Support NeoGAF

[squicken]

What to Watch for: STL Rams

Offense

1. Offensive line. LG is open competition between Shelly Smith and Chris Williams. Williams washed out of CHI as a first round bust, but that was as a tackle. They are rotating with the 1s in practice, and that will continue into preseason. This unit will be the key for the team. It's an exceptionally young team except on OL, and all 4 of the other linemen were either on PUP or IR last year. To me, it's a flawed plan to be that old, but now all they can do is hope

2. Youth at RB and WR. Wide open competition at RB. Will end up being a committee approach, with pass protection being a big decider in who wins. Right now, second year players Pead and Richardson are clearly ahead of others, but it's early and they are incumbents. Quick looks better at WR, but still runs wrong routes and lines up wrong. Not sure he'll ever be a player but they maintain hope

Defense

1. Just stay healthy. This is going to be a top 5 defense unless they get hit with injuries. It will be fun seeing Michael Brockers emerge as a dominant force.

2. There is only one safety on the roster who was drafted, and that was TJ McDonald. The rest were all UDFAs. In their system, if there's a place to be iffy, it's safety. McDonald will start and is making the calls. Can any team get the safeties isolated and give them trouble? Only New England could do it last year. Rodgers just beat up on everyone

 

[eznark]

Eagles vermin, how has Barkley looked in camp?

 

[bionic77]

Yeah, Newhouse is totally fine. Probably the second best LT in the division. But with Bulaga at LT I think they had a shot at being a very, very good offensive line.



Congratulations on being a scummy belt welcher by the way. You and Gator make a cute couple.

I learned from Erron!

 

[MechDX]

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN 50m
Watt back to working out on a side field alone. Oh and a fan just yelled "go Schaub". #first #Texans

Didn't know Captive was going to watch practice

 

[eznark]

I learned from Erron!

Way to take after douchebags. It's the lawyer way I suppose.

 

[Wes]

He will be so far improved this year. I think he'll get trapped under a flag for only 4 seconds this season.

 

[bionic77]

Way to take after douchebags. It's the lawyer way I suppose.

Let's take a vote. If the majority thinks I welched by changing avatars early (I think the 12 hour pregame before the start of the hall of fame game is the start of the season, while the Pats Nazi thinks it starts with kickoff) then I will shamefully wear that shit avatar for another day.

 

[cashman]

How much playing time will Eifert get this year?

 

[MechDX]

Let's take a vote. If the majority thinks I welched by changing avatars early (I think the 12 hour pregame before the start of the hall of fame game is the start of the season, while the Pats Nazi thinks it starts with kickoff) then I will shamefully wear that shit avatar for another day.

You are a fair and honorable man. You did fine.

 

[eznark]

Let's take a vote. If the majority thinks I welched by changing avatars early (I think the 12 hour pregame before the start of the hall of fame game is the start of the season, while the Pats Nazi thinks it starts with kickoff) then I will shamefully wear that shit avatar for another day.

You're a soulless gutter sucking siren fetishist so I already know the answer, but if you feel like you honored the spirit of the bet then whatevs. But since you're claiming a technicality, you should at least forfeit your claims on ripping Rodgers, since his Braun bet was never accepted and thus not technically a bet.

 

[Brinbe]

you should be used to that as a Toronto sports fan.

Sadly, I am. Shouts to Kave.

 

[Kastrioti]

This was posted about a week ago but still noteworthy to people who somehow still doubt Stafford (usually Packers, Bears, Vikings fans, or fans of teams jealous they don't have a starting QB for the next decade):

12. In 2011, Matthew Stafford attempted 663 passes, had 16 interceptions and threw 41 touchdown passes. In 2012, Stafford attempted 727 passes, had 17 interceptions and threw for 20 touchdowns.

13. Last season, Calvin Johnson was tackled an NFL-leading eight times inside the 5-yard line.

14. In addition, he was tackled at the 1-yard line five times, most in the NFL.

15. In fact, last season, Lions wide receivers as a group were tackled 23 times at or inside the 5-yard line.

16. That was at least five more times than any other team.

 

[Fox318]

Sadly, I am. Shouts to Kave.

You're just lucky you aren't a leafs fan.

 

[bionic77]

You're a soulless gutter sucking siren fetishist so I already know the answer, but if you feel like you honored the spirit of the bet then whatevs. But since you're claiming a technicality, you should at least forfeit your claims on ripping Rodgers, since his Braun bet was never accepted and thus not technically a bet.

