American Football Discussion Thread
SharGuidesMyHand
Member Posts: 2,586
Since the boxing thread has taken off, I figured, why not try a thread on American football?
This season figured to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, and barely three weeks in, it's already been just that. So far, we've seen some of the best teams of last year get routed (Patriots, Dallas, Giants) and some of the worst pull off some rather impressive wins (Rams, Jaguars). Even teams like the Browns, the Bears, and most recently the 49ers have managed to impress even in defeat.
At 9:30 AM EST US, the Ravens will play the Jags in England in what will likely be a low-scoring, but perhaps interesting and dramatic game between two teams with strong defenses but "iffy" offenses (AFAIK, it's only viewable on Yahoo.com, though).
Later in the day, I'm looking forward to seeing the Eagles' defense stomp the Giants.
(for the record, I'm from New York, but don't particularly like the Giants).Thoughts? Predictions?
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They seem to be doing OK for now - they're crushing the Buccs so far.
P.S. Congrats to your Colts today, @tbone1
1.) Jaguars- Blake Bortles looked great against the Pats last week, and the defense is probably the best in the league.
2.) Rams- A great D-line that can get after any QB in the league, and a solid if not spectacular offense that works around Jared Goff's weaknesses.
3.) Vikings- The best top to bottom roster in the league, including the best receiver tandem and a top 3 defense. The offensive line could be their downfall against elite teams.
4.) Patriots- They'll be there at the end in the AFC Championship like always as long as Brady is playing.
5.) Eagles- They're the champs, and Wentz is back this weekend. However, they look far more vulnerable than last year.
Time for more Vikings predictions. Any insights in your neck of the woods? They've looked ok in pre-season so far but have they improved their o-line? That was their biggest weakness last year. I'd like to think we might see them in the NFC championship game again this year...
Impossible to say. I don't ever fear that the Vikings are going to be "bad" under Zimmer and Spielman, but I also never have any faith they are going to be "good". Personally, I think Cousins is getting way too much criticism for his play last year. He is the sole reason they managed to come away with a tie in Green Bay and the only reason they were even in the game when they played the Rams. Montana or Brady couldn't have done anything with that late-season O-line. On that front, they drafted by far the best Center in the draft, who is a day-one starter who can anchor the unit for years to come. His presence alone allows for more flexibility, so it can't be worse.
Other than that, it's all about the division. Aaron Rogers seems destined to clash with his new head coach. I never buy into the Bears even when they win 11 or 12 games. The Lions are completely hopeless. In the end, the Vikings are as consistent as it gets. Every 5 years, they are going to miss the playoffs twice, and make it three times. They'll lose in the wild card or divisional round in two of them, and once every 5 years, they will break your heart in the NFC Championship. This is basically scientific fact at this point.
It really depends on if they can get a more consistent running game and a little more pass protection for Cousins. If their defense is even just as good as last year they should be in contention. The NFC is wide open so they have as good a chance as anybody to make it to the Superbowl. Whether they can beat a team like New England, Pittsburgh or Kansas City once they get there is anybody's guess. I'm cautiously optimistic though...
The Colts fans booed him running off the field, and it was a trash move. I read a list of his injuries, and one of them was a lacerated kidney that caused him to piss blood. He has no idea what's wrong with his ankle and calf, and I wouldn't be surprised if watching Kevin Durant tear his achilles trying to come back in the NBA Finals while rushing back from a calf strain might have played into this. He's made nearly $100 million dollars, he's a Stanford graduate, he just got married and has a kid on the way. He probably just said "screw it, I don't need this in my life". Robert Smith was also a HIGHLY intelligent guy who recognized the same thing. Regardless, Andrew Luck doesn't "owe" Colts fans anything. I mean, if I was him, I probably wouldn't want to go through the car crash of getting hit by massive linebackers every week either. What's the point?? He has more money than he'll ever need. Granted, he is a #1 draft pick and a QB, so he has way more money to fall back on than most of these guys. But this is also why you are seeing running backs holding out every year now. They know they are damaged goods by the time they hit 30, and they may not even get into the league til they're 22. They are going to get one, maybe two contracts before they are playing for veteran minimums. The NFL has a problem coming within the next 10-20 years.