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[Kastrioti]

During that draft, I said that CJ should have been #1. He is something the Raiders needed, too. Plus, JGar said he would have gone to Oak that year, but only if they didn't draft a QB. Could have taken care of two things.

Yeah I agree. I honestly thought Al Davis would pick Calvin in that draft and I really am happy he didn't in the end.

I've said it a million times on this board, but Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL. If he has a Brady, Manning or Warner in the pocket, he is a 2000+ yard a season receiver.

Lion fanboyism aside, I really believe he is the best receiver in the league and that's no disrespect to Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss or anyone else, but I don't think those dudes could've put up these numbers on a 0-16 team with 5 different QB like Calvin did last year.

78 REC, 1331 Yards, 12 Touchdowns

Raiders have been on their way down since 03. The Jussell pick wasn't some sort of turning point.

Also, they won't be looking for a QB because Davis is delusional and is keeping fatty around for another 3-4 years. WR? Maybe... if there's one with a nice 40 time!

I actually think you guys would be a playoff team if you had a competent QB. Watching that Raiders, Chargers game on Monday Night convinced me you guys have a Top 7 Defense in the NFL (great d-line and one of the best secondary's), with a damn good running game, unfortunately you guys happen to have the worst QB in the league, IMO.

Nah. Davis would have never had Millen in the first place. He is the owner, GM, coach, judge, jury, and executioner. At least the Fords hired someone because they knew they themselves were incapable. That said, Al has contributed a lot to the league and his team. I can't think of anything the Lions have contributed besides maybe the turkey games where they get blown out in front of the whole nation.

Touche' on that Al Davis point. Ford Jr. is a nice guy who doesn't know a damn thing about football, while Al Davis at least has the rings to prove he knows something. But like you said Davis decides everything with the Raiders, and that won't change till he dies.

Speaking of which, what happens when Al Davis* eventually passes? Who will get control of the Raiders?

*edit

 

[Kastrioti]

:lol Let's take a trip in the wayback machine!

whytemyke's reaction to getting Calvin:

:lol :lol :lol

Holy shit I think I was posting that day, I'm not sure though.

I sympathize with myke's reaction considering Millen had drafted another reciver after Codiene Rogers and Fat Mike Williams. We had much bigger concerns, particularly on the o-line and d-line. Lions fans sometimes still bitch we took Calvin over Peterson or Joe Thomas.

Millen is the worst GM in NFL history, but Calvin being an automatic NFL star could've been predicted by a two year old.

 

[Rorschach]

Speaking of which, what happens when Al David eventually passes? Who will get control of the Raiders?

I think it's kinda like Charlie and the Chocolate factory, so it could be any one of us! *crosses fingers*

Holy shit I think I was posting that day, I'm not sure though.

I sympathize with myke's reaction considering Millen had drafted another reciver after Codiene Rogers and Fat Mike Williams. We had much bigger concerns, particularly on the o-line and d-line. Lions fans sometimes still bitch we took Calvin over Peterson or Joe Thomas.

Millen is the worst GM in NFL history, but Calvin being an automatic NFL star could've been predicted by a two year old.

You didn't post that day.

And, yeah, Myke's reaction is kinda justified seeing as the Lions were on a WR streak and had lots of other needs, but it was the best decision Millen made besides stepping down!

 

[Wellington]

:lol Let's take a trip in the wayback machine!


whytemyke's reaction to getting Calvin:


Bonus for DM:

I thought it was the right choice over Calvin because they needed a QB moreso than a WR.

How wrong I was!

 

[Trasher]

I thought it was the right choice over Calvin because they needed a QB moreso than a WR.

How wrong I was!

YOU were wrong!

<--
<--
<--
<--

I remember thinking WR was a poor choice at the time considering the past WRs that were drafted in Detroit. I was crossing my fingers that day that we would get AP, but then again AP could have been terrible with the O-line we have had in the last couple years. So, 3 years down the road now, I couldn't be happier with CJ and I believe it was the right pick. Plus who knows how long AP will be able to stay healthy with the way he runs. RBs like that break down eventually.

 

[Wellington]

YOU were wrong!

<--
<--
<--
<--

I remember thinking WR was a poor choice at the time considering the past WRs that were drafted in Detroit. I was crossing my fingers that day that we would get AP, but then again AP could have been terrible with the O-line we have had in the last couple years. So, 3 years down the road now, I couldn't be happier with CJ and I believe it was the right pick. Plus who knows how long AP will be able to stay healthy with the way he runs. RBs like that break down eventually.

So..... you were wrong.... too...

 

[Trasher]

So..... you were wrong.... too...

Calvin said that to both of us.

 

[ErnieMcCracken]

DET @ CHI
CIN @ CLE
OAK @ HOU
SEA @ IND
TEN @ JAC
NYG @ KC
BAL @ NE
TB @ WAS
BUF @ MIA
NYJ @ NO
DAL @ DEN
STL @ SF
SD @ PIT

GB @ MIN

 

[Cheeto]

I hate bye weeks...it sucks when you don't have a rooting interest in any games. I'll pretend to be a jets fan this weekend.

 

[Trasher]

I hate bye weeks...it sucks when you don't have a rooting interest in any games. I'll pretend to be a jets fan this weekend.

You should have joined a fantasy football league.

 

[twinturbo2]

My picks are in. Fuck the Jets.

 

[captive]

Yeah I agree. I honestly thought Al Davis would pick Calvin in that draft and I really am happy he didn't in the end.

I've said it a million times on this board, but Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL. If he has a Brady, Manning or Warner in the pocket, he is a 2000+ yard a season receiver.

Lion fanboyism aside, I really believe he is the best receiver in the league and that's no disrespect to Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss or anyone else, but I don't think those dudes could've put up these numbers on a 0-16 team with 5 different QB like Calvin did last year.

78 REC, 1331 Yards, 12 Touchdowns

Andre Johnson says I see your shitty season and raise you many shitty season getting the ball thrown to me by one David Carr.

 

[Cheeto]

My picks are in. Fuck the Jets.

NO U!

 

[bionic77]

You should have joined a fantasy football league.

Fantasy Football is retarded.

Even if your team is not playing there are always a few good games every week for you to enjoy. Football is only with us for a short period of time so enjoy it every minute you can.

 

[Cheeto]

Fantasy Football is retarded.

Even if your team is not playing there are always a few good games every week for you to enjoy. Football is only with us for a short period of time so enjoy it every minute you can.

For sure...I hate being a stat-whore... I'll always watch all the games I can. I'm just saying some excitement is lost when your team isn't playing. That's why I'm going to try to be a Jets fan this week

 

[bionic77]

For sure...I hate being a stat-whore... I'll always watch all the games I can. I'm just saying some excitement is lost when your team isn't playing. That's why I'm going to try to be a Jets fan this week

The bye doesn't bother me because I spend that time looking forward to the remainder of the schedule and try and determine if my team is really Superbowl worthy that year. I also use that time to convince myself that our coaches will cook up something ingenious in the brief time off to mask our weaknesses (which NEVER happens but every year I hold out hope that it will).

The worst is when after 2 games you know your team is not going to make the playoffs or contend for the division. At that point the best you can hope for is to play spoiler to some teams you hate and to look at the young talent for the next season. That is the worst thing for a team fan other than a massive, season ending injury to a pivotal player in a year where you are good enough to contend.

 

[Cheeto]

The bye doesn't bother me because I spend that time looking forward to the remainder of the schedule and try and determine if my team is really Superbowl worthy that year.

The worst is when after 2 games you know your team is not going to make the playoffs or contend for the division. At that point the best you can hope for is to play spoiler to some teams you hate and to look at the young talent for the next season. That is the worst thing for a team fan other than a massive, season ending injury to a pivotal player in a year where you are good enough to contend.

sure there's worse things

edit: like your quarterback throwing up under center and taking a timeout

 

[Spectral Glider]

I hate bye weeks...it sucks when you don't have a rooting interest in any games. I'll pretend to be a jets fan this weekend.

That's usually when you root for whoever is playing the Cheatriots. Except for this week, because they're playing the Ravens, then you root for a tie. The other fun team to root against is the Cowboys, because, well they're the Cowboys and Wade is god damn hilarious when things go to hell.

 

[DarienA]

Should be another good weekend of football, quite a few interesting games/storylines to watch...

Will Detroit get on a streak?
How good is Baltimore? Are the Pats back to form?
How bad are the Redskins?
Will Buffalo make TO happy this weekend?
How good is that J.E.T.S. team?
Dallas vs Denver pick your poison...
Are the Steelers the best 1-2 team ever?

Oh yeah and I guess there's a some kinda little rivalry or something involved in the Monday night game....

 

[bionic77]

Should be another good weekend of football, quite a few interesting games/storylines to watch...

Will Detroit get on a streak?
How good is Baltimore? Are the Pats back to form?
How bad are the Redskins?
Will Buffalo make TO happy this weekend?
How good is that J.E.T.S. team?
Dallas vs Denver pick your poison...
Are the Steelers the best 1-2 team ever?

Oh yeah and I guess there's a some kinda little rivalry or something involved in the Monday night game....

To answer your questions.

Detroit might actually win 2 in a row. It would not surprise me as long as they have their running back in the game.
The Pats are running on smoke and mirrors. They are not a good team.
How bad are the Redskins? Look at LiveWire's avatar for your answer...
The Jets are good but not great.
Yes, the Steelers will go down in history as the greatest 1-2 team of all time. This will seem a distant memory in December when they are closing in on 12 wins.

 

[LiveWire]

How bad are the Redskins?

This week the Redskins will embark on the most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-rending, exciting, thrilling finish in the history of the NFL! 4th Lombardi Trophy bitches!

 

[Tedesco!]

How bad are the Redskins?

This week the Redskins will embark on the most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-rending, exciting, thrilling finish in the history of the NFL! 4th Lombardi Trophy bitches!

 

[I <3 Memes]

I'm going to call my shot this week.

I'm going to put my balls on the chopping block here.

I'm going to jump a ramp on the proverbial bike with no seat.

This week my football instincts are telling me that Josh Johnson will throw for around 200 yards and 2 TD's. He may even add another TD on the ground

Spoiler

and probably an int returned for a TD

And the mighty Buccaneers will leave UPS field victorious.

After speaking to the media in the post game press conference Jim Zorn returns to his office to find the locks changed and his stuff out on the front lawn.

 

[Cheeto]

This week the Redskins will embark on the most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-rending, exciting, thrilling finish in the history of the NFL! 4th Lombardi Trophy bitches!

I read "4th place bitches"

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

Should be another good weekend of football, quite a few interesting games/storylines to watch...

Will Detroit get on a streak?
How good is Baltimore? Are the Pats back to form?
How bad are the Redskins?
Will Buffalo make TO happy this weekend?
How good is that J.E.T.S. team?
Dallas vs Denver pick your poison...
Are the Steelers the best 1-2 team ever?

Oh yeah and I guess there's a some kinda little rivalry or something involved in the Monday night game....

1. no
2. good/no
3. bad
4. probably
5. they're ok
6. dallas (sadly)
7. no

 

[MechDX]

http://fansided.com/2009/10/01/a-beer-for-every-nfl-team/

I like the Texans:

No matter how drunk you are, PBR always tastes like crap. No matter how good you think the Texans are going to be, they always crap out.

Also the NIners:

Lowenbrau hasn’t been popular since the late 80’s which is about the last time the 9ers had a team worth watching.

:lol

 

[Tom Penny]

Should be another good weekend of football, quite a few interesting games/storylines to watch...

Will Detroit get on a streak?
How good is Baltimore? Are the Pats back to form?
How bad are the Redskins?
Will Buffalo make TO happy this weekend?
How good is that J.E.T.S. team?
Dallas vs Denver pick your poison...
Are the Steelers the best 1-2 team ever?

Oh yeah and I guess there's a some kinda little rivalry or something involved in the Monday night game....

Nope
Very good / Nope
mediocre = bad?
Mabye. I didn't have time to waste that's why I traded him and his worthless 5 catch season so far.
Good right now...
Dallas
do we get them same question when they are 1-3 next week?

 

[bionic77]

Steeler fans. Am I the only one who is quickly losing all faith in Fast Willie? He seems to be injured on a weekly basis now and other than a game or two against Cleveland I don't remember the last time he had a good game for 4 quarters. I mean the guy is in a contract year and he is still not getting it done! Mendenhall doesn't seem to be the answer either so I feel we should go to Moore as we did last year when we won a bunch of games in a row.

We need to get a RB in the draft after this season and I want someone like Brandon Jacobs who has no subtlety and just runs people over. Speaking of Jacobs, is he a FA after this year?

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Steeler fans. Am I the only one who is quickly losing all faith in Fast Willie? He seems to be injured on a weekly basis now and other than a game or two against Cleveland I don't remember the last time he had a good game for 4 quarters. I mean the guy is in a contract year and he is still not getting it done! Mendenhall doesn't seem to be the answer either so I feel we should go to Moore as we did last year when we won a bunch of games in a row.

We need to get a RB in the draft after this season and I want someone like Brandon Jacobs who has no subtlety and just runs people over. Speaking of Jacobs, is he a FA after this year?

Plug any RB into that system right now and they will falter, power back or no. The O-Line needs to learn to properly run block.

As for fast Willie, I agree, he jumped the shark a while ago. Shame too.

 

[Monroeski]

http://fansided.com/2009/10/01/a-beer-for-every-nfl-team/

I like the Texans:

http://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/PBR-Texans-copy.jpg[img]



Also the NIners:

[img]http://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/9erBrau-copy.jpg[img]



:lol[/QUOTE]
Minnesota got me. :lol

[img]http://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Dos-Equis-Favre-copy.jpg

Dos Equis features the most interesting man in the world. The Vikings feature the most interesting man in football.

 

[bionic77]

Plug any RB into that system right now and they will falter, power back or no. The O-Line needs to learn to properly run block.

As for fast Willie, I agree, he jumped the shark a while ago. Shame too.

I disagree. I think the line has played well so far this year. They have been good to very good in pass protection and I am SEEING holes open up that Parker has been missing game to game. It is not a sieve in the middle of the line like it was last year where they were getting into the backfield when Ben was handing it off. There is penetration from the edges, but you almost want that overpursuit for a running play.

I don't see Parker or Mendenhall reading the line or picking the right hole and even when they do they are not hitting the holes with the power they should be. Moore isn't the greatest runner in the world but he seems a bit smarter overall and we can at least dump off to him to keep the defense honest on passing downs.

It sucks for Fast Willie too because this is his contract year and he is playing himself out of a starting job and the big bucks next season.

 

[I <3 Memes]

The Browns was the best one



Cleveland Browns – O’Doul’s

Browns fans are cut off. It’s time to sober up.

 

[harSon]

You're just being a hater, our run blocking isn't getting better, we just look better against shitty defensive lines. It's the same as last season, we typically suck at rushing and then have a good game against a team like the Browns, and people begin to wonder if "Steeler's football" is back.

 

[Spectral Glider]

Steeler fans. Am I the only one who is quickly losing all faith in Fast Willie? He seems to be injured on a weekly basis now and other than a game or two against Cleveland I don't remember the last time he had a good game for 4 quarters. I mean the guy is in a contract year and he is still not getting it done! Mendenhall doesn't seem to be the answer either so I feel we should go to Moore as we did last year when we won a bunch of games in a row.

We need to get a RB in the draft after this season and I want someone like Brandon Jacobs who has no subtlety and just runs people over. Speaking of Jacobs, is he a FA after this year?

At this point, Willie should be their second half runner only. I wouldn't play him at all until the 3rd and 4th when Ds are more tired. Course, I'm sure he wouldn't be happy with that, but tough shit. And I certainly would not run him up the middle for consecutive plays like egghead Arians did last week. Get him outside where he does the most damage. That's how I envisioned things being when Mendy was drafted, him taking over the bulk of the carries and Willie coming in to change things up late. But I didn't count on Mendy being a douchebag.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

I disagree. I think the line has played well so far this year. They have been good to very good in pass protection and I am SEEING holes open up that Parker has been missing game to game. It is not a sieve in the middle of the line like it was last year where they were getting into the backfield when Ben was handing it off. There is penetration from the edges, but you almost want that overpursuit for a running play.

I don't see Parker or Mendenhall reading the line or picking the right hole and even when they do they are not hitting the holes with the power they should be. Moore isn't the greatest runner in the world but he seems a bit smarter overall and we can at least dump off to him to keep the defense honest on passing downs.

It sucks for Fast Willie too because this is his contract year and he is playing himself out of a starting job and the big bucks next season.

I dunno, every time I watch I always see two things: Trai Essex slow on the hike, and the defender blowing throw the hole. The right side especially always seems to be a half step behind.

 

[bionic77]

You're just being a hater, our run blocking isn't getting better, we just look better against shitty defensive lines. It's the same as last season, we typically suck at rushing and then have a good game against a team like the Browns, and people begin to wonder if "Steeler's football" is back.

I don't think we have a dominant running game but the blocking is not as bad as the results either. I am not saying our line is a dominant force that is blowing people off the ball, but for once I am not putting the blame on them. They have done a great job in protecting Ben to this point and I don't see them getting pushed back 4 yards on running plays either. They have been at least average at run blocking and yet we are getting below average results. Who else am I supposed to blame other then the personnel and coaches at this point?