What were the terms of the Braun bet? I just remember him reading he would give up his salary for the year.

 

[Tamanon]

This was posted about a week ago but still noteworthy to people who somehow still doubt Stafford (usually Packers, Bears, Vikings fans, or fans of teams jealous they don't have a starting QB for the next decade):

So, now we're giving Stafford credit for TDs he doesn't get?

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

This was posted about a week ago but still noteworthy to people who somehow still doubt Stafford (usually Packers, Bears, Vikings fans, or fans of teams jealous they don't have a starting QB for the next decade):

Win and people will doubt less. I don't understand why this is so difficult for you to grasp. No one cares about what kind of numbers your QB is putting up when your team can't win.

 

[eznark]

What were the terms of the Braun bet? I just remember him reading he would give up his salary for the year.

Rodgers tweeted it but the guy never accepted. To me, that isn't "technically" a bet but you're a douche if you don't at least do something to make good.

 

[captive]

Didn't know Captive was going to watch practice

1) I work for a living thanks
2) last thing me or anyone should want to see is mr glass running.
3) why are you repping TJ Yates, its pretty clear that Case Keenum is the better QB and may be the next Texans starting QB.

 

[Milchjon]

Shame on you, Americans, for getting beaten by the Dutch when it comes to the future of the burger!

Also, one step closer to trying human meat, I guess.

 

[Pimpwerx]

HERE WE GO!

Offense:
1. Does Tanny get a pass if his perforated o-line leaves him shook like a new-age David Carr?
2. The kid is a stud IMO. Then again, I remember saying the same thing about Charles Clay two seasons ago, and he's still done nothing.
3. They are automatically superior by name recognition alone.
4. He's only been #1 WR once, and I'm sure even he thinks that was a bad idea.
5. Oh my, Martin. He's either this season's Legedu, where he's just so bad at his job that he disappears early and never returns. Or he's this seasons's Richard Marshall, where he's clearly unfit to play the position, but gets loads of undeserved playtime regardless.

Defense:
4. Unless Richard Marshall was injured from training camp, then the guy is simply not worthy of playing corner in this league. I called it from the first game last season, and I cursed his name every game. He can't cover anyone, and he's a huge liability. Our secondary will always suffer as long as he's on the field.

Yes, I feel strongly about this.

Special Teams:
1. He is really quite good. He's probably been most responsible for our field position in games.
2. As a Gators fan, I want Sturgis to win the job. Once Sparano left, so did all of Carpenters Dan's kicking mojo. Those fist pumps must've meant a lot to him. Still, I don't want Sturgis missing critical kicks, because we're gonna need to win some close'uns to make the playoffs.

Yes, I still have hope. Miami has the Dolphins, the greatest football team.... It's right there in the song. PEACE.

 

[Nemesis121]

Woot Football is here...GO Giants...

 

[Hunter S.]

Shame on you, Americans, for getting beaten by the Dutch when it comes to the future of the burger!

Also, one step closer to trying human meat, I guess.

To be honest, that is badass. Religion holds stem cell research back in America. We will be behind for a long time due to it regarding this type of research.


The first human like meat created will be Pats fans because they are the simplest of all ape like creatures closly related to humans.

 

[Milchjon]

To be honest, that is badass. Religion holds stem cell research back in America. We will be behind for a long time due to it regarding this type of research.


The first human like meat created will be Pats fans because they are the simplest of all ape like creatures closly related to humans.

Stem cell research in Germany is extremely restricted. It's weird that we're that far behind in that regard, since Germany isn't that religious compared to the US.

 

[WedgeX]

Since kas is here, and its a new thread...new Lions roster updates!
Free Agent Rookie

QB: Stafford
WR: Megatron, Burleson, Broyles, Young Sr., Edwards
RB: Bush, Leshoure, Bell
TE: Pettigrew, Scheffler
RT: Cherilus, Hilliard, Fox
RG: Peterman, Warford, Austin
C: Raola, Gandy
LG: Sims
LT: Backus, Reiff

The Lions offensive line has a lot yet to be decided. Lots of rookies and as of yet untested development projects. Broyles returns from a second ACL injury. Patrick Edwards has picked back up from last year pre-madden curse injury and looks to shine. Several potential TEs are vying for the spot vacated by Will Heller as the third TE. There is some speculation that Bell will surpass LeShoure as the lions preferred second back.

DE: Avril, vandenBosch, Young, Jones, Ansah, Idonije, Lewis
DT: Suh, Fairley,
MLB: Tulloch
OLB: Levy, Palmer, Whitehead, Lewis
CB: Houston, Slay, Bentley, Bartell, Green, Greenwood
FS: Delmas, Hope
SS: Quin, Spievey

The Lions have added Jones and Idonije in the offseason, along with drafting Ansah, to shore up the ends where only one player who saw any playing time last year remains. The defensive line has been pushing around the (admittedly inexperienced) offensive line throughout camp. The linebackers are fairly set, with Palmer and Whitehead fighting for the other outside position. Slay and Quin were added as free agents to assist an abysmal, oft-injured secondary. Hope, added as insurance for Delmas, has excelled in camp. I orignally thought Spievey might catch back up, but concussions in 2011s playoffs and early last year seem to have permanently set him back. Slay, originally behind all the second year players, has managed to keep up with Megatron and has looked ready to take the number two corner slot courtesy of increased playing time with others out injured. Bentley, healed from last years injuries, has done well in coverage at the nickel position.

K: Hanson, Kickalicious, Akers
P: Harris, Clingan, Martin
LS: Muhlbach
KR/PR: Logan, Thomas, Spurlock, Edwards, Riddick
Kickalicious has been having a good camp while Akers continues to deal with injuries. For returns, Mike Thomas has been horrendous during camp and will likely be cut unless a miracle happens. Theo Riddick and Patrick Edwards are taking reps with returns and to take a spot on the roster.

 

[Kave_Man]

You're just lucky you aren't a leafs fan.

Well...

And wait who the hell are you to talk being a Jets fan? As if that's a ton better.

 

[Greg]

thanks for the jinx, Packers.com!

 

[Hunter S.]

Stem cell research in Germany is extremely restricted. It's weird that we're that far behind in that regard, since Germany isn't that religious compared to the US.

Hard for me to say why it is that way for Germany, but it often comes down to morale debates in the USA that are too off-topic for this thread. I studied biology so it interests me of course.

 

[Dutch Gronk]

Shame on you, Americans, for getting beaten by the Dutch when it comes to the future of the burger!

Also, one step closer to trying human meat, I guess.

Suck it 'Merica! HOLLAND! HOLLAND! HOLLAND!

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

Suck it 'Merica! HOLLAND! HOLLAND! HOLLAND!

You aren't fooling anyone. We all know where you go for vacation.

 

[DUFFMCWALIN]

Go Niners go.

 

[Milchjon]

Hard for me to say why it is that way for Germany, but it often comes down to morale debates in the USA that are too off-topic for this thread. I studied biology so it interests me of course.

Germans in general tend to be pretty sceptical. Whenever there's some new technology, we focus mostly on any possible negative side effects, not on new possibilities. Germans are very strictly anti-GMO, for instance, and not for moral reasons as far as I can tell. And German tech magazines are more often about "how to protect yourself from" than about "this shit is crazy awesome."

But I will stop derailing now, I just love that burger.

 

[CherryWoodFuton]

Am I too early

Spoiler

or late

for the Fins funeral??

 

[harSon]

This is probably the least invested I've been into the NFL off season. I'm typically done with baseball by the All-Star break, but the Pirates have maintained brilliance this time around.

I know the Steelers upcoming season is going to rely on how well our young guys step up, so how are such people looking in training camp? (Jarvis Jones, Decastro, Adams, Le'Veon Bell, etc.)

And I get to attend a Steeler game for the 3rd season in a row. It'd be nice if we could win though... You can't get beat by the Raiders 3 games in a row....

 

[Dutch Gronk]

You aren't fooling anyone. We all know where you go for vacation.

Feels like home here.


Yankee, and other Vegas people. What's there to do in Vegas when you're not 21? Any cool stuff I need to see/do? Also, are there any batting cages I can visit?

And how do you send postcards from here? There is somebody I need to send a card.

 

[bionic77]

This is probably the least invested I've been into the NFL off season. I'm typically done with baseball by the All-Star break, but the Pirates have maintained brilliance this time around.

I know the Steelers upcoming season is going to rely on how well our young guys step up, so how are such people looking in training camp? (Jarvis Jones, Decastro, Adams, Le'Veon Bell, etc.)

