Dutch Gronk
Banned
Fantomex, good call on the restaurant. Awesome stuff.
Fantomex, good call on the restaurant. Awesome stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it!
When we going to get Lucky's Chinese food you degenerate.
Raiders play the Cowboys tomorrow, hope Tony Romo implodes in his 1 series.
Just a few thoughts -
Kaep looked sharp and was good in the pocket and good on his two rollout throws. Loved seeing him elude Von Miller on his completion to Boldin.
Boldin looked good, of course. Marlon Moore had a nice catch... Vance McDonald is going to be huge in the redzone this season. Jenkins looked like garbage, I'm so frustrated with this kid because he says all the right things but he needs to step up.
LMJ fumbled, again. Gotta work on that, but his vision was nice. We can't cut Dixon, hard runner and a good blocker.
Defense was stout, albeit against vanilla schemes with that starters only being there one series. Eric Reid looked in command of the defense and was making solid hits all night; he looks to be a keeper.
ILB depth is still worrisome as is depth at SS (I don't care much for Whitner).
Special teams looked like it did last year - hit or miss. Coverage was either great or terrible. Dawson did his best Akers impersonation, he'll get it corrected.
Oh, Tolzien was pretty bad but McCoy was just as terrible.
all true. kap looked very comfortable and was making it look easy. boldin looked solid and our o-lne looked good.
the good and bad thing about kap keeping up his stellar play is that we're going to have to pay him and pay him a lot of money.... like $15-20 mil a year money. but then we also have guys like aldon and iupati and crabtree who need to be paid. can we afford them all?
It's scary how many good players we have on this roster that may have to walk because we can't afford them.
I expect Crabs to test free agency anyway. Though I'm worried about our O-line; Boone, Davis, and Iupati will soon be paid.
If Kaep wins us a Superbowl in the next two years, we are going to break the bank for him.
davis is locked up long term and boone is locked up semi-long term. we had been talking with iupati but i'm sure he is looking to be one of the higher paid guards in the league which will run about $9 mil per year or so :/
How good is Iupati? Will he demand Mankins like money? He signed a 6-year, 51 million dollar deal in 2010/11.
How good is Iupati? Will he demand Mankins like money? He signed a 6-year, 51 million dollar deal in 2010/11.
He's what you want in a guard, a big dumb Samoan mauler.
Good write up chuck, couple of notes:What to watch for:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off of a disappointing 8-8 campaign, the Steelers will look to ramp up the intensity this year. Coach Mike Tomlin has emphasized hitting, hitting and more hitting in camp. I think the reasoning for this is two-fold. One, he wants to reinstate the physical mind set. And two, he wants to be sure that when young players are pressed into action, they are more ready. He also has mandated that all linemen wear knee braces and there's only been one torn acl so far in camp!
OFFENSE
This is the second year under offensive coordinator, Todd Haley. Hopefully, the players get on board with his system better than last year. The Steelers are implementing more zone blocking into the running game. This is a more finesse style of blocking compared to the smashmouth of years past. It should help get the running backs to the outside. A side benefit is that it should help the defense deal with the many teams that run this style of offense.
QB - After Ben, comes Brad Gradkowski. How well will he pick up the offense and does he have a raport with his new teammates? For third qb, the Steelers drafted Landry Jones, but he's being outplayed in camp by John Parker Wilson. Not a good sign, but something to watch at the end of these preseason games!
RB - Le'veon Bell was drafted in the second round and apparently looks good enough to be the starter.The official depth chart, of course, lists him last.He's been named the starter for the first preseason game. LaRod Stephens-Howling was signed as a free agent. He should add some speed and elusiveness in addition to being a kick returner. Perhaps feeling threatened, the returning backs, Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Baron Batch all showed up to camp in fantastic shape. One of these guys will be traded or cut and will make a nice addition to an opposing team.
FB - Will Johnson is the only guy on the roster at this position. Look for him to be played in multiple formations and to never carry the ball.
TE - There is no firm return time for Heath Miller, who was awesome last year. Reports are that he's working out and running, but not practicing. To replace him, the Steelers have resigned Matt Spaeth and have Jamie McCoy, both of whom can block but not catch. They also have David Paulson, who can catch but not block. Get well soon, Heath!
