NFL: Season 2005/05

[NeonKnight]

And you also clearly missed my point here: I said the Colts are over-rated. Not the Lions. Not the Browns. They are irrelevant. But look at Indy's schedule: Ravens (bad), Jaguars (decent), Browns (bad), Titans (bad), 49ers (bad), Rams (bad), Texans (uhh), Patriots (inconsistent at the time) Texans (...), Bengals (upside-down defense), Steelers (good), Titans (bad), Jaguars (decent), Chargers (decent), Seahawks (good), Cardinals (I don't think they've ever been good since they were founded, with maybe two or three exceptions).

So that adds up to...
Bad: 9
Decent: 3
Good: 2
Texans: 2

Now take a look at the Patriots schedule, for example.

And the Patriots have a good defense? Umm, so do the Colts.

Since the Pats play in the AFC LEast, I assume you mean the Pats did not have all that tough a sched. either. Because they did not have that tough a sched IMV.

 

[Eperitos]

All right guys, enough of bashing each other. Lets make some picks.

I'll start out with the easy ones.

Indy-Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh got mauled last time they played. I expect a tighter game this week, but Indy will Pull away in the second half.

Carolina-Bears
I never bet on games but this one is really, really tempting. Carolina is going in hot, they have the best wide receiver in football, a really good experienced coach, and an experienced QB. Chicago has played in a weak division, have an inexperienced coach, a QB that has played like six quarters this year. The weather will not be a factor, and the Panthers are getting 4 points. I really just want put down $500 on Carolina, but I won't because I don't want to become a degenerate.

Now for the more difficult ones.

Seattle-Washington
Washington has a great defense, they're hot, and they have the second best coach in the league. But they're incredibly beat up. Seattle has somethng to prove, and they have Alexander. I don't think Seattle will cover (I think Seattle is giving 7 points), but they'll pull out the victory.

Denver-New England
This is going to be a great game. Denver is at home, healthy, and I'm sure is raring to beat the defending champs. New England is New England. I'll take the Pats in this one.

Scores:
Carolina 17 - Bears 10
Seattle 20 - Washington 13
Indy 30 - Pittsburgh 20
New England 27 - Denver 24

 

[kater]

Chicago has played in a weak division, have an inexperienced coach, a QB that has played like six quarters this year. The weather will not be a factor, and the Panthers are getting 4 points.

Stop bashing he says Bears went 4-0 against the supposedly 'tough' NFC South and beat-up Carolina at Soldier Field mid-season

Sticking by my earlier picks :
Colts 31 - Steelers 21
Broncos 18 - Pats 27
Bears 17 - Panthers 28
Seahawks 21 - Redskins 10

 

[FicusFan]

One thing I never understood is the hatred that Pats fans seem to often have for Indy, and especially Manning. The Pats OWN the Colts and have beaten them in every single game that has mattered for the past 3 years. If I were a Pats fan, I wouldn't hate the Colts/Manning; I'd feel condescension that they try and try so hard, and every year, they come up short.

Of course we hate Manning and the Colts, because everyone else buys into their BS, even though they have never done anything in the PostSeason. Its Peyton, Peyton and Colts are the greatest 24/7. In one of the last playoff games they were so heavily favored that the Pats radio guys started the game by saying that contrary to expectations the Pats have actually shown up for the game (being sarcastic because if they followed the hype they would have been too afraid to be on the same field with Peyton and the Colts).

Of course the Pats won, not because of the Colts' poor defense, it isn't the defense that lost them the games, and if they lose again it won't be the defense. They only scored 3 points and that has nothing to do with Indy's defense. It is Peyton and the offense that chokes. Peyton has had his worst QB ratings in the Post Season. He has lost big games all the way back to college. I hate the Steelers too, but I think they can take the Colts.

Of course we pretty much hate all other teams that play the Pats regularly , at least in the AFC. The NFC, other than those in the SB, we don't care about.

Edit:

The Buses are loading at Gillette and they will soon be off to the the airport in RI and on their way to Denver. I have been glued to the Internet and NFL Network this past week. Tonight I am going into Boston for the Stones concert, but then it is back to Pats 24/7.

 

[Mock]

The Patriots had six division games against easy teams. They also play Denver, San Diego, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tampa Bay. Far more difficult than the Colts' schedule, NeonKnight.

And FicusFan said it perfectly. That's why we hate the Colts, Radone.

Anyway, I'm not going to argue anymore. On with the predictions!

Patriots 24
Broncos 21

Colts 10
Steelers 20

Panthers 13
Bears 10

Seahawks 38
Redskins 17

 

[NeonKnight]

The Patriots had six division games against easy teams. They also play Denver, San Diego, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tampa Bay. Far more difficult than the Colts' schedule, NeonKnight.

