Nfl!

[Cylon357]

KC Chiefs vs the LA Chargers
34-28 OT win for KC

Well, I'm not in as big a funk as I could have been.

PROs
Chargers showed they could legit play with the league's best
Ran the ball like mad men (yes, I know KCs run D was missing a man this week)
4 running backs in the rotation
Bounced back from miscues

CONs
Gotta learn some times it is OK to take 3 points
It's OK to take timeouts on defense
Need to be just a little better rushing the passer

In the back of my mind, I feared a blow out was about to happen. It did not. In fact, the Chargers hung tough throughout the game. A few too many times leaving 3 points on the board cost them this night. I count 3 times, though I do NOT count the play where Parham got injured. He had the TD just couldn't hold on. No shame in that, he took a pretty big bump, thoughts and prayers for his speedy recovery.

The Chargers did a decent job of handling Mahomes. It wasn't quite enough this day. You can believe that whoever sees KC in the playoffs will be looking at tape of this game (and the Chargers win over the Chiefs this year) as a 'how you deal with Mahomes' primer. If LA's pass rush improves, they will be the kings of the AFC West. As it stands right now, we have a rivalry brewing along the lines of Manning - Brady.

Everybody acknowledges and recognizes that Herbert is a young guy, but we tend to forget that this is Staley's first year as a head coach. He will learn from his mistakes, like leaving points on the board, and not spending timeouts on defense, and have this team legit contending in the very near future.

I don't want to sound like the Chargers are done for the year. They aren't, though they DO need to win out. Might they make the playoffs if they don't win their last 3? Maybe, but the math gets a lot less favorable with even a single loss.

And as for KC, yes, they showed that they are human and capable of making mistakes and being beat. But they never gave up. And the talent on that team is insane. I still expect KC to go deep in the playoffs this year (barring any Covid-19 disqualifications @Wango mentioned above )


AAARGH!!! I would have liked to see the win, but will take a good game like this one anytime, especially considering that LA is up and coming.

[Cylon357]

Should be great. Looking forward to Indy vs. New England on Saturday. But damn have friends over, Thanks DVR in advance.

On a side note, Covid is really starting to mess with sports again. I certainly hope it doesn’t throw off the playoffs or gulp, the Super Bowl. Do you think the league would keep a positive test quiet for a prominent player at that time ?

Damn, the "a-damus" title has to be handed to Wango-a-damus now!

I just saw where I think 3 games from this weekend are getting moved because of Covid. One of the Saturday games is now a second MNF game, and I think two of the Sunday games will be played on Tuesday. Wowzers!

[wango]

Damn, the "a-damus" title has to be handed to Wango-a-damus now!

I just saw where I think 3 games from this weekend are getting moved because of Covid. One of the Saturday games is now a second MNF game, and I think two of the Sunday games will be played on Tuesday. Wowzers!

It was inevitable, however it sucks, big-time. But, gee, was/is the post game team greeting/hugging really the best idea? It will be interesting to see how professional sports adjusts. Wango-a-damus predicts if Omicron does prove to be less harmful, the league will back off for vaccinated players & permit them to play. Honestly though, it would make perfect sense to shut down for a couple of weeks. Put all players in relative isolation, wait until practically every player tests negative & then continue the season, but with more restrictions. Of course, the costs and logistics would be ridiculous & impractical to that money-making machine.

Looking forward to New England vs. Indy tonight (fingers crossed). All set on the DVR.

[kelkel]

I'm just irritated they moved the Eagles game to Tuesday night. Tuesday night. WTF.

[Cylon357]

I'm just irritated they moved the Eagles game to Tuesday night. Tuesday night. WTF.

You know, I get that the NFL is taking Covid seriously, but I wonder if part of what they are doing is seeing how many nights a week they can get us to watch games.

Also, the Eagles have their fate in their hands with ALL 4 of their remaining games against the NFC East. Truly one of those "if you win, you're in" situations.

[wango]

You know, I get that the NFL is taking Covid seriously, but I wonder if part of what they are doing is seeing how many nights a week they can get us to watch games.

Also, the Eagles have their fate in their hands with ALL 4 of their remaining games against the NFC East. Truly one of those "if you win, you're in" situations.

