayton, and Witten torching the Packers secondary.

2. The Jets probably lose at SD next week but they can beat the creampuffs on their schedule with Favre and rack up 8-9 wins. I agree that Buffalo emerging as a good team makes it a little more difficult for them.

3. The Patriots had too much talent and too good of a coach to just fold. I thought they'd win 10-11 and I still think that. Like the Jets, their schedule is full of games against terrible teams.

The Packers had trouble against the decent TE last year, and hopefully they will be able to squelch that this week. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson gave them a few fits yesterday and they will need to have their act together unless they want Romo to tear them a new one.

This sequence sums up the Dolphins...



Sigh....

That sequence wasn't as bad as the Lions

3-1-DET 19 (3:37) 32-B.Jackson right end for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Detroit Lions at 03:31

2-M.Crosby kicks 64 yards from GB 30 to DET 6. 10-B.Middleton to DET 31 for 25 yards (59-T.White).
1-10-DET 31 (3:22) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass short left to 84-S.McDonald to DET 40 for 9 yards (31-A.Harris).
2-1-DET 40 (3:14) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass short right intended for 87-M.Furrey INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Woodson at DET 41. 21-C.Woodson for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Detroit Lions at 03:09

2-M.Crosby kicks 70 yards from GB 30 to DET 0. 10-B.Middleton to DET 17 for 17 yards (37-A.Rouse).
1-10-DET 17 (3:03) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass short left to 84-S.McDonald to DET 24 for 7 yards (27-W.Blackmon).
2-3-DET 24 (2:41) 8-J.Kitna pass incomplete deep middle to 84-S.McDonald.
3-3-DET 24 (2:33) (Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna scrambles right end to DET 31 for 7 yards.
1-10-DET 31 (2:15) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 8-J.Kitna pass short middle intended for 81-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 36-N.Collins at DET 42. 36-N.Collins for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Sigh. Why must I be a Browns fan? Lions fans, let's go get a drink.

Sure. You've got the first round.

Do I seriously see someone wanting Mike Tice back? Wow, things must be worse than I thought in Minnesota.

Tice isn't nearly as bad a coach as he got a rep for, especially when you look at what Childress has done following him. At the end of his tenure when Red McCombs was looking to sell the team he was given nothing to spend on players or coaches. When Scott Linehan left to coach the Rams, Tice was not given any money to hire an offensive coordinator, so he gave the position to offensive line coach Steve Loney. He was then told he couldn't hire an offensive line coach so he had to have Loney work as both OC and offensive line coach. The team went 9-7 that year.

Since then Childress has had an owner who would spend anything he needed and he's managed 6-10, 8-8, and an 0-2 start. And his 0-5 record against Green Bay isn't quite as good as Tice's 5-4. Also, as a guy who was considered a QB guru when he was brought in, his decision makings on what to do with the QB position has looked completely incompetent. So yes, in looking at what Childress has done I'd much rather have had Tice the last 3 seasons.

I hereby retire from even hoping. I'm ashamed of the Cincinnati Coaching staff.

The offense is loaded with talented players, the OFF coordinator is loaded with the same fucking 4 plays we've been running since 2003. Every team in the NFL knows exactly when and where we're going with the ball. its pathetic.

I and hereby appologizing to the Bengals Defense, they played their asses off and gave up ONE bad/blown play all day long against Tennessee. The Offense couldn;t score points, the Defense kept getting put back out there having to force things to try and give the O another shot.

I have not been this embarrassed by our offense since Klingler was our QB.

Sad. Just fucking sad.

I hereby retire from even hoping. I'm ashamed of the Cincinnati Coaching staff.

The offense is loaded with talented players, the OFF coordinator is loaded with the same fucking 4 plays we've been running since 2003. Every team in the NFL knows exactly when and where we're going with the ball. its pathetic.

I and hereby appologizing to the Bengals Defense, they played their asses off and gave up ONE bad/blown play all day long against Tennessee. The Offense couldn;t score points, the Defense kept getting put back out there having to force things to try and give the O another shot.

I have not been this embarrassed by our offense since Klingler was our QB.

Sad. Just fucking sad.

Wow. You wouldn't last one quarter as a Lions' fan.

Wow. You wouldn't last one quarter as a Lions' fan.


Dude, you're just now going through what we went through for 15 years prior to '03, we actually started winning for a few, so you'll have to forgive me for feeling like my date left me under the bleachers without my shorts.

The NFL is more public about this kind of stuff than any other sport, it's cool to see.

ESPN - NFL to give Hochuli lower grades after call in Chargers-Broncos game - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3589407)

"Officials are held accountable for their calls. They are graded on every play of every game," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday. "Ed has been an outstanding official for many years, but he will be marked down for this call. Under our evaluation system, an official's grades impact his status for potentially working the playoffs and ultimately whether or not he is retained."

I knew Hochuli was a lawyer, I didn't realize he was a partner in a major law firm. He certainly doesn't need the NFL gig.

ESPN - NFL to give Hochuli lower grades after call in Chargers-Broncos game - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3589407)
I know it's easy to take shots at writers when they say something screwy, but I can't help myself. The first sentence of that article:

"Ed Hochuli's acknowledgement that he erred on a call late in Sunday's San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos game will mean lower grades for one of the NFL's highest-profile referees."

So his acknowledgement means lower grades? I thought it was the bad call that would mean lower grades. The way that sentence is written, it suggests that his grades would be higher if he hadn't admitted his mistake.

Every time I send a professional e-mail for work, whether it's to a client, my boss, or the girl fresh out of college who just got hired this morning, I read it at least twice to see if I've written anything that could be misinterpreted like that. Frankly, I'd be embarrassed to write a sentence for work like the one I quoted.

Then again, if that sentence is indeed accurate, I find the NFL's stance just a bit unsettling here. :)

Dude, you're just now going through what we went through for 15 years prior to '03, we actually started winning for a few, so you'll have to forgive me for feeling like my date left me under the bleachers without my shorts.

Huh? 15 years? Are you kidding me?

We've going through this for the last 51 years. ONE playoff win since 1957. ONE.

So, dude, you don't know what pain is. The only talk like that I'll hear is from Arizona Cardinals' fans. They're the only ones who know the depths of such futility.

I will lend a Cleveland Browns' fan a shoulder as well, given the whole franchise moving thing and the fact that no Cleveland has won anything since forever.

Dude, you're just now going through what we went through for 15 years prior to '03, we actually started winning for a few, so you'll have to forgive me for feeling like my date left me under the bleachers without my shorts.

We went through this phase .. it's called the Wayne Fontes era.

I like Wayne?