Let me clarify:

Down the stretch the Pats played:

Nov 7 Indianapolis L 40-21
Nov 13 at Miami W 23-16
Nov 20 New Orleans W 24-17
Nov 27 at Kansas City
Dec 4 NY Jets W 16-3 -
Dec 11 at Buffalo W 35-7
Dec 17 Tampa Bay W 28-0
Dec 26 at NY Jets W 31-21
Jan 1 Miami L 26-28

KC was a tough game, but the Pats caught Tampa at the right time, their game at New England was their 3rd straight road game. I'd much rather play that schedule down the stretch than what Indy did, with the added pressure of being undefeated until Seattle:


Nov 7 at New England W 40-21
Nov 13 Houston W 31-17
Nov 20 at Cincinnati W 45-37
Nov 28 Pittsburgh W 26-7 128
Dec 4 Tennessee W 35-3
Dec 11 at Jacksonville W 26-18
Dec 18 San Diego L 17-26
Dec 24 at Seattle L 13-28
Jan 1 Arizona W 17-13

So Mage, if you still think you'd rather play that schedule and be in the Colts division instead, go right ahead.

The reality is, New England got healthy at the right time, and they were able to play weaker teams while they were still recovering. Fortunate scheduling is what I call it. I'm not saying that I don't think the Pats are capable of winning it all, it would not surprise me much if they did.

On the other hand, this IS the Colts year. they were the best team all year, and now they are the team of destiny with the added emotional motivation of winning because of the Dungy tragedy.

Predictions:

Seattle 31 Wash 14
(Spit on that Taylor)

Denver 24 Pats 17

Indy 34 Pitt 14

Chicago 21 Carolina 13

 

[FicusFan]

You know it is almost a good thing that the Pats are playing in Denver. It is so warm here (60) that last night it was a total white out with the fog. I took the commuter train into Boston and only had to drive home about half an hour from Lowell, and I almost didn't make it. It was so foggy you couldn't see, even places lit up with streetlights looked dark until you were right on them. It is still warm and wet today and will probably be foggy again tonight.

I also realized that if the Pats and Bears make the SB, it will be a re-match of 20 years ago when the Pats, (was this when they were Wildcards - it was either this or with the Packers), took on the Bears. We of course got killed because it was the 85 Bears, but it could be a chance to replay and revenge the loss.

I like the new Pepsi machine ad, and like the idea of the talent-less ice cream machine. That and the 2 ads with Tom and the Oline for Visa.

 

[MrBF1V3]

I hate to gloat.... that's not true, I hate the consequences when I gloat. However, I feel the need for some commentary.

I'm sure there are a lot of dissapointed NE fans out there. (I'm not one of them. ) Bad call interference call early in the game, if the ref had put on his glasses it might have changed the final score, but not the outcome of the game. I really thought the game would be a lot closer. At one point I thought there was going to be a huge fight, and half the players kicked out of the game--they all needed to settle down and play.

The one handed football carry looks good in the pictures, but you keep it longer if you have a good hold on that thing. I was sad for the players who fumbled, the camera kept finding them sitting on the sidelines--long after the other players and coaches had forgotten all about it.

I find it interesting the commentators knew the Pats would win. They predicted that Plummer would "implode" in this game. -?- 1. what does that mean? and 2. Isn't it seriously ill advised to assume a professional is going to lose his nerve?

I'm afraid the Colts are going to win the next game--but one never knows for sure.

B5

 

[Davis Ashura]

