The American Football Thread

[Bloozcrooz]

Wow Vick is getting hammered almost every play. Philly has to have the worst offensive line in football. They're making the Saints d look like the 85 Bears right now. Pathetic

[Janszoon]

Woohoo! So excited that Philly lost! Now I don't have to listen to the annoying-ass Eagles fans that I'm surrounded by here.

[Bloozcrooz]

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Woohoo! So excited that Philly lost! Now I don't have to listen to the annoying-ass Eagles fans that I'm surrounded by here.

?

[Janszoon]

Originally Posted by Bloozcrooz

?

Did they not lose yet?

[Bloozcrooz]

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Did they not lose yet?

Doesn't look good for them, but they haven't lost it yet. 21-3 at halftime.

Now its over and ended ugly. I feel bad for Andy Reid actually watching him on the sidelines but this was a pathetic performance by the Eagles. I had no idea they were capable of playing this bad on both sides of the ball. No protection from the o-line and deffense just looked pitiful at best. They made the Saints deffense who if I'm not mistaken is the worst in the league, look like all american pro bowlers at every position. I thought maybe Asumogha and Chromartie may have been the Eagles x factor but they got torched all night long by Brees. I saw blown coverages and missed assignments one after another all night. So many different areas need to be addressed on this Eagles squad that its ridiculous. Its like watching the Cowboys

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Bloozcrooz

Doesn't look good for them, but they haven't lost it yet. 21-3 at halftime.

Now its over and ended ugly. I feel bad for Andy Reid actually watching him on the sidelines but this was a pathetic performance by the Eagles. I had no idea they were capable of playing this bad on both sides of the ball. No protection from the o-line and deffense just looked pitiful at best. They made the Saints deffense who if I'm not mistaken is the worst in the league, look like all american pro bowlers at every position. I thought maybe Asumogha and Chromartie may have been the Eagles x factor but they got torched all night long by Brees. I saw blown coverages and missed assignments one after another all night. So many different areas need to be addressed on this Eagles squad that its ridiculous. Its like watching the Cowboys

That pick six was the game honestly. Vicks receivers reallt let him down yesterday and obviously his offensive line is patchwork. The Eagles are pretty horrible. I don't see the Saints doing much better. They have the falcons twice, niners, and giants. I would consider that four more losses which will give them 9 losses and an early exit. Anything can happen but it doesn't look good.

[Thom Yorke]

Elite (Teams that are legit contenders, which seems to be a bigger group than usual)

1. 49ers (6-2) Still the best defense in the league, and their passing game may actually continue to click if they rely on Crabtree.

2. Texans (7-1) I'm starting to think the Packers game was an anomaly; this is a fantastically built team.

3. Falcons (8-0) Still a bit of hesitancy with them, but you can't ignore a perfect record.

4. Giants (6-3) Eli has been slipping lately, but we all know you can never count him out.

5. Packers (5-3) Finally starting to live up to their potential, despite having so many injuries; it doesn't matter who Rodgers throws to.

6. Patriots (5-3) The most explosive offense in the league will make them the favourites in almost any game, and will keep them in every other game.

7. Bears (7-1) I just can't get behind a team that relies so heavily on big-play defense. If they beat the Texans, they'll rocket up the rankings though.

8. Broncos (5-3) Finally got through the tough part of their schedule; expect them to keep climbing the rankings.

Second Tier (Teams that have some chance of doing some damage, but lack the pedigree of the elite teams)

9. Steelers (5-3) They are looking much better now, despite the injuries at RB.

10. Seahawks (5-3) Suffocating D and one of the best RBs in the league; that's a formula for success.

11. Ravens (6-2) I just can't support Flacco or a defense that decimated by injuries; they haven't suffered in the L column from it yet though.

Pretenders (Teams that have some sleeper potential, but are most likely non-threats)

12. Buccaneers (4-4) They've been in every game this year; they can't rely on historic running performances every week, but they may not need to with that balanced of an offense.

