@jszfunk

I see bringing in Saturday, a beloved Colts player with no coaching experience, as a way to distract from the obvious: they intend to tank.

The Colts went 11-5 in 2020 and 9-8 last season, better than a lot of teams out there. It's been 4 years since Luck left, can't use that as an excuse, they need to stop plugging in QBs who have seen too many winters.

So I get it, the AFC South is typically the weakest division in the league so there's no excuse for not being competitive. Time to shake the etchi-sketch and start over. Just a weird way of going about it.

Posted by: @porkchopbob

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@jszfunk

I see bringing in Saturday, a beloved Colts player with no coaching experience, as a way to distract from the obvious: they intend to tank.

The Colts went 11-5 in 2020 and 9-8 last season, better than a lot of teams out there. It's been 4 years since Luck left, can't use that as an excuse, they need to stop plugging in QBs who have seen too many winters.

So I get it, the AFC South is typically the weakest division in the league so there's no excuse for not being competitive. Time to shake the etchi-sketch and start over. Just a weird way of going about it.

Cant say I disagree with your tank theory. That has been brought up here locally and amongst others. Who knows. It is weird, Irsay just thinking and going outside the box.

The whole Colts thing is odd to me. My wife is a die hard Colts fan. She's happy. 🙄 No clue why Saturday would walk into this. I'm sure if it doesn't work out he can just go back to ESPN, but why take this job? Irsay is an interesting fellow.

 In other news, if the Lions beat the Bears Sunday (possible) and the Packers lose to the Cowboys (likely) my Lions will be in second place behind the Vikes.

Posted by: @bill_graham

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Well the Packer may have finally hit rock bottom I think. With their schedule the Packers may not win another game this year.

Still - 55 years apart, same teams, same place, same outcome imo

true it's not the Ice Bowl on the frozen tundra of frigid Lambeau Field - but envision a favorable result for Pack -

a great QB is wrapping up a HOF career in GB - his fans'll be clamoring for a throwback/vintage performance -

no one has worn the GBP uni longer than Aaron Rodgers - they haven't been 3-6 since 2008 - he's never experienced an L5 in his career - there's the added ignominy/motivation of being the heavy underdog in his own back yard, not to mention Dallas lording their "America's Team" BS all over Lambeau etc

Packiz have to have this game - betting he'll play like the old Aaron Rodgers - Brady did last week, he will tomorrow

*plus, former longtime coach McCarthy returns - big doings today in Green Bay

Pats are off this week but Browns can help them by beating Miami - same Buff-MN, if MN win, Pats stay in, conten-chin for div title -

crucial for Browns, if they can just hold the fort until Deshaun Watson debuts, you never know what could happen

But holy heck, what's w/the Bears - no other QB ever had the game Justin Fields did last week - 1st player since "at least 1950" (article) w/at least 150 yards rushing & 3 TD passes in a game - last week, Bears joined the 1976 Steeliz as the only teams in the Super Bowl era to run for at least 225 yards in 4 straight games -

Read somewhere, Bears are on pace to break NFL team rushing record for a season - shoot, w/all these fancy #s you'd think they'd be The New Monsters Of The Midway -

In both these "iconic" (? - oldest anyway, or most storied) stadiums, then, home teams prevail - should be another doozie in Chicago, all offense no D crowd pleaser-like last week, esp if DeAndre Swift & others return for Det. 

at Soldier Field, Fields will run like a wild horse of the osage as visions of the Galloping Ghost, Bears legend Red Grange - and Gale Sayers - and yes, Sweetness himself, Walter Payton - come to life - that's who Fields reminded older fans of last Sunday - probly 48-35 or so tmrw

Glad to see GB get that win yestrday.

That run by Fields was pretty cool . I know big pass plays seem to be more attractive to watch, but seeing some one bust out a long run is just as impressive to me.

The end of the Bills Vikings game was wacky.

Posted by: @stephen

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Posted by: @bill_graham

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Well the Packer may have finally hit rock bottom I think. With their schedule the Packers may not win another game this year.