PITA logistics wise, but seriously, every night could bring some serious television $ if the match ups are good.

[wango]

If I understand the NFL’s new Covid policy correctly, it just saved the playoffs. Less testing for vaxed players means less positive tests obviously. Plus, it appears that there is an honor system regarding if you reveal that you have any symptoms. I think at this time, it was a really smart way to go. Still bummed about the Cleveland game in a bit, it’s a game that Baker could have really shined in. I’m tired of the commercials, but like the dude’s attitude.

What do you think guys? Some of those hits on the Tampa Bay players were just a little too low and near the knees for my taste. Actually contributed to an MCL injury. Guess the Bucs have to bring back AB at this stage.

[wango]

Love his guts & attitude, but dammit Baker, yesterday was not good. The Packers did get away with pass interference a couple of times though.

[SampsonandDelilah]

Checking on you Cy…that was ugly.

Need the Broncos and Steelers to step up damnit…not going to happen. Save a brown paper bag for my head too please

[Cylon357]

Checking on you Cy…that was ugly.

Need the Broncos and Steelers to step up damnit…not going to happen. Save a brown paper bag for my head too please

LOL!!

Ah, shit, man I needed that laugh! Friggin' Chargers... All you have to do is win out against teams that are AT BEST 500 right now and you lose to the now 4 and 11 Texans??? After last week, it was clear and I mean CRYSTAL CLEAR that Staley was going to play it conservatively.

But maybe, just maybe, you put that early season mojo to work, or at LEAST give it a chance in this game. I get that somehow the Texans had your number tonight, but geez man, you changed your game a bit too much. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Not live by the sword, die by the rabbit bite. AAARGH!!

I'll be back with a weekly recap shortly (aka probably whenever the heck I feel like it).

And @SampsonandDelilah, at least your Bronco are at hanging tough with Raiders*. I want both teams to lose, but that's because I bleed Charger blue. Like to see KC lose to Pittsburgh as well, but hey, we can't always get what we want.

BTW, Tracy Wolfson - hot or not?


Spoiler (potentially)


* = The Broncos were beating the Raiders when I started this reply, but now it seems it is a one point game in the Raiders favor.

[Cylon357]

Love his guts & attitude, but dammit Baker, yesterday was not good. The Packers did get away with pass interference a couple of times though.

Yes, they did, and that last non-call was huge. I was like "WTF?!?!?" as both Mayfield and the receiver were. Refs have GOT to see those obvious calls. Maybe it is time to allow PI to be reviewed...

[wango]

A meaningless game, but that Byrd catch for the Bears was something. That was vertical/jump-ball action at its best.

@ Cy, really surprised & disappointed by the Charger’s game. Darn, for a while it looked like they were a serious challenge to KC.

[Cylon357]

A meaningless game, but that Byrd catch for the Bears was something. That was vertical/jump-ball action at its best.

@ Cy, really surprised & disappointed by the Charger’s game. Darn, for a while it looked like they were a serious challenge to KC.

Their record against KC is 2 and 2 over the two years of Herberts career. And they were all close games. Even Herbert's first start last year kept them within 3, IIRC. Anyhow, I think they will be a serious challenger to KC, they just need to get a) Herbert a LITTLE more comfortable and b) shore up that defense.

[Cylon357]

Man, this week in the NFL has been exciting!

Lets peep the playoff picture real quick, starting with the AFC

Overall, there are 3 divisions up for grabs right now, with only the AFC West being decided.

It looks like KC has almost locked up that number 1 seed and home field through out. If they win out, they have it. They could still end up with it if they lose a game and TN loses at least 1. That said, KC can not rest their starters too much, because there are a slew of 9 and 6 teams that could make things interesting, if Mahomes and crew do stumble just a little. In fact, the Chiefs do get to face one of those 9 and 6 teams next week when they visit the Bengals. That game might just be worth the watch.

Speaking of 9 and 6 teams, two of teams reside in the AFC East: New England and Buffalo. Both have hit a little bit of a slump in the past month, though the Bills have righted their course and won 2 straight. Still, both teams need to get their heads on straight. You want to be trending up heading into the playoffs, not trending down and have to sort of sneak in.

