:D :o :D :o :lux: :lux:

Madness ..... ;)

How do you judge though what is respectable or not? It's tough, but one thing is for sure the Ravens have certainly proven more than one thing this season.

I know Cowboys are top of the list and that is thanks to the wealthy owner, but at least we were in with a shot of the play offs this season, the Raiders in 2nd were no where near. Or is this season considered to be a transition year so we should expect them to do something next season?

:D :o :D :o :lux: :lux:

Exactly. It isn't as if any NFL teams are making a loss (I'd imagine anyway).

What was bonkers was the Eagles repeatedly leaving eight figures of cap space when they lost three straight NFC Championship games and McNabb had no WR to throw to. Imagine if they'd stumbled into one of Arizona's WRs instead of Owens, that would be scary.

Am I on the right track assuming that if a franchise was losing money the league would look to make the franchise 'avialable'?

Good call about the Eagles. Something they appear to have struggled with and still do if I'm honest as a outsider looking in ...

Well pretty much in football the richest teams, i.e the ones who spend the most are at the top of Prem and Championship, so for Eagles to rank 21st and be one game from the superbowl is respectable for how much they've spent on salaries. Not saying its great and that the teams at the top should all be winning the playoffs, just a decent effort.


Think Reid got scared off by the TO debarkle recently from getting a big name WR. McNabb and Westbrook seem to work well so that's our big partnership, and Jackson should be even better next year! We've definitely given up on going for the big plays like we were doing at the start of the season which in theory seems to be a good thing.

Yes, I agree with you. But NFL is far more interesting for me than football because you are more often than not get different teams challenging and getting to the Superbowl each season. Yes, Paul before you start bleating, the Pats have had it pretty good in the past five years or so but maybe now they are on a bit of a downward spiral and back to that transition period again. Somewhere where the Cowboys have been for a few years now ... :D

I missed the TO problems as that was during my 'break' from the NFL ... but my understanding is that he was/is a bit of a cock ;)

By the way guys, if the BBS goes down for a few hours or days, it'll probably be my bad...

My weapon of mass destruction should never be waved (particularly in public) or all hell will break loose. Fortunately I've manage to restrain myself recently and kept my little monster fully sheathed.

Got an email from NFLUK confirming that Club Wembley tickets are available. They are on Ticketmaster already. I assume that these are over inflated prices for not much extra?

I wouldn't mind...

:o

Jazman - Well it pretty much ruined the next season for us as he blamed McNabb for us not winning the superbowl and McNabb retaliated by blaming him, it split the team and that combined with McNabb's injuries has kept us out of the NFC championship game sine then.

Groan... :D

Nothing wrong with keeping some flexibility in terms of payroll and the cap (probably part of the reason why the Eagles have been consistently one of the better teams in the NFC over the past decade), something where the Pats excelled in terms of making tough decisions. However to leave themselves short where they had a clear need was largely criticised.

However, the NFL has led the way in showing how to provide equal opportunity of success to its participants.

Can't find anything in regard to individual team profit levels as yet. :(

How did it split the team? Just about everyone saw that TO was to blame, and there wasn't much complaint when he was finally suspended by the team (which I'm pretty sure was Reid's call). He's come full circle in Dallas, the idiot can't help himself.

Why does that not suprise me? I really wouldn't be suprised if he did not return to Dallas ... but do they have the guts to do it is the question ...

That is the attraction for sure

What the hell are you doing there? :o

The article Paul posted the other day seemed to suggest that Jerry Jones seems to like the challenge of policing all the egos there. :eek:

Yes, this season's project was Pacman. And look how that turned out?

That he may be, but he will still be a big loss.

I like what the Ravens are doing and think he's a great player, but an underhand thug at the same time. Was great seeing Jake Long fearlessly wade in on him when he tried to take liberties with a prone Ronnie Brown. (Fnar fnar.) Getting crocked last week was his comeuppance.

And he was the same guy who said about there being a bounty on Hines Ward. Oh, the irony.

I'd like to point out Joey Porter for off-field stuff.