And I get to attend a Steeler game for the 3rd season in a row. It'd be nice if we could win though... You can't get beat by the Raiders 3 games in a row....

We beat the fuck out of the Raiders in 11 or 10. They did win the last time we played though. Though when they win it is always some last minute bullshit.

I expect a repeat of the beatdown this year!

 

[bionic77]

Feels like home here.


Yankee, and other Vegas people. What's there to do in Vegas when you're not 21? Any cool stuff I need to see/do? Also, are there any batting cages I can visit?

And how do you send postcards from here? There is somebody I need to send a card.

Tons of hot disease infested prostitutes that won't care about your age. Just look through the cards the Mexicans hand out to everyone on the strip.

And as for things to do in Vegas if you don't gamble and don't want to fuck a STD ridden whore then there are a ton of great restaurants and shows to see. O was the best one I saw when I went in 2010. Check out the hotels as well. They all have some cool shit check out,

And if you can't find a post card you are retarded!

 

[Plasticine]

Go Bears!

 

[squicken]

One such fan, a disabled 15-year-old girl named Madelin Beardsley, traveled 600 miles with her family to cheer Tebow on during a Patriots practice. When Tebow stayed afterward to talk to the family, it made Madelin’s day.

“A handful of players signed autographs for Madelin,” Madelin’s father said. “Tebow was the only one to ask her name. I can’t tell you what that meant to her. There’s something about him, something that can make someone feel so special. Even if they meet for 10 seconds.”

Tebow stays after practice to sign autographs almost every day, sometimes for as long as 45 minutes at a time, and if he leaves before he has signed for every fan, it’s usually because he has to go to a team meeting. Tebow said he’s just doing what some of his players did for him when he was a kid.

“It’s a very little thing that can go a long way,” Tebow said. “I know, because when I was a young boy and I got Danny Wuerffel’s autograph, or Emmitt Smith’s autograph, what it meant to me. You want to be a good role model, someone that a young boy or young girl can look up to.”

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2...-autographs/PxNph85iPgiYMDPRbkBYhK/story.html

 

[PhoenixDark]

Since kas is here, and its a new thread...new Lions roster updates!
Free Agent Rookie

QB: Stafford
WR: Megatron, Burleson, Broyles, Young Sr., Edwards
RB: Bush, Leshoure, Bell
TE: Pettigrew, Scheffler
RT: Cherilus, Hilliard, Fox
RG: Peterman, Warford, Austin
C: Raola, Gandy
LG: Sims
LT: Backus, Reiff

The Lions offensive line has a lot yet to be decided. Lots of rookies and as of yet untested development projects. Broyles returns from a second ACL injury. Patrick Edwards has picked back up from last year pre-madden curse injury and looks to shine. Several potential TEs are vying for the spot vacated by Will Heller as the third TE. There is some speculation that Bell will surpass LeShoure as the lions preferred second back.

DE: Avril, vandenBosch, Young, Jones, Ansah, Idonije, Lewis
DT: Suh, Fairley,
MLB: Tulloch
OLB: Levy, Palmer, Whitehead, Lewis
CB: Houston, Slay, Bentley, Bartell, Green, Greenwood
FS: Delmas, Hope
SS: Quin, Spievey

The Lions have added Jones and Idonije in the offseason, along with drafting Ansah, to shore up the ends where only one player who saw any playing time last year remains. The defensive line has been pushing around the (admittedly inexperienced) offensive line throughout camp. The linebackers are fairly set, with Palmer and Whitehead fighting for the other outside position. Slay and Quin were added as free agents to assist an abysmal, oft-injured secondary. Hope, added as insurance for Delmas, has excelled in camp. I orignally thought Spievey might catch back up, but concussions in 2011s playoffs and early last year seem to have permanently set him back. Slay, originally behind all the second year players, has managed to keep up with Megatron and has looked ready to take the number two corner slot courtesy of increased playing time with others out injured. Bentley, healed from last years injuries, has done well in coverage at the nickel position.

K: Hanson, Kickalicious, Akers
P: Harris, Clingan, Martin
LS: Muhlbach
KR/PR: Logan, Thomas, Spurlock, Edwards, Riddick
Kickalicious has been having a good camp while Akers continues to deal with injuries. For returns, Mike Thomas has been horrendous during camp and will likely be cut unless a miracle happens. Theo Riddick and Patrick Edwards are taking reps with returns and to take a spot on the roster.

Which WRs do you think will make the team (outside of the three obvious Megatron/Broyles/Nate). Edwards and Durham have had great camps thus far, but I've also heard the former Jets WR is impressing.

 

[TheLegendary]

So good.

Tons of hot disease infested prostitutes that won't care about your age. Just look through the cards the Mexicans hand out to everyone on the strip.

And as for things to do in Vegas if you don't gamble and don't want to fuck a STD ridden whore then there are a ton of great restaurants and shows to see. O was the best one I saw when I went in 2010. Check out the hotels as well. They all have some cool shit check out,

And if you can't find a post card you are retarded!

Vegas is where all the chefs that can't hack it go.

 

[MechDX]

1) I work for a living thanks
2) last thing me or anyone should want to see is mr glass running.
3) why are you repping TJ Yates, its pretty clear that Case Keenum is the better QB and may be the next Texans starting QB.

Youre one of those!! Don't want any part of Keenum

Only ones that want keenum are red bloods or kubiak supporters. If he was so damn talented some team would have drafted him with the premium in QBs is this league

 

[chuckddd]

Updated the what to watch for. Thanks guys.

Feels like home here.


Yankee, and other Vegas people. What's there to do in Vegas when you're not 21? Any cool stuff I need to see/do? Also, are there any batting cages I can visit?

And how do you send postcards from here? There is somebody I need to send a card.

Pinball hall of fame!

 

[Fantomex]

Feels like home here.


Yankee, and other Vegas people. What's there to do in Vegas when you're not 21? Any cool stuff I need to see/do? Also, are there any batting cages I can visit?

And how do you send postcards from here? There is somebody I need to send a card.

Going to Vegas when you're under 21 is one of the dumbest things a person can do. No clubs, no casinos, no gambling. You might as well follow the seniors around and do some shopping and catch the attractions with them. You can probably try the buffets at the Rio and the Freemont while staring across the hall at the people gambling. Just like the Pats will be staring across at other AFC teams making it to the super bowl from this point on.

 

[Vio-Lence]

yaco-Lence's 2013 Bears Preview:

Offense:
1. Will the Chicago Bears offense improve under new head coach Marc Trestman? This will be the fourth new offense Jay Cutler and company will have in 5 years.
2. Who will step on offense to be the secondary receiving target for Jay Cutler? Brandon Marshall had 118 receptions for 1,508 yards last year. The offense will need to be more balanced this year. Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, and Earl Bennett need to step up this season.
3. Will the new offensive line be able to keep Cutler on his feet? Cutler has been the most sacked quarterback during his four year tenure with the Chicago Bears. 2013 will have 3 new starters on the offensive line. Free agent signings Jerome Bushrod and Matt Slausen will be the starting left tackle and left guard respectively. First round draft pick Kyle Long will be starting at right guard.
4. Will Marc Trestman better utilize Matt Forte in the passing game?

Defense:
1. Old ass defense needs to stay healthy otherwise things may get ugly.
2. Will rookie linebacker Jon Bostic be able to step in and replace Brian Urlacher. He's got the opportunity now that DJ Williams is out with a prolonged calf injury.

Overall Outlook:
I'm thinking 8-8, but at least Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo are gone and we have a chance to move forward with a real organization. Great article by Bill Barnwell on Grantland on the new Bears front office here.

 

[Greg]

Go Bears!

 

[Plasticine]

disgusting.jpg

 

[WedgeX]

Which WRs do you think will make the team (outside of the three obvious Megatron/Broyles/Nate). Edwards and Durham have had great camps thus far, but I've also heard the former Jets WR is impressing.

I think Edwards for his speediness and Schilens for his size likely make the team. Durham did not impress during the regular season last year outside of one play and I don't know if the team looks past that. Mike Thomas has been outright lazy in camp, dropping passes and simply stopping when running routes, forcing stafford to give up on plays with him included. He's not good enough in returning to make up for that. Actually a bit surprised he's still on the team. I think Devin Thomas goes to the practice squad and might show up next year.

 

[BannedEpisode]

Was this Martin guy this bad at RT?

I just don't see how that happens lol.

 

[eznark]

Go Bears!

I shit on the Bears a lot but honestly, it's really fucking awesome that they were so brave and hired the leagues first lesbian head coach. Bravo, Chicago.

 

[RBH]

.