NFL OFFSEASON DISCUSSION THREAD

[e_lateralus]

I agree somewhat. I know that Vick has a cannon for an arm, but hes not so accurate, so yes, as a QB he is overrated. The problem ofcourse comes from the fact that even if you use a spy defense, how many linebackers are quick enough to stick with him play after play?

I do know that Im getting sick of all of this crap about hpw great the Falcons will do, just becuase Vick is healthy (for now). I know most die hard Falcon fans attributed more to their crappy play last year to their lackluster defense than to Vick being hurt.

I also have to disagree about Delhome (sp?). He is very, very well composed in close games. In fact he looks All Pro (to me) when the gamne is on the line, just looks at the footage from last year. He made near perfect passes when he needed to and that is something you truely need in a QB. Plus there is his leadership factor, which every offensive Panther has said he is great at on the field. I dont know if he will repeat all that this year, but I do know I would probably still be a Saints fan if they had dumped Aaron "the jackass" Brookes in order to keep Jake.

[Moviefan1234]

I disagree with TheDeadWalk's opinion of Vick. While he doesn't throw a ball as well as some of the other big names, he puts the ball where it needs to be. You put above average passing skills like he has with his freakish speed and you have one of the biggest threats in the league. If the defense lets him get loose, have fun trying to run him down. Trying to catch him is like attempting to run down a Jack Rabbit. Then when they put a spy or two following his every move, he'll burn you with a pass. However, think e_lateralus has a good point about their defense. Drafting DeAngelo Hall should help, but how much better they are as a whole is yet to be seen. If Vick stays healthy they'll most likely be a wildcard berth.

[e_lateralus]

I do know that one of their biggest defensive problems last year was the lack of an outside rush, thus why they moved Brooking to OLB. Now, they still need somebody to step up over the middle, but, with Brooking on the outside that couldnt hurt that aspect of the D at all, as long as he stays healthy. Plus the Falcons also picked up CB Jason Webster from San Fran and DT Rod Coleman from Oakland, thus giving even more stability to their defense. The only thing for the Falcons is that their defense last year was downright bad, giving up alot of points to practically everybody they lined up against. Oh well, Ill repeat myself again, I guess well have to wait and see how it works out.

[horrorfreak13]

No dought about it Vick is an amazing athlete and can out run a defense I think Delhomme is more accurate than Vick but the problam with atlanta is they have no defense and that will hurt them because Atlanta is going to have to score 30+ points to win every time and that just won't happen Kansas City can do it because they have Holmes, Green, and a great offense.

Atlanta it will be tough for them to even make it because Washington, Minnesota, Dallas(yes I'll admit it even thought I hate them), and the loser out of the Rams-Seahawks battle is going to have a good shot at a wild card. The competetion for the NFC wild card is a lot tougher than the AFC

[RogueSpear]

It seems Deion "Way Past Prime Time" Sanders just doesn't know when to say when and is rumored to be making comeback with the Ravens. See link below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1860284

Personally, I can't stand the man and hope he plays just so he can get knocked on ass a few times. When will these guys learn?

[bmain77]

Getting caught up on some rather humorous stuff:

If Deion is still in shape he's a scary addition to that defense. I normally hate players like Deion, but he's in that special group of athletes like Charles Barkley that take arrogance and cockiness to such levels that you have to respect it. Primetime would be a great nickel back. They could move him outside and move Mcallister into the nickel spot and have him blitz the qb. He just gives an already very scary defense that many more options. If Lewis stays out of jail and Boller is just adequate at QB Baltimore could be my pick of the AFC for the Super Bowl.

All that being said when Dave Brown ran his ass over is still one of my all time favorite plays in sports history. Deion should have just walked off the field and retired after that play.

Andre Rison playing in the CFL just a few days after being ordered to pay over due child support payments.:D

Actually the national sports media is screwing this story up some. The courts still have his payments at levels commenserate with his days in the NFL. He's supporting his kids, but not at the actually unfair rates their expecting him too. Don't get me wrong I still dislike him rabidly, but this is one instant where an athlete is getting screwed some.

Did you hear the one about Lawrence Phillips selling a championship ring from Nebraska (not sure of which one...league, national championship...just a ring) to a collector for $20? The buyer of the ring then turned around and sold it on Ebay for $1700. Does it get any funnier than that?:D

[e_lateralus]

If that is true, then that is hilarious. $20? Jeez, could have gotten, ATLEAST $50 for it :D . Hats off to the guy that bought it though, that is one nice profit.

As for Deion, he is arrogant but he was (possibly still is) a really, really good CB. So fast and such fluent movement. Terrible baseball player, but thats another story, another thread.