I mentioned the Titans earlier. There is some chance they get Henry back in week 18. This could be big. If the Chiefs do stumble, look for TN to sneakily swoop in and pick up the AFC regular season crown. The Titans have a relatively easy road ahead of them, playing the Dolphins and the Texans. Listen, I get it: the Texans shocked us all by upsetting the Chargers. I would not and I repeat NOT look for lightning to strike twice and them to beat the Titans. Still, it could happen. And yes, the Colts are still contenders in the South, though they have the possibly resurgent Raiders next week.

The AFC North is still a toss up between the Bengals and Ravens. Pittsburgh... does the math say they could win the North if both the Ravens and Bengals lose out and the Steelers win out? Uhh, urr, hmm, ehh, I'm not sure how that works with ties. Did you see the beat down the Steelers took against the Chiefs? That was nasty. I don't think the Steelers recover from that.

I still feel like KC is both the team to beat AND the eventual AFC Champion, but lots of games left to play!

[charger69]

LOL!!

Ah, shit, man I needed that laugh! Friggin' Chargers... All you have to do is win out against teams that are AT BEST 500 right now and you lose to the now 4 and 11 Texans??? After last week, it was clear and I mean CRYSTAL CLEAR that Staley was going to play it conservatively.

But maybe, just maybe, you put that early season mojo to work, or at LEAST give it a chance in this game. I get that somehow the Texans had your number tonight, but geez man, you changed your game a bit too much. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Not live by the sword, die by the rabbit bite. AAARGH!!

I'll be back with a weekly recap shortly (aka probably whenever the heck I feel like it).

And @SampsonandDelilah, at least your Bronco are at hanging tough with Raiders*. I want both teams to lose, but that's because I bleed Charger blue. Like to see KC lose to Pittsburgh as well, but hey, we can't always get what we want.

BTW, Tracy Wolfson - hot or not?


Spoiler (potentially)


* = The Broncos were beating the Raiders when I started this reply, but now it seems it is a one point game in the Raiders favor.

It’s the Spanos curse. They need a new owner. He sold out San Diego.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wango]

Man, this week in the NFL has been exciting!

Lets peep the playoff picture real quick, starting with the AFC

Overall, there are 3 divisions up for grabs right now, with only the AFC West being decided.

It looks like KC has almost locked up that number 1 seed and home field through out. If they win out, they have it. They could still end up with it if they lose a game and TN loses at least 1. That said, KC can not rest their starters too much, because there are a slew of 9 and 6 teams that could make things interesting, if Mahomes and crew do stumble just a little. In fact, the Chiefs do get to face one of those 9 and 6 teams next week when they visit the Bengals. That game might just be worth the watch.

Speaking of 9 and 6 teams, two of teams reside in the AFC East: New England and Buffalo. Both have hit a little bit of a slump in the past month, though the Bills have righted their course and won 2 straight. Still, both teams need to get their heads on straight. You want to be trending up heading into the playoffs, not trending down and have to sort of sneak in.

I mentioned the Titans earlier. There is some chance they get Henry back in week 18. This could be big. If the Chiefs do stumble, look for TN to sneakily swoop in and pick up the AFC regular season crown. The Titans have a relatively easy road ahead of them, playing the Dolphins and the Texans. Listen, I get it: the Texans shocked us all by upsetting the Chargers. I would not and I repeat NOT look for lightning to strike twice and them to beat the Titans. Still, it could happen. And yes, the Colts are still contenders in the South, though they have the possibly resurgent Raiders next week.

The AFC North is still a toss up between the Bengals and Ravens. Pittsburgh... does the math say they could win the North if both the Ravens and Bengals lose out and the Steelers win out? Uhh, urr, hmm, ehh, I'm not sure how that works with ties. Did you see the beat down the Steelers took against the Chiefs? That was nasty. I don't think the Steelers recover from that.

I still feel like KC is both the team to beat AND the eventual AFC Champion, but lots of games left to play!

Got an ex classmate, ex training partner & good friend living in TN. We exchange Derrick Henry training videos all the time. Man it would be great to see him in the playoffs. Sucks when injuries (or crap weather) really f’s with games.

