As it will soon be making the news again, here's your chance to have a go at the Wonderlic test.
http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/existence/wonderlic.html

Should have told me!! I live only 40 mins away!

This is very tempting:

Depart Heathrow Thurs 6 Sept 12.00
Arrive Dulles Thurs 6 Sept 15.10

Four nights at the Washington Hampton Inn. (Obviously cheaper if we share a room, so bring earplugs!).

Depart Dulles Mon 10 Sept 18.40
Arrive Heathrow 11 Sept 07.05

£388 each for the flights, £150 each for the hotel...

I'll be going to 4 or 5 matches hopefully between weeks 5 and 12.

Prior to that I'll be in France for the rugby world cup and after that is too close to Xmas.

Gutted that the Cowboys aren't at home the w/e before Christmas as I'll be in Texas then :(

I don't think we're being railroaded. The whole Briggs saga was pretty much expected, and the offer was turned down simply because it didn't represent fair value. Would you trade a pro-bowl linebacker for an unknown quantity (which is what the No. 6 pick in the draft amounts to)? Of course not.

Furthermore, Briggs is (probably) the real McCoy. One of the knocks on him has tended to be that he benefits from playing alongside Urlacher. But when you look at Briggs' numbers a couple of seasons ago when Urlacher missed a significant number of games due to injury, they didn't drop off.

I think Briggs will go, probably to Washington, and the Bears are prepared for that. But he will go on the Bears terms and those aren't the underwhelming offer that's presently on the table. Whoever gets him is getting a very good player indeed, and they'll end up paying for it.

Having seen this, I'm now almost totally sold on the Washington trip idea:

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/sch...bal&m=9&y=2007

Saturday night: watching the Red Sox in Baltimore.
Sunday night: watching the Fins in Washington.

Superb!

Except baseball is sh*t...

You are a cheery chap, Saxon. :)

(I'd rather watch baseball than rugby but I'm not going to start a "this sport is better than that sport" argument because surely it's all down to personal opinion?)

Ben, how will this work with us going to Baltimore???

Have you not checked your work emails? I've emailled you a detailed analysis.

We'd stay in Washington but get the train to Baltimore and back (takes 40 minutes) for the baseball. Last train isn't 'til 11.30 so we should have plenty of time.

Just seems like a waste of REAL drinking time to me ;)

You're allowed to drink while watching baseball. :)

There is a God. I am in Chicago next week for three days, the Bulls lose last night and suddenly they are home against Miami in the playoffs on one of the two nights I am in town. And I just got two tickets. Had to tell someone who might understand, cos no one around here does!

As a Bulls fan, I'd have preferred the #2 seed. Try the NBA thread. ;)

Mmmmm go Raptors!

So this thread needs to be resurrected before Saturday and there's no speculation at all on whether various trades will allow the Raiders to take Calvin Johnson or whether they'll go for JaMarcus, how far Brady Quinn will drop (if at all)--some mocks have him as low as tenth pick--and where Lance Briggs will end up. Denver? Washington? Thoughts, gentlemen?

After the number of QB's the Raiders have missedout in the drafts over the last few years i dont think they can afford to turn down Russell (Who I think is vastly overrated).

I think that Quinn will end up at Miami but that is dependent on them signing Trent Green and Culpepper going to Oakland and them taking Johnson.

Permitations permitations.

I agree about Russell being vastly over-rated. But no one's going to make a living trying to predict what the Raiders will do. More interesting is that from where I'm sitting, there almost seems to be a "fear of Johnson" syndrome. Everyone seems to agree that he's the best player (regardless of position) on the board, but nobody seems to want to take him and those who could (certainly the top three) all seem to be using the fact that they could to engineer downward trades. Tampa (fourth) is the first team that really seems to want him.

Selfishly, I hope he doesn't go to Detroit. Could live without him being in the Bears division.

It was interesting on ESPN that they were saying for a silly number of years (cant remember the exact no.) no WR over 6.4 has played in the pro bowl.

Why is Dwayne Jarretts stock so low?

Its amazing how fickle the whole thing is. I think a lot more emphasis will be placed on players offfield actions as well.

Dont think its a particularly strong offensive draft this year but there are some cracking defensive players

I wouldn't worry too much about Detroit acquiring Calvin Johnson; they have drafted the top WR in the top 15 four or five times in the last six years and it hasn't made the least bit of difference!
Very strong draft for WR's and Safeties. Can't get too pumped up about the draft when one's team picks at #30!

Dwayne Jarrett has dropped down the boards as I don't believe he ran at the combine. Did he run at his college's pro day? As such, scouts believed his 40 time was going to be 4.50+. Disagree re the draft being weak offensively, there is a lot of depth to WR as well as OL (more so G's than T's).

Re Jamarcus Russell, the guy can throw a bomb, has demonstrated he can touch pass too and has good mobility. The only downside that scouts appear to pin on him is his "lack of desire for football". Seems a bit rough to me.

With the Niners owning the no.11 pick and having a total of 8 picks in the first four rounds I am not entirely sure what we are going to do. We have enough ammo to trade up or down and that's what makes it intriguing for me. If Brown is still there at 11 then I think we will take him, even though we need more defensive starters (ideally Willis for me now). That said a DL could well be taken with our first pick also.

