2014 NFL Season

[V]

I've always been a bit of a casual observer of the NFL, with no real strong allegiance to any particular team, but I think I'm just going to step out for the rest of the season. I find it really hard to just ignore all the nonsense in the league right now. I'll probably just catch some highlights and follow this thread, but that's about it.

[CedarMeter]

Huh. I turned the Sunday night game off at the end of the 3 quarter.

[DropIt]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

Saints 0-2 after holding leads in both games in the final 10 seconds, good times. Maddening sequence of events near the end, when the Saints got knocked out of FG range on a 3rd down sack in the waning minutes, altering what appeared to be needing a touchdown to win for Cleveland, into just a field goal.

Despite improving from week 1, the defence couldn't make a stop when it mattered at the end. Again. Ridiculous breakdown to leave Hawkins that wide open with 10 seconds to play to set up the winning FG, he was 15 yards behind everyone else. The Saints can't get back to the Superdome soon enough.

If there's any positive to take from all this, at least the Saints O is off to a much better start (unlike last year). The running game has been solid so far, especially Ingram. Pretty odd that an 0-2 team is currently sitting first place in the league in points scored after 2 weeks.

Watched that game as well yesterday, and the Rob Ryan defence just looks flat out bad as compared to last year. Also, what has happened to Marques Colston and why has Robert Meachem seemed to replace him?

[DropIt]

Richard Sherman receiving a lot of blow back after this week. Refusing to talk to reporters, and then being called 'exposed' by the San Diego Chargers. Should be fun to watch for the rest of the week

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by V

I've always been a bit of a casual observer of the NFL, with no real strong allegiance to any particular team, but I think I'm just going to step out for the rest of the season. I find it really hard to just ignore all the nonsense in the league right now. I'll probably just catch some highlights and follow this thread, but that's about it.

I've been a close follower of the league since Bo Jackson was the coolest thing in sports (Pro Stars cereal!). I'm a suffering Raiders fan, but watch a wide array of teams (partially due to general like for the sport and partially to watch competitive football compared to the Raiders). However, this past week I felt myself feeling similar to you for the same and addition reasons.

Replay has really really ruined the flow of the game for me. I appreciate the "getting the call right" position, but when I watch games, the replay themselves are subjective. Mike Carey is a former NFL ref turned CBS analyst. A few times over the past couple weeks, Carey has opined on replay situations while they're being reviewed and has come up with a different conclusion than the in-game ref. Percy Harvin stepped out of bounds on his big rush for a TD. All scoring and turnovers are automatically reviewed AND THEY STILL MISSED THE CALL.

Some of the rules are frustrating. When a QB is hit and his arm is moving forward even slightly, it's ruled an incomplete pass just boggles my mind. How have they not fixed the expired play clock? On SF's first TD yesterday, Kaepernik clearly ran out of time, yet the play continued. Can they not hook up the play clock to a device that buzzes on the ref to avoid this? The rule that avoids time stoppage for injured players in the last 2 minutes is understandable to avoid players "faking" injuries. But boy was that a terrible ending to the TB - STL game when Evans couldn't get up in time after getting hit and the refs had to run 10 seconds off the clock, ending the game. An ineligible coach calls a timeout negating a TD? How does this league, with this amount of money, with the access to technology and employing replay for everything not have a system better than a coach running down the sideline slamming his hands together in a "T" yelling "TIMEOUT!!!"?

Then there's the behavioral issues that seem completely out of whack with the discipline matrix the NFL uses. Their war on drugs being unreasonably punitive versus letting complete scumbags back into the league (Lewis, Stallworth, Vick, Pacman Jones, et al) is backwards. How the hell are Greg Hardy (deactivated), Ray McDonald (playing) and Ray Rice (suspended indefinitely/released) treated all differently for doing the same thing. How is this not standardized?

The sport itself is great, but the league is an absolute mess. Aside from the off the field baggage, the game itself and the TV production is nearing unwatchable status for me.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by DropIt

Richard Sherman receiving a lot of blow back after this week. Refusing to talk to reporters, and then being called 'exposed' by the San Diego Chargers. Should be fun to watch for the rest of the week

I wouldn't say he was exposed, think it poked a hole in the Seattle game plan.

By leaving Sherman on an island they can use their safety's to better protect the middle of the field.

However when a team starts to throw at Sherman (and SD went right at Sherman on their first 4 throws for 56 yards) they have to start balancing the safetys again. Leading to more space in the middle of the field, that Gates was able to take advantage of.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Replay has really really ruined the flow of the game for me.

The amount of advertising puts me to sleep, but there's probably nothing that can be done about that.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by troutman

The amount of advertising puts me to sleep, but there's probably nothing that can be done about that.

Kills it even more live.

At least on tv you can switch to another game, or you can watch a couple of good HD replays.

The atmosphere, and tailgating at NFL games is awesome but the actual game experience is brutal due to all the stoppages and delay in the game.

[Red John]

Originally Posted by DropIt

Richard Sherman receiving a lot of blow back after this week. Refusing to talk to reporters, and then being called 'exposed' by the San Diego Chargers. Should be fun to watch for the rest of the week

Sherman's a bit like canucks fans. Talks huge when things are going his way but sort of disappears when things flip on him.

Guy can't stay away from a microphone when his team wins, pretty funny to see his true colours come out.

Speaking of the Broncos, another unconvincing win. It's nice to start 2-0 obviously but there's certainly concerns. The D has come up with huge crunch time stops in the red zone but allows a lot of ball movement between the 20s. Getting a little sick of Del Rio's constant 3-man rushes especially on 3rd and long.

As for the offense, they still miss Welker and the run game hasn't been good. Hopefully CJ Anderson will get a few touches instead of Ball.

There's a lot of discussion this morning on John Fox not using his timeouts with the Chiefs 1st-and-goal with about 1:30 to go. It ended up ok as pot roast came up with the knockdown on 4th and goal but had the Chiefs scored it would have robbed the Broncos of a final drive with the ball.

Shades of Fox kneeling down on the ball with Manning two years ago against the Ravens in a tie divisional game instead of trying for a game winning FG. Fox playing not to lose with the best offense in the history of the game is troubling to say the least.

Now the Broncos run into a buzz-saw in week3, an angry Seahawks team coming off a loss. Not going to win that game or even come close unless there's big improvement from the first two weeks.

[ResAlien]

^not to mention on that final play if that pass doesn't get knocked down they had Nate frikkin Irving covering Dwayne Bowe. That's so ridiculously stupid it would get a JV coach fired. The Denver D looked undisciplined, unprepared and they seem to be generally behaving like a squad that's been reading their own press too much. A marked improvement will be necessary against Seattle or it's going to be a Superbowl style blowout.

Safe to say I'm less than impressed with the Broncos so far this year.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by DropIt

Watched that game as well yesterday, and the Rob Ryan defence just looks flat out bad as compared to last year. Also, what has happened to Marques Colston and why has Robert Meachem seemed to replace him?

Colston getting zero looks yesterday has most of the Saints beat writers scratching their heads, I believe I read it's the first time he hasn't been targeted in a game he played in since 2007. I'd say its due to that ugly fumble to gift the Falcons the W in OT, but with a 9 year vet and consummate pro like Colston, I highly doubt that from Brees/Payton.

If anything, it may have just been a result of too many weapons for Drew to play with, mixed with the passing game really struggling yesterday due to DL pressure from the Browns. That and the Saints run game was great for most of yesterday, which they leaned on a fair bit after some early struggles. Pretty much the only guy catching anything yesterday was Graham, despite tight coverage by one of the league's best in Haden. So after awhile, I think whenever Drew got in trouble, he'd default to Graham (which cost him a pick 6, after sailing one over Jimmy's head).

Colston is still a decent player, but going into his 9th year now and having battled nicks and bruises quite a bit over the years, I think it's finally starting to catch up to him. Combine that with quite a young, dynamic new receiving core in N.O. (Graham, Stills, Cooks, Morgan, Toon), and I think his time is beginning to wind down in this league. He's still an effective weapon (over 100 yards in week 1), but his best days are behind him.

Not sure why Meachem was seeing so many looks yesterday, I even said as much to my buddy when watching the game. IMO Meach is probably in his last year as a Saint, and I'm surprised he even lasted this year. He's a solid deep threat, but with Stills and Cooks seemingly already ahead of him, and Morgan and Toon knocking on the door (and Morgan playing a similar role), expect multiple catch days by Meachem to be few and far between this year.

As for the D so far...sickening. For the amount of money they spent in the off-season to improve what was on paper a top 5 D last year, its mind-bottling to see how much they've struggled so far. Like I mentioned in my last post, the #1 scoring team in the league after 2 weeks is now 0-2. Pick 6 aside, that shines very poorly on the D. The DL simply needs to get more (and by more, I mean any) pressure on the QB. For a DL boasting exceptional young talent with Cameron Jordan, Junior Galette (and his new big contract) and Akiem Hicks, only 2 sacks after 2 games - especially when one was against a leaky, banged up OL in Atlanta - is inexcusable.

That #2 CB spot is looking scary as well so far, it's bringing back painful memories of the Fred Thomas & later Jason David days. Patrick Robinson is a former 1st round pick (Florida St) and has been regarded since his draft year to be the most naturally athletic player in the secondary, but he seems to shy away from contact and needs more "edge" to his game. I'm not ready to give up on him yet, but I highly doubt Champ Bailey looked that bad in TC (not that he would've been the answer either). Either way, Robinson, White, or whoever will be manning that #2 spot the rest of the way better be prepared to get picked on a lot, when opponents see the game tape. And if the DL keeps giving opposing QB's all day to throw, things could get ugly.

...all that said, I'm still hopeful. At the end of the day, the Saints are finally headed to the Superdome this weekend, and like Seattle, they're a completely different team at home. The offence - while still a bit sloppy - is off to its best start in 3 years, and the run game looks great so far (oh yeah, just heard an hour ago Ingram broke his hand and is out a month. UGHHHH..but I like what they have with Robinson/PT, if they can stay healthy). 0-2 sucks, but they just as easily could've been 2-0, and held leads in both games in the dying seconds. So far it doesn't look like anyone's going to run away with the South, so if they can pick up W's these next 2 weekends against the Vikings and Cowboys, they should be right back in the division race. If they can't, this may be 2007 & 2012 all over again.

EDIT: Yikes, apologies about the length, didn't notice that until now. I guess I had a lot to get off my chest after an 0-2 start...

[troutman]

Hoyer is 4-1 as a starter. CLE has scored 50 points in last 6 quarters (missing key players).

#JohnnyBench

[dirk diggler]

For the type of team the 49ers are: running team with solid defense, they would be better off with Alex Smith, Kaepernick makes way too many mistakes........... hope he improves but not sold on him at all

[DropIt]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

Colston getting zero looks yesterday has most of the Saints beat writers scratching their heads, I believe I read it's the first time he hasn't been targeted in a game he played in since 2007. I'd say its due to that ugly fumble to gift the Falcons the W in OT, but with a 9 year vet and consummate pro like Colston, I highly doubt that from Brees/Payton.

If anything, it may have just been a result of too many weapons for Drew to play with, mixed with the passing game really struggling yesterday due to DL pressure from the Browns. That and the Saints run game was great for most of yesterday, which they leaned on a fair bit after some early struggles. Pretty much the only guy catching anything yesterday was Graham, despite tight coverage by one of the league's best in Haden. So after awhile, I think whenever Drew got in trouble, he'd default to Graham (which cost him a pick 6, after sailing one over Jimmy's head).

Colston is still a decent player, but going into his 9th year now and having battled nicks and bruises quite a bit over the years, I think it's finally starting to catch up to him. Combine that with quite a young, dynamic new receiving core in N.O. (Graham, Stills, Cooks, Morgan, Toon), and I think his time is beginning to wind down in this league. He's still an effective weapon (over 100 yards in week 1), but his best days are behind him.

Not sure why Meachem was seeing so many looks yesterday, I even said as much to my buddy when watching the game. IMO Meach is probably in his last year as a Saint, and I'm surprised he even lasted this year. He's a solid deep threat, but with Stills and Cooks seemingly already ahead of him, and Morgan and Toon knocking on the door (and Morgan playing a similar role), expect multiple catch days by Meachem to be few and far between this year.