[Cylon357]

What does the NFC playoff picture look like? Let's take a peek at that.

First off, it ain't looking good for the Saints right now against the Dolphins. They were on the bubble, though double their odds if they win tonight against the Dolphins. Both teams fighting for their playoff chances, one will be disappointed tonight.

The rest of the NFC is sort of the flip of the AFC. Three of 4 divisions have their winners locked in, but nobody has wrapped up that bye yet.

The Packers seem to have finally gotten their act together and presently lead the NFC. Will that hold? I dunno, but if I were betting, I would say so. I still feel confident that the road to the NFC championship goes through a Bay, but not sure which. Leaning toward "Green", not "Tampa", but man do NOT count out Brady and the Bucs. Love him or hate him, he is arguably the GOAT QB the NFL has ever seen.

That doesn't mean the rest of the NFC field is a bunch of wall flowers. The Rams are trying hard to demonstrate that their off season spending spree was worth it, and being on a 4 game win streak at this point of the season does make a compelling case. I still am not sure they really have that special something you need to put a ring on, but maybe.

Remember when I said I wasn't sure about the Cardinals? The 3 game losing streak they are having right now kind of makes me think they aren't the real deal. You can not do that going into the final 2 weeks of the season and expect to go far in the post season.

The Cowboys have a nice solid lock on the NFC East, and might be able to steal home field with a little bit of help from some other teams. I call them legit contenders, though smoking the WFT like they did Sunday night REALLY doesn't prove anything. Still, if the road to the NFC Championship goes through Dallas, I bet they end up at the big dance.

So really, I see 4 teams of consequence in the NFC
Green Bay and Tampa Bay (these are the top two, IMO, and not in any particular order)
Dallas and the LA Rams (those are 3 and I think a distant 4, respectively)

And that is pretty much it. I just don't see any other team in the NFC getting deep in the playoffs.

Am I off my rocker? It is totally possible. But man, we have some good FOOTBALL coming!

[SampsonandDelilah]

Man, this week in the NFL has been exciting!

Lets peep the playoff picture real quick, starting with the AFC

Overall, there are 3 divisions up for grabs right now, with only the AFC West being decided.

It looks like KC has almost locked up that number 1 seed and home field through out. If they win out, they have it. They could still end up with it if they lose a game and TN loses at least 1. That said, KC can not rest their starters too much, because there are a slew of 9 and 6 teams that could make things interesting, if Mahomes and crew do stumble just a little. In fact, the Chiefs do get to face one of those 9 and 6 teams next week when they visit the Bengals. That game might just be worth the watch.

Speaking of 9 and 6 teams, two of teams reside in the AFC East: New England and Buffalo. Both have hit a little bit of a slump in the past month, though the Bills have righted their course and won 2 straight. Still, both teams need to get their heads on straight. You want to be trending up heading into the playoffs, not trending down and have to sort of sneak in.

I mentioned the Titans earlier. There is some chance they get Henry back in week 18. This could be big. If the Chiefs do stumble, look for TN to sneakily swoop in and pick up the AFC regular season crown. The Titans have a relatively easy road ahead of them, playing the Dolphins and the Texans. Listen, I get it: the Texans shocked us all by upsetting the Chargers. I would not and I repeat NOT look for lightning to strike twice and them to beat the Titans. Still, it could happen. And yes, the Colts are still contenders in the South, though they have the possibly resurgent Raiders next week.

The AFC North is still a toss up between the Bengals and Ravens. Pittsburgh... does the math say they could win the North if both the Ravens and Bengals lose out and the Steelers win out? Uhh, urr, hmm, ehh, I'm not sure how that works with ties. Did you see the beat down the Steelers took against the Chiefs? That was nasty. I don't think the Steelers recover from that.

I still feel like KC is both the team to beat AND the eventual AFC Champion, but lots of games left to play!

Don’t sleep on the Colts, getting hot at the right time. They are extremely well coached, play solid defense and run the hell out of the football. Their O line is a bunch of bullies. Wentz is as serviceable of a QB that isn’t a top tier QB and they are playing inspired ball. Team ball…

I think Cincinnati could get crazy as well. I agree with you but nothing will surprise me in the AFC.

