NFL: Season 2005/05

[Eperitos]

Yes the Pats do seem to be coming around, especially now that Dillon and Brusky (sp?) are healthy and getting back to their normal playing abilities. The Problem that I think they have is that they still are not as good as the past Pat teams, and they won't have homefield throughout. I just don't think they can beat the Colts in Indy.

As for my Giants we got a win (barely) and Feely made a field goal , But Eli looked like crap in the 4th and in OT. Oh well, maybe one day he'll have an entire game where he plays well.

 

[NeonKnight]

GIANTS -26 Iggles- 23 OT

Another cardiac nailbiter! Of course, I should have known, NFC East champs have pride and this is a rivalry that goes back 70 years or so...

Losing both starting OT's and our excellent MLB Pierce during the game did not hurt the Eagles chances one bit. Once again the refs had a brilliantly bad game, but in the end, Feeley regains confidence with a huge kick.

Eli is clearly struggling. For some reason, he seems jumpy, and he is overthrowing on many of his bad throws.

Bottom line is 9-4, and we take care of our own business, we will win the divison.

Colts should not even consider resting players unless they lose one of these next few. I would not want a player or coach who would rest under historic circumstances like this. This is once in a lifetime stuff.

 

[FicusFan]

Yes the Pats do seem to be coming around, especially now that Dillon and Brusky (sp?) are healthy and getting back to their normal playing abilities. The Problem that I think they have is that they still are not as good as the past Pat teams, and they won't have homefield throughout. I just don't think they can beat the Colts in Indy.

As for my Giants we got a win (barely) and Feely made a field goal , But Eli looked like crap in the 4th and in OT. Oh well, maybe one day he'll have an entire game where he plays well.

Yes the Pats are getting better now that some of their walking wounded have returned: Dillon, Faulk, Bruschi.....

They are still missing Harrison, and the secondary is still shaky. They have young CBs, and they have finally found a couple of people to play safety regularly after about 7 or 8 people they tried in the spot. They now have Stone and Hawkins (who are these people) and that seems to help Assante Samuels and Ellis Hobbs (rookie), and the other Corner Backs. They are starting to function together, but they are still very young and very green.

The rest of the defense is about the same, except for Ted Johnson, and Roman Phfifer, who both retired. Ted is missed, but Roman was pretty much running on empty.

Three important things seem to have happened on defense.

1. They are getting their injured back
2. They are getting the dross off the field
3. The defense is starting to gel, and develop cohesiveness

Our big free agent pick-ups on defense have sucked massively, and when we had to rely on them due to injuries we not only couldn't win, but we were also shooting ourselves in the foot. They aired their gripes in the press in a very un-Pats like manner, and the idea of a 'team' was dead.

If the defensive line finds itself then they can hit and harry the other team's offense so that they can't run, and don't have time or targets to throw to. Keeping the other team from throwing a lot is the only hope for our secondary.

The patched together O line has really done a fantastic job, considering they are almost all undrafted free agent backups, or rookies. They are keeping Tom alive and now seem to be able to block and open some seams for the run.

Givens is back and he is really the best receiver on the team. Branch gets all the press, but he is too little to catch in traffic. Givens is big enough and he almost never drops and almost always gets a first down. Of course now they are saying one of our new good Tight Ends is Injured: Ben Watson.

But things are looking up, and now that we have people back, we are starting to become a real team. If the Pats can make the 'Team' thing happen, and as long as we have Brady and a few other key players, it won't matter that this team is not as good as it should be. We got to the SB last year with a player named Earthwind Morland, so they can improvise with a few new/young/weak players -- if the defense kicks the s**t out of the other team, and the offense not only scores but eats the clock.

Tomorrow they play Tampa in Foxboro. It is cold and was snowy/sleeting today so the Florida team may be in trouble. But Tampa has a decent record. If the Pats can beat them convincingly, then there may be hope for them to get past the first round of the playoffs. If not then they may die in the first round.

We have beaten the Colts in the dome, and the Steelers at home, so they can win on the road (when they can win). Only time will tell if they are going to be the winning Pats or the losing Pats. If we get to the point of being able to beat Indy, it won't matter where the game is played.

Don't be too hard on Eli, he is very young and is doing much better than expected (Rookie). He has talent, and smarts, and guts, so he will get better as he gets more experience.