Re Briggs, apparently Tampa are interested too.

Looking forward to an interesting w/e.

That's why it would be hysterical if they picked him. :D

I'm hoping to work on a way to get the Mrs out of the house on Saturday night. I'm far more interested in who's going at number 9 rather than who might be Joseph or Danny. :bash:

That's what I said this time last year. One Mark Anderson and one Devin Hester later...

Did I mention we drafted Jason Allen last year and watched him become a part-time nickel-back? :bash:

First round picks should be impact players. The fact is the Dolphins don't draft well, deal with their draft picks well or develop them well. The Patriots must have been laughing their heads off to get Welker for two picks, knowing we'll do absolutely nothing with them.

Anyone heard anything about Wembley tickets yet?

Strathclyde – You’re on the money with expecting first rounders to be impact players and of a sound draft strategy. SF more often that not ended up drafting poorly prior to Nolan taking over (1996 to 2004), in fact there are very few remaining on the roster that were pre-Nolan. That being said, we ran a 4-3 in that time and have now changed to a 3-4 so a number of guys didn’t fit the new scheme.

Now we appear to have a far more cohesive (and carefully planned) draft strategy that has a real emphasis on the player's character. Frank Gore was deemed a massive reach in 2005 due to his injury problems, yet SF graded his injuries better than all the remaining teams and deemed he had the desire to overcome them. That said, I would think SF will lighten his load in the forthcoming seasons to try and ensure some durability.

I think there are only two drafted players out of the last two seasons who have not made a single contribution to the team. SF made a splash in FA this offseason but that is an anomaly. The mantra is build through the draft and supplement through FA. This year, we had to bring in some defensive talent to move us to the next level, a consistently competitive team.

It would appear that the Broncos are in talks with the Texans re moving from no.21 to no.10 in order to take Willis or Carriker in front of us. We though, are in talks with the Dolphins about moving from 11 to 9, although possibly to take Levi Brown.

I can’t wait……….

Tampa being interested in Briggs -- which I haven't heard -- is interesting assuming the number 4 pick is involved because I think we'd take Calvin (if he's still on the board then) in a heartbeat. The Bears, and Rex in particular, really need a deep threat to pair with Berrian. But I have to say, out to dinner last night with a bunch of guys who have season tickets, the prevailing thinking among them -- which surprised me -- is that Briggs isn't going anywhere. It seems pretty clear to me that he is.

They're doing a pretty good job IMO.

Two picks down, fifteen minutes a pick (I think)... that's another half-an-hour of reality mince that the Mrs will be missing. :vader:

BTW two years ago I actually applauded in my living room when we picked Ronnie Brown. This year with all the speculation I haven't got a clue who we'll pick. I'd like us to go OL, but given that Vernon Carey hasn't amounted to much I wouldn't be optimistic of us developing a good player.

I'm going to have to go and do some more research now. About 52 1/2 hours to go (I think).

Levi Brown in round 1 and Dwayne Jarrett in round 2 would be very nice. Kevin Kolb isn't a slouch either apparently.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockround2.html

Should be fun.

I'm watching "Miami 72 America's Game" at the minute. It's well good. Well worth a download.

Its our awards day on Saturday, but going out with college ball fanatics, I'm sure I'll keep in touch with the draft.

I've been reading up loads this year and still have no clue about Miami's plans. It's going to be fun!

Not something I like the thought of, but what if the following happened:

The Raiders take Russell, then the Lions get offered both of the Patriots' first round picks so that the Patriots pick up Calvin Johnson? Think of what Brady has already achieved without an elite wide receiver to throw to.

Great, I've just realised that NASN isn't showing the draft live. Stupid NFL Network.

Class. NFL.com are reporting that the Lions want to take Calvin Johnson with the second pick. :D

Speaking of the NFl did the London game tickets go on sale? I applied and never heard back from them.

There should be an email about this next week.

E-mail coming next Wednesday.
http://www.nfllondon2007.com/news.aspx

Everyone I know got an email. I didn't.

Boooo....

Everyone get all the tickets you can. You'll be able to sell them on if nothing else!

According to the official site nothing's been sent yet. :confused:

I'm off to Chicago for work the day the tickets go on sale. Typical. Liz is going to ring on my behalf but if any of you can buy an extra couple I shall furnish you with booze and other treats.

No, not that... well, maybe.

A few guys i know got this email although i didn't get one. :sob:

Okay, I did get that e-mail. :clown:

....so did I

...but its still a lottery....

Havent got an email and I registered under 4 different email accounts :(

Just go to a game in the States - it'll probably be a quicker journey too :D

Nookie and I are booking our flights to Washington for Skins vs Fins and Red Sox vs Orioles later this week... :)

Letters should arrive today or tomorrow for anyone lucky enough to win!

Anyone managed it?

The Mrs called me about fifteen minutes ago to say I've got a letter about it. Trying to contain my excitement in case she's got something wrong, but want to get home and read the full details.

I got a letter. It gives you a password to buy tickets on 16th May at 10am.