WR - Antonio Brown will be the #1 reciever. Emmanuel Sanders will be #2. He's had an injury riddled and inconsistent career, so far. The real battle will be who will get time as the third reciever. Plaxico Burress isa big red zone targetdone. Jerricho Cotchery is sure handed. Markus Wheaton is a shifty, third round draft pick. Derek Moye, David Gilreath, Justin Brown, Kashif Moore and the speedy Reggie Dunn are all battling to make the squad. Once again, the Steelers will probably end up cutting a player or two that can contribute to another team.
OL - Even though Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert are doing battle for LT v RT, the o-line starters are set. In fact, the other three guys who will dress on game day, are set. They being Kelvin Beachum, John Malecki and Guy Whimper. Can Mike Golic Jr. or any of the young guys show enough to make the practice squad? That's pretty much the only remaing question.
DEFENSE
Much to no one's surprise, the Steelers ranked first in the NFL in total defense. Again. Dick LeBeau will keep on keeping on with his 3-4 zone blitz scheme.
DL - Steve McClendon takes over for Casey Hampton at the nose. He's not quite as stout, but a revelation as an udfa out of Troy. He has no reliable player behind him, but I hope either Hebron Fangupo or Alameda DWI Ta'amu can show something. At the tackles, are aging, but effective, Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood. Hood may be playing for his Steeler life this year, as he hasn't progressed as well as a first rounder should. Behind them is Cam Heyward who is in the same boat as Hood, but a year behind. Al Woods has been getting some buzz in camp.
OLB - James Harrison is gone to the Bungles. So, opposite of LaMarr Woodley will be Jason Worilds, spelled by first round pick, Jarvis Jones. Worilds almost certainly won't be a Steeler next year, but can he stay in the league? Chris Carter and Adrian Robinson are also battling to make the team.
ILB - 90 year old Larry Foote is back, as is Lawrence Timmons. A replacement for Foote must be found, even if he doesn't play much this year. Stevenson Sylvester is the veteran back up. Marshall McFadden, Kion Wilson, Terence Garvin, Brian Rolle and 6th round pick, Vince Williams do battle here. It's hard to pick a out a single or couple of stand outs here, as reports are that they're all similar. All 6' - 6'2', 220-240. All play downhill and should be good against the run. I'll definitely be watching this area, hoping for a stand out player.
S - Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu hold down the fort. Polamalu is hoping for a renaissance, as injuries have taken their toll on his body much of the last few years. Clark still looks good, despite being the same age. DaMon Cromartie-Smith and Robert Golden will be pushed by rookie fourth round pick, Shamarko Thomas. Thomas has been nicknamed "headache" and has already professed that he'll likely be fined by Heir Goodell.
CB - Much like his hands, Ike Taylor is a rock. Keenan Lewis went to hell during free agency and will be replaced by Cortez Allen. William Gay was brought back from Steelers West to play the slot. This group has suffered a bunch of injuries in camp, so Josh Victorian, Robert Golden, Ross Ventrone and, hopefully, Terry Hawthorne, will be given a chance to showcase their wares.
WRAP UP
The 2012 Steelers were hampered by an offense that could not overcome their decimated offensive line. While the defense played well, they were unable to generate turnovers. The starters are set and look to be solid, but there is very little depth. This team has the potential to be very good, but if a single group suffers too many injuries, it will be another long season.
So....
Any of you talented folks want to help design a logo?
So....
Any of you talented folks want to help design a logo?
Ben's the QB. That pretty much guarantees the Grad at least 2 starts this season.Bruce, Brad, either way, I hope he never sees the field.
Does it need to look like the Iowa Hawkeye logo?
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You're welcome, brother.
Good morning.
Which games should I watch on GamePass from last night?
Are you gonna have some earl grey while you watch football?
This poll surprises me:
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I knew the Dolphins had generated a little [unfounded] hype but I figured it was only among fans of the team. Anyway, my personal prediction is that they will win 8 or 9 games and miss the playoffs (losing the division to the Pats). At this point not making the playoffs should be considered failure, though.
A few thoughts on the Redskins vs Titans game.
1. Kirk Cousins is going to garner the Redskins a 1st round draft pick. He picked right where he left off last year, his play was really good.
