NFL 2009

Posted by: JamieL_v2 on 15 September 2009

I know a lot of people here will not be fans, but I know there are a few who are, so I though a thread for the new season would get some interesting contributions.

Not quite seen all the week one results, but Pittsburgh looked strong, as did Tennessee, great opener.

Here are some predictions I posted on another (small) forum:

NFC
The NFC has few stand out teams, a lot falling back, and a few rebuilding. The South is strong, as is the East, the North competitive, only the West has a number of weak teams. New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers I think will be in the play-offs, the rest will be very close, with a handful of poor teams at the bottom.

NFC East:
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

Close division, but they are all tough. The Giants will probably be the most consistent team. Dallas still have a lot of talented players, it is just whether they will gel into a team. I just don't believe that Phildelphia will be anything special, McNabb is getting old. Washington will find it a hard division to compete in, but we not be bad.

NFC North
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions

I think Green Bay will build on last year, Minnesota's running game will be good. I don't think Jay Cutler is the final piece needed for Chicago, I think he will be disruptive, I do think that Detroit will win more games than last year (they lost all 16 for those who do not know).

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints
Carloina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I think that each team has won this division at least once in the last five years. Tampa might be rebuilding under a new coach, but the other three are all competitive.

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49'ers
St Loius Rams

Arizona will not take teams by suprise this year, but will be good, and do not have a lot of competition in the division.

Division winners: New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals
Wild Cards: Minnesota Vikings, and one of Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Carloina Panthers - it is that even.
Weak teams: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49'ers, St Loius Rams

AFC
Steelers, Patriots, Chargers are the class of the AFC, an awful lot of other good teams, and oh dear, how the AFC West has fallen. San Diego can book their playoff birth now (you don't know how that pains me to say)

AFC East:
New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
Buffalo Bills

With Brady back The Patriots will be the class of the division again, Miami will be good, the Jets are rebuilding, will have as lot of pieces though, and Buffalo will probably start strong and fade as they often do. Strong division.

AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers are just a great consistent team, brilliantly run, a coach who has the confidence that he will be backed, a quarterback who is just a winner. I know they won last year, but hard to pick against them. The Ravens will be tough, play hard football and give Pittsburgh a run for the division. Cleveland and Cincinnati are so, so.

AFC South:
Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans

A lot of talent in this division, I think the Titans will remain good, Jeff Fisher is such a good coach, the Colts are still very strong. Jacksonville will be much stronger than last year's disarray, and Houston have a tough job to complete against such strong teams.

AFC West:
San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders

The AFC Worst as it was known last year, San Diego are head and shoulders above the rest, who are all rebuilding, or in the case of Oakland, just a mess. Denver so long a contender have fallen apart since the sacking of Shannahan, good riddance to Cutler, but they do not have a replacement, a long season ahead.

Division winners: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers
Wild cards: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts (Dolphins could be there too).

The NFL looks more open and even than it has for years, there are few teams that can be pencilled in division winners, last years winners Pittsbugh are hard to pick against, and San Diego are very good in a division with no opposition. New England will be back, but the Dolphins are a good team to challenge. Indianalpolis will be strong, but have a new coach, so it might not gel as under Dungy. The NFC is grown stranger over the last few years, and the best teams are on a par with the AFC's best.

Looking back at my picks for last year, they were so wrong, this year will be no better. Some teams who looked like no-hoper's will rise, and some team who look like winners will get key injuries, or fall apart. Remember how Dallas looked sure to win the Superbowl this time last year, but didn't even make the playoffs.

If I had to pick a Superbowl it would be New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers, but that is a dull pick, as it is the last two winners against each other. They are both the team to beat in their conference, but a lot of teams will run them close.

Teams in italic are weak and will not compete.

Since writing that, I must add that Green bay look like a very strong contender for the Superbowl too. I may also have under-rated Seattle who have gained some good players. I wrote this before Favre joined Minnesota, he might be a good fit there as the running game should stop him from having to try win in the 4th quarter, but I still think is gambles too much, and will throw a lot of interceptions.

Speaking of interceptions, I did see jay Cuttler's first half at Chicago. Ha, ha, not so great without the rest of the Denver offense. (I am now going to catch the second half, and will probably have to eat my works - but I don;t think so really).

There are teams I have disliked in the past, but this year there is one I am saving nearly all my spleen for, I will not forgive what I consider unforgivable, and I neither like the coach or the incumbent QB, let alone the animal torturer they have taken on:
Posted on: 30 September 2009 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
Bad for MilesSmiles and other Dolphins fans, Chad Pennington is out for the season with a torn shoulder. Chad Henne will replace him.