Boller could be a problem though. To me (thus far this preseason), when hes in the pocket about to pass, he looks more like a third baseman about to make a throw to first, he just does not look comfortable back there. He has an arm, you have to give him that, but he just needs to relax and play. Thats what his problem looks like, to me anyways.

[bmain77]

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-18-Wed-2004/news/24563778.html


Here's a link I found to the story about Lawrence Phillips. I first heard about it on the radio.

[TheDeadWalk]

Originally posted by e_lateralus
I also have to disagree about Delhome (sp?). He is very, very well composed in close games. In fact he looks All Pro (to me) when the gamne is on the line, just looks at the footage from last year. He made near perfect passes when he needed to and that is something you truely need in a QB. Plus there is his leadership factor, which every offensive Panther has said he is great at on the field. I dont know if he will repeat all that this year, but I do know I would probably still be a Saints fan if they had dumped Aaron "the jackass" Brookes in order to keep Jake.

So Shaky Jake has great composure, and Vick has great charisma and a knack for running harsh down the field.

They still put up horrid numbers usually.

In the realms of stats and fantasy football, they virtually mirror each other throwing-wise.

[TheDeadWalk]

Cincinatti - 31

New England - 3


Jesus loves me, yes I know

for the bible tells me so.

[bmain77]

Here's this season's first edition of my weekly NFL opinions/rants etc....I know how much Papajupe loved them last season:D

If I actually end up having to follow the Bungles this season the world may indeed be about to end. Not only did I draft Carson Palmer as my backup (looking more and more like a good pick up) but they also had to draft Chris Perry who has shown some flashes thus far. I just might end up eating crow for my past opinions of Palmer.

William Mcgahee (I;ll never figure his last name out for some reason) if reports are correct just might be the biggest dickhead to come out of Miami in recent years...yes exceeding ever Winslow Jr. Again this is only assuming the reports of his trade demands are true. Even Michael Irvin called him ungrateful to be making demands like this in the face of the franchise who gave him a chance by making him a first rd. draft choice and giving a way more than fair contract.

I'm ready to make it official that Joey Harrington isn't going to be a bust. The last two weeks you can see how much he has progressed as a leader since last season. He is much more decisive and just seem to carry himself with a lot more confidence on the field. It also helps that Charles Rogers is also looking like stud whom I kicking myself for not drafting now. Roy Williams still hasn't done anything though, but with Tai Streets and Az Hakim still on the roster I'm not going to get too worried. Kevin Jones showed great speed, good power, and a couple nifty moves yesterday. I really expect huge things from this guy. The Lions defense on the other hand not so much. I thought the run defense wouldn't be a problem, but that the passing would be. So far it looks to be the other way around. That being said the Lions still haven't played with all their DBs yet.

Lee Suggs looked to be unstoppable yesterday, but again that might have to do a lot with the Lions D. I called getting Chad Johnson late the 3rd of our fantasy draft the steal of the draft, but whomever it was that took Suggs might get that title now.

Anyone who does think Jake Delhomme is for real needs to take a look again at last season. Statistically he may not be the greatest, though I believe the Panthers did lead the league in plays over 20 yds last seaosn. But look at his Super Bowl performance last season. I was pulling hard for Brady, but I came away from that game with a whole new respect for Delhomme. He's got a Brett Favre sort of swagger to him that wouldn't bet against too often.

So how bout that Phillip Rivers. Man he looks great:D

And of course I can't go without pointing out that Manning looks more and more like the logical starter for the Giants and if he isn't it'll just to keep him out of week 1 away from the defense of the Eagles and probably more importantly the wrath of those oh so friendly Philiadelphia fans.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by bmain77
Andre Rison playing in the CFL just a few days after being ordered to pay over due child support payments.:D


We had Lawrence Phillips up here after failing in the NFL and he did well until he decided to do whatever and leave but Andre Rison being up here could be good.

As for Willis McGahee well name 1 team he could possibly start for Miami and the Bills aren't trading him to them and I can't really think of anybody else well there's the 49ers since I have no clue who their RB is.

Watched another Redskins preseason game winning 17-0 over Miami their O-line was great and they had a lot of rushing yards 181 and had the ball for 41 minutes damn I can't wait until the season starts

As for Eli Manning vs the Eagles in week 1 here's what I would hope happens both teams since I ahte them probably the Eagles more because of terell Owens they both go and beat the living hell out of each other and it ends up being a bloodbath.

[e_lateralus]

San Francisco's RB is Kevan Barlow BTW.

I have top agree with Bmain here about Magahee, what an ass. He just had his knee completely reconstructed and he's bitching about not starting? He hasnt proven crap to me in the NFL and, a good college player isnt always a good NFL player, lets not forget Lawrence Phillips.