 

Still - 55 years apart, same teams, same place, same outcome imo

true it's not the Ice Bowl on the frozen tundra of frigid Lambeau Field - but envision a favorable result for Pack -

a great QB is wrapping up a HOF career in GB - his fans'll be clamoring for a throwback/vintage performance -

no one has worn the GBP uni longer than Aaron Rodgers - they haven't been 3-6 since 2008 - he's never experienced an L5 in his career - there's the added ignominy/motivation of being the heavy underdog in his own back yard, not to mention Dallas lording their "America's Team" BS all over Lambeau etc

Packiz have to have this game - betting he'll play like the old Aaron Rodgers - Brady did last week, he will tomorrow

*plus, former longtime coach McCarthy returns - big doings today in Green Bay

Good call Stephen, Impressive win by the Packers yesterday considering how impotent their offense has been this season. Watson looks like the real thing and when they get Doubs back they have the making of a decent WR group once they get some experience and eliminate the drops.

Vintage performance by Rodgers but I fear it may be too little too late to make the playoffs not to mention the loss of Gary and Stokes weakens their defense for the rest of the season.

As much as I enjoyed seeing them beat the Cowboys yesterday I fear they will miss the payoffs but win enough games to end up with a mediocre draft spot. I would rather have them tank and start bulding for the future. 

JMO but a little to late for them to make a big comeback. Hope I am wrong.

Lots of Fields highlights from the two games the Bears lost.  How about Fields' terrible pick-six INT that let the Lions back into the game that they eventually won?

Speaking of a comeback...DanB reemerges and is tied with Sang for the week!

@jszfunk I said to the guy next to me at the bar, after that Chiefs-Bills playoffs game I won't count out Buffalo if they have :30s on the clock. Pretty wild. Usually that's a game the Vikings flub, that last pick surprised everyone.

Matt Ryan back in at QB for the Colts worked out ok. Gee. Why didn't Frank Reich think of that 🙄

Packers game yesterday was the first one I thought they had a chance in a few weeks, just because there were no expectations, so many people have now counted them out. And McC is still McC. Titans and Eagles the next 2 weeks will probably determine how their season plays out.

I watched the Green Bay game at a local sports bar. I get there and a dude is going absolutely crazy at the end of the MN-Buff game with Vikings at the goal line.

"So you're a Vikings fan?" I ask.

"No," he says. "I don't care who wins. Cousins is on my Fantasy Team. But I'm screwed if Cook scores instead of Cousins."

What a stupid way to watch sports.

Posted by: @porkchopbob

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I watched the Green Bay game at a local sports bar. I get there and a dude is going absolutely crazy at the end of the MN-Buff game with Vikings at the goal line.

"So you're a Vikings fan?" I ask.

"No," he says. "I don't care who wins. Cousins is on my Fantasy Team. But I'm screwed if Cook scores instead of Cousins."

What a stupid way to watch sports.

I've seen LOTS of people act that way. I guess if you are a true sports fan it doesn't make sense but I understand it. Especially if there's $$$ involved. Hey, fantasy football is a major part of the popularity for the NFL, like it or not.

Yesterday was probably the most fun (funnest? 😀 ) NFL day I have seen in a long time. Three games go to the wire. The Minnesota/Buffalo game was nuts. Lions/Bears was fun. I watched a little of it in a Bears bar. But it is also a University of Michigan bar. Go figure. So there was a mixed crowd.

The Dallas/Green Bay game was also crazy. I could nitpick things from all three of those games but they were certainly entertaining. Bears lose a chance at O/T because of a missed PAT?

Speaking of the Bears, Fields is indeed fun to watch. However if I was a Bears fan I would worry about him. I don't think it is a recipe for success to be running all over the place. Even the good running QBs are also decent pocket passers. Can Fields play QB successfully in the NFL? Maybe but the Bears rarely throw. It does confound me how defenses haven't learned a way to contain him. Can't they force the Bears to throw? They have no receivers to speak of.

The Colts game was interesting. Good idea to bring Ryan back at QB but I think there are contract issues with him. I forget what. I think that might be why Reich pulled the plug on him. Raiders? What a mess. 

Posted by: @porkchopbob

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"No," he says. "I don't care who wins. Cousins is on my Fantasy Team. But I'm screwed if Cook scores instead of Cousins."

What a stupid way to watch sports.

Well put. That's how I look at it. Dont get the fantasy sports stuff. Its just a me thing and I am in the minority on that one.

Posted by: @lee

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Posted by: @porkchopbob

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I watched the Green Bay game at a local sports bar. I get there and a dude is going absolutely crazy at the end of the MN-Buff game with Vikings at the goal line.

"So you're a Vikings fan?" I ask.

"No," he says. "I don't care who wins. Cousins is on my Fantasy Team. But I'm screwed if Cook scores instead of Cousins."

What a stupid way to watch sports.

I've seen LOTS of people act that way. I guess if you are a true sports fan it doesn't make sense but I understand it. Especially if there's $$$ involved. Hey, fantasy football is a major part of the popularity for the NFL, like it or not.

Yesterday was probably the most fun (funnest? 😀 ) NFL day I have seen in a long time. Three games go to the wire. The Minnesota/Buffalo game was nuts. Lions/Bears was fun. I watched a little of it in a Bears bar. But it is also a University of Michigan bar. Go figure. So there was a mixed crowd.

The Dallas/Green Bay game was also crazy. I could nitpick things from all three of those games but they were certainly entertaining. Bears lose a chance at O/T because of a missed PAT?

Speaking of the Bears, Fields is indeed fun to watch. However if I was a Bears fan I would worry about him. I don't think it is a recipe for success to be running all over the place. Even the good running QBs are also decent pocket passers. Can Fields play QB successfully in the NFL? Maybe but the Bears rarely throw. It does confound me how defenses haven't learned a way to contain him. Can't they force the Bears to throw? They have no receivers to speak of.

The Colts game was interesting. Good idea to bring Ryan back at QB but I think there are contract issues with him. I forget what. I think that might be why Reich pulled the plug on him. Raiders? What a mess. 

 

I agree about some fun games this weekend. Watched the Colts, then into the end of the Bears v Lions and then Vikings Bills and finally Pack Cowboys. I know I mentioned this before but, so glad GB got that win. As far as Fields he is exciting, but that type of play is not sustainable long term and . Andrew Luck would turn on the wheels every so often(not as much as other running QB's) and they got him bent in half like a folding chair and a lacerated kidney.

Just saw the last  play of the Wash Phila game this AM. Don't know the whole story, but no more undefeated teams.

I loved the Washington win last night.  Kind of a closet Rivera and Del Rio fan, like that style of football - great game plan and execution on O.  Cheering for Heinicke as well.  I'm not sure how you go to the reckless Wentz at this point.  Washington has won 3 of the last 4 without him.  I believe Wentz has more talent, but not sure he has the best mental aspect to win at the QB position.  Ride with Heinicke.  The team responds.  Hoping they get Chase Young back soon.  That D was really good back 2020 I think it was.  My kind of football.

Eagles fans will point to all the turnovers...although definitely Washington forced some of those turnovers or, hey, don't throw into double coverage ya know?  And Washington gift wrapped Philly's first TD with a turnover of their own at like the 20.

The play that gave Washington a first down to all but end the game, the personal foul.  You can't do it.  Heinicke took a knee.  The contact by #7 to hit him was clean I thought as it was almost immediate. Graham came in late and hit a player that was clearly on a knee and he had time to stop.

Sometimes teams go into a bye all hot with lots of momentum and a bye is a bad thing.  Philly is 1-1 ATS and straight up post by.  Houston gave them a game last week as well.  Eagles should be fine though.  It will be a fun divisional race however.  I really don't think the Giants are good enough to push for the division, but they can win a game or two here and there.

I also enjoyed the Green Bay win.

While I needed the Raiders, it was so predictable that they would find a way to lose yet again.  How about that big Matt Ryan run?  I can't help but smile at the Jeff Saturday coached win, with the young OC that has never called plays and everyone was doubting...I like when doubters are proved wrong.

Saw some of the Arizona - Rams game.  I have banged on Murray a lot and I will do it again another way.  Colt McCoy runs that offense better.  Words rarely spoken.  There is timing, there is rhythm, there is playing in the pocket, pocket presence, there is accuracy, ball placement - everything Kyler Murray is not.  With Kyler ever play is a firedrill, like the last play of a game. Arizona is a bad team with Kyler Murray at QB end of story.

Posted by: @nebish

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While I needed the Raiders, it was so predictable that they would find a way to lose yet again.  How about that big Matt Ryan run?  I can't help but smile at the Jeff Saturday coached win, with the young OC that has never called plays and everyone was doubting...I like when doubters are proved wrong.

It's still fair to doubt that the Colts brass, they've made a mess of their season. But I don't know anyone who doubted their chances against the Raiders (who happen to be an even bigger mess) especially with Matt Ryan back on the board.

Looks like I did pretty well this week ...  

What a difference for the Bears - from winning games with their defense to losing them because of it.  Everybody knew this would be a rebuilding year - but with an offense that can score now at least they are fun to watch.  Put me in the camp that is not happy the Packers won ...  

But are you happy the Lions won? 😛 

Posted by: @jszfunk

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Posted by: @porkchopbob

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"No," he says. "I don't care who wins. Cousins is on my Fantasy Team. But I'm screwed if Cook scores instead of Cousins."

What a stupid way to watch sports.

Well put. That's how I look at it. Dont get the fantasy sports stuff. Its just a me thing and I am in the minority on that one.

 

I would respectfully disagree that you are in the minority. It may appear that way but there are a helluva lot more people that follow and watch games than people that are in a fantasy league. You are correct if it seems that way though. 

Well put. That's how I look at it. Dont get the fantasy sports stuff. Its just a me thing and I am in the minority on that one.

I would respectfully disagree that you are in the minority. It may appear that way but there are a helluva lot more people that follow and watch games than people that are in a fantasy league. You are correct if it seems that way though.

Yeah, definitely not in the minority. At any given sports bar on a Sunday, there's maybe one or two uber Fantasy dorks who can't help themselves from betting on anything and everything. Anyone actually watching the game or rooting for a team find them insufferable. Most people I know who do Fantasy don't even pay attention, usually an office pool or something.

"What a stupid way to watch sports."

Thanks.  I laughed my ass off when I read this ... and I agree 

The best way to watch sports is to have some genuine rooting interest. Your local team, friend or family affiliated with a team, favorite team, favorite player, rival team, hated player, betting on an outcome or having some kind of involvement in the statistics of players related to the outcome.

I haven't been a fan of any team for probably 25 years in the NFL and about 20 I guess in college - for various reasons.  I'm a fan of teams I bet and I absolutely love it that way - it is very fun for me.  And I can make new bets as the game goes on so I'm always engaged in what is happening.  It is great!

My wife loves the NBA and March Madness.  I hate watching it actually.  Baseball?  Not for me.  But if I were to bet on it, now I have an interest in the outcome and I can get into that. I may watch football if I didn't bet it, but the involvement and passion would be way way lower and I'm sure I wouldn't care if I missed seeing some games.  I actually am not sure there is a point to watching it without caring about some version of the outcome.  Even if I don't bet a game (because I don't bet every game) I can learn something from that game that maybe I apply to the teams in their next games.  If I had to only watch purely for entertainment value, I would probably opt to spend my time differently and I would have less use for the sport.  I know it would be like that in NASCAR, if I didn't do NASCAR fantasy or occasionally bet on it, I would have almost zero interest in any race.

@nebish 

Totally cool if people want to bet on something - be it sports, elections, weekend box office, the stock market, or craps. I have a lot of sports fan friends who place a few bets each weekend, fill out tourney brackets, pick 'em leagues, etc. But they are sports fans first, they usually keep it to themselves since it doesn't really affect anyone else in the room.

People who are betting for a player stat that goes against a team's interest (such as for Cousins to score but against Cook to score) aren't interested in sports, they're interested in gambling. Nobody likes them, it's the worst way to watch sports. For most sports fans who place a few bets, the sport is still more interesting than the action. I guess I don't understand why one would force taking an interest, spending time and energy, in something that bores them. Fine if they do, as long as they realize that in making it interesting for them, their bet is of interest to them only.

That is interesting, I never considered why somebody wants something to happen to matter at all to me.  But it seems like bothers some people.

If I want Minnesota to win the NFC North because I'm a Vikings fan or I bet Minnesota to win the division, what is the difference?  I think you are saying that if they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings it is ok.  But if they bet Minnesota to do it and they cheer the Vikings, then 'shut up nobody cares'

If I want Minnesota to win the NFC North because I'm a Vikings fan or I bet Minnesota to win the division, what is the difference? I think you are saying that if they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings it is ok. But if they bet Minnesota to do it and they cheer the Vikings, then 'shut up nobody cares'

Well, you think wrong.

If they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings, cool whatever. If they bet Minnesota to win the divisions and they cheer the Vikings, hey, cool story bro. But if they bet for one Minnesota player to score, but against another Minnesota player to score, then shut up other football fans don't care. That's the antithesis of team sport, other Fantasy dorks will find that interesting I'm sure. It doesn't bother me, it bores me.

But also, I wouldn't really want to talk movies with someone who bets on the Oscars in order to make movies interesting.

Posted by: @porkchopbob

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If I want Minnesota to win the NFC North because I'm a Vikings fan or I bet Minnesota to win the division, what is the difference? I think you are saying that if they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings it is ok. But if they bet Minnesota to do it and they cheer the Vikings, then 'shut up nobody cares'

Well, you think wrong.

If they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings, cool whatever. If they bet Minnesota to win the divisions and they cheer the Vikings, hey, cool story bro. But if they bet for one Minnesota player to score, but against another Minnesota player to score, then shut up other football fans don't care. That's the antithesis of team sport, other Fantasy dorks will find that interesting I'm sure. It doesn't bother me, it bores me.

But also, I wouldn't really want to talk movies with someone who bets on the Oscars in order to make movies interesting.

I see.  Well that is fine.  No problem from me however or whatever people do to enjoy themselves while watching or attending a game.

So this weather coming into Buffalo starting I think tomorrow.  Lots of snow, Thursday, Friday, Saturday...will the Browns be able to get there?  Akron is supposed to play the University of Buffalo Saturday and I was wondering if they will be able to make the trip.  I love heavy snow games.  There was one tonight in college.  Not sure if the last real real heavy snow game was Detroit at Philly like 8 years ago, around there maybe?  You Lions fans remember that? 

I love weather in games.  Muddy fields, strong winds, cold.  Just the dynamic that makes teams adapt, battling the opponent and the elements. Not many fields get muddy any more.

So I just heard, is there a thing about pushing to change artificial turf fields back to grass because of injuries?  Kind of ironic because I think part of the push for them was that they were safer.  More grass fields are cool with me!

I see. Well that is fine. No problem from me however or whatever people do to enjoy themselves while watching or attending a game.

Exactly my point @nebish I don't care what how they enjoy the game, and some I care even less about.

Posted by: @porkchopbob

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If I want Minnesota to win the NFC North because I'm a Vikings fan or I bet Minnesota to win the division, what is the difference? I think you are saying that if they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings it is ok. But if they bet Minnesota to do it and they cheer the Vikings, then 'shut up nobody cares'

Well, you think wrong.

If they are a fan, and they cheer for Vikings, cool whatever. If they bet Minnesota to win the divisions and they cheer the Vikings, hey, cool story bro. But if they bet for one Minnesota player to score, but against another Minnesota player to score, then shut up other football fans don't care. That's the antithesis of team sport, other Fantasy dorks will find that interesting I'm sure. It doesn't bother me, it bores me.

But also, I wouldn't really want to talk movies with someone who bets on the Oscars in order to make movies interesting.

Good points.

Sounds like the Eagles are going all in, they've signed Ndamukong Suh.

And the Bills have to play two games at Ford Field in Detroit within a week. I wonder how many people will show up Sunday. Hell if I still lived in the Detroit area I would go just for the novelty of it. 

I bet there are either free and/or deeply discounted tickets for sale just to get butts in seats.