If anyon wants to send me the password feel free :) I wont pass it on!

Ok, we have email, but no letter

You might get it tomorrow still.

I know you wont give the password as my team battered your team in the fantasy Baseball last week :(

I got a letter, the missus didn't. Still, at least we're in with a shout.

Need to leave for Heathrow at about 11.30 next Wednesday - just hoping I can get through before then. if you could all be so kind as to delay logging on until about midday it'd be a major help... ;)

Nowt to do with it. :)

Remind me to PM you in the morning.

I think the passwords are specific to the individual Strath - as in, they can only be used once and only towards a specific allocation of tickets. (Four in my case, but two in others.)

My dad didn't get a letter.

Boooo...

I didn't PM a password. It was an offer of a ticket if I had one spare.

You ok for tickets?

I got a letter through today. Haven't seen it but my mum tells me it has a password. Does that mean tickets are gaurenteed or is it still a first come first served basis. Was hoping it would be like the Engtland v Brazil game where all lottery winners were gaurenteed tickets.

I didn't get anything :( Ebay here we come.

I received an email - i.e. one containing a password and details of what to do on Wednesday - but not a letter. Anyone else in the same boat? I'm assuming it's legit.

It is.

Ricky Williams = Twat.

10.01 and no sign of the tickets being on sale on the site

Sat here with my VISA itching to get this sorted out!!

THis is frustrating.....although not as frustrating as the Jets' continued inability in 2005 to score more than 3 points from 1st & Goal situations!!

To55ers!

Isn't it tomorrow?

I hope so!

Something I realised shortly after my last post :o

Stupid letter just said 16 May and no day, which is no good for someone like me who lives a Groundhog Day every day of his life and is prone to getting the date wrong :o

Means the date on my watch has been wrong since the clocks went foward. Wonder what other dates I've got wrong in that time :eek:

:clown:

Confirmation of what''s long been suspected - Grim doesn't know what day it is. :D

naturally, every day's the same, always wins. can't blame the bloke.

;)

Must admit this did make me chuckle. :D

Why don't you wait until the Jets come over? Sooner or later they'll be over here I would have thought.

I didnt get a letter, im gutted :(

How easy is it to get to where the Jets play from Manhattan.

We didn't get a letter about tickets either, but I'm in NYC one week before the game and the Jets are playing Philli I think at home on the 14th October, so I may try and get along for that! (In New York from 13th-20th October).

Giants are at Atlanta on the Monday 15th.

Hi, they run buses from Port Authority bus terminal which takes around 15 mins. Special buses are put on for all games In New Jersey (where the jets play) and it takes about 10-15 mins to get there. They run these buses for New Jersey Nets in the NBA/New Jersey devils games in the NHL too. Its quite a good service buses run until everyone is picked up and costs around $4 return. On a side note, dont take a cab, it will cost you around $60 and if in the rush hour will take ages in traffic (I found this out for myself) , the buses are much quicker and easier!:

I have a letter now. (an email at least).

Had to buy it off ebay though. £50 for 4 tickets, which when you look at it, isn't actually that bad.

If it doesn't work I'm going to hunt that bastard down and beat the shit out of him though.

Guys.

Make sure you register with ticketmaster in advance. Save some time!

Ooooooooo...

Anyone excited?

Yep. Roll on 10

The Nets couldn't even sell out their own arena when they got to the NBA Finals two years running, so they put on special buses to get people to their ground Charlton-tastic!
Yep. :p

F5!!!!!

It now starts at 11am?

Technical difficulties apparently. :(

The seating plan also seems to indicate that you can stand and watch on the field. Probably a good idea to move when Zach Thomas comes by. :D

you bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Additional Information:
Due to unforeseen technical circumstances today's pre sale has been moved to 11:00am.

Getting 4 tickets in the middle price range on the top sideline on the left at about the 20-30ish.

Wooo... Will put on a DVD to calm me.

Pre-sale moved to 11... and I have to leave to get my train to Heathrow at 10.45.

Arse!

what are you going to do Ben? Will someone be able to do it for you?

Grrrrr!!!!!

My missus also has a password but it halves the chance of us getting tickets. Will have to see how it goes.

there was someone on the official forum for this yesterday saying prices in the top tier are £45 and the lower 2 tiers along the side of the pitch £90 in both tiers. Behind the Endzones £60 a ticket!

So all my comments from yesterday now do apply.

I was merely acting as a soothsayer.

Can't believe I've prevented my wife and I going to a job at 10 and now this.

F*cked up Iraq and now f*cking up NFL fans. Good old Uncle Sam!! :-(

Ticketmaster says £45 - £90, so that sounds accurate.

You should be fine I would have thought Ben.

Calm down dear, it's just a delay. ;)

So long as we can get 'em, I think we're going to go for the £90 tickets. Worth it for a one-off event. :)

Ben, if I do get them, I'll prob be going for the 60 quid ones

Sounds fair enough, Mr Bear.

Aaaaaaaaaaagh. The page won't work!

Didn't see that coming. :rolleyes:

How long can they keep delaying it for! I've got bloody exams!