2. Shanahan showed his "base" offense last night and it's still highly effective.
3. Pat White ran the read/option three times, otherwise he was operating out of the Redskins traditional offense. He played shockingly well and oh hand one really horrific pass. I think the #sexcanon may be gone after camp.
4. The Redskins essentially started 4 rookies in their secondary against the Titans. Rambo, Thomas, Amerson and Minnifield (2012 rookie on IR) and it showed. However, this was purposeful and beneficial. You could see flashes of talent, some flashed more consistently than others. There inexperience mostly showed up during tackling, they took poor angles and must adjust to the speed of the game. Having them on the field all at once led to a few big plays. It's preseason.
5. An area of weakness for the Redskins now looks like a strength. The cornerback position consists of two solid veterans in Hall, Wilson and Biggers. Rookies year players Minnified and Amerson. And second year player Jordan Crawford.
6. Saftey is still very much an area of concern for Washington. Very much so.
7. Fred Davis looked amazing last night, as did Logan Paulsen when he bailed out Pat White with an amazing one-handed catch. Rookie Jordan Reed should play next week and he's supposedly more athletic than Fred Davis.
8. WR Aldrick Robinson has elite speed, even for the NFL. It was nice to see him getting more work in the intermediate routes. You could tell that he's still a work in progress, but it's something. It's preseason. Week 1of preseason at that, I'm curious to see his progression.
9. I advocated for Briscoe last year, he'll be cut. You can tell when a man is defeated and you can tell that he knows he won't make the team.
10. Orakpo... If the front 7 can stay healthy... The Redskins defense will be good this year. That's a big IF. However, Orakpo came right in and got two sacks. Place him in bubble wrap until the season starts. It's no coincidence that Kerrigan gets a sack shortly afterward, they were drafted to compliment each other and do so well.
Weeden looked great last night from what I saw. Didn't waste time in the pocket, had great accuracy and power on this throws, made very smart decisions, and found the open guy consistently. 10/13 for 112 and a TD is very nice for a starting QB in a preseason game. Obviously it's just preseason but I was impressed.And I love that people are still shitting on Weeden from the Browns fanbase. Let it go bros, he's our starter for the next 1-3 seasons. Even Gondo knows he won't last forever in Cleveland but he's a perfectly good QB to hold the fort until we draft the next great hope.
From all accounts he looked crisp last night and very different from what Shurmur had him doing, he looks comfortable.
I know! I much prefer everyone thinking the Dolphins suck regardless of whether or not they do. Oh well. You looking forward to the game tonight? It sounds like we'll get to see the starters in action a lot more:Nooooo. No hype please.
FB Jorvorskie Lane, who missed practice Wednesday with an unkown injury, is expected to play against the Jaguars Friday. The Dolphins are still finalizing decisions on playing Lamar Miller (ankle) and Mike Wallace (groin). Jared Odrick (groin), Brian Hartline (calf) and Olivier Vernon (groin), all of whom missed the preseason-opener, are expected to play. Dannell Ellerbe, who missed the preseason opener, is expected to play. Randy Starks (knee) and John Jerry (knee) are definitely out. Miller, who has been nursing the tender ankle the last two practices, is expected to play barring a last minute complication ... CB Jamar Taylor (hernia recovery) is not expected to play.
I don't think Pat White will get in ahead of Grossman, I don't think the team even considers it a battle. I think White may land with another team though, and I'd like to see that happen on the basis of yesterday. I wonder if they will go with 2 QBs instead if they are really happy with RG3's fitness and Kirk is as solid a backup as you can ask for. I don't want to trade him but that would be selfish, I honestly believe he can start somewhere right now with a good running game to back him up.
I know it is preseason but some of the drops were pitiful. Hankerson showed some more promise but I still don't fully trust his hands. He has good blocking though. Shame about Briscoe, but I agree he will be out unless he really steps it up in the next few games.
I'm not sure if Aldrick Robinson is physical enough to be a starting WR for this team. He needs to be a better blocker for the running game and needs to fight for catches. Until then, he is a great speed guy to have on the roster and will be an important weapon this year nonetheless. Sleeper pick for fantasy.
