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[tmdorsey]

Who do you think will actually pull down the 2nd seed in the NFC? the 49ers or the Saints?

I honestly don't like either of those choices, but it's probably gonna be the 49ers.

 

[Drakeon]

man i was just looking, the giants stretch run is pretty brutal

@ NE - W
@ SF
vs PHIL
@ NO
vs GB
@ DAL

it's possible that they lose all the remaining games. i personally don't think they will, but it wouldn't be out of the question. if you come out of that 6 game stretch 4-2, i'd be ecstatic, and even 3-3 wouldn't be bad.

Wow, that is brutal.

 

[eznark]

man i was just looking, the giants stretch run is pretty brutal

@ NE - W
@ SF
vs PHIL
@ NO
vs GB
@ DAL

it's possible that they lose all the remaining games. i personally don't think they will, but it wouldn't be out of the question. if you come out of that 6 game stretch 4-2, i'd be ecstatic, and even 3-3 wouldn't be bad.

Ya, if the Giants and Bengals can make it through their second halves and still be in the playoffs they are going to be tough as hell to beat. Just a brutal second half for both.

 

[LiveWire]

Last week: 9-5 Season total: 83-47

Thursday - Nov 10th, 2011
OAK @ SD

Sunday - Nov 13th, 2011
ARI @ PHI
TEN @ CAR
HOU @ TB
WAS @ MIA
STL @ CLE
BUF @ DAL
PIT @ CIN
JAC @ IND
DEN @ KC
NO @ ATL
BAL @ SEA
DET @ CHI
NYG @ SF
NE @ NYJ

Monday - Nov 14th, 2011
MIN @ GB

 

[Spectral Glider]

So this is what Dan Dierdorf drinks during a game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EyO00wEfb_w

 

[meadowrag]

Who do you think will actually pull down the 2nd seed in the NFC? the 49ers or the Saints?

Niners easy, their record is better as of today and Saints have a much tougher schedule from here on out.
That fluke loss against the Rams is going to haunt them. When you are given a gimmie-game, you take it.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

man i was just looking, the giants stretch run is pretty brutal

@ NE - W
@ SF
vs PHIL
@ NO
vs GB
@ DAL

it's possible that they lose all the remaining games. i personally don't think they will, but it wouldn't be out of the question. if you come out of that 6 game stretch 4-2, i'd be ecstatic, and even 3-3 wouldn't be bad.

giants will win the nfc east and will lose to the Packers. Packers are going to the super bowl.

The team that is "built" to beat the packers will never see the packers cause they weren't "built" to be beat any other fucking team. FUCK! im still pissed

 

[LevelNth]

I would too if Smith were my quarterback. Harbaugh really has no faith in Smith whatsoever. He is 33rd in the league in attempts (ahead of only Gabbert). Part of that is the excellent defense allows them to grind the ball but man, have they had to throw their way into a game yet? They scored early in the 4th in that Detroit game, right? I don't remember.

I think they get destroyed by a team like the Saints in the first round of the playoffs with that formula.

This is the funny 'criticism' that people have. He's throwing very little, so that must mean he sucks. And even if so, we're 7-1 with a 3 point OT loss.

You have to be a Niners fan to truly appreciate the difference in his game, and FMT knows this (it might get lost amidst his awesome over-exuberance). He's pretty damn clutch right now.

He made 6 or 7 great throws against the Bengals in the 4th to storm back for the game winning TD. He threw for almost 200 yards on 9 of 9 passes and 2 TD's in one quarter against the Eagles, spearheading the 20 point comeback. And he threw a perfect ball to Walker on 4th and Goal against to Detroit to win the game, IN Detroit.

Can he out throw a Brees, a Brady or a Rodgers? No, probably not. But to me that is irrelevant. We're winning because I believe we have a defense that cannot be thrown on like that, and a complete offense that takes away the air show type of game.

Now that doesn't mean that we're a lock to win the Super Bowl or anything, but I would make an argument with anyone that we have one of, if not the best overall team in the NFL. Unfortunately, we do not have one of the elite's at the most important position in the game, and that hurts.

We are one position away from being a completely dominant dynasty IMO.

This isn't meant to say the 49ers are bad or anything, but it flies in the face of FMT's assertion that Alex Smith is somehow a born again quarterback. He's simply been removed from the game plan.

It's a bit hyperbolic, but he's right, he is COMPLETELY different. You just had to have known how he was before, and how he performed (outside of the stats).

 

[yacobod]

the eagles had a hard enough time covering the worst skilled position players in the nfl last night, how in the world were they going to defend the best skilled position players in GB?