As for the D so far...sickening. For the amount of money they spent in the off-season to improve what was on paper a top 5 D last year, its mind-bottling to see how much they've struggled so far. Like I mentioned in my last post, the #1 scoring team in the league after 2 weeks is now 0-2. Pick 6 aside, that shines very poorly on the D. The DL simply needs to get more (and by more, I mean any) pressure on the QB. For a DL boasting exceptional young talent with Cameron Jordan, Junior Galette (and his new big contract) and Akiem Hicks, only 2 sacks after 2 games - especially when one was against a leaky, banged up OL in Atlanta - is inexcusable.

That #2 CB spot is looking scary as well so far, it's bringing back painful memories of the Fred Thomas & later Jason David days. Patrick Robinson is a former 1st round pick (Florida St) and has been regarded since his draft year to be the most naturally athletic player in the secondary, but he seems to shy away from contact and needs more "edge" to his game. I'm not ready to give up on him yet, but I highly doubt Champ Bailey looked that bad in TC (not that he would've been the answer either). Either way, Robinson, White, or whoever will be manning that #2 spot the rest of the way better be prepared to get picked on a lot, when opponents see the game tape. And if the DL keeps giving opposing QB's all day to throw, things could get ugly.

...all that said, I'm still hopeful. At the end of the day, the Saints are finally headed to the Superdome this weekend, and like Seattle, they're a completely different team at home. The offence - while still a bit sloppy - is off to its best start in 3 years, and the run game looks great so far (oh yeah, just heard an hour ago Ingram broke his hand and is out a month. UGHHHH..but I like what they have with Robinson/PT, if they can stay healthy). 0-2 sucks, but they just as easily could've been 2-0, and held leads in both games in the dying seconds. So far it doesn't look like anyone's going to run away with the South, so if they can pick up W's these next 2 weekends against the Vikings and Cowboys, they should be right back in the division race. If they can't, this may be 2007 & 2012 all over again.

EDIT: Yikes, apologies about the length, didn't notice that until now. I guess I had a lot to get off my chest after an 0-2 start...

My wife has the better sense in the relationship to cheer for the Saints, so they have become a very watched team for me the past few years.

Robert Meachem is, in my eyes, the worst receiver on that team aside from maybe Nick Toon. It' always Meachem who makes the costly drops and as much happened in the corner of the endzone. Luckily they scored only a few plays later so it was looked past. Colston is declining, but poses as the only large receiver aside from Graham, he needs to be more involved.

As mentioned, the Dline pressure is just non-existant and Hoyer was able to just sit back and play at his will. Kenny Vaccaro looks great though, think he is one of the better upcoming safties in the NFL.

Mark Ingram has been great this year and really seperated himself from the pack. I heard he was in great shape this year but really didnt believe it until yesterday when he looked like an actual NFL running back. Khiry Robinson is also becoming a good change of pace back and good North/South runner. I think PT is going to be the odd man out soon enough.

I dont doubt the Saints can come all the way back and still take the division. Carolina isnt the team they were last year, and for the happiness of my household my fingers are crossed

[Sainters7]

I see they decided to go with the Bleeding Gums Murphy, 5 minute long version of the national anthem tonight...

[GirlySports]

Eagles too cute in the red zone. Gotta throw it into the endzone.

[Da_Chief]

T Rich is actually not bad of a runner between tackles, he gets in trouble on sweeps, toss' etc anything outside. He turn his pads towards sidelines and is done right away then.

[troutman]

Eagles look great until they get to the red zone.

[rubecube]

Chris Berman is such a piece of ####. Yeah, when people were asking "what kind of people work for the NFL?" they were actually concerned about the chemistry between Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates, not the concerning levels of domestic violence committed by players in the league. What a brown-nosing #######.

[Cheerio]

Ahmad Bradshaw is amazing. So grateful that he's single-handedly formed some sort of rushing attack in Indy. Also Luck's ability to get throws off in the pocket under pressure is truly something else