13. Colts (5-3) I am sold on Luck, but not on the rest of the team; still, they've been impressive so far.

14. Lions (4-4) They seem to have sorted out any issues they had; it's scary to think that Stafford and Johnson have so much more potential.

15. Vikings (5-3) Even their defense is letting them down now. It'll still be the Peterson/Harvin show, but that won't be enough with that schedule coming up.

16. Saints (3-5) They could be a big sleeper to squeak in at the end if they go on a roll, or at least be a spoiler against other teams; but they can't be a real factor until they fix the defense.

Mediocre (Teams that are just treading water)

17. Cowboys (3-5) They've been in most games this year, and have close losses to some really good teams, but there's always just an impending sense of doom around them.

18. Dolphins (4-4) I was enamored with their defense before, but teams may just resort to passing 100% of the time to take them down.

19. Bengals (3-5) Green continues to thrive despite teams knowing he's their only true weapon; Gresham may be able to take a little pressure off him in the future.

20. Eagles (3-5) What a mess. They still have enough talent to surprise some teams though.

21. Chargers (4-4) Their wins have come against the Raiders, Titans and Chiefs twice. They have a record that is inflated, and it's not even a great record.

22. Jets (3-5) It's either a solid performance, or a terrible performance. There is no in-between.

23. Redskins (3-6) RG3 finally appears to have hit a wall; don't expect much from them if he's not going.

Sub-Par (Teams that are bad but have the potential to surprise some teams)

24. Browns (2-7) They've realized that they should just keep going to Richardson, no matter what the score is.

25. Bills (3-5) Their defense is an absolute disaster; they won't be a factor until they can fix the defense, but they still have one of the better running attacks in the league.

26. Rams (3-5) Seems to be the same thing almost every year; maybe Amendola can provide them with a spark.

27. Cardinals (4-5) It's amazing just how important an offensive line is; the Cards should really think about picking one up.

28. Panthers (2-6) I don't see that win providing them with any kind of a spark; this is just not a very good team.

29. Raiders (3-5) So much for McFadden being the next Adrian Peterson.

30. Titans (3-6) Getting an 80 yard TD when you're down by 40 doesn't make you good CJ0K, it just means you get to pad your stats.

Bottom Feeders (Teams that are so bad they could be relegated to the now-defunct XFL)

31. Jaguars (1-7) Maybe there's some hope if they get MJD back...? Nah.

32. Chiefs (1-7) If you play fantasy football, pick up whichever defense is going up against KC's offense, no matter who you have to drop.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

7. Bears (7-1) I just can't get behind a team that relies so heavily on big-play defense. If they beat the Texans, they'll rocket up the rankings though.

I agree with the Bears comment. Yes, they have a rough schedule coming up. They MAY beat the Texans, but I'm pretty sure the 9ers are gonna pound on em.

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

30. Titans (3-6) Getting an 80 yard TD when you're down by 40 doesn't make you good CJ0K, it just means you get to pad your stats.

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Elite (Teams that are legit contenders, which seems to be a bigger group than usual)

1. 49ers (6-2) Still the best defense in the league, and their passing game may actually continue to click if they rely on Crabtree.

2. Texans (7-1) I'm starting to think the Packers game was an anomaly; this is a fantastically built team.

3. Falcons (8-0) Still a bit of hesitancy with them, but you can't ignore a perfect record.

4. Giants (6-3) Eli has been slipping lately, but we all know you can never count him out.

5. Packers (5-3) Finally starting to live up to their potential, despite having so many injuries; it doesn't matter who Rodgers throws to.

6. Patriots (5-3) The most explosive offense in the league will make them the favourites in almost any game, and will keep them in every other game.

7. Bears (7-1) I just can't get behind a team that relies so heavily on big-play defense. If they beat the Texans, they'll rocket up the rankings though.