Helu looked great, I hope he can remain healthy all season. Can't wait to see what Jawan Jamison (sp?) and Chris Thompson do as well. I think one of them will make the team with the other being stashed on the PS. Royster looked good but he has never shown anything special to be worth keeping if one of the rookies shows promise. I think one of them (Thompson?) is a real speed guy too.
I agree, corner looks like an immediate upgrade. I am quite impressed with Chase Minnifield. I've heard good things about him in camp, his progression from injury looks to be going really well. I wonder if there is a place on the roster for him though. Assuming we keep Hall, Wilson and Amerson, he will be fighting with Biggers and Crawford for the final two spaces.
Safety was rough as always. Rambo did not have a great game, and I was projecting him to be a starter. To be honest, with the offence we have I don't mind building a defence around one which creates turnovers while giving up huge plays in doing so.
I really hope Jarvis Jenkins steps up to replace Carriker. We don't have him for the first four games so I'm even more concerned about what is going to happen for our front 7.
I agree the rookies had bad angles but I even saw some vets using poor technique (I think Orakpo was one of them with a poor angle). Totally agreed on Orakpo + Kerrigan. I am more excited to see this duo than any other part or player of the team.
I need to re-watch to look a little closer at the offensive line. It looked like the backups were making holes for Royster, but LeRibeus seemed to let the line down and had a penalty. We were lucky last year not to have many injuries on the line, I'm not sure we'll have the same luck twice.
I hadn't even heard of the TE who caught that 2-point conversation, but I like him.
You looking forward to the game tonight? It sounds like we'll get to see the starters in action a lot more:
Most wanted for me:Yep, can't wait. Looking forward to seeing Jordan continue his development mostly, but also interested in some more Martin scrutiny and seeing what the RB's do.
Oh, and a Tannehill to Wallace completion would be a nice bonus.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130808/SPORTS0101/308080035Their relationship began 10 years ago when Louis Delmas was a volcanic, trash-talking freshman at Western Michigan University.
Tony Scheffler was the big man on campus, a senior with NFL promise. Delmas was the abandoned 17-year-old adjusting to campus life after a rough life in Florida. Scheffler took Delmas under his wing even though the young safety barked at him every time the tight end ran a route.
Their friendship grew over the years, and they remain tight as members of the Lions.
Hey, cracker, Delmas often says to Scheffler inside the Lions practice facility.
Hows my n-----? Scheffler replies.
Delmas is black. Scheffler is white.
Their relationship is one of the tightest bonds in the Lions dressing room, but it is a test to society. Usually whites use the term to tear down and ridicule. Most blacks use the word with an a at the end rather than an er, and it is a term of brotherhood and endearment. Scheffler and Delmas use both forms.
This is the way theyve greeted one another for years, and this revelation comes on the heels of Riley Cooper, the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver who hurled the N-word at a black security guard during a Kenny Chesney concert.
Rileys drunken rant went viral and disgusted folks both black and white. Although Eagles teammates publicly supported him, Cooper was removed from team activities for four days while undergoing sensitivity training.
Delmas said there is a difference between using slurs in public and doing it behind closed doors with a close friend you consider a brother, even if the brother is white.
Me and (Scheffler) have a relationship many people do not have both black and white, Delmas said. I look at him like my brother. I love him to death.
He greets me, What up, n-----? But I understand it. So I say, Whats up, cracker? But we would never take it outside the building.
Most wanted for me:
1. No sacks or hurries given up by Martin
2. Tannehill TD pass and no INT's
3. Wallace reception (or three)
4. Lamar Miller averaging +5 ypc
5. Sack by Wake, Jordan, or Vernon (wouldn't mind all 3!)
6. A Bumphis highlight or two
Although, the real number 1 is probably no injuries!
Pat White is back in the league?
The fuck
Damn so weird seeing this thread being dominated by football talk!
Surely Landry isn't really getting beat out by John Parker Wilson?
He was only going to be a 4th or 5th receiver and he could have been a locker room leader. He might have been able to contribute in that capacity.I'm not glad Plaxico Burress is injured, but i'm glad he's injured. Dude is finished and he made it obvious by tearing his rotator cuff on a routine jump ball. Give the spot to somebody who will be with the team next year, like Justin Brown.
He was only going to be a 4th or 5th receiver and he could have been a locker room leader. He might have been able to contribute in that capacity.
Probably a long shot but that is probably what the team was thinking.