We are one position away from being a completely dominant dynasty IMO.

LOL.

 

[Manus]

Any word on Bradshaw being back for the Niners game?

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

We are one position away from being a completely dominant dynasty IMO.

Wow.

 

[LevelNth]

Wow.

Look it sounds ridiculous I know, and I don't mean winning everything all the time, but ALWAYS in the hunt, ALWAYS in the playoffs.

 

[LiveWire]

Looking at the NFC standings, that Bears win was pretty huge for the rest of the league. Shitty teams like Atlanta, Tampa, Washington, Dallas and obviously Philly all kind of needed the Bears to lose that game. 8 games in and I don't see the NFC playoff picture changing at all through the rest of the year.

Rack it?

Yep. That's exactly right. The Week 1 rule holds true. This being no more than 2 teams in any year who LOSE their first game (since like 70 or something) made the playoffs. Usually 4-5 teams who WIN their first game make the playoffs.

Thus, your NFC Playoff Teams:

Packers (won week 1)
Lions (won week 1)
Bears (won week 1)
Giants (lost week 1)
Saints (lost week 1)
Niners (won week 1)

 

[eznark]

Now that doesn't mean that we're a lock to win the Super Bowl or anything, but I would make an argument with anyone that we have one of, if not the best overall team in the NFL. Unfortunately, we do not have one of the elite's at the most important position in the game, and that hurts.

If balance = best, you're a poor man's Ravens. They have a better quarterback, better receivers and a comparable running attack. They've played a tougher schedule (significantly so) and are much deeper.

We are one position away from being a completely dominant dynasty IMO.

This is my favorite thing anyone has ever written on this board. 49ers haven't had a winning season in 7 years and suddenly they are on the cusp of being a dominant dynasty. Too good!

I don't know what to do anymore. I've been using you as my sounding board for ill-thought out, off the cuff bullshit because you've been so grounded and sensible. Now though? Fuck, guess it'll have to be Deacon again.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

the eagles had a hard enough time covering the worst skilled position players in the nfl last night, how in the world were they going to defend the best skilled position players in GB?



LOL.

you Must not understand the word "built"

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Niners/Giants line is up. Niners favored by 3.5.

I like it better when we're underdogs coming into these games.

Not much of a favorite, doesn't the home team usually get 3 points just for playing at home?

Part of that is the excellent defense allows them to grind the ball but man, have they had to throw their way into a game yet?

Alex had to throw quite a bit during that comeback against Philly.

 

[Nemesis121]

Not much of a favorite, doesn't the home team usually get 3 points just for playing at home?

Yep....

 

[eznark]

Not much of a favorite, doesn't the home team usually get 3 points just for playing at home?

2 generally (some get 3, not the Niners)

 

[LevelNth]

If balance = best, you're a poor man's Ravens. They have a better quarterback, better receivers and a comparable running attack. They've played a tougher schedule (significantly so) and are much deeper.

This is my favorite thing anyone has ever written on this board. 49ers haven't had a winning season in 7 years and suddenly they are on the cusp of being a dominant dynasty. Too good!

I think our receivers and D are better, but it's an argument to be made.

And I never said we were 'on the cusp'. Even if we got a great QB it would take a few years obviously. But we have the talent now, they are all young, and frankly, we've had so many losing seasons because missing a quality QB is devastating to a team.

 

[Futurevoid]

man i was just looking, the giants stretch run is pretty brutal

@ NE - W
@ SF
vs PHIL
@ NO
vs GB
@ DAL

it's possible that they lose all the remaining games. i personally don't think they will, but it wouldn't be out of the question. if you come out of that 6 game stretch 4-2, i'd be ecstatic, and even 3-3 wouldn't be bad.

The unlikely win in New England and the The Eagles loss last night really helped give the Giants a cushion. We could literally win the remaining division games and win the East. All the while while losing the other 4. Not that I'm advocating that strategy but that should tell you that the Giants are in a great position right now despite how tough the schedule is.

All of those games are winnable with Green Bay being the most difficult of the bunch without the question though I like that we're at home there. @ New Orleans is going to be tough but their defense isn't frightening and our pass rush makes it possible to rattle Brees. We're undefeated at Jerry World so far. Though the Cowboys have done well at beating us at home.

We come out of that schedule and make the playoffs and I like our chances to make some noise. Green Bay in their turf though in the playoffs? Yikes.

 

[Mrbob]

I wonder what the Bears are going to do with Carimi. The line has solidified with him on the bench and Lance Louis has been doing work at RT. Really good work. Move Carimi back to LT and move Webb to LG?