The Chiefs are the obvious name for a reason and finally look dominate again. However….

[SampsonandDelilah]

What does the NFC playoff picture look like? Let's take a peek at that.

First off, it ain't looking good for the Saints right now against the Dolphins. They were on the bubble, though double their odds if they win tonight against the Dolphins. Both teams fighting for their playoff chances, one will be disappointed tonight.

The rest of the NFC is sort of the flip of the AFC. Three of 4 divisions have their winners locked in, but nobody has wrapped up that bye yet.

The Packers seem to have finally gotten their act together and presently lead the NFC. Will that hold? I dunno, but if I were betting, I would say so. I still feel confident that the road to the NFC championship goes through a Bay, but not sure which. Leaning toward "Green", not "Tampa", but man do NOT count out Brady and the Bucs. Love him or hate him, he is arguably the GOAT QB the NFL has ever seen.

That doesn't mean the rest of the NFC field is a bunch of wall flowers. The Rams are trying hard to demonstrate that their off season spending spree was worth it, and being on a 4 game win streak at this point of the season does make a compelling case. I still am not sure they really have that special something you need to put a ring on, but maybe.

Remember when I said I wasn't sure about the Cardinals? The 3 game losing streak they are having right now kind of makes me think they aren't the real deal. You can not do that going into the final 2 weeks of the season and expect to go far in the post season.

The Cowboys have a nice solid lock on the NFC East, and might be able to steal home field with a little bit of help from some other teams. I call them legit contenders, though smoking the WFT like they did Sunday night REALLY doesn't prove anything. Still, if the road to the NFC Championship goes through Dallas, I bet they end up at the big dance.

So really, I see 4 teams of consequence in the NFC
Green Bay and Tampa Bay (these are the top two, IMO, and not in any particular order)
Dallas and the LA Rams (those are 3 and I think a distant 4, respectively)

And that is pretty much it. I just don't see any other team in the NFC getting deep in the playoffs.

Am I off my rocker? It is totally possible. But man, we have some good FOOTBALL coming!

Hard to argue with all of the division leaders right now, it’s seriously any given Sunday. AZ is a mixed bag for sure and losing Nuk hurts and they just don’t play dominate defense.

Who stays healthy, maintains the home field and carries the right amount of momentum will be huge. Dallas has absolute stars on both sides of the ball but look schizophrenic at times. Same can be said for TB, losing Godwin hurts and Mike Evans, Gronk and AB aren’t spring chickens. Their base D is legit though, especially their D line, those boys can play some run defense.
GB has Rodgers, Adam’s and Jones. They can do some serious damage and the Rams look better every week. I hate Mcvay but dude is a play caller…
Cooper Kupp, OBJ, and now Sony Michael…wow

As you said, should be some amazing football!!

[wango]

Bill always makes me laugh & his response to the question was a classic. None the less, this made me smile as well . .

[SampsonandDelilah]

RIP John Madden - one the great ones left us today…

[Cylon357]

RIP John Madden - one the great ones left us today…

Oh snap, I did NOT know that! Damn! He had been sounding kind of ill lately, did not know it was that bad.

I really enjoyed what I think was his last year broadcasting with Al Michaels on SNF. They made a really good combo.

RIP indeed, Mr Madden. You will be missed.

[SampsonandDelilah]

Don’t sleep on the Colts, getting hot at the right time. They are extremely well coached, play solid defense and run the hell out of the football. There O line is a bunch of bullies. Wentz is as serviceable of a QB that isn’t a top tier QB and they are playing inspired ball. Team ball…

I think Cincinnati could get crazy as well. I agree with you but nothing will surprise me in the AFC.

The Chiefs are the obvious name for a reason and finally look dominate again. However….

I post this and Wentz goes on the Covid list 18 hours later. Wow

The news is they’re reaching out to Phyllis Rivers…yikes.

I don’t see it happening though, too quick of a turnaround. Whoever takes Wentz’s place (if he can’t clear under the new protocol) will be handing the ball off to Johnathan Taylor and not turning the ball over. Simple as that I’d hope…

[DinAZ]

Oh snap, I did NOT know that! Damn! He had been sounding kind of ill lately, did not know it was that bad.

I really enjoyed what I think was his last year broadcasting with Al Michaels on SNF. They made a really good combo.

RIP indeed, Mr Madden. You will be missed.

I had heard that he had been cutting back TV appearances over the past several years due to his health, but I had no idea he was close to passing.

RIP John Madden!

Not many guys can do what he did. He had a genius mind for football, yet never talked down to the viewers. He embraced the jokes people made rather than resisting or getting upset. Only John Madden could ramble about Turducken In the middle of broadcasting a game, and leave the audience entertained rather than angry.

One day soon I’m going to have to lookup John Madden Quotes to remember all the great football lines and funny stuff he said over the years.

[DinAZ]

I post this and Wentz goes on the Covid list 18 hours later. Wow

The news is they’re reaching out to Phyllis Rivers…yikes.

I don’t see it happening though, too quick of a turnaround. Whoever takes Wentz’s place (if he can’t clear under the new protocol) will be handing the ball off to Johnathan Taylor and not turning the ball over. Simple as that I’d hope…

Colts look really good lately. New England’s offense outplayed the Colts O by a long shot, but NE still lost due to the Colts special teams, defense, and run game. Another team with QB out might be the end of their playoff hopes but if any team can win without their QB it’s the Colts.

Hopefully they can win a game without Wentz, and he can return for playoffs? I’m not a Wentz fan but I still gotta think he is their best chance in playoffs. Not a colts fan either but I like watching good football and they have been playing it.

NBA reduced their COVID protocol from 10 days to 6 after the new CDC guidance. Perhaps we will see something similar in NFL?

Edit: NFL reduced their Protocol from 10 days to 5, giving Wentz a chance of returning vs Raiders for week 17.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/c...n-week-17/amp/

[Cylon357]

I post this and Wentz goes on the Covid list 18 hours later. Wow

The news is they’re reaching out to Phyllis Rivers…yikes.

I don’t see it happening though, too quick of a turnaround. Whoever takes Wentz’s place (if he can’t clear under the new protocol) will be handing the ball off to Johnathan Taylor and not turning the ball over. Simple as that I’d hope…

You know, at the beginning of the season, Rivers said he would make himself available for teams that needed somebody late. Might have sounded silly at the time, but now, apparently both the Colts and the Saints have reached out. He is coaching football in Alabama at a high school, I think, so their season should be done. And in fairness, he DID carry the Colts to the playoffs last year, so he is likely familiar with the players, schemes, plays etc.

He is also probably 30 pounds over playing weight tho lol!

[wango]

Colts look really good lately. New England’s offense outplayed the Colts O by a long shot, but NE still lost due to the Colts special teams, defense, and run game. Another team with QB out might be the end of their playoff hopes but if any team can win without their QB it’s the Colts.

Hopefully they can win a game without Wentz, and he can return for playoffs? I’m not a Wentz fan but I still gotta think he is their best chance in playoffs. Not a colts fan either but I like watching good football and they have been playing it.

NBA reduced their COVID protocol from 10 days to 6 after the new CDC guidance. Perhaps we will see something similar in NFL?

Edit: NFL reduced their Protocol from 10 days to 5, giving Wentz a chance of returning vs Raiders for week 17.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/c...n-week-17/amp/

I was/am rooting for Wentz. The guy makes some great plays, but he is on the same level as Garroppolo (and I guess Mayfield) in that you just have to be on the fence if you are considering them as a franchise QB.

I thought the NFL started reduced testing for vaccinated players as well and am scratching my head why so-many more keep testing positive.

To CY’s point, I had completely forgotten about Rivers.

[DinAZ]

I was/am rooting for Wentz. The guy makes some great plays, but he is on the same level as Garroppolo (and I guess Mayfield) in that you just have to be on the fence if you are considering them as a franchise QB.

I thought the NFL started reduced testing for vaccinated players as well and am scratching my head why so-many more keep testing positive.

To CY’s point, I had completely forgotten about Rivers.

94.6% of NFL players are vaccinated and 100% of personnel. The NBA has a 97% vax rate and has had TONS of guys in the protocol over the past month. So it seems like the vaccine reduces the length and severity of COVID but doesn’t prevent one from getting COVID.

I forgot about Rivers too! He isn’t the best QB, but if the games stay close (or Colts lead) then I think he could do great for them. Make him throw too much and he is an interception machine, but with Colts D and ability to run the ball they might be able to make Rivers look good.

[wango]

94.6% of NFL players are vaccinated and 100% of personnel. The NBA has a 97% vax rate and has had TONS of guys in the protocol over the past month. So it seems like the vaccine reduces the length and severity of COVID but doesn’t prevent one from getting COVID.

I forgot about Rivers too! He isn’t the best QB, but if the games stay close (or Colts lead) then I think he could do great for them. Make him throw too much and he is an interception machine, but with Colts D and ability to run the ball they might be able to make Rivers look good.

I get it. Yup, that’s the way the vax works, which is why the days of isolation are now reduced. But it’s why I thought the new policy to not mandatorily test vaxed players (yes, I know Wentz wasn’t vaxed) would drastically drop the amount of positive findings and save the playoffs. Fingers crossed, I don’t want important games decided by keeping a player off the field for something that medicine/society now has a handle on.

[DinAZ]

I get it. Yup, that’s the way the vax works, which is why the days of isolation are now reduced. But it’s why I thought the new policy to not mandatorily test vaxed players (yes, I know Wentz wasn’t vaxed) would drastically drop the amount of positive findings and save the playoffs. Fingers crossed, I don’t want important games decided by keeping a player off the field for something that medicine/society now has a handle on.

Great point, some of these NFL and NBA games may as well be preseason with how many top guys are out. I think a while back you (or someone if not you) mentioned pausing season, quarantining and then resuming? I think giving 1 extra week after reg season ends and playoffs start would be a great idea and would be less disruptive than a mid season pause. We definitely don’t want playoff games full of bench warmers!

[wango]

Great point, some of these NFL and NBA games may as well be preseason with how many top guys are out. I think a while back you (or someone if not you) mentioned passing season, quarantining and then resuming? I think giving 1 extra week after reg season ends and playoffs start would be a great idea and would be less disruptive than a mid season pause. We definitely don’t want playoff games full of bench warmers!

It was me, but that idea is honestly economically & logistically unreasonable and the NFL can’t do it at this critical stage of the season. By cutting down on testing all vaxed players (that’s 95% of the league!) and reducing the isolation time should drastically reduce the problem.

But ffs, if the NFL is really concerned, why still the post game ritual of entire teams embracing each other? ‘Hey, thanks for kicking my ass all game - btw, you now have Covid mo-fo”.

[DinAZ]

It was me, but that idea is honestly economically & logistically unreasonable and the NFL can’t do it at this critical stage of the season. By cutting down on testing all vaxed players (that’s 95% of the league!) and reducing the isolation time should drastically reduce the problem.

But ffs, if the NFL is really concerned, why still the post game ritual of entire teams embracing each other? ‘Hey, thanks for kicking my ass all game - btw, you now have Covid mo-fo”.

Is it really not feasible though? Doing it mid season unplanned wouldn’t work for all the reasons you mentioned, but for the playoffs we don’t even know what teams are playing yet. I do think it would be a huge pain in the ass logistically and with advertising. Most ad buyers would just take the bumped date; a small handful of ad buyers have a product where the date matters and opt out. I think there is a decent chance the NFL would do it if they knew for sure it would successfully improve the product.

Just as important if not more is the human element. We don’t even know if this would work. It WOULD work if everyone isolated or stuck to small group or fam and friends the whole 2 weeks. But I also know plenty of players are single dudes in their early to mid+ 20s, so I can’t blame them for wanting to get out. I know I wanted to get out and meet women as much as possible at that age so I get it that some don’t want to isolate completely. It’s easy to say “they should be a professional and do it for the team” from a logical standpoint but I’d imagine most have high hormone levels of T (which would also lead to higher e2 & libido) whether naturally or from gear. But if the team made it to the Super Bowl i think it’s important enough expect all players to do a 1 week bubble (they can bring family or not their choice).

If I were a Super Bowl coach during COVID I’d give players 6-7 days to spend with family, and then I’d find a nice smallish hotel and rent the entire facility and turn it into a bubble for 1 week. If NBA can do a bubble last year for 70+ games for every team, an NFL team should easily handle doing 1 week and 1 game living in a bubble.

It’s way cooler to get COVID at a party after winning the super bowl than getting COVID at an Applebees 5 days before the game.

[wango]

Is it really not feasible though? Doing it mid season unplanned wouldn’t work for all the reasons you mentioned, but for the playoffs we don’t even know what teams are playing yet. I do think it would be a huge pain in the ass logistically and with advertising. Most ad buyers would just take the bumped date; a small handful of ad buyers have a product where the date matters and opt out. I think there is a decent chance the NFL would do it if they knew for sure it would successfully improve the product.

Just as important if not more is the human element. We don’t even know if this would work. It WOULD work if everyone isolated or stuck to small group or fam and friends the whole 2 weeks. But I also know plenty of players are single dudes in their early to mid+ 20s, so I can’t blame them for wanting to get out. I know I wanted to get out and meet women as much as possible at that age so I get it that some don’t want to isolate completely. It’s easy to say “they should be a professional and do it for the team” from a logical standpoint but I’d imagine most have high hormone levels of T (which would also lead to higher e2 & libido) whether naturally or from gear. But if the team made it to the Super Bowl i think it’s important enough expect all players to do a 1 week bubble (they can bring family or not their choice).

If I were a Super Bowl coach during COVID I’d give players 6-7 days to spend with family, and then I’d find a nice smallish hotel and rent the entire facility and turn it into a bubble for 1 week. If NBA can do a bubble last year for 70+ games for every team, an NFL team should easily handle doing 1 week and 1 game living in a bubble.

It’s way cooler to get COVID at a party after winning the super bowl than getting COVID at an Applebees 5 days before the game.

I like your reasoning. I think any owner that has a team that really has aspirations of a Super Bowl or a League championship would be an idiot if they don’t have something planned for isolation procedures now or in the very near future.

On a side note, I want Wentz playing. He’s not the savior of the team, but I think Indy matches up well with top tier teams and can make things more interesting. I’d hate to see them drop one or two of the next games that should be relatively easy wins for them.

[Cylon357]

Alright! Thursday Night Football!! Woo Hoo!!

Tonight we have... wait, what's that? "There is no TNF game tonight"?!?! What fresh hell is this?? NFL, you got us (even more) addicted with that 5 nights a week we just had, no you are bogarting us??



Good weekend coming up though!

[Cylon357]

In all seriousness, and real quick, this weekend we DO have Broncos at the Chargers.

I WANT to believe we will see a good game, from two teams with something to prove.

I REALLY do want to believe that.

But I think both of these teams are just a bit bipolar or something. You never know if you are going to get Tigger or Eeyore.

SampsonandDelilah, I was going to suggest 'hair vs hair', but I don't think that means anything to either of us. How 'bout we just enjoy the game and leave the betting to Vegas?

[wango]

Ok, a little sappy. But, it is a nice reminder of how nice the simple things as electricity and having a television are, particularly on football Sunday. Plus there is that refrigerator thing, keeping some items chilled. Time for RedZone!

[SampsonandDelilah]

I can’t help but love this Colts team! Anyone watching the in season Hard Knocks on HBO? It’s awesome, Frank Reich is such an inspirational head coach and they have some truly selfless amazing talents on that team. 8 dudes to the pro bowl, that about sums it up.

Side note, how flipping good were the bowl games yesterday? Wow!!!


Let’s go Raven’s too, loving the start to this game.

[wango]

Holy cow, what a shootout between KC and Cincy.

Carson Wentz, man oh man. Killer moves in the pocket, strong arm, then throws it right into two Raiders. Ball bounces out and into another Colt’s hands in the end zone

[wango]

Developing story: Antonio Brown, WTF !?!?!

[wango]

Tom Brady has ICE WATER IN HIS VEINS!