It could very well be the end of Pennington's career, as his contract with the Dolphins ends this year, and he has already come back from past injuries. Sad.

ESPN


Truely the hex of the perfect pre-season. Frown
Posted on: 30 September 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
I am not counting a 10:0 first half against The Raiders as a win either, they can run, and it is the fourth quarter where that counts.


I am so embarassed for my team. Please do not hold back because I am a Raiders fan and you for the Broncos. My team SUCKS and I am not afraid to admit it. You guys look like you have a pretty decent running game in progress. And a decent O line.

Now I have to cringe while the Houston gunslingers lay waste to my inept d.

#$%$

Shame about pennington. How about 4 quarters of wildcat?

Niners lost a heartbreaker, damn you Brett Favre. Funny, last time he was in the SF Bay Area he and the Jets lost to the raiders on a heartbreaker 67 yard field goal or something close to that. I was there and it was mayhem.
Posted on: 30 September 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
I am still wearing a black armband after the inept performance of the Browns... Frown

Jim


I sympathize Jim. That WAS horrible. Oh my. My team may be worse.
Posted on: 30 September 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by munch:
John,
I hope you are still playing real football?
Stu


4 times a week. I have practice tonight. I joined a new team of half plonkers/half skilled players. I am not sure which half I am, maybe both.

Coaching too. Woody has scored 10 goals in 3 games. 7 yrs old and he can score on the first touch. Last week he took the ball on his right, spun around the defender in one move and smacked it in with his left. What the?!?! Kids and parents just sort of stood there with a puzzled look "did he just do what I think he did?" Nothing like football unencumbered by expectations, politics and egos.
Posted on: 30 September 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Nice one John.
Dont forget to add money to the list. Winker
Dont over play him at that age.
Even though he will want too.
Stu


Yep - I always keep your story close at hand. He plays twice a week.
Posted on: 01 October 2009 by Exiled Highlander
I wish I could find a team in London....it was much easier to play in Illinois and Ohio!

Jim
Posted on: 04 October 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
I wish I could find a team in London....it was much easier to play in Illinois and Ohio!

Jim


Ironic. I have always had luck finding a game in Hyde Park. A team is a different story. Just played central defense for my team this morning - we played the game with only 8 men to their 11+subs - and were able to hold them to a draw. I also was able to entice a retaliation red card on one of their players to bring their numbers to 10 for the end of the second half. I gave him a few hard tackles in a row and he just lost it and took a swing at me. Love the game and all the strategy that goes on between the ears. But hang on - isnt this an NFL thread!?!? Sorry for the hijack...
Posted on: 05 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
Really enjoyed the games on UK TV this weekend.

Baltimore at New England felt like it could be an AFC Championship preview to me.

Denver beating Dallas was a surprise, as was Denver having a defence. Still think Orton is not up to the job of QB.

San Diego at Pittsburgh was great too, Pittsburgh do have a real problem in the 4th quarter, giving up 21 points, you will win many games doing that, god job for them they had such a great first half.

Now 1/4 through the season (bar tonight's game/off weeks for some), it is interesting to look at my predictions.

NFC

MY Giants are really solid, and Steve Smith has emerged as a top receiver.

New Orleans are an awful lot of fun to watch, and good. Atlanta are carrying on from last year.

Perhaps not a big surprise, but San Francisco are far better then I expected, Mike Singletary are just what they needed as coach. Green Bay, Minnesota and Chicago all look good.

Arizona and Carolina are failing badly.

AFC

The Jets are surprisingly good, and Sanchez might this years Ryan at QB. New England are back to their usual powerful selves.

How about the Bengals, playing well, hard football. Pittsburgh a bit shaky, but a lot of talent, and Baltimore are just what I expected.

Tennessee are the biggest surprise to me, it is not as if they are playing badly, they are just not winning, Kerry Collins is so solid though. Indianapolis are having no problems under their new coach, and good to see Jacksonville improving (about which I was right, so far).

Obviously I am really pleased with the Broncos, and they are playing good(ish) defence. The Chargers are their usual selves, lots of talent, not all playing on the same page. Norv Turner is just not a good head coach.

Someone commented this weekend that it was a pity that when Tom Cable broke the jaw of one of his assistants, it was a pity that it wasn't J'Marcus Russell, their QB instead.

Still feel good about the Giants for the Superbowl, New Orleans or the NFC North teams are all strong candidates. The AFC is back to the usual suspects, New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Baltimore I think.

I am enjoying this season so much.

Is anyone here going to the Wembley game? I say game but I think massacre might be more the case, unless the Patriots are severely jet lagged, and Tampas Coach threatens to leave behind anyone who plays badly (but then who would he field the week afterwards?).
Posted on: 05 October 2009 by DMC
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:


Baltimore at New England felt like it could be an AFC Championship preview to me.


Jaime, perhaps you didn't get the memo. The New England Patriots are Satan's Evil Spawn. We do not encourage them. Cool

quote:
Denver beating Dallas was a surprise, as was Denver having a defence. Still think Orton is not up to the job of QB.


Dallas has a habit of loosing important games. Tony Romo has a habit of being sacked and fumbling the football, only thing I've seen him do consistently.


quote:
New Orleans are an awful lot of fun to watch, and good. Atlanta are carrying on from last year.


Like to see the Aints' go all the way this year. Fingers crossed. Like The Falcs too.

quote:
Perhaps not a big surprise, but San Francisco are far better then I expected, Mike Singletary are just what they needed as coach. Green Bay, Minnesota and Chicago all look good.


Yes, a good coach for SF, finally. Don't worry, it's early in the season, too early to tell if they are for real. It would be nice to have at least one west coast team (in that conference) look good this year.

quote:
Arizona and Carolina are failing badly.



They were always mediocre teams, IMHO..



quote:
The Jets are surprisingly good, and Sanchez might this years Ryan at QB.


I like Sanchez too, like everybody else, but I've seen some really shaky play from him. He needs more time to mature as a passer QB ect.. ect..




quote:
Someone commented this weekend that it was a pity that when Tom Cable broke the jaw of one of his assistants, it was a pity that it wasn't J'Marcus Russell, their QB instead.


Really, Jaime,.. You do go on.. Winker



quote:
I say game but I think massacre might be more the case, unless the Patriots are severely jet lagged, and Tampas Coach threatens to leave behind anyone who plays badly (but then who would he field the week afterwards?).



I don't hold out much hope for this one either. Confused


DMC
Posted on: 05 October 2009 by John M
Nice Jamie. Take a piss on the Raiders, the consensus worst team in football. Winker But I dont blame you. It is hard being a football fan in the East Bay Area. Raiders and Cal Bears can't find a shred of offense or defense really. And on the other side of the bay SF are really respectable and Stanford is 3-0. I think Cable may end up in serious trouble with the law.

Anyway it was great seeing the rematch of the AFC championship with the Chargers vs. Steelers. I actually turned it off after it was 28 zip. I guess I missed a little excitement?

Having lived in NY for almost 20 years I am happy to see the Giants going strong. I am not sure Steve Smith will hold up, but good on him for such a great game. Now if Eli can just recover quickly! I really like Brandon Jacobs too.

I am really disappointed about the Baltimore/NE game. I hate the Pats and to see the refs baby Tom Brady the way they did was really ridiculous. Everyone, including Ray Lewis most notably, is screaming about the 2 roughing calls that were not even in the spirit of the rule, much less the actual letter of it. I really think it is money talking there because the sponsors and league want to protect their investment in Brady. They must think that people only watch to see Brady prance around. I think he would rather be at home sucking on Giselle's belly ring (I think I might...) I say let him take a hit like everyone else does and be done with it.

I am looking forward to tonights game with Favre taking on his old team in a rivalry that dates back to before he was even in the league. I am liking the Vikings right now, but the Pack a great to watch with Rodgers at the helm, too! I am just going to turn down the sound and listen a few records instead of the idiots in the booth.
Posted on: 05 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
quote:
Originally posted by John M:
Nice Jamie. Take a piss on the Raiders, the consensus worst team in football.


I was only relating a comment from Channel 5 (in the UK) twitter group (I think).

Despite being a Broncos fan, I was quite impressed with what I saw from The Raiders running game and defense.

I must also say I haven't said anything about the Raiders QB, that I haven't said about Kyle Orton in Denver. I am amazed that The Broncos are winning despite his awful play.

I think the AFC West is wide open, 1:3 is no significant handicap to winning this division. Especially as The Broncos play their next six games against teams with winning records (last and this year).

Also, no way are The Raiders the worst team in football. I would possibly say they have the worst management, Al is living in the past too much, but their team and their coaching staff as fighting hard to win, and are no push over.
Posted on: 05 October 2009 by John M
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
quote:
Originally posted by John M:
Nice Jamie. Take a piss on the Raiders, the consensus worst team in football.


I was only relating a comment from Channel 5 (in the UK) twitter group (I think).

Despite being a Broncos fan, I was quite impressed with what I saw from The Raiders running game and defense.

I must also say I haven't said anything about the Raiders QB, that I haven't said about Kyle Orton in Denver. I am amazed that The Broncos are winning despite his awful play.

I think the AFC West is wide open, 1:3 is no significant handicap to winning this division. Especially as The Broncos play their next six games against teams with winning records (last and this year).

Also, no way are The Raiders the worst team in football. I would possibly say they have the worst management, Al is living in the past too much, but their team and their coaching staff as fighting hard to win, and are no push over.


That's nice of you to say, but the stats sure are significant. At least you guys have some serious receivers and a quarterback that can actually pass TO them (!!!) Marshall/Royal/Stokeley are really impressive and Moreno is coming into his own as an RB. And as much as he pisses me off, Champ Bailey is a certified pro bowl superstar, second only to my Asomugha.

I am just so sick of seeing passes dropped and/or going nowhere. Building year? I have had about eight of them in a row and I am getting pretty weary. And now the Head Coach socks someone who probably deserved it but as they say, its another day in Raiderland. HELP ME!!!!!
Posted on: 06 October 2009 by John M
And now my star first round running back is out for knee surgery. In the two years since he was picked he has played a total of about 6 games with 6 fumbles, maybe 2 TDs and yardage I cant even mention.

But that was a fun game to watch last night. Favre put together a masterpiece performance along with his WR's.
Posted on: 12 October 2009 by John M
Come now, there must be some chatter after this weekend. My favorite part was Chad Ochocinco getting his helmet popped like a pimple by Ray Lewis. That was one of the best hits I have ever seen and it could not have been applied or recieved by a more appropriate person. Unfortunately Lewis took out one of his own team mates in the process. PLEASE check this one out on youtube. His helmet literally flies off like a bottlerocket.

Jamie - NOW do you agree that I have the worst team in the nfl? Yeah we had to go against the Giants, but wow, was that bad. Russell can't pass, run or hold on to the ball. Maybe he can kick, if we could ever get within field goal range.

Right now I am watching the Jets/Dolphins and it is a corker!!!
Posted on: 12 October 2009 by John M
The wildcat offense is the best thing to happen to the NFL since the West Coast Offense. What a game. The Dolphins and the Jets rivalry never fails to satisfy. What an arm Sanchez has. What touch and poise Henne demonstrated in the final minutes. One beatiful flip over to Camarillo and another laser to get two key first downs on the final drive. Great game.
Posted on: 13 October 2009 by Exiled Highlander
John

Stop winding me up when I can't see them!! My Browns won a barnstorming thriller 6-3 over the Bills! Roll Eyes

Derek Anderson demonstrated what a rocket arm he has by going 2 for 17 for 23yds. - I bet that had the crowd in the stadium and watching on TV rivted to their seats!! But, hey, a win is a win and the defence is playing well.

You guys need to let Russell go and sign Brady Quinn who I'm still convinced is an NFL calibre quarterback but he is a bad situation in Cleveland.

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 13 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
I have been trying to find time to comment on this weekend, but didn't want to come over as smug. I am however very, very happy.

Interesting comment from Mike Carlsen who presents on UK Channel5, there are a number of teams this year who are awful, not just the outstanding loser like Detroit last year, and there is no one outstandingly good team, but a few very good ones.

I don't think The Raiders are the worst team, but perhaps have the most long term problem, their coach will never get the personnel to make a scheme work, and never feel the his job is more than temporary. From what I have seen Cable got the team ready to play their best at the start, but they are now falling apart, and can see insolvable problems in their ranks.

Mangini was a huge mistake for the Browns. Detroit and Tampa have a huge amount of rebuilding to do. Kansas I can't comment, well don't care really. I thought The Bills would be better, and what has happened to The Titans, although I like Indianapolis, the Sunday night game was painful to watch.

At the other end, The Giants, New Orleans, Minnesota and Colts all look very strong. New England, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, I believe are up there too. Cincinnati and Denver are looking good at the moment, much to my surprise and delight. They are both winning close games, but they are winning, and better to win without the style of say Indianapolis and just scrape through than to lose.

We don't get the Monday game in the UK this year, so sorry I missed what sounds like a great game.

Saw the Cincinnati at Baltimore game, Ray Lewis delivers such amazing hits, and is still one of the most exciting players, Ed Reed too (great beard!), and fun as the hit on Chad Johnson (Ochocinco?) was it did help lose the game for them. Still fun though.

I followed the Denver game on the radio, until I fell asleep (not boredom, very late night on Saturday) and it sounds as though they are using the 'wildcat' in a big way. I might also have to swallow my words about Kyle Orton, his stats are great, they should be with those receivers, and I think Denver fans might have to get used to a QB who 'manages' the game, and not have a gun armed ego there (I can see some logic in that now I write it down).

I usually catch the late game the day after recorded on the hard disc recorder, so have to avoid all NFL related sites, threads, etc. until I have found time to watch - that is part of they delay for me in commenting.
Posted on: 13 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
Listened to the 'PTI' and 'Around the Horn' podcasts last night (I love those shows).

I was pleased to hear that players are speaking out about Rush Limbah being one of those interested in buying (as part of a group) the St Louis Rams, and saying that they would not play for a team run by someone who has made such inflammatory comments about African Americans.

I remember when Arizona lost its hosting of the Superbowl when it did not make Martin Luther King Day a holiday like the vast majority of other US states. It was given back to them when they made it so.

Much as I like to knock Al Davis, it is also worth noting that it is 20 years since he made Art Shell the first African American head coach in the NFL. I may not agree with his love of the long ball game, or his pigheadedness, but he seems to me a man who's heart is in the right place on important matters.

As someone who lost their mother to breast cancer, I also appreciate the efforts being made by the NFL this month to publicise screening awareness.

As well as loving the sport of American Football, I also greatly admire the work of The NFL on race and helping the community.
Posted on: 13 October 2009 by MilesSmiles
Finally connected to the internet again, but still no Sky+. Anywho, great to see my Dolphins right back in the hunt. Beating the Jets with 6 seconds to go - how sweet is this. Cool
Posted on: 13 October 2009 by John M
I am really sick of the officiating this year. Too many calls where they needlessly insert themselves in the natural flow of the game. i.e. last night in the 4th quarter the PI call on the Dolphins, where the corner didnt even touch Braylon Edwards. They both just dove for the ball. Let the Jets back into the game. So many PI calls like this that I have seen where it really is a non call. Then the roughing the passer calls are just completely out of control, week after week. A shoulder bump is roughing? The quarterbacks are eating it up, too, taking dives like Rooney (insert your favorite floppy soccer player's name here.)
Posted on: 14 October 2009 by Exiled Highlander
Jamie
quote:
Mangini was a huge mistake for the Browns.
Why?

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 15 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
quote:
Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
Jamie
quote:
Mangini was a huge mistake for the Browns.
Why?

Cheers

Jim

Mangini won in his first year at The Jets, but then had two losing years, despite having fairly good management to deliver him quality players to work with.

His style is too headstrong/pigheaded and although he has taken that from Bill Belichick he does not have the winning record to back it up. He winds people up as a head coach, and he does not seem to inspire his players to their best.

He is one of a number of head coaches who have made brilliant head coordinators, but do not have that overall view, and ability to drive a team as a whole. Norv Turner comes to mind, and Herm Edwards, greatly respected by fellow coaches for their strategy, but they just don't deliver in the main job.

All that said, Cleveland fans could possibly say that about Bill Belichick, and it was in his second head coaching job, that he learned from his problems at Cleveland. Belichick did have the team falling apart and being taken away from the city, so it was a no win situation there anyway.

Just my opinion, but somewhat based on the few sports journalists/pundits I like to follow, Mike Carlsen (C5,UK), Tony Korheiser & Michael Wiburn (PTI,ESPN), etc.
Posted on: 15 October 2009 by Exiled Highlander
Jamie
quote:
Mangini won in his first year at The Jets, but then had two losing years, despite having fairly good management to deliver him quality players to work with.
No he didn't...he had two winning seasons out of 3. Remember too that he had an ageing and unfit Brett Favre thrust upon him and it was Favre's physical meltdown that cost the Jets a place in the play-offs.

Bellichick was run out of Cleveland because he had the guts to trade Bernie Kosar (the right decision) and he paid the price on a team that was being moved out of Cleveland to Baltimore anyway....

My jury is out on Mangini but the players are certainly playing for him - it's lack of talent that is Cleveland's main problem. Not sure you can judge a HC after 5 games in charge!

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 15 October 2009 by Exiled Highlander
Jamie

Tony Kornheiser knows as much about football as I do about ancient Greek agricultural methods in the 4th century BC....

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 15 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
quote:
Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
Jamie

Tony Kornheiser knows as much about football as I do about ancient Greek agricultural methods in the 4th century BC....

Cheers

Jim


Do you have any tapes of your Monday night Greek agricultural history programmes? Only joking.

I like Kornheiser, but he is far better on PTI than as part of the Monday night crew.

I hear Gruden is not popular on the show now, but we don't get it in the UK anymore.

I stand corrected on Mangini's third season at The Jets, but 9:7 didn't get them into the playoffs, and Favre does not seem to be doing too badly with The Vikings (much to my surprise). Still waiting to see if he hits 'the wall' after game ten, as he seemed to do with The Jets, so again, you might be right about Favre being past it.