 

[Bowser]

I think our receivers and D are better, but it's an argument to be made.

And I never said we were 'on the cusp'. Even if we got a great QB it would take a few years obviously. But we have the talent now, they are all young, and frankly, we've had so many losing seasons because missing a quality QB is devastating to a team.

Eh, I wouldn't go that far.

 

[Plinko]

Bears are getting in.
If you ask me, so are Atlanta and New Orleans.
Despite a good start, I think it's the Lions that miss it this year. The loss against Atlanta is really going to hurt them, and I think NO will beat them too. Then on top of that they've got GB twice still, CHI, and SD.

Green Bay
Niners
Giants
Saints
Bears
Falcons

Bears get in regardless of who wins the South
Then Atlanta travels to GB in the 2nd round for a glorious revenge game

This is exactly how I see it happening as well.

I'd also like to make a prediction 1 1/2 years ahead of time--The NFC North has 3 playoff teams NEXT year. They play both the AFC South and the NFC West.

 

[Striker]

man i was just looking, the giants stretch run is pretty brutal

@ NE - W
@ SF
vs PHIL
@ NO
vs GB
@ DAL

it's possible that they lose all the remaining games. i personally don't think they will, but it wouldn't be out of the question. if you come out of that 6 game stretch 4-2, i'd be ecstatic, and even 3-3 wouldn't be bad.

That's why that win over NE was so big. It will be telling how this defense performs in the next several weeks. They were great for most of the game vs. NE and Brady, but it faces a great task in this stretch also, sans Alex Smith of course. Key is obviously stopping Gore, and the Niners defense is the best of this bunch. Gonna need Nicks back, and probably Bradshaw.

 

[Mrbob]

Upcoming battle of the Harbaughs class of the century.

 

[eznark]

I think our receivers and D are better, but it's an argument to be made.

And I never said we were 'on the cusp'. Even if we got a great QB it would take a few years obviously. But we have the talent now, they are all young, and frankly, we've had so many losing seasons because missing a quality QB is devastating to a team.

Clearly not. Just removing the position altogether is just as effective! Relying on a shitty quarterback is where you get into trouble.

I'm anxiously awaiting your game this week. Going to be so freaking telling for both teams and the NFC as a whole. Easily the most important game of the season for the Conference.

I don't see where the 49ers weapons are better at any position. It's close, for sure, but I'll give it to the team who has shown they can put up points against solid teams.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Look it sounds ridiculous I know, and I don't mean winning everything all the time, but ALWAYS in the hunt, ALWAYS in the playoffs.

Fair enough.

I do think you are one position away. Problem is that position is quarterback, and some teams never find the right one.

edit: NFL.com is reporting Paterno's on his way out.

 

[LevelNth]

Clearly not. Just removing the position altogether is just as effective! Relying on a shitty quarterback is where you get into trouble.

I'm anxiously awaiting your game this week. Going to be so freaking telling for both teams and the NFC as a whole. Easily the most important game of the season for the Conference.

Actually that is a MUCH better way of putting it. Combined with constantly changing schemes and coordinators, that was a recipe for disaster for us. Our records undersold our talent, and I don't think that's a hard argument to make with the dramatic turn around this year.

I completely agree on the Giants game. Niners still have a long way to go (we unfortunately cannot be gifted a Brees or a Brady to become that dream dynasty any time soon), and I'm still concerned about the maturity of our offense. It can be there, but I'm not sure it will be in time.

 

[yacobod]

I wonder what the Bears are going to do with Carimi. The line has solidified with him on the bench and Lance Louis has been doing work at RT. Really good work. Move Carimi back to LT and move Webb to LG?

Bear Jew is hurt and may sit out the rest of the year. At least those were the rumblings they were saying on the Score yesterday.

and lance played like a boss last night, was really physical and dominated babin for the most part. jamarcus sucks, i hope we replace him next year.

 

[BaltimoreLarry]

I think our receivers and D are better, but it's an argument to be made.

No, just no. The only position you have that is better than the Ravens is TE. I even think Sam Koch is better than Andy Lee.

This is typical Niners fans....delusional.

 

[methodman]

I wish they would flex this giants / niners game to sunday night, but it will never happen because we have to watch jets patriots again for the 100th time

 

[levious]

Look it sounds ridiculous I know, and I don't mean winning everything all the time, but ALWAYS in the hunt, ALWAYS in the playoffs.

you just described the Eagles' "dynasty."

 

[Cooter]

Eh, I wouldn't go that far.

I don't think SF has better WRs than BAL but I do believe they're defense is slightly better.