8. Broncos (5-3) Finally got through the tough part of their schedule; expect them to keep climbing the rankings.

Second Tier (Teams that have some chance of doing some damage, but lack the pedigree of the elite teams)

9. Steelers (5-3) They are looking much better now, despite the injuries at RB.

10. Seahawks (5-3) Suffocating D and one of the best RBs in the league; that's a formula for success.

11. Ravens (6-2) I just can't support Flacco or a defense that decimated by injuries; they haven't suffered in the L column from it yet though.

Pretenders (Teams that have some sleeper potential, but are most likely non-threats)

12. Buccaneers (4-4) They've been in every game this year; they can't rely on historic running performances every week, but they may not need to with that balanced of an offense.

13. Colts (5-3) I am sold on Luck, but not on the rest of the team; still, they've been impressive so far.

14. Lions (4-4) They seem to have sorted out any issues they had; it's scary to think that Stafford and Johnson have so much more potential.

15. Vikings (5-3) Even their defense is letting them down now. It'll still be the Peterson/Harvin show, but that won't be enough with that schedule coming up.

16. Saints (3-5) They could be a big sleeper to squeak in at the end if they go on a roll, or at least be a spoiler against other teams; but they can't be a real factor until they fix the defense.

Mediocre (Teams that are just treading water)

17. Cowboys (3-5) They've been in most games this year, and have close losses to some really good teams, but there's always just an impending sense of doom around them.

18. Dolphins (4-4) I was enamored with their defense before, but teams may just resort to passing 100% of the time to take them down.

19. Bengals (3-5) Green continues to thrive despite teams knowing he's their only true weapon; Gresham may be able to take a little pressure off him in the future.

20. Eagles (3-5) What a mess. They still have enough talent to surprise some teams though.

21. Chargers (4-4) Their wins have come against the Raiders, Titans and Chiefs twice. They have a record that is inflated, and it's not even a great record.

22. Jets (3-5) It's either a solid performance, or a terrible performance. There is no in-between.

23. Redskins (3-6) RG3 finally appears to have hit a wall; don't expect much from them if he's not going.

Sub-Par (Teams that are bad but have the potential to surprise some teams)

24. Browns (2-7) They've realized that they should just keep going to Richardson, no matter what the score is.

25. Bills (3-5) Their defense is an absolute disaster; they won't be a factor until they can fix the defense, but they still have one of the better running attacks in the league.

26. Rams (3-5) Seems to be the same thing almost every year; maybe Amendola can provide them with a spark.

27. Cardinals (4-5) It's amazing just how important an offensive line is; the Cards should really think about picking one up.

28. Panthers (2-6) I don't see that win providing them with any kind of a spark; this is just not a very good team.

29. Raiders (3-5) So much for McFadden being the next Adrian Peterson.

30. Titans (3-6) Getting an 80 yard TD when you're down by 40 doesn't make you good CJ0K, it just means you get to pad your stats.

Bottom Feeders (Teams that are so bad they could be relegated to the now-defunct XFL)

31. Jaguars (1-7) Maybe there's some hope if they get MJD back...? Nah.

32. Chiefs (1-7) If you play fantasy football, pick up whichever defense is going up against KC's offense, no matter who you have to drop.

I'd have to put the falcons in the lead. I just can't discount a team that has found a way to win every week. I think your spot on with the Bears, if they find a way to slide past the Texans they are for real. Playing at home I like their chances as that defense is about as solid as they come. The Texans have been nicked up on defense with Cushing going down, but Watt and CO. have been picking up the slack.

I feel like the 49ers have not really proven themselves to me yet. I don't think i'd place them that high as good as their linebackers are. I certainly wouldn;t take them in a playoff matchup with the Packers or Giants. I understand your seeding for regular season however and your picks are pretty solid. I might swap the Broncos down below Pitt also, I just love pitts interior d- lineman that much and they always make a great push late in the season. I like their receiving corps also, maybe the best in the NFL on any given sunday. Solid analysis though overall.

[Bloozcrooz]

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Elite (Teams that are legit contenders, which seems to be a bigger group than usual)

1. 49ers (6-2) Still the best defense in the league, and their passing game may actually continue to click if they rely on Crabtree.

2. Texans (7-1) I'm starting to think the Packers game was an anomaly; this is a fantastically built team.

3. Falcons (8-0) Still a bit of hesitancy with them, but you can't ignore a perfect record.

4. Giants (6-3) Eli has been slipping lately, but we all know you can never count him out.

5. Packers (5-3) Finally starting to live up to their potential, despite having so many injuries; it doesn't matter who Rodgers throws to.

6. Patriots (5-3) The most explosive offense in the league will make them the favourites in almost any game, and will keep them in every other game.

7. Bears (7-1) I just can't get behind a team that relies so heavily on big-play defense. If they beat the Texans, they'll rocket up the rankings though.

8. Broncos (5-3) Finally got through the tough part of their schedule; expect them to keep climbing the rankings.

Second Tier (Teams that have some chance of doing some damage, but lack the pedigree of the elite teams)

9. Steelers (5-3) They are looking much better now, despite the injuries at RB.

10. Seahawks (5-3) Suffocating D and one of the best RBs in the league; that's a formula for success.

11. Ravens (6-2) I just can't support Flacco or a defense that decimated by injuries; they haven't suffered in the L column from it yet though.

Pretenders (Teams that have some sleeper potential, but are most likely non-threats)

12. Buccaneers (4-4) They've been in every game this year; they can't rely on historic running performances every week, but they may not need to with that balanced of an offense.

13. Colts (5-3) I am sold on Luck, but not on the rest of the team; still, they've been impressive so far.

14. Lions (4-4) They seem to have sorted out any issues they had; it's scary to think that Stafford and Johnson have so much more potential.

15. Vikings (5-3) Even their defense is letting them down now. It'll still be the Peterson/Harvin show, but that won't be enough with that schedule coming up.

16. Saints (3-5) They could be a big sleeper to squeak in at the end if they go on a roll, or at least be a spoiler against other teams; but they can't be a real factor until they fix the defense.

Mediocre (Teams that are just treading water)

17. Cowboys (3-5) They've been in most games this year, and have close losses to some really good teams, but there's always just an impending sense of doom around them.

18. Dolphins (4-4) I was enamored with their defense before, but teams may just resort to passing 100% of the time to take them down.

19. Bengals (3-5) Green continues to thrive despite teams knowing he's their only true weapon; Gresham may be able to take a little pressure off him in the future.

20. Eagles (3-5) What a mess. They still have enough talent to surprise some teams though.

21. Chargers (4-4) Their wins have come against the Raiders, Titans and Chiefs twice. They have a record that is inflated, and it's not even a great record.

22. Jets (3-5) It's either a solid performance, or a terrible performance. There is no in-between.

23. Redskins (3-6) RG3 finally appears to have hit a wall; don't expect much from them if he's not going.

Sub-Par (Teams that are bad but have the potential to surprise some teams)

24. Browns (2-7) They've realized that they should just keep going to Richardson, no matter what the score is.

25. Bills (3-5) Their defense is an absolute disaster; they won't be a factor until they can fix the defense, but they still have one of the better running attacks in the league.

26. Rams (3-5) Seems to be the same thing almost every year; maybe Amendola can provide them with a spark.

27. Cardinals (4-5) It's amazing just how important an offensive line is; the Cards should really think about picking one up.

28. Panthers (2-6) I don't see that win providing them with any kind of a spark; this is just not a very good team.

29. Raiders (3-5) So much for McFadden being the next Adrian Peterson.

30. Titans (3-6) Getting an 80 yard TD when you're down by 40 doesn't make you good CJ0K, it just means you get to pad your stats.

Bottom Feeders (Teams that are so bad they could be relegated to the now-defunct XFL)

31. Jaguars (1-7) Maybe there's some hope if they get MJD back...? Nah.

32. Chiefs (1-7) If you play fantasy football, pick up whichever defense is going up against KC's offense, no matter who you have to drop.

One of the best breakdowns of the NFL at this point in time that I have seen. Well said York.