And Vince Wilfork for on-field stuff.

Both thugs. Although the way his health seems to be and the health problems within his family, I worry for Wilfork.

Although not on the level of Suggs, there are a lot of thugs on the defensive side of the ball and you have to play mean to play the game nowadays.

He was talking about a coconut chocolatey bar.

My sentiments exactly, serves the twat. I couldn't believe what they were doing to Chris Johnson last week when he was on the ground, they were deliberately trying to injure him, dirty scum :veryangry

Cant wait for Ravens Steelers.

Yeah, they had him virtually folded in two at one stage.

Him getting injured did probably make all the difference in the end mind, happens in every sport though, if a players better than you, what’s the great leveller?

Not saying it’s right but when stakes are high………

Right does anyone know if there is a place in essex that will show the Super Bowl?

Yep, I knew he'd done something in last week's game to make me think even less of him, but couldn't remember the specific example. It was exactly that - basically trying to brake Johnson's back by bending his body in a different direction when a play was over. Just despicable.

3 Jason Taylor $8,305,760 :sob: (and two draft picks) :sob:
55 Chris Horton $331,516

If those numbers aren't an advert for the draft over free agency I don't know what is.

Skins could learn a lot from the likes of the Ravens and Patriots, when it comes to salaries

:lux: :lux: :lux: :lux:

Thanks, honey. :love:

And here's what it gets you:

http://bleacherreport.com/images_roo...bc_feature.jpg

And he wondered why Parcells wouldn't speak to him. Frankly it is amazing we got anything for him. Thank you, Mr Snyder.

P.S. I still love him for the things he did as a Fin, especially the Monday night upset against the Pats. Darned if I can find a non-Getty photo of it though. :(

Congratulations to Miami on that deal :eek:

I still like my comparison of the Cowboys front office (Jerry Jones basically) and the combined prowess of Belioli.

Roy Williams. 1st, 3rd and 6th.

2008 statistics with Cowboys. 10 GAMES. 19 receptions, 198 yards and a TD

Wes Welker and Randy Moss. 2nd, 4th and 7th.

2007 statistics with the Patriots. 16 GAMES. 220 receptions, 2668 yards, 31 TDs.

What a deal for the Cowboys.

Who is better of the Roy Williams. The hated Safety by every Cowboy fan I have asked, or the Wide Receiver averaging under 2 receptions a game?

I can think of plenty of ways to describe that Detroit-Dallas trade, only none that I'll look back on without regret in about a week's time. Let's just say it was the highlight of the Lions season, and a possible building block towards 2-14 next year. Good luck with that, Jim Schwartz.

Hang on, you compared that with the Patriots! I didn't see that coming. ;)

BTW, I haven't seen this yet (I keep the volume off on my laptop) but here's Pacman's interview from last week where he talks about his love of "scrip clubs".

I couldn't think of a better or closer trade to go with.

Looking forward to Sunday.

I'm having the underdogs in both.

One thing that I noticed in the Giants-Eagles match was Asante jumping the route for an interception and getting it wrong.

A receiver other than Steve Smith (the worse one) would have caught that and been gone down the field for a TD.

So against Boldin, Fitz and Breaston. He has to be careful.

Zona have to watch Westbrook obviously, but Dansby must get to McNabb a lot of the time.

I like the matchup of Jackson and Rodgers-Cromartie if they line up together as that will be interesting with both being quick, both rookies and both have had decent seasons.

:rolleyes:

Wow, more willy waving.

Start to turn into a bit of a cock fest in here .. ;)

I have made my feelings known on here already about the trade for Roy Williams. Most sensible people on here know it was a desperate move that really was not needed, and smacks of complete stupidity. There is no comparison to make.

I struggle to see why he was needed.

TO has to have 20 passes thrown at him again.

Witten, Barber and Crayton/Austin make do with everything else.

Unless, TO is off as reported on that story above.

And to suit you all, I wont mention the Patriots unless it is relevant news or something that proves me right... ;)

I like how no-one picked up on my mini preview for the NFC game on Sunday.