 

[eznark]

Actually that is a MUCH better way of putting it. Combined with constantly changing schemes and coordinators, that was a recipe for disaster for us. Our records undersold our talent, and I don't think that's a hard argument to make with the dramatic turn around this year.

I completely agree on the Giants game. Niners still have a long way to go (we unfortunately cannot be gifted a Brees or a Brady to become that dream dynasty any time soon), and I'm still concerned about the maturity of our offense. It can be there, but I'm not sure it will be in time.

I think that's one of the reasons drafting a quarterback with a lottery pick is so dumb. You're essentially forcing them into a role in which they have to carry the team or else the fans will be disappointed. There is no reason Bradford couldn't have the same level of "success" as Smith or Dilfer or any other game manager. Unfortunately he gets paid way too much for that to be realistic...unless he someone manages to stick around as long as Smith.

That to me is the most shocking thing about Alex Smith. People say he landed in a crappy situation but I disagree. Look at all the highly drafted QB's who come and go because they were improperly used. People tried to make Smith the focus of the offense, he failed time and time again (to the point of being benched!) yet still hung around and has been molded into the perfect game manager. I can't really think of anyone else who has had that career progression...except Dilfer!

It's uncanny.

 

[Drakeon]

you just described the Eagles' "dynasty."

Eh, its better than 10 years of sucking and nowhere near the playoffs. Not that I want to land in the eagles shoes with a coach who has them on the cusp every year but can't ever finish, however when you haven't even tasted the playoffs in 10 years, it's good to just look forward to that.

 

[xnipx]

the steelers are 5-3, are people forgetting they lost to the fucking texans already???

 

[methodman]

You're wrong eznark. I feel like no matter who's the qb in Harbaugh's offense, he will only throw it 25-30 times per game. This offense is exactly like Stanford's and look how good that team is. Harbaugh has built a type of offense where you'll see no WR's on the field, 3 TE, and 6 OL, with one of those being a eligible receiver. This type of formation is used 4 or 5 times per game, and gore/ hunter usually have a huge gain on one of them. No one else is even trying this. Look at Stanford, they have been one of the best running teams since Harbaugh arrived (shit tobey gerhart 'almost one the damn Heisman), and now Luck, after two years in the system is the best college football player alive. I hope we give Smith another year in this offense because he has been playing really efficient football and that's the most important thing for this style of offense

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

You guys hear Matt millen? Damn.

 

[eznark]

You're wrong eznark. I feel like no matter who's the qb in Harbaugh's offense, he will only throw it 25-30 times per game.

How does that make me wrong??

 

[squicken]

http://stage.101espn.com/podcasting/2011/11/p_Zach_and_Coach_20111108_9am.mp3

For Rams fans on all that is wrong with Bradford. Just listen to the first 5 minutes.

-Doesn't move in pocket. Can't sense pressure

-Can't make any throws outside the numbers or throw deep w/accuracy

-Can't read second level of defense

-Cannot anticipate receivers coming open. Instead waits for them to get open before throwing

-Team has better chance of winning right now with Feeley

Those are the bullet points but it's worth the listen.

Rick Venturi isn't as blunt as I've made it sound, but that's just to not piss off all of Bradford's fans. He says it's a coaching and experience problem and can be corrected, but again, I think that's just being pragmatic on his part.

 

[levious]

Eh, its better than 10 years of sucking and nowhere near the playoffs. Not that I want to land in the eagles shoes with a coach who has them on the cusp every year but can't ever finish, however when you haven't even tasted the playoffs in 10 years, it's good to just look forward to that.

certainly! But using the word "dynasty"... especially from a fan of a team that had an actual dynasty, plus Steve Young.

 

[Drakeon]

http://stage.101espn.com/podcasting/2011/11/p_Zach_and_Coach_20111108_9am.mp3

For Rams fans on all that is wrong with Bradford. Just listen to the first 5 minutes.

-Doesn't move in pocket. Can't sense pressure

-Can't make any throws outside the numbers or throw deep w/accuracy

-Can't read second level of defense

-Cannot anticipate receivers coming open. Instead waits for them to get open before throwing

-Team has better chance of winning right now with Feeley

Those are the bullet points but it's worth the listen.

Rick Venturi isn't as blunt as I've made it sound, but that's just to not piss off all of Bradford's fans. He says it's a coaching and experience problem and can be corrected, but again, I think that's just being pragmatic on his part.

So if Bradford is as bad as you've been saying, how the fuck did they get to 7-9 last year?

 

[jakncoke]

Go Steelers
Fuck the Bungles
Fuck Gingers

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

So if Bradford is as bad as you've been saying, how the fuck did they get to 7-9 last year?