The only reason why I cant completely go with Manning a THE definite starter is only becuase its still only the preseason. The defenses arent going to use all of their best schemes now and most of the players seemingly are playing only not to get hurt. The main reason I see him as the starter, however, is that they have already invested so much money in him that they arent going to just let a $20 million dollar signing bonus player ride the bench. I guess well have to see how it turns out. Lets not forget that Warner was (possibly still is) the # 1 QB all time on the QB rating list, a tough accomplishment. Plus, going back to the preseason issue, lets not forget who is leading the NFL this preseason in QB rating: Drew Brees. A man who has screwed up practically every season of his carreer with horrible play.

[Moviefan1234]

I don't buy that story on McGahee. Tom Donahoe has said he only heard of it in the papers. McGahee was interviewed on the NFL Network after the story was out, and he said his job this season is to have Travis' back and be a change of pace runner. That story may be bullshit, it's never been confirmed.

[bmain77]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
I don't buy that story on McGahee. Tom Donahoe has said he only heard of it in the papers. McGahee was interviewed on the NFL Network after the story was out, and he said his job this season is to have Travis' back and be a change of pace runner. That story may be bullshit, it's never been confirmed.

I was thinking the story was bs too, but ESPN had been reporting that is was true. If either RB goes it'll be Henry. McGahee has to realize that he's going nowhere. He has more upside than Henry, but he'll have to get a lot of regular season carries before a team will even consider taking a risk on him.

Really the only RB that I can think of who has come 100% all the way back from serious knee injuries like this is Garrison Hearst. I still say Edgerrin wasn't quite all there last season. But now Fred Taylor comes to mind too so maybe I just blew my own theory out of the water.

On the flip side of this Henry needs to keep his yap shut too. I suppose I'd be pissed off too if I was in his shoes. Yet Buffalo has been more than fair with him. They also gave him a very good contract as well. Anyways down the road when he does get traded I'm quite certain he's going to enjoy playing out his career in either Miami or Oakland (This is assuming the trade would happen soon)...after much more than in cold and dreary Buffalo.

I heard another interesting story today. It seems Ray Lewis was calling the defense according to a script like some offenses do at the start of a game. On that first play where T.O. took it to the house Ray called a play in which he anticipated Owens slanting across the middle (as if Philly was going to do that with TO in the pre-season) so that he could put his hit on Owens. But it left TO all alone with Baltimore's backup CB which as we saw wasn't even a contest. I just thought it was sort of funny and sort of scary at the same time. I like that fact that the NFL is still a coaches game and thank god is not ran by the inmates like say the NBA.

I'm not liking this precedent of now defensive players called their own plays. It's one thing when you have Payton Manning calling his own shots, but hey he's Payton Manning. He's a totally different cat than Ray Lewis. Letting Lewis call out he defense is like giving Leonard Little a bottle of Jack and keys to his car.

[Moviefan1234]

The rumblings around Buffalo is that Henry will be traded after the season. I'm not too keen on that idea, the guy is an absolute workhorse. He'll do anything the team asks of him, and he doesn't complain. Does McGahee have the same work ethic? Is he as much of team guy as Travis? The answers aren't known yet. The major negative with Travis Henry is that sometimes he does have a fumbling problem. In the first two preseason games McGahee has looked pretty good, but we really won't know how good he's going to be until towards the end of the year. You can tell he still favors his knee and doesn't have the explosiveness he had at Miami yet, which is very understandable considering the injury. But the big question is, can he attain it again in the future?

[e_lateralus]

Yes Henry is sort of a less arrogant version of Portis in that he will do anything he has to in order for a play to succeed (even block, a word that has seemingly been erased from many Running Back's vocabulary). I could not forsee this being a good idea for the Bills.

As far as Ray Lewis is concerned, I dont see how that is that bad of a thing, if and only if he studies as much as Peyton does. My Gos, Ive heard on the street that the man studies game film practically 24/7, assuming there is no game.

[TheDeadWalk]

Originally posted by e_lateralus
Yes Henry is sort of a less arrogant version of Portis in that he will do anything he has to in order for a play to succeed (even block, a word that has seemingly been erased from many Running Back's vocabulary). I could not forsee this being a good idea for the Bills.



I never thought Portis to be arrogant, just humorous. He is intentionally goofy, in a great unique way.

Everyone knew he was friends with Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith. When he was told in an interview that they said he would do well in his knew home, he replied "I don't know why they're sticking up for me. I don't really like either of them." He's just messing.

Same as when he was leaving a practice a few weeks ago and shouted "LaDanian caught 100 last year, this year I'm gettin 150!"

He's a goofball; intentionally.