Onto the AFC, I think I said my thoughts on how it will be won already. Steelers must stop the run.
Ravens must stop the run which they do anyway.

Both teams need pressure on the QB. I wont be shocked to see Ray Lewis flattening Roethlisberger, possibly drawing a flag. If they hit Roethlisberger multiple times, they win.

If either team establishes the run, the Play Action passes wins this game.

My flag is on the Ravens side of the game for the win.

And a Cardinals-Ravens Superbowl beckons.

He was not needed Paul, end of.

Only one cock in here, jaz. :p

You are all women then :hi:

Dont make me bore you with the ins and outs of Bubba Ventrone.

I know there are a few teams in the NFL with birds on their logo but I cannot recall a cock being one of them ... ;)

Gruden out in Tampa Bay as well as their GM.

Wow, didn't see that one coming, guess he won't have trouble finding a new job though

Must admit I didn't see that coming. Thought he was close to untouchable there, although he did deserve criticism for the way he handled QBs and also the way the Buccs folded down the stretch (losing at home to the Raiders, really?).

BTW I'll be different and say that someone like Williams was needed in Big D. Lots of writers said that the Cowboys could use another good receiver to take DBs away from TO. My problem is with the price they paid to get him (the issue of Williams' performances post-trade being another matter that no-one really saw coming).

The Buccs supposedly have guys lined up to do the jobs already. :eek:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/...n-to-Bucs.html

The Glazers kept that quiet.

Wonder what the Bucs fans think of it?

The Broncos fans were upset that McDaniels didn't tell them anything in their first press conference.

The Indy fans are seemingly happy with Dungy's replacement.

The Browns fans are mixed on Mangenius's appointment.

Gruden out? I am very suprised by that and he is one coach that I have a lot of time for after watching one of the America's Game programmes.

Hear a lot of chat last night about TO and the Cowboys. The big question is will Jerry Jones get rid of him amongst the rumours? You have to remember that this is the very same guy who gave him a new contract last season ... so I can't see it personally. TO managed 10 TDs this season and he is the kind of talent that you need in a team together with a very good QB and RB. The RB department we are fine, but the QB still has something to prove in my mind.

But will he or won't he .. will be interesting to hear any developments.

I think Gruden screwing the QBs around was the first nail in his coffin, even if it did come early in the season and he only missed the play-offs by half a game. Garcia is the #1 there, no-one comes close on the roster so why try to play clever games?

The final one was definitely choking in the run-in.

Not pleased with it in my corner of Ohio.

Yep, I've not anything much positive said about the appointment other than in Cincy and the green half of NY!

Fair point well made fella. I think you have hit the nail on the head by the fact that Williams performances since he arrived in Dallas were likened to the invisible man ... if that wasn't the case I'm sure it wouldn't be spoken about quite so much.

I think in Dallas's case, its a bit cliquey.

Romo and Witten are best buddies so the ball always seems to be going to Witten. But, Witten rarely drops the ball. One of the top Tight-ends in the game.

Whereas you have TO. I think he is Jerry Jones's guy right now. If the ball is thrown to TO, it'll either be a Touchdown or a spectacular catch. He is without doubt, a game changer. But, he drops the simplest of balls at times.

If the ball has to be thrown at Owens, and Romo then looks for Witten. There isn't the ball to go around that allows the ball to be thrown deep for Williams or even just for a first down. You then have Crayton and Austin picking up the odd reception as well as Marion Barber/Choice as well as Felix Jones. Its going to be interesting at Dallas to see how it is all going to work out.

Crikey, I'd forgotten Williams was there

He's actually the kind of wide receiver needed in Washington

Do you know what 'checking down' is, Paul?

Most defenses make Owens their priority, hence Romo often doing the sensible think and checking down. First to Witten, then Crayton, then the running back. (Williams has been so ineffective he hardly figures.)

Also, WItten is probably the best tight in the game at getting open. If he is, and that gets you the first down, why wouldn't you throw it to him?