I can understand why NE fans would dislike the Colts and Manning so much, given the hype that they have had. It would tick me off too, given the fact that NE has eaten their lunch year-in year-out. That said, I think I would take quite a bit of comfort in 3 SB wins in 4 years (or one playoff win in 15 years )The Brady-Manning comparisons are so lopsided in Brady's favor. I think any true football fan would easily acknowledge that. The stats are great, but wins are far more important when measuring greatness, and Peyton, for all his talents hasn't won the big game ever - in college or the pros. For his stats to place him(Manning) in the same breath as Brady, especially after Brady showed this year that when called upon, he too can put up great numbers, he needs to win at least 2 SB and knock Brady and the Pats out of the playoffs at least once (and not lose to them again in his career).
That said, what happened to the Pats yesterday? They played like they FORCE other teams to play against them: sloppy. It was a strange spectacle seeing them make stupid mistake after stupid mistake. To lose to a better team is one thing, but to just suck horribly and give the game away is another. Not to say that Denver couldn't beat them straight up, but I think a Pats team playing well would have made the score closer, or in NE favor.
One play that stuck in my mind and solidified NE greatness even in losing was the play where Champ Bailey intercepted the ball and had a clear run to the end zone. The tight end from NE comes from the other side of the field and runs him down, forcing a fumble that almost went out of the end zone. Had that happened, rather than a Denver TD, NE would have gotten the ball at the 20. I think every other player on every other team would have given up on that play. To me, that's why NE has been so good: they are simply an excellent TEAM; no great superstars stats wise, but they play 100% all the time. That play just impressed the heck out of me.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Speaking of one playoff wins, I don't think the Bengals will be back in the post-season in quite awhile. The knee injury to Palmer was described as much more serious than initially thought according to his surgeon. He described the knee as having been shredded, with torn cartilage, a dislocated kneecap, and of course the torn ACL/MCL. He believes it is career threatening. He also said that he thinks Palmer can come back from it, and later back-tracked when asked again about the seriousness of the injury. But, again, I can't help but wonder how effective Palmer will be. Will his knee recover enough for him to move around the pocket and scramble, or will he be like a latter-day Dan Marino, who could barely get the ball out to the running back on a typical handoff, much less a stretch run?
Anyway, go Colts. I hope the score isn't close, and the big-bad Steelers are once more exposed as over-hyped when it comes to smash-mouth football. Thought it was lovely how Joey Porter said he wasn't impressed by Indy's offense since it was centered around trick plays and not on straight-up man-to-man football. This from the team that just put the game away last week with a direct snap to a WR, a pitch across the field to the QB and a TD pass to another WR. Yep, sounds like line em up, knock the other guy backwards, smash-mouth football to me.

 

[kater]

The stats are great, but wins are far more important when measuring greatness, and Peyton, for all his talents hasn't won the big game ever - in college or the pros.

I think Manning would admit to the same. I'm pretty certain he'd rather have 3 rings than some records.

I think Plummer and, as I watch the Steelers mash the Colts (it's just halftime), Big Ben are really playing some strong, no-mistakes football that has shocked a lot of the 'experts'. Which considering the millions the QB's get paid and the competition to get to the NFL amazes me. It's similar to the NBA. Every guy in the NBA can straight up play and were the local hero in their home town. So when Plummer started making some early plays and the commentators gave it the whole ' we're just waiting' spiel it really surprised me that, despite all their so called experience, they couldn't believe an NFL QB would play out of his skin in a playoff game. Isn't part of the fun of the game watching players perform at the highest level and having great games?

NE definitely threw it away, when they came back to 10-6 and drove to the goalline it seemed the writing was on the wall for the Broncos. The pressure had been building and it was the kind of moment you expected Brady to capitalise on. Full credit to the tight end for getting back after the pick and it was a little unlucky he didn't force the ball through the endzone. That penalty against Samuel for the first TD was an absolute stinker but NE had done the hard work to get back into a position to win the game, then the fumbles cost them big time. All credit to the punter but you should be able to take a hit from a guy like that and not lose the ball. I think that's what may hurt the most, that NE are normally such a strong basics team (no fumble TO in their last 7) to lose three in a game like that must be hard to take. I wasn't that impressed with the Broncos, they built good early pressure but without the running game seemed to be on the wane in the second half until Bailey's interception. I don't think they'll go any further.

 

[Mock]

oh my god no time to respond to other posts, spectacular game!
i knew it from the start, the Colts' hype wouldn't pay off...
but my hats off to the colts for making it a thriller
STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELERS

 

[kater]

LOL - Mike 'Mental toughness' Vanderjagt ruined a great game, I wanted over time So Pats and Colts out of the playoffs, it's really open now. Come on the Bears

 

[MrBF1V3]

I'm working on a theory that playoff games are not like regular season games. There must be some kind of multiple universal reshuffling which takes place.

I can't believe the Steelers won--and I missed the game .

And Kater, I don't think we can count anyone out at this point. I just hope the big game (read: superbowl) isn't an overhyped, boring one-sided blow away. I like it better when someone wins by less than a yard.

B5

 

[ezchaos]

I'm a Pats fan and a Manning hater. I love the look on his face when things aren't going quite his way. I loved the Colt's loss today, which is funny because I dislike the Steelers almost as much as I do the Colts.

I thought for a while that the Panthers would run away with their game, but it looks like the Bears are making a run at it. Currently 16-14.

Since the Pats are out of it, I'm rooting for any NFC team (except the Panthers) in the Superbowl.

 

[FicusFan]

I'm a Pats fan and a Manning hater. I love the look on his face when things aren't going quite his way. I loved the Colt's loss today, which is funny because I dislike the Steelers almost as much as I do the Colts.

Since the Pats are out of it, I'm rooting for any NFC team (except the Panthers) in the Superbowl.

