Football (real)

[strike wolf]

The thing that bugged me is that they were so picky about penalties when the Colts were involved yet the Chargers held Freeney(Sp?) all day long and it wasn't called once.

[SEAsportsfan]

The thing that bugged me is that they were so picky about penalties when the Colts were involved yet the Chargers held Freeney(Sp?) all day long and it wasn't called once.

I know, the reffing was horrid, as usual for playoff football. But, oh well, the colts will live to see another year...if Dungy comes back

[strike wolf]

So will the Falcons. As bad as the reffing was in the Colts game, the calls (or lack thereof) was worse in the Falcons game. The Cards D was jumping pretty much all day long but only called for it 2-3 times. That really may have been the difference. If the refs had done their jobs and thrown the flags on it, than it probably would have forced the Cards to back off some and allow Atlanta some room to work.

[SEAsportsfan]

So will the Falcons. As bad as the reffing was in the Colts game, the calls (or lack thereof) was worse in the Falcons game. The Cards D was jumping pretty much all day long but only called for it 2-3 times. That really may have been the difference. If the refs had done their jobs and thrown the flags on it, than it probably would have forced the Cards to back off some and allow Atlanta some room to work.

That's true, i didn't watch much of the ATL game, but what I did see was that Cards D was very tight on LOS...I really like ATL and hope they do even better next year.

[oVo]

As bad as the reffing was in the Colts game, the calls (or lack thereof) was worse in the Falcons game. The Cards D was jumping pretty much all day long but only called for it 2-3 times.

LOL... It wasn't the refs that sustained the Chargers drive with 3 penalties for first downs, it was the Colts. I mean those infractions were all blatant; (1) the defensive lineman called for holding, grabbed the center by the collar of his shoulder pads and spun him around, (2) the personal foul face mask where Sproles head was turned back (used to be called flagrant) and (3) the holding on the DB could have just as easily been pass interference... since he did both before the play had ended.

The Atlanta game had an abundance of "No Calls" which included a couple molestations of receivers by Falcon DBs and a hold in the end zone that should have given the Cardinals 2 points and the ball. The stats say Atlanta: six penalties for 52 yards and Arizona: six penalties for 47 yards, but their biggest problem wasn't the Refs, it was getting outscored 16 to 7 in the second half while getting no sacks or turnovers.

Matt Ryan had well executed drives for TDs in both halfs, but commited some rookie mistakes too and with no sustainable rushing attack it was all on his shoulders. I figure crowd noise was also factor, since the Falcons didn't vary their snap count a whole lot to take advantage of a very aggressive Cardinal pass rush. Still the game was tight and since Arizona couldn't pull away, I was expecting Atlanta to come back and win it 31-30, but of course it didn't happen.

[strike wolf]

As bad as the reffing was in the Colts game, the calls (or lack thereof) was worse in the Falcons game. The Cards D was jumping pretty much all day long but only called for it 2-3 times.

LOL... It wasn't the refs that sustained the Chargers drive with 3 penalties for first downs, it was the Colts. I mean those infractions were all blatant; (1) the defensive lineman called for holding, grabbed the center by the collar of his shoulder pads and spun him around, (2) the personal foul face mask where Sproles head was turned back (used to be called flagrant) and (3) the holding on the DB could have just as easily been pass interference... since he did both before the play had ended.

That first penalty. While the defender was holding him, he was also BEING held by the Chargers. That penalty should have been off-set. Not to mention all the no calls while Freeney was being held throughout the game.

The Atlanta game had an abundance of "No Calls" which included a couple molestations of receivers by Falcon DBs and a hold in the end zone that should have given the Cardinals 2 points and the ball. The stats say Atlanta: six penalties for 52 yards and Arizona: six penalties for 47 yards, but their biggest problem wasn't the Refs, it was getting outscored 16 to 7 in the second half while getting no sacks or turnovers.

Despite not generating no sacks or turnovers. Atlanta's defense only allowed the Cards 2 drives in that second half against a team that really was playing pretty well on offense. With the exception of a few plays (particularly the last first down play), Atlanta's defense played reasonably well in the second half and I have no complaints there. The biggest problem was Arizona being able to get head starts on their defensive line through some good anticipation and a whole lot of offsides that were never called. Above all the other no calls in that game, that had the most impact. If the refs had done their jobs and called them out when they went off-sides, the Cards would have probably been more tentative about jumping the snap count and given Atlanta more room to work with.

Also, while not really a bad call, I do not like this business about refs blowing a play dead a full 2-3 seconds after the balls been snapped because of timeouts. If you are going to blow the whistle, do it fast before the ball is snapped or within a split second of the snap.

Matt Ryan had well executed drives for TDs in both halfs, but commited some rookie mistakes too and with no sustainable rushing attack it was all on his shoulders. I figure crowd noise was also factor, since the Falcons didn't vary their snap count a whole lot to take advantage of a very aggressive Cardinal pass rush. Still the game was tight and since Arizona couldn't pull away, I was expecting Atlanta to come back and win it 31-30, but of course it didn't happen.

It was a weird game for him. He was struggling in the first half, caught fire for the last two drives. Struggled in the second half, caught fire for the final drive. I really had expected him to come out and be playing excellent football for all of the second half but it never happened.

[strike wolf]

A little quick fact too. The director for my Grandfather's funeral was actually the father of one of the starting players on the Colts offense.

[oVo]

That first penalty. While the defender was holding him, he was also BEING held by the Chargers. That penalty should have been off-set. Not to mention all the no calls while Freeney was being held throughout the game.

Nah... there was a good replay that isolated the penalty and the defensive lineman was totally un-engaged and reached out with his left hand to grab the Charger center and spin him around. It was a dumb move and an obvious infraction.

The biggest problem was Arizona being able to get head starts on their defensive line through some good anticipation and a whole lot of offsides that were never called. Above all the other no calls in that game, that had the most impact. If the refs had done their jobs and called them out when they went off-sides, the Cards would have probably been more tentative about jumping the snap count and given Atlanta more room to work with.

I only saw the Cardinals get away with one blatant offsides and that was in the first half, although the defense really pushed their luck with it most of the game and I fault the Falcons' coaches for not finding a way to take advantage of the situation. Don't you think the holding that wasn't called in the end zone would have had some "impact" on the game?

I found the Falcons offense very disappointing for the most part, as they threatened to get their shit together a few times... but just couldn't consistantly get it done. The Cardinals defensive scheme did a great job of shutting down the run while still getting pressure on Matt Ryan. Speaking of getting their shit together, if the Dolphins don't figure out a few things at halftime it's over for them too, because the Ravens defense is starting to dominate the game... and Pennington has already made a few bad decisions.

[got tonkaed]

The Ravens defense remains pretty strong. Its not looking good for you when you cant run a sweep without turning the ball over.

Edit: If Ed Reed and Chuck Norris got into a fight who would win? Its a trick question, because Chuck Norris is actually Ed Reed walking around in Cowboy disguise.

[strike wolf]

That first penalty. While the defender was holding him, he was also BEING held by the Chargers. That penalty should have been off-set. Not to mention all the no calls while Freeney was being held throughout the game.

Nah... there was a good replay that isolated the penalty and the defensive lineman was totally un-engaged and reached out with his left hand to grab the Charger center and spin him around. It was a dumb move and an obvious infraction.

The biggest problem was Arizona being able to get head starts on their defensive line through some good anticipation and a whole lot of offsides that were never called. Above all the other no calls in that game, that had the most impact. If the refs had done their jobs and called them out when they went off-sides, the Cards would have probably been more tentative about jumping the snap count and given Atlanta more room to work with.

I only saw the Cardinals get away with one blatant offsides and that was in the first half, although the defense really pushed their luck with it most of the game and I fault the Falcons' coaches for not finding a way to take advantage of the situation. Don't you think the holding that wasn't called in the end zone would have had some "impact" on the game?

It did but that is one play. There were several times where Arizona was obviously offsides, including a couple where their defensive tackle actually lined up offsidds but was never called for it.

Speaking of getting their shit together, if the Dolphins don't figure out a few things at halftime it's over for them too, because the Ravens defense is starting to dominate the game... and Pennington has already made a few bad decisions.

I really have had a hard time getting myself to watch that game.

[SEAsportsfan]

Edit: If Ed Reed and Chuck Norris got into a fight who would win? Its a trick question, because Chuck Norris is actually Ed Reed walking around in Cowboy disguise.

Ed Reed is such a beast.

My early prediction for next week Baltimore upsets Tennessee. There's always a wild card upset, and I think Baltimore's this years upset team.

[oVo]

You don't think 8-8 San Diego is capable of being the upset mongers?
Ok, they're 9-8 now and possibly the best 8 loss team ever...
but every game they win will be considered an upset from here on out.

[SEAsportsfan]

You don't think 8-8 San Diego is capable of being the upset mongers?
Ok, they're 9-8 now and possibly the best 8 loss team ever...
but every game they win will be considered an upset from here on out.

lol, best 8-8 team EVER?!?! no way, San Diego needed some help from Ron Winters yesterday, no way will the beat the Zebra's faves, the Steelers!

[oVo]

LOL! It was the Colts dumbass defense suddenly playing stoopid
and not zebra love that netted the Bolts three first downs and helped
sustain that drive for the winning TOUCHDOWN in OT yesterday.

The CHARGERS will be following the example of the recent STEELER champions
if they do somehow manage to make it to the Super Bowl.

In the meantime... I think the Vikings have a chance of winning this Wild Card Game,
with TWO offensive TDs in the first half against NONE for the Eagles,
at this rate they can get it done.

[SEAsportsfan]

LOL! It was the Colts dumbass defense suddenly playing stoopid
and not zebra love that netted the Bolts three first downs and helped
sustain that drive for the winning TOUCHDOWN in OT yesterday.

The CHARGERS will be following the example of the recent STEELER champions
if they do somehow manage to make it to the Super Bowl.

In the meantime... I think the Vikings have a chance of winning this Wild Card Game,
with TWO offensive TDs in the first half against NONE for the Eagles,
at this rate they can get it done.

where did i say that the zebra love was during OT?

[strike wolf]

Edit: If Ed Reed and Chuck Norris got into a fight who would win? Its a trick question, because Chuck Norris is actually Ed Reed walking around in Cowboy disguise.

Ed Reed is such a beast.

My early prediction for next week Baltimore upsets Tennessee. There's always a wild card upset, and I think Baltimore's this years upset team.

I'll agree. I think that the Giants may also lose to Philly (not sure on this one). Panthers destroy Cards. Chargers lose to Steelers.

[strike wolf]

You don't think 8-8 San Diego is capable of being the upset mongers?
Ok, they're 9-8 now and possibly the best 8 loss team ever...
but every game they win will be considered an upset from here on out.

I think they have the potential but they aren't a wild card team. Plus I see them having a poor game against the Steelers, don't know why but I just have that feeling. As for the Titans, I think they'll choke.

[oVo]

Steelers and Chargers already had one tight game this year
and I think this next one in Pittsburgh will be another.

It was the Eagles who made the right adjustments
and the Vikings couldn't handle the blitz. On to NY
for a NFC rival reunion and rumble.
Should be good.

Carolina has been awesome on their home turf
and I expect this one to be no different.

The Dolphins didn't make the Ravens work too hard
but I think the two week intermission will renew
the Titans energy and they'll slip past Baltimore
to host the AFC Championship.

[strike wolf]

I don't think the Titans will be ready for the Ravens. I really think that they will slip up.

On another note, the Oklahoma-Florida game is getting even more heated up now. There's been a bit of negative comments coming from both sides. Nothing that seemed like it was too big of a deal but still some that will definitely add fuel to the fire. Any opinions so far?

[SEAsportsfan]

I've gone with the SEC for the last two years, and it seems there's no reason for me to stop.

EDIT: It's SEC I went for, not Florida, I have a bad memory. I thought florida won BCS Nat'l Champ for some reason

[strike wolf]

If the last few Big 12 games are any indication than Florida should win. How much, i'm not sure. I would imagine that it turns into a close, high-scoring game but after the TT vs. Ole Miss game I wouldn't be surprised if it was completely lopsided, especially with some key injuries on the Oklahoma side. Florida's main worry about health is Percy Harvin and really I'm not sure that not having him didn't actually help Florida in the SEC Championship. I expect Tebow to be fired up and playing well and I think the D will keep up what it's done recently generating turnovers.

[SEAsportsfan]

Tebow's awesome. I'm going with Florida 35-Oklahoma 24

[strike wolf]

I don't think it will be that low scoring. I imagine that the winning team will score 40 something points. Maybe more if the defense slips up.

[oVo]

Both Florida and Oklahoma lost their bowl games last year* so I doubt this game needs much of a spark to fire up either team for the Thursday grande finale. I don't know how the recent Big 12 games can be any indicator of how this one will go down. Oklahoma hung 65 points on Texas Tech, Oklahoma stomped TCU, TCU lost in the final seconds to Utah, Utah thumped Alabama, Florida squeezed past Alabama and Texas beat Oklahoma, Texas Tech beat Texas, Oklahoma beat Texas Tech, Mississippi beat Texas Tech & Florida and still after it's all said and done, none of it means squat.

Here's a another stat... Oklahoma is 7-1 and Florida is 8-1 against teams playing in bowls this year.

Oklahoma could potentially roll over Florida... Florida could potentially roll over Oklahoma... the only thing that is certain about this BCS Championship is that both teams finished the season very strong and that this matchup is very hard to predict. There are so many prognosticators out there covering the bases from every angle that someone's prediction will be right. The only thing I know for certain is that these teams are really good on both sides of the ball, so I'm just hoping both teams play well and that this matchup finds a way to live up to all the pre-game hype and is actually one of the great ones.

* Florida lost to the Big Ten's Michigan (oh the horror) and Oklahoma lost to the Big East's West Virginia

[oVo]

Ohio State 6 Texas 3
at the half in the Fiesta Bowl

Jim Tressel may regret some of his offensive decisions before this one's over.
The Buckeyes have played really well but the Longhorns have weathered
the storm and only trail by three.