As for your claim that 'If the ball is thrown to TO, it'll either be a Touchdown or a spectacular catch', rubbish. He led the league in drops last year and had a fair few this. If it was that simple they'd throw to him every play and be 16-0.

Thats what I meant.

He is a game changer, but he makes the stupidest mistakes. Dropping the ball frequently.

I did put he drops the ball when it should be the simplest of catches.

And yes I know what checking down is. When they are using Owens and Witten, what was the need to blow so much money and picks on Williams? Unless he is being prepared for Owens' eventual retirement, t

130/276 for Owens and Witten

Witten 74
Owens 56

So, 47% of Romo's go to Owens and Witten.

When Johnson and Bollinger were QB for 3 games, Owens had 13 receptions and Witten 7(although his back was in trouble at the time) out of the 80+ throws they made.

I'm going to find out how many drops each Receiver had.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=090...o&confirm=true

Stats after the first 4 games of the season I think.

I'm digging deeper though.

Determined to find out some comparisons between the great receivers and the improved ones.

Agree and to some of Paul's post. But TO has been quite ineffective this season, but this has got a lot to do with the coverage that TO has got this season which is probably why Romo has had to look elsewhere. Witten is a great tight end, arguably the best this season. Equally, Crayton, Austin, Felix Jones and Marion Barber are options which is why it is madness how our season ended. In saying that Felix Jones injury was such a shame as he showed so much promise and the fact that Barber struggled late on but that has shown us a new gem in Choice. A magnitude of riches in Dallas to start a new era next season with or without TO. And Williams will have to step up to the plate for sure. Will be interesting and I'm hopeful that we SHOULD be there or there abouts at the end of the regular season.

I think the Cowboys have 3 high-class backs on their hands. I loved Felix Jones earlier in the year (even contemplated the shirt as Jaz will remember), and Choice proved to be a great back-up for Barber as the season wound down.

All very good options in the Passing game as well as when they are rushing.

If Dallas went into next year with Williams, Crayton, Austin and a 2nd rounder rookie as their wide receivers, I think they would be fine on that front with Witten and their committee of Running Backs.

A whiney little baby that drops a lot of balls?

Arizona and the Cleveland Browns tonight please ;).

That brought a little grin to my face :p

If my balls had been a little bigger I would have bet on both underdogs today. That said, I could only pull the trigger on Cleveland Browns +6 :D

I want to see Cardinals-Ravens.

I think that we will be seeing Cardinals-Ravens.

I have no fascination in watching the Eagles. They bore me for some reason. I don't know why, but they dont interest me.

Whereas I like watching the other 3 teams, especially the Cards and Ravens.

It's difficult not to like you. ;)

The pigeons bore me to death.

I think it'll actually be the Cardinals - Steelers. Can't have a 6 time SB champion!

14-3 up. Things going to plan. :p

:D

Now that my friends, was a Superbowl winning play.

I :love: Larry

I didn't realise the Cardinals were the underdog. I'm not a betting man, except when it come down to Clowntown's relegation. :p :o

You know what Paul, that is the first post that I can remember ever agreeing whole heartedly with. Whether that happens though remains to be seen. And yes, I do recall you contemplating purchasing a Felix Jones shirt.

Good evening Jazman. Who do you want to win?

1800 posts in.

You agree with one of them.

0.0018% rate.

Excellent ;)

Wow, the Eagles are getting absolutely murdered by Warner and Fitzgerald, thats one scary offense :eek:

I know it would never happen, but I'd love it if Romo came out and said, "The reason I throw to Witten is that he just shuts up, catches the ball, is a team player and does his job." Which, ultimately is the fact of the matter.

Fitzgerald just looks unstoppable.

Nice clock management from Reid as usual. "We've got 3rd and 14, nearly two full minutes left in the half, let's take a time out." :clown:

The worst part is that the Eagles have yet to see Boldin or Breaston in their key roles yet lol.

Dan Klecko = Legend. But unlucky.

Thanks to those that gave me reputation for my Cowboys posts.

