2009 NFL Regular Season Thread

[Sylvanfan]

I do think there is going to be a glut of 9-7 or 10-6 type teams this year. Moreso than even last year.

If I had to pick a 3-0 team that could miss the playoffs I'd probably go with Denver. Although I think they're a lot better than I gave them credit for in preseason. At this point in time theres very little to critcize about their defence and they still have a good shot to win the AFC West. Although being the second place team from last year they have to play Indy and New England while the first place Chargers drew Miami and Tennessee. Given those choices I think San Diego got the easier draw. Their game against Dallas this week will maybe answer a few qustions about them. I don't know if the Chargers are a as good as a lot of the preseason hype made them. They're defence can be sketchy and with injuries on the offensive line they are going to have to throw the ball a lot. Although that forces them to play to their strengths, but Rivers could end up taking a few hits as the season wears on. They've had it easy in that they haven't had to leave the West Coast yet this year. From here on in they're going at least 2 time zones East for all of their games save Denver.

In the AFC North Pittsburgh should be better than 1-2 but thats where they stand and they're a team who could be any combination of 0-3 to 3-0, all games have been close. Cinci is that one play away from having a 3-0 start. Baltimore has got to play the two worst teams in the Conferece in building up their record. In the East the Jets are off to a terrific start and have another tough game this week. The Patriots are still pretty tough and will be more dynamic with Welker in the mix. The Colts have been impressive and should win their Division, but the Freeny injury could throw a wrench into things. The Titans should be better than 0-3 but they've had plays bite them every week that have them where they are. Houston is wildly inconsistat but always seem to wake up after starting 2-6, and Jacksonville who knows with them.

In the NFC there are two Divisions in the North and East where you have 3 good teams and one that isn't as good. Although I think Detroit is far better this year and will be a bit of a spoiler as the season wears on. New Orleans is impressive so far and Atlanta is pretty good. Carolina looks to be in some trouble and have a tough schedule, they could be that surprise 4 win team. San Francisco seems to be the only team in the West who can play consistantly from week to week so I like them to win that Division. Seattle is already pretty beat up and looking at a 1-3 start and Arizona is 0-2 at home.

It should be an interesting season here as things unfold.

Looking at the week 4 matchups I saw about 4 games that I'd consider easy to pick. After that I didn't want to put more than 6 points on any of those games.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

I'd agree with that. Although your ommission of Cleveland there is poor form, and St.Louis has a serious lack of talent too aside from Stephen Jackson.

I know they beat Washington the other day, but the Lions should also be in this group still.

They were terrible in their first two games and really won that game based on the Redskins crappiness more than their own good play.

Its great that we aren't going 0-16 again but I wouldn't expect much more than 3-4 wins from this team and really a 1-15 season still wouldn't suprise me.

Big time lack of talent on this team still.

[Bobblehead]

Frank Gore is out 3 weeks.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs...sults-gor.html

[mykalberta]

w00t w00t w00t Denver baby

Next week vs Dallas, great game to see where the team is heading. Dallis isnt likely a playoff team so Denver should be able to beat them at home.

They havent played any good teams, but they did beat a team that just beat Pitt. Also I love the commitment to running the ball. I am still reserving judgement on the D side of things until they play a good team - although Cinci isnt a terrible offensive team.

Also, I much prefer Kipper Kyle over Cry Baby Cutler.

Go Denver Go.

[JohnnyFlame]

My Cowboys are a hard read this year. The defense is better. Romo and the passing game is worse. The running game is very good but the two best guys are injured. Not sure what to make of them so far. If I'm coaching them though I'm playing pound it on the ground. Putting less onus on Romo to make big plays. Running more crossing routes, quick outs and using the tight ends a lot. Plus incorporate more play action and screens to go along with the large number of draw plays.

In other words more conservative than Dallas usually plays. Or when you are on the one yard line and have pounded your way there I run twice- not throw twice.

[Bobblehead]

So the assistant that Raiders Coach Tom Cable allegedly punched has produced medical reports that show his jaw was broken in the altercation.

Oakland Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson told investigators that he was struck by head coach Tom Cable and suffered a broken jaw, his lawyer told NFL Network on Monday.

A few weeks after the Aug. 5 incident, Cable said "nothing happened."

"When all the facts come out, everything will be fine," he said.

Hanson's lawyer, John McGuinn, disputed that, calling the skirmish a "textbook case of felony assault," according to NFL Network.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...e=NFLHeadlines

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

So the assistant that Raiders Coach Tom Cable allegedly punched has produced medical reports that show his jaw was broken in the altercation.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...e=NFLHeadlines

[OILFAN #81]

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=293062

Freeney is only scheduled to miss 2 games/3 weeks (Colts have a bye week). Thank god! Freeney is the most important player to Indy on defense. Mathis will have to take charge of the defense now. Freeney/Sanders are expected back at the same time. I can't wait to see the defense when those two get back.

[Sylvanfan]

Sirius is reporting that Tyler Thigpen has been traded from KC to Miami. Thigpen is a guy who would seem well suited to a Wild cat type offence.

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by transplant99

The Jets may be a bit overhyped at this point because of Sanchez being a rookie, but that defense is freaking awesome.

Wait til Calvin Pace comes back. He led the team in sacks last year and is a monster. His suspension is over for game 5, I wish we had him against the Saints this week.

[Machiavelli]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlame

My Cowboys are a hard read this year. The defense is better. Romo and the passing game is worse. The running game is very good but the two best guys are injured. Not sure what to make of them so far. If I'm coaching them though I'm playing pound it on the ground. Putting less onus on Romo to make big plays. Running more crossing routes, quick outs and using the tight ends a lot. Plus incorporate more play action and screens to go along with the large number of draw plays.

In other words more conservative than Dallas usually plays. Or when you are on the one yard line and have pounded your way there I run twice- not throw twice.

I'm super nervous about Romo.

[Pagal4321]

Eagles sign Trotter....blast from the past.

As reported by Jay Glazer on twitter.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by ResAlien

No! I will keep my unbridled Bronco homerism alive! Dallas hasn't blown my socks off, and after Orton manages the game, no turnovers, Romo has two picks, and the Broncos beat the Cowboys next week people will be singing a different tune.

I'll start singing if they beat the Pats the next week. If they get to 5-0 they will be making the playoffs IMO.

The Denver defense is miles ahead of where I thought it would be. I think they are a lot closer than I thought and I don't think San Diego is nearly as good as most people thought.

[ResAlien]

I know the Denver D hasn't faced any real lights out offence yet, but they're scheme is solid. I have faith they'll continue to play well throughout the year. Buckhalter and Moreno are an amazing 1-2 punch, and Orton's lack of turnovers will always give them a chance to win.

The Broncos are really just playing basic football. Win the turnover battle, win the field position battle and you will always have a good shot at winning. The only games I see them losing big are if they get into a shootout with someone. Orton is too cautious with the ball to win in a shootout. Ball control, keep it close, trust the D, don't turn it over. I'm much happier with the 09-10 Broncos than the squad last year. I always disliked Cutler for the "gunslinger" mentality, and really do think Orton gives them the best chance to win this year.

[ResAlien]

Their scheme, not they're scheme. Can't edit and committed one of my own biggest pet peeves. Sorry.

[KTown]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Sirius is reporting that Tyler Thigpen has been traded from KC to Miami. Thigpen is a guy who would seem well suited to a Wild cat type offence.

Yup with Pennington on IR and his football career in serious jeopardy I can see the trade. However I would have rather signed Garcia as a backup to Henne. That way it would have cost us nothing.

[ResAlien]

Originally Posted by KTown

Yup with Pennington on IR and his football career in serious jeopardy I can see the trade. However I would have rather signed Garcia as a backup to Henne. That way it would have cost us nothing.

Garcia us already under contract with Philly.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by ResAlien

Garcia us already under contract with Philly.

Not anymore. He was released today when Trotter signed. Still don't understand that move.

[J pold]

J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!

That is all.

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by J pold

J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!

That is all.

See you Sunday...

Signed,
Drew Brees