[Rated R]

Working full time right now, and I have limited sports channels so I haven't really been following pre-season football. Also in Canada, NFL takes a backseat to everything, argh! Once the regular season hits though, I never work on Sundays, so I'm all set ya'll!
I'll be a regular contibutor to the NFL forum for sure! Go Miami...oh god I think I'm going to cry.

[e_lateralus]

Originally posted by TheDeadWalk
I never thought Portis to be arrogant, just humorous. He is intentionally goofy, in a great unique way.

Everyone knew he was friends with Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith. When he was told in an interview that they said he would do well in his knew home, he replied "I don't know why they're sticking up for me. I don't really like either of them." He's just messing.

Same as when he was leaving a practice a few weeks ago and shouted "LaDanian caught 100 last year, this year I'm gettin 150!"

He's a goofball; intentionally.

I never quite got that from him, but Ive really only seen him talk in the short clips that are shown on ESPN and whatnot. Ill take your word for it as you seem to know more about him than I. The "I don't really like either of them" quotation was funny.

[TheDeadWalk]

e_lateralus:

For your entertainment (or loathing pleasure)

Portis is a colorful addition for Redskins

By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer
August 3, 2004
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) --

Clinton Portis is a colorful character. Literally.

He drives a lemon-yellow 1974 Caprice Classic. His flashy wardrobe runs the gamut from pink to green and everything in between. He can't seem to go five minutes without cracking a joke -- and some of them are actually funny.

``I'm not going to be like everyone else,'' the Washington Redskins running back said. ``I'm having a sense of humor, not caring what people think. I'm going to wear whatever I feel comfortable wearing. If I want to put on yellow that day, if I want to put on pink, if I want to put on lime green, I'm going to put it on and not feel bothered by it.''

Portis came to the Redskins in one of the biggest NFL trades in recent years -- a swap of Pro Bowlers that sent Champ Bailey to Denver -- and he's wasted little time making his presence known. His sharp, crisp runs have been one of the highlights of the early days of training camp, and his dry witticisms are becoming a favorite daily ritual.

The highlights:

-- Portis made a fake announcement that he was following Miami running back Ricky Williams into retirement, giving reasons that parodied Williams' bizarre departure. ``My dog's real sick. I need to spend more time with my dog,'' Portis said.

-- Asked to comment on the competition between nice-guy quarterbacks Mark Brunell and Patrick Ramsey, Portis kept a serious face and said: ``They're actually jerks.''

-- Discussing San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Portis had bad news for Redskins receivers Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner: ``LaDainian had 100 catches last year. I talked to coach. I'm probably going to get 101, just to better LaDainian. I told Laveranues, he might not make it to the Pro Bowl. Rod Gardner, they can hang it up. I'm going to do everything around here.''

Maybe that's not too far from the truth. After all, the Redskins want bang for their bucks after giving Portis an eight-year, $50.5 million contract. Besides, Portis is aware of coach Joe Gibbs' successful track record with running backs.

``I don't know about 101 catches,'' said Gibbs, laughing at Portis' remarks. ``He's going to touch it a lot. His tongue's going to be hanging out.''

Portis brims with self-confidence, a product of a Mississippi childhood surrounded by two older brothers and much older cousins.

``My cousins always picked on me,'' Portis said. ``It was my cousins picking on me for stuff my brothers would do to them.''

Instead of wilting, Portis thrived by developing his sense of humor and an against-the-odds, can-do attitude. He needed both when his childhood was repeated, in a sense, when he was drafted by the Broncos and found himself surrounded by the likes of Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith and Tom Nalen.

``They thought they were my brothers, too,'' Portis said. ``Those guys always gave me bad advice. I don't think they wished the best for me.''

Portis was half-joking. Yes, the vets played pranks, but he's good friends with them all and is looking forward to seeing them again when the Redskins and Broncos meet in Monday's Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.

``I haven't talked to Shannon lately, but I hear he's been pumping me up. He's made some good comments about me, even though I don't like him all that much,'' said Portis, laughing again.

For now, the trade to the Redskins has opened a new world for Portis. He is suddenly the big-money star -- no longer the spunky little kid getting picked on.

``I'm 22 and the leader of a professional football team that probably has the biggest fan base in the world,'' Portis said. ``It makes you grow up quicker. You've got to carry yourself to the level that you don't go out and disgrace the team whenever you're doing something. ... That's just a different feel. Now guys are looking up to me.''

Except, perhaps, when he breaks out those lime green clothes.

[Moviefan1234]

Take this with a grain of salt, but it's an interesting read nonetheless:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/nfl/08/25/bc.fbp.lgns.rwilliamsretirement.r/index.html?cnn=yes

[e_lateralus]

Thanks for the article, Dead walk. I now understand what you meant when you said he was a "goofball". Appreciate it.