 

[harSon]

I don't think we have a dominant running game but the blocking is not as bad as the results either. I am not saying our line is a dominant force that is blowing people off the ball, but for once I am not putting the blame on them. They have done a great job in protecting Ben to this point and I don't see them getting pushed back 4 yards on running plays either. They have been at least average at run blocking and yet we are getting below average results. Who else am I supposed to blame other then the personnel and coaches at this point?

Our pass blocking has been great but I disagree with the notion that our run blocking has been anything more than mediocre. About the only improvement we've made this season as far as run blocking is concerned is the fact that our linemen aren't getting blown into the backfield on a consistent basis, now they just remain at the line of scrimmage which doesn't exactly result in any kind of tangible yardage.

And we've always been able to push around shitty defenses in the running game, look at last season, we had good rushing games against; Houston, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and San Diego. Notice a pattern?

I do agree Moore is better suited for our offense though, Parker plays best when he can utilize his speed, typically to the outside. Unfortunately, our blocking assignments usually deteriorate pretty quickly. Moore's able to run up the middle more effectively and gives us an addition threat in the passing game.

 

[bionic77]

Our pass blocking has been great but I disagree with the notion that our run blocking has been anything more than mediocre. About the only improvement we've made this season as far as run blocking is concerned is the fact that our linemen aren't getting blown into the backfield on a consistent basis, now they just remain at the line of scrimmage which doesn't exactly result in any kind of tangible yardage.

And we've always been able to push around shitty defenses in the running game, look at last season, we had good rushing games against; Houston, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and San Diego. Notice a pattern?

I do agree Moore is better suited for our offense though, Parker plays best when he can utilize his speed, typically to the outside. Unfortunately, our blocking assignments usually deteriorate pretty quickly. Moore's able to run up the middle more effectively and gives us an addition threat in the passing game.

I agree with most of what you are saying. We don't have any beasts on the line who are going to open up some big holes and they are average at best at run blocking, but assuming they are average to below average at run blocking the results we have had at running back are considerably below that.

Even when we are getting Willie and Mendenhall in a one on one situation with a linebacker (a matchup that a good running back should come out on top), our backs seem to fuck it up and can't win those matchups.

I really think that we stuck with Fast Willie for far too long and we should have gone with a power back and a guy who can catch it out of the backfield. Moore is an awesome pass blocker and can catch out of the backfield so we have that one covered, we just need to find a power runner in the draft or free agency.

 

[The Frankman]

Can't decide which RB to start:

Jerome Harrison vs. Bengals
Mewelde Moore vs. Chargers

I could start both but I'm flexing Royal.

 

[bionic77]

Fast Willie didn't practice again. Repeat of last season.

I expect slightly better production from Moore if he starts and maybe a few decent runs from Mendenhall (please don't fumble you colossal fuck). The running game without Parker will go from absolute shit to slightly below average and they will prove me right!

edit: Looks like Mendenall is going to start and I predict some success and wins over the next 3 games and that this will be the last we see Parker as the feature back in Pittsburgh.

 

[DarienA]

So I'm at lunch watching Sportscenter and they flash that Willie Parker didn't practice today and is questionable for Sunday. Then they said who the #2 was and I realized I don't even know who the Steelers #2 is...

 

[bionic77]

So I'm at lunch watching Sportscenter and they flash that Willie Parker didn't practice today and is questionable for Sunday. Then they said who the #2 was and I realized I don't even know who the Steelers #2 is...

Everyone involved in the Steelers running game is a number 2.

 

[JaMarco]

Mayo and Wilfork practicing today, nice. Now the team can suck a little bit less.

 

[Tom Penny]

Mayo and Wilfork practicing today, nice. Now the team can suck a little bit less.

I don't want him to play until he is 100%.

 

[Spectral Glider]

 

[Dirtbag]

^^^^:lol :lol :lol

 

[DarienA]

Looks like likes of hurt players practiced for the Pats today... sucks I was hoping Welker would not play, would make the game easier....

:lol @ Spectral Glider, awesome pic

 

[GQman2121]

Here’s a quote from Bill Simmons’ Power Rankings, talking about Tampa Bay:

Random but true fact: Josh Johnson, Tampa's Week 4 starting quarterback, is a 38 in "Madden 2010." In other words, I'm older than his Madden rating.”

 

[bionic77]

:lol

Though I hate that they are not open on Sunday but I am more than happy that the Browns follow the same policy.

 

[DMczaf]

Here’s a quote from Bill Simmons’ Power Rankings, talking about Tampa Bay:

Random but false fact. He's a 53! He was upgraded to a 58 with the latest update yesterday!