 

[Davis Ashura]

We have beaten the Colts in the dome, and the Steelers at home, so they can win on the road (when they can win). Only time will tell if they are going to be the winning Pats or the losing Pats. If we get to the point of being able to beat Indy, it won't matter where the game is played.

Don't be too hard on Eli, he is very young and is doing much better than expected (Rookie). He has talent, and smarts, and guts, so he will get better as he gets more experience.

NE beat the Colts 2 years ago in the Dome, and that was a lucky win. The Colts are a much better team this year and a lot more physical (meaner).

As for Eli, his development has been very rocky thus far. He's in his 2nd year as a starter, and in the last month, he's actually seemed to have regressed in his development.

 

[NeonKnight]

Eli has struggled for sure the last few games, but I would never give him up. I am so excited to see the throws he makes with his ability to move around the pocket. I've seen 3-4 plays that Eli made like that this year, that no other Giants QB that I've seen would ever have been able to complete.

This is what Eli gives the Giants: calm, resillience and presence. He is a franchise quarterback the likes of which this team has never seen. Even to those of us who lived through and loved the Phil Simms years (and Phil was great), Eli is on a different plane.

I expect to see big improvement over the last few weeks starting today against KC. GO GIANTS!

I don't have a link for this, but this is what Ron Jaworski has said about Eli on ESPN:

After 20 starts in the NFL, Eli is ahead of Peyton at the same point in their careers. Some of it has to do with supporting cast. Eli, who is 10-10, has a bit more talent to work with than did Peyton, who was 5 - 15. But the brothers also play in different offenses. The Colts have always run an execution - style O. There aren't a lot of personnel packages, motions or shifts. It's static, I think, because Peyton likes to see the defense. Motion and shifts cause opponents to respond, which confuses the presnap read.

The Giants, on the other had, have a lot of volume in the offense. They shift and use motion regulary, and there's a heavy burden on Eli to figure it all out. But he has a strong enough football mind to do all that's asked. I put Eli ahead of Peyton for that reason. At 20 starts, he's doing a lot more and doing it well.

Eli's strength is his confidence. He has that gunslinger mentality. He'll see if he can make that tough throw that swings a game. He's had a few picked off, but I'd rather a young guy test himself than always take a safe check-down. While Peyton has better anticipation and accuracy, Eli's arm is clearly stronger. He can make the tighter throws.

Eli's only failing is maintaining his throwing mechanics on the run. When moving out of the pocket, he breakds down fundamentally and dosen't regain the balance he needs to throw accurately. Archie has told me that Eli spends his postpractice time working on it. And thats's where the brothers are close to even. neither of them ever stops working on his game.

 

[FicusFan]

NE beat the Colts 2 years ago in the Dome, and that was a lucky win. The Colts are a much better team this year and a lot more physical (meaner).

Ah yes the 'lucky' excuse.

McGinnest knew exactly where that guy was going when he tried to run across the goal line on 4th and 1, and he hit him before he got there. Lucky. Yeah, right, except Manning gave the play away, and Willie Mac was paying attention. The Pats, when they are winning, play 60 minutes, not 58 or 59, but 60. And it doesn't matter where the game is being held.

Lucky how they won 3 superbowls too.

And today they were verrrrrry lucky: 28-0 against Tampa Bay. Sacked Simms around 7-9 times, hit him almost every play, and hurried him all day. Kept Cadillac to about 30 yards. Clinched the division for the 4th time in 5 years, more luck no doubt.

It appears the Defense has entered the building. The current Pats are not the team that played the Colts earlier this year.

The Colts are the best team this year in the NFL. They may go unbeaten and may win the SB, but until they do they aren't the champs, the Pats are, and now they are playing like it. Should be fun. And I think Colvin, Vrable, McGinnest, and Bruschi speak 'Mean' fluently. I hope they get a 2nd chance to chat with Peyton before its all over.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Lucky how they won 3 superbowls too.

So, they sure beat the Raiders straight up on the road to their first Super Bowl didn't they? No, that Brady fumble was really a forward pass. Clinched the division this year. Congratulations on winning the 2nd worst division in the NFL.
As for the Colts and the Pats. I'd love to see that happen, just so I can watch the Colts lay another ass-whuppin' on the Pats.

 

[FicusFan]

So, they sure beat the Raiders straight up on the road to their first Super Bowl didn't they? No, that Brady fumble was really a forward pass. Clinched the division this year. Congratulations on winning the 2nd worst division in the NFL.
As for the Colts and the Pats. I'd love to see that happen, just so I can watch the Colts lay another ass-whuppin' on the Pats.

Actually it was a forward pass, as written in the rule book, and the reason you should know that is because 4 years later they have yet, to change, restate or eliminate the rule. Regardless of how much whining the Raiders did. In fact it has been used a couple of times in regular season play. I think I have seen it twice this year (and not in Pats games). The announcers always make a big deal about it when it is used, so you can't miss it.

And it wasn't on the road. If you remember it was during a blizzard, and I don't think Oakland has a lot of those.

If we are going to talk about changing the rules because you can't compete against the Pats on the field -- that would be the Colts, and how much Polian managed to jerk things around (thank him so much for all the stops and referee conferences, and confused calls on Pass Interference, in all games).

It may be a terrible division but it gets us the 4th seed in the AFC, and an invite to the dance. So far there are only 3 teams in the whole league who have clinched. And though ours sucks, we managed not to lose any games to anyone in the division this year.

If we win our last 2 games (Jets and Miami) we will have the same record 11-5 that we did when we first won in 2001. Not where we should be, but still considering how we started, it will do. Then the rest is up to the Pats and we will see how far they can go, and how well they can do. They may lose, but the way they are playing now, I doubt it will be an ass-whooping.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Never meant to imply the game was on the road against the Raiders.
Rules? The NBA still states that a player can carry the ball for a step and a half and beyond that it's travelling, but is it ever called? That forward pass rule has been on the books for a long time, but it was never called, or at least used so infrequently that it was extremely controversial when it was called in that game. That was my point. There had previously been plenty of plays similar to Brady's forward pass, but they were almost always listed as a fumble. That's why so many people had to go back and super slo-mo the play to justify the call that was made. It seems reasonable to say that the call on that play was unique and extremely controversial in light of historical trends NOT to call such a play a forward pass. Given the historical trends to generally call such a play a fumble, it should have been called a fumble in that game also.
In fact, Eli Manning 'fumbled' yesterday and his arm/ball motion were more clearly forward than Brady's was on that play.
As for the rule changes that Polian instigated: hmm don't recall the role-call on that, but it seemed pretty over-whelming to prevent the mugging that the Pats secondary got away with 2 years ago in Foxboro. Also, all the changes did was reaffirm what was already on the books: no contact past 5 yards with the receiver.
Personally, I would love it if the Bengals got the Pats in the playoffs. You're right the Pats are the king, and I would love to see the Bengals knock them off their pedestal. Won't happen because these are the Bengals we're talking about.

 

[kater]

Colts perfect season done and dusted - haven't seen Manning hit so many times in a long while.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Woo!Hoo! The Bengals win the AFC North! A playoff team for the first time in 15 years.
Of course, to some (like Ficus) this is old hat. But to me, this almost feels like a Super Bowl win. Speaking of Ficus and the Pats, I'm really starting to wonder if the Pats shouldn't be the favorites for the AFC going into the playoffs. It's not Indy's loss that makes me think this, but just that the Pats are really starting to look like themselves, which is the best team in the NFL.

 

[Banger]

George R.R. Martin weighs in on Tiki Barber.

 

[NeonKnight]

Thanks for the link Banger.

I always knew there was something extra special and more intelligent about Mr. Martin. This mysterious ingredient seemed somehow strangely familiar, and his esteemed status and evident superiority has now been confirmed:

George R. R. is a GIANT fan!

GIANTS 27 - Chiefs 17

George is dead right about Tiki as well. He is having another Pro Bowl season and is a legit MVP candidate after his record breaking performance Saturday.

GIANTS roll over the Chiefs despite 5 starters being out and Eli still not that accurate. The NFC East is ours with just one more victory and that should come Saturday against the DeadSkins.

Congrats to Ficus Fan on the Pats! They are playing Belichek Defense once again, and no one will be surprised if they somehow make it to the big game.

Kudos also to Radone on the Bengals! (you sure you're not a Rayders fan?)

Should be interesting to see how the Colts, Bengals and Pats mix it up for the AFC crown.

 

[Davis Ashura]

I've just had the biggest smile on my face. 15 years in the wilderness. 15 miserable years with 4-12 teams a constant. Finally, back in the NFL as a legitimate contender. I don't think any other sports team has suffered with such a miserable streak of horrible achievement (I know no one in the NFL has since the Bengals had a ten year mark during these atrocious years that was worse than anything in NFL history, including the 70's Buccaneers). It just feels good.

 

[Eperitos]

I don't think any other sports team has suffered with such a miserable streak of horrible achievement (I know no one in the NFL has since the Bengals had a ten year mark during these atrocious years that was worse than anything in NFL history, including the 70's Buccaneers). It just feels good.

Two words.

Arizona Cardinals.


Its great to see that my favorite fantasy author (GRRM) is a fan of my favorite football (american version) team (NY Giants). He is dead on about Tiki. I think Tiki is a tremendously underrated runningback. After his record performance I hope he gets a bit more recognition.

Of Course it didn't hurt his cause that the Kansas City Chiefs missed about 384 tackles in the game.

 

[Davis Ashura]

Two words.

Arizona Cardinals.

They made the playoff in 1998 and even won a game I think. Other than that, you're right, they've sucked pretty hard.

 

[NeonKnight]

I don't think any other sports team has suffered with such a miserable streak of horrible achievement (I know no one in the NFL has since the Bengals had a ten year mark during these atrocious years that was worse than anything in NFL history, including the 70's Buccaneers). It just feels good.

I realize the Bengals have been bad, but I really feel pity for fans of the pathetic Detroit Lions. One of the NFL's oldest teams, they have never even sniffed the Super Bowl. (and at least the Bengals have been to the game)

How about the Lion fan who put his loyalty for sale on EBAY? Talk about miserable... (but he does get points for creativity in the face of hopeless despair)

 

[Eperitos]

Yeah. The Millen Man march was pretty funny. You have to give Lion fans credit for being creative in their misery.

 

[FicusFan]

Thanks for the link Banger.

I always knew there was something extra special and more intelligent about Mr. Martin. This mysterious ingredient seemed somehow strangely familiar, and his esteemed status and evident superiority has now been confirmed:

George R. R. is a GIANT fan!

GIANTS 27 - Chiefs 17

George is dead right about Tiki as well. He is having another Pro Bowl season and is a legit MVP candidate after his record breaking performance Saturday.

GIANTS roll over the Chiefs despite 5 starters being out and Eli still not that accurate. The NFC East is ours with just one more victory and that should come Saturday against the DeadSkins.

Congrats to Ficus Fan on the Pats! They are playing Belichek Defense once again, and no one will be surprised if they somehow make it to the big game.

Kudos also to Radone on the Bengals! (you sure you're not a Rayders fan?)

Should be interesting to see how the Colts, Bengals and Pats mix it up for the AFC crown.

GRRM is also a Jets fan. I taunt him each February at Boskone about the Pats winning the SB, and he says he still is angry at the Pats for stealing Bill Belichick away from the Jets. He may like the Giants too, but when we talk about the SB it is the Jets he says will win next year. Of course this is from last Feb before Pennington ruined his arm again, perhaps he has given up on them. Hmm I will have to make him suffer for this in '06, regardless of who wins the SB.

But I do agree Tiki Barber is way cool. The Giants are exciting because with Eli it is neat to see such a young one doing so well. Hang in there Neon, and good things will come.

Speaking of Young Ones -- is the Bucs QB Simms (forget his first name), older than 16 ? He looks lost in his helmet on the field, so young, and then with the helmet off he looks maybe 17. He has guts and poise, and skill - even though he got squashed a lot by the D. But my oh my is he a young one.

Congrats Radone - good luck on the Bengals, but of course not too much luck

The Pats are playing well and I would not be unhappy to see them in the playoffs, and in the Big Game. But of course there are many games to go before that happens.

 

[FicusFan]

I've just had the biggest smile on my face. 15 years in the wilderness. 15 miserable years with 4-12 teams a constant. Finally, back in the NFL as a legitimate contender. I don't think any other sports team has suffered with such a miserable streak of horrible achievement (I know no one in the NFL has since the Bengals had a ten year mark during these atrocious years that was worse than anything in NFL history, including the 70's Buccaneers). It just feels good.

I will give you an old hand's tip: There are T-shirts somewhere in your city that say 2005 AFC North Division Champion. Find them and get yourself one (or a hat - whatever floats your boat). Or get one off the web. If you have waited so long you deserve to splurge. They don't often print a lot of them, and they can go fast, but think of it as the start of your collection. Who knows maybe you will get an AFC Champion one to go after it, and then who knows.

But in any event you will have something tangible to mark the big win.