I'm not that knowledgeable, I just had to find out as much as possible earlier in the season so that I didn't have to eat my words (and my shirt) :D

Another Zona turnover.

At least I can support someone in 2 weeks.

Here's a thought. If everyone's favourite (cough) Mr Favre decides to retire after the Pro Bowl, at least he'll do it in a classy jersey.

http://www.nflshop.com/graphics/prod...p5604675dt.jpg

Excuse me, I think I coughed so hard I cracked a rib.

TD Eagles.

This game is far from over. 24-19 with the XP to come.

Missed the PAT. :clown:

Game on again, amazing how fast the momentum can turn, should be a good 4th quarter, although that miss could prove fatal

What happened to his injury? :rolleyes:

Excuses, excuses.

And that is one hideous jersey.

I got it wrong a few weeks back, but surely the charts said go for 2?

Wow, congrats to the Cardinals, who'd have thought that before the season :eek: :eek:

Gutted :sob: .....................Still well done to the Cards, I hope they now go on and win it.

Philadelphia fans must be sick. Never mind, waste of another season I would say :D. Probably better not to make the Championship game if you are going to turn out as the losers :D.

Excellent Arizona. Had me worried a bit.

Come on the Pigeons!!

Wooooo Zona :lux:

I never thought i'd say this, but the Play-offs are a hell of a lot of fun.

Come on the Ravens

And now for some old fashioned smashmouth football, nervous as hell right now, this is gonna get violent

Wow, the Cardinals makes it to the Big Show.

I remember when they won that classic v DAllas in autumn with the crazy punt block in OT, their home radio announcer made the comment about that playing that 'special things happen in special seasons' and ever since then I've kept an eye on the Cards thinking good things might be around the corner for them. I stumbled on Seattle in 2005 and adopted them for the season and it feels like that. That run ended with a loss to Pittsburgh in the SB.....something that could happen once again of course.

Were always a favourite of mine simply because I usually backed against them c2005 (!!!) and won money (see Betting Thread) but they've produced a minor miracle.

Gotta love Fitzgerald - the guy is class. What I'd do for the Jets or Giants to have a WR (who doesn't shoot themselves!) of that class!!

Announcer (to the crowd): Do you want Kurt Warner back this year?

Crowd: Yes

Matt Leinart: NOOOOO

:D

What a crap weekend (Eagles & Eagles)...............Still we knocked out the Cowgirls and Giants (this post season was a bonus bearing in mind how we got in and the unbalanced way the team on offensive played this year - oh for a power running game and a go to receiver, plus better play calling from Andy Reid :grrr: )and of course the Phillies are world champs............ So go Flyers and Sixers!!!

And :clown:town Pathetic are bottom of the league!!!;)

My feelings during that game as summed up by emoticons (only 15 allowed):

:( :) :( :( :grrr: :( :) :D :D :( :sob: :sob: :sob: :grrr: :sob:

Eagles suck this weekend - I blame it on palace losing against Ipswich personally

44-6 You Cowgirl loser :veryangry

Guess we did well to make it to the Championship game, but the problem remains, how are we going to make it to another superbowl and even win one. Guess recent history suggests a big name wide receiver. Although Jackson and Celek next season should provide good enough targets.

On the day Arizona and in particular Warner and Fitzpatrick were just to hot to handle, and an 18 point lead away from home should really be insummountable. :sob: :sob: :sob:

Don't worry mate, just remember at least you are not a glory hunting Cowgirl or Cow PATS fan! :p

BTW Sorry Dave, but go the Browns, whoops Ravens! Stuff them Trailer trash from West Penn!!!!!

Yes I do enjoy supporting the perennial 2nd bridesmaid (i guess that is what we are).

Ravens FTW :p

:p

Fitzgerald ;)

Whatever, either way he doesn't look Irish ;)

Well he has dreadlocks.

(That makes no sense at all :D)

What's that Philafaggot :D. You did us a favour so we wouldn't be crying our eyes out today. Arizona did a great job on you. :lux:

:p:vader::p

I sense tension in the air.

And I didn't cause it :lux:

GO CARDS! :lux: