How much of 'his' personnel decisions are actually those of Pioli, though?

That's a genuine, not rhetiorical, question by the way. I honestly have no idea what the balance of power is between those two on such matters.

They've been together for an uninterrupted spell of 11 years, so it'll be interesting to see how both do next season without one another.

(Pats collapse and Browns resurgance would be lovely, thanks.) :D

Right now, I'd say the decisions are those of Belichick.

But thats an intriguing question and I would imagine that only those closest to the situation would know.

Rumours that McDaniels has blown all opposition out of the water with his interview bode well for him. But just look at the last few co-ordinators who have been coaches from under Bill to see where he could go. I think another year would have done him some good.

I know with the Draft, Bill gave Pioli the original list of his friends and contacts etc etc. And they give their info to Pioli who put it in the war room before the draft.

i.e Tom Brady was someone personally recommended to Brady. Considered throughout the late 3rd round, players were continually picked ahead of him by the Pats until it came down to 199 and a choice between Rattay and Brady, and you know the rest. But he was picked as the coach of Brady's college told him that he was a great QB but had shared time for the player coming through and had he played full time would have been drafted a lot earlier. I also believe he had a strong Bowl performance if someone can confirm that.

Cassel was different though. They were at USC to see the WRs and the rest of the offense. Cassel was lobbing perfect passes to the receivers. They done their research and found out he just missed out on the starting job to Leinart.

Fast Forward. $29m of cap taken up by 2 6th and 7th round picks.

And the 2 Quarterbacks Matty sat behind at USC. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Ouch for them.

In short after that ramble, I'm not entirely sure on who makes these calls, but i'll delve into that situation now :)

Source - ProFootballTalk

Right, from my limited and tired research. Those that have helped in decisions like this include. Scott Pioli. The position coach in question. This time Josh McDaniels. And finally Jonathan Kraft.

So this time around with Scott and Josh off interviewing, I would imagine that its come down to himself. Possibly with the input of Bradys doctor to delve into it. And then its up to Jonathan to put the stamp on the deal.

Thanks, Ed Reed and the D were amazing as usual last night. For the second quarter you didn’t know where they were coming from and where the next pick was coming from, awesome quarter.

Thought Flacco did very well, kept it relatively simple and came across well in his interview.

Saying that did anyone see Ed Reeds interview, he was very complimentary about the Dolphins and what a good season they have had. Felt sorry for Pennington after the season he had, when he kept getting picked.

Some crackin games now next week, Chargers Steelers could be a good one as well.

What happened to EEIE above?

Super win for the Eagles, Giants up next, should be another close one.

Why ouch for Palmer?

You're not seriously suggesting that after one good season Cassel has proved himself the better player?

Congrats to the winners at the weekend and commiserations to the losers ...

Incidently, great watching the 1971 Cowboys on the Americas Game last night. The likes of Staubuck and Liley were great to watch, but Duane Thomas came across such a great player but quite an idiot the way he acted ...

I'm with Ben here...

Carson is a top QB on his day! but he's struggled with 1. Injuries, and 2. Poor "weapons"... Sure TJ and Chad are good on their day, but they haven't exactly been pulling it out.

Leinart is a prospect, but getting injured early last year really hasn't helped him, and Warner has had a great year.

Thanks for repeating that just the three times ... the wounds were starting to heal nicely .. :sob: ;)

You would probably have lost to the Vikings anyway Jazman :D

What is the highest points total ever scored by a team in anyone game? I'm sure I've seen about 56 in the 3 years or so I've been following NFL. Any higher?

So, we now have our line ups for the coming weekend...

Firstly, if this weekend is anything to go by, I am sure The Giants and Titans know they are in for a hard slog against the Eagles & Ravens respectively.

To be fair, I think only the Panthers look quite safe of a win. Yes, they were much improved on Saturday, but the Cardinals are shocking out of Arizona and I dont give them a hope.

The game that catches the eye is probably the Giants v Eagles. Week 14, Eagles won at Giants Stadium, although this is the game were Jacobs picked up an injury which resulted him missing a few weeks. I think the Giants are there for the taking, especially without Plax, and the Eagles have some real momentum. They were impressive last night.

Could this be a familiar story? Last season my only NFL gamen was the Giants play against the Fins at Wembley when they looked a far from complete outfit; they won the game, and went onto win the superbowl. This year, I saw the Eagles put in quite a poor performance against the 49ers, but at this point, everyone was beating San Francisco. Time will tell...

My early predictions for the weekend...

Ravens @ Titans - Ravens; their defence is just so strong, and Flacco aint all that bad for a first year QB.

Cardinals @ Panthers - Panthers; if there will be a one sided game this weekend, this will be it.

Eagles @ Giants - Eagles; I just have a feeling. I dont like Andy Reid but this could be a remarkable turn around. McNabb got benched only a few weeks ago; he now looks like he is getting into the 'zone'. If the Eagles can stop Jacobs, they win.

Chargers @ Steelers - Not sure! The weather could play a big part here. I am guessing it wont be like the South Californian sun in Pittsburgh this weekend! Although the Chargers do seem to have this destiny thing about them; they literally get in to the play offs because Denver are dog poo and now they are two games away from the Big one!

I should be Stateside for at least the Sunday games, and maybe even the Saturday games. Should be four great games!

Mentioned it a month ago or so, that the Ravens UK supporters group had been sent a care package from America. My share of it turned up today. A Ravens mouse mat, a Raven’s bandana and…. A Ray Lewis home colours shirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quality, that saves me a fortune, I have been looking to purchase one for ages anyway and have now got one for nowt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright for some... Should have got me some of that action! :hi:

His old account was reinstated and his new one banned (as he basically wanted - he had an issue with his e-mail address on his old account). Nothing sinister.

Cool. As long as he can log in!!!

God, what on earth will happen if the Eagles game goes into OT. Someone had better brief McNabb. He'll be getting all confused!!!

That would be funny. :D

Imagine the play-by-play:

OT 0:05 PHI 1-10, McNabb takes a knee, -2 yards.

Depending on where on the field it is, in the play-offs, that might not matter.

It would go into the "second quarter" and the Eagles could kick a field goal ;)