Holy shit 7-9!!! Dat first overall.

 

[LevelNth]

How does that make me wrong??

I think he means rather than Harbaugh purposely limiting Smith, it's actually the foundation of his offensive scheme. Luck didn't exactly always throw more than 25-30 times last year either.

I could be misinterpreting.

 

[mYm|17|]

No, just no. The only position you have that is better than the Ravens is TE. I even think Sam Koch is better than Andy Lee.

This is typical Niners fans....delusional.

Get outta here with that talk.

 

[Spectral Glider]

edit: NFL.com is reporting Paterno's on his way out.

What an absolute disgraceful disaster that whole deal is. Unreal.

Back to Steelers, Sanders is out a couple weeks. Concerns me that he's kind of fragile.

 

[methodman]

I think he means rather than Harbaugh purposely limiting Smith, it's actually the foundation of his offensive scheme. Luck didn't exactly always throw more than 25-30 times last year either.

I could be misinterpreting.

Yep. My bad I'm on my phone typing this

 

[LevelNth]

http://stage.101espn.com/podcasting/2011/11/p_Zach_and_Coach_20111108_9am.mp3

For Rams fans on all that is wrong with Bradford. Just listen to the first 5 minutes.

-Doesn't move in pocket. Can't sense pressure

-Can't make any throws outside the numbers or throw deep w/accuracy

-Can't read second level of defense

-Cannot anticipate receivers coming open. Instead waits for them to get open before throwing

-Team has better chance of winning right now with Feeley

Those are the bullet points but it's worth the listen.

Rick Venturi isn't as blunt as I've made it sound, but that's just to not piss off all of Bradford's fans. He says it's a coaching and experience problem and can be corrected, but again, I think that's just being pragmatic on his part.

You have some of the worst coaching in the league this year, and the insane fan base is placing as much blame as they can on Bradford.

I hope you guys wash him out and squander your only hope at being decent for another decade. Take it from a fan of a team who's own fans did the exact same thing to their #1 draft pick (and Bradford is WAY better than Smith).

 

[WedgeX]

Being that there is talk of the 2007 Lions 6-2 start...and 7-9 ending, the Detroit News did a follow up piece on where that team is now. I'll bold those still in the NFL.

Quarterbacks

Player Status
Jon Kitna Cowboys backup
J.T. O'Sullivan Out of football
Dan Orlovsky Colts backup

Running backs/fullbacks

Player Status
Tatum Bell Out of football
Jon Bradley Out of football
Aveion Cason Out of football
T.J. Duckett Out of football
Casey FitzSimmons Out of football
Kevin Jones Out of football

Receivers

Player Status
Calvin Johnson Lions starter
Mike Furrey Redskins backup
Shaun McDonald Out of football
Brandon Middleton Out of football
Roy Williams Bears backup
Troy Walters Out of football

Tight ends

Player Status
Sean McHugh Out of football
John Owens Out of football

Offensive linemen

Player Status
Jeff Backus Lions starter
George Foster Out of football
Edwin Mulitalo Out of football
Stephen Peterman Lions starter
Dominic Raiola Lions starter
Manuel Ramirez Broncos backup
Blaine Saipaia Out of football
Barry Stokes Out of football
Damien Woody Out of football

Defensive linemen

Player Status
IkaikaAlama-Francis Dolphins backup
Shaun Cody Texans starter
Jared DeVries Out of football
Kalimba Edwards Out of football
Langston Moore Out of football
Cory Redding Ravens starter
Shaun Rogers Saints backup
Corey Smith Out of football
Dewayne White Out of football

Linebackers

Player Status
Boss Bailey Out of football
Anthony Cannon In CFL (Toronto); injured
Buster Davis Out of football
Teddy Lehman In UFL (Las Vegas); backup
Paris Lenon Cardinals starter
Alex Lewis Out of football
Ernie Sims Colts backup

Defensive backs

Player Status
Gerald Alexander Out of football
Greg Blue Out of football
Patrick Body Out of football
Fernando Bryant Out of football
Dovonte Edwards IN UFL (Omaha); backup
Travis Fisher Out of football
Kenoy Kennedy Out of football
Ramzee Robinson Out of football
Keith Smith Out of football

Special teams

Player Status
Jason Hanson Lions starter
Nick Harris Jaguars starter
Don Muhlbach Lions starter

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111108/SPORTS0101/111080343/Where-are-the-2007-Lions-now?#ixzz1d8f9KSho

Only 17, make that 18, players still in the NFL. Only 6 left on the Lions. Entire sections of the team are completely out of football.