2008 NFL Regular Season Thread.

[The Ditch]

I will admit that he was getting beat all game but that was not a face mask, both teams had a terrible defensive game but that game was stolen from the Chargers I don't even see how that could be debated.

Shanahan's ego is so big I think he is going to float away if they don't tie him down.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by The Ditch

If that isn't proof that the NFL is pre-determined just like the NBA was or Italian league soccer than I don't know, give me break, conveniently the review equipment doesn't work and than an absolutely blatant missed call.... terrible. Also, there was no face mask on that one play Cromartie just grazed the top of his helmet, I'm not one for conspiracy theories but that was a brutal game.

Worst

Post

Ever

They missed another one on Cromartie, and at full speed the play you refer to is tough because he his does snap back. Plus I still think he grabbed the back of his helmet. Either way jeez, so to you is there any difference at all between a game that has a couple bad calls and an entire league that is fixed?

[Displaced Flames fan]

There was no defense. I was sorely disappointed with the Broncos second half. They actually played pretty well defensively in the first. At the same time, the Chargers OL was phenomenal in pass protection all game. I counted 1 hurry for the game. Not good enough.

As for the game being stolen, Hocculi made a mistake....but he made the right call. Whistle blows, play over. Unfortunate for the Chargers for sure. I've seen it happen to every team at some point though. Also, the Bailey strip, I thought was a lot closer than Enberg and Cross were letting on. I also question Chambers second TD. I'm not sure he ever had posession of the ball.

What made you comment on Shanahan's ego?

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by The Ditch

I will admit that he was getting beat all game but that was not a face mask, both teams had a terrible defensive game but that game was stolen from the Chargers I don't even see how that could be debated.

Shanahan's ego is so big I think he is going to float away if they don't tie him down.

Ah got, it. You don't actually think the league is fixed, you just hate Denver. Turn the page. You can't actually think SD deserved to win that game, they were equally as soft on defence and very undisciplined.

[The Ditch]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

Worst

Post

Ever

They missed another one on Cromartie, and at full speed the play you refer to is tough because he his does snap back. Plus I still think he grabbed the back of his helmet. Either way jeez, so to you is there any difference at all between a game that has a couple bad calls and an entire league that is fixed?

I'm fine with the disagreements over the Cromartie call, I think it should not have been but it wasn't a game breaker. It is rather odd to say the entire league is fixed but I can definitely say that single games could be fixed. I don't believe there has ever been an instance in the NFL or College football where the equipment has just not worked and it is just bizarre that he blew the whistle early on that play.

It happens in other major sports it wouldn't surprise me in the NFL.

[The Ditch]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

Ah got, it. You don't actually think the league is fixed, you just hate Denver. Turn the page. You can't actually think SD deserved to win that game, they were equally as soft on defence and very undisciplined.

I don't think the deserved that game at all, like I said neither team played anything close to defense but the game was decided by the reffing. Denver has a good team, Cutler blew the game I have no idea how he let the ball slip out of his hands.

[Displaced Flames fan]

From Hocculi's angle it looked like a forward pass. It took two replays before I could see it was a clear cut fumble. I don't think it's bizarre at all.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by The Ditch

I'm fine with the disagreements over the Cromartie call, I think it should not have been but it wasn't a game breaker. It is rather odd to say the entire league is fixed but I can definitely say that single games could be fixed. I don't believe there has ever been an instance in the NFL or College football where the equipment has just not worked and it is just bizarre that he blew the whistle early on that play.

It happens in other major sports it wouldn't surprise me in the NFL.

So a TV doesn't work so the game was fixed. That is just a ridiculous reach.

Don't you think you need a little more before going after the fundamental integrity of the league.

Also incase this is a new datapoint for you, the league controls everything that goes into the video replay except the filming of the play. In case you think it's Denver that did it on purpose.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by The Ditch

I don't think the deserved that game at all, like I said neither team played anything close to defense but the game was decided by the reffing. Denver has a good team, Cutler blew the game I have no idea how he let the ball slip out of his hands.

If Denver lost, then that would be true.

[arloiginla]

Wooooooooooo I can not BELIEVE the Broncos pulled this one out!!!!!!!!! Awesome, made my day

[KTown]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

Wooooooooooo I can not BELIEVE the Broncos pulled this one out!!!!!!!!! Awesome, made my day

I wouldn't be too impressed the way they won though, they need mistakes by the officials to win, they will need to be better.

But hey lady luck was on there side today.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

Wooooooooooo I can not BELIEVE the Broncos pulled this one out!!!!!!!!! Awesome, made my day

W is a W but that was about as unimpressive a win as I've seen. Nice to see Cutler's development though. He had alot of great plays.

[GirlySports]

Not sure where the Shanahan's ego comes from. I'm not a Shanahan fan (as shown in my posts last year) but I thought it was pretty clear that Cutler really wanted to go for it. I've criticized Shanahan in the past for being timid and even gutless (in the GB game last year). It was the right call because Denver's defense was dead tired and had been asskicked all of the 2nd half so they probably would have been slaughtered in OT. So why chance it on a coin toss or a tired defense when you are 3 yards away from winning the game.

This will sound dumb but often teams don't take advantage when the ball is in their hands.
Tonight I thought Cleveland should have went for it on 4th down down 10-3 instead of kicking a FG(why give the ball back to Pittsburgh down 4 points with 3 minutes to go). And with 30 seconds left why didn't the Steelers kick a FG to lead by 7 but instead run a dead play, lose the ball on downs and give the Browns a chance to win (however remote that might have been). Teams need to take more chances when they have the ball.

[HelloHockeyFans]

So....? habernac? troutman? How'd the Pats look today? I was in the friggin' air all day but luckily made it out to California without delays like my co-workers ha ha.

How'd Cassel look? Sounds like he was steady. The D?

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by KTown

I wouldn't be too impressed the way they won though, they need mistakes by the officials to win, they will need to be better.

But hey lady luck was on there side today.

There was a lot to like to though. Especially offensively.

Kick coverage has been an issue for years now, and I for one wish they would fix it. Seems like they give up one big return a game...they are 2/2 this year.

Sproles doesn't run that kick back and I don't think San Diego even gets close.

[arloiginla]

Originally Posted by KTown

I wouldn't be too impressed the way they won though, they need mistakes by the officials to win, they will need to be better.

But hey lady luck was on there side today.

The defense is brutal. But with an offense like that, who needs to watch the CFL.

Brandon Marshall had 18 catches, two short of TO's record. Everyone called him crazy when he predicted 140 catches this season but he could do it. Eddie Royal is money.

[Sylvanfan]

That 0-2 start for the Chargers reminds me a lot of an 0-2 start the Chiefs had coming off a 13-3 season a few years back. Just unluckey enough to lose close games they could win....Ah 13 wins for the Chiefs in a season....they won't win that many games in the next three years the way their offence looks right now.

Looks like both the Chargers and Broncos are going to have to score their way to wins this year. For fantasy folks....I'd try to get lots of players from those two teams. The AFC West is terrible in terms of defence and it's likley both those teams have 6 games where theres 450+ yards and 35+ points to be scored.

[transplant99]

I think Norv turner said it best when he said that Hochuli's explanation and call were "unacceptable". Brutal call at a critical moment. The NFL doesn't need officials to determine games, and unfortunately this time that is exactly what happened. San Diego is in a huge hole now and not because of their own doing. That being said, holy smokes is that Denver offense impressive with Cutler, Marshall, Royal and Schefler. They should be fun to watch this year....I have 3 of them in a fantasy pool. Sweet!

Minnesota better find a QB and quickly...Tavaris Jackson simply isnt an NFL level Qb at this point. Watching that game yesterday it looked like the Vikes coaches were actually hiding him from the game for fear he would make the big mistake....and it still didnt help. They are wasting the best RB in a generation by playing jackson and being forced to run run run. Good for the Packers though so IMO they should stay the course!!

Speaking of the Packers....Brett who? Rodgers is proving a lot of people wrong including myself and I couldnt be happier. He honestly looks like he is playing his way into elite staus among NFL QB's...and that is on the youngest team in football. Unreal. the GB defense put up 22 pts in my fantasy league....unbelievable. 2 wins against division rivals goes a LONG way to securing the Norris division again.

How long a year is it going to be in Missouri? KC and St. Louis look like they might combine to go 4-28 on the season. Ouch. Seattle loses at home to San Fran?? Unacceptable. Maybe time for a re-do after Holmgren calls it quits after the year.

Lots of storylines early in this season....gonna be fun to watch.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

So....? habernac? troutman? How'd the Pats look today? I was in the friggin' air all day but luckily made it out to California without delays like my co-workers ha ha.

How'd Cassel look? Sounds like he was steady. The D?

Only watched the first half, he was steady. Defense was very good. He's gotta use weapons like Moss more, though if he wants to be successful (and you gotta keep Randy happy as well).

[North East Goon]

After week 2, I am convinced I am going to have to bench Peyton Manning and Braylon Edwards, two guy's I was counting on. Luckily I snapped up Eddie Royal and Aaron Rodgers. Love that my 49ers squeeked one out, but how is that Alex Smith vs. Aaron Rodgers pick look right now?