Exactly ! I think the Broncos beat the Steelers, and then the Seahawks beat the Broncos.

I think the officials have been the worst I have ever seen. There were several bad calls in the Pats game, and basically they didn't call the Broncos for false starts, holding, face mask, and PI. Though the Pats should have overcome the calls, and didn't. The offense and special teams played terribly, except for Ben Watson, the Tight End who ran almost 100 yards and knocked Bailey out at the 1.

Our defense played well, and so did the Broncos, but their offense didn't. They just made fewer mistakes than the Pats, and they had the refs working for them.

Still I will take Brady over Manning any day. He said they didn't play well, wereas Manning blamed his teammates.

On Sports Final Bob Lobel had the best cartoon, don't know where it was from, but it had Manning with a bag over his head that said ELIMINATED, and Brady holding his is his hands, looking sick and saying 'I don't think I can get used to this' and Manning under the bag says, 'Sure you can, just blame your O-line'. Priceless.

I didn't think the refs could get any worse, and then I watched the Steelers and Colts. My god what a joke. Polamalu had an interception, and that odd false start/off side play where all the refs just decided to ignore the whole thing and pretend to elsewhere.

Then of course Vanderjerk, who can't 'Adam and Leave'.

Didn't watch any of the NFC games but was sorry to hear the Panthers won.

 

[silverfang]

Packer fan myself.

*sigh* ohwell......

 

[kater]

I think the Panthers are looking better and better. They came into Soldier Field and really tore us up. That first touchdown set the tone for the game and we never really recovered. 500 yards! against one of the best defensive teams in the league, that I couldn't believe. Everyone knows if you shut down Steve Smith then the Panthers other receivers aren't great and Delhomme will throw a bit more dangerously so I'm disappointed Coach Smith didn't have a plan to shut down their only good WR. On the opposite end, the Rex gamble didn't pay off and although he showed signs of what he could do, Orton should definitely have started.

What is clear from the second round is that a week off, especially when playoff intensity is a cut above the regular season, can be a real hindrance. The Colts looked weak against a Steeler team pumped up from the previous week and on top form, the Pats gave the Broncos their game, Panthers destroyed a seemingly good Bears defense and the Seahawks got through but I don't think that Skins team was great. I'm gonna take the Steelers over the Broncos and the Panthers over the Seahawks, purely on form. I know a lot of people hate the Steelers or the Panthers (or both) but I think that'd be a brutal, competitive SuperBowl.

 

[NeonKnight]

I think the officials have been the worst I have ever seen. There were several bad calls in the Pats game, and basically they didn't call the Broncos for false starts, holding, face mask, and PI. Though the Pats should have overcome the calls, and didn't. The offense and special teams played terribly, except for Ben Watson, the Tight End who ran almost 100 yards and knocked Bailey out at the 1.

Our defense played well, and so did the Broncos, but their offense didn't. They just made fewer mistakes than the Pats, and they had the refs working for them.

Still I will take Brady over Manning any day. He said they didn't play well, wereas Manning blamed his teammates.

I think you really have one call to be TO'd about, and that was the phantom PI near the end of the first half that put the ball on the one. In playoff football, this is the type of play they normally just let go. But thats home cooking, Denver won 13 games, so they earned the home game. Also, the Pats had time to make it up, but they didn't.

Bottom line is turnovers, and the Pats turned the ball over, while Denver did not. BTW, anybody who knows football would take Brady over Peyton, all you have to do is imagine what Brady would do if he had the Colts' weapons...

Sundays' games obviously shocked me, after I did a fair job on my Saturday predictions!

I was stunned by the Steelers most of all, their defense was amazing. Peyton played badly, but no doubt his offensive line were horrible. Congrats to Steeler fans, but no one has mentioned the fact that Bill Cowher almost became the all time coaching goat and only a QB making a game-saving tackle prevented it!

Horrible ball protection by the Bus of all people! There is no way I'm running down there in that situation. Fall on the ball 3 times, make the Colts use their 3 TO's, kick a field goal and then kickoff. Colts would have less than a minute with no TO's to drive the field.

Also the Colts never should have thrown down field so far on 4th and 2! A swing pass to Edge would have worked and they should have run the ball some more on that drive to keep them honest. They had TO's. What a choke by that FG kicker too! Colts did not deserve the win, but Cowher nearly blew it!

Didn't watch any of the NFC games but was sorry to hear the Panthers won.

Get used to it, I'm totally on the Fox/Steve Smith bandwagon now. Panthers beat Seattle next week. No one can figure out how to stop Smith but Fox can figure out how to stop Alexander.

